Stop, Drop, and Incognito
Part I
 

"Commander," Lieutenant Nicole Fowler, the starship Voyager's fourth highest ranking officer, as well as one of her pilots, hailed the swarthy Vulcan with haste, but softly, as he started out of the Conference Room after the Elite Force's last debriefing before they disembarked for the large and popular space hub known as Burnhouse, which everyone seemed to agree probably had a different cultural meaning that the universal translator couldn't extrapolate. When the tall man turned around and raised his dark, slightly pointed eyebrow in response, silently questioning, Fowler asked quickly, "Can I talk with you privately for a few minutes?"

Nodding, Tuvok turned and stepped back into the Conference Room so that the small, pneumatic doors could close and give them privacy from the officers on the Bridge, half expecting the captain to come waltzing back in to see what was going on since she had been present at the meeting as well, and dismissed them. Taking the seat closest to her as Fowler sat back down, the Commander, who admitted that he found Nicole Fowler a pleasant, except sometimes around B'Elanna Torres, and capable officer, and 'enjoyed' working with her more than most of the other senior officers…Thomas Eugene Paris coming to mind instantly, allowed Nicole to start the meeting, not wanting to make assumptions about what she was going to say, but having a good sense as to what was coming, and not needing to have telepathic abilities to know that.

Clearing her throat, which was now fully recovered after her brief, but trying stint on the now U.S.S Alaxiat, Fowler started carefully, "Commander, I feel that it is my …duty…to express my concerns as to the captain's presence on this mission." Holding up her hand quickly, she went on, "I mean absolutely no disrespect…I think you and I both know how much I admire Captain Janeway?" When Tuvok nodded his head, bringing his hands to his chest and folding his fingers together in his normal, culture gesture, she went on, "However, from the intelligence we've gathered, this space station isn't exactly…friendly, and I'm worried about her safety considering this is our first real mission. I'd feel better if only the Elite Force took this one, but if a commander is required, then I think we should think about replacing the captain with Commander Chakotay." Bringing up her hand again as Tuvok raised his eyebrow in surprise, she said, "This isn't a male, female thing…this is a size factor. The Commander's a big man. He has facial art…he just looks tougher, has more of a physical presence. People would think twice before messing with him…I would, but I wouldn't think too much about messing with the captain, if I didn't know her like I know her." Crossing her arms over her chest, she said, "Let's face it, Commander…she's petite, thin as a rail…attractive…that combo is bad news in these kinds of places. I'd worry about Seven of Nine for the similar reasons if I didn't know Seven like I know her."

Tuvok nodded again and finally spoke, "Your concerns have merit, Lieutenant. However, I have worked with the captain on several similar missions before and I assure you that what she lacks," he used the word very loosely, "in physical fortitude, she makes up for threefold in cunning, leadership and experience." When Fowler opened her mouth, it was his turn to hold up his hand as he continued, "Commander Chakotay would have been my choice of preference for such a mission if it weren't for the fact that we will need an expert negotiator to gain the intelligence that we require. Not only is the captain highly trained in this field, she is naturally adept, and has enough experience that she can 'blend in' in any given situation better than any other member of this crew." As he went on, his head moved slightly from side to side, "Captain Janeway's safety is, of course, paramount, and I too would rather her to stay ship-side...however, circumstances demand her presence and the captain is not in the habit of sending less capable members of her crew in her place when so much is at stake."

Sighing, Fowler nodded and said, "Well, I know I don't know her like you do…and I do know that she's a hell of an actress." Shaking her head, she said, "I'm just worried that…I'm just worried that her presence will just complicate matters more than they need to be."

"You have concerns about Lieutenant Torres and Seven of Nine?" he asked directly. "I was under the impression that that matter had been dealt with?"

"Well," Fowler came back, leaning forward and speaking quieter, although not certain as to why, but feeling as if Janeway was going to bust in on them at any minute and order her to shut the 'hell' up and stop talking about her, "it has…in theory, but I don't think we'll really know until the captain's in danger?"

"This is true…however, I believe if this is going to be a problem, then we would want to know about it before we are all accustomed to working as a unit." Sitting up straight, Tuvok finished the conversation, "Captain Janeway will be under my direct supervision, as planned. Whenever she is required…privacy…you will accompany her. She will not be left unattended for any reason, and the captain and I have already discussed this matter. She will not resist. She is comfortable with you. As for Lieutenant Torres and Seven of Nine, although I agree that their personal emotions for the captain could come into play, you must also remember that such emotions also demand that they do what is best for the captain, in all circumstances. Both of them follow her orders consistently with little persuasion, both of them are dependent upon her leadership…these factors, I believe will ultimately override any natural instincts they may have to see to her protection personally." Standing, he said, "Thank you, Lieutenant. We are off to an excellent start…the captain will be please, to say the least."

Standing as well, Fowler shook his hand firmly and nodded, "Thank you, Commander…for listening…and it won't interfere with my duty." As she let go of his hand, none other than their compact, redheaded fireball of a commanding officer came into the Conference Room with her arms crossed over her chest and looking down at her feet, clearing her throat, announcing her larger-than-life presence.

"Commander…Lieutenant…something wrong?" she asked, finally looking up and placing her hands on her hips, standing tall and confident and more than a little intimidating.

"Not in the least, Captain," Tuvok responded, turning toward her and placing his hands behind his back.

Glancing up at Tuvok and then over to Fowler, then back to the Vulcan, and finally back at Fowler, eyeing them carefully, she only then nodded and said, motioning toward the door, "Then, I think you're both needed on the Bridge at this moment."

After Tuvok nodded and started for the door, Fowler made her way around the conference table and nodded to Janeway, who was staring her down rather intensely, and said quietly as she breezed past her, "Ma'am."

Sighing, Janeway wiped her unhappiness with her officers for their apparent, although, not publicly spoken, concerns from her classic features and followed almost directly behind Fowler, ascending the stairs in a small bounding hop. She came to a rest in her command chair, which was offset by two other command chairs, albeit each of them empty since Chakotay was still on the Alaxiat with Lieutenant Paris, so Fowler was manning the helm during the Alpha rotation. Then crossing her thin legs and folding her hands in her lap, poised and graceful in her dignified aura, the captain remained quiet as her crew worked silently around her, and forced herself to let go of her impatience for Tuvok's and Fowler's behavior. She knew she really had no good reason to be irritated since she had given the Vulcan practically full reign over the Elite Force, the captain feeling like she really had enough on her plate to be able to constantly command such a group without running herself completely into the ground, and because Fowler was his second, and Janeway had expressed her wish that Fowler would not hesitate to exert her command training when necessary. Still, her pride didn't appreciate such a move to have a discussion directly after the staff meeting for which she was excluded, obviously purposefully, but since she had a pretty good idea what was discussed since she and Tuvok had already been round and round about it, she knew that she wasn't suddenly going to have to pull rank and put them back in their place.

A few hours later, still sitting quietly after receiving a status report a few minutes ago and not really feeling much better with regards to her ego, the captain was honestly and utterly relieved when the turbolift doors hissed open behind her and her pint-sized mirror image hopped happily down the stairs starting for her Ready Room, obviously not seeing the captain sitting in her chair. Chuckling as the young girl jumped up and hit the sensor on the captain's door that was out of her reach unless she became airborne, Janeway whispered, "Psst…over here, " waving her hand when Naomi turned around and then blushed.

"Oh...hi, Captain," Naomi laughed, covering her small mouth with her hand as Janeway smiled at her and stood while the Bridge crew all had a good chuckle, except Tuvok, who merely glanced over at her and raised his eyebrow, still uneasy about the young girl's presence on the Bridge, but not protesting more than once after the captain informed him somewhat sternly that it was a discussion that she would not have since Naomi's safety was absolutely essential to her, and any further comments on his part would be personally insulting. "I didn't see you."

"No, I don't suppose you did," Janeway snickered, coming up to her and opening the door, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder and ushering her inside so she could speak freely without having to worry about her crew overhearing just how mushy the captain could get in the presence of one small child. Patting her back, she said, "Why don't we go sit up on the sofa…I need a break"

"Very well," Naomi said seriously, and marched up on the sofa, pushing her small body onto one of the plush cushions and sitting as straight as possible, doing her best to remain poised and proper like Seven of Nine…which was somewhat difficult for the girl, who was normally fairly subdued, to do around the captain, whom she saw as something similar to a mythical goddess, with a few more down to earth qualities which allowed her to be mostly comfortable in the older woman's presence.

Replicating a coffee for herself and a small glass of chocolate milk for her assistant, Janeway snatched up the beverages and admitted coming up to the couch, "I'm glad to see you, Miss Wildman." After handing the child her beverage, the captain sat right next to her and slid her arm behind the girl's back, pulling her close into the crook of her arm. Running her long, intelligent fingers through the kid's lengthy, strawberry blonde hair, she said, "We've been so busy lately, I feel like I haven't seen you in weeks." Patting her shoulder, she looked down as Naomi gazed up at her, "I missed you."

"You did?"

Putting on a pouty face, Janeway pinched Naomi's arm lightly and said, "Of course I did, silly. You're my very helpful assistant…and my very sweet friend." After the girl stopped giggling and looking away bashfully, Janeway took a sip of her coffee and then set it down the coffee table, Naomi following suit just because the captain did so, and asked, "So, how've you been?"

"Fine," Naomi answered, grabbing one of the captain's hands and turning it over, looking at the palm, as if it was something she did every day, which it was not.

Curious, but allowing the inspection without comment, figuring her assistant would ask her a question soon enough which would tip her off, Kathryn asked as she continued to stroke Naomi's hair, "How's Charlotte's Web coming?"

"I haven't been able to read past page fifteen yet," Naomi answered, looking back at the captain quickly and then continuing her inspection of the Janeway's right hand, turning it over now and tracing her short, chubby fingers over the semi-drastic groves between the tendons. "I'm working on my art project right now…but as soon as I'm done, I can start reading again." Nodding, she said happily, "I like it so far, though. Charlotte…that's a pretty name. Do you like that name, Captain?"

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded smiling warmly. "So, what are you making in your art class?"

Holding up the captain's hand, she answered, "I'm making a hand…out of clay." When the captain nodded and turned her hand back over to the 'artist's' eye, she went on, pushing up the captain's sleeve a little so she could look at the finely boned wrist, "I haven't decided which hand I'm going to make yet…yours or Seven's?" Then looking over at the captain and smiling, she said, "I like Seven's Borg hand…it's neat…but I like your hands too…they're…" biting her bottom lip as she searched for the word she wanted, "they're really…" sighing, not able to think of a better word, "pretty."

"Why, thank you."

"You're welcome," the girl came back, finally releasing the captain's hand. Sitting back, Naomi sighed and admitted, "I missed you too, Captain." Just as quickly as the words came out, she sat up, turned around and said with a panicked look on her face, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean…"

Understanding that the child was worried that her words would cause the captain to feel guilty, and it was obvious that her mother had drilled it into her head that she wasn't supposed to bother the captain with such things and should just be happy that she could see her whenever she wasn't too busy, Janeway grasped Naomi's chin and said a little sternly, but lovingly, "Hey, there will be none of that. You can tell me you miss me any old day…understood?"

Sighing with relief, Naomi nodded and then asked, looking down, "Captain, how come everyone's been so busy? Are bad things going to happen again?"

The 'bad' word sending off warning flags in the captain's head a second time, she thought it was time that she talked to the child to find out just what it was that was bringing out this constant fear. Patting her lap, uncrossing her legs, Janeway said, "Come on."

Naomi climbed up on her lap, now used to the captain requesting that she do so, and sighed, resting her head on the captain's shoulder, being mindful to keep her forehead away from the woman's flesh since she knew the small spikes on her head could damage human flesh, because she had accidentally scratched her mother more than once.

Holding Naomi close, Janeway got comfortable, settling back into the sofa and asked, "Honey, what's wrong?" When Naomi didn't answer right away, Janeway figured she would probably have to ask more direct questions since it was possible the girl didn't understand why she was feeling this way and said, "Do you know that you can talk to me about anything? Anything at all, no matter what it is…you can always talk to me. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Captain," Naomi answered softly. Still curious, she asked quickly, "Captain, how come everyone's been so busy lately?"

"Well, now that the first regal and her crew are part of our family, we've had to work extra hard to help them out since she doesn't have a lot of people on her ship to run it," Kathryn answered honestly. "And, we're also preparing for an away mission so we can gather supplies for the Alaxiat and for Voyager." Pulling her head to one side and turning so she could look at Naomi, she asked, "Have you been lonely?"

"Not really," Naomi answered in truth, as was her habit, pushing herself up so she could look at the captain's face. "I mean, I missed helping you and visiting Seven…but Mommy's let me spend more time in the holodeck with Flotter." Smiling, she said, "One time, I got to spend three whole hours in there. That was so neat! I love the holodeck."

Feeling like the conversation was starting to get away from her, she brought her hand up, pinched Naomi's nose and said quickly, "Me too." Then sighing, she asked directly, "So, why are you worried that bad things are going to happen?"

Growing quiet and wilting quickly, Naomi put her head back on the captain's shoulder and sighed, "Because..."

"Because why?" Janeway urged softly, rubbing her back.

"You won't get mad at me if I tell you?"

Suddenly worried well beyond acceptable levels, Kathryn came back quickly and surely, "No, sweetheart…I promise I won't get mad at you. Tell me what's wrong." For a second the captain wondered if she had gotten angry at the girl, or treated her too harshly and didn't know it, but then quickly cooling her jets, she understood that Naomi simply idolized her and had a drive to completely please her constantly, thus the fear of upsetting the captain.

Sighing again, Naomi said very quietly, still not sure she wasn't about to get into serious trouble for being sneaky, even though she hadn't really been nosey, "I heard some people talking in the Mess Hall about bad things that happened." Then sitting up quickly, she said with emphasis, "Captain, I promise…I wasn't being sneaky…I was just helping Neelix clean up after lunch…honest…on my honor."

Janeway forced a slight smile at that last part and said, brushing the girl's hair off her brow where a few strands were caught in her spikes, asking, "What bad things were they talking about?"

Grabbing Janeway and hugging her as she burst into tears, no longer able to hide her feelings, let alone completely understand them, Naomi cried, "Captain…Captain, I don't want you to die!" Shuddering, she clung to Janeway's neck tight and begged, "I love you…don't die, please."

"Oh, sweetheart," Janeway cooed, holding her close and rocking her slightly as she rubbed her back, "I'm not going to die…shhh…it's okay. I'm not going to die."

"But they said," crying more, "they said that there was bad man trying to hurt you," Naomi informed as if the information was news to Janeway. Not able to stop weeping, she croaked through her turmoil, "They said he was on the ship, and he was a ghost and no one could see him but you, and he was trying to imitate," she mispronounced the word, meaning intimidate, "you…and that," sniffling, "since he was a ghost," again, "no one could get him and that he…was going to hurt you. They said no one could protect you…not even Seven, and that…youweregoingtodie!"

Sighing, the captain held back her anger for the moment at her crew's lack of discretion when it was common knowledge that Naomi frequented the Mess Hall often, and said, continuing her stoking, "Naomi…I want you to listen to me." When she felt the girl nod her head as she hiccuped, Kathryn went on, "There is no bad man on this ship trying to hurt me anymore. That happened a long time ago," she knew that wasn't entirely accurate, but she certainly wasn't going to make it seem that she had any concerns or fears about that situation in the least, "and we took care of it. He can't hurt me or anyone else anymore, and he wasn't a ghost. He was just a man and we did catch him. He was never really on the ship…it was all an illusion…just pretend. It wasn't real."

Resting her head against Naomi's, ignoring the slightly pinching sensation of the girl's spikes pressing into the base of her neck, she asked, "Is this why you've been asking me if bad things are going to happen lately?" After Naomi nodded her head, the captain had to pull her neck away before her skin was perforated and asked, "When did you overhear that conversation?"

Thinking over the time frame for a few beats, the child finally answered softly, "Right after you said I could be your assistant."

The captain's chest physically wrenched at the answer since that was over two months ago and asked, "Sweetheart, why didn't you come talk to me or your mother then if you were so upset?"

Pushing up and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, still sniffling and shuddering slightly, she frowned and stated, "Because I'm not supposed to be sneaky…but I wasn't being sneaky…I just heard them." When Janeway said that she believed her, she went on quieter, "And because Seven and Mommy say that you're a very busy woman and that I'm not supposed to bother you."

Ripping the stake out of her heart, knowing that she couldn't undo the damage already done but only try to remedy it as quickly as possible, Janeway reached up, wiped the tears off the girl's round, now ruddy cheeks and said, "I believe you. Well, I am the captain, and yes, I'm busy, but I'm never too busy to talk to any of my crew, and that includes you, Naomi." Lifting her chin, she looked at her directly in the eye and stated, "Whenever you need to talk, you just let me know. If I can't talk at that moment, I'll let you know, but at least I'll know that you need me and I'll make sure I get to you right away, alright?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Okay," Janeway nodded, then leaned forward, snatched up her assistant's sweet beverage and said, "Here, have some milk." After the girl sipped it, then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, Janeway sat it back down and asked, clearing the girl's face of her hair and the remnants of her misery, asking, "Feel better?"

Nodding, Naomi sighed, still clearly not over her moment yet, but on her way.

Kathryn pulled the girl back to her shoulder and continued to sit with her for over a half an hour, stroking her hair softly and holding her close until she felt Naomi's body start to relax against her chest. Knowing she was still awake since she continued to sniffle every so often, Janeway was just about to ask her a question when her door call sounded. Instantly irritated, Janeway snapped, "Computer, inform whomever is at my Ready Room door that I'm busy and to not be disturbed." After the computer beeped twice, informing the redhead that her request was acknowledged and followed, Janeway sighed and said poking Naomi's stomach lightly, "See…that's all it takes." When Naomi laughed a little, Janeway said, "Hey, I've got an idea."

Sitting up quickly, always thinking the captain's ideas were as wonderful as extra holodeck time, Naomi asked, eager, "What is it?"

"How about we ask your mother if you can come have dinner tonight with me, Seven and B'Elanna, huh?"

"Really!"

"Sure…they'd just love to have you over," Janeway smiled, patting her back. Then clearing her throat, she tapped her communicator and said, "Janeway to Ensign Wildman."

"Wildman here, Captain…is Naomi okay?" asked the pleasant woman quickly since she knew that her daughter was currently 'working' with the captain and since Janeway rarely hailed her directly, her maternal instinct overrode all other protocols.

"She's fine, Samantha," Janeway reassured, but warm and compassionate. Winking at Naomi, she went on, "If it's okay with you, I'd like to have my assistant over for dinner tonight?"

"Of course, Captain…she'd love that," Samantha answered. "Would you please see that she's home before 2000 hours, though…she still has some homework to do before she goes to bed?"

"I'll see to it, Ensign…thank you. Janeway out." Then grinning crookedly at the girl, she said, "You have a very good mother, Naomi."

"Oh, I know," Naomi nodded, enthusiastically. Then throwing her arms around Janeway's neck again, she said, "Thank you, Captain…you're the best captain ever."

Chuckling, the older redhead came back, modest, "Well, I don't know about that…but thank you." As the girl disengaged from her again, she said, "And you're welcome." Tapping her cheek, she requested, "Kiss me." After Naomi did so, she set her down and said, "Well, I think our time is about up for now…and I better go see who needs me before Tuvok busts the door down and catches me being silly with my assistant." Kneeling down, Janeway whispered, "Rule number five about being a starship captain: Never stop being silly…but just don't get caught by your Vulcan Security Chief." Once Naomi nodded and gave her a thumb's up, Janeway said, "Why don't you go do what you normally do before dinner, and meet me back here at 1700 hours…and bring your book so we can read a little before Seven and B'Elanna show up."

"Aye, Captain," Naomi smiled happily, her bounce starting to return.

Standing, Janeway nodded once, business-like and said, "Dismissed." Then waved goodbye to her as the girl did the same once the doors where opened and she stepped through them. As Kathryn walked up the short stairs back to the upper level, hoping to get a few swigs of coffee down her gullet before she burst into a first class temper tantrum over what had just occurred, her door-call sounded.

Cranky in a trice, the captain barked, "Yes, what is it?"

Nicole Fowler stepped into the captain's office and said hurriedly, recognizing the captain's tone and knowing better than to bother her long once she was in such a state, "Captain…Lieutenant Torres asked me to give this to you since you were occupied."

"Thank you," Janeway replied, snatching up the PADD and continuing toward her desk, preparing to send a ship-wide message to her entire staff about their big fat mouths. When Fowler didn't leave immediately, Janeway asked, terse, "Something else?"

"No, Ma'am," Fowler replied, chastising herself on the inside for not leaving immediately, still having a hard time determining just when she was supposed to wait to be dismissed and when it was okay to just leave.

"Dismissed," Janeway came back without missing a beat, not paying the helmsman any attention and accessing her workstation, setting the PADD Torres had brought to her off to the side and wanting to get to her message first before her frustration died down, for fear that if her disappointment didn't come out pointedly, her crew wouldn't take her words to heart, knowing that sometimes she had to crack on them harshly and hard to be heard clearly.

Nicole spun on her back heal and made serious tracks out of the office before the captain had time to change her mind and called her back to either reprimand her harshly or gave her some meaningless, wretched task to make her pay for second guessing her, thankful that she had very long legs which carried her out of the line of fire fast. Of course, Fowler wasn't certain if her conference with Tuvok was causing the captain's bad mood, but since she hadn't looked too happy when she walked in on them, or during the time she sat pensively brooding on the Bridge following that, she had a pretty good idea Janeway's ire was zeroed in on her.

After practically working herself up into a frenzy trying to decide how to best handle this…not certain if she should just apologize outright and try to explain the situation in a logical manner, which she wasn't certain she could do at this point without it sounding like she either didn't trust the captain or thought she was made of stained-glass, which Fowler knew that one, she absolutely was not, and two, if Janeway thought that Nicole thought that…it would be very 'bad,' indeed. Once she had finally decided to just let it go, let the captain be pissed at her, and work doubly hard on their mission which began tomorrow evening to show Kathryn that she absolutely respected her completely and was merely protecting the ship's interest, Fowler noticed that the small sensor to the upper corner of her board was blinking, letting her know that she had a priority message. Accessing it immediately, she swallowed when she saw that it was from the captain, instantly figuring she was about to be read the riot act, too wound up to takea moment to pause and realize that if Kathryn Janeway wanted to yell at her, she'd damned well do it face to face. However, when she opened it and saw that it was dispersed to the entire crew, she sighed in relief, but then sighed again as she read on, the reason for the captain's clipped words becoming perfectly clear.

 

 

Subject: Responsibility

It has come to my attention that somewhere along the way we have forgotten part of what it means
to be adults. I'd like to take this time to remind you that aboard this vessel there is a six year old
child that has eyes and ears and is having to grown up without the company of other children to
occupy her attention. Although there are many areas of this ship where she is not allowed to roam,
as of yet, there are many areas where she is free to move about as she pleases, just like all
of you.

In case you fell off the ship and have recently returned, Naomi spends a great deal of time in the
Mess Hall with her mother and assists Mister Neelix with tasks I'm certain none of you wish to be
assigned. I won't go into the details of what has transpired, however, I will tell you that you all
can consider yourself under orders to use better judgement with regards to your conversation
topics in these public areas. I'm not asking you to stop communicating, just ordering you to be
mindful that we all have a responsibility to this child's well being as adults and to either amend
or save your potentially terrifying conversations for a time when she is not present.

The Delta Quadrant is more than enough to teach this child about evil in the universe…she
doesn't require your assistance by overhearing hyperbole and entertainment driven rumor
regarding unfortunate events in a manner where she is unable to ask questions and receive
accurate information from her mother.

Capt. K. Janeway

Clearing her throat, Fowler cursed under her breath as she finished the note, practically feeling the snap of the captain's atriculate tongue across her chin through the written message, duly impressed by the woman's ability to make such an impressive reprimand via a written communiqué, and when her curiosity finally got the better of her, she peeked over her shoulder, up at Tactical where Tuvok was working his board but with a decidedly high upturn of one of his eyebrows. Then turning quickly over to the other shoulder, she caught Kim's own furtive glance. Widening her eyes along with him in silent communication, which said loud and clear, "Oh shit," Fowler snapped her head back around so fast her long braid came to a rest on her shoulder as she heard the sound of the captain's Ready Room doors opening.

After sending another message directly to Ensign Wildman informing her of what had occurred, apologizing sincerely, and informing her that she would see to it that this situation was remedied immediately, Janeway marched out of her office. Half-cocked,wanting to come down fast and hard on someone, although she knew Fowler's quick, whipping motion wasn't something that warranted such an action, so she spat, starting up the stairs, "Commander, you have the Bridge," as she bounded into the turbolift, remembering that she probably should inform her lovers that tonight's 'special' dinner would have an extra special guest. She didn't really think it was absolutely necessary, but she wanted to ensure they weren't surprised when they came home and found a child present since she didn't want to have to worry about any potential disappointment at this point for fear that one wrong glance and she would go off like the time bomb she was currently.

Deciding to speak with Seven of Nine first, not because Astrometrics was closer, but because she figured Seven would diffuse her more efficiently than B'Elanna simply because she was a seriously cool customer, the redheaded captain barked, "Deck Five."


 

"Unacceptable!" Seven bellowed in her mind, slamming her hand down on her sensor board as she read the captain's message. Pushing away from her console, glad that she worked alone, and not of the first time, Seven clenched her fists as her body grew rigid and mechanical on instinct.

Marching up the stairs onto the dais so that she could pace back and forth and continue her silent rant until she decided how to best handle this situation and punish those that had scared her friend in a manner that had forced the captain to obviously become very upset and address the entire crew, which wasn't an everyday occurrence. Finally stopping in the center of the dais, Seven did something she rarely did, but found it helpful to focus her energy when she was so enraged: she placed her hands on her hips as she had watched the captain do on eight hundred ninety-three occasions since she had known her, and stood with her feet slightly apart as she looked up at the viewscreen, thinking the situation over. After a few minutes of contemplation, Seven finally sighed, looking down at the floor and decided that the best course of action was to allow Kathryn and Samantha to handle this situation at the moment, but planned to seek out anyone else who damaged her friend in this manner and inform them of just how displeased such an event made her.

An instant before the doors to Astrometrics opened, Seven heard the familiar sound of her captain's footfalls, the pace informing her that she was not pleased in the least, even if Seven hadn't read the message. Dropping her hands from her hips, Seven started to the steps as Janeway came into the room in a whoosh of air. Remaining calm, Seven greeted, "Captain," as she quickly moved to her board and continued her work, deleting the captain's message from her personal folder since the text was now permanently stored in her own efficiently organized file system of a brain.

Not able to recall ever seeing Seven up on the dais, Janeway was about to query what she was doing when she noticed the increased sharpness of the ex-drone's hand-strokes as she worked her board with astounding speed. Then sighing, and hitting herself on the forehead in her mind, informing the woman inside that sometimes she really was dense and that "of course" Seven would find this situation even more unacceptable than the captain, and was probably five seconds away from demanding to know just who it was that had been filling Naomi's head with such information, Kathryn was forced, once again, to defuse herself before the situation became ten times worse.

Clearing her throat, Janeway said, coming up next to Seven, bringing their personal relationship into the conversation since it was required due to the subject matter, "Darling, I know you're busy, but I was wondering if I could speak with for just a moment?"

Seven sighed, turned away from her work and stated, "You may."

Hoping what she was about to say would cheer Seven up and calm her down, Kathryn informed, smiling slightly, "I know tonight was supposed to be a special night for all of us, but…in light…of recent events, I've invited Naomi to join us for dinner." Crossing her arms over her chest, she added quickly, "Normally, I'd ask you both if that was okay, but it was kind of a spur of the moment thing…I just wanted you to know so you wouldn't be surprised when you come home."

Not happy that the captain felt that she had to resort to having the child over for dinner, which meant that Naomi had been especially upset, but more than happy to know that she would be able to not only spend time with her but that the captain was being so incredibly kind, Seven sighed, and then finally managed a small upturn of her lips as she stated, placing her hand on the captain's shoulder, "I am agreeable. I am not pleased how this has come about, but I am 'happy' that you and she continue to bond." Smiling more, she went on, "Naomi Wildman speaks of you constantly and will undoubtedly get a great deal of pleasure out of spending the evening with you in such a manner. Thank you for being kind to her."

Smiling and hugging Seven's hand with hers against her chest, she said, "There's no need to thank me. Naomi is very dear to me. I enjoy her company just as much as she enjoys mine…probably more."

"That is unlikely…however, it pleases me to hear you speak such words," Seven informed, letting the captain go. Then placing her hands behind her back as Janeway backed away as well, them both knowing that sometimes if they didn't put physical distance between themselves they'd end up right back in each other's arms, she asked, "Do you require a specific interval of time with her alone this evening?"

Nodding, Janeway said, "Why don't you and B'Elanna come home at 1800 hours? That will give us an hour to read and talk, and still plenty of time for dinner and whatnot before I have to take her home." Then turning around, she started out the door, needing to hurry along, shaking her hand in the air, "Then after that, we'll just have to see what happens…"


 

"What the hell is all the fuss about?" asked Chief Engineer B'Elanna Torres, finally, as she lay on the floor, doing general maintenance on the locking systems of the warp core, after watching several of her staff run over to each other and whisper something, which caused that person to then run over to a console and access some information.

"Check your messages," replied Ensign Nicolletti as she whispered and knelt down next to the chief.

Handing the tricorder to the short, dark-haired woman, she said, "Fine…take over for me." She was about to go access her upper workstation, but considering her entire staff seemed to be beside themselves in quick, clipped whispers and furtive glances, Torres sighed, shaking her head and went into her office so she could read whatever it was that everyone was so zinged about in private, fairly certain it was from the captain or the Doctor, since no one else normally had any reason to send a message to the entire ship.

Sitting down at her desk, B'Elanna accessed her workstation, which was exactly like the captain's, although she had installed hers into her desk, so that when it was closed, the top was flush with the surface. Bringing up her messages right away since she was immediately signaled that she had a priority message waiting for her, Torres rubbed her chin as she saw that it was from the captain and titled Responsibility, which the Klingon immediately knew meant that what she was about to read wasn't going to be cheery stuff.

Once she was done with the corrosive note, the chief sighed heavily, slamming closed her workstation and sat far back into her chair. Kicking her feet up on her desk, she lowered her head and rubbed her forehead pensively as she thought about the memo, certainly concerned for the girl who she had grown to like quite a bit, but thinking now about how the crew was going to take such a message, since she had a feeling they might find it sort of harsh. B'Elanna admitted to herself that a few years ago, she would have laughed at such a communiqué and made some kind of wise-crack comment about it, but now that she was older, and 'wiser'…and involved with the sender of the message, she took it to heart and planned to make certain that her staff did so as well because even though she knew that there were still many things she didn't understand or know about Kathryn Janeway, the tone of her message made it crystal clear that not only was she mad as hell, but very disappointed, which B'Elanna knew was a dangerous combination as far as Janeway's temper went.

When the captain popped her head through her door and asked if she had a minute, Torres sprung from a laid back position into a half-attention stance, instinctively, saying, "Captain…right…I mean, yes."

"At ease before you sprain something," ordered Janeway, smiling crookedly and coming into her office, pointing at the side of the desk, silently requesting that she shut the door. "Everything okay?"

Hitting the sensor, Torres nodded, shaking her head at herself and sitting back down, but only once Janeway did so, "Fine, Captain…you just startled me. I was thinking."

"Well, I won't keep you from your thoughts long," Kathryn teased, warm and fairly light and she leaned back and crossed her legs. "Did you get my message?"

"Yes, Ma'am," was all she said.

Understanding the reaction since she knew that it was harsh, Janeway nodded and said, "In light of that, Lanna," using her personal name for the engineer to inform her that she could stop calling her captain for a moment, "I wanted you to know that Naomi will be joining us for dinner tonight" Leaning forward on the desk, she said quickly, "I'm sorry I didn't ask you first, but she was terribly upset this afternoon, and it just seemed like the best thing to do to help cheer her up." Then titling her head and flirting with her voice, she added in a raspy whisper, "She won't be there the whole night, I promise…just dinner."

"What the hell happened?" asked the chief, leaning forward on her desk as well.

Shaking her head, Janeway answered, "Uh, I don't want to talk about it…it will just get me all worked up again." Then reaching across the desk, she asked, clasping onto Torres' forearm, softly, "Are you upset at me?"

B'Elanna rolled her eyes and answered, "Yes, Red…I think you're terrible for inviting the kid over to make her feel better without asking me first." Then grabbing Janeway's hand and bringing it to her lips, she continued, "You know I love it when you get all mushy…it's fine, I promise." After nipping her finger, she smiled and said, "Besides, I like the little squirt…she's cute. And," leaning forward farther so she could pull the captain's face toward hers, she finished, "she'll be a good distraction during diner…because you look good enough, I might want to just eat you instead."

Rubbing her nose against Torres', not at all surprised by the words, but not kissing her since she had to go, Kathryn whispered, "Hmm…there will be plenty of time for that later." Then biting her bottom lip in restraint, she pushed back and said, "I've got to go. Thank you…oh, don't come home until 1800 hours."

Sighing, Torres said, "I hate you sometimes…really, Red…I mean it this time," as Janeway walked away, wiping her hand across her bottom, continuing to tease the Klingon about her obsession with the captain in her uniform that she detailed in the infamous Janeway logs.


 

"Hiya, dollface," Torres smiled from the confines of her office where she was reviewing Lieutenant Carey's report on the Beta shift as Seven of Nine appeared in the doorway, "come on in." Then checking the chronometer on her workstation wondering if time had suddenly gotten away from her, she asked the tall blonde as she came into the office, stopped in front of her desk and placed her hands behind her back, "What's up?"

"I am required to converse with you before we depart for the captain's quarters," Seven stated evenly, continuing to refer to them as the captain's quarters out of respect, since that is what they continued to be, and since Torres still maintained her own, then added, "If you have not yet completed your tasks, I can wait. It is not priority."

Pressing the sensor on her door, she set down her PADD since Carey's report was just routine business and certainly didn't contain any mission critical information, saying as she leaned back, "Have a seat…want something to drink?"

"I do not require liquid refreshment at this time," Seven informed, sitting down on the chair perfectly upright and proper.

Grinning, used to Seven's ways and not taking offense to them anymore, Torres kicked her feet up on her desk and asked, "What's up…everything okay?"

Seven shifted slightly in the chair, sighed and then finally said, "I am…anxious about tonight." Seven looked away for a moment, then back at Torres and continued, "It seems illogical, B'Elanna Torres, but I cannot help myself. I require your assistance."

Jumping up, the chief rushed over to Seven and perched on the edge of her desk, right in front of the blonde and said, "Hey…if you're not ready for this…that's okay." Kneeling in front of her, the Klingon put her hands on Seven's and said, "I mean it. There's no rush…and it's not illogical." Smiling, she whispered, "Don't tell anyone, but I'm a little nervous too...and I've done the threeway thing before."

Furrowing her brow, Seven stated adamantly, but in a raspy whisper, "B'Elanna Torres, this is illogical. I have made love with Kathryn on twen…several occasions, and you and I have also recently engaged in this ritual as well. Furthermore, you and Kathryn have been 'intimate' for over two months. I do not understand why I feel this way since circumstances deem that we are all comfortable with each other."

B'Elanna let Seven have her say, something she had learned from the captain, and finally said, snatching up her hands and entwining her fingers with the Borg's, "Babe, this is different. This is all of us together…that makes it new…makes it special since this has been what we've been moving toward." Standing as Seven urged her to do so, Torres climbed up into her lap, straddled her legs and continued, "This is just new for us…and it's natural to be nervous and a little freaked, but like I said, if you're not ready for this, then we won't do it."

"It wish to 'do it,'" Seven informed, still whispering loudly. "I am…I feel as though I will not know how to act, however." Looking away, ashamed, she stated, "My research has been inadequate." Thinking it over for a few beats, she turned back around and questioned quickly and surely, "B'Elanna Torres, would you be adverse if I observed yours and Kathryn's rituals? I believe I will feel more confident as to how to approach you both if I am aware of how you behave alone."

Laughing, the bruntte covered her mouth, and then nodded, grinning, "Dollface, if you want to watch me and Red get it on…I'm okay with that." Then kissing Seven quickly, she added, "In fact, that's not such a have bad idea…maybe we should all take turns watching first?" Then snickering, she asked, "Do you think she's okay with that…I mean, it's kind of…kinky."

The Borg understood the term and the question, and answered, nodding, "She and I have discussed this already...several weeks ago after I was forced to interrupt you two the night the warp core was ejected. I told her that I would enjoy observing such an event without the need for an interruption, and after she recovered from her initial embarrassment, she informed me that she would not be adverse to observing our mating rituals."

Chuckling, Torres shook her head and said, "Dollface, you've got more guts than I do." Then kissing her sweetly, she finally informed, "But you've got to tell her…I don't think I could do it with a straight face."

"Very well, I will complete this task," Seven informed. Then sighing, she rested her forehead against B'Elanna's and said, "Thank you, B'Elanna Torres. I feel…better."

Torres pulled Seven into a warm hug and whispered, "That's why I'm here…I fix things, remember?" Moving away, she smiled and asked, "Have I told you lately how much I hate you?"

"You informed me three times this morning," Seven nodded, understanding that between them, when they picked on each other, and told one another that they hated the other, that that was their own way of expressing their love. The word love was rarely uttered between them, but that was simply because of their personalities with each other and neither of them had any doubt that they loved each other or felt the need to say it all of the time…it just wasn't their way, at least not yet, and since both were completely comfortable with that circumstance, they didn't give it a second thought. "However, I wish to inform you that although I understand that you hate me a great deal, you are not capable of hating me as much as I hate you. I am Borg."

Nipping Seven's cleft chin with her teeth, Torres growled, "But I'm a Klingon…we do hate better than anyone."

"There seems to be several areas in which your culture believes it is superior to all others," Seven came back quickly and crisply, but still speaking in softer tones. "Perhaps your denser cranium restricts blood flow to the brain which causes these delusions of grandure?"

"Hey, good one," B'Elanna barked in laughter, climbing off of Seven's lap. "Come on, let's go see Red before she gets too attached to that kid and starts getting ideas about expanding our family."

Seven waited until Torres had logged off for duty and they were completely out of Engineering before she asked, "B'Elanna Torres, do you not wish to procreate?"

Sighing, inwardly chastising herself for even bringing that up, B'Elanna replied quietly, but honestly, "Honestly, dollface, I've never really thought about it." Grabbing Seven's hand as they walked, she went on, "It's not that I don't like kids…but, I just don't know if I would be a good parent…and I'm certainly not thrilled with the idea of having one…physically, I mean." When they stepped into the turbolift, she said after Seven requested the deck, "But, if down the road we all decide to have a kid or two, I think I'd be okay with that…but you and Red will have to do the birthing…I'm not up for it."

"I am not capable of baring offspring," Seven informed as if what she was saying wasn't about her, but about a complete stranger, having already gotten over the hurt, mostly, of that knowledge a little over a year ago. "My reproductive system was completely removed during the insertion of the abdominal implant." When Torres squeezed her hand and said she was sorry, softly, Seven turned to her and said, "Thank you...however, even if was capable of completing that task, my nanoprobes would also become a factor…it is for the 'best.'"

Trying to lighten the air as they stepped out of the carriage, the chief said, "Well, I don't know about that…I was thinking we could raise a Borg, Klingon cowgirl or cowboy…he or she would never have to worry about getting picked on at recess."

Smirking proudly, Seven stated, "Indeed." Then sighing, she stated, "Then it seems that our only reproductive recourse is Kathryn…which leaves us with little time. Humans are now capable of procreation past their natural capability," she recited, in case Torres wasn't aware, "however, the strain on Kathryn's body would be more than I believe you and I would find acceptable."

"There's always adoption…Nick's adopted," Torres offered as they turned the corner and headed toward the captain's quarters, somewhat bewildered that they were having this kind of conversation and that she wasn't completely freaking out. She and Tom had never once talked about marriage, let alone children, and they had been together for almost three years.

Raising her eyebrow, Seven stated, "I had not thought of that." Smiling, happily now, she said, "Very well…we will adopt then if we do not return to the Alpha Quadrant in an adequate time, or if Kathryn is disagreeable to baring offspring as well." Nodding, she said quickly before they stepped inside, "Which is a possibility considering she would have to make many changes to her routine in order to adapt. I am not certain she wishes to 'give up' coffee for nine months."

Scrunching her face, Torres laughed, "Oh Kahless…she'd kill us for sure…pregnant and withdrawn…B.A.D."

As they stepped into the quarters, both of them stopped at the door and fell silently humble at the sight before them. Torres took a deep breath when the air was forced from her lungs as she spotted the captain seated on the couch with Naomi in her lap, wrapped up in a blanket, sleeping with a book opened nearby as they snoozed. Shaking Seven's hand, she pulled her back out of the cabin and said, once the doors were closed, "Something tells me that she won't be as disagreeable as we thought. Come on."

"What is our destination?" asked the Borg, filled with warmth and joy, and curious at the same time.

Hurrying down the corridor, B'Elanna explained, "Let's go swipe the Doc's camera…I want to get a picture of them before she wakes up."

Seven smiled, actually showing teeth as she increased her step with Torres and stated, "That is an excellent idea." When they stepped into the turbolift, both a little giddy, she looked down at B'Elanna, kissed her forehead, and stated, "Perhaps I have underestimated your species?"

"Qapla'," Torres cheered heatedly pounding her fist against her chest.


 

"Okay," Torres started, stopping in front of the door, handing the camera to the Borg, "you go take the picture…you're better at stealth than I am. I'll wait out here 'til you're done. Do you know how to work it?"

"I am Borg," Seven reminded playfully, activating the camera and smirking. Then nodding, she slipped into the quarters, moving quick and silent, even in her heels and was in front of Kathryn and Naomi in three seconds, where they continued to nap together, snuggled into the corner of the couch. Coming around to the side so that she could get both of their faces, the smaller redhead's face was turned to the side as she rest against the captain's shoulder while Janeway rested her head halfway against the child's head and the side of the sofa. Bending her knees and crouching, Seven brought the device up to her eyes and quickly worked the controls so that she could get plenty of their faces, but their position as well, wanting to include some of the blanket and the book, and then quickly snapped the picture.

The sound was light and not enough to wake them, so before she left, she brought up the image on the viewer to make certain it was acceptable. When she deemed it as perfection, Seven went quickly over to the captain's desk, accessed the workstation and interfaced with the holocamera via the optical sensor on the side. Pulling up the picture and saving it, she logged off, went back outside and stated, "It is done."

"Okay, I'll take this back, and you go wake them up…don't tell her, we'll save it for a surprise, okay?"

"I will comply," Seven nodded, smiling. "B'Elanna Torres, Kathryn will be most pleased by this. She is fond of pictures and recently lost several that were dear to her. I believe we should continue to take pictures of her with various individuals to replace the ones she lost." Then taking the camera from Torres quickly, she examined it for a moment and stated, handing it back, "We should create a device for our own use so that we do not need to requisition the Doctor's."

"Sounds like a plan, be right back, " B'Elanna said over her shoulder and starting down the hallway, falling into a slight jog which was her preferred way to move about, even if she knew the captain frowned upon her crew running about the halls if it wasn't required.

Spinning on her heel, Seven stepped back into the quarters and was once again relieved when Janeway didn't automatically snap to attention at the hissing sound, since that meant that not only did she feel safe aboard her ship, once again, but that she felt comfortable enough with Naomi Wildman to fall into a deep sleep. Seven of Nine approached them again, and stood for a few minutes, deciding to observe the scene before she attempted to wake them.

Detailing everything that was possible to make note of at the vision before her so that she could recall the image and all of the senses it conjured in her at a later date when she felt the need to do so, something she did quite often, although did not inform anyone of her own personal means of comfort. As she watched Kathryn hold Naomi and made note of how the child was curled against her and how the captain's arms cradled her softly, but surely, Seven was now certain that not only would Kathryn be an excellent mother, but that she would not be adverse to taking on such a task. She was not concerned about B'Elanna Torres in the least since she had watched the Klingon with Naomi on several occasions and knew that even though she put on a tough face most of the time, under that, she could be as sensitive, compassionate and emotional as Kathryn, and would be an acceptable parent as well, especially considering she could teach a child many different things that Kathryn could or would prefer not to. Seven also knew that she could perform such a task, and that combined with Kathryn's all-around talents and sense of responsibility, Torres' fun-loving and hands-on approach to life and cultural values regarding honor, which Seven admired, and her own efficiency, intelligence and task-oriented personality, she speculated that they could raise one, two, possibly three happy and well-rounded children.

So wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't realize that a pair of twinkling, blue-grey eyes were staring back at her until she heard Naomi Wildman stir against the captain. Blinking and focusing back on the two redheads, Seven smiled as she met Kathryn's all-knowing gaze and greeted, "Good evening, Kathryn."

"Have you been there long?" whispered Kathryn, not certain if she should wake Naomi or just let the poor child, who had still been emotionally overwrought when they settled into the couch to read, continue to sleep.

"I have been here for three point four minutes."

"Seven?" asked Naomi, coming out of her nap and rubbing her tired, bloodshot, and cried out eyes. "What happened?"

"You and the captain were regenerating," Seven informed evenly. Then glancing up at Kathryn when Naomi pushed herself up, she stated, "Apparently, I am not the only one who suffers from disorientation after…sleep?"

"Oh, Captain…I'm sorry…I didn't mean to fall asleep while you were reading," Naomi said quickly, once she realized what had happened.

Chuckling softly, Kathryn brushed the hair from her forehead where it tended to get caught in her spikes and said, "No apologizes necessary." Then whispering, she poked her in the stomach and said, "I fell asleep too…but don't tell anyone, huh?"

Giggling, Naomi vowed, "I won't…honest." Then climbing off of the captain's lap, she asked quickly, but shy, "Captain…can I use your potty?"

"Sure…you don't have to ask," the captain answered, pointing over toward the bedroom. As Naomi trotted off to the ensuite, Janeway accepted Seven's hand and said, yawning, "Hmm…thank you." Then hugging the blone and resting her head against her shoulder, she whispered, "Mmm…I'm glad you're home. She needs some Seven time I think."

"She is still distressed?" asked the Borg, holding the small woman close and speaking in soft tones so her voice wouldn't carry.

"A little bit, but I think she'll be fine soon enough, though," Janeway nodded, yawning again. Then looking up, she requested quickly, "Do me a favor and let's not talk about the away mission tonight."

"I will comply." Then leaning down, she placed her hand behind the captain's neck and kissed her squarely, but sweetly and didn't stop until she heard Naomi come out of the bedroom and giggle.

Chuckling against Seven's lips, Janeway whispered, kissing her quickly one more time afterward, "I love you." Then looking over at the child, who was covering her mouth and trying not to blush, and not doing a very good job, Janeway snickered and said pointing to her, "You stop making fun of me."

"Oh, I wasn't, Captain," Naomi laughed, bouncing. Then bounding over to Seven, she said, enthused, "Seven…guess what…I get to have dinner with you tonight! Isn't that neat!"

"That i..." she caught herself, trying to break her habit of always answering affirmatively in that manner instead of the alternative. "Yes," Seven stated, letting Naomi take her Borg hand in hers and holding the child's carefully so she didn't scratch the flesh. As Janeway went over to the replicator and ordered a small cup of coffee, Seven asked as Naomi started looking at her hand closely, "What are you doing?"

"I'm…um," biting her bottom lip, trying to remember what her teacher had called it, "I'm….oh," snapping her fingers in success, "I'm looking at the texture of your hand." Then craning her neck up, she informed, "I'm making a hand out of clay in my art class…and I can't decide which hand I want to make yet. Miss Resse says that I'll only have time to make one…so I have to decide before tomorrow's class."

"What are your other choices?"

"I like the captain's hands too," Naomi informed. "Hers are a lot different than yours…she has long nails too."

Hearing B'Elanna Torres' heavy footfalls approaching their cabin, Seven said quickly, "Then perhaps you should also analyze the texture of B'Elanna Torres' hands? Her hands are also different from the captain's and mine. Perhaps you could use all three textures and make a unique hand?"

"Hey, that's a good idea!"

"Hiya, shortcake," Torres said, coming through the door and waving to the child as she made a quick right and started toward Janeway. Gathering her up in her arms, Torres placed a big, happy kiss on the captain and then said, "Hey, Red."

Caught off guard a little, Janeway blushed somewhat as Naomi giggled again and Seven smirked at her, and then managed a husky, "Hello." When Torres released her and went over to her desk, taking off her tunic and actually hanging it on the back, rather than throwing it halfway across the room, Janeway laughed, and said, "Well, you're in a good mood. Did you hit your head again, darling?"

"Cute, Red," Torres winked, walking over to the girl. Then crouching, coiling her body and snarling, she charged Naomi, saying, "HighoS (Come here!)."

Squealing to high heaven, Naomi left Seven's side, ran around the living room as Torres chased her, and yelped, "Seven…Captain!" Then picking up speed, she zipped around the captain, who stepped out of the way, drinking her coffee and grinning, and zoomed into the bedroom, then shrieked in glee as B'Elanna caught her, gathered her up, threw her over her shoulder and said, as she paraded out into the living room, "toH (Aha!)"

Setting Naomi down and tickling her tummy quickly, Torres said, "Well…what do you say?"

Standing straight, Naomi put on her best snarl and said as B'Elanna had taught her, getting the intonation and pronunciation down better and better each time, "bIjeghbe'chugh vaj bIHegh (Surrender or die!)."

"majQa' (Well done)," Torres nodded, snatching her up again and twirling her around as the child squealed again and laughed. Then bringing her up and holding her on her hip, B'Elanna poked her stomach and said, "Shortcake, you're getting heavy…Seven been feeding you implants again?"

"HIja'," Naomi enthused, using the only Klingon word she knew how to enunciate accurately with consistency.

As Janeway laughed and started setting the table as Seven assisted her, Torres said, taking them over to the couch and speaking to Janeway and Seven, who she knew were probably the only two people on the ship that knew enough Klingon to understand her, "naDev tlhlnganpu' tu' lu' (There are Klingons around here)."

"Indeed," Seven smirked, looking over at Janeway who was laughing silently and shaking her head at their wild lover's antics.

As Torres and Naomi sat down on the couch and the girl started examining Torres' hands, explaining her art project, Seven asked Janeway as the redhead pulled out the three wine glasses she had replicated a while back and now just kept permanently stored on a shelf near the replicator, "Kathryn, what do wish you consume this evening?"

"Why don't you surprise me," Janeway responded, snatching up her coffee and walking over to Seven. Kissing her quickly on the mouth, she smiled and said, "Thank you for cooking tonight."

"I do this for my own benefit," Seven smirked, teasing Janeway at her less than adept skills at programming complex meals using the replicator. "I do not wish to consume sandwiches or spaghetti again."

Poking Seven, she schooled, "Hush," then left her side and said to B'Elanna and Naomi, "Naomi, dear, why don't you go help Seven with dinner? I need to speak with B'Elanna for a moment."

"Aye, Captain," Naomi nodded, letting Torres' hand go and jumping off the couch, skipping over to where Seven was busy proving that she was indeed superior with all forms of technology.

Motioning toward the bedroom, Janeway said once they were inside, "Do me a favor and don't bring up the away mission."

"Sure," Torres nodded. Then pulling Janeway closer to her, grabbing her by her hips, she asked softly, "Is she okay?"

"Mmmhmm, but I don't want to push our luck," Janeway whispered back. Then kissing B'Elanna's lips softly, she said, "Thank you for playing with her…she just needs to be a kid for a while I think."

"Hey, I'm all about being a kid," Torres laughed, urging Kathryn still closer, now holding her by the small of her back.

Kissing Torres sweetly again, Janeway came back against her lips, "I know…that's why I love you so much." Then pulling away, she amended, "Well, one of the many reasons."

Growling, Torres open and closed her mouth quickly, snapping her slighty sharp teeth and then said, "Come on…let's go be a happy little collective."

Letting the engineer take her hand and pull her out of the room, Janeway chuckled and said, "Sometimes, Lanna…the things you say really do surprise me."

"Keeps it interesting…remember?"


 

After a cheerful dinner that consisted of Fettuccini Alfredo with grilled chicken and ample amounts of garlic bread, which was consumed over the course of almost an hour, Torres and Seven both doing their very best to engage the young girl and keep her attention to strictly fun and happy things while the captain looked on and sipped her white wine, B'Elanna and Naomi remained at the table for dessert, while Seven and Kathryn sat on the couch quietly and watched B'Elanna continue to astound them both with her ability to be a kid. Furthermore, it was obvious that not only did it come naturally to her, but that she was having a very good time doing so because neither of them could remember an evening recently when the brunette had laughed or smiled as much, all of them silently knowing that since Janeway's attack, no one had been a barrel of laughs.

After desert and the Klingon lesson, all four of them were now on the couch, and after Naomi took a moment to examine each of their hands again, detailing, at Seven's request, what she saw and what she liked, the captain finally had to take on the role of parent, albeit that came rather naturally to her as well, and informed Naomi that it was time for her to go home and do her homework.

Remembering that Seven still had to talk to Kathryn about their ideas about how to ease into their sexual relationship, as a group, Torres jumped up and said, "Come on, shortcake…I'll take you home. I need to walk off that cheesecake anyhow."

As Kathryn and Seven both got to their feet and started clearing the table, saying goodnight to Naomi, the young girl took Torres' hand and started out the door, saying, "Bye Seven." Then stopping, she let go of Torres, turned around, ran over to the captain, throwing her arms around her waist, saying, "Oh, thank you, Captain. I love you."

Kneeling and glancing up at B'Elanna, who was biting down on her lips, trying not to snicker at the gooey look on the supposedly unbreakable captain's face, Kathryn hugged Naomi back, equally fierce and whispered, "You're very, very welcome, sweetheart. Thank you…I love you too." As Naomi pulled away smiling, Janeway tapped her cheek and said, "Kiss me." Once Naomi did so, she patted her bottom and instructed, "Now go on before you get me in trouble with your mother." Then stopping her quickly, she whispered, "Rule number six about being a captain: always do what your mother tells you."

"Oh, I will, Captain," Naomi nodded, giving her an thumbs up and then ran over to the chief, saying, "Okay, I'm ready…bye Seven, bye Captain."

"Goodnight, Naomi Wildman," Seven smiled as the two left hand in hand. Then looking over at Janeway who was standing up, she stated, taking the plates over to the replicator, "Does that mean that you always followed your mother's directives, Kathryn?"

"Absolutely," Janeway fibbed, laughing, while she picked up the wineglasses, taking them into the bathroom where she could rinse them out since she didn't want to have to spend the rations to recycle them. Coming back out and shaking the water off of them, she stated, "I was a perfect child."

"I will ask your mother when we return to the Alpha Quadrant," the cool blonde informed. "I am not certain she would agree considering some of the things you have told me about your childhood."

Laughing, Janeway came back, "Oh, I don't doubt you will for an instant, darling. Just remember, she's older than I am…my memory is better."

As she finished cleaning up, Seven stated evenly and plainly, "I do not wish to change the subject, my Kathryn…your life-experience is highly intriguing to me...however, we are required to converse before B'Elanna Torres returns."

Dumping the crumbs and the napkin into the replicator, where Seven was standing, she asked, "What's up?"

Feeling as though the best way to approach this conversation was to just state the facts plainly, the lady Borg informed, "After a discussion with B'Elanna Torres, in which I informed her that I was feeling…anxious about this evening's activities, she and I have agreed that perhaps we should delay our combined coupling and utilize another tactic."

Surprised since this whole threesome idea had been the Borg's in the first place, Janeway instantly turned protective of Seven and said, quickly and warmly, stepping up to her and placing her hand on Seven's arm, "Darling, if you're not ready for that…there's no rush. I don't ever want you to feel like you have to do something if you're uncomfortable…ever."

"I am aware of this," Seven acknowledged surely. "I am not uncomfortable with the thought of making love to you and B'Elanna Torres at the same time...however, I feel as though I require more research." When the captain's forehead furrowed slightly in confusion, she informed, "I wish to observe you and B'Elanna Torres make love this evening. Since I have never witnessed such an event, to completion, I believe it would help me understand how to approach the two of you at a later time." When Janeway smiled shyly and looked down, clearing her throat, Seven went on, "B'Elanna Torres is not disagreeable and has stated that she believes that this is a …'good' idea. She stated that perhaps each of us should observe the other so that we are all aware of each other's rituals." When the captain brought her hand to her mouth, but kept her head down and didn't say anything, Seven asked quickly, "Kathyrn, are you uncomfortable with this plan?"

Shaking her head, Janeway managed a small, "No" before she burst out laughing. Then finally pulling herself together, wiping away her tears, she said, looking at Seven who was watching her curiously, "No, darling, if you two think that's what we should do...then I'll go along with it." Then clearing her throat before another round of giggles bubbled up in her, she mumbled, "No wonder she was so eager to take Naomi home."

Nodding, Seven unwound her hands from her back, feeling better now and stated, "She informed me that I was required to approach you because she could not complete the task without reacting in a similar manner." Then grasping onto Janeway by her shoulders, Seven asked softly and sincerely, "Are you certain this does not make you uncomfortable? I am aware that I do not operate under the same cultural and social rules that you do. I do not wish to make you do anything you are not comfortable with either."

Wrapping her arms around Seven's neck, Janeway smiled and answered, "Thank you for your concern, but I promise…I'll be fine. As long as you're comfortable, I'm comfortable…okay?" After Seven nodded, she stood on her tiptoes, kissed her softly and then whispered, "But, I want you to know, and I'm sure B'Elanna feels the same way, that if…during…your observations…you feel the need to be included, I don't want you to hesitate." Smiling seductively, she continued against her lips, "It could be difficult to only watch, you know?"

"I will heed your words, my beautiful Kathryn," Seven whispered back. "However, I believe it would be equally gratifying to merely observe you and B'Elanna Torres engage in such activities. I will attempt to maintain a scientific outlook."

Clearing her throat again, Janeway said somewhat shyly, "Okay, but," swallowing and forcing herself not to laugh at her own embarrassment, "it's okay it you get aroused. And, it's also okay if you…pleasure yourself. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Seven smirked at the captain's blushing cheeks. "You are blushing again. I find this event 'cute.'"

Nipping Seven's chin as she heard the doors open behind them, she said, "Yes, I know." Then turning around, she smirked at Torres who was standing near the doorway kicking her shoes into the carpet with her arms crossed over her chest, and said approaching her, "So, Miss Torres, I hear that you and Seven have had a little discussion about tonight, hmm?"

Glancing up, smiling shyly, B'Elanna answered, "Are you cool with that?"

Kathryn stepped up to her, very close and said, "I am as long as you are."

Sighing in relief, Torres brought her hands to Kathryn's hips, saying, "Okay, good…I wasn't sure." Then shaking her head and laughing, she admitted, "This is weird…you're gonna have to help me. I've never done this before...not like this."

As both of her older lovers laughed and nodded, Seven placed her hands behind her back and stated, "Perhaps you should attempt to 'pretend' that I am not present."

"Dollface, that's pretty hard to do…trust me," Torres came back readily. Then turning to Kathryn and kissing her quickly on the lips, she asked, "Do you mind if I have a drink before the party begins?"

"Mmm no, but make it a small one, huh?"

"Klingon's don't drink small drinks, Red," Torres volleyed, stopping by Seven and kissing her quickly, giving her thanks for confronting the captain, "but I'll drink it fast."

Walking toward the bedroom, the tall blonde informed, "While you consume your beverage, I will change into something more appropriate. You may begin to ignore me at this time."

Kathryn sighed and grabbed the beer out of Torres hands, taking a healthy swing and then said, "How are we going to get through this without laughing the whole way through?"

Torres chugged the beer to half, handed the bottle back to Kathryn and grinned, "Beer."


 

"Seven...are you comfortable?" asked Janeway as she and Torres came into the bedroom and closed the door.

Dressed in her long, black nightgown, courtesy of the intrepid woman, Seven of Nine responded from the captain's lounger where she would have an unobstructed view of the bed, "Yes, Kathryn…do not concern yourself with me further."

"Right," Janeway nodded, then cleared her throat as she looked over at B'Elanna. "Um…well…?"

Sighing, Torres laughed and then said holding up her hand, "Okay, this is weird. Let me think…" Placing her hands on her hips and pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed, she clapped her hands together and said, "Music! We need some music."

Jumping at that idea, just so it would be a distraction, Kathryn replied quickly, "Oh, that's good…what kind?"

The chief spun around and eyed Janeway carefully, trying to decide what kind of mood they would be in once they got over their initial trepidation. Remembering that Janeway had had a rough day and was obviously eager since she had asked her to have a small drink, she made up her mind. Then looking over at Seven, who was quietly observing them and then laughing, she said, "k.d. lang…she's hot. Computer, play Torres selection The Joker…volume six." As a sexy beat started playing a little loudly, she explained, "I'll turn it down later." Then glancing over at Seven quickly, she said, "Okay…ready, dollface?"

"Proceed."

Grinning, B'Elanna came up to Janeway and eyed her up and down for a few moments and then said and she placed her hands on her hips and pulled her in close so that they could dance a little. Once they'd found their groove, which took very little time since each of them were capable dancers, she whispered into Kathryn's neck while the redhead put her arms around her shoulders, "Just relax, Red…let me drive tonight."

"Mmm, you say the most wonderful things sometimes," Kathryn replied, letting Torres move them to the sensual beat. When she felt B'Elanna's breath, then mouth on her neck as she softly sang to her, Janeway titled her head, giving her more access and said, looking at Seven over B'Elanna's shoulder, "I love you." As the Klingon bit her neck in response and growled low in her throat, Janeway inhaled, closing her eyes and relaxing into the embrace, "Mmm…I love that too."

Licking the captain's neck quickly to distribute the blood flow so she didn't leave a mark, B'Elanna eased them back against the wall and began kissing the familiar path that led to the redhead's mouth. When her lips finally connected with Kathryn's and the older woman deepened the kiss immediately, moaning slightly and urging Torres to make it more passionate, the brunette happily complied and slipped her tongue into Janeway's waiting mouth.

Then feeling of the captain's small but long and fairly strong fingers pressing into the muscles of her lower back, manipulating them in the way that informed B'Elanna that the captain was not in the mood for quiet, subdued lovemaking, as she had figured, Torres growl edagain and pressed her body hotly into Janeway's. When she felt Kathryn tugging on her shirt, slipping her hands underneath the waist band of her trousers so she could press on the lower muscles without the movement being hindered by cloth, simultaneously situating her thigh between her legs expertly, B'Elanna moved her kisses back to Janeway's neck and she eased her hand under the captain's shirts, making for her chest, and asked, "Do you want what I think you want?"

As Torres clasped onto her left breast and began kneading it with the perfect amount of pressure for the moment, Janeway whispered into her ear, "Mmmlanna...yes I do."

Torres snarled and nibbled on the captain's neck again, increasing the pressure of her mouth, her hand and her body against the captain's at the same time, knowing she could take it, "Let me hear it. Tell me what you want, cowgirl…say it." And not giving the captain much chance to resist, she dropped her hand from her breast and placed it at the juncture of her thin legs, rubbing the area hotly, she growled, "Tell me."

Gasping at the touch, Janeway latched onto Torres' back, digging her fingernails in slightly and breathed, "Please, Lanna…please fuck me." Then to further her growing cause, she buried her face in Torres' neck and said as she kissed the area around her neck, "Mmm…I need you inside of me."

Torres inhaled deeply at that and said backing away, and ripping off her shirt, "Computer, end music," her confidence restored with vigor. Then as she grabbed Janeway's shirt and pulled it over her head in one fluid motion, ignoring the clinking sound of the captain's pips as they scattered about, she informed, picking Janeway up and carrying her over to the bed, "I hope you're taking notes, dollface."

Shifting in her horizontal position where she was lying on her side, now utilizing this position for her own benefit instead of her lovers' since she figured they would have a difficult time relaxing if she stood and watched, Seven said as she detected the first signs of her own arousal, her skin pebbling on its own accord as Torres picked Kathryn up and tossed her onto the bed, coming in for landing on top of her a moment later, "I am." Seven took a quick breath as B'Elanna and Kathryn kissed again, both of them moaning, and as Janeway arched into the engineer's body and then wrapped one of her legs around the Klingon's hip, pulling her into her body with force, Seven raised one eyebrow, having never seen her roommate act so aggressively. She figured Kathryn was adapting her behavior for the more assertive brunette's benefit; although, she changed her mind and decided Kathryn was doing so for her own benefit as well when the redhead's hand dropped to the Klingon's waist and started desperately searching for the zipper on the woman's trousers. The Borg was about to inform the captain that the zipper was slightly higher and to her left when Janeway found it on her own, and pulled apart the pants in one move, which caused the Borg to decide she was definitely glad Torres and Janeway were lying across the bed, instead of the normal lengthwise position because she was able to get a much better view of their actions.

Seven shifted slightly again as Torres pushed herself up, completely off the bed and hurriedly roomed her pants and socks, and had to force herself to take a breath as the brunette said with authority as Janeway reached for her own zipper, "Don't…not yet."

Smiling wickedly, Janeway took her hand away and propped herself up on her arms, racking her eyes over the brunette's naked body before her. "Seven," Kathryn asked, not looking over at her and keeping her eyes fixed on Torres as she crawled toward her with slow, but definite purpose, "having fun?"

"That is correct," Seven said quickly, her eyes fixed on the sight before her as she did her very best to regulate her heart beat and continue to detail the events as they unfolded.

"Good," the captain smiled, glancing over at her for a moment and then lying back down as Torres hovered over her. Bringing her hands up to B'Elanna's full and shapely breasts, Janeway cupped them both, dragging her fingers over both of the fat, brown nipples until they were completely erect.

When Janeway started kissing her neck again with a definite pace and she felt one of the captain's palms trailing down her torso, Torres pulled away again and grinned, saying, "Not yet, Red…you're mine right now."

"Then do it," Janeway ordered, sounding very much like the captain, as her eyes flashed with desire.

Seven clutched onto the side of the lounger with her Borg hand as the captain spoke and in the next instant, Torres growled, grabbed her pants around her thighs and slid Janeway closer to her as the captain hummed in response. Seven was successful for the moment at keeping her blood pressure in check, her nanoprobes working efficiently at her silent request, and she watched in equal parts amazement and anticipation as Torres surged forward and began kissing Janeway again. When the brunette pulled away from her mouth and immediately started lavishing Kathryn's bare chest with fervent kisses, and the redhead arched her back into Torres' mouth, Seven swallowed again and had to lick her lips as she realized her mouth had fallen open just a tad and she was breathing through it causing them to dry in the warm, arid air of the captain's quarters.

As Torres took her right breast into her mouth and hummed against the flesh, Kathryn closed her eyes for a moment and breathed at the acute sensation, "Yes, Lanna…I love that." Bringing her own hand up to Torres' which was manipulating her other swell, Janeway urged B'Elanna to squeeze harder and more rhythmically as she turned her head toward Seven of Nine and gazed at her blonde lover, whose normally alabaster cheeks looked to be a bit ruddy. Noticing that she was gripping the lounger quite tightly, the captain smiled impishly, surprised at herself and puckered her lips in a silent kiss to the blonde. Then turning back to Torres as the brunette left her chest for the moment and started down her torso, Janeway gasped again as her lover pressed her face into the juncture of her legs and mumbled something in Klingon against her mound, "Mmm…darling…please."

The blonde didn't realize she was arching her own back as she watched Janeway do so when B'Elanna settled her face between her legs, until she had to lean back quickly before she fell forward off the lounger. Feeling the need to change positions as her body began to tingle with electricity, Seven pushed herself up into and sitting position and anchored herself with both hands as the chief finally began pulling off the captain's trousers. Seven of Nine forced herself to inhale again as the engineer tore off the captain's pants and tossed them behind her as Janeway stretched languidly, a movement that reminded the ex-drone of a feline, and then redoubled her efforts to remain focused considering that they were now both disrobed and the engineer's expression was one of determination.

Torres knelt on the floor right next to the bed and asked as the starting kissing up one of the captain's pale, thin, lithe legs, "Are you hanging in there, dollface?"

"I am…functioning," Seven informed, although, she knew that her words came out a little more breathless that she would have preferred.

"Are you learning anything?" the Klingon asked as she reached Kathryn's inner thigh, which caused the redhead to shudder slightly in anticipation.

As Kathryn turned her head toward her again and locked onto her eyes, Seven swallowed, tightening her grip on the lounger and stated, nodding, "That is correct." When Janeway balled her fists and clung onto the thin comforter as her legs opened wider at the engineer's request, and she bit her bottom lip, still staring at her, Seven added, "I believe that would be an understatement, however."

As Janeway chuckled once, B'Elanna moved forward quickly and placed her mouth on the captain's center which she knew would force the captain to lose all focus for a moment. When Kathryn's body twitched as she moaned at the surprise, Torres latched onto her hips and pressed her face into the flesh harder, not at all surprised when Janeway then groaned and pressed back. B'Elanna eased her face away quickly, just for a moment to let Janeway catch her breath and informed in a raspy whisper, "You're so wet."

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded with her eyes closed but her head still turned toward Seven, and still clutching the covers. Then opening them, she said to Torres but looking at Seven who was watching her reaction closely, "Lanna, please darling…I can't wait any longer."

Shaking her head from side to side, Torres grinned and hummed into her body, increasing the lapping movements of her tongue, "Mmmntmm." She pulled away for a quick second again, glanced over at Seven and smiled, "You can wait…I know you can."

"Oh, I hate you," Janeway hissed as the engineer connected with her again and increased her movements. Kathryn let go of the bedding with one hand, and brought it to B'Elanna's dark mane, urging her on as her hips because to rock against her mouth and said, looking back at Seven, who was moving her eyes back and forth between her face and what the Klingon was doing to her, "Mmm…yes, that's good…yes, right there."

Once Torres latched onto her hips and helped her move, Janeway closed her eyes, arching her back and said rather loudly, "Yes, Lanna! Ohgod...mmm...Jesus...you're so good at that!"

Seven practically fell out of chair as the captain arched and stated her proclamation, and was definitely distressed that she had not brought in a glass of water for this event because she was certain that she had never been in need of liquid refreshment more than at this moment. Not able to stop herself, for she was desperate, Seven stood up, ran into the bathroom and filled the cup they used to rinse out their mouths after brushing their teeth with water, then rushed back into the bedroom as Kathryn arched her back again, and cried as her hips began bucking, "Ohgod…ohgod, yes…yes, darling…mmm…don't stop!"

Feeling light-headed, Seven guzzled her water, not taking her eyes off of Kathryn's writing body as she sat back down, a few drops of water dripping from the corners of her mouth. Then pulling the glass away, she let it drop to the floor when Janeway arched one more time and grew rigid, and hollared just before she did so, "Yes! Ohgodyes! Lanna! Lanna! Yes...theeeeeeeere!"

Torres continued to kiss the captain's lower body, and when she glanced over at Seven and saw the look on her flushed face and saw that she was breathing rather heavily, B'Elanna grinned, kissing the inside of Kathryn's thigh one more time and asked as the captain started to recover, "Are you still taking notes, babe?"

Swallowing, Seven nodded and croaked, "Yes."

Kissing up Janeway's stomach, which she noticed was more muscled than it normally was, figuring that was due to her and Seven's 'fitness routine,' Torres smiled devilishly, and said, "Good, now buckle your seat belt." Crawling all the way up onto Janeway again as her eyes opened, Torres asked, pressing her thigh into the captain's center, "Are you ready for more, cowgirl?"

"Yessss," Janeway hissed, pulling Torres down and kissing her fiercely, freely licking and tasting her own flavor on B'Elanna's mouth and the surrounding area.

Not realizing that there were going to be more rituals this evening to observe, as far as Torres making love to the captain, and not entirely certain she could take it, Seven snatched up the cup, ran back into the bathroom and filled the glass again. When she heard Janeway whimper and then Torres growl, Seven ran back into the room just in time to witness the engineer slip her fingers into the captain.

The tall and normally stoic blonde braced herself against the wall as she guzzled another glass of water and then stumbled to the lounger again, not taking her eyes off the action as Torres said to the woman in her arms, "Mmm…baby...that's so nice."

Clutching Torres' back, pressing her hands into the muscles, Janeway opened her legs wider and sobbed, "Please, Lanna…more."

When she heard something drop to the floor, the captain turned her head to see Seven standing next to the lounger and blindly searching for something on the carpet as she kept her eyes on the bed. When the beautiful blonde stood upright and set a cup on the table near the lounger and then started toward them, flushed and panting, Kathryn smiled at her as she urged her other lover on, "Mmm, Lanna…oh that's good."

When Torres started kissing her neck, Kathryn kept her eyes on Seven of Nine who was now standing near the bed breathing heavily watching them with the most bizarre look the captain could ever remember seeing on her face. Realizing that Seven probably wasn't certain how to break in, Janeway did it for her and said to Torres, bringing her hand to her strong forearm to stop her languid movement, "B'Elanna, hold on."

"Huh?" Torres said, stopping instantly since this wasn't the first time Kathryn had asked her to stop touching her in a similiar manner, but confused due to the tone of Janeway voice, which had no distress in it. Noticing Seven, who really was impossible to miss, she became aware of what was happening, and let Janeway pull away from her, knowing that this was Kathryn's territory to tackle.

"Darling," Janeway questioned, pushing herself onto her knees and crawling over to the edge of the bed near Seven who was breathing heavily, "do you want to join us?"

Nodding, Seven stated, "Yes, Kathryn…however, I," taking a breath, "do not believe I am capable of functioning properly at this moment." Shaking her head and taking a deep breath, she informed, willing herself to adapt, "I wish to continue to observe, but I am required to recline near you at this time."

Smiling, Janeway slipped off the bed and said, "Okay…why don't you just let me take care of you, alright?"

"I will comp..." Seven swallowed again, "ly."

"Do you want to keep your nightgown on?" asked Janeway as Torres took a seat at the edge of the bed, making room for the blonde.

Starting to feel better now that she felt that she had blood pumping to all parts of her body again, Seven took another deep breath and then smirked, "This garment is not required."

Kathryn stepped up to Seven and slipped her fingers under the thin straps of the long nightgown and pushed them off the blonde's shoulders, letting the garment pool at their feet. Then grabbing Seven's hand, she nodded toward the bed and said, "Why don't you lay down on you back…lengthwise, so your feet down hang off."

"I apologize for the interruption, B'Elanna Torres," Seven offered, getting into the bed and laying down in the center as Janeway urged her to do.

Smiling, Torres replied, standing up, awaiting her instructions from the captain, "No worries, dollface…it's not like I've got anywhere else to be right now."

As Janeway went over to B'Elanna, Seven stated quickly, "That is fortunate since you are highly appealing in your current state."

After she whispered her thoughts to Torres about how they should approach this, B'Elanna agreeing and then kissing her sweetly, Janeway turned toward Seven, not having time to think how funny it was that she was the one taking charge of this first time for them since she had been, or at least she assumed, the one most resistent to the idea in the first place, and said, "Seven, I'm going to crawl on top of you…is that okay?"

"That is always acceptable."

Doing so, Janeway hovered upon Seven and smiled as she said, "Is it okay if I kiss you?"

"You may."

Hovering close to Seven's lips while Torres came up behind her, Janeway whispered, "Mmm…good…and if you want to touch me, you may." As Seven brought her hands to her hips while she kissed her, starting off soft and gentle, but slowly deepening it as the blonde's lips began to demand it and started kissing her back, Kathryn hummed in the back of her throat as she felt Torres' rougher hands on her back, making strong, long strokes down the spine, arousing her body once again.

When Janeway felt B'Elanna straddle one of Seven's legs and bring a hand back to her center, the redhead pulled away from Seven's lips and breathed, looking down at the blonde, "Is this too fast for you?"

"No, Kathryn," the youngest woman responded quickly, bringing her human hand up to Janeway's face. "I am enjoying myself. I am now functioning acceptably now that I am reclining with you."

Rubbing her nose against Seven's, Janeway smiled and whispered sweetly, "Seven of Mine." Then looking over her shoulder at B'Elanna who was smiling at them, she asked, "How about you, Miss Torres?"

"Never better, girls…trust me," Torres winked and then laughed. Bending down, she kissed Janeway's shoulder, while she slowly rubbed Seven's thigh and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm perfect," Janeway whispered as Torres teased her crease with greater purpose. Then biting her bottom lip, she looked down at Seven and said, speaking to the engineer, "Although, if you don't stop teasing me I'm going to hurt you." When she heard B'Elanna's deep, throaty snarl as she felt the woman's finger press into her again, Kathryn's head lulled forward until it was resting on Seven's who then brought her hand to Kathryn's breast. Whispering and I love you to Seven, she looked back quickly as she heard B'Elanna hiss in pleasure and grinned as she saw that the blonde had raised her thigh in an effort to pleasure Torres, who was obviously grateful. Before Torres' movements started driving her crazy, Kathryn whispered to Seven, "Can I touch you?"

"Please, Kathryn," Seven breathed, closing her eyes a pressing her head back into the pillow.

When her hand slipped between Seven's legs, Kathryn purred at the copious moisture she found there, and while she spread it around, she arched her back and hissed as Torres started stroking her once again, "Yessss…Lanna…mmm, Seven, you feel so good, darling."

"Kathryn," Seven whispered as she opened her eyes and saw Janeway looking down at her with a mixture of pleasure, desire, need, and excitement on her face.

"Ohgod," Janeway heaved louder and quick as the brunette increased her stroke and inserted a third finger, at the same time Seven spoke her name. When Seven's hand on her hip began pressing her back into the Klingon's strong hand as her other hand manipulated her chest with greater purpose, Kathryn fought to keep her focus so she could continue to make love to Seven, but she finally gave up when Seven moved her hand to Kathryn's and pulled it away from her, telling her to let them love to her at this moment and that resistence was futile.

When Seven brought both of her hands to her chest, leaned forward and kissed her neck, saying, "You are my reason," while Torres moved one hand to her hip to set the pace, Janeway inhaled and said into the night air, "God I love you both...mmm...yes, I love you...yes...please…ohgodpleasedon'tstop."

B'Elanna looked down at Seven of Nine over the captain's shoulder as she leaned forward, pressing them all firmer into each other and winked at her, mouthing and I love you, before she started kissing Kathryn's shoulder. Then smiling in success because they were finally getting what they wanted, she whispered, near the redhead's ear as the oldest woman turned her head toward her somewhat and whispered her name as she looked at her for an instant before she was forced to close her eyes again, "Mmm, do it, cowgirl..."

Bracing herself over Seven with both hands as Torres pulled away a little bit and gave her more room to move around while the chief focused on her lower body, Kathryn tried to keep her eyes open but it was hopeless endeavour since she was experiencing physical and emotional pleasure like she had never before in her life, which was extraordinarily overwhelming, so finally she stopped fighting it and let herself just react to the stimuli. "Ohgod, yes… mmmlanna…harder, ohplease...I love you…Seven...Sevenhmmmyes...ohyesdarling, godyes!"

While Kathryn's arms buckled as she grew seconds away from release, Seven held her up easily, and when Kathryn clasped onto them, growing rigid and practically speaking at the top of her lungs, which where impressive, Seven knew, the Borg raised one eyebrow in surprise when the captain's head feel forward, completely limp after she stopped shuttering and crying out their names.

Letting her come to a shaky rest against her chest, Seven motioned for B'Elanna to come lay next to her and held out one arm so she could cradle them both. As the captain recovered from her lengthy moment of delirium, Seven kissed Torres sweetly while they waited for Janeway to start making sense, or at least speak clearly so they could understand.

Brushing some of the hair off of the captain's forehead, then petting it gently, Seven said, "I believe the word for Kathryn's condition would be 'spent.'"

Snickering as Kathryn attempted to push herself up but failed miserably, Torres asked, rubbing Janeway's back as she snuggled with Seven's side, "Are you okay, cowgirl?"

"IthinkI'mdead," the captain mumbled into the flesh of Seven's chest...although, there was a definitely upturn to her lips. Then licking them, she informed, exhaling once in laughter because it was all she could manage, "I can't feel my body."

"That is unfortunate since you feel pleasant...as is always the case," Seven stated while Janeway continued to lie on top of her, smiling over at the engineer.

Redoubling her efforts to at least lift her head, Janeway said lazily as her arms recovered enough to hold her up for a moment, "Mmm…sweet talker…kiss me before I die of happiness."

After kissing Seven softly for several long seconds while the brunette watched, always amazed, Janeway migrated from the Borg's lips to B'Elanna's, her body traveling as well, thanks to the help of Seven who pretty much passed her over until Torres latched onto her and finished the job. Kissing B'Elanna as passionately as she could manage, silently thanking her for always knowing exactly what she needed, and always taking such wonderful care of her, she finally slowed the kiss and slumping to her side, saying, "Girls, I love you...but I have to sit the next round out." Then pulling the covers down so she could slip underneath, she turned toward them and smiled, resting her head against the pillow and glowing, even in her tiredness, "And I promise not to interrupt."

Grabbing the engineer immediately and pulling her over and on top of her, beyond happy and feeling rather frisky now, Seven of Nine stated, "B'Elanna Torres, I believe you require my assistance at this time."

"I believe you are correct," B'Elanna came back, smiling wickedly. Then growling, she said, "Kiss me…DaH!"


 

Waking in a quick, sharp intake of air, Janeway croaked, then cleared her throat and barked as she glanced over at the digital clock on Seven's night stand, and noticed the time, "Dammit! B'Elanna, Seven…wake up!"

Opening her eyes instantly and snapping to attention at the sound of the captain's crack, Seven of Nine stated, "I am awake…what has occurred?"

Disengaging from Torres' arms that were curled around her as the brunette mumbled vulgarities as to the volume of the captain's voice, Janeway explained, standing on the bed and jumping off, "It's almost 0900 hours…I can't believe no one's hailed us yet!"

Sighing, Seven reminded as Janeway zipped into the bathroom, cursing all the way, "Kathryn, we are not on duty this day until 1500 hours."

"Stop yelling!" Torres growled, cranky, pulling the captain's pillow over her head.

Laughing at herself, Janeway walked out of the ensuite, holding her hand to her chest that was exposed through her loosely tied robe to calm her thumping heart, "God, I'm sorry…I completely forgot."

"No shit," came the grumpy, muffled voice of the engineer. Then taking her pillow away, she sighed, shaking her head, "Well, crap…now I'm awake…thanks, Red."

Catching the pillow as Torres slung it at her, Janeway caught it and threw it back at her and said, "Oh hush, grumpy butt." Then ducking out of the way as the Klingon flung the pillow at her again, barely missing getting caught in the face, Kathryn pounced onto Torres and laughed, teasing, "You missed me."

As Kathryn and B'Elanna wrestled, Janeway losing ground quickly and ending up on her back, Seven slid out of the bed and stretched, stating, "That was an effective means in which to stir me, Kathryn. Perhaps we should program the computer with your voice instead?"

"How the hell do you two always managed to wake up so goddamned perky?" questioned Torres, pinning Janeway's arms upon her head.

"We're talented," Kathryn teased, feeling enthused now that she was pumped full of adreneline and not required to go anywhere or make apologies for her tardiness. After Torres stuck out her tongue, Janeway sighed, giving up trying to over-power the engineer and requested, "Kiss me."

"Oh no," B'Elanna started, "I'm not falling for that tactic, Red…it's the oldest one in the book." Then when Janeway pouted, she sighed and said, "I hate you…really, I mean it."

"I hate you too, now kiss me dammit." When Torres released her arms and kissed her sweetly, Janeway hummed, wrapped her arms around the brunette's neck and then said, softly, "Thank you." Then looking up and over at Seven as she waltzed out of the closet in her white, terry cloth robe, Janeway asked, "Darling, where are you going?"

"I am 'going' to retrieve you and B'Elanna Torres a cup of coffee," Seven stated as she walked out of the bedroom, tapping her hand to the sensor to open the door, which they normally didn't shut, but felt the need last night just because they were all together and hoping that somehow, shutting the second door would keep them from being interrupted. Since they had indeed not been interrupted, Seven deemed that reason enough for her to continue to close the door when they retired for the evening together, which, unfortunately, wasn't as often as one would think considering they both worked on the Alpha shift; however, it was usually the captain who was required to work late. Although, Seven had to admit that since they had begun their life together in the same dwelling, and after the Mister X incident, the captain had yet to not return, even if it was in the wee hours of the morning, when at others times, Seven figured Kathryn would have just stayed in her Ready Room.

Sighing, Torres shook her head, rolling off of Janeway so she could get back under the covers and said, "She's too good for us."

"I tend to agree, but don't tell her that," Janeway whispered, laying back and stretching. "Mmm…I feel wonderful." Then sitting up as Seven reentered the bedroom, coffee in hand, smiling and moving rather quickly, which the captain knew meant she was happy and feeling the need to be efficient, she said, "Thank you, love," as Seven handed the silver, steaming mug to her and sat on the edge of the bed after giving B'Elanna her coffee as well. Eyeing Seven over the rim of her mug, she asked, "Seven, how do you feel?" just to hear the answer she loved.

"I am functioning efficiently, Kathryn," Seven stated brightly, sitting upright and as straight as she could in her half-turned position. "Even though I feel as though it is not required, I am under orders to regenerate for three hours this afternoon before I am required to report to the Shuttle Bay." Then smirking slightly, she went on, "Therefore, I believe it was fortunate for you to awake in such a manner, so that I may have time to consume a nutritional supplement with you both before I must depart."

"Mmm…food is good," B'Elanna nodded, raising up and kissing Seven. "Thanks for the coffee, babe."

"You are welcome, 'babe,'" Seven answered. Then noticing something on the captain she hadn't before as she leaned over and set her mug down, the blonde stated, "Kathryn, you have been damaged." When Janeway asked her to explain with a soft, "huh?" Seven pointed to her torso that was heavily exposed due to wrestling match with B'Elanna, and stated, "You have a 'bruise.'"

Looking down at her chest, specifically just below her left breast, recognizing the purple, oval mark, she mumbled, "Oh…well, at least it's there and not on my neck." When Seven furrowed her brow, she laughed and pointed to Torres as she closed up her robe, "Ask Miss Mouth there."

"Seven, I don't know what's she talking about," Torres said, handing her cup to the blonde. "Hold that."

As Torres went into the bathroom, Seven turned back to Kathryn and asked, "Does it not hurt?"

Janeway turned up one corner of her mouth and said, "No, darling…it's fine." Then chuckling, Janeway crawled over to Seven and said before she kissed her, "I just don't have beauty bugs to help me out like some of us."

Poking her head out of the bathroom, Torres clapped her hands and said, "Chop, chop…I'm hungry."

Janeway sighed and asked, climbing off the bed, "Now, you're in a hurry? What happened to B'Elanna 'I hate mornings' Torres?"

"I got laid last night…three times."


 

After a friendly shower, the threesome trotted happily, and not afraid to show it, to the Mess Hall where their presence together was indeed the spectacle, but Janeway grinned to herself as she noticed that the various conversations that she overheard while she ate were not only more quiet than they normally were, but contained nothing about the group, or any potentially terrifying situations, and since no one was shooting her daggers, she figured her message had done its job. She knew she couldn't completely protect the child from such things, and that the older she got and the more about life she understood, the more complicated the situation would become, but for now she figured her crew had taken her words to heart, and she was not only grateful, but proud of them, and planned to show it by not bringing up the event at all.

After a pleasant breakfast where they all took their time since there was no rush, B'Elanna saw them both back to the captain's quarters and then said goodbye for the day, informing them that there were a few things she wanted to take care of before they took off for a few days. Both Janeway and Seven completely understood, and after saying farewell to the engineer, the captain and the Borg straightened up their quarters as they talked about last night, at Kathryn's request, wanting to make certain Seven was still feeling comfortable, which she absolutely was and explained the situation to the redhead, telling her that she had not been really distressed in the least last night, simply unprepared for her reaction.

The captain chuckled at that and murmured that Seven wasn't the only one caught off guard, and after they changed the sheets on the bed and remade it so that it would be waiting for them when they returned, they went their separate ways as well. The captain needing to go to see to things on the Bridge and with the crew exchange since Chakotay was going to have to come back and take over for her since Tuvok and Fowler would also be in the mission, and Seven wanting to go monitor the commuter traffic to the space hub for a few more hours, hoping to gain some more information before she had to regenerate.

Unspoken between all of them was the knowledge that they also needed to distance themselves from each other for a while since they would not be able to show much affection to each other while on the mission, for all of their sakes, but especially Seven's and B'Elanna's, so after a passionate kiss goodbye, Janeway breezed out of her quarters and started for the Bridge while Seven hung back for a few minutes to see to the rest of the straightening.

As she took the long way to the turbolift since there was no need to bound down the hall like she normally did, Kathryn glanced down the hallway to her right before she took it, habitually checking her surroundings without even thinking about it now; although, every now and again she caught herself acting in such a manner, but something inside of her kept her mind kept her from letting her guard down at this time, and truth be known, she wasn't sure she ever would again...at least not in the Delta Quadrant or on Voyager. That hallway took her to the other side of the ship and then turning the corner, taking it wide, which was also habit, staring for the turbolift on that side, she saw Nicole Fowler exit her cabin ahead of her. As Fowler started for the turbolift, dressed in her martial arts outfit, which was black, but the back of the jacket had a beautifully embroidered green, red and gold dragon on it, Janeway whistled and said, holding up her hand and trotting over to the tall pilot, "Wait for me, huh?"

"Morning, Captain," Fowler greeted, turning around at the sound. Frowning as Janeway came up to her, she asked, "You're not on duty today, are you?"

"Not technically, but there's a few things I need to see to," Janeway answered as they started toward the turbolift. Looking her up and down in an observatory manner, she tapped her back with her index finger, and remarked, "This is very beautiful…was it a gift?"

"Yea…a gift for myself," Fowler smiled, looking at her back over her shoulder, "I thought it was time I had something nice to wear."

"Well, it suits you," Janeway nodded. "Are you going to workout before we go?"

Stepping into the turbolift, Fowler answered, "Not exactly. Where are you headed?"

"You can go first…I'm not in a hurry."

"Deck Eleven." Then turning to Janeway, she explained, "I have a series of routines that I like to do before I'm required to remain focused for a long time…they help me concentrate…get out any anxiety or concerns I have for possibly having to use deadly force."

Nodding, Janeway crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Me too…it's called coffee." When Fowler laughed but looked away quickly, Kathryn said, "Computer, halt turbolift." Then clearing her throat, but remaining in her casual stance, she explained, "Sorry, sometimes this is the only place where I can get some privacy. I'd like to talk to you a minute about this mission."

Fowler sighed, turned to Janeway and said, "Captain, about yesterday...you have every right to be miffed at me for pulling Tuvok aside like that." Putting her hands on her hips, she said, "I don't doubt you in the least…I'm just concerned for your wellfare. You're my captain…I feel like it's my job."

Janeway held up her hand and said, "I understand, Nick…and I'm not mad. Yes, I was irritated, but don't think I don't understand either." Smiling crookedly, she said, "I've had to put up with this ever since I got into command…and I'm not sure it will ever get any easier." Shaking her head, she said, "I'm not stupid…I know my size automatically puts me at a disadvantage in tough situations, and I try not to take it personally, even if it's hard to swallow. And normally, I wouldn't go on a mission like this for that reason, but," she sighed, "there's a specific reason why I am going that you don't know about." When Fowler snapped her head up, she explained, "This is classified information, and at first I didn't really think that you needed to know, but," sighing and chuckling, "after some thought, I've changed my mind." Then standing up straight, she said surely, "However, this stays between you, me, Tuvok, and the Almighty for the moment…understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Nodding at that, figuring such a formal answer meant that she had made her point well enough, Kathryn went on, "This Venkat character seems to have a weakness for attractive women, so we're hoping to exploit that. That's why I'm going…obviously, Chakotay can't pull that off no matter how much make-up we put on him."

Scratching the back of her head, Fowler sighed and said, "Captain, are you sure this a good idea?" Thinking quickly, not wanting to put Janeway in a situation anywhere similar to one she had with Mister X again anytime soon, knowing from her private conversations with B'Elanna that she wasn't completely over the experience, she suggested, "What about Seven? She's gorgeous…and..."

"No. Seven's doesn't have enough experience with type of thing," the captain interrupted, "and she can't act her way out of paper bag, I'm afraid." Then explaining the rest quickly, not wanting to tie up the turbolift for much longer, she went on, "B'Elanna's too easily ruffled, and we need her to gather supplies and you," she raised her hand up in respect, then crossed her arms over her chest, "well, no offense, Miss Fowler, but you'd probably scare that hell out of this fellow. You're too much of a physical presence." Then patting her on the shoulder as Fowler nodded in acceptance, she said, "I appreciate your concern, really, but I've done this more times than you know. Computer resume."

Once the turbolift stopped, Janeway stepped out of it with her, wanting to talk for a little longer and said, "I've already discussed all of this in length with Tuvok. We'll feel this guy out, and if I think that he isn't going to take the bait with Tuvok at my side, I'm going to order you to be my escort…so I want you prepared for that. Tuvok's not much of an actor either, I'm afraid…so it's a good possibility."

"I guess with all of that Vulcan logic it would make it kind of tough," Fowler sighed. "Alright, Captain…I'll be ready." Then stopping her quickly, she whispered, "There's just one thing…Torres and Seven aren't going to like this when they find out."

"I know, but by that time, it will be too late for them to say anything," Janeway came back easily. Patting her on the arm a final time, she said, walking away, "You just leave them to me…have fun with your exercises."


 

While his squad stood at attention in the Shuttle Bay as he inspected them and they waited for the captain's arrival, something he knew would be at the very last moment, as she had planned, he stepped first in front of Fowler and looked her over carefully. First Regal Devin had initially requested that a member of her crew accompany the Elite Force, but after some talk, and intelligence reports, they decided that it was best that he did not since the Fynth were remarkable in their appearances and not easily disguised. Since part of their mission, the captain's part specifically, was to gain inside information as to if the Fynth government was still going to be a problem for them, they all agreed that a Fynth should not be included simply because it was vital that the team remain incognito.

Each of them were dressed in various outfits which they hoped would help distract from their military objective and security formation, and also concealed some of their non-standard accessories. Fowler was dressed in a tattered at the hem pair of rustic blue jeans that were thick enough to protect her skin, but loose enough that they didn't hinder the movement of her legs. Under them was a pair of combat boots, and not only did she have a knife tucked into them, but each of the squad had shoes which contained a small phaser that was seated in the heel, which was removable. The other heel contained a power cell, and since they most likely wouldn't be able to carry conventional weapons around with them, Tuvok was pleased with that since it was virtually undetectable thanks to the material the boots were made out of; the natural properties created a small electric field which would confuse standard scanning devices.

Fowler wore a simple, long sleeved grey t-shirt and was donning a beat up, dusty brown, leather flight jacket over that. Her hair was in it's normal long braid, and she wore no make-up, as instructed, which didn't make her look any different because she never wore any in the first place, except for clear lip gloss from time to time. She looked very much the pilot type, according to Earth Standard, which was perfect since that's what her cover story was, or at least, that's all she was aware of at the moment, but had a feeling the captain had other plans for her as well.

Nodding at Fowler, he stepped to his left to Samuel Wang and looked him over. Samuel was a well-groomed man, and they wanted to keep that appearance, hoping the man's easy voice and passiveness could get him into some of the up-scale places of the space hub to gather intelligence, and more readily available supplies. Since the ensign was more than capable of defending himself against several enemies, including armed ones, Tuvok was not concerned about sending him off alone for a few hours at a time. He was wearing a nicely tailored suit, simple, but elegant in it's rusty grey color, the smoky undershirt offsetting the color of the jacket and pants well. His shoes were also boots, but the color matched his undershirt, and since his pants were long and loose at the bottom, they covered the fact that they were combat style boots and not dress shoes. He also carried a purse over his shoulder which contained medical supplies, which went along with this cover story that he was a doctor.

Moving onto Seven of Nine who was wearing a dark green fatigue style outfit as well as a pair of tight leather gloves over her hands to hide her implants, which was the only concern with regards to the ex-drone. Her hair was out of its normal austere bun and pulled into a much less elegant pony-tail. Her shirt was tight and ribbed, but she wore a vest over it, which was bulky enough that it hid a good portion of her womanly figure, with the help of her tight-sport style bra underneath. The pants were thick and had many pockets, but were darker than her shirt, almost black. She also had on a pair of combat boots, which the pants were tucked into, and other than her phaser in the heel, she didn't have any other weapons; her enhanced strength and agility enough, as well as her enhanced hand that Tuvok had been pleased to learn that the tips could be manipulated into sharp razors quickly, and she wouldn't be required to take off her gloves to do so, which was also a plus.

Seven of Nine, or Annika Hansen, as she would be known as for the next few days, was supposed to portray somewhat of a strange loner whose goal in life seemed to be to travel with diverse groups, learn of technology and find trouble. Since Seven was such a cool customer who most people thought was rather odd once she opened her mouth, they figured she wouldn't have much problem convincing anyone of that, and furthermore, getting them to back off quickly. Her implants were now merely facial art, and to further that cause, she also wore a Bajoran style earring on her ear and had a fake tattoo of a snake running from her ear down her neck, past her collar.

After nodding and raising his eyebrow at Seven, who smirked back at him when he investigated the tattoo, which had not been part of the plan but a spur of the moment idea of Torres', the two women dressing together this afternoon, he moved finally onto Torres who was donning standard Klingon attire and looking very much the honorable warrior. The only big difference was that Klingon females usually showed a good deal of cleavage in their various outfits, but B'Elanna did not because it was unnecessary, and no one they would meet would know either way since she was the only Klingon in the Delta Quadrant. She was dressed much more like a male Klingon rather than a female, which B'Elanna actually preferred for this kind of mission. Her QIS (ceremonial knife) was tucked visibly into her belt, which he did not protest since he thought if they were stopped at some kind of security checkpoint, it would look suspicious if none of them were armed at all. Torres' story was pretty much the truth: she was a Klingon engineer.

After he was finished inspecting her, he asked her in Klingon, having requested that she study her mother's native language and use the rough attitude as much as possible on this mission, if today was a good day to die.

Grinning, Torres grabbed him by his collar and growled, "HIja'." Then pounding his chest once, she said with emphasis, "Qapla'. togh, Tuvok!"

Tuvok raised his eyebrow at that and then said, "That will suffice, Lieutenant."

Stepping back into formation and smiling proudly, knowing she had proven her point, the chief straightened even more and looked forward as she heard the large doors to the Shuttle bay open and Tuvok announced, "Captain on deck." Since they hadn't discussed what the captain's cover story was yet, she had no idea what Janeway was going to look like, but she resisted the urge to turn her head at the sound of the captain's heels clicking her way, knowing she would find out soon enough. However, her eyes did widen, but only for an instant as Janeway breezed past her purposeful but elegant, which always bewildered B'Elanna as to how she managed that, and set down her small duffel bag. She wasn't surprised that the captain was wearing a dress, or at least a shirt, her upper half covered by an olive color jacket which she had buttoned all the way up to her collar bone, but she was surprised by the sizable slits in each side of the skirt and the sexy, black leather knee-high boots with a noticeable thick heel that suddenly made Janeway a few centimeters taller than she normally was. Torres had no idea, as well, how she could manage to walk around in such shoes, but as her heels sounded steadily as she paced around them silently, B'Elanna figured she could probably make serious tracks in the boots without a problem, at least she hoped so.

When Janeway stopped in front of her and sneered in Klingon that there were Klingon's around here, Torres looked her up and down on purpose, then answered affirmatively and forcefully.

"wejpuH (Charming)," the captain came back sarcastically, leaving her quickly and then came to a stop in front of Seven. Looking her tall Astrometrics officer up and down, then laughing as she saw the tattoo, she patted her shoulder and said, "Let me guess…the Klingon?"

"That is correct, Captain."

Moving over to Wang, she brushed the lint off his color and said, "You look very dapper, Ensign."

"Thank you, Captain."

Now at Folwer, she merely patted her arm, catching her knowing glance as to her jacket that was concealing the rest of her outfit, not wanting to unveil it just yet, she said, "Nice jacket…"

"Thank you, Captain."

Then finally over to Tuvok who was wearing a plain, grey pants suit which was thick enough and loose enough that it hide his highly toned body very well and made him look rather passive, which indeed he was, but Kathryn also knew that he could, and would use physical deadly force if necessary without question and could easily overpower most individuals quickly, she said, "Good color." When Tuvok raised his eyebrow at her, she smiled and said, clearing her throat stepping away and standing before them, "Report."

"The Delta Flyer, now known as the New York, is prepped and ready for immediate departure. All systems are nominal," Tuvok explained, turning his head toward the captain as she continued to eye everyone silently. "Emergency field rations and standard issue survival packs are stocked. Six compression phaser rifles and six standard hand phasers are stored in the floor of the aft compartment, as well as three extra power cells for each. Seven of Nine has installed a dispersion field generator, which surrounds the compartment and should keep it hidden from sensors. All crew compartments are settled and our intelligence as well as the data from Astrometrics is programmed into the computer." Raising and eyebrow, he stated, "We are ready, Captain."

"Good…Listen up," Janeway started, placing her hands behind her back as she started making a slow circuit around them, "From here on out, you are your cover stories…start using your first names now, Annika, especially you, so that when we get there tomorrow afternoon, you're used to it." After they all said, "Yes, Captain," she chuckled and ordered, "Call me, Kate."

After more affirmations, the captain explain, "My story is simple. I'm just a woman, traveling with you, who tends to be a tad bit bossy and likes to get her way." When Fowler and Torres snickered, she chuckled as well, smiling, coming up in front of them and stopping, "Fortunately, I've got a lot of money, and my father owns the business you work for, so you put up with me." Then pointing to Torres, she informed, "I hate you, and the feeling is mutual." Then to Seven, she said, "We don't talk," onto Wang, "Samuel, I think you're charming, but you're not my type," to Fowler, "Nick, we're old friends," and to the commander, "Tuvok, you do my bidding." Then turning to them all, "Are we all clear on that?"

"Yes, Kate."

"Then let's go."


After disembarking from Voyager, receiving a quiet sendoff by Commander Chakotay and First Regal Devin, and the New York was on course for Burnhouse, the captain, still wearing her coat, snatched up her small duffel bag, which contained one provocative, to extremes, black gown, another shirt that she could wear with her current skirt, and few accessories to complete the image she was hoping to portray once they reached the space hub.

Ducking into the aft compartment, glad there was a small table in the back since she didn't want to be seen too often in the forward compartment and get in the way of the force's activities, realizing that even though she was still technically in command and would continue to give them orders, she should also attempt to take a step back and let them work alone since she doubted she would be accompanying them on each of their missions, and if they were to be successful, they would have to learn how to operate in real-life situations without her leadership. Setting her bag on the table, the captain put her hands on her hips as she glanced around at the four cots that were set up and made up for the group. She felt somewhat selfish about requisitioning one for herself for the entire mission, well, until they left Burnhouse and started home, but she knew it was important to keep the team on alert and in rotating shifts, and since she was supposed to portray a spoiled princess, with a cunning and rather naughty streak, she would have to make it look like she had her very own bunk, just in case an inspection was done of the New York, which they were fully prepared for.

As she pulled out her clothing and personal hygiene products on the bunk closest to the forward hatch and on the bottom, she glanced up as the door between compartments was opened. Recognizing the black, spiked at the toe boots of her Klingon engineer, she said, "Nice boots."

Torres hopped down the stairs and said leaning on the upper cot and looking in on the captain as she inventoried her supplies, "Thanks…yours aren't so bad either." Then snickering softly, she informed, "Annika sent me in here to ask you if she's allowed to talk to you while we're in the shuttle?"

Bringing her and to her mouth in a fist and holding back her laughter, Janeway managed, "I guess I should have been more specific?" Then shaking her head and hurriedly folding her clothes, sticking them under the pillow, she snatched up her make-up and other things and placed them on the small shelf that was near the two cots, hoping that the addition would make it look like this shuttle was somewhat lived in, and knowing there was absolutely no room for anything extra in the insanely small bathroom the New York donned.

Turning around, Janeway said as she started toward the stairs, "Stay here for a moment, I need to speak with you and Annika privately."

"Aye…uh, whatever," Torres started, then amended, trying to remember that she was supposed to hate the redhead, not happy with that, but not surprised since as the Klingon had discovered while reading her cover story and how she was supposed to interact with her comrades, she didn't get along with anyone, but she and Seven of Nine tolerated each other and tended to stick together, even if they didn't talk much. She knew she could pull that roll off with everyone else, but she had to admit to herself that it would take a little getting used to 'hating' the captain.

Janeway rolled her eyes once at Torres' lame attempt, keeping the gesture hidden from the woman since she knew it was going to take a little doing herself getting used to treating Torres poorly, she opened the hatch that separated the two compartments on the fairly roomy shuttle and informed after climbing the stairs, "Annika…I'd like to speak with you for a moment."

When Seven of Nine, who was seated across from Fowler, who was flying their shuttle manually at the moment, no doubt wanting to get reacquainted to the non-standard controls before they possibly had to make a hasty departure, turned her head toward the back, her medium-length pony tail wiping around, but only stared at her, Janeway sighed in humor and said, "Seven, you can talk to me while we're in the shuttle."

Nodding her head and sighing, the tall blonde stated as she stood and started toward the back, "Very well…thank you for clarifying, Cap…Kate."

Janeway stepped down and ordered as Seven came through the small opening, having to duck just slightly, "Close the door, please." Then clearing her throat as she started unbuttoning her jacket with her back to Torres and Seven, who were standing straight, anxious and not certain what was about to occur, she started, "Normally, I'd never dream of having this discussion with my crew, but," slipping the jacket off her shoulders and revealing at least the back of her shirt, which revealed more than she normally did, and hanging it over the back of one of the chairs at the small table, "I realize that not everything happens as I wish it should…or could. So," turning around and revealing the front of her olive, wrap-around, almost backless, tanktop as Torres' mouth fell open on its own accord and Seven of Nine's gloved hands instantly flexed into tight balls at her side, "I'm willing, this time, to let you two have your say. It won't change anything, I assure you, but it's vital that we're clear." "I am contemplating my response. I require more time."

Nodding once, she turned to B'Elanna—who had finally closed her mouth, knowing that at least Torres, who would most definitely have something to add, which would most likely be colorful, since she looked like she was chomping at the bit as she waited to be addressed—and responded, "Fine…B'Elanna?"

"You can't be serious?" the engineer huffed, placing her hands on her hips as well. When Janeway didn't say anything, she went on, "Why on earth are you dressed like…that?"

Looking down at her outfit, knowing she was showing much more skin and other things that she normally did not, the redhead perched on the edge of the table and answered, "It's part of the plan. We're here to gain supplies and intelligence. You, Seven, and Samuel are taking care of the supplies, and the rest of us…mostly me, will handle the information." Then sighing as Seven finally turned around toward her and placed her hands behind her back, obviously signaling that she was prepared to comment, she ignored that for the moment and went on, "This overlord character, Venkat, can give us information on the Fynth and their allies, as well as plenty more…I'm sure. The word is that he has a big mouth and a penchant for attractive women…thus the attire." Placing one hand on her hip as she slid off the table, "Lanna, you and I both know how easily men like this Venkat will talk once they've got a drink in their hand and pretty lady at their side…that's all this is."

"No, it's trouble, Red…with a capital T!" Torres came back quickly and more heated. Pointing at Janeway's feet, she said, "You go into that place like that with your 'come fuck me' boots," then lifting her hand to the captain's exposed chest which revealed a great deal of her cleavage, the redhead wearing a special bra which enhanced her attributes, "and the land of milk and honey popping out…and he's going to expect something." Sighing, she spat, "Kahless, Kathryn, I can't stop looking at your tits!"

When Seven nodded once stern in silent agreement, Janeway sighed and said, raising her hands to her hips, "B'Elanna…that's the point." When Torres turned around and started cursing up a storm in Klingon, English and Bajoran, under her breath, Kathryn looked over at Seven, lifted her head and asked, "Seven….you have something to say?"

Unwinding her hands and letting them swing freely, she queried, "May I ask you questions before I give you my opinion?"

"Yes."

Looking down at the captain's boots, Seven questioned, "Are you comfortable in that footwear?" When Janeway nodded yes easily, she asked, "If the situation arose where you had to flee, could you escape efficiently?"

Janeway hopped back up in the table, crossed her legs, letting the slits in her dress expose her legs to her mid-thigh while she stated, "Actually, yes…they're not nearly as uncomfortable as they look…and the heel and the ankles are well supported. They don't feel much different than my uniform boots."

"Are they equipped with a phaser and a power cell as well?"

"Yes."

When B'Elanna finally stopped ranting and raving and turned around, crossing her arms over her chest, and started listening to the conversation, Janeway jumped down off the table and said, reaching back behind her thigh, "I've also got this, " pulling out a small, four inch dagger, "which should come in handy, just in case, and unless I missed something…neither of you noticed it?"

Raising her eyebrow in surprised, Seven admitted, "I believe my attention was diverted…elsewhere."

Janeway cocked her eyebrow right back at her, and said, "Exactly." Then replacing her knife, lifting the slit in her skirt to show them the thigh holster, which was practically invisible when covered with her skirt since it stuck right to her leg and the blade was very thin, but undeniably lethal. Then walking up to them both, she reaching into her bra and pulled out a small pouch containing a graining, black substance.

"What's that…your pheromones?" asked the engineer corrosively.

"Clever girl," Janeway came back with the same attitude, without missing a beat, catching the joke about her Captain Proton incident. "No, it's just pepper." When Seven of Nine furrowed her brow, Janeway dipped her finger in the substance which had been ground down until it was almost like sand and stuck it up to the Borg's nose, requesting, "Take a whiff."

When Seven did so and then proceeded to sneeze several times and then cough, the captain sealed the pouch back up and replaced it. As Seven looked at her red-eyed and clearly annoyed, Kathryn offered, "I'm sorry, Seven…I was just trying to prove a point."

Changing tactics completely, Torres stepped up to their scantily clad lover and said, grabbing her shoulders, but not forcefully, "Kathryn, I'm sure your bag of tricks could do some serious damage, but…cowgirl," using that term since sometimes it was the only way to get through to the stubborn woman, "this guy's gonna's have his hands all over you." Sighing, she moved away pacing, "Okay, I mean really…and you know what, I would too…if I were like that still. If I saw you in a bar, or wherever dressed like that…I'd think, 'There's a chick who wants to be screwed,' and promptly go introduce myself. He's not going to tell you the truth…he's going to feed you bullshit and try to get you into bed." B'Elanna came quickly back up to Kathryn again and whispered, "Baby, trust me on this...this is something I know a lot about."

"Kathryn, I believe B'Elanna Torres is correct." Then placing her hands behind her back, Seven went on, "Furthermore, I am not comfortable with the possibility of this man touching you in such a manner. It is unacceptable." Then firmly, she finished, "It is dishonorable to B'Elanna Torres, and I do not wish it. There must be a line drawn between your duty to your ships and your partners, as well as yourself."

"One," Janeway cracked immediately, and as harshly as she'd ever spoken to either of them...although the tone died down, somewhat, as she continued to speak, "this man is not going to touch me! There's a big difference between looking and touching, and if he tries to take advantage of that privilege, Tuvok and Nick will break his knuckles, and I don't have a problem with that." Crossing her arms over her chest, she said, "Two, I'm fairly insulted that you would believe that at this point in our relationship that I would allow that." When Seven looked away in regret, she said, "Three, I feel as though I'm going above and beyond the call of duty with regards to the two of you by even having this discussion and letting you have your say to get whatever you need to off your chests before we arrive, but like I said, I understand that this situation is complicated, and for your own safety, as for the rest of our group, I'm making an allowance to clear the air."

Sighing, Seven stated, "Kathryn, I apologize for making assumptions. However, I still feel it is an unacceptable risk." Shaking her head, she asked desperately, "Why must you take this risk? Explain."

"Seven," Janeway exasperated, "Devin and her crew risked their lives for us…for you. You heard the communication network…everyone's on the lookout for us. We've got three, possibly four weeks of terrain to cover before we can let our guard down, and not only do we desperately need to gain supplies for the Alaxiat, but Voyager needs supplies too, and this is the place to get it, and this man," she said walking up close to Seven, "has a lot of influence on the underbelly of this sector. If the Fynth were going to pay anyone to track us down, they'd either pay him directly, or go through him to find someone. This is vital…that's why it's an acceptable risk."

Frustrated, Kathryn turned around, rubbed her forehead and said with spite, "And, there are some risks that I think are unacceptable…and letting this man have his way with me is absolutely one of them." Turning around and staring at B'Elanna, she said, "Contrary to what you might think, I'm not looking to get screwed, " then to Seven, "or fondled. I'm going to get information, and this is the fastest and, despite what you think, safest way to gather it." Holding her hands out, glancing down at herself, she said with hurt in her voice, "Look at me…who would I scare? No one." Then grabbing her jacket, worried that if she continued the conversation, she would say more than she wanted to admit, she barked, "This discussion is over. Your job is to gather supplies and provide security." Throwing on her jacket, but leaving it unbuttoned, she finished, starting toward the stairs, "Mine is to look pretty, which seems to be all I'm good at anymore." Then opening the door, she stepped out into the other compartment and slammed it shut, not caring that the rest of the group just turned around and looked right at her, startled. When Tuvok raised his eyebrow, not surprised by what he saw, and then turned back around, and Wang averted his eyes quickly at the sight of the captain's bare midriff, which was just lightly muscled, and her softly billowing cleavage, and Fowler did a more than a double-take, then smirked, clearing her throat as she turned back to her piloting, Janeway sighed and said, "They're called breasts, people…we've all seen them before."


 

"Fan-fucking-tastic!" Torres cursed, spinning around enraged, hurt, regretful and downright pissed at the captain and herself at the same time, searching for something to throw across the room, needing to hear the sound of damage being inflicted. "Fuck!"

When Seven of Nine saw Torres go for the captain's small bottle of perfume, she quickly intercepted her hand and said, pulling it back forcefully, but keeping her grip loose enough that the chief would not be injured, "B'Elanna Torres, do not break that vile!" When the Klingon spun around and snarled at her, she said quickly, handing her a pillow to toss instead, "The aroma would be unpleasant."

Snatching up the pillow and chucking it across the room, the Klingon seethed, pounding her fist into her other hand, "Christ! I'm so fucking mad I could spit." Then doing so and wiping her mouth, she spun around again, put her hands on her hips and sighed, saying through clenched teeth, "And I don't even know why anymore." Looking up at Seven for guidance, she asked, "Seven, what the fuck is going on with her these days?" Shaking her head, she admitted before the Borg could answer, "I don't know her like you do. Why the fuck is she doing this…and what the hell was that last comment about?"

Seven placed her hands on her hips again, ignoring the profanity since she was accustomed to it when the engineer was in a rage, and started pacing as she spoke, "I am not entirely certain as to Kathryn's thought processes at this time. However, I believe she is displaying typical behavior…perhaps just in a fashion to which we are unaccustomed since this situation is not…ordinary." Sighing, she stopped, turned and continued, placing her arms behind her back, as she did whenever she stated what she believed was fact, "As to her final comment, I believe it stems from recent events. As of late, her ship has been attacked by a superior intelligence and there was little she could do to defend her vessel. She was personally stalked and attacked by a larger individual who used his greater size to his advantage and damaged her on several occasions, and her burden to protect is now greater with the addition of the Alaxiat. I believe her deepening relationship with Naomi Wildman is also a factor."

Then sighing again in deep regret, Seven placed her hands on her hips a second time and said, softer, "We are not assisting her as she requires. We have continued to assert our greater physical strength in a protective manner, and I believe she is beginning to feel powerless…thus her comment."

Now smacking her forehead three times, B'Elanna said, "Stupid, stupid, stupid! Kahless, I'm such and fucking idiot!" Turning around, she pointed at Seven and stated, "Nick warned me about this shit…Christ, I can't believe I didn't see it." Then putting her hands on her hips and marching around in a wide circle, she muttered to herself, mostly, "But how do we do this? We can't just let her go off like a crazy woman, hell-fucking-bent to make a point and get herself into trouble." Scratching her head, she asked, louder, "What should we do, Seven? You're the smart one."

The tall blonde placed her arms behind her back again and watched Torres pace around her as she spoke. "We must allow her to be the captain, B'Elanna Torres. She has been this longer than you and I have known her put together. She is unable to completely separate that aspect of her existence at this time, and I believe we have erred in our attempts to lighten her burden, and only compounded the situation." Stopping Torres' pacing by clasping onto her shoulder, she stated, "We must…'back off,' and let the 'storm pass.'" When she saw that B'Elanna was about to protest, she said, "Kathryn is resilient and adaptable…we are aware of this...however, she also has been known to allow her pride to get the 'better' of her. If we do not adapt, she will persist with this type of behavior, and its frequency and severity will only increase."

Seven then let go of the Klingon's thickly padded shoulder, and informed, "I will not call this a character flaw because she would not be the captain and individual she is without it…however, it does make our 'job' to protect her more difficult. For her own protection, we should allow Kathryn to protect herself." Titling her head and raising her eyebrow, the Borg stated, "I am confident that it will only take the success of this endeavor for her to regain her own self-worth since it usually takes many circumstances to cause her to react negatively, but usually only one contrary situation to reclaim her confidence. Therefore, our mission is then to make certain she is successful." When Torres took a deep breath and then nodded, Seven placed her hand on her shoulder again and stated, "However, I believe that once Kathryn adapts, we will have to adapt permanently as well."

"What do you mean?"

"I believe we have underestimated her primary objective."

"Seven," Torres sighed, patting her arm, "would you speak English or at least Klingon please…for my sake?"

Nodding once, Seven said, "I believe her primary objective in 'life' is to live up to her own expectations. She has shared many stories about her childhood, especially with regards to her father, and she has matured with the thought process of having to attain certain goals…some of which I believe are illogical." Looking away for a moment, she added, "It is not unlike the Borg. She desires perfection in a sense. She wishes to live up to her perceived goals of her father, and I believe she thinks she is failing on many levels. The fact that she is not as capable of defending herself against larger individuals in hand to hand combat simply because of her genetic make-up is at the forefront at this moment."

Torres sat on the cot and asked with her hands on her knees, "Are you sure?"

"I have observed the perfection that is Kathryn Janeway for three years, and have acquired nine hund…a significant amount of data on her in my objective to explain why I love and admire her, precisely," Seven stated, standing ramrod straight, her arms swinging just slightly as she spoke. "It is a personal endeavor, suffice it to say, and I am certain my observations are accurate to date. She is…complex…to say the least, which is undoubtedly why I cannot adequately anticipate each of her reactions. However, now that she has acted in this manner, I believe my analysis of the situation is accurate." Sighing, Seven stated, "It will undoubtedly be a lengthy process…'trial and error'…but I feel as though I must inform you that if we wish to maintain our relationship with her, we must adapt and suppress our desire to protect her from harm, unless she wishes us to do so."

Then placing her arms behind her back, Seven nodded and stated, "I believe this is an acceptable compromise for us to make. She too has adapted for our benefit. She expresses her affection for us in ways I believe she, the captain, does not agree with, while on duty...however, she continues to do so, without pause or frequent, believable, signs of regret. She has spoken with us this afternoon in a fashion she would not have done in the past, or with others. She delegates her 'workload' now more than she has ever done so before, and has not once regenerated in her Ready Room except for the incident with her stalker. I believe she has made more sacrifices than we have combined…and we have merely reaped the benefits."

Sitting down next to Torres and placing her gloved hand on the brunette's, she stated, "This is a sacrifice we must make for her so that she may continue to flourish, as we wish her to do."

Grabbing Seven's hands and then hugging the Borg, Torres said, "Dollface…thank you." Then pulling away, she kissed her quickly and admitted, "If I didn't have you to help me…I would have fucked this up for sure." Then resting her head on her shoulder as Seven wrapped her arm around her, she went on, "And you're right…we have been kind of selfish lately with stuff. Always coming to her office in the middle of the day, expecting her to act differently just because we love her…god, of course she's rebelling…that's what I'd do." Sighing and standing, needing to shake out her hands and her emotion, she laughed sardonically, "Shit…if I was in Red's shoes, I probably would have even less clothing on than she does…just to be defiant." With her hands on her hips, she paced slowly and said, nodding, "You're right…you're absolutely right. We've just got to let her be the captain. She's a damn good captain. She got this far without us hovering over her every move for seven years." Turning around, she said, talking as she nodded her head with emphasis, "We're just going to do our job and show her that we do believe in her." Then smiling wickedly, she informed, "And, if that filthy, mother fucker goes for the goods, not only will Nick rearrange his face, but I know from experience that Red's got the sharpest elbows in the known universe. He'll pay."

"Indeed," Seven nodded, standing and smirking as well. "I have also encountered Kathryn's elbows during her regeneration cycle. They are lethal…to say the least."

Grabbing Seven's shoulder, Torres took a deep breath, then smiled and said, "We can do this, dollface…I know it. We're tough…we stick together."

"That is correct. Kathryn's 'tits' are irrelevant. Resistance is futile."


 

As Janeway leaned over her shoulder and took a peek out of the forward window, Fowler glanced back, taking a peek of her own at the captain's bosom, but not completely obvious, and then whispered, "Nice outfit. You come here often?"

Laughing out loud, letting her pilot's sense of humor help expel her frustrations and own anxiety, Kathryn reached over, tugged lightly on Fowler's long braid and said, "Stop teasing me or I'll sick Seven on you." As Nicole chuckled, shook her head, and raised her hands in mercy, Janeway eased into Seven's chair since she had a feeling the Borg and her engineer would be in the aft compartment for some time, and feeling as though it was best to just give them the time to simmer down and work out their 'plan of action,' which the captain was well aware that they were very fond of doing, that being one of the reasons they continued to grow so close as friends, co-workers, and lovers. Shifting a little in her seat, trying to get used to the feeling of the knife that was strapped to the back of her thigh as she sat, and hoping to find a comfortable position, she whispered in honest curiosity, knowing, or at least hoping Fowler would give her an unbiased answer, "It's not too much?"

When Fowler faltered a little, Janeway glanced back behind her quickly at Tuvok, who was paying them no attention, or at least pretending to not, and then over to Wang, who had left his seat and was now accessing one of the sensor panels near the back, and then explained, leaning toward Nick since she didn't think they were being overheard, "Please, speak frankly…I'm honestly curious. Do you think it's too much?"

Looking over at the captain, and then laughing as she was granted another eyeful as Kathryn leaned over toward her, she forced her eyes upward and said, quiet and honestly, "Not really." Then shaking her head, she said with more purpose, but still in hushed tones, "No, Captain…it's just out of the ordinary…for you." Then smirking, she glanced back down at the redhead's cleavage, on purpose, nodding her head, and said, "I've dated women who would consider that subdued...and that's the truth. You look real nice…but like I said, it's just different."

When Janeway nodded once seriously, Nicole said, turning back to the controls, which wasn't necessary since she had put the shuttle on autopilot for the moment, but feeling as though out of respect for Torres, she shouldn't treat herself to anymore glances at the captain, "Kick ass boots, though."

Janeway smiled, looking down at the shoes she was growing fond of and planned to keep for her own use, although, she wasn't certain when she'd wear them, but hoping to find a reason while she was still young enough to pull it off and said, "They are rather nifty, aren't they?"

"Nifty's a word…" Fowler allowed, then followed, "just don't step on my toes, okay?"

"I'll do my best," Janeway came back, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Then leaning back, she made a familiar and predictable proclamation, "I need some coffee…want some?"

Glancing over out of habit when someone, especially her commanding officer, spoke to her, Fowler snapped her head back again as Janeway climbed out of the chair, leaning over which was an automatic habit since the roof was lower than normal, although, she wasn't tall enough to hit her head. As she was given yet another eye-full of Kathryn's chest before she turned her head, which everyone, except Tuvok, would secretly admit just demanded to be admired in such an outfit and because such a display was an anomaly, to say the very least, she said, quickly, "I'm fine…but thanks."

As Janeway walked away without saying a word, Fowler shook her head and absently scratched the base of her neck, as she tended to do when she was nervous or felt awkward, which she absolutely did. It wasn't that she had a crush on the captain, or anything really anywhere close to that, but she admitted that she found her very attractive, especially now that she had gotten to know her better, and considering Kathryn Janeway fit the type of woman she usually fell head over heels for, she couldn't help but keep herself on guard whenever she felt herself looking at the older woman as anything other than her commanding officer, or an acquaintance. Those moments were few and far between for the tall, green-eyed pilot. Part of that was that she knew Torres, probably her best friend on the ship these days, and Seven, who she still felt uneasy around, were madly in the love with the woman, and the feeling was obviously mutual, but Fowler honestly wondered how she was going to get through the next few days as having to not only pretend to be old friends with the woman, but be her personal escort, without having one or ten less than chaste thoughts as the classic beauty pranced around in her current attire which gave a supremely rare preview of her body.

The captain ignored Fowler's quick, wiping motion and her soft sigh, and decided as she approached the replicator that this was her just reward for being so "damn" modest all of the time. Deciding that the only way she, as well as her crew, was going to be able to get comfortable in such an outfit, was if she just let them choke and have their fill of furtive, naturally curious glances, the captain took off her jacket with no preamble, tossing it across the back of the science station chair and asked, "Samuel, be a dear and hang that on your chair, huh?"

When the man nodded and remained perfectly even, Kathryn nodded and said turning back to the replicator, "Thank you…you know, I've always liked you."

Understanding that the captain was attempting to break the death silence and play her part, Wang smiled and sighed, "But I'm not your type…its a shame, really..."

Cackling as Fowler laughed and Tuvok looked on, Janeway said, "Coffee…black." Then taking her mug out of the small replicator grid and turning around, she asked, "Anyone want some coffee…could be a long night?" When Fowler mumbled something under her breath as Samuel and Tuvok declined the offer, Janeway piped up, starting to feel better by the second, "Was it something I said?"

"I'm just flying, Cap…Kate."

"Hmm…I think everyone's developed a stuttering problem, Tu Tuvok," she laughed, looking over at her Security Chief, who seemed not at all amused, even for a Vulcan. Coming up to him, she patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry…I'm sure we'll adapt." When he remained quiet but nodded once in acknowledgement, she patted his shoulder again and teased, walking back to the front, "What do you think, Commander…maybe I should consider adapting my uniform?" Then stopping at the chair and turning back to him, leaning on it flirtatiously, as he looked at her with a distinctively surprised look on his emotionless face, she went on, "It might just boost moral and maximize efficiency?"

When all she got was a sarcastic, "Indeed," and then Fowler raised her hand, finally giving into the captain's attempts to make light of the situation and poke fun at herself, remarking, "I second," Janeway scoffed, waving her hand at her old friend's behavior, knowing he would understand she was just teasing him, and said, to Nick, patting her shoulder, "Thank you, Nick."

Laughing at her own anxiousness, Fowler shot back, starting to feel better as well, "Anytime, Kate…that's what friend's are for."

After a few silent minutes, all of them getting back to the their tasks, except the captain who didn't have anything to do except drink her coffee and look pretty at the moment, the tall brunette took the New York off autopilot and stated as Seven and Torres started out of the aft section, "We're coming up on our first course change."

Nodding, and then peeking over her shoulder as Torres took her seat in the back of the Flyer and Seven started toward her, Janeway eyed each of them closely, trying to determine what exactly their plan was, and praying that they hadn't made a personal pact to see to the captain's safety at all costs. When Seven came to a halt near her chair and placed her hands behind her back as Fowler took the tiny ship out of warp for an instant, changed course and then engaged the primary drive again, the movement of the shuttle seamless and smooth, Janeway slipped out of the chair and said, "Just keeping it warm for you."

Stopping Janeway where she was with a hand to her forearm, leaning down and whispering in her ear very softly, Seven stated, "I regret my actions, and you are capable of much more than being pretty, Captain, even though you are indeed so. I will comply." Then standing up straight, knowing no one else had heard a word she said or even witnessed the event since everyone was busy at work now that they were on a new course, and each of them had specific tasks to accomplish before they arrived tomorrow, Seven ducked and slid into her chair, beginning her own tasks at monitoring the shuttle's power output, scanning the area for any potential hazards that they had missed in Astrometrics, and responding to any communications that they might receive.

The captain stayed where she was for a few moments, turning around and standing between Seven and Fowler, closer to Seven, hoping to show her gratitude and understanding at the same time just by staying near, even if the time frame was short. Then squeezing Seven's shoulder, she turned around just in time to catch Torres' glance.

When the Klingon averted her eyes quickly, shaking her head and smirking slightly, the captain came up to her and sneered, "bImoHqu' (You look terrible.)"

"boch ghlcharj (Your nose is shiny)," Torres growled back playfully. Then huffing at Janeway, she demanded, "naDev vo' yIghoS (Go away!)"

Stymied, Janeway tapped her on the shoulder and asked, leaning down toward her, "What's that mean again?"

"Go away…beat it…get lost…scram," Torres informed, smiling and looking warmly into the captain's face. Then glancing down at her bosom on purpose, she snarled low in her throat, keeping it fairly quiet, then proclaimed them hers.

"Ha'DibaH (Animal!)," Janeway came back aghast, but clearly acting, then winked before she left.

Waving off the captain as she turned and left heading back toward the front since was used to leading rather than standing back and watching her officers work, Torres spat, proud, "BIlugh (You're right.)."

As Janeway came back up to the front and leaned on Seven's chair, but only because her coffee was in her right hand and the blonde was to her left, Fowler turned toward Janeway, able to look at her now without blushing and asked, somewhat frustrated, "Am I the only one who doesn't know any Klingon?"

After Wang chimed in from the back informing that he knew a few words, Seven stated flat, "That is correct."

As Fowler and Janeway both rolled their eyes at Seven, who continued to give the tall woman the arctic shoulder most of the time, Torres said, cheery, "Don't worry, Nick…I'll teach you."

"Who says I wanna to learn anyway?"

"Oh for heaven's sake," Janeway huffed, turning and walking up to Wang, "Samuel, I think I'll just keep you company while the children fight."

"Fine by me…just don't get fresh. I'm not your type."

As everyone but the Vulcan laughed, even Seven of Nine expelling a small amount of air at the usually quiet and reserved man's comment, Janeway took a seat next to him and said, pleasantly sarcastic, "Tuvok, we've created a monster…you do realize this?"

Answering as Torres proclaimed their success hotly in Klingon, Tuvok stated, "Perhaps, Kate, you should consider amending your statement to the singular tense?" which got another round of hearty laughter at the expense, and delight of the captain.


 

"Samuel, Nick…B'Elanna," Janeway announced as she stepped out of the aft compartment, ducking just slightly out of habit rather than need, "Tuvok wants to go over the latest communication we received in the back, and then," she continued as they all nodded and stood from their seats, "it's off to bed with you for four hours…no arguments." Glancing over at Seven, she stated, "Seven and I can manage."

Sighing, Nick mumbled, "Cots…." Then speaking louder and stopping next to Janeway as the older woman started for the pilot's chair, the amazon informed, "Captain, I'm officially requesting that longer beds be installed in the new shuttle."

"What, your feet hang off or something, Too Tall?" asked Torres laughing, never wanting to miss an opportunity to needle her good friend.

"Stuff it, pip squeak," Fowler rallied, then turning back Janeway, who was trying to hide her amusement and put on a good captain's face, she said, "Yes, Captain, my feet hang off and I don't sleep well unless I'm stretched out."

Understanding that Fowler was mentioning that since sleep was a vital part of their duty, since if they didn't get it there was no way they'd be as effective a squad, Kathryn nodded and said patting her forearm twice, "I'll see what I can do."

Impressed that Folwer had gotten that reaction out of the captain rather than a terse, "Put it in a memo," which was the norm, Torres punched the pilot's arm once lightly as they started for the back again and said, "You just gotta learn to sleep in a ball like me…then you can sleep anywhere."

"Why would I want to do anything like you, Torres?"

B'Elanna rallied as they opened the door, "Because I said so."

As the captain heard Nicole remind the engineer that she out ranked her as they shut the door, the captain shook her head at the two, and eased into the cockpit across from Seven of Nine, who was sitting quietly, and sipped her coffee as she continued to let the shuttle craft pilot itself. For a few minutes Janeway remained silent as she enjoyed her beverage and observed her Astrometrics officer out of the corner of her eye as the young blonde worked her board every so often, and then stared out of the window in front of them for the rest of the time. When the still air and lack of conversation started to bother the captain, since she had a pretty good idea Seven was trying to ignore her, Janeway said, trying to keep the conversation light and away from recent events, "This is nice."

Turning her head toward the Borg as she set her cup in her lap and leaned back, Kathryn went on, "Feels sort of like a vacation." After Seven turned and looked at her, for just a few seconds, then nodded and continued with her behavior, the redhead sighed and said, still looking at Seven, "You know, it's really too bad we had to cut our camping trip short. I think when all of this is over and we're free from this sector, we should try to find somewhere to set down for a few days again. I think we all deserve a break, especially since that last one was so short." Smiling softly, she asked cheerfully, "What do you think…are you up for camping again?"

Keeping her eyes off of the captain, Seven answered plainy, looking down at the sensor board and her hands, "I am not disagreeable."

"Annika," Kathryn sighed louder, not in irritation but sadness, "you can talk to me in the shuttle."

"I am aware of that. I have a lot 'on my mind' at the moment…and I am attempting to adapt. Do not take offense."

"Well," the captain responded softly, "if you don't want to talk to me…I won't force you, but if you want to talk about it…I'm willing." Standing up and going to the back to grab her jacket, feeling a little chilled in her flimsy attire, she said, coming back to the chair and pulling the olive garment on, "It's just the two of us…we can talk like we normally do if you want to."

The younger woman sighed as well and stated, still refusing to look upon the captain's down-turned face since she could tell through her peripheral vision that Janeway was watching at her as she leaned back against the black leather chair, "Do not continue to make this sacrifice for me. It makes it difficult to…"

Kathryn was not in the habit of cutting Seven off because she firmly believed that she should hear her out so she could understand exactly what it was that she meant; however, this was not one of those cases and Seven's first statement was enough to clue the redhead into exactly was going through her younger lover's cybernetic synapses. "Hold on," Janeway interrupted, but not harshly. "Seven," she reverted back to the woman's normal designation, needing to bring them back to each other for the time being, "talking to you is not a sacrifice…not now…not ever."

Setting her coffee cup back down on the console, the captain went on quickly, "I talk to you all the time because I honestly enjoy it…and I care about your perspective. The fact that I love you has nothing to do with it…I talked to you all the time before I fell in love with you." Kathryn pulled her jacket tight around her waist, holding it closed as she crossed her arms over her chest, now feeling somewhat depressed and angry at herself, although, she wasn't certain as to why, and said as she looked down at her lap, resting her chin on her chest, "You're my friend, Seven. In fact," she said even softer, almost whispering, "you're my best friend…anywhere."

That revelation was certainly enough to shake the Borg from her distant demeanor, and she asked in conjunction, "I am?"

"Yes," Janeway sighed to herself. Then shaking her head, leaning it back against the chair and looking over at the blonde as Seven returned her gaze, "I'm sorry…I thought you knew that?"

Seven looked away as she thought since it was habit for her to do so, and said, turning back to the redhead, "I had not considered it." Tilting her head to the side somewhat in question, she asked, "How did you arrive at this conclusion?"

Janeway exhaled once in endearment at Seven's neverending curiosity for all things, and answered, shrugging and smiling equally soft, "I don't know…you just are." When the blonde furrowed her brow, obviously confused by that obtuse response, Kathryn redoubled her efforts to explain herself and went on, "Well…for one, we spend a great deal of time together…we always have. We look out for each other without having to think about it. We like most of the same things, and even though we don't always agree, we respect each other's opinion." Smiling more now, she continued to explain, "We laugh at the same jokes. We like similar styles of music. We're both scientists and get a great deal of joy out of discovery." Now quieting her tone again, she finished, "We tell each other things that we don't share with anyone else…not even B'Elanna…just like she talks to Nick about things she doesn't tell us…it's the same. I think of you constantly, wonder how you're doing, when I'll see you again so I can hear your voice and see your face." Kathryn sighed and admitted, "I can't imagine a day without you…sometimes, I feel like you're the only one who really knows me…including myself."

Seven of Nine straightened some and said after a few beats of thought, "I accept this designation." Then thinking again as she turned back to her board, just to check up on it, she asked, glancing over at the captain, "What is required of me to maintain it?" The adding quickly, she stated firmly, but not harshly, "I do not wish to fail. I want to be your 'best friend' as you are mine."

Chuckling, Janeway closed her eyes in humor and answered, honestly, "Just be yourself, Seven…that's all I'll ever need."

The blonde processed that information quickly and replied, "I will comply." Then swiveling her chair to face the captain since she was not required to perform another task at the moment, she stated, "With regards to your question about camping. Will we be able to engage in the campfire ritual? B'Elanna Torres stated that I have not been camping until I have roasted 'marshmallows.' Since the severe weather forced us to vacate our site, I was not able to complete this task."

Letting go of the seriousness of their conversation and not wanting to engage Seven further about her feelings with regards to the captain's duties, Janeway smiled, picking up her coffee cup and replied, "Oh, I think that can be arranged…but B'Elanna was just kidding…you really did camp. There are no rules that state that you haven't camped until you've roasted marshmallows."

"I am aware of this, Kath…Kate. However, I still wish to engage in the full experience." Then frowning somewhat and turning back to her board, she stated, "I do not like referring to you as Kate. Why cannot your designation be Kathryn?" Looking back over to her lover, she stated, smirking a little, "Kathryn is perfection."

"I think you're biased, but thank you," Janeway smiled back. After taking a sip of her coffee, she set it down and checked over their course heading as she answered the question, "I'm afraid if everyone calls me Kathryn someone might recognize the name and figure out who we are." Turning up one corner of her cheek, she looked over at her Astrometrics officer and stated, "There aren't a whole lot of Kathryn's in the Delta Quadrant, Annika…just like there aren't a whole lot of Seven of Nine's."

"This is true. I had not thought of it. Do you believe we will be recog…that our 'covers will be…blown?'" Seven amended, trying to remember to use more imprecise terminology and slang, although, she refused to use contractions because she felt that they were unnecessary and that she would not be able to adequately vocalize her thoughts using them.

Sitting back again with her coffee that was now almost gone, the compact captain answered, "I think the only two people that have to worry about that are you and me. Me because I'm the captain and have had exposure, and you…well because of your implants." Then sipping again, she set the mug in her lap, tracing her finger around the rim and went on, "But, I don't think these people are the kind that have had run-ins with the Borg." Smirking, she stated, "I'm sure your old friends would find them unworthy of assimilation…at least from what we can tell by our intelligence."

"I concur," Seven smirked back.

"But," Janeway raised her index finger as she added, "I've already planned for that…so I'll be wearing a wig and a good deal more make-up than normal."

Intrigued and starting to feel a great deal better, Seven asked, raising her eyebrow, "Your hair will not be red?"

"Well…the wig is sort of similar to my natural color, but it will be a little more of a brownish blonde," the captain explained. "I can't stray too far from my natural color…my skin is too fair, I'm afraid, but it's long, so that should help a lot too." Smirking as she leaned back, she stated, "You never got to see me with really long hair. Before I met you it used to go almost all the way down my back." Then chuckling to herself, she said, "But after a few years in the Delta Quadrant, I finally had to cut some of it because it was just getting too hard to take care of when we were going to red alert every other minute." Now laughing more, she teased, "Then, when you came aboard, well all of my spare time just went right out the airlock, so I cut it all off."

"It will be intriguing to see you with hair of this length," Seven stated looking back at her board. "Do you…miss it?"

"Oh, heavens no. Before I had to wash it more, then dry it, then put it in a bun…which was no easy task, let me tell you," she laughed at the memory. "Then every time we got bumped around, I had to fix it." Huffing and waving her hand, she stated, "This is much better. Now all I have to do after a shower is comb it. It's much more efficient." Then thinking about that for a minute, she looked over at Seven and said, "You know, I'm surprised you keep yours as long as you do…but, I guess the beauty bugs help you out there too..."

"That is correct," Seven answered, laughing just slightly at the captain's term for her nanoprobes. "I recently contemplated cutting it similar to Commander Chakotay's, but I have since adju…changed my mind."

Snickering, Janeway said, "Seven, just speak normally, dear…you're supposed to be a little strange, but not spooky. If you keep correcting yourself, people will think you're not all together." After Seven nodded in thanks, she asked, "Why did you change your mind?"

"When you informed me that you found my hair pleasing," Seven stated. Then looking over at Janeway, she went on, "I also recently observed Nicole Fowler groom and braid her hair. I find the process intriguing, even though it is contradictory to the majority of my actions. I also find Naomi Wildman's and the first's hair aesthetically pleasing. I have been contemplating letting mine grow beyond its current length. Would you be disagreeable if I did so…Kate?"

Janeway smiled in endearment and answered, "Not at all…you'd look lovely no matter how long or short your hair was." Then winking at her, she requested, "Just don't shave it off, alright…it's much too lovely of a color for that."

"I will not." Turning back to her board as Janeway did as well, she informed, "Then when we return to Voyager, I will seek the Doctor's assistance." When the captain turned to her and looked at her inquisitively, she explained, "He can stimulate the growth of my hair so that I do not have to wait several months for the process to happen naturally. It is more efficient, and then if I find it unacceptable, I can revert back to its current length without spending a great deal of time on the procedure."

"Well that just takes all the fun out of it," the captain teased. Then frowning at her empty coffee cup, she eased out of her chair and asked, "Do you want something to drink?"

Seven was about to answer no out of habit, but then amended, feeling like she was a tad bit thirsty and wishing to continue to engage the captain as her best friend, rather than her lover, or her captain, so she answered, "I will have…coffee."

Shocked, Janeway turned toward Seven at the replicator and said, "Well, that's new. Are you sure you want…coffee?"

"I am certain."

Kathryn shook her head in bewilderment and said, "Okay." Then thinking about it as she ordered herself a fresh cup of java, she asked, "Annika, have you ever had coffee?"

"No."

Before she programmed Seven's drink, Kathryn asked, "What kind of tastes do you like?" When Seven asked her to explain, Janeway sighed, thinking, and answered, "Coffee is kind of an acquired taste…you might not like it plain at first. Most people add cream to it to cut back on the strength, and some people add sugar as well. Chakotay adds both because his stomach is sensitive and he has a pretty big sweet tooth." As the blonde continued to stare at her as if she had no idea what she was talking about, Kathryn said quickly, "Nevermind…we'll just wing it."

Programming the coffee to be decaffeinated since she knew Seven was adverse to any form of stimulants or otherwise, heavy on the cream since Seven liked her supplements a great deal as long as she didn't have to consume them all the time, and just a little sugar, she took the mug from the energy grid and handed it to Seven stating, "This is decaffeinated coffee with two creams and one sugar." When Seven nodded, putting the information to memory, and then started to bring it to her lips, Janeway warned quickly, "Darling, it's hot…be careful."

"I am aware of this beverage's temperature," Seven stated, pulling the mug away, rolling her eyes. Then out of fear, she finally had to ask, "I require assistance. How do you consume this beverage without injuring yourself?"

Smiling in victory, Janeway nodded and said pulling the mug from her lips, "Okay, watch me. I'm used to it, so I don't have to do this anymore, but it's taken several years of burnt tongues." Then bringing up the mug to her lips, she blew on it, then informed, "Blow cool air on it and then just sip it…small sips." After demonstrating, she said, "Okay, go ahead."

Seven repeated the procedure, cutting back on the amount of air coming out of her mouth since she splashed some of it over the edge an onto her pants while the captain chuckled, and then took a sip. Scrunching her face, she informed, "Kathryn…it is…'bad.'"

Laughing freely, Janeway wiped the tears from her eyes and managed to ask, "It is too bitter? Do you want more sugar?" When Seven nodded and handed the horrid cup back to the captain, Janeway jumped up and ordered another coffee, this one with two sugars and then took it back to Seven.

After repeating the procedure to cool the coffee, albeit this time without spilling any, Seven took another sip and then nodded, saying, "It is not unacceptable."

Smiling crookedly, the captain noted, "Guess Chakotay's not the only one with a sweet tooth?"

"Explain.'"

"A sweet tooth means you like extra sweet food or drinks," the captain informed. "I don't have much of a sweet tooth, that's why I rarely eat dessert and like my coffee black." Then raising her finger to the contrary, she added, "Although, my mother's carmel brownies are not included in that statement."

Nodding, putting the term and the definition to memory, Seven took another sip of the coffee, this one larger and stated, setting it down and looking over at her board as another round of communications starting being picked up by the shuttle, "This is true...however, I am surprised that you were not aware of that data before now."

As Seven worked her hands on the console, Janeway stood up and came over to her, leaning over and taking a look at the information that was being collected while she asked, somewhat absently, "Why's that?"

Seven turned over her shoulder, eyed the captain's bosom that was visible through her opened jacket as the redhead leaned over and stated, smirking and turning back to her work, "Because you are 'extra sweet,' my beautiful Kathryn…and I 'like' you a great deal."

Smiling, Janeway leaned over, kissed Seven quickly on the cheek and whispered, "Sweet talker."

"Perhaps it is required since I have a 'sweet tooth?'"


 

Inhaling, and sitting up straight immediately at the sound of the computer informing her of the time, Seven of Nine quickly ducked her head before she impacted with the roof of the New York from where she was sleeping on the top bunk. When she heard Kathryn stir on the cot underneath her, the tall blonde quickly swung her legs off the edge and stated, "Kate, I am disengaging from this apparatus. Do not attempt to do so at this time." Then jumping off, she came down with an audible thud since she was rather heavy, despite her thin frame. The fact that she was fully clothed and still wearing her combat boots assisted with the noise as well. Turning around, she offered her hand to Janeway as she climbed out of her bunk, fully clothed also and stated, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

Yawning, Janeway stood up, letting her skirt fall back into place and said, "Hmm…well, I've slept better…but it wasn't terrible." Then coming up to Seven since they were alone and the rest of the crew was manning their posts and preparing to reach their destination, Kathryn pointed to her lips, requesting a silent kiss and then said afterward, "Thank you…that's the last time I'll get one of those for a while I'm afraid." Then headed toward the small bathroom, she said, "Why don't you tell Tuvok that we're up and then come back…I'd like your help for a little while."

Seven of Nine nodded and then turned quickly, climbing the steps and opening the door to the forward, command compartment. When Tuvok turned toward her, she approached the replicator, ordering the captain a cup of coffee and stated, "Kate and I have completed our…sleep. She requires my assistance at this time." When the Vulcan acknowledged her with an understanding nod of his head since he was the only one who knew that the captain was required to wear a wig and change her appearance more than anyone else, Seven turned to Torres and stated, "Good morning, B'Elanna Torres…do you require coffee?"

"Morning, Annika…nope, got some," Torres replied, holding up her coffee and turning toward Seven. "Thanks though."

"'No problemo,'" Seven responded, attempting to be more lax like she and Torres had practiced before they left. "I must go help…Kate. I will…'see you later.'" When Torres winked at her and gave her a thumb's up for a job well done, Seven nodded and then went back into the aft compartment where she heard the high pitched noise of the sonic shower. Since she knew that no one would come to the aft compartment while the captain was preparing, the blonde walked freely into the bathroom where Janeway was standing in the shower stall, just wearing her lacy underwear and covering her ears, while she frowned visibly.

After barely a minute, Janeway slapped her hand to the sensor to shut off the sound waves, and spat, "God, those are horrid. The new shuttle is going to have a hydro-setting…I can't stand those damned things." Then accepting the coffee and bringing it to her lips before she starting cursing the device more, she glanced up at Seven, who was smirking at her and finally sighed, "Stop making fun of me." Then finally chuckling at herself, she shook her head and said, "Thank you."

After taking a large gulp, Janeway set it down and asked, "Will you go get my duffel bag please?"

Seven nodded and turned, leaving the door open and asked as she approached the bed, "What assistance do you require?"

"I thought you could help me get dressed and give me an opinion," Janeway answered, pulling out the small basin, which activated the water and washed her hands since she could never believe that a sonic shower got her as clean as soap and water. "Since you're so good at both, I didn't think you would mind?"

"I am not disagreeable," Seven replied, returning with the bag and setting it on the toilet, placing the captain's skirt and shirt on top of it. As Janeway washed her face, the blonde pulled the small hand towel from the wall behind her and handed it to the captain as she finished, deciding that even though they were not in their quarters, she still very much felt that they were continuing with their morning routine, even though Seven had not joined her in the shower. The Borg was not adverse to sonic showers as the captain was, but since she had just regenerated prior to leaving Voyager, her nanoprobes were keeping her completely clean, as they continued to do, which made her showers unnecessary. She still engaged in them, however, because she enjoyed spending that time with Kathryn in the morning and assisting Janeway with washing her hair since the captain admitted that she enjoyed the attention very much. Since the captain was often required to get up early in the morning even though she had returned quite late, Seven of Nine thought it was the least she could do to assist the woman that took such good care of them, and since Seven equally enjoyed tending to the captain, it was a perfect situation.

"Thank you," Janeway said, wiping her face. Then pulling the towel away and smiling, she handed it back to Seven, knowing she would fold it neatly and hang it back up, and whispered, "You're too good to me."

Since Janeway said that practically every morning they spent in a similar manner, Seven ignored it, knowing Kathryn wasn't asking for a response and that was her way of acknowledging that she too felt that they were performing their ordinary tasks. After Kathryn brushed her teeth, Seven asked, "What is next?"

Grabbing her stockings, Janeway leaned against the wall as she slipped them on expertly, and said, "My knife's in the bag." Once she had her stockings on, she took the knife and the harness from Seven, strapped it to her right thigh, high enough that it wouldn't be visible by the sizable slit in her skirt and then said, "My bra's in there too."

Seven snatched it out of the black bag and then asked as she looked at it, "How does...this...operate?" since it was unlike the bra she had worn once before.

Taking it out of Seven's hands, the captain explained, "The material adheres to my skin, just in the front, so you can't tell that I'm wearing one." Smiling, she stated, "Since I'm trying to attract attention…I need a little assistance in that department."

Seven watched closely in a scientific manner as the captain applied a small amount of water to the spongy, ultra-thin, clear material, explaining that the adhesive was activated with water, and then pressed it to her bosom, taking great care to situate herself before applying the material to each breast in a manner that lifted and pressed her chest together surprisingly well. Once the material was in place, Seven noticed that it was virtually transparent, and noted, "It is an impressive device. Is it comfortable?"

Shifting a little, Janeway said, "It takes a little getting used to, mostly the sticky feeling, but it goes away quickly." Then glancing down at her own cleavage, which continued to catch her eye simply because it was such an anomaly, she chuckled, "It's kind of strange looking down at myself though."

The tall blonde raised her eyebrow and stated, "It is different…but not unacceptable. However, if you wear this particular outfit again, I believe this device is not required. You are lovely without it, and look as I enjoy seeing you."

Kathryn blushed, grabbing her shirt and said, "More sweet talk." Then looking up, she patted Seven's stomach, wanting to kiss her, but knowing she shouldn't and whispered, "Thank you, darling…you're very kind."

"You are welcome; however, it is not kindness…it is the truth."

"Well, thank you anyhow," Kathryn came back. Then slipping her arms into the shirt, she turned around after she wrapped the flaps around the front and asked, "Will you tie the back?" As Seven did so, she looked down, fixed the front and requested, "A little tighter…I need to be able to lean down without the front hanging at all."

Seven pulled on the garment until the redhead told her that was good and then secured the back, pulling the knots tight so that they would not come lose without a great deal of effort. "This garment is peculiar," Seven noted as Janeway turned around and reached for her skirt, "but not unappealing." Reaching up, she adjust the straps that went over her shoulder, pulled a few strands of the captain's hair from her shoulder that had fallen out as Janeway stepped into the shirt, zipped up the back and then twisted the garment around. Then reaching farther down to the captain's waist, she adjusted the height of the skirt, and said as she turned Kathryn around and checked the back, "I 'like' this garment the most. You are appealing in this skirt. You should endeavor to where it again."

"Actually, the skirt's old. I kept it in my trunk with some of my other civilian clothes, but," she turned around again informed, "if you like it so much, I'll wear it more." Grabbing her make-up bag, she informed, "I actually forgot about it."

"What is next?" queried Seven, eager since she was finding this process enjoyable and felt that she was able to adapt to the captain's plan easier by assisting with her preparation. She thought it was unfortunate that B'Elanna Torres could not also share in this experience, but since that was impossible, Seven deemed it acceptable since she had a decided influence on the brunette and knew that if she showed her support for the captain, Torres would continue to as well. As Janeway started to answer, she grabbed the pepper pouch out of the bag and came behind the captain, slipping it into her shirt, keeping the movement familiar, not sexual.

Smirking at the bold move, Janeway replied, "Make-up, then the wig."


 

Seven stepped out of the aft compartment first with a clear look of pride on her face, and stated as Janeway started up the steps while everyone turned around, clearly eager and anxious at what they would see, since each of them were secretly, more than others, concerned for the captain's safety, "I believe we will be successful in meeting our objectives."

As the tall blonde passed next to her and started for the front of the shuttle, smirking and making eye contact with her, Chief Torres turned back to the opening, and her mouth fell open again as Fowler whistled softly in surprise, as Janeway emerged.

Not only was the captain dressed in a manner they were unaccustomed, although, they were getting used to it now since she was wearing the same outfit as last night, but besides the heavier, although still attractive make-up on her face, she also had applied three fake ridges to the bridge of her nose, which made her look strikingly Bajoran, albeit, she wasn't donning the traditional earring. All of that, on top of the long, luxurious mane of sandy blonde hair that was draped down her back, made her barely recognizable as the captain, except for the trademark Janeway smile that was beaming rather brightly at the moment.

Closing her mouth quickly, the sound of her teeth hitting each other giving her the chills, Torres said, "I'll say…Captain, I barely recognize you." Smiling brightly as Janeway's long hair came to a rest on her shoulder, the back of the hair let to flow easily, but the sides pulled up elegantly, B'Elanna informed freely, "Great disguise." Then standing, she came up to Janeway quickly, ducked her head and spied the ridges as she touched the hair, and said, "This is good…it all looks completely real."

"Well I hope so," Kathryn came back chuckling. As everyone nodded and gave their approval for her efforts, Janeway came up to Tuvok and asked, "Report."

"We are fifteen minutes from the first check-point," Tuvok answered quickly.

Nodding, Janeway took a seat in the back next to Samuel and said, "Alright everyone, let's do it."

"Yes, Kate," they all said knowing that meant it was time to get down to business and slip into character.

Seven took a second to hold Janeway's stare longer than anyone, then nodded, knowing they would not be speaking to each other for some time, unless something went wrong, and then turned her head back forward, putting her mind to her task. After ten minutes, she reported, "I am receiving a signal from the check-point requesting that we slow our approach to one half impulse." Turning to Fowler, she stated, "We should comply."

Fowler nodded, turned to her right and flipped one of the old fashioned switches which dropped them out of warp and then quickly manipulated the lever to the left of that, selecting the requested speed. Then taking the shuttle off of autopilot, she gripped the controls, situating her hands and said, "Okay…one half impulse."


 

Smiling at the burly alien on the small viewscreen to her left, the captain said, nodding, "That's right…Jackson Enterprises." Tapping her sternum twice, she informed, "I'm Kate Jackson, and this is my father's shuttle." Then turning a little cranky and flippant instantly, she continued, "Our birthing request was put in several cycles ago, and I was informed that it had been approved. What's the hold up? I'm a very busy woman."

A little taken back by the crack of the slight woman's tongue, the hefty, although reasonable and rather pleasant man, replied quickly, "My apologies, Madam…there seems to have been some sort of…computer malfunction." When the captain sighed and acted like she was completely put off, he said quickly, "I don't have any record of your father's company or this request, but," he held up his hand as Janeway got to her feet, "I'm certain that there's just been some mistake." Trying to smile and settle the woman, since she looked well-groomed and their shuttle was impressive enough which told him they were there to spend a good deal of money, he explained, "We've recently upgraded our systems and we have several new employees processing birthing and passage requests. Unfortunately, this has occurred before," only once, in truth, but he felt he shouldn't mention that, "but I assure you, I'll see to processing your request personally, immediately."

Sitting back down, and pouting some, Kathryn said quickly, "Please do so quickly. I have several scheduled appointments today, and I'd like to have some time left to have a nice dinner at Laugterot."

Since that was the most up-scale restaurant at Burnhouse, the man immediately knew that his intuition about their money was correct, so he continued with haste, "Of course, Madam…my inspection will be brief."

"Now I have to go through an inspection!" Janeway boomed, standing up again and walking up to the screen. "I've already been through this the last time I was here. Who's your supervisor? I want to speak with him. This is completely absurd!"

"Madam, please…I assure you…it will only take a brief moment…it's just a formality," he responded as Janeway ranted. "It will be just a moment…long enough to gather the names of your companions and detail your itinerary so I can see to getting you a birth at the location nearest to your destination." Then just as Janeway was about to protest more, he added, "It is required I inspect your cargo, but I will forego that if you will allow me to board your vessel." Speaking softer, he informed, "Madam, I cannot make it seem as though I have inspected your vessel thoroughly if I do not board."

Knowing she had been successful, Janeway eased up on the attitude and sighed, heavily, "Fine. What do you need us to do again?"

"I will simply transport aboard. Please bring your vessel within five hundred meters of my station."

After the connection was cut, Janeway said, "Hopefully, the rest will be as easy." As Torres snickered and shook her head mumbling what a sucker the man was, Janeway said, "Okay, Nick…take us in. The rest of you just remain where you are and let me do the talking for now." After a moment, Janeway changed her demeanor again to a gracious, although provocative stance and leaned against the wall as the familiar sound of dematerialization sounded near her.

Noticing immediately that the man was armed, but the hand weapon was holstered, she kept up her easy way and said, "Well, welcome to the New York…Mister…"

"Hunit," the tall, burly and somewhat Klingon, although his bone structure was not as dense, looking station manager answered.

Janeway thought it sort of funny that such a tough looking man would have such a decidedly pleasant and rather high pitched voice. When he extended his hand to her, she raised hers as well, prepared to shake it and give a quick greeting, but when he took her palm into his and then brought the tips of her fingers to his lips, she replied, easily, remembering not to be deceived by looks alone since Seven of Nine, in her normal attire, looked rather harmless but could shattered the bones in practically anyone's body without breaking a sweat, "Well…it's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Hunit. Are you the only station manager that's this friendly, or is this part of Burnhouse's upgrades as well?"

Smiling a toothy grin, he replied, "I'm afraid my lady would undoubtedly be denied the treatment she deserves with another." Then releasing her hand, he added quickly, "Perhaps at the end of my shift you would allow me to escort you through our newly renovated promenade? There are many new attractions."

Part of Janeway wanted to crack up laughing as she realized she was just hit on, rather bluntly, but politely, and since that hadn't happened to her, at least from a total stranger, in quiet sometime, she found it amusing, but since she was working and acting, she replied, flirting, but serious, "Well, I'm not certain we're I'll be at that time," then smiling, she added in her trademark smoky tones, "but why don't you just tool on down there and maybe we'll run into each other?"

"I will keep an eye open for you…although, you'll be difficult to miss, Madam." Then turning to the rest of the group who were sitting quietly, waiting for the man to stop getting his hopes up, he said, "Well, I promised I would not keep you from your appointments, so," pulling out his data book and stylus, he asked, "will you introduce your traveling companions?"

"Certainly," Janeway said, easily walking up to Tuvok, who turned around and looked up at her from where he was sitting, and informed, "this is Tuvok."

"And what is your purpose for joining Miss Jackson?" he asked, looking down at the dark Vulcan.

Not surprised by the question, Tuvok half-lied and stated evenly, "I am Miss Kate's," he used that term because the captain had told him earlier it was better, and more pretentious, "personal assistant. I see to her needs and her security."

After the manager nodded and made note of that, and reminded himself, silently, to refer to her as Miss Kate later on in the in the evening, she turned to Ensign Wang and said, smiling, "This is Samuel Wang. He works for my father's company. He's a medical practitioner." When the dark station manager raised his eyebrows in surprise and turned to her, she added, anticipating the question, "We're hoping to see what new advancements are on the market to make upgrades on my father's shuttles…emergency medicine…that sort of thing."

"Of course," Hunit nodded and then said, "I apologize for the intrusion, but it is policy. Not all of our customers are as above the board as you are, Madam. It is for your safety, I assure you."

"That's quite alright," Janeway waved him off and walked over to Fowler. "This is Nick Fowler…she's our pilot, and a friend of the family. She travels with me everywhere." When he made note of that but did not inquire further, Janeway put on a somewhat uninterested face, and said, turning to Seven of Nine, "This is Annika Hansen. She maintains our communications network, and works directly with my father." Moving past her, Kathryn added, "I don't know why she's here. Daddy asked her to come and do her thing, whatever that is?" Coming up to him, she whispered, "She doesn't talk much, but apparently she's very good at what she does."

Looking at Seven closely, not quite happy with that answer, he came up to her and asked, "What is your itinerary?"

Seven raised her eyebrow and recited, evenly, "My task is to converse with individuals in similar fields to gather information regarding the market trend for subspace communication and scanning devices for long-range scout ships and relay that information to Mister Jackson." Then looking over at Janeway who was watching the scene closely, she rolled her eyes at the redhead and said to the man, "I do not work for Miss Kate and I am here at her father's request."

Jumping in, acting pissed, Kathryn spouted, "Mister Hunit, you'll have to forgive my father's associate. I'm afraid she's tattooed and pierced herself one too many times."

Hunit sneered at Seven for so blatantly showing her distaste for the woman he hoped to be his date tonight, which would definitely help his reputation for being a wimp that could never get a decent woman, and said making note of her mission which would give them an idea of her whereabouts on the space station, which was true for all of them, and asked, coming up to Janeway, "Miss Kate, before I forget…what is your reason here? I am required to make note of it."

Placing one hand on her hip, the captain answered, "Oh, I'm just here to have a good time and make sure these three," pointing to Wang, Seven and Torres, "work for the money my father pays them." When Hunit smiled at that, she smiled back and then pointing with her thumb, but not looking to Torres, she informed with definite spite, "That's B'Elanna Torres. She's an 'engineer'…or at least tries to be." When Torres growled and cursed at her in Klingon, Janeway turned her back to the woman, knowing that was highly insulting and said, "She'll be talking to other tool-pushers and those smarmy," she used Devin's term for the majority of the patrons of Burnhouse freely, thinking it was exactly something her would-be personality would say, "types…and she's supposed to be gathering some supplies for us for our way home, but I doubt she can manage with that attitude."

Noticing the knife at the Klingon's waist, Hunit piped up, "Miss Torres, you will have to leave your weapon in this vessel. Weapons of any kind are not allowed on the decks of Burnhouse any longer." When Torres huffed and acted like she didn't care, Hunit tensed and informed, attempting to lower his voice and make it more authoritative, "Any noncompliance and you will be escorted to our holding block."

Standing, Torres ripped the blade from her waist, pointed it at Janeway, who acted as if this has occurred several times before, and said, "Take it…and if I don't get it back, you'll find my next one in your soft, little belly."

Aghast, Janeway grabbed the knife and stated, going to the aft compartment, "My father will hear about this, B'Elanna."

"Blah ba blah ba blah," the engineer mumbled, watching Janeway carefully as she went into the aft compartment and Hunit, who was following her. She was just about to jump up and go after them, not liking the idea of the captain being alone with an armed man, even if he did seem like he would do cartwheels for her if she asked him to, when Tuvok got up from his seat and started after them, but stopped at the doorway when Hunit turned around and eyed him as Janeway started back for the hatch.

Thinking quickly, Tuvok stated, "Miss Kate, your first appointment will be arriving shortly, and you assured him that you would greet him at his docking port."

Impressed at the Vulcan's fibbing, Janeway sighed, "Oh, that's right." Then looking up at Hunit and frowning, she continued, flirting blatanly, "Mister Hunit, as much as I'm enjoying your accompany, I'm afraid I do need to ask that we hurry this along. I'm meeting an old friend of the family for tea…and it looks poor upon my father's business, and Burnhouse, if I'm late due to…circumstances." Batting her eyelids, she titled her head and poured on the charm, "Was there anything else you needed to do to set your fears at ease that I am not unsavory?"

Hunit glanced around the aft compartment, and since he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, he sighed and said, "No, Madam…that's all." Then as he climbed the stairs again, he said to everyone, "I must inform you all again that no weapons are allowed on the decks of Burnhouse. You may purchase weaponry, and the merchant will see to having it delivered before you depart." Then checking his databook, he stated, "Since your itinerary is diverse, I've given you a birth near the promenade." Then turning to Janeway as she shut the door to the aft compartment, he smiled and informed, "This is nearest to most of our various shops, salons, and restaurants, Madam. You will not have far to walk."

"Well thank you, that's very kind."

Taking her hand, he pressed the tips of her fingers to his lips again and said, "I look forward to this evening. There is to be a carnival to celebrate the start of the new sun cycle, so," pulling out a data chip, he explained, "you can use this at one of the communications booths to contact me anywhere. The crowd will be large and it could be difficult to find me." After Janeway took it and then handed it to Tuvok saying, "Keep this for me," he nodded and then used his databook to initiate the transport.

Once everyone was gone and Fowler, Torres and Wang burst out laughing, Janeway sighed and said, "Well, at least we got a good spot."

"The coordinates to our destination are being transferred," Seven reported as she smirked and everyone slowly stopped laughing. Then transferring the data to Fowler, she stated, "We are cleared to dock, and Mister Hunit," she turned and looked back at Janeway, "has assured us that we will not be stopped again so that you may meet your friend."

"Poor guy," Nick said as she started for the large space station which had almost thirty decks and reminded her of a Borg Cube in it's geometric shape, as it floated in orbit around a Class M planet, "he's probably going to be really heart-broken when you don't show up."

Getting up from her chair, Janeway explained as she stepped forward and looked out the window at the monstrous space station, "Actually, I think I'll call him." Looking over her shoulder at Tuvok, who raised his eyebrow in curiosity, she said, "What do you think, Tuvok? Seems like a fairly nice man…maybe we can get him to show us around tonight and see what he knows? Might be easier than doing to footwork ourselves?"

"Intriguing," Tuvok stated thinking it over. Then raising his eyebrows again, he went on, "I believe it's wise to seek his assistance at this point considering carnivals are notorious for stirring up chaos."

"A security chief's nightmare, don't you mean?" Janeway smirked.

"Indeed."

Then looking over at Seven, she tapped her shoulder and stated, "This should be exciting for you…carnivals are wonderful." Since she knew that everyone was aware of what their tasks were and didn't require any more preparation, she thought it fine to continue with the informal conversation since at their current speed it would take them a few more minutes to reach the space port and asked, looking over at Nick, "Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, Nick?"

"Every year since I've been legal," Fowler smiled and answered truthfully. "That's were I got my twelve string guitar."

Chuckling, Janeway shook her head and said, "Well, I don't go every year, but I've been a few times." When Seven looked over at her curious, Janeway winked at her and said, "When we get back we'll all go…it's great fun."

Fowler glanced over at Seven and said, "Trust us, Annika…Mardi Gras is the ultimate party."


 

Once the New York passed through the entrance check point where they were swiftly seen through, and docked with the space station, the Elite Force waited for the computer to inform them that the air-tunnel was firmly attached to the Flyer and had been pressurized before they opened the aft hatch so that they were not exposed to the vacuum of space since all of the ship's remained outside of the structure, which allowed for easy departure and maintenance. As Janeway gathered up her jacket, and pulled it on, Fowler came back through the tunnel, tossing her leather jacket on the cot and said, "Don't bother, I found out why they call it Burnhouse. It's damn hot in there."

Sighing as Wang came back in and took off his jacket as well, frowning, Janeway said, "You know, that probably should have occurred to us. Do you all need to change?"

When Wang said no, now that he had his jacket off and his sleeves rolled up, Fowler nodded and said, "Just give me a minute to put on a t-shirt."

As Fowler grabbed a white shirt and went into the bathroom, Janeway asked Tuvok, Torres and Seven as they came back through the opening, "It doesn't smell…does it?" When all of them shook their heads no, Janeway sighed and said as Fowler came out of the bathroom tucking her t-shirt into her blue jeans, "Good…I don't know how gracious I can be if everything stinks." Then taking Tuvok's arm, she smiled, "Okay, let's go mingle."

As Janeway and Tuvok stepped out first, stopped for a minute to have a look around and then started forward toward a large tunnel where on the other side there seemed to be a lot of activity, the landing tarmac being fairly deserted, Fowler looked over at Torres, and asked, "Aren't you hot in that?"

"This is great," Torres responded, "this is how I like it." As they walked on in their subtle formation, Wang taking up the rear as Tuvok and Janeway stayed farther ahead, but not too far, and Fowler, Torres and Seven stayed in the middle, Torres informed as they reached the opening and a man walked past the captain and smiled, obviously enjoying the view, "Although, I'd much rather it be cold so she could wear her jacket."

"Do not be in distress, B'Elanna Torres. She is in control of this situation."

When B'Elanna sighed and then nodded, Fowler smacked Torres on the arm and said before she jogged to meet up with Janeway and Tuvok since they were reaching a crowded area, "I've got it covered." Coming up beside Janeway, she said, "Mind if I join you?"

Understanding the move, Janeway slipped her other arm around Fowler's and said, "Not at all…the more the merrier."

Since it was their plan to just make a circuit of the each of the decks that they were given access into to make observations so they could later meet up at the Flyer and work out the details of their work over the next two days, they all fell into a comfortable stride, making certain to take time to stop here and there and look at the various merchant displays. Whenever they stopped and Janeway began looking at something, she made sure to subtly gaze over her shoulder to where Torres and Seven where keeping to themselves and hanging back, and to where Wang was sticking to himself as well and looking at various items, talking to merchants.

Part of their mission in the afternoon was to get their hands on some of the local currency, and since Wang had the quickest hands amongst them, except for Seven, but since he looked much less questionable of a character, his job was to swipe a bill and a coin so they could take it back to the shuttle an replicate as much as they would need. Normally, such behavior was not the captain's policy and she preferred to make trades to gain currency, but they were in dangerous territory, albeit incognito, and she didn't want to risk trading anything of value that might tip someone off as to who they really were.

Deck Eight, which was the deck at where they were docked, seemed to be the busiest deck as far as commerce went, and the crowd there was already steadily increasing in preparation for the carnival that everyone was talking about. From the various conversations going around, the squad learned that the Cycle of the New Sun was somewhat of a New Year's celebration that came around once every five hundred and twenty cycles. From that, they were able to calculate that this planet's year was almost twice that of one of Earth's years, which Federation time was based on, so that told them immediately that the festivities would undoubtedly be immense.

After stopping at a display, which mapped out the entire port, they learned that Decks One, Two, and Three were off limits to customers and for Burnhouse personnel only. Deck Four boasted a series of entertainment facilities, and from the small markings next to several of them, the captain could surmise that they were adult in nature. Janeway made note of that immediately since she had a feeling that if she did manage to get a meeting with Venkat, from his reputation which was shady, to say the least, he could probably be found frequenting one of those places.

Decks Five and Six were almost completely restricted since they contained quarters for customers that wished to purchase them during their stay and only someone with a valid pass, or a guest of someone with a pass could enter. Deck Seven was similar to Deck Eight, although once they reached it, they quickly realized that this area was definitely catered to those with more money since it was quite a bit quieter, cleaner, and more spacious, and from some of the looks she and her comrades received as various loud, but well-dressed and groomed persons left the restaurants and strolled about, Janeway surmised that they were clearly not welcome in their current attire.

That set off another reminder for the captain, and she made certain to detail one of the suits a gentlemen was wearing as he waited near a bench for someone, so she could replicate one similar to it for Wang, since he was going to have to look the part if he wanted to get into one of these places and not draw attention to himself.

Deck Nine was something similar to a technology exhibit, and as they stopped and looked around, Janeway couldn't help but notice that Seven of Nine's interest was immediately perked, and she had a pretty good idea where her Astrometrics officer would be spending a majority of her time. Deck Ten was dedicated to the finer things in life, and as she and Tuvok admired various paintings and sculptures, some of which were breathtakingly good, even though they didn't know what most of them were, Fowler and Torres observed several musicians that were demonstrating their talents. Decks Eleven and Twelve were where heavier machinery could be purchased, as well as weapons, and whole shuttles, and Janeway had to bite back her amusement as the chief practically salivated over one of the tool kits and demanded to know what exactly each one of them did, sticking to her brusque Klingon attitude since it fit very well down there.

Deck Thirteen and Fourteen was a research and development viewing, conference area, most of the topics revolving around ship design and engine modifications, but there were several lectures and projects planned in the coming cycles that focused on more altruistic topics such as medicine and environmental protection, which pleased the captain and gave her hope for this sector. Even though she had to admit that from outward appearances, Burnhouse looked very civilized, tolerant and peaceful, she knew better from their intelligence reports, and for the fact that everything below Fourteen was off-limits and completely sealed off, since that told her that in there was probably where the smugglers, bounty hunters, and the like did business to kept this facility looking respectable.

After the lengthy walk, Fowler and Janeway were definitely ready for something cool to drink, so while they took up a spot on a bench and talked as Tuvok examined a PADD, trying to keep up the façade that he was something of the captain's secretary, Wang headed back to the shuttle to replicate some money with Torres while Seven of Nine remained a ways off by herself, but still in eyesight, and observed the happenings around them.

Janeway was inwardly anxious at first when she saw the cool blonde approach a group of technicians that were setting up some kind of device which was most likely for the festivities, but she managed to relax some as she saw Seven bend down and assist them with it, and then chuckled when one of the men laughed in amazement, and patted her on the back, obviously giving his thanks.

Wiping the perspiration from her brow, Fowler grinned a little at the captain, but kept her eyes on the area to the left of them, since Tuvok and Janeway where watching the busier right, and asked softly, "What's so funny?"

Janeway leaned over close to Fowler and whispered, "Annika's being her typical helpful, but cocky self. I'm sure she's having trouble not saying that she's Borg simply to show her superiority."

Nodding in understanding, Nicole peeked over her shoulder quickly and spied Seven shaking one of the man's hands, and then accepting something in the other. When Seven tucked it into one of her many pockets and then walked away but glanced up quickly and made eye contact with her, Fowler cleared her throat, tapped Janeway on the shoulder and said, "I think she's got something useful…I'm gonna go talk to her."

When Janeway nodded and then Tuvok took up her seat near the captain, so no would-be opportunist would see that as a chance to come saddle up to the pretty lady, which was a good possibility since she had received more than her fair share of appreciative glances and cat calls as she pranced around the decks, Fowler moved easily, but quickly over to Seven, making it obvious that she wanted to talk to her, but trying to keep her walk to a informal stride.

She and Seven were supposed to get along relatively well, since Seven wasn't supposed to really be chummy with anyone except B'Elanna Torres, and even their relationship was antagonistic, so Fowler knew she couldn't act too friendly with the blonde, which wasn't difficult since they were still feeling each other out in reality. Once she was in normal speaking distance, Fowler said to Seven, who was examining a what looked to be something similar to a crystal ball at one of the merchant carts, "Annika…got a minute?"

"It is a possibility," Seven responded, glancing over at the tall brunette quickly. Then continuing to examine the ball's intricately carved base, she asked, trying to be 'normal,' "What is up?"

Thinking quickly, since she thought Seven had something to say to her, Fowler said, nodding at the merchant who was watching them closely, clearly concerned about theft, "Um, I just thought I'd come see what you were looking at…since," nodding over to Tuvok and Janeway, "Miss Kate's talking business for the moment, and um, you know how she gets when things don't go her way."

Seven glanced over at Kathryn, reminded herself not to smile at the lovely sight before her, and then rolled her eyes and stated, "She is displaying typical behavior." Then back at Fowler, "Very well. I am attempting to discover the function of this…object." Looking up at the merchant, who was watching her with a peculiar look on his face, she asked blunt, "What is the function of this?"

When the nonplussed man asked her what she meant, although his phrase was somewhat odd, Fowler jumped in and asked, "What's it for…is it just art?"

"Oh! The angelia, no…not from here, sense now, I be," the short, stubby, long bearded man answered, coming around from the other side of the cart to them. Before he had looked much taller, but it was clear that he stood on some type of ledge while he worked the back because when he stepped down, he was completely unseen. He wore a loose, thin colorful robe, matching pants and sandals, and even though Fowler thought the outfit was achingly loud, she had to admit that he was probably more comfortable that she in the warm climate of the space hub.

Craning his next up at Seven, he grabbed her arm and tugged it twice as he requested from his tiny height, "Angelia low, a tower you be."

Seven immediately crouched down, as Fowler continued to stand and look interested but kept her eye on the activities around them, feeling acutely curious as to this man's familiar way with her, and as to why she felt fairly comfortable with him, when normally strangers made her as uneasy as Voyager's Talent Night. "Is this height acceptable?"

"Be, towering angelia," the dwarf-like man smiled, revealing a mouth half-full of rotted, decaying pointed teeth, the rest having long since fallen out. Snatching up the ball, he explained, "The Tomorrow Sphere, this be…into it…gaze…call what you see."

Seven furrowed her brow and looked into the ball then stated as she adjusted her Borg enhanced eye and maximize the resolution, "I detect a form of crystal…it is translucent and possibly quartz." Looking farther into it, she raised her eyebrow and then stated, "It is without imperfections." Excited and seeing the appeal of such a…thing…she asked, "What is required to acquire this?"

"No…not, angelia!" he huffed, taking the ball and pulling it to his chest. "On today…is no…not for you."

Raising her eyebrows in surprise since she thought that this man's tactics of selling his merchandise were odd, she said, quickly, "Explain."

The small, grungy man looked Seven of Nine up and down and said, "Angelia sense no…not of realm. The seen you spy, no…not known. Learn angelia. Other plane calls...listen to you must."

Seven looked away for a few moments, thinking about what he was saying and then turned back to him and stated, her brow still furrowed, but her big, blue eyes seeking answers at the same time, "You are speaking of clairvoyance…the paranormal," titling her head a little, "the occult. I have read of this. It is illogical."

Laughing, knowingly, the man started back to his merchant stand, set the ball back on the display and said, "This plane for you, angelia perhaps it be so." When Seven stood again and came up to him, obviously still curious, he touched her hand and said, cryptic, "Tomorrow at when the square of your sum, return to me will you…the sphere have you then…the path, know will you. Tell angelia, I will…mote it be." Then turning, he waved them off, barking, "You mountains, away!"

Taking Seven by the elbow and ushering her away quickly, Fowler asked, "What did he say to you?"

After reciting the phrase, Seven stated, "I am uncertain as to its meaning."

Shaking her head and scratching the back of her neck, Fowler asked, trying to bring Seven out of her distraction, "Annika, did you have something you wanted to tell me?"

While one part of her brain continued to analyze the riddle, Seven reached into her pocket and stated, "That..." sighing, catching herself again, "yes." Handing the datachip to Fowler, Seven explained, "The individual I assisted gave this to me. He stated that it is a 'VIP' pass for this evening's … 'carnival.' I believe…Miss Kate…would wish to use this." Then placing her hands behind her back as Fowler nodded and stuck it into her back pocket, Seven stated, somewhat unhappily, "That pass will only allow three individuals into the VIP section to view this 'carnival.'" Then sighing, she went on, "However, I believe it is for the 'best.' This circumstance may give Miss Kate the opportunity to be seen by Venkat, and since you and Tuvok are her traveling companions, you will be able to accompany her."

Fowler nodded again and said, "Well, we'll see what she thinks, but this is good…excellent work." When Seven barely nodded and continued to look distant, Nicole grabbed her shoulder softly, and asked, "Hey, you okay?"

"I am…unsettled," Seven admitted. As Nick took her arm away, she admitted, "I am preoccupied with the merchant's words to me."

Patting Seven on the arm one more time, the pilot said, "Don't worry about it. He's just a crazy old man trying to sell you a pretty, hunk of crystal by making you think about it." Smiling, she explained, "It's an old, old trick…just forget it. Come on, the boss lady's signaling us."

Seven sighed and let Fowler start ahead of her, then as she followed her to the group where Wang and Torres had returned, the blonde glanced back over at the ball, and then up at the man that was watching her over the top of a book. Feeling uneasy as the man's black eyes seemed to look right into her, the Borg straightened her shoulders and forced herself to focus on her tasks as she continued to process the riddle through her brain, trying to discover its meaning, feeling, for some reason, that it was vital that she decrypt the message.


 

"Thank god for air conditioning," Fowler praised, weary from the heat as they entered their shuttle and sealed up the hatch so they could all speak in private without having to worry about blowing their cover. Starting toward the forward compartment, she asked, "Anyone want some water…I'm buying?" When everyone nodded, she glanced over at Janeway and asked, "Captain, can I borrow your hands for a minute?" After Janeway nodded in understanding that she couldn't carry six glasses of water alone since there wasn't a replicator in the aft compartment, she waited until they were alone and said, "Seven managed to pick up a VIP pass for the carnival for us tonight…it's only good for three though." Taking it out of her pocket and handing it to Janeway, she said, "I wasn't sure what you wanted to do with it."

Accepting the offering and slipping it into her waistband, Kathryn asked as Fowler programmed the replicator, "How'd she manage that?"

"I guess she saved the day when she was helping out those guys," Fowler answered handing two of the glasses to Janeway. Picking up the rest by herself, her hand large enough to manage two in each of her palms comfortably, she continued, "So, they gave her the pass in thanks."

Chuckling and shaking her head, "That's just like her to show us all up, simply by being herself." Then walking back into the aft room, sipping one of the water's she handed her other one to Seven and said, "Good work on getting the VIP pass, Seven."

"Thank you, Captain," answered the blonde, understanding that during their meetings they were allowed to step out of character for a moment since they needed to be professional and work out their plan of action.

After they all availed themselves to their beverages, the captain and Fowler chugging two glasses each, they all got situated on the chairs and various cots, Fowler taking up her preferred spot on the stairs as Janeway, who wasn't surprised in the least, laughed to herself. They started the meeting off with Wang, and after explaining to them how the currency worked, he handed them each a datachip which he said contained enough currency to see to all of their possible needs for the evening. He explained to them how to replicate more and then told them where they should take it so it could be turned into electronic funds, which was the preferred form of exchange by the various merchants, although he told Seven and Torres that since they were supposed to be 'commoners,' to say the least, and would be visiting rougher parts of the station, they should carry some coins with them as well so they could fit in.

After Wang's explanation, he and the captain went to the forward compartment to replicate the clean cut, and slightly greying man a more stylish suit. When Tuvok turned to Seven of Nine to detail her observations, Seven stood, brought up a display console on the wall and took off the glove that covered her enhanced hand. Activating her assimilation tubules so she could directly interface with the computer and transfer her memory file, she explained, "This will allow us to each have an electronic version of the map we encountered earlier." When the data was in the computer now, turning it into an interactive display where they could input data as need, she retracted her tubes and stated, "Each group should carry a tricorder with them that contains this information." Then turning as Tuvok nodded, she went on, "I can create a sub-dermal homing device, which we can implant in each of us. With the tricorder, and this information, we can use it in conjunction to pinpoint each of our locations at all times. Considering the festivities tonight, which we had not planned for, I believe this is a necessary to ensure our safety." Seven was specifically thinking of the captain since she, Seven, would most likely be accompanying B'Elanna Torres, but she didn't detail that, and she of course was also concerned for everyone else's safety as well, just not as acutely.

Raising his eyebrow, Tuvok replied, "A wise precaution. How long will this take for you to create?"

The cool blonde walked up to the small science station in the middle of the aft compartment and stated, "It will take only few minutes, Commander…I will utilize my nanoprobes to assist with the process."

"Your not going to use your assimilation tubes on us…are you?" asked Fowler, wary and uneasy with that thought.

"No…that would be painful, Nicole Fowler…although efficient," Seven stated evenly, perturbed, but understanding the pilot's resistance even if it struck a chord in her. Pulling apart a hypospray, she retrieved an empty canister and informed as she worked, "I am now programming several nanoprobes to complete this task. They will emit a specific resonance signal which I will program into each of the tricorders." Then activating her assimilation tubes, she eased one of the tubes into the tip of small container and released the nanoprobes she had programmed into it. They were completely inert, except for the signal that they gave off, and since several hundred would be injected into each crewmember, the signal would be strong enough to detect within the space station. "I will also be able to detect your signal at all times without the need of a tricorder, although it will be more difficult for me to pinpoint your location that way." As Janeway came into the aft compartment alone, Seven finished, "The nanoprobes will cease to function after five days since none of you regenerate. At that time they will decay and be absorbed into your blood stream where your body will expel them as waste." Sliding the canister into the hypospray, she said to Fowler as she turned around, "They are harmless." When Janeway sat down at the table and continued to listen without butting in, the blonde finished, "As for me, I do not require this. I have now programmed my cortical node to give off a similar signal on the same frequency."

Finally speaking up, Janeway smiled crookedly at Seven and asked, "Okay, Seven…what did I miss?"

"I have devised a way to allow each of us to track our whereabouts using a tricorder and a small sample of nanoprobes," Seven answered. Handing Janeway the tricorder and pulling up the interactive display of Burnhouse, she explained, "I interfaced with the computer and uploaded my memory files. We can now add any relevant data as to our findings into the tricorders, and," activating a sensor and a small blue dot appeared on the tiny screen, she explained, "as you can see, you can now detect my location." As Janeway shot her one of her 'impressive' flirtatious looks that Seven had come to love receiving as much as the captain's kisses, she added, joking in her own way, "It is not as efficient as fitting each of you with a neural transceiver, however."

Standing up, Fowler rolled up her sleeve, being the bigger person and showing her support and said, "Okay, Seven, assimilate me…let's see how this works."

The Borg raised her eyebrow and stated as she walked over to Fowler, "This will not be a painless as an ordinary hypospray."

As Seven injected her, Fowler blinked and let out a sharp, "Ouch!" Then rubbing her arm, she looked at it, noticed that there was a small red mark as well as a little swelling and said, "Well, that's attractive…thanks." Then looking over at Janeway, she asked, "Can you read me, Captain?"

Reopening the tricorder, Janeway nodded and replied, "Loud and clear…you're a tiny green dot." Then smirking up at Seven, she said, "Color coded and everything…you don't miss much do you?"

"It is more efficient," Seven came back walking up to Torres who was taking off her padded, silver draped vest.

Before she took off her shirt, Torres asked, since she was wearing a only a small tube-top style undershirt to keep her full-breasts pressed down against her chest as much as possible, "Does it matter where you put it?"

Understanding the question since she had dressed with B'Elanna on Voyager, Seven stated, "It should be injected into dense musculature to ensure that the nanoprobes are not absorbed into your bloodstream before we depart. Your back will suffice."

Nodding, Torres stood and turned around and let Seven lift up the back of her shirt saying, "Too bad, I was hoping to get it in the neck."

"Then you'd look like you had a hickey," Fowler laughed.

"Exactly," Torres replied as Seven injected her. Then inhaling through clenched teeth at the sharp pain, she exhaled and said, "Thanks."

"No problemo," Seven came back quickly as Torres laughed. Then taking a moment, she rubbed the area quickly and informed, "You will not have a 'hickey' for long. Your body is naturally resistant to such damage." As Tuvok took off his jacket and removed his shirt, leaving his torso only clad in a thin, Starfleet-issue tank-top, and giving them all a very rare look at his impressive physique, Seven stated as she pressed the hypospray to his arm and he merely lifted his eyebrow in surprise, "Captain, I believe you will want to utilize the ensuite for this procedure since your skin will undoubtedly show signs of this injection for several hours." Releasing Tuvok as Janeway nodded and stood, she handed the hypospray to Kathryn and informed, "You should inject the nanoprobes into your glu…"

"I'll take care of it, Seven," Janeway cut her off quickly going into the bathroom as Samuel Wang came back into the aft compartment.

Whistling, Fowler smiled and said, "Well, dang, Sam…don't you look sharp."

Samuel smiled his soft, humble smile and nodded his thanks, then said, "I think the captain's been moonlighting as a tailor…she did all the work." Then when he heard a rather loud yelp from the bathroom and then everyone snickered, he asked, "What's going on?"

"I think the captain just got bit in the butt," Torres laughed starting to put her vest back on. Then changing her mind since even she was starting to feel a little warm with all of her clothes on, she asked Tuvok, "Commander, do you think it will be okay if I leave the vest off?"

"Considering none of these individuals have encountered the Klingon race before, I do not believe they will make note of it, Lieutenant."

"Ensign Wang," Seven said coming up to him. "Would you please remove your shirt? When the captain returns, I will be injecting you with nanoprobes, which will allow us to keep track of you during our mission utilizing a tricorder. It is harmless, I assure you."

Wang shrugged and started unbuttoning his cream color, lightweight shirt after removing a similar colored jacket and handing it to Fowler who was checking it out, always liking men's attire more since she was built much more like a man than a woman, as far as body type went, as Janeway emerged from the ensuite frowning and rubbing her rump. Taking the hypospray from the captain who mumbled, "Your bee stinger," Seven said, "I apologize, Captain…I assure you it is more painless than using my assimilation tubules."

"Uh huh," Janeway sneered playfully, sitting. Then equally fast she stood back up, hissing in pain and huffed, "Well, hell, now I can't even sit." When Torres laughed, she snapped, but knowing it was harmless, "You hush." Then rubbing her butt again, she laughed and said, "Damn, that really hurts."

"No kidding," Wang said after Seven injected him and rubbing his arm instantly.

Snatching up the tricorder, the captain asked, "Seven…what are all of our colors?"

Seven set down the hypospray and stated, placing her hands behind her back, "I am blue. Nicole Fowler is green. Samuel Wang is orange. B'Elanna Torres is white. Commander Tuvok is yellow, and you are red, Captain."

Turning up one corner of mouth, catching the inside joke since not only was Janeway's favorite color red, but it was also Seven's, Janeway closed the tricorder and said, "Okay, then they're all working." Going over to her duffel, digging out a purse that was similar to Wang's and said, putting the tricorder, her money, some lipstick and the VIP pass into it. Then handing it to Tuvok, she smiled and said, "Tuvok, I believe this is yours." The dark Vulcan raised his eyebrow as Janeway snickered at him and then placed it over his shoulder, as she said, "It matches your outfit better than mine."

"Indeed," was all he said which caused each of them to laugh silently.


 

After they discussed their plans for the evening in as much detail as they could, set a curfew of 0200 hours, Earth Standard Time, for the next morning since the party would undoubtedly go until the wee hours, Tuvok, Fowler and Janeway took off to get something to eat at one of the cafés, while Wang took off for one of the nicer restaurants in his new stylish suit. Seven and Torres stayed behind in the shuttle and ate from the replicator wanting to go over their game plan for the evening since they would be completely by themselves. Each group was also given a hypospray, at the captain's request, which would make them mostly immune to any effects of the alcoholic beverages that would be flowing so they could remain alert and continue to guzzle booze while the rest of the unknowing party-goers, that they would hopefully befriend, would lose their inhibitions and give them the information they were looking for. Since Torres and Seven would be looking for information in the rougher spots of the space station, and most likely required to drink cheap and potentially lethally potent alcohol, they decided to have a big dinner which would help counter-act any effects that the hypospray couldn't handle.

As Seven programmed a fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn on the cob and plenty of bread, Torres doubled checked the phasers and power cells in their boots, and when Seven came through the doorway with the plates and stated that the bread and their water was still in the replicator, Torres jumped up and retrieved them. After she came back into the aft compartment and set down the contents of her hands, she leaned over, kissed Seven on the lips and said, "Thanks for making dinner, babe…smells great." Then before she sat down, she washed her hands, and grabbed her tool kit from her duffel bag. When Seven looked at her funny as she took a bite of her potatoes, Torres explained, "I've got a laser pointer in here. I figure it could be used to signal each other if we get separated." Then grinning, she added, "Also, you can crank the setting up and it can burn…just in case, since my knife won't fit in my boots."

"Efficient," Seven smirked as Torres slipped the thin, silver metal, pen-like object into her pocket and then turned to her food. As B'Elanna tore into the chicken and gave her appreciate with a hearty shake of her head and she chewed a large piece of dark meat, Seven asked, "B'Elanna Torres, since you are the senior officer amongst us, I am wondering if you are disagreeable that once the festivities begin, and we have completed our tasks, if we can attempt to locate the captain's position visually?" Sighing, she stated, "I am not certain as to why, but I feel…unsettled."

Chewing down her food and then sipping her water to help it along, Torres pointed to the food on Seven's plate, reminding her eat, and then said, "Yes, I think that's fine. We're supposed to be seen at the carnival anyway…might as well keep her covered while were at it?"

"Agreed."

When Seven sighed and then took a bite of her food, but continued to look uneasy, Torres asked, "Any specific reason why you feel…unsettled…other than Red's tits?"

"Kathryn's bosom is not of concern at this point," Seven informed surely. "I believe she is capable of handling herself in this situation, considering her actions with Mister Hunit." Then sighing, she shook her head and admitted, "I am uncertain, perhaps it is the merchant's influence, but I feel as though," she informed in a raspy whisper, "that we are being observed." Before Torres could ask her anything, she added, "How Kathryn is dressed is of no consequence, and considering some of the attire I have witnessed this afternoon, she does not look out of the ordinary…except for the fact that she is more beautiful than the rest of the females in the facility."

Smiling at that, not surprised that Seven would make certain to add what she believed to be fact, and it wasn't like Torres disagreed, she asked, "Who's…'the merchant?'" After the blonde recited the events, B'Elanna thought for a minute about that, not as willing to dismiss the man as Fowler was and then asked, "So, what do you think that means? I mean…what's your sum?" 

"I am not certain."

After taking a piece of bread from the basket and dipping it in her mashed potatoes and taking a bite, B'Elanna asked with her mouth half full, "So, why do you think we're being watched more than anyone else?"

Seven sighed again and answered, "Again, B'Elanna Torres, I am uncertain." After taking a bite of chicken breast, she stated, "Perhaps I am allowing this new experience to affect my judgement?" Then before Torres could answer either way, she said, "However, I believe that for tonight we should be extra cautious. After we complete our tasks at the various…'bars' we should find a venue to observe Kathryn. I believe by doing this I will be able to detect if any individuals are observing her actions more than normal curiosity would deem acceptable. It will put us at an advantage…however, we must stay out of her line of sight. If she spots us, it could be…bad."

"Okay, but we can't be obvious either," Torres added continuing to eat her meal with haste. "We're supposed to know her, but not like her, and if people see us watching her, they'll think we're security…and we can't have that either. Tuvok's supposed to be her only security, and Nick's supposed to be…we'll I'm not sure yet, but she's supposed to just go where ever Red goes…kind of like she's her pet our something." Shrugging, she sighed, "I don't know…and I don't want to know…all I need to know is that Nick will always be with her, and that's good enough for me." Looking up at Seven, she grinned and said, "Nick will bust anyone up good that tries anything with Red, and," she added, "if Red's wants to turn this guy on, I'd much rather have her tease him by coming onto Nick and letting him watch, rather than coming onto him directly."

Nodding, Seven replied, "Agreed." Then drinking her water, she asked, "B'Elanna Torres, why do we find Kathryn displaying sexual attraction to Nicole Fowler acceptable and not this Venkat?" Before Torres could answer, she added, "I am in agreement, however, I am not certain I understand as to why."

"Because Nick's our friend. She's a member of the captain's crew, that makes it business and we know that Nick's not going to have wandering hands." Then smiling, she added, "Plus, Nick's a woman, who likes women, and that's means she probably can pull it off and not feel uncomfortable." After chewing some more food, she added, "Plus, she and Red work together a lot, I think they're closer than we realize…they have a trust between them. I think it's because they're both Starfleet. They think similar…and, Nick likes Red, she looks up to her a lot." Then chuckling a little, she informed, "Don't tell her I told you this…but I think if you and I weren't in the picture, Nick would be beating down Red's door."

Raising her eyebrows in surprise, Seven of Nine responded, "I was not aware of that." Then furrowing her brow, and sitting up straighter, she asked, "This does not bother you, B'Elanna Torres?"

"No," Torres shook her head quickly. After Seven asked to her explain, she slowly chewed on a roll as she did so, "Dollface, it's silly to be jealous of things like that. There are always going to be people that other people are attracted to." When Seven seemed like she didn't totally understand, she snapped her fingers and said, "Take Harry for instance. Everyone knows he's got the hots for you. I know it because he and I talked about it before we hooked up, and I know Red knows it…but we don't mind because we know that you love us and there's nothing to it. Even if you thought Harry was anywhere near acceptable," she winked, "it still wouldn't bother us. You're a person…it's cool to be attracted to other people…it's part of life." Then leaning back and pushing her plate away, she went on as Seven's face morphed from one of disapproval to curiosity, "And, I bet if you asked Red if she was attracted to Nick she'd say yes…and why not? Nick's hot…in a bad-ass, amazon chick kind of way. She's smart, talented as shit, funny…she's great. But that doesn't mean any thing other than they think each other is cool and cute."

"Are you attracted to Nicole Fowler, B'Elanna Torres?"

Shaking her head, Torres answered honestly, "Not like that. It's hard to explain but I think Nick and I are similar to Chakotay and Red. We're just really good friends, we like each other a lot, see the appeal, but aren't sexually attracted to each other." Grabbing her water, she asked, "Isn't there anyone else that you find attractive on Voyager?"

"No," Seven answered automatically. Then looking away for a moment, then back at Torres she amended, "I have erred. I believe I think that Ensign Resse is appealing." Then raising her eyebrows as she spoke, she went on, "That is correct. She is pleasant, well kept, fit, and she follows Kathryn's orders in a respectful and efficient manner."

Laughing, Torres shook her head and said, "Babe, you've got it bad."

"Explain."

B'Elanna smiled and said leaning forward to she could kiss Seven quickly, "You've got it bad for Red…only you would find someone attractive because they follow her orders." Then pulling back from her quick show of affection, she admitted, "That's why I love you so much." Then standing and clearing their plates, Torres asked, "So, you're not gonna go break Nick's neck if Red hangs all over her…right?"

The ex-drone stood and picked up her dishes as well and asked instead of answering, since she felt it was obvious that she would not do that since Kathryn would be displeased, to say the least, not to mention Torres, "Do you believe that will occur?"

Walking up the steps and holding the door open for Seven, the engineer answered, "I think it's a good possibility considering they left here holding hands…didn't you catch that?"

"I did not."

Placing the dishes into the replicator, Torres went on, "I think it's a plan they've worked out together…remember, they pretended to be into each other when that maggot was stalking her." Then taking Seven's dishes and recycling them as well, she went on, "Think about it…Red wants to give this guy a boner, but she wants to keep her distance and make it known that Nick goes where she goes." Turning around, she placed one hand on her hip and said, "The best way to accomplish all of that is to make it seem like Nick's her girl-toy, and that she'll play with him, but not alone…and remember, he's not allowed to touch, so she's going to have to tease him." Winking at Seven, she finished, "The best way to do that is to play kissy-face with Nick, and let him watch…it's all part of the game."

Seven sighed and said, "These elaborate schemes of deception are…difficult to understand. However, I am not disagreeable to Kathryn's plan. Although I do not…like…Nicole Fowler as much as you and Kathryn, I do not dislike her, and I believe that she would not attempt to take advantage of the situation because she is aware that I would not be pleased."

Laughing, Torres said, "You'd be displeased! Babe, if Nick ever did that, one, she'd have to deal with me, then you…and let's not forget she'd have to deal with Red first." Patting Seven on the shoulder again, she said, "But that's not gonna happen because Nick is a good person and she respects her captain…a lot. She's all about duty and that shit…this is business…trust me."

Seven of Nine rolled her eyes and said, "B'Elanna Torres, why are you using so many vulgarities this evening?" Adding quickly, she informed, "I am accustomed to your profane vocabulary when you are distressed, but not when you and I are conversing in this manner."

Smiling, Torres patted Seven on the shoulder and said, "Just trying to get warmed up, tootse. You ain't seen nothin' yet."


 

Seated at a small table outside the café since the temperature in the room, which was filled with bodies and even worse than outside, Fowler sat with her back to the wall, alongside the captain, whom she had her arm around, loosely, making the gesture look comfortably familiar, and said as Janeway leaned casually into the crook of her arm and sipped her beverage, "Looks like it's starting to fill up already." Then glancing down at the redhead, albeit her long wig, which she now had pulled into a loose pony-tail was more of a sun-kissed brunette, she asked, "Can I have a sip? Mine tastes like p…it's bad."

Chuckling, Janeway handed the beverage over without giving it a thought and asked Tuvok as he sat adjacent to them and finished his bread roll, which the captain thought looked terribly dry, "Tuvok, would you be a dear and go get us another…whatever this is…and maybe something sweet?" Janeway gave him rueful smile, hating to have to ask him to go fetch things for her, but knowing that it was required. When Tuvok nodded easily and started for the café where thankfully the line wasn't very long, Janeway turned to Nick who was still sipping her beverage and said, "Would you lean down so I can whisper, please?"

Fowler pulled the drink from her mouth and set it on the table, leaning over easily and making the movement seem perfectly natural, giving the captain the opportunity to speak to her privately without fear of being overheard by the growing crowd. "What's up?"

Clearing her throat, Janeway turned toward Nick and placed one hand on her shoulder as she said quietly, "I just wanted you to know that…um…well, that I'll probably have to act awfully familiar with you this evening." When Fowler nodded in response, she went on, "Would you be uncomfortable if I asked you to act equally familiar with me as well?" Before Fowler could answer, she added, "I just don't want you to feel as though you can't…be nice to me. Just treat me like you would if we were…well, lovers. Heavy on the hands…but not on the lips. Are you comfortable with that?"

Nicole exhaled once in laughter and mumbled as she brought up her hand to the captain's and clasped onto it affectionately, "It's not a problem." Then leaning over, she whispered into the captain's ear, "Like I said before…there are much worse details I could pull…trust me." When Janeway sighed, obviously feeling slightly guilty, she added, "Seriously, it's cool…and I get it. I'll put on a good show…and I'll try to stop asking if everything's okay." Then snickering, she asked, "Um…so does that mean you want me to act like I take care of you…or just come when you call me?"

Janeway leaned lightly on Fowler and asked softly, holding her hand, "I'm comfortable with both…what's easiest for you?"

"Honestly, I've never been someone's toy, Miss Kate," Fowler chuckled keeping her face close to Janeway's neck. "But I think I could play it that way…maybe just a pet with a bit of protective streak?"

"Okay, then that's what we'll do." Then sighing and grabbing the drink, she said, "My word, it's hot in this place…I should have just dyed my hair…this wig it hotter than hell." Bringing the glass to her forehead, she looked down at Fowler's denim pants, and asked, "How are you holding up…you've got to burning up?"

"Well, I think we'll want to leave my boots and socks outside the shuttle this evening," Fowler admitted frowning and looking down at her heavily booted feet, "but I'm in hanging there…although, I'm glad I've got a tank top underneath this shirt." Smiling, she said, "If this carnival gets as crazy as I think, it will get a lot hotter." Looking at Janeway's hair, she asked, "Do you think it will be too dangerous to take your wig off? You're rich, I don't think it will be that weird if you were to change your hair for the party?" When Janeway gave her concerns about the color, Fowler said, "I don't think it will be a problem…there were several other redheads walking around today…some I think even natural."

"Really…I didn't even notice?"

"No? Oh, well," Fowler allowed somewhat shyly, then finally admitted, "I've always had a thing for redheads…it's habit to notice."

Sighing, Janeway patted her leg, and replied, "Well, thank heavens for small favors. As soon as Tuvok comes back, we'll go. I didn't know how I was going to manage." Laughing, she resisted the urge to scratch her head and whispered, "My head feels like it's on fire."

"I think next time we want to dress up and play house we should go to Freezehouse," the pilot added as Tuvok started toward them with a glass and a plate. "At least we could put close on…instead of take them off."


 

"Feel better?" asked Nick as she sat on the table in the New York and Janeway came out of the bathroom without her wing and slicked back hair since it had been a mess when she took the wig off and removed the cap that kept her natural mane close to her head.

Stuffing her wig in her bag, Janeway sighed and said, "God yes." Then snatching up her make-up, she said, "Let me just fix my face…and then we can get back." After making certain her tiny ridges were still secured, applying a fresh coat of power, mascara and lipstick, Janeway checked her teeth and then exited the bathroom, asking as she bent over her cot, with her bottom to Fowler, "Nick, look at my legs…can you see anything?" When Nicole said that she didn't, and then inquired as to why, Janeway turned, lifted the side of her shirt and said, "I just wanted to be sure."

"Hey, that's nifty…let me see," Fowler asked, always having a fascination with non-technical weapons, standing and holding out her hand. When Janeway pulled out the thin blade and handed it over, Fowler shook her head and said, "Never thought you were the type, Kate…that's nice…lightweight…it suits you." Then as Janeway rolled her eyes and holstered her weapon, the tall pilot set her foot on the cot, lifted her pant leg and pulled out a much bigger bowie knife, with a smooth edge, saying, "Now, that's a knife."

"Another Mardi Gras treasure?" Janeway asked as Fowler put it back in her boot, not at all surprised that Fowler was armed beyond her phasers either.

"No," Nicole shook her head chuckling. Then reaching into her back pocket, she pulled out a leather pouch that contained two ninja stars. "These I got from Wang…he's got a couple too."

Taking one out of the pilot's hands carefully since it was clear the edges were very sharp, she asked, "Can you really…use these?"

Carefully, the brunette took the star from the captain and said, holding it in her hand as Wang had taught her, "Well, they're a finesse weapon, but," spinning quickly, she let the star go where it impacted with the far partition and stuck into it squarely, "I've had some practice." Then going up to the wall and pulling it out, she said, "I'll see to getting that fixed myself, Captain…but I just wanted to remind you that we're called the Elite Force for a reason," smiling confidently, "and we know what we're doing."

"I'll say," Janeway said under her breath. Then shaking her head at herself and reminding the woman inside that she had okayed this idea and that this was advanced tactical tactics, and that for their own safety they had to be prepared to use deadly force. She also knew that none of them would do so unless they had to, so she let her concern go and said, taking Fowler's hand, "Alright, tough girl…let's go before someone starts trying to talk to Tuvok."

Slipping her lethal pouch back into her back pocket, Fowler, hand and hand with Janeway asked as they stepped through the air tunnel and onto the landing deck, "Is it me…or did it just get darker?"

"It's definitely darker," Janeway answered quickly. "Maybe they lower the lights to simulate night?"

"It might be nice if they lowered the temperature too," Fowler added looking over her shoulder, keeping her eyes peeled even more so now that she had to worry about such things as shadows in the much dimmer light. When they approached a large crowd that was gathering in front of the café, the tall pilot pulled up on Janeway's hand stopping her. Then standing on her tiptoes, she said, "He's still holding our table." Then looking at the sea of people, all of them potential aggressor's standing in between them and their seat, Fowler leaned down and whispered as Janeway frowned at the group, obviously not looking forward to negotiating through it, some of which looked to have had more than their fair share of fun already, "Stay in front of me please."

Janeway let Fowler urge her in front, and as they started forward as Fowler kept one hand on her shoulder, Kathryn thought it best to use her greatest weapon to further their cause, so clearing her throat, she barked, crisply, the crack and boom of her voice clearly audible and startling, "Ladies and gentlemen." Then when everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her, some of them wide-eyed, she smiled and requested, still authoritative, "Clear the way, please." Once they were through, she fell back into step with Fowler and said, "We've all got our secret weapons, Nick."

"I'll say."


 

"This is great!" Torres exclaimed as she and Seven of Nine entered one of the many rowdy bars on this side of the deck, the dimmed, dirty, and smoke-filled atmosphere bringing the ex-Maquis back to her 'days of thunder' in a trice. Patting Seven on the shoulder forcefully, she asked, smiling, "Isn't this great, Kanik?"

"Yes, it is…great," Seven droned, lying, as she followed Torres over to a table near the wall. Taking a seat on the high stool as Torres did across from her, keeping her back to the wall, Seven asked, "Why are you referring to me as 'Kanik?'"

"Annika's too…foo-foo. You're supposed to be tough, and I can't just call you Nik cause that's Nick's name," Torres whispered, leaning over the high, round, sticky table. When Seven nodded in understanding, and she spied a stocky and not entirely unappealing waitress eyeing them, she added quickly, "Just let me do the talking for now." Bringing her fingers up to her lips, Torres whistled loudly at the woman, and said loudly, "Some service over here!" As two men at the bar turned around and looked at her, she snapped her head over to them and growled, hotly, "What the hell are you looking at?" And when they sneered at her but turned back around, she huffed, "Yea…that's what I thought."

"What can I get for you?" asked the waitress setting down two coasters.

"Well have two of your house ales…and make sure they're cold! I don't want any warm beer," Torres spat.

"You got money for that?"

Reaching into her pocket, Torres pulled out a handful of coins and said, slamming it down on the table, "Is this enough, sweetheart?"

The woman rolled her eyes and yelled over her shoulder, "Ballen…two houses…chilled." Then turning back to Torres, she took four of the coins, stuck them in her pocket and then said, taking another one and putting it in her other pocket, "That one's for the attitude."

Laughing, Torres took another coin, held it between her fingers and said, "And this one's for you, darlin'…do me a favor and there will be twenty more."

The woman instantly changed expression, took the coin, slipped in into her bra and asked, coming up to Torres somewhat flirtatiously, "What is it that you need?"

B'Elanna pulled the woman close to her and whispered, "I'm looking to acquire some heavy machinery…engine parts, tools…but me and my friend here need to stay out of the lime light…you catch my drift, angel?" When the woman nodded, she asked, "You know of someone I can buy a drink or two for?"

"It possible…but I can't seem to remember right now," the woman came back nodding down to Torres' coins.

Snapping at Seven, Torres smiled at the woman and said to her partner, "Kanik…gimme ten." Then taking the coins, and taking twenty more, the engineer slipped them into the woman's pocket and asked, "Your memory coming back to you now, sugar?"

"I'll go to their table next." Then placing her hand on Torres thigh and moving it up slowly, she smiled and added, "And, if you're interested in something else after you're done with your business…I'm sure we can strike a deal."

Torres leaned back, letting the woman fondle her somewhat, and said, "I'll keep it mind." Once the woman left, she turned to Seven and winked, whispering, "Easy a pie."

"Indeed," Seven replied raising her eyebrow, but smirking, completely intrigued by the change in Torres and how comfortable she seemed in this environment. "It seems that Miss Kate isn't the only one capable of such behavior."

Laughing, Torres reminded, "Remember…I used to be an outlaw. I was doing this type of thing before you were even a twinkle in our space cowgirl's eye." When the waitress brought over their beers and then proceeded directly to another table where three rather tough looking men were seated playing some kind of card-like game, Torres raised her glass to Seven, who clinked it soundly and said, "Bottom's up."


 

"Don't look now," Fowler chuckled, leaning over and speaking softly in the captain's ear, "but your boyfriend's on the prowl." When Janeway swallowed down her drink and asked where, the brunette pointed toward the crowd and said, "There…the one with the flower."

"Oh dear," Janeway allowed, bringing her hand to her mouth to keep herself from laughing and feeling terrible for getting such a nice, although forward, man's hopes up. Then sighing, she said, "Well, I guess we still need him…although, I don't want him to hang around all night either." Nodding to Tuvok, silently informing him to go retrieve the man, Janeway turned to Fowler and said, "It's show time…just follow my lead." Then standing as the man came closer and waved at her, happily, Janeway put on her best gracious, but somewhat fake smile and said meeting him on the other side of their table, "Mister Hunit, we meet again."

"For you, Madam," Hunit, who was out of his bulky uniform and wearing a dark suit, that was slightly wrinkled, said handing Janeway the white flower. Then smiling, he added, "I see that you have visited one of the salons." Taking up her hand and repeating his previous gesture, he informed, "You are a vision."

"Oh," Janeway said quickly bringing her hand to her hair, almost forgetting. "Yes…do you like it?" When Hunit nodded, Janeway handed the flower to Tuvok, in an attempt to show that she really wasn't all the interested in the man, and said, "You remember my assistant Tuvok?" As each man nodded and Tuvok placed the flower in the purse, having to smash it but knowing Janeway wouldn't mind in the least, Kathryn came up to Fowler, sat in her lap since there wasn't a spare chair to be found anywhere, and said leaning into Fowler's chest and snuggling with her, "Darling, say hello to Mister Hunit."

Sticking out her hand as Hunit's eyes grew wider in shock at the captain's behavior as he sat next to them, while Tuvok looked on, not surprised in the least, even though Janeway hadn't discussed their 'relationship' with him, extensively, Fowler greeted, once the man shook it quickly, "Hunit…good of you to come see Miss Kate." Placing her hand on the captain's thigh and letting it slip between the slit on the side, she asked rubbing the redhead's lithe and silky limb affectionately, "So, how's work?"

Hunit shifted in his seat, although no one could tell if it was excitement or discomfort driven and replied, "Fine…fine…you know…it's work." Then turning his attention from the thigh rub to Janeway's face which was pleasant and cheerful, he asked, "Miss Kate, were you able to make all of your appointments today? I made certain to expedite your berthing request personally."

"Yes, thank you," Janeway answered reaching for her glass. "I'll be sure to tell Daddy of your assistance on my behalf." After taking a sip, she handed the glass to Fowler and asked, "So, tell me about this carnival…it sounds rather exciting?" while she wrapped one arm around Fowler's neck and traced the woman's jawline and ear with her index finger where Hunit could see the movement clearly.

Perking up since the object of his affection wasn't ignoring him completely, Hunit answered, hoping to impress her, "Oh it is. It's Burnhouse's largest revenue producing event." Smiling he went on, "It's a huge production and quite an undertaking. There are dancers, musicians and the like booked. The lighting alone takes us five cycles to complete, and I hear this year there will be magician's, pyrotecnics and a group of performers from Gracgas Five." Shaking his head, he said, "I don't know what their purpose is…Mister Venkat has kept it all quiet, but the word is that he paid a significant amount to acquire them."

Kathryn took the glass back from Fowler and asked, nonchalantly as she sipped the peach colored beverage, "Who is this Mister Venkat, anyway…everyone's been talking about him but I've yet to see him?"

"Mister Venkat is the new owner of Burnhouse," Hunit answered. "He's responsible for all of our recent upgrades and has singled handedly renewed our status at the premiere space port in this spatial sector." Shifting in his seat again as Fowler wrapped her arms around Kathryn's waist and resituated the redhead on her lap, the captan's knife holder digging into her leg, he continued, "He's a very wealthy man, as well as busy, so he spends most of his time in his offices, of course. He'll be here this evening to start off the festivities however." Then growing excited again, he asked, "He'll be in the VIP section, of course…which is difficult to get into, or I would have acquired passes for us, but afterward, he should be at his club on Deck Four. I can take you if you'd like to meet him? I'm certain he would wish to greet such a good customer of Burnhouse's."

Ignoring the question since she wasn't certain she wanted him hanging around much longer, Janeway asked, "Can anyone get into this club…or is it invitation only?"

"The Quantum is very restricted…for Mister Venkat's safety, but I know the gatekeeper, so I'm certain we could gain entrance." Then clearing his throat he added, "It's a…private…club, so discretion is required to keep away prying eyes, you see." Then shifting in his seat again, he went on, "I've never actually been there, but I hear that it's…an experience, to say the least. It's very popular to those that find that sort of entertainment appealing." Glancing at the captain and her friend, the pilot, he smiled and said, "I'm certain you would enjoy yourself, Miss Kate."

Kathryn jumped at the chance to get rid of the man while she could do so easily, opened her mouth in surprise and then huffed, aghast, "Well…Mister Hunit, I don't think you know me well enough to make such bold personal assumptions about how I choose to entertain myself." When the man started back-peddling as fast as he could practically falling all over himself, Janeway snapped her fingers to Tuvok and said, "Tuvok, show Mister Hunit to the exit before he insults me again."

As Tuvok took a foreboding step toward the man, and said, "Mister Hunit, if you'll come this way," the man stood quickly, backing away and mumbled apologies as he turned and made tracks away from the large, stoic Vulcan. Then raising his eyebrow, Tuvok added, "I cannot say that I will miss his company."

Sighing and sliding off of Fowler's lap, mumbling her thanks, still feeling slightly unsettled, mostly because Tuvok had to witness her behaving this way, Janeway said, "Me neither." As Tuvok sat back down, Janeway said, "Well, I guess that means that we better try to get into this club." Looking over at Fowler, and then back to Tuvok, she continued, "Unfortunately, old friend, I don't really think this will be your type of establishment."

"That is unlikely," Tuvok replied nodding understanding. "Very well, if you secure entrance I will not accompany you," he informed, not telling her that if that occurred, he would track Torres and Seven down after they had been there for a short time, and inform them to attempt to gain entrance since that would leave the captain and Fowler most likely outnumbered. When Janeway nodded and then sat back, he added, "Perhaps it is for the best? It is unwise to leave the New York unattended for several hours." As the captain leaned back into Fowler and smiled at him, confident, the Vulcan remarked, "I will not…wait up for you."


 

"B'Elanna Torres," Seven of Nine blinked several times as her partner continued to blur in her vision, "I believe my ocular…art…is malfunctioning." When the feisty brunette turned toward her questioning, the blonde explained, "You are…unfocused."

Torres was about to suggest that they go to the bathroom so she could have look at the device when Seven hiccuped. Then chuckling, B'Elanna explained, "I think it's the beer, Kanik. Did you use the hypospray yet?"

Seven went to open her mouth to answer when a rather loud belch came out instead. Bringing her hand to her face, not quiet hitting her mouth, she informed in a raspy whisper, squinting at the engineer trying to see her clearly, "I am malfunctioning. We should return to the Del…to the New York." When Torres snickered and told her she wasn't malfunctioning, that belching was natural, and that she was very good at it actually, and that she was just getting tipsy, Seven finally stated, "Perhaps I should use the hypospray?"

Sighing since she had just suggested that, Torres nodded and said, "Ya think?" As Seven checked each of her pockets for the device and then finally found it, B'Elanna asked, "Why didn't you use it before?"

After pressing it to her neck and blinking several more times as her vision started coming back to her, and her head began to clear from the fog that had converged quickly as she started on her second beer, Seven answered, "It was an experiment. I did not wish to utilize it unless it was necessary. I have never consumed this beverage before…only champagne, on one occasion." Then belching again, she scrunched her face and stated, "That is…better. My abdomen no longer feels expanded beyond acceptable levels."

The brunette couldn't help but laugh at her younger and much less experienced with such things lover and said, "Dollface, one of these days we're going to go to a real pub, when we're not working, and get shit-faced. You have to do it at least once." The rolling her eyes at Seven's inquisitive look, she explained, "Drunk…intoxicated…toasted…shit-faced."

"I find the sensation unpleasant. I do not believe I am required to complete this task," Seven stated taking another healthy swig of the beer, finding that the more she consumed the better it tasted. "Kate would not approve."

"Who says we'll tell her?" Torres rallied, rolling her eyes. Then snapping her fingers, she came back quick, "Or, we'll bring her along." Laughing and setting her beer down hard on the table, the Klingon remarked, "I bet Red's a scream toasted." Smiling, she continued, "You should see Chakotay drunk. All those command types are the real wild ones once they forget about their responsibilities. Shit, Chakotay turns into a total riot…and a slick lady's man…let me tell you. Women used to fall all over him…but even when he's drunk he's a gentlemen, although, just a little more friendly. I'll bet Red would be the life of the party." Then grinning wickedly, she whispered, "And I'd bet my right arm that she'd get over her thing for public displays of affection real quick too…she'd be all over us…I know it." As Seven cocked her eyebrow at that, Torres laughed and said, "See, doesn't sound so bad now…does it?"

"The appeal has increased."

Snickering, Torres eyed Seven closely and then asked, seriously, "Are you up for business again?"

"I am functioning acceptably."

"Okay," Torres nodded then called over the waitress. When the woman quickly made her way back to their table, leaning over and trying to tempt the engineer with her heavy bosom, hoping to make more money before the night was up, and asked if they wanted another round, B'Elanna answered, "No, we're good…but do me a favor and set up a round for my friends over there. Make sure you tell them who it's from." Producing the datachip that contained her currency allotment, she smiled and informed, "And don't worry, honey…I can pay for it…just run a tab." Once the waitress departed, the engineer turned to Seven again and informed, "Just let me do the talking if they bite…pay attention and try to get the feel for it."

Whispering again, Seven said, "I will comply," pretty much giving up on her slang speak for the moment since trying to figure out the merchant's riddle, fight off the alcohol, observe B'Elanna Torres, keep her eye on the dark, smoky room, and speak abnormally was proving too difficult to accomplish together efficiently. The cool blonde watched carefully as the waitress brought a round of drinks over to the table where the three men were seated. When she heard the woman inform the inquisitive men that the drinks were compliment of the girls in the corner, Seven of Nine turned her attention to B'Elanna and watched her raise her glass over to the 'gentlemen' and nod her head when they turned around. The blonde quickly picked up her drink and repeated the gesture, and then proceeded to take another large pull on the mug. Then wiping her chin like she had watched Torres do, she slammed the glass down and table and demanded, "You, another…round…comply." 

B'Elanna resisted the urge to laugh since she thought the now belligerent Borg was rather cute in her attempt to be a rowdy tough customer, rather than her normal, cool, arrogant persona. When she noticed that there was a noticeable crack in the bottom of the glass, Torres cleared her throat to get the ex-drone's attention and whispered, "Try not to smash the glassware, alright? It costs money, and makes the locals twitchy."

Looking down and noticing the crack, Seven of Nine raised an eyebrow and then nodded and stated, "Very well." Then after a few beats, she informed looking only at Torres and speaking softly, but not attempting to look like she was whispering secrets, "The individuals we wish to converse with are speaking of us at this moment. They are commenting on our physical attributes. I believe they think we are attempting to proposition them for sexual purposes."

"Figures," Torres mumbled through clenched teeth. "Well, I guess we'll just have to show them we're not interested in that." Scratching her head, she looked at Seven, then shook her head at the thought of kissing Seven in a place like this since she didn't think it was a good idea for anyone to think they were involved. Then scanning the room for someone else she could hit on, instead of the waitress because B'Elanna knew she would just demand more money, the engineer spied a fairly attractive, middle-aged woman over by the bar speaking to a man who was sitting next to her. They were far enough apart that told Torres that they didn't come to the bar together, and since it didn't look like they were doing much conversing other than small talk, neither of them looking terribly enthused, she turned to Seven and said, "I've got an idea…be back in a flash." If Seven of Nine had been anyone else, Torres wouldn't dream of leaving her alone in a place like this, but Torres grinned inwardly when she imagined some smarmy alien coming onto her and promptly being tossed across the length of the bar. Charging up to the bar, Torres pushed her way between the man and woman, slammed her hand on the surface, leaning close to the female and growled, "Beer! DaH." When the woman jumped in surprise and let out a small gasp, Torres snapped her head to her, snarling, then quickly looked her up and down and changed her attitude expertly. Leaning on the bar, with her back to the man, knowing Seven was watching her tail for her, B'Elanna smiled crookedly, brought her hand to the woman's upper arm and said, softer, "Oh, I'm sorry, angel." Then glancing over her shoulder at the man next to her, she turned to the woman, took her hand way from her upper arm and asked, "I'm…not interrupting anything…am I?"

"As a matter of fact," the woman came back, but not angry, more light with a little hint of seduction to her tones, "you are, but if you buy me a drink, I'll think about forgiving you."

Laughing, Torres turned on her brusque charm, slamming her hand down on the bar again and spat, "And another of whatever to lady's having. togh (Hurry up!)" Then snatching up her beer, she took a long pull, set it back down on the bar and questioned, bringing up her leg and resting it on the barstool the woman was sitting on, positioning it so her knee was resting between the woman's legs as they hung loosely down the chair, "So, honey, what's a pretty girl like you doing in a dump like this?"

Rolling her eyes, the woman huffed, "Well, that's original."

Torres grinned wickedly, jumping at the opportunity to make a scene, which she was secretly fond of doing, and said as the bartender handed the woman her fresh drink, and placing her hand on the woman's thigh, brazen, "Okay…well here's another one. Nice shoes…wanna fuck?" When the woman gasped and then tossed her drink in Torres' face, promptly hopped down from the stool and stormed out of the bar, B'Elanna shrugged, slapped the man on the back next to her, who was laughing and said, "Guess that means no?" Then reaching into her pocket, she slammed a few coins down on the bar and said, "Here," to the bartender, then took her beer back to her table where Seven of Nine was smirking at her.

As B'Elanna sat back on the stool and wiped the pink liquid from her face with her sleeve, Seven stated, "That was…efficient, B'Elanna Torres. The individuals we are attempting to converse with no longer believe we are attempting to 'pick them up.'"

"Like I said, babe…easy as pie." After chugging her beer, making it her last one hopefully since she didn't want to have to worry about using the hypospray since she felt that she needed to feel a little liquored-up to keep her temper from getting the best of her since she had a feeling these guys were not going to be easy to deal with, B'Elanna snapped her fingers at the waitress, and then said to her as she came over and handed her a few napkins for her face, "Do me a favor and tell our friends that we'd like to have a chat with them outside." Then patting the woman's fanny, she winked at said, "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'll make sure there's something in it for you."

Once the waitress left, not going directly to the table since she had several orders to take first, Seven said to Torres, "B'Elanna Torres, I believe Miss Kate would wish to observe you…work." Raising her eyebrow, she informed, "You are impressive."

The engineer grinned in thanks, but explained, "Something tells me that Red wouldn't be as impressed. I think our girl's a little too straight-laced to approve of such tactics." When Seven of Nine didn't look entirely convinced, Torres said, "That's why I'm in here and she's out there prancing around with her entourage of girl-toys and personal assistants. She knows I'll do what I have to do, and she doesn't want to know as long as we get it done. She's too…cultured to behave that way." Then snickering, she went on, "If she were in a joint like this, she would have been the woman I approached because I know she would have reacted the same way…probably slapped me across the face too." Then wiping her head with the napkin before the sweet liquid made her skin sticky, she finished, "Can't say that I wouldn't deserve it either. She just too elegant…even when she's flirting. You got to be a dog in here…that's not Red' speed."

After a few minutes, each woman watched subtlety as the waitress came over to one of the men, which told them that he was probably the one they would be dealing with the most, and whispered into his ear, nodding over to their table. When he whispered back to her, and then she nodded and started toward another table, Torres wasn't certain they were interested, but when the waitress came back over to her and whispered quickly, "Go out back and then they'll meet you," B'Elanna grabbed her arm forcefully and said, "Now get our bill and make sure you put down a nice little something for yourself for me." Then nodding to her and letting her go, B'Elanna looked over at Seven and ordered, "Go outside first…check it out…and I'll be right behind you." Then adding quickly the tall blonde slid of the stool, "Be careful."

Seven acknowledged the words with a slight smirk as she walked away tall and confident, not bothering to excuse herself as she pushed her way through the crowd and moved toward the exit, leaving more than a few pissed off people in her wake that had been tossed aside, obvious in her attempts to show her fortitude in front of the men, just in case they didn't know that she and Torres were not the kind of girls to mess with. Once outside the bar, Seven took a deep breath of clean air, scrunching her nose as she smelled the smoke wafting off of her clothing. Then pulling out her tricorder, checking quickly to make certain Tuvok and Fowler were still with the captain, and that Wang was still in the high-class section of the space port, Seven eyed the map and found the way to the back alley of this boulevard. After slipping into the back, she ran a quick scan of the area with her tricorder, not seeing anything out of the ordinary and then pocketed the device. Now relying completely on her enhanced senses, Seven took up a spot in the shadows and waited patiently for Torres, or otherwise, to show up.

A few minutes later, the Borg heard the approaching footsteps of her partner, her aggressive and heavy-footed swagger easy to identify. When Torres came around the corner and then stopped, looking around, Seven stepped out of the shadows and said, "B'Elanna Torres, I am here."

Flinching a little since she hadn't seen the tall blonde who was normally very difficult to miss, even in a crowd, the brunette sighed, somewhat agitated, but only because she knew she would have to keep up her aggressive act. Marching up to Seven, Torres asked quickly, "Everything cool here?"

"Yes," responded evenly. Then following immediately, she added, "Miss Kate continues to be accompanied by Tuvok and Nicole Fowler, and Samuel Wang is at the appropriate venue, although, he is not at the same restaurant."

"He's probably just making the rounds. I'm sure he's fine," Torres added quickly, turning her back and standing against the wall. Pushing her hands into her pockets, she grasped onto her laser pointer and whispered to Seven, "Be prepared to be frisked by these guys…but if they go for the goods, don't be afraid to break a few noses, alright? Red would want you to…trust me."

"I will comply," Seven answered surely leaving no doubt, understanding that the 'goods' were her breasts. Then turning her head toward the left, she stated, "They are approaching…there are three as before."

Nodding, B'Elanna waited for them to appear around the corner and then took her hands out of her pockets, held them up to show that they weren't 'armed' and asked, "Is it cool to talk here?"

The center man who was medium in height, taller than Torres but not Seven of Nine, nodded to each man that flanked him and said, "Check'em." Then looking over at B'Elanna and then to Seven, "As soon as my we make sure everything's as it should be, we'll talk. Turn around."

Torres nodded to him and then Seven and turned around, bracing her arms against the wall. When the tallest man approached her, and the short one went to Seven, obviously thinking that B'Elanna would be tougher than the pretty blonde, despite her height and her stoic way, placed his hands on her butt, Torres growled, over her shoulder, "Watch the hands if you want to keep them!" As the man checked her legs, B'Elanna turned her head to Seven and watched the man frisking her making damned sure he didn't try to take advantage. When the man reached up and started for the blonde's breasts, she smirked when Seven snapped her head around and barked, "You will refrain from proceeding on that course of action or I will be displeased," and the man promptly eased away.

"What's this?" asked the man frisking Torres, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her laser pointer.

Rolling her eyes, Torres huffed, "It's a time bomb, princess." When the man pressed the button and tested it, then nodded, putting it into his pocket, B'Elanna grabbed it forcefully from his hands and said throwing him against the wall, "That's mine…I like it." Then shoveling it back into her pocket and snarling at the man, cursing at him in Klingon, she snapped her head around at the boss, and asked, "Are we through here, or do I need to break a few noses to get this meeting off to a start?" Smiling and showing teeth, she snarled, "There are plenty of joints to visit tonight."

Holding up his hand and nodding to his goons, the man said, "Alright, that's good." Then approaching B'Elanna, he leaned against the wall with her and asked, looking around and nodding at his men to spread out and make sure their meeting remained private, asking, "So, what can I do for you ladies tonight?"

As Seven backed away from the wall and gave them some distance, doing her part to keep up their own security since Torres was the one who would do the dealing, the engineer shoved her hands into her pockets and said scooting closer to the man and turning toward him, so from a distance it would look like they were just being friendly, "My partner and I are looking to acquire some heavy machinery. We're looking to build a mid-sized shuttle that packs a punch and can get in and out of a situation quickly…and we need a few other things for a boat we just picked up. We're willing to pay for our merchandise, as long as there are no questions, and our deal stays under the table…you read me?"

The man scratched his scruffy chin, and nodded, saying, "I think we can come to an agreement. You got a list?"

Snapping at Seven, Torres merely held out her hand, knowing that the ex-drone could hear everything they were saying and would know what she was asking for which would make it seem as though they did this kind of thing all the time. Taking the datachip from Seven, which contained what they needed, she handed it to the man and said, "Take a look…but I'll need that back. You think you can handle that?"

The smuggler smiled, snatched up the chip, and pulled out his databook. Inserting the chip into the interface port, he pulled up the list, raised his eyebrows at the long assortment of pricey items and asked, "That's some list…you got shit for that?"

B'Elanna grabbed the man by his collar, everyone turning around instantly and watching carefully, and spat, "That's what I said, didn't I?" Then releasing him, she smiled and asked, "Can you get all of that or not? We're in a hurry…I'd like to see to securing a piece of ass or two before the party gets started."

"Yea, I can get it all…it's going to take some doing though," he informed handing the datachip back to Torres. "I'll have to pull a couple of contacts together…luckily for you, you came to the right person tonight." Then putting his book away, he continued, "How's the day after tomorrow for you? Most of the stuff will be ready tomorrow, but the constrictor's gonna take some doing, like I said." When Torres nodded that that was good, he went on, "This is going to run you steep…twenty-thousand, no less." Then grabbing Torres and pushing her back against the wall forcefully, he informed, "And I mean no less…so don't get cute, honey."

Smiling, Torres informed, knocking his hands away easily, "I'll give you twenty-five if you give me some information…the five, you can keep for yourself." Then snapping at Seven again, and receiving another datachip, she said, "There's five thousand." When he went to reach for it, she pulled it away and said, "Venkat…what can you tell me about him?" As the man narrowed his eyes at her and faltered, Torres started to hand the chip back to Seven, but when he grabbed her arm and said, "Let's take a walk," Torres pocketed the chip and said, "Kanik…keep a look out."

As he and Torres started away, the man said, "You and I never had this conversation…got it?" When B'Elanna said it wasn't a problem, he said, "He's into the trade…if that's what you're asking. Most of the revenue for this shithole comes from his dealings…that's how he made his money…how he continues to make it. This place is eats up a ton of loot."

Stopping the man's stride with a stiff arm to the chest, Torres asked, "I've got a few scores to settle, but not the time…if you catch my drift. I hear this Venkat might be interested in hooking me up with a few friends of his. You know about that?"

The man nodded and said, "He's into it…it's pricey though."

The engineer handed the man his money, and said, "I'll double this tomorrow if you get me info on what he's working on right now, so I can see if I want to do business with him or look somewhere else. I don't have time to wait a million cycles before he can work me in, and I need to make sure he can handle the job." When he took the money and nodded, Torres grabbed him, shoved him against the wall and said, "And we never had this conversation either…meet me tomorrow night at this time, here…bring your goons if you want, and we'll talk more." Then getting in his face, he went on, "And if you fuck me over, you'll be looking up at your own body…got it."

Laughing, the man pushed B'Elanna off of him and replied, "I think we can strike a deal…you just take care of your shit and I'll take care of mine, and we'll all get what we want."

"Right," Torres snarled walking away and whistling for Seven of Nine to meet up with her. When the tall blonde walked over to her, they turned the corner and left quickly. Patting Seven on the shoulder, Torres smiled and said, "Easy a pie, babydoll."


 

"Speaking of Mardi Gras," Fowler said as the lights around them were completely dimmed, and an instant later the entire promenade, which was massive, to say the least, was set aglow in neon colors that ran the spectrum. The trees that they had genetically altered to grow indoors were filled with twinkling lights of all colors and practically every business that surrounded the circular center of Burnhouse's main deck was also covered in lights on the various overhangs and other architecture. When a series of spot lights ignited with a loud pop, which caused the woman in her arms to jump, and then a tribal like drum beat started thumping from the sound system above their heads, Fowler smiled and leaned down, whispering to Janeway, "Too bad we're working…this looks like it's going to be a blast."

As a series of dancers, male and female alike, garbed only in loin clothes, but were brightly painted which masked some of their nakedness, appeared out of each of the three main entrances to the area, waving bright yellow, orange and red streamers and started yelling and running around, their hard, muscled bodies on clear display, Janeway brought her hand to her mouth and mumbled, "Hmm, quite." Then chuckling as Tuvok, who was now taking up a quiet post near the tree they were sitting under, raised his eyebrow at the scene before them, Janeway turned to Fowler and said loudly as the music picked up and made it difficult to hear much of anything else over the cheers of the crowd, "Something tells me Tuvok hasn't been to Mardi Gras." Then shooting him a rueful smile, she shook her head, laughing and reminded herself to treat him to a nice, quiet and subdued lunch when they returned to Voyager. When the music started to sound more produced, rather than just a tribal drum beat, and the lights started blinking different colors, Janeway said whispering into Fowler's ear, "I hope the others get a chance to see this. I'd hate for Seven to miss it…she's never seen anything like this."

"Something tells me that they'll be around," Fowler replied laughing. "I'm not sure, but I don't think Torres would miss a T&A show if she had anything to say about it."

Janeway rolled her eyes, elbowed Fowler and then laughed, nodding, knowing it was true and said, "You're probably right." As the dancers all converged on the large stage and the spot lights centered on it, the captain, Fowler, and Tuvok turned their attention that way, anticipating the appearance of their target. The captain was not surprised in the least when a well-dressed man, wearing a dark suit, gold jewelry around his neck, and a distinguished looking dark fedora-like hat took the center stage next to two painted ladies. He was fairly tall, although she didn't think he was as tall as Fowler, maybe around Seven's height, and he looked medium build. Not too bulky, but not thin either. He seemed around the captain's age, but of course, she knew that was only a guess since Devin was almost as old as Tuvok, but other than her white hair, her face was a youthful as Seven of Nine's. His hair looked to be short, since she couldn't see any sticking out from under his hat, and the eye-patch he wore over his left eye told the captain that he was definitely their man; their intelligence had told them he was blind in one eye from some unknown incident, which was one reason he kept such high-security. All in all, he looked fairly attractive, which was a relief to Kathryn since she didn't know how convincing she could be if she found him absolutely repulsive, physically. As he kissed the two women dancers on the cheek, keeping the gesture fairly chaste, and then took a hold of a microphone that was lowered from the ceiling, Janeway sat up and paid very close attention to his mannerisms. So far he seemed confident, somewhat arrogant in his stance, but not uncouth, all of which clued the captain in on how to approach him. She certainly didn't want to be trashy, but she was prepared to be so if it was required, which she was again happy to note that it didn't look like that would be that case. As he spoke, the captain noticed that he was reading from some type of teleprompter, which told her he was trying to put on a good face and maybe wasn't as eloquent as he seemed. That information made sense since from what they knew of him, he dealt mostly with shady characters and left most of the respectful business to his more capable assistants. He got through his speech well, detailing the various attractions of the evening and even saying a little something about the Cycle of the New Sun, and how this cycle was extra special since it also celebrated the transformation of Burnhouse from a ordinary facility into a first-class experience. After kissing each of the dancers again, he was quickly escorted off the stage into the back and out of sight.

Fowler jumped a little when flames and fireworks burst forth from the edged of the stage and then confetti started falling from the various air ducks above them. At the same time, smoke started pouring out from the stage and a back-lit woman, with a shapely figure and a powerful voice started singing. When dancers dressed in shinny red, patent leather-like material that tightly covered their bodies, appeared on the stage and then the music picked up, which was very digitized and mechanical in nature, Nicole smirked, scratching the back of her neck. As her foot automatically began tapping, unbidden thanks to her musical background, Fowler whispered in the captain's ear since that was the only way they could possibly hear each other now, "Well, at least the music's good…I don't think I can dance to bad music." Then thinking for a minute, she asked, "Can you dance to…dance music?" When Janeway shot the pilot her 'don't underestimate me' smirk, Fowler smiled, shaking her head and mumbled, "Of course you can." As the music picked up and became more aggressive and hard-edged, Fowler said, "Okay, I'm not sure I can dance to that."

Laughing, Janeway patted her leg and said, "Don't underestimate yourself, Nick."

"I appreciate your confidence," Nicole rallied quickly, "but that is definitely more Torres' kind of music." When Janeway snickered and shook her head in agreement, she added, "If she's here, I'm sure she's dying to get up on that stage and show these guys how it's really done." Chuckling in endearment, she shook her head reaching for her drink, "I've never seen anyone do pissed-off better than that girl…she was born to dance like that."

Kathryn grabbed the glass from Nick's lap, downed the rest of it, and said, "Come on…it's time to go join the party." Taking up Fowler's hand, she came up to Tuvok locking eyes with him, informing him that they were about to make their move, and then latched onto his arm loosely, keeping Fowler close to her side. After they maneuvered through the crowd where people were dancing, necking, some dressed, some not as much, drinking, and all around having a good time, they reached the corded off VIP section where a very large man was standing and manning the entrance with his enormous, hefty presence.

"Passes?" he bellowed as the group approached.

Janeway snapped her fingers at Tuvok, hoping she wasn't getting too used to that since she thought it was incredibly rude, especially for a starship captain, and said once her 'assistant' handed her the datachip, "Here you are."

The massive man ran the chip through the display and then nodded to Tuvok, "Sir, you'll have to check your bag for security purposes." Then looking over at Janeway and grinning since she was obviously in charge, he added, "You can retrieve the contents at any time. I'll look after it."

Nodding to Tuvok, Kathryn asked, "Are there any other rules my companions and I should be aware of?"

"Drinks are on the house, and you can select any table that is open," he answered slinging the bag over his body where several other purses were. Opening the gate, he smiled at Kathryn and said, "An attendant will be around soon, and don't be afraid to come see me if you have any problems."

"How lovely," Janeway offered moving past him, "thank you." As she walked with Fowler, Tuvok hanging back, looking for a good table that was highly visible, she said once they found one in the center, next to the metal bar in the back that ran the perimeter of the section, where there were several obstructions between them and the rest of the crowd, "I don't know what Annika did…but I'm glad she did it. This is perfect."

Fowler immediately scooted the table forward so they could all sit on the high stools with their backs to the empty area and keep their eye on the action in front and around them. As Tuvok stood just off to the captain's side and tried to lean casually on the heavy bar, Fowler said hopping off her stool, "I'm going to make a quick circuit…just to check out where everything is."

When Fowler left, Janeway motioned for Tuvok to come to her and said into his shoulder, "I haven't spotted him yet…have you?"

"No," the Vulcan answered. "However, there are several individuals ahead and to the right of us that are similarly dressed, seated at a large table. I believe they are members of his party."

Janeway did her best to glance over that way without making it look obvious and then nodded, agreeing with him. As Tuvok went back to being 'Mister Cool,' Kathryn looked around the rest of the area, shifting in her hard seat a little since her knife was digging into her thigh, and tried to spot Fowler, who was usually easy to see considering her height, but in this group with more than a few things to distract the eye, it took her a second to find her. She was assisted with a black light overhead which brightened the woman's plain white t-shirt, and had to smile as a scantily clad waitress past in front of her and Fowler watched her walk right on past, not in a tawdry way, and then shook her head smiling. Janeway knew that this situation was far from ordinary, but she felt that in some small way she was getting to see Nicole Fowler as she really was, and not just the dutiful officer she interacted with most of the time. Of course, Janeway knew that Fowler would never be anyone's pet, and she would more than likely act much differently if they were really together, but observing small things like catching the pilot admiring the scenery was enough to tell Kathryn that she was probably a lot of fun to be around, and she wasn't surprised at all that B'Elanna had clicked so quickly since, in the captain's opinion, no one knew how to let loose and have fun as much as her chief engineer. The captain knew that she too knew how to have a good time just as well as most anyone, but considering she was always on duty when she was in public as long as she was in the Delta Quadrant, she was very happy that Seven and B'Elanna had someone else they could relax and be silly with, since it was acceptable for officers to do so, just not the captain.

As two shirtless men wearing only tight silver, leather pants and neon necklaces pranced past her, showing off their physiques openly, Janeway raised her eyebrows and muttered under her breath, "Oh my," as one of them stopped at her table and asked, "Something for the lady?" Janeway stifled her witty response to the younger man's intonation and loaded question and said instead, trying not to laugh, "I'll have," then turning to Tuvok, forgetting the name of the drink she had found enjoyable, "Tuvok…help me out."

"She'll have a pleasure tangy…over ice," answered Tuvok clearly not pleased with having to perform this service for the captain.

Nodding, Janeway held back her laughter and said, "Yes, one of those…and a cold draft for my friend." Then looking over at Tuvok, she asked, "Anything for you, Tuvok?" When he nodded negatively, she turned back to the man as Fowler approached and said, "And a water…thank you." As Fowler came back to the table paid zero attention to the highly attractive man, and plopped onto the stool next to her, Kathryn informed, "I ordered you a beer." Then smiling at her, she asked, "See anything interesting?"

Fowler laughed at the captain's question and nodded quickly, "Actually, a few things but nothing we should be concerned about. This place is pretty secure and everyone looks to just be having a good time." Then leaning over and whispering, making the movement look playful and not secretive, "Venkat's not here yet, but his table's just over there where those suits are. They're packing heat…all of them, I'm sure of it, but they're not paying us any attention, so I don't think we have to worry about it."

As the waiter brought their drinks for them, Janeway snatched up her beverage, feeling parched in the heat which hadn't abated in the least, she clinked her glass to Fowler's large frosty mug and said, "Well, I guess we'll just enjoy ourselves until he shows up…cheers."

The tall brunette nodded and then leaned on the table, thankful for the small break so she could stop hanging all over her commanding officer, and visa versa. Not that she didn't enjoy pretending to be with an attractive woman, but there was just something that having to act in that manner with her captain that drained her quicker than a sparring match with Samuel Wang. After a few minutes when the painted dancers came back on the stage and the crowd started growing rowdier at the flailing dance moves, Fowler swallowed as several of them made their way through the VIP section and proceeded to dance on top of several of the tables, and said a silent prayer that they stayed away from their table because she was certain she would blush hotly in front of the captain and Tuvok. Fowler just really had a difficult time seeing them enjoying such form of entertainment, even if it was artistic. When one of the women, who was also almost completely nude, except for a loin cloth and the colorful paint on her entire body, eyed her, looked her up and down and then jumped off the table and started shaking her stuff toward them, Fowler swallowed again and said, "Oh Christ," and then heard the captain's distinctive cackle.

Their table was too high for the woman to manage climbing up on without breaking her graceful, yet gyrating, tribal footwork, so when she spun around, her multicolored hair wiping around and said to the tall, muscled brunette, "Give me a lift?" the pilot couldn't help herself, never been able to resist assisting a pretty lady in her life, and quickly handed her drink off to Janeway, who was doing her best not to fall off her stool in laughter, and jumped off her chair. Then holding out her hands, she let the woman plant her barefoot into them and pushed her up until she was on the stool and could step over to the table. Then realizing she was still standing, Fowler immediately sat back down on her stool and tried to look inconspicuous as the woman danced on the table next to her at the cheers of the crowd around them. Glancing over at Tuvok who was watching the dancers with scientific and cultural interest, and then over to Janeway who was resting her head on her hand that was propped up on the bar behind them smiling up at the woman and observing her dance with a definite amount of interest, and not all of it scientific in nature, Fowler shook her head and mumbled curses under breath, thinking that if they did ever go to Mardi Gras, she was going to have to get over her problem with letting loose in front of her commanding officer, although figuring by that time, Janeway wouldn't be her captain anymore, and more of just a friend. Then looking up as she felt a tap on her head, Fowler raised her arms to the woman's waist quickly as she started down the table. When the lady gave her thanks and kissed her on the cheek, Nicole nodded once and said, nervous, "Anytime," and then proceeded to blush as Janeway snickered away in the background.

Fowler scratched the back of her neck and then said into Janeway's ear, "Captain, please…whatever you do…don't dance on any tables tonight…for my sake."

Laughing out loud, Janeway gave Fowler a hearty slap on the back and said, "I'll take it under advisement, Miss Fowler." Then clearing her throat, Janeway snatched up her drink as Tuvok shifted and said, looking around at nothing in particular, "He's here."

The brunette instantly went back into her business mode as her senior officer's demeanor changed, although, she knew she was the only one who would notice and said, scooting her stool right to the captain's and putting her arm around her, "Acknowledged." As she sat with her arm draped around the captain loosely, Fowler eyed the situation, then smirked as Venkat took off his hat and produced a completely bald head which was shinning brightly in the colorful lights above them, knowing that such a circumstance would make it easy for them to keep and eye on his location. When the man looked around the bar slowly, Fowler quickly leaned into the captain's neck, pretending to kiss her and said, "I think he's trying to decide where he wants to sit."

Understanding immediately, Janeway titled her neck, giving Fowler better access, even though Fowler wasn't actually kissing her, and then laughed loudly, trying to make herself seen by the man as he scanned the room. When she caught his eye, the captain turned on the seduction, bit her bottom lip, watching him watch her, and just when she thought she had perked his curiosity enough, she looked away, playing like she wasn't all that interested yet, leaning back and slowly pulling her neck out of Fowler's reach. Then snatching up her drink as Nicole got the hint and relaxed into their previous position, Janeway smiled to herself as she noticed that Venkat had selected a chair, which gave him a pretty good view of her and the stage. "Good call," the captain said softly.

Fowler grabbed her beer and asked as she looked around, "Any idea how you want to play this?"

"Not yet, but I think we should take a little walk in a few minutes." When Folwer furrowed her brow a little, not understanding, Janeway set her drink down, leaned into Fowler and whispered, "To see if we're followed…if he knows who were are. If he's just interested because we're attractive, no one will follow…if they know, they'll follow."

Nodding, Fowler replied, "Good point…I think we should go now before his men disperse anyway."

Janeway bobbed her head once in agreement and slid off her stool. Then coming up to Tuvok, Kathryn explained, "We're going for a walk…watch them." When her old friend nodded once in total understanding, Janeway was once again thankful for her security officer's ability to know exactly what she was thinking. Then taking Fowler's hand moving it so it was resting on her shoulder, the two of them made their way to the gate. Smiling, she asked the large man, "Do we need to do anything special to get back in…we just want to take a walk?"

"I'm on duty for the rest of the night…I'll let you back in." Then as he opened the gate, he asked, "Did you need your things, Miss?" Before Janeway could answer, he stood up straight and bellowed, "Mister Venkat, Sir…what can I do for you?"

Surprised by that, but not letting herself react too quickly, Janeway turned around slowly, glad Fowler did so as well and said, answering the question, "No…but thank you."

"Excuse me," Venkat said coming up to the two women, ignoring the doorman. Holding out his hand he said, "I don't believe we've been introduced…I'm certain I'd never forget such a beautiful woman. I'm Venkat."

Kathryn smiled, held out her hand, letting the man kiss her fingertips and said, "No, I don't believe we have. I'm Kate…Kate Jackson. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Venkat."

Venkat released her hand easily and asked, "You're not leaving already?"

The redhead leaned into Fowler and said, "Oh no…we're just going for a walk to get some fresh air." Then smiling brightly, she motioned to the festivities going on around them, "This is all much too wonderful to leave so soon. You've certainly done wonders with Burnhouse, Mister Venkat…my companions and I are enjoying our stay immensely." Then placing her hand on Fowler's stomach as Venkat looked at the tall pilot, Janeway informed, "This is Nick…my traveling companion, and pilot."

Venkat extended his hand again and Fowler shook it easily, as he said, "You're a pilot…." Chuckling a little, he admitted, "I thought you were Miss Jackson's protection. It's good to meet you. I'm a bit of a pilot myself…we'll, used to be," motioning toward his patched eye.

Chuckling, Janeway put her arms around Fowler's waist affectionately and said, flirting a little, "Well, don't get me wrong, Mister Venkat…Nick goes were I go, but she's entirely too precious to me to give her such an official job as providing my security." When that statement seemed to spark his interest a great deal, she added, looking at him knowingly, "I'm sure you can understand…"

When two of his security guards cleared their throats, informing him of the time and that he had things to see to, Venkat waved them off, reached into his pocket and said, "Unfortunately, I have business to attend to, but I'd like to talk to you more, Miss Jackson." Handing a card to the doorman, he said, "Make sure the ladies are treated well when they return until I can see to their needs."

After Venkat turned and left quickly, Fowler and Janeway did the same and once they were out of ear shot, Fowler said, "Well, that went well…do you think it went too well?"

Walking easily with Nick, getting used to having the woman next to her all the time and holding her hand, Janeway shook her head and responded, "No, I don't think so. There's not a lot of women in the VIP section tonight, and almost all of them are with men, or don't really seem his type." After a few more steps, she added, "I wasn't certain at first, but that question about you being my security tells me he doesn't know who we are." Chuckling, she finished, "Looks like he's living up to his reputation nicely…now we've just got to make sure we get into that club. I don't think he'll talk out here, no matter how much I stroke his ego."

Fowler put her arm around Janeway as they came up to a crowd of drunken men, and said ushering them along quicker, "Something tells me this club is going to be an experience."

Janeway laughed, squeezed Fowler's hand on her shoulder and said, "You go to Mardi Gras every year, but you're worried about this club? How does that work?"

Clearing her throat, Fowler said, "I don't normally go to Mardi Gras with my boss…it makes it different."

"Well," Janeway offered, understanding, "just think of it as doing your job…that's what you're doing, after all."

Fowler finally laughed and said, "Oh god, I can't wait to tell this story five years from now. I can see it now, " she started as they turned another corner and started down around the outside of the promenade, "Hey, so and so, did I ever tell you about the time I was ordered to be flirt with the captain and watch naked ladies dance on tables? Shit," she allowed, "no one's ever going to believe me…you realize?"

"This is the Delta Quadrant, Nick…nothing surprises anyone anymore."


 

"Kahless sakes," Torres laughed, smiling and patting Seven of Nine on back, "did you see that?"

The tall blonde stated evenly, "I have observed several…that's…this evening, B'Elanna Torres. Of which that are you referring?" When the engineer pointed to a woman who was dancing freely, half-naked with her shirt flailing about in her hand, Seven informed, "There have been several similar occurrences in the last ten minutes." Then looking over at Torres who was smiling and looking excited by the chaotic seen in front of them, the Borg tapped her on the shoulder, trying to regain her attention over the music, which was loud enough to force the blonde to adjust her enhanced hearing to compensate, and asked, "B'Elanna Torres…what is the purpose of such a display?"

"To have fun, dollface…to let go of concerns for a short time and just be alive and…messy," Torres grinned wickedly. Grabbing Seven's hand, she said, "Come on…let's go find where Red is…and then try to find a good spot where we can watch both shows."

Seven followed close behind Torres, letting the engineer lead them through the crowd, which was fortunate since the Borg continued to want to stop and observe peculiar behavior that was exploding around them. While she was looking behind her, she didn't realize that Torres had stopped and plowed into her back. Then halting quickly as Torres laughed and held up her hands as two people where past over their heads, assisted by the large crowd, Seven starred in wonder, and then held up her hand as well as a male was past toward her. Easily, Seven supported his weight and handed him off to another group of people and then asked quickly, "Why is he being carried in such a manner?"

Shrugging, Torres laughed, "I don't know…weird…but hey, who cares?" Then turning back around, the Klingon pushed past two people, shoving them aside and growling at them to move it, then reached back and tugged the lagging Borg who was as out of her element as she had ever been, urging her along. Torres yanked on Seven's arm hard, telling her to keep moving, and then stopped them quickly and pushed them back when she spied the captain and Fowler, hand in hand walking toward them, but not seeing them. "Shit…there they are. Be inconspicuous."

Seven wasn't certain how to accomplish that at this point, so she took her cues from her partner in crime and turned her back on the captain after watching her for a second to make certain she was well. "What should I do?" she asked as she stood still with her back to them, knowing that if Janeway looked that way she would spot her easily since her blonde hair was shining brightly in the lights and a few centimeters about the heads of the people directly around them.

Before she answered, Torres sneaked a peek over her shoulder and then sighed, patting Seven's shoulder, "It's cool…they're gone." Then looking around and not seeing them immediately, she asked, "Can you see where they went?"

The taller Borg turned around, stood up on her tiptoes and then nodded, "Yes, I believe that area is the 'VIP' section. There is a guard at the gate." After watching for a few more moments as Fowler and Janeway made their way over to their table, and were promptly greeted afterward with a tray full of food, Seven reported, "They are preparing to consume their nutritional supplements. Tuvok is with them." Then raising her eyebrow as Janeway raised her glass to an individual across the way at another table, who then nodded to her, she went on, "I believe they are being treated to this dinner. Miss Kate has nodded to a man and…'toasted' him."

Smiling, Torres said trying to be tall enough so she could see for herself but not able to manage it, "Sounds like she's making headway…not like it's a surprise."

"You believe the individual is this Venkat?" Seven whispered, keeping their discussion private, even though she knew no one was paying them attention since there were much more exciting things happening all around them, and especially on the stage.

"I don't think she'd accept dinner from anyone else," Torres explained. "Is that Hunit idiot with them?" When Seven nodded negatively, B'Elanna said, "Well, she probably didn't need him, I guess? Do you think we can get a better spot…I can't see shit?"

Seven nodded and said, taking Torres hand, "Follow me." Then pushing through the crowd, raising her eyebrow when she was called several vulgar names, but ignoring the comments since the woman reeked of alcohol, she stopped at a different spot where they could see the captain's table. When Torres nodded, Seven said, standing on her tiptoes again, "I cannot see the other table as well, however." Then looking to her right, she stated, "I will go farther this way so that I may observe the entire scene, but will remain in your direct line of sight."

"Alright…but don't be obvious…just be cool." When Seven nodded at her and took up her spot and then proceeded to change her stance in an attempt to be cool, until she finally gave up and clasped her hands behind her back and stood sideward, half facing the VIP section and half toward the stage, Torres laughed, shaking her head and leaned against a large silver support pillar that reached all the way from the bottom of Burnhouse to the top. Shoving one hand in her pocket, and grasping her laser pointer, she got it ready to use in case she needed to signal Seven or Janeway of something quickly.

After almost an hour of watching them eat their dinner, sip their drinks and basically live it up, Torres walked over toward Seven and said once she was close to her, "I'm going to make a circuit of the area to see if anyone's paying them attention other than us. Just stay here and keep a look out…I'll be back soon." When Seven nodded, Torres took her hand out of her pocket, not wanting to get caught with her hands tied as she walked around the back of the VIP section. When she came around to the side, she slipped into the shadows so she wouldn't be spotted and stayed there for a few moments as people walked past her and paid her little attention since she made it look like she was just taking a breather and thinking. Carefully she scanned the crowd and watched anyone that had their heads turned to the section. There were very few, and the ones that did looked to just be curious and quickly turned their attention back to the stage again. After that, she scanned the VIP section for anyone that was spying her or the captain's table. She tensed for a moment and narrowed her eyes as she noticed one man looking that way with more than just ordinary interest, but eased up when she realized that she was probably looking at Venkat himself. Since her mission wasn't to gather intelligence, she wasn't given any information on the man since Tuvok had stated that if they knew too much, it could tip others off that they weren't what they seemed, so she had no idea what he looked like. However, Torres had decided herself that she was going to try to gather intelligence, her own way, knowing she was perfectly capable of doing so, in hopes to having to keep the captain from having to kiss up to the man too much while they were here. Since it wasn't getting in the way of her primary objective, and she hadn't been specifically forbidden from doing so, she didn't think anyone would mind if she saved them all a little trouble while she gathered supplies.

Before her presence was noticed, Torres started on her way again, staying in the shadows until she was out of eye-sight, glad she was clad totally in black at the moment and had removed her silver, heavy-duty vest, knowing it would definitely make her stand out like a spot light in this environment. Coming to a stop again, this time behind the captain's table, Torres chuckled a little to herself as she watched Fowler put her arm around the captain and whisper into her ear, planning to give her friend a hard time for being so friendly with her woman, just to get a rise out of the tall pilot. When she saw Tuvok start to slowly turn around, obviously keeping his eyes open, Torres hurriedly ducked from sight and rejoined the crowd that was starting to disperse to all sections of the promenade. Slowly, Torres strolled back to Seven's position and then said, "Everything looks normal. Red's definitely caught his eye, though."

"Agreed," Seven stated. Looking over to the captain's table again, "He is currently over at their table…unfortunately, his back is to me and due to the music, I cannot adjust my hearing to detect their conversation." Then looking away again so it didn't seem as though she was observing anything in particular, the Borg stated, "B'Elanna Torres, since there is nothing for us to do at the moment, I believe we should continue to observe Miss Kate from a distance…unless you have another suggestion?"

"No, most of the businesses are closed and we've already taken care of securing parts…well, at least I hope so," the engineer added through clenched teeth. Nodding, she said, "And we can't help Sam either…so, let's just hang back. I don't trust this Venkat character…he's into some bad shit, despite his nice suit. We'll just hang around and if he tries anything, we'll be all over his butt faster than he can spit."


 

"I'm sorry I couldn't come over sooner," Venkat offered coming up to Janeway's side easily, leaving his security guards at his table for the moment, obviously not concerned that the women would attempt to hurt him, at least if he thought that, he knew that she wouldn't do it here. Then digging into his jacket pocket, he pulled out two cards and said, "And as much as I'd like to stay here and share a drink with you two, I still have a few things to take care of, but after my dinner meeting, I'll be free for the rest of this night." Placing the cards on the table, he went on, "That's two passes to The Quantum…that's my club, it's on Deck Four." Then glancing over his shoulder, he inched closer to Janeway and explained, "You'll have to leave your other friend at home, though."

Raising her eyebrow, acting a little put off by that, Kathryn asked, "Oh…why's that exactly?"

Venkat smiled and said, "It's not my habit to invite his type." When Janeway frowned, he added, "I'm afraid he wouldn't have a good time, Miss Jackson, and if you're worried about your security, you shouldn't be. I'll take care of it and only my personal friends are allowed entrance."

Non-committed, not wanting to make it obvious that she was hoping to get in, she asked, "That's very kind of you, Mister Venkat…but how do you know I'll enjoy myself?"

The overlord chuckled to himself and then gestured that Janeway should come closer to him. When she finally did, he leaned in close and whispered, "I'd like to see to that myself too."

Still leaning close, Kathryn said back, "Well, that's very nice…but it seems to me that maybe you don't have time for me." Then right as his ear, she informed, "I'm not in the habit of being ignored, Mister Venkat. Nick is perfectly capable of making sure I have a very good time. I'm sure you can understand…"

Excited by the woman's brazen attitude, the bald man whispered back, directly in her ear, "Miss Jackson, you are much too delicious to ignore for long. You just bring your handsome friend to my club and I'll make sure you get all of the attention you need." Then backing away, he said, "Those cards will get you in at any time during your stay here, and the drinks are on the house. The doors open at twenty-five." Then reaching up, her brought his finger to Janeway's strong chin, lifting it slightly and said, "And I'll there shortly thereafter." Then letting her go as Tuvok and Fowler both shifted obviously, he smiled up at Fowler and said, "The side bar is my personal section…the doorman will see you to your seats."

When Venkat walked away, Fowler leaned over and spat, "Cocky bastard, isn't he?"

Janeway sneered and responded, "Mmmhmm."

"Just so we're clear," Fowler asked directly into the captains' ear, "what is acceptable of this guy? I don't want to break his face unless you want me to."

"If he tries to kiss me…anywhere except my hands or tries to touch me anywhere my undergarments cover…pop him," Janeway smiled, "and make it good."

Folwer smiled back and said, "It won't be a problem…trust me." Then leaning over and whispering again, she asked, "And just so we're clear, Captain, because I would never take advantage of this situation, what's acceptable of me?"

Kathryn moved over into Fowler and informed, "Well, I'd rather you not kiss me on the lips. I'd like to give the impression that I don't let anyone do that. I'd prefer not to kiss at all, but if you feel that you must to make it convincing, then that's fine…but I won't kiss you…again, it's not something that I, meaning Kate, do." Then clearing her throat, the captain sighed and said, "Um, as far as your hands, I'm afraid you're going to have to get rather bold tonight considering his forwardness. Are you still comfortable with that?"

"Yes, but be specific please…I need to know."

Nodding once, keeping all anxiety out of her voice for her pilot's benefit, needing to be the fearless leader, Janeway explained, "Don't be afraid to touch my stomach, my chest, my breasts…although, be careful since I have something slipped into my bra. Below the belt, just stay away from the obvious, and remember to be careful about my thighs because of the knife." When Nicole said that she understood, Janeway pulled her back closer and said, "If you get uncomfortable at any time, stop and tell me and we'll leave…I'll do the same." Turning into the captain in a split second, she cracked, but still in a whispered, "I mean it, Lieutenant…this isn't something that I would normally ever drag an officer of mine into, but I think we both understand how vital this information is, but it's not important enough to damage our working or personal relationship." Squeezing Fowler's arm, she said softly and honestly, "You're my friend, Nick. I care for you well being, and you're also the best friend of B'Elanna, whom I love very much. Nothing is more important to me than that."

Fowler grabbed Janeway's hand, squeezed it and whispered back, "I appreciate that, Captain…but I'm cool with this, and despite what I said earlier, this isn't something that I would share with anyone. We'll look out for each other…and that's how I prefer it."

"Me too," Kathryn nodded and then added speaking fast and clear, "And why don't you let me guide your hands if I feel that type of behavior is warranted…that fits better with my so-called personality anyway. Oh, " she added quickly, "just so you know, I won't be touching you with my hands anywhere your undergarments would cover. That's just not appropriate for me in any circumstance." When Folwer laughed and asked, "Not even my butt?" Janeway laughed as well, releasing anxiety mostly, and replied, "You know what I mean."

Fowler looked up at Tuvok, and then said, "I think we should take a trip to the shuttle to freshen up before the party."

"Good idea," Janeway nodded feeling a little ripe herself after sweating all day.


 

"They're on the move," Torres whispered, tapping Seven on the shoulder as they took turns observing the captain, while the other one watched the stage show and kept their eye on the crowd. When she saw them moving toward the entrance toward the New York, she stopped Seven from moving and said, "I think they're going to the shuttle." Scratching her head, she sighed, "Christ…do you think we should follow them? If they have other plans for later, we won't be able to follow them if they spot us."

Pulling out her tricorder as they moved out of the range of her own ability to detect their signal, keeping the device hidden as she turned her back to the crowd, Seven stated, "That is correct. They are moving into the shuttle." Raising her eyebrow, she informed, "Samuel Wang is now on Deck Four and moving down the main corridor."

Torres laughed, and informed, "He's probably going with some people to one of those trashy nightclubs…rich people always like to slum it in places like that…it's normal." Then sighing and getting back to their problem, she scratched her head and then snapped her fingers and said, "I know…I'll go to the shuttle to check it out and see if they're done for the night." When Seven frowned at her, Torres informed, "I won't lie completely…on my honor. I'll just omit some details."

Seven sighed and said closing the device and pocketing it, "Very well, I will not resist…it is for the best."

"If they're done, I'll come back and get you…if they're just taking a break, I'll come right back too, tell them we have a few more things to see to, but just wanted to check in, and then we can hang back and wait for them to take off again." After Seven nodded, Torres told her to stay put and then took off quickly, jogging slightly as she made her way through the crowd. Then once she was clear, Torres quickened her stride until she was at a steady pace, feeling loose and warm in this climate and enjoying the sensation in her leg muscles, glad for the extra training they had all endured since she had been on her feet practically all day, but still felt good. Slipping into the air tunnel, she said loudly, "Don't shoot…it's just me." Jumping down the stairs quickly, she smiled at the captain who was gulping water and asked, "Where's everyone?"

"Tuvok's in the front and Nick's in the bathroom," the captain responded quickly. Then not seeing her Astrometric's officer following her, Janeway asked with a definite edge to her tone, "Where's Annika?"

B'Elanna snatched up the captain's water and answered, "She's watching the show while I check in…it's cool." Then drinking a few sips and handing the glass back to Janeway, she leaned over, whispering, "It's fine, Red…I wouldn't leave her if I didn't think that."

Sighing, Janeway said softly, "I know…I'm just a little edgy." Wiping her brow, she smirked, and said, "You know how I get in the heat."

"No comment," Torres laughed taking a seat at the table. When Janeway rolled her eyes and acted like she didn't approve, which the engineer knew was completely fake, she asked, "So, any luck…or are you all calling it a night?"

The captain wasn't certain if she should answer the question completely truthfully, but then deciding Tuvok would tell her anyhow, Kathryn replied, "Well, Tuvok's done for the evening, but Nick and I have a date with Venkat at his nightclub. We're just freshening up before we go." Then setting down her water and taking a seat on the table itself, next to B'Elanna, she asked, "Are you two done?"

"No, but we've made some good progress. We're going to do a little more footwork tonight and then come back." Smiling, Torres laughed and said, "You should have seen her," laughing loud, she managed, "the look on her face when this woman ripped off her shirt and started dancing around…classic dollface."

Kathryn laughed as well, and then said, bringing her hand to her mouth, "Well, I can imagine…I'm glad she got to see some of the show though. I'm just sorry I missed it." Then reaching over, she combed some of B'Elanna's hair down while they had a moment alone and whispered, "I'm glad you're with her…don't be afraid to have a little fun if you can manage it. You deserve it."

"Won't be a problem," Torres winked. "I think she and I have the best gig out of all of us…although, Wang's on Deck Four right now…probably boozing it up with the rich folk's in some sexy joint, so I could be wrong…but we had some laughs earlier." Then standing as Fowler came out of the bathroom in a fresh, black tank top and her leather pants, and a black leather belt, Torres laughed, and teased, "Oh Kahless…not the rock-star pants!" Then coming up to Fowler and patting her shoulder, she said, "So, you're taking the captain out, huh?"

"That's right," Fowler replied evenly, not certain as the where this conversation was going and how Torres felt about that.

Patting the tall pilot on her back, B'Elanna smiled and said, "Lucky you." Then looking over at Janeway, she asked, before she went into the bathroom, "Kate, can I talk to you…privately…before I take off?"

"Step into my office," Janeway nodded over her shoulder going into the bathroom, keeping her mood cheerful, but prepared to change it quickly if B'Elanna forgot her place in the chain of command. Once Torres was inside the small bathroom, Janeway whispered, "What's this about?"

Noticing the captain's attitude change immediately, Torres held up her hands and said, quietly, "I'm not here to protest." Then when Kathryn relaxed, she smiled and asked, "Permission to take a timeout?" When Janeway smiled softly at the engineer's use of her term, and then nodded, Torres hugged her affectionately and whispered, "I love you, Red…I just wanted to tell you before I turn you over to Too Tall."

Janeway reveled in the arms of her true lover for a moment, and whispered, "Mmm, darling…thank you. I love you so much…I really, really do." Then pulling away, she kissed her softly and added, "Very much."

"Good," B'Elanna grinned. Then placing her hands on the captain's hips, she informed, "And, I wanted you to know that I know you and Nick are going to be friendly tonight…and I'm cool with that…and so is Seven. We talked about it."

Janeway chuckled, hugging Torres again and said, "Why am I not surprised?" Then seriously, she pulled away and said, "And I thank you." Looking down and resting her forehead against Torres' head, she cleared her throat and whispered, "She's probably going to get…very…friendly with me tonight, but I want you to know that we've talked about it, set the ground rules so we're both clear, and we both know that if we're uncomfortable, we're allowed to stop and leave immediately." Looking up, she asked, "Do you understand why?"

"Yep…he's hands off…but Nick's not…I get it," Torres replied reassuringly. Then touching Janeway's face, B'Elanna informed, "I trust you, cowgirl…totally, and I trust Nick…and I know that this is business, and that at the end of the day, I'm the one who you come to." Smiling, she said in a raspy whisper, "Besides, you're not the only one getting fresh with the ladies, you know?" Then laughing, she admitted, "But, I'll bet you don't get drinks thrown in your face."

Janeway rubbed her forehead, chuckling and said, "I don't even want to know, Lanna…as long as it worked."

"It did." Then kissing Janeway again, she forced herself away from the mouth she loved so completely and said, "Okay, have fun…be careful. I gotta go get the kid before she sees too much and her cortical node overloads."

Sighing, Janeway nodded and said, "Okay, you too…don't wait up for us…it might be late." As Torres gave her a thumb's up and then left, Kathryn sighed heavily again, then let the guilt she was feeling for having to ask her lovers to understand that she had to do this, because it did her no good at this point, and steeled herself, making all the necessary adjustments to her personality to prepare for her mission and to be her alternate persona, which was very far removed from herself, even on a bad day.

After saying good-bye to Nick, and privately giving her support, telling her that as long as she and the captain were comfortable, she was comfortable and would stay out of it, Torres took off for Seven of Nine, who was easier to spot since the crowd had started to migrate to other areas of the space station while a magician wowed the crowd. Jogging over to her, Torres pulled her aside so they could speak freely and said, "Okay, she and Nick and going to this creep's club. I don't know where it is, and I didn't ask because that would have been obvious. So, we better wait until they leave and then track them with the tricorder." When Seven of Nine nodded in agreement, she added, "Also, we're going to have to decide what it is we want to do."

"Explain," asked Seven uncertain.

"Well, this club's probably restricted. I'm not sure we can get in…and I'm not sure we should go in…although, I want to." Then sighing and rubbing her forehead with the back of her hand, she added, "If we go in, they'll see us. So, if that's what we're going to do, then we have to come up with a game plan as to why we're there for afterward. I'm pretty sure she won't talk to us inside, and that's fine, but afterward she'll want to know why we were there." While Seven contemplated that, Torres added, "Also, we might break curfew…so we could get into trouble." Finally thinking about it more, she nodded, and said, "I'll leave this one to you, Kanik. If you want to risk it…I'm in all the way. If you don't…then we can just hang around outside until we have to get back."

"What do you wish to do?" asked Seven of Nine to be certain. "I require this knowledge before I make my decision."

"I want to go in…or at least try to get in. I'm willing to risk getting in trouble with Red and Tuvok." When Seven asked her to explain why, precisely, she stated, "This guy's got several security guards. I'm not sure Nick and Red can fight them all off if they run into trouble. I don't want to get in the way or butt into their business, just be an extra set of fists in case there's trouble." To clarify, she added, "I promise not to get involved with Red's plan. I'll let Nick take care of her security, but if this guy does tries something and Nick busts his chops, there could be trouble real quick."

"Agreed," Seven nodded. Then sighing, she informed, "Very well, we will attempt to gain entrance and face the consequences of our actions together. Kathryn knows that I would not lie to her, and I will tell her exactly what our motivations are. She will more than likely be displeased and lecture us…however, I believe she will see that we would react this way no matter who was in this situation." Looking to Torres, she stated, "If another member of our Collective were risking themselves in this manner, we would do this as well…correct?"

"Absolutely," Torres nodded once firmly. "If this guy liked men and Chakotay was coming onto him, I'd feel the same way. They are just too damned out numbered to be safe."

"Why do you believe Tuvok is not attending?"

"I bet he wasn't invited," B'Elanna replied. "It makes sense…this creep likes women, why would he invite a man? Plus, it's one less person he have to worry about putting up a fight…if that's what he's thinking." Nodding, Torres went on, "I'm not sure Red wants him there anyway…she's not going to be very…captain-like tonight."

"Do you believe she will feel uncomfortable with our presence?"

Torres sighed and said, "Well, if we get in…and that's a BIG if right now…she might for a bit, but we just have to make sure we show her by not paying her much attention. She's still the captain…and you and I both know how stubborn she is. I think she'll just ignore us and lay into us later." Then smiling, she added, "Plus, if Nick gets uncomfortable, I can step in for her and further Miss Kate's reputation letting the girl's touch, but not the boys…at least, not that boy." When Seven reminded her that she and Miss Kate do not get along, she smiled and said, "I know…it's perfect. When people are at each other's throat all the time, there's usually a hidden attraction." Winking at Seven, she reminded, "We're a perfect example of that, dollface." Squeezing Seven's arm, she grinned and said, "Trust me…I can handle myself in this type of scene."


 

After taking a sponge bath, not able to bear the sonic shower, Janeway put her outfit back on carefully, using the ritual of dressing to further her mindset. After checking her phaser and securing the rest of her hidden weapons, she brushed her teeth, applied a small amount of perfume, put on a fresh coat of make-up, using darker colors for the night-scene, secured her cosmetic ridges, and fixed her hair. Once she emerged from the ensuite and waited for Tuvok and Fowler to stop going over back-up plans and escape routes, ready to let her security be placed solely in the capable pilot's hands and not worry about that aspect, allowing them to do the job they had been trained for, she and Nicole left the air tunnel and started for the elevator. The walk to the lift was made in quiet, and once they were on Deck Four, the captain finally broke the silence as noted, "You've been working out more too."

When Fowler quirked her mouth in confusion, Janeway tapped the bare arm she was caressing and said, "Your arms are defined more than usual. I noticed recently that B'Elanna is more muscled than normal too. Is that on purpose, or just happenstance to your training?"

Thinking the question was odd, but figuring the captain was just trying to break the ice and get them back to being familiar with each other, Fowler explained, "It's a little of both. Tuvok thought it best to build our upper body more in case we had to carry a fallen member for long distances." Chuckling, she informed, "Let's just say if I had to, I could carry blondie for a bit…and she's no light-weight as you know."

Her eyes widening at that, Janeway said, impressed, "No…she's not…carrying her is probably like carrying Tuvok."

"When she goes limp, it's worse…trust me."

Brining her hand to her mouth, laughing, Janeway asked as they turned the corner and started for the brightly lit nightclub at the end of the avenue, "You didn't have to carry Tuvok…did you?" When Fowler nodded, Janeway laughed and said, "Oh god…someone should have called me. That's something I certainly would have liked to have seen…just to use it against him when he gets smart me."

"It wasn't pretty, Miss Kate," Fowler laughed, "Torres and Wang practically died trying to manage it. Of course, Annika picked him up like he was a small child and simply tossed him over her shoulder." Shaking her head, she said, "Which is crazy to look at since she's a thin as you are…but I'm sure if she got pissed enough, she could toss me right through a wall, ten meters away without much problem." Then leaning down and whispering since they were getting close to the door, "Like I said before…I'm sure glad she's on our side."

"Yes, she is rather handy to have around," Janeway smiled proudly of her Borg, knowing that if she wanted to, she could toss Nick through a wall twenty meters away.

"Handy's a word," Folwer added reaching around and pulling out the passes from her back pocket. Then putting her arm around Janeway and giving the passes to the large doorman, she remained quiet, keeping the captain close to her and waited for the guard to run them through the computer display. When he nodded at them, opened the door where loud, thumping dance music poured out of immediately, and said to another man at the door to show them to Mister Venkat's bar, Nicole took a silent deep breath and started in with the captain, and instantly, she knew she was walking into a security nightmare.

Not only were their bodies everywhere, but the music, the strobe lights, and the electric laser beams that were shooting on the ceiling all over the place instantly overwhelmed the senses. The smoke in the medium sized club that had no windows and looked to have only one visible exit, wasn't helping either, and she knew that as more people lit up as the night wore on, the harder it was going to be for her to see across the length of the establishment. Fowler instinctively tightened her grip on Janeway's shoulder as they proceed inside and the second doorman cleared the way for them effectively. When one of the patrons at the bar they were passing by slowly reached out and went for the captain's arm, Fowler reacted instantly, grasped it, squeezed and barked, "I don't think so, buddy."

Seeing the movement as Fowler reacted at the same time, Janeway smiled up at Nick, grabbed her hand as she let go of the man who was relenting in pain and said, wrapping her arm around her waist, "Come on along, darling." Then continuing forward, with Fowler securely planted behind her, she raised her arm and waved at Venkat who had beat them there. Then putting her left hand on Fowler's at her waist, silently informing her with the gesture to keep it there, she extended her right toward their target's as he stood when they approached.

The bald man quickly snatched up Janeway's hand and kissed it. Then releasing her, he pulled out the stool next to him for her which she took, not surprised when Fowler did not sit, but stood behind her and kept her hands securely around her. Resting her head against Nick's chest, Janeway said above the music, to make a point, "Mister Venkat, you remember Nick, don't you?" Then rubbing the hand at her waist, she requested, "Darling, say hello to the nice man."

Used to that type of request, expecting it, Fowler extended her hand and shook Venkat's hand firmly once and said, "Mister Venkat." Then glancing around, ignoring the fact that there were half a dozen almost completely naked women prancing about serving drinks, which Fowler despised immediately, she offered, "This is a nice place you've got. Thanks for inviting Miss Kate."

Smiling, Kathryn pulled Fowler's other arm around her waist and said, "You're so good to me, love. I'm afraid I don't deserve you."

Nicole leaned down and caressed Janeway's temple with her cheek, and said, "You're right…as usual."

"Beast," Janeway came right back, and cooed her thanks for the attention by leaning back against her chest again and wrapping Fowler's arms tight around her waist. Then glancing over at Venkat who was ordering drinks for them since he had his very own bar which was tended by yet another barely dressed woman with black hair that almost reached her waist, even though it was pulled back in a loose pony-tail and had several colorful rhinestone like beads stuck to it which flashed brightly in the chaotic lighting of The Quantum, Janeway asked, "So, Mister Venkat, I'm curious, from a business stand point, how is that you can run this place without losing a great deal of money…or am I just lucky and get to enjoy myself at your expense?"

Pulling out a case that carried small, brown cigarette like sticks, he answered before he popped it in his mouth, and offering one to Janeway, who surprisingly, to Fowler, accepted without hesitation, but didn't offer one to Fowler, which was not surprising, "I'm afraid, Miss Kate, you've discovered my weakness." Lighting the cigarette for Kathryn, he went on, "It's not every day that a woman…as attractive as you stops by Burnhouse, I'm afraid. On those rare occasions, I like to be prepared to make certain she has a good enough time to want to come back…often."

Kathryn puffed on the smoke-stick as if it was second nature to her, which wasn't that difficult since she was a diplomat and had often been required to share in such a ritual with various individuals during her tenure, and found it not entirely distasteful, and certainly better than some of the food she had been forced to consume in the name of diplomacy, not all of it dead at the time of consumption. After blowing the smoke from her mouth, she asked, "So, this is purely just a business endeavor…is that it?"

Venkat laughed and said, "I like you, Miss Kate…we speak the same language." Then handing them each their drinks, he toasted, "To business endeavors," and then drank the brownish liquid, which the captain tolerate without a problem, but Fowler had to cough down, finding it much stronger than she preferred since she usually just stuck to beer, when she drank at all, and that was pretty rare…even rarer now that she was on the Elite Force and had to keep extra vigilant about what she ate and drank, needing to keep her body a highly tuned machine.

Janeway heard and felt the slight cough against her chest and asked, "Mister Venkat, I'm afraid Nick's not much of a drinker…likes to keep in good shape, as you can tell. Can you possibly get a softer drink…maybe an ale?" When she saw Venkat nod to the bartender and look at her little longer than the captain was comfortable with, which told her that perhaps they were signaling to each other silently, Kathryn intercepted the glass and brought it to her lips quickly. She wasn't certain if he would try to poison Fowler, or both of them, but she was gambling that if he was just trying to get Nick out of the picture, he wouldn't let her drink it. She looked away from him and purposefully admired several of the bodies on the dance floor as she continued to sip the beer, finding it fairly bad, but it not showing the least on her face. After a minute or so, when he hadn't said anything, she handed the drink over to Nick, praying that he wasn't attempting to poison them both. Then after smoking her stick a few more times, she put it on in the ash tray, her mouth now a mosaic of semi-unpleasant flavors, so she picked up her own alcohol and took a healthy swig, also hoping the second hypospray injection they had used would be enough to keep the effects of this strong drink, and the others she knew she would have to guzzle before he was intoxicated enough for her to start questioning him carefully.

As Venkat started engaging the captain in conversation, the redhead expertly lying through her pearly whites, telling him all about her father's business, and how they had traveled a very long way just to come to Burnhouse, stroking his ego with that, since it was highly unlikely that anyone fifteen light years away would have heard of this place, Fowler eased up on her grip of the captain slowly as she started to relax, and the captain silently urged her to do so by leaning forward slightly. Nicole was fairly happy with their position as far as security purposes went, and figured that Venkat sat here for the same reason since none of his goons were around him at the time, them keeping to the various tables scattered about. The only person that could be behind her was the bartender, and even though she knew the woman was a risk, she knew it was as good as they would get. Everyone else was in front of them, and the tall pilot was more than confident that if she had to, she could pick up Janeway and make a run for the door, her size and weight enough to move most individuals in a full on charge. She was also thrilled that it was somewhat cooler in this place. Still not as cool as she would wish it since she could feel the perspiration beading up on her nape of her neck and on her back, but it certainly wasn't the oppressive and life sucking heat that they had encountered at the rest of the space hub. The only thing that was really bothering Fowler at the moment, other than the lighting, was as she counted, she knew that they were out numbered two to one…easily, since she figured that there were probably other folks that would pitch in for the man's cause if things got tense. And just as if her prayers were answered, Torres and Seven of Nine walked into the electric club, which really surprised the hell out of the pilot. When she glanced over to the captain who was gabbing it up and didn't notice, flattered that Janeway was indeed wholly trusting her with her life, she decided to not make mention of the fact and just hope that the captain didn't blow a gasket if she did happen to notice them, which was going to be pretty hard not to do considering how they were dressed, and how much the redhead not only loved them, but was just as protective as they were of her, if not more so, just in a slightly different way.

 

fin