When Duty Calls
 

"Come in," Kathryn Janeway, commanding officer of the intrepid class starship Voyager offered from the confines of her leather chair that sat at the desk inside her Ready Room at the sound of the door call as she set down her silver, and not usually empty, coffee cup and swiveled the chair to face the narrow, silver doors as they parted evenly, granting access to her visitor. Smiling openly as the petite form of her carrot top assistant appeared at the entrance of her fairly roomy office, Janeway queried as the young girl bounced over to the side of her desk waving a PADD, "Is it that time already?"

"Yes, Captain," Naomi answered gamely, coming up to her all-around hero. Handing over the PADD to her, she grinned, proud, and reported, full of glee, "Captain, I got it! Seventy-five replicator ration deduction authorizations."

Shocked, Janeway accepted the data device and looked at it herself, unbelieving as she picked Naomi up and set the child in her lap, which was somewhat of an a habitual indulgence for the captain now, and questioned as she looked at the data, "You got all of them…already?" When Naomi nodded affirmatively, Janeway looked over at her, turning her around a little so she could see her angelic face which was adored with four, small cranial spikes that ran down the center of her forehead due to her absent father's heritage, as well as more than a few freckles, and asked, still amazed, "How?"

"I went into the Mess Hall during lunch and told everyone there that I was helping you plan for Seven's birthday party, and that we wanted to get her a TV like Lieutenant Paris'," the youngster announced. "When I told them that you and Lieutenant Torres had saved up two hundred rations by yourself, everyone laughed and then gave some of theirs to help you out. It was easy, Captain…I didn't even have to ask any of the senior officers." Then turning serious, as she tended to do, she informed, "And I made them all promise...on their honors, Captain, that they wouldn't tell Seven…because it's supposed to be a surprise."

Laughing in amazement and warmth that her crew would be so generous—she had honestly hoped to gather approximately twenty from the rest of her crew, and then hit up her senior officers for the rest—Janeway hugged Naomi, setting the PADD down and said, "Thank you…you have no idea how much begging you've saved me." Then setting the girl down and moving over to her replicator so she could get her a glass of chocolate milk, always using the replicator rations as 'captain's privilege' since her assistant's presence every other day for an hour was turning into the captain's favorite thing about her work day, these days, Janeway announced, "You know, Miss Wildman…you really have out done yourself this time." Grabbing the milk and handing it to her where she sat in front of the her desk, she stuck out her hand and informed, "I think this deserves a commendation for exemplary efforts by a captain's assistant. Congratulations."

Naomi stood up immediately and at attention after shaking the captain's hand and said, ecstatic, "Oh, thank you, Ma'am!"

"Thank you, Miss Wildman," Janeway smiled, kneeling down and rubbing her arm affectionately. "You're a marvelous assistant, and I know Seven will appreciate all of the hard work you've put into making her birthday extra special this year."

As her ship was rocked by the apparent impact of weapons fire, and she was hailed to report to the Bridge an instant later, the red alert klaxon beckoning her simultaneously, Janeway grabbed Naomi's drink, setting it down on her desk, snatched the scared girl's hand and hurried them out onto the dimmly lit Bridge.

The ship was hit again as the redheaded duo came through the doors and Janeway braced herself against the wall, holding her assistant close to her body, protectively. Prepared for this situation the very first day she had decided to let this young child spend lengthy moments on Deck One, which was about as dangerous of a place as one could be on a starship when it was under attack since it was a highly targeted area because it was where the command staff worked, Janeway barked at Ensign Kim from across the room, "Harry…transport Naomi to her quarters immediately." Giving the girl a quick nod of her head, hating that she couldn't do more to set her apparent fear's at ease, but hoping that being the tough captain at this moment would be what she needed, she said, "Report," as the smaller redhead disappeared.

Getting up from his chair, Chakotay answered as their ship was hit again, although, this impact not as severe, "Three warships just came out of nowhere and started firing. Only the lead ship has fired so far, Captain…but they haven't damaged us."

"What do you mean they came out of nowhere?" Janeway asked cranky, looking over to Ensign Kim at Operations. "Nick, do your best to fend them off, but I want to try to talk to them," she followed quickly, but didn't look away from Harry as she climbed the steps.

"Captain," Kim reported as he worked his board, "sensors show that they came out from the nebula…that's why we didn't detect them until they were right on top of us."

Happy with that answer, for now, although she would admit that she was getting down right tired of nebulas, Janeway nodded and ordered, curt, "Hail them."

After a three-second delay, Kim informed, "They're responding, Captain."

"On screen. All stop, Nick." Walking down to the command deck, fairly pissed off for many reasons, but mostly because these people had scared the hell out of a small, innocent child for no good reason, as far as Janeway was concerned, and she let it show as she said once the viewscreen was active and body appeared before her, "This is Kathryn Janeway, captain of the Federation starship Voyager. Would you care to explain why you are firing at my ship before or after I repay the favor?"

A tall, but gaunt alien that seemed to have several feminine qualities, her sparkling white uniform a great contrast to the fairly darkly colored bulkheads and consoles in the background, answered back, "This is Devin, first regal of the Alaxiat. You have entered Fynth Spatial Territory Five without receiving authorization from the magistrate's transportation office. Desist or you will be destroyed."

Staring at the uncomfortably thin woman, seeing the other beings in the background, all of them equally trim, Janeway assumed it was a natural trait for their species rather than the fact that they were malnourished since they obviously had plenty of resources if they had at least five spatial territories and had such things as a magistrate of transportation, the captain put on her best smile, despite the fact that she deplored this type of shoot first, ask questions later diplomacy, and said, "I apologize, First Regal. It was not our intention to trespass. Would it be possible to speak with your transportation magistrate so that we may gain authorization?"

Remaining stoic, firm and untrusting, the golden skinned woman asked, without hesitation or pause, her long, ghostly white hair flowing to one side as she turned her head and checked something on the sensor board that surrounded her chair, "What is your purpose for entering this territory?"

Janeway replied easily, becoming more pleasant and gracious with each tick of the proverbial clock, "We're just trying to get home. This space is on our way. I'm not certain how large your territory is, but I assume it's…impressive," she added that make certain she didn't insult, "and bypassing it could add months, possibly years to our journey. That is our only intention…I assure you."

Eyeing the captain for a few beats, unfamiliar with some of Janeway's words, the woman sneered as she questioned, "Where is this…Federation? I have not detailed you before and I am familiar with every colony within three hundred spatial grids?" Looking around the Bridge of the intrepid class starship, fairly impressed, which made her even less trusting, she continued before Janeway could answer, "I am not familiar with this ship design. From where do you hail?"

During her first two years in the Delta Quadrant, Janeway had learned that she shouldn't be so eager to tell her crew's sob story about how they were from the other side of the galaxy because that tended to get them into a heck of a lot of trouble more than it ever helped them simply because such information informed whomever she was speaking to that they were alone, without spare resources and reinforcements and that was something that could be taken advantage of. However, it wasn't the captain's habit to outright lie unless she felt that she had no other choice, so instead, she decided to go with an obtuse answer, somewhere in the middle between the truth and the alternative and stated, "We're not from around here. My crew and I have been on a long-range exploration mission for the last seven years and are now attempting to return to our home. We still have several more weeks ahead of us…so as you can see, we are eager to get back underway. Will you allow us to speak with your magistrate on this matter?"

The tall woman softened visibly at that news, even if she wasn't familiar with the time terms, but from Janeway's expression it was clearly a great deal of time. So, she took one final look around the Bridge, and then turned her attention back to the compact captain, informing, "I will allow it, Captain Janeway. However, by law, I must complete a full inspection of your ship at this length, before I may let you pass. If you have nothing secret, then my visit will be brief. You will also be required to have an escort to our homeworld, and will not be allowed to deviate from that pathway. Do you accept these terms?"

Inspections always struck an easy chord with Janeway, but knowing that she couldn't say no just because she didn't like them, Kathryn dipped her head once and said, "Of course. What do you need us to do?"

"Myself and two other of my crew will come aboard your ship while my vessel runs standard scans. Toxic chemicals and weapons of mass destruction will not be tolerated," the first informed. "There is nothing you are required to do except escort me and my staff, as I assume you would do anyhow." Then standing, she went on, "My team and I will board my yacht immediately. Prepare your ship for our arrival."

When the viewscreen went back to the starfield, Janeway sighed, turned around and said, "Well, I was going to tell her we can just transport her…but maybe this is best?" Looking over at Tuvok who was awaiting her orders, she said, "Tuvok, get down there…I'll be there in a moment." Then turning to Chakotay, who was hovering close, she said, quietly, "I have a feeling their homeworld is a ways off, so it might be best if we just cut our losses now and go around. I'm going to try to get her to give us specific information as to how big their territory is. I want you to stay on the Bridge just in case we need to get out of here. I'm going to take Nick with me to give her a little diplomatic training…so you better bring Paris up from Sickbay."

"Aye, Captain," Chakotay nodded, sitting back in his chair and tapping his communicator, hailing Paris.

As Voyager's first officer did as she asked without hesitation, the compact captain turned to Fowler and said, "Lieutenant, you're with me."

Extending her intelligent, graceful hand, Kathryn Janeway said, craning her neck up at the tall, yellowish woman, "Welcome aboard Voyager, First Regal Devin." Turning slightly to her right, she introduced, "This is Command Tuvok, my Chief of Security."

Watching the scene closely, Lieutenant Nicole Fowler took a moment to size up their visitors before Janeway introduced her. The first was a sizeable woman, at least in height, and by the size of the males that had accompanied her, she assumed that females were the taller of the two sexes, but she knew that she couldn't be certain. They were all thin, but because their muscles were long and only slightly obvious, Fowler assumed that their waif-like appearance was due to their genetic makeup. Fowler immediately noticed the weapons at their waist, as she was certain Tuvok and Janeway did as well. However, since the Vulcan was also donning a phaser, as was Fowler, Janeway preferring to leave her security in the hands of her capable staff to make a better, friendlier appearance, Nicole didn't think anything of it since the first was also weaponless, as far as she could tell.

Her hair was long and white, which made Nicole think that she was possibly an elder; however, her skin was completely aglow and showed absolutely no traditional signs of aging, so she wasn't certain. From first glance, Fowler thought they looked somewhat bird-like since their facial features were so sharp and exact, but on closer inspection, she changed her mind since their skin was absolutely fine, even if it was slightly close to a canary yellow. Their hair also flowed in soft, fine, wispy movements; although, Fowler also noticed that the first's hair seemed to be much thinner than her male counterparts'. All in all, she thought they were a fairly attractive species, maybe a little thin, but definitely easy on the eyes compared to some of the beings they had met in the Delta Quadrant…the Vidiians coming to mind instantly. When Janeway introduced her as Voyager's pilot, Nicole noticed that their noses and nasal cavities seemed to be more prominent than before and she secretly wondered if they thought that Voyager smelled.

Extending her hand in the same manner as the captain, although, not having to look up much since she and the first were almost the same height, Fowler nodded her head and said, evenly, but politely, "Welcome…it's a pleasure."

After all of the introductions were complete, Janeway offered, placing one hand out in front of her toward the door, "Why don't we start with our engine room?"

As the captain and the first walked in front of her and conversed, Fowler fell into step between the two small males that were maybe a centimeter or two taller than Janeway as Tuvok stayed behind the group, obviously for security reasons, and tried not to shift uneasily as they continued to glance over at her and then back at each other, and then over at the captain. The not-so-subtle glances continued during the ride in the turbolift, and when Fowler finally figured out what was going on, she was glad they had reached Engineering because she was having a hard time not laughing.

It was obvious to her that they were highly impressed by her size, but also curious since the captain, who was also clearly female, was so much smaller. She figured they would become equally curious when they met the rest of Voyager's senior staff since Fowler was the tallest woman on the ship, and the second tallest person. Then smirking as she thought about Seven of Nine in Astrometrics, which would undoubtedly be a stop, she had to stifle another laugh as she pictured the looks on their faces when they laid their eyes on the impressive ex-drone. Seven wasn't as tall as Fowler, but she was definitely more filled out in the curves department, that being an understatement, and since their first was also fairly voluptuous, she figured they would practically fall all over themselves in furtive glances since they seemed to be rather interested in inspecting the females aboard this ship, rather than the hazardous contents.

Dressed in her tool jacket, instead of her tunic, Torres ran her hands over her wavy hair, trying to smooth it down some before she grabbed the edges of the ladder and slid down to the command deck where the captain and company was waiting for her. Taking the impact to her lower joints easily, the chief turned around, walked up to the captain quickly, but non-aggressive, and tried to hide her unease. B'Elanna was the first to admit that she was probably the least comfortable amongst all of the senior officers with first contact situations…except for maybe Seven, but that was different because Seven had to always deal with people's reaction to her when they learned that she was still part Borg, and it seemed that no matter where they went, or with whom they came into contact, everyone knew of the galaxy's bane: the Borg Collective.

Placing her hand on Torres' shoulder, knowing she was uncomfortable and trying to settle her with the touch, Janeway turned to the first and introduced, "First Regal Devin, this is Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, my Chief of Engineering."

The first extended her hand and said, looking down at Torres, "Greetings." Twitching for a moment as she caught a whiff of something familiar, the tall woman easily let go of the engineer's rough, somewhat dirty hand and smiled softly, looking over at Janeway and nodded, knowingly. The engineer smelled acutely of the captain, as well as many other scents, but she wasn't able to pinpoint them as of yet. She had smelled the spicy scent when she first met Janeway in the Shuttle Bay, and after second, she was able to pinpoint the aroma to the captain's hair. Now meeting the engineer, she detected the scent again; however, it was coming from the engineer's hands and garments, which told her that they spent a great deal of time together since the fragrance wasn't as sharp, and more than likely several hours, if not days old.

"Lieutenant Torres, this engine room is impressive, to say the least," Devin informed, looking over at the pulsating core and up onto the upper deck. Turning to her officers, she ordered, "Commence your scans." Then turning quickly back to the captain, she explained, "These scans will not disrupt your systems, Captain Janeway." When she saw Torres shift as she watched the men waltz around Main Engineering, she smiled down at the brunette and informed, "If you wish to join them…I will find no crime."

Torres glanced over at Janeway for support, and when the captain nodded her head ever so slightly, B'Elanna gave her thanks, communicating silently, and took off after them as fast as she could without running.

Chuckling, which sounded similar to a human version of a laugh, however more air escaped through her nose and a soft clicking noise came from the back of her throat, the first rose over the captain and remarked softly, "She is a voracious maintainer…it is clear in her amble."

Janeway was becoming more and more comfortable by the second since it seemed that they were winning the trust of the first, who the captain had to admit was a relatively pleasant woman when she wasn't firing at her ship, and said, "You're very perceptive. Lieutenant Torres is the best engineer I've ever worked with." As she kept one eye on B'Elanna to make sure she wasn't getting in the way, and to make certain no harm came to her, Janeway asked, "I'm curious, First Regal…how far away is your homeworld?"

"It dwells in Spatial Territory One, which is approximately twenty spatial grids from this location," answered Devin, watching her officers interact with the Klingon carefully as well. When the two men looked at each other and began making a clicking sound as they laughed, while Torres looked nonplussed for a minute and then caught on and laughed, although modestly, as well, the golden leader turned back toward Voyager's captain, noticing the fond smile on her face and explained, "My crew is fascinated…as am I, Captain Janeway. I am hopeful that you will not see crime in my words, but your crew is diverse. We have never encountered such a mosaic of species working as one." Dipping her head, she said, "You have my admiration." When Janeway nodded and gave her thanks, the first asked, "What is your species' classification?"

"Human," answered Janeway, understanding their curiosity since if there was one major compliant Kathryn had about the Delta Quadrant, it was that this region of the galaxy was entirely too segregated. Rarely did they run into a vessel or planet where more than one species resided. Pointing over to Tuvok, who was standing near the warp core, keeping his eye on everything, she explained, "Commander Tuvok is Vulcan." Then pointing up to Torres, who was on the upper deck again with the first's officers, she finished, "Lieutenant Torres is a human-Klingon hybrid." As the first continued to scan the room, Janeway explained, "Most of this crew is human, but we have several different species aboard. The Federation was started by humans, but we have made alliances with many other worlds…our first contact with another species was several hundred years ago…with Vulcans."

"I believe my government would be interested in learning of this Federation. I have the authority to grant you passage through our territory. If I did so, would you be disagreeable if we accompanied you for the rest of your journey home?" Before Janeway could explain, she went on, "Of course, I would need to clear this matter with my direct magistrate...however, that would only take a few moments…and I am certain he would be compliant. We may seem…hostile, but that is merely for our own protection. As you can see…I," she added with emphasis, hoping Janeway would catch her drift, "am not here for wrongdoing."

Sighing, Janeway explained, "Ordinarily, First Regal, I would love to introduce you to my people…however, we aren't from this quadrant." When the woman looked at her as if she didn't understand, Janeway offered, "Why don't you and I go to my Astrometrics lab…and I can show you where we're from?"

Devin nodded and replied, "Very good." Looking up at her officers, who were still scanning Engineering, she said loudly, and crisply, her voice impressing the captain a great deal, "Menthy…Hisan, when you have finished your scans, you will tread with Commander Tuvok and Lieutenant Fowler to the next location…work swiftly."

Janeway nodded to Fowler and Tuvok, informing them that she was fine with that and extended her arm, saying, "This way."

"First Regal Devin, this is Seven of Nine, my Astrometrics officer," Janeway informed as they slipped into the technologically impressive space lab as the tall Borg turned around instantly, recognizing the captain's footstep, but not her companion's.

"Seven... of...Nine?" the first queried at the peculiar name since it was very much unlike the other names she had heard today, while she extended her hand and Seven shook it somewhat hesitantly. Noticing the implants immediately, she didn't put two and two together until Seven turned her head toward the captain for support and she noticed the starburst under her ear on her chin. Surprised, she stated, flat, "That is Borg." Turning to Janeway, Devin asked quickly, not certain if she should be threatened since Seven of Nine looked very different from what she knew of the Borg, "Captain Janeway, you command Borg as well?"

Janeway walked up to Seven and placed her hand on the small of her back, informing her that it was okay and that she would do the talking for now, knowing very well how uncomfortable Seven was when people found out she was an ex-drone simply because that automatically meant that they hated her…most of the time. "Not exactly. Seven was severed from the Collective three years ago. We encountered her on a Cube," smiling and looking up at the former drone, she continued, "and after she came aboard Voyager, I decided to sever her connection to the Borg because she's human." As the tall woman continued to be fascinated by Seven who was doing well to remain quiet and let the woman examine her implants, from a distance, Janeway went on, "As you can see, she still maintains several implants...however, she's come a very long way in three years…and is very much an individual."

"Will you permit me?" Devin asked bluntly, extending her hand and pointing to Seven's mesh covered left arm.

Seven didn't react at first, but when she felt Janeway's comforting hand on her back pat her once, Seven lifted her hand and allowed the inspection since she knew that the captain would not allow such a move if she felt that she was in any danger. Feeling the need to speak at the contact, Seven explained, "When Captain Janeway severed me from the Collective, this was one of several implants that I was required to keep in order to function. This device has several functions... however, enhanced strength, deftness, and assimilation are its primary functions." When the woman touched her hand and started running her soft skin over the mesh, Seven warned, quickly, "For your benefit, I must caution you. This mesh is capable of lacerating your flesh."

Nodding, Devin lightened her touch and said, "Thank you, Seven of Nine. I'll be wary." Detailing several different smells coming from the Borg...again, detecting the captain's scent, this time even more heavily than on the engineer, as well as noticing something that was easily identifiable as Lieutenant Torres, Devin asked, ignoring those smells for a moment, "I am able to detect a singed smell. I believe the scent is from this implant since I have not detected it on any other member of this crew. Find no crime in my curiosity...but, I am intrigued…can you detail the scent for me?"

The question was not peculiar to the Borg in the least, even though she noticed the slightly uneasy look on the captain's face and answered, "That smell is caused by my alcove, which we maintain in Cargo Bay Two. The smell is actually emanating from my biosuit since the material passes electrical signals throughout my body during a regeneration cycle, which I completed two point eight days ago. I can demonstrate the procedure for you later, if you wish." As the woman nodded and finally released her hand, Seven stated, "That scent is not easily detected. Your olfactory system is impressive. I am also curious. I do not recall encountering your species as a Borg…how is it that you know of the Borg?"

"The Fynth has never encountered the Borg, but several of the ships that pass through our spatial territories have," informed Devin. "The Collective is a threat, to say the least. So, we have detailed as much information on them as possible in preparation for the length when we do." Turning to Janeway, Devin stated, "Captain Janeway, I am aware that we are here for a specific purpose...however, I am wondering if you would permit me to converse with Seven of Nine later regarding the Borg? It would be beneficial to my people…I am certain."

"I think that can be arranged," Janway answered after glancing up at Seven quickly and noticing that her blonde officer seemed rather pleased. "In fact," she smiled, "I'd like to invite you and a small group of your officers to join us this evening for dinner."

"That is gracious of you…considering I have fired upon your vessel," the tall woman chuckled, clicking somewhat. "On behalf of my crew, I accept your offering."

"Wonderful," the captain smiled and chuckled openly. Then turning to Seven, she cleared her throat and said, "Seven, will you pull up the data on our course to the Alpha Quadrant?"

"Yes, Captain," Seven nodded, walking over to the console and accessing the information.

Walking up onto the dais, gesturing that the first should follow, Janeway explained, looking up at their plotted course, "As you can see by this graphic…we're no where close to our home. Seven years ago, we were taken against our will from the Alpha Quadrant…here…and thrown into the Delta Quadrant…here, some seventy-thousand light years from our home." As the tall woman studied the diagram in wonder and shock, Janeway went on, "We've made significant progress, but as you can see, we're still over forty-thousand light years from our destination. I don't really think you want to go that far?"

Devin shook her head and replied, "I'm afraid that even if I did wish to tread with you…my government would never allow it." Looking away and down at the captain, she said solemnly, "You have my sympathies…this has undoubtedly been a trying undertaking for you and yours. However, you are to be commended. A great length and you still have your crew and maintain your diplomacy." Sighing, she shook her head and said softly, "If only my government were to be so bold. Again, my apologies if I have damaged your vessel."

Walking down the dais, Devin announced with authority, that did have a certain regal quality to it, "Our inspection is complete. Me and mine will not hamper your efforts further. My vessel will see you safely to the edge of our territory…there is no need for you to detour to our homeword. What I can detail as to how you measure space, the journey would take several cycles. It seems an injustice."

"Thank you, First…you're a testament to your people," Janeway responded warmly, coming down the stairs and extending her hand. "Why don't we go find your officers and then you can tour our Bridge before we get back underway?"

"As you wish, Captain," shortening her name as Seven had done, "I am merely a guest at this length," nodded the tall, now humble woman. Looking back over her shoulder as they walked out of Astrometrics, she smiled and said to the Borg, "Thank you for your assistance, Seven. I look forward to knowing your story and for the demonstration."

"Seven," Janeway yelled from the ensuite as she applied her makeup after taking a quick hydro-shower as she thought she heard the front door to her cabin hiss open, "is that you?"

"That is correct," Seven of Nine stated, used to the query, as she entered their quarters and placed the PADD she was carrying on the captain's desk that contained her data on the Slipstream project, which she hadn't been working on as much as she'd like to since she tried to be home with Janeway as much as possible. Walking up to the bathroom, she stood in the doorway and waited for Kathryn to finish applying her mascara before she attempted to kiss her. When the redhead did so, Seven leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, saying afterward, "I believe I love you."

Chuckling at Seven, who was being funny as she liked to do, in her own little way, Kathryn replied, "I believe I love you too." Before she put on her lipstick, she took a healthy sip of her coffee, and then informed as she set the cup down, "You know, you made quite an impression on the first regal." Smiling at Seven through the mirror, she said, "I'm proud of you, Seven…you were very gracious today."

"Thank you, Kathryn," Seven replied, knowing how very much her lover, and her captain meant what she said. "She is a pleasant individual. I am looking forward to this evening."

Smiling brighter, Janeway turned toward Seven and said, "Well…that's a switch. Guess you're not the only one who made an impression, huh?"

As Janeway turned back to the mirror and put on her lipstick, Seven stated, "I am pleased and respectful that she was able to set her doubts about you aside, see you for the honorable individual that you are, and not impede our progress further." Seven looked away for a moment as she tended to do whenever she was contemplating something, then finally making her decision, she turned back to Janeway, who was rubbing her lips together and informed, "She seems perceptive…and…wise for a woman without telepathic capabilities. She is intriguing and I look forward to conversing with her this evening."

Following Janeway into her closet, Seven took the captain's robe as the older woman slid it off, reached up on the shelf and pulled down a clean pair of uniform pants for the captain so she didn't have to stand on her tiptoes and continued, "It is unfortunate that we will not be able to spend more time exploring their space."

"Thank you," Janeway said softly as she took the pants from Seven, her underwear and stockings already donned. Pulling them up and tucking her tanktop into the waist before she zipped the side, Kathryn smiled and said, "You know, I remember a conversation we had shortly after you came to Voyager. You came into my Ready Room one evening and told me that I was a contradiction. Do you know the one I'm talking about?"

Smirking, the Borg stated, "I can recite the conversation for you if you wish." When Janeway laughed and poked her in the stomach, Seven went on, "I understand your 'point,' however. I am in contradiction at this moment with that conversation. I informed you that it was illogical for you to constantly take detours on your journey home." When Janeway finished zipping up her pants, Seven grabbed her dress tunic off the hanger on her side of the closet and continued, holding it open for the captain, "At the time, I did not understand the appeal of learning about other cultures. I admit that even now, I do not understand it completely as you do...however, meeting the first regal this afternoon has helped me adapt. She was gracious to you and trusting, and curious as to my…'story,' but not threatening. It was a pleasant encounter." Turning Janeway around, she zipped closed the front of the heavier, longer tunic and fastened the side.

Shaking her head, Janeway said, "Seven, I'm perfectly capable of dressing myself."

"I am aware of this, however, it pleases me to assist you," Seven informed, taking one of the pips out of Janeway's hand and placing it above her right breast. As she did the same with the others, the Borg asked, "Do you believe that I should adapt my attire for this evening as well?"

Surprised by the question, realizing that Seven was really getting into this and utterly thrilled about it, Janeway smiled and answered, "Well, you look lovely just the way you are…but if you feel as though you want to change, that's perfectly fine. Did you want to wear something different than one of your biosuits?"

Seven thought about it for a moment, and then asked, "Will the first regal be allowed to board Voyager at another time? If I do not wear my biosuit, I will not be able to demonstrate the functionality of my alcove."

"Well, she'll be escorting us for the next three days, and I'm certain that it's going to take more than just one evening for you to tell her about the Borg. Of course, we'll give them electronic information, but I have a feeling she wants to hear your personal story…so, yes, I'm sure she'll be back."

"Then I wish to wear something different," Seven announced, finishing dressing the captain. Placing her hands on Janeway's shoulders, she straightened the tunic and said softly, "You are exceptionally beautiful in this, my Kathryn. I have always thought so."

"Kiss me," Janeway smiled, pointing at her cheek. "Thank you, darling. So, what do you want to wear…any ideas?"

Seven walked up to the captain's side of the closet and answered, "Not as of yet," looking through her different garments, trying to decide on something similar so that she could replicate it since she didn't have many clothes of her own that weren't her biosuits, or nightwear. Uncertain, she sighed and turned to Janeway, stating, "I require your assistance. What do you suggest?"

"Well, do you want to wear pants or a dress?"

"I do not want to wear a dress," Seven informed quickly, furrowing her brow somewhat, thinking dresses, although she enjoyed when Janeway wore them, were entirely inefficient...for her. When Janeway smiled crookedly, she added, "Perhaps on another occasion?"

"Alright, then why don't we replicate you a nice pair of pants and a blouse?" Janeway offered, leaving the closet and going over to the clothes replicator. Authorizing the ration deduction out of captain's privilege since this was a ship event and since it only seemed fair to Seven who was just starting to express this other side of herself, Janeway asked, "I think we should stick with grey slacks, since you always looks so lovely in that color…what color shirt do you want?"

"White is sufficient," Seven answered, as she came up next to Janeway and placed her hands behind her back, "I would 'like' it to be long sleeved."

Nodding, understanding that Seven preferred to cover up as much of her body as possible in public because the stares that she got as people's curiosity for her implants caused her unease, Janeway made her selections. Handing the wool slacks to Seven and the silk blouse, something struck her as funny. Smiling crookedly, Janeway turned to Seven and asked as she looked up, "Um…darling, do you have any idea what size…bra you wear?"

"No. I have never worn one," Seven frowned. "I will be required to do so tonight," she stated rather than asked, obviously not liking that at all since she thought that they looked uncomfortable.

"Well, it's probably a good idea," Janeway chuckled knowingly. Taking the clothes from Seven's arms and setting them down on her lounger, she came up behind the tall woman and unzipped her biosuit after activating the tiny sensor on the back which caused the skin-tight material to loose cohesion and pull away from the blonde's body, explaining, "I guess we'll just have to wing it then. I'm a 32B…and if I had to guess, I'd say you were a 32D…or probably a double D."

As Seven stepped out of her biosuit and hung it in the closet, Janeway eyed her bosom closely, trying very hard not to be distracted by it, failing miserably, and finally laughed as she said, "Well…um…why don't we just see what we get, huh?"

"Very well," Seven smirked, coming up behind Janeway as she worked the replicator. Wrapping her long arms around Janeway's torso, Seven leaned down and kissed her neck saying, "Thank you for assisting me with this endeavor. You are…'cute'…when you explain such things."

"Are you making fun of me again?" Janeway asked, already knowing the truth, turning her neck to give Seven more access as she programmed a pair of stockings and a cream colored bra, which was only slightly lighter than the Borg's skin.

"That is correct," Seven responded, kissing her one more time and then standing up straight.

Grabbing Seven's hand, she ushered her over to the bed, knowing that they were running out of time before B'Elanna came by to pick them up, and said, "That's what I thought." Sitting down next to Seven, she set the bra aside and stated, holding out the stockings, "These are stockings…or panty hose. You'll want to wear them under your pants because the material might irritate your bare skin." Rolling up one leg and dropping to the floor so she could help Seven put them on, she explained, "Now, you've got to be careful with these…the material is very delicate and it's easily damaged. Since the implant on your leg is smooth, it shouldn't be a problem, but I don't think you'll be able to touch it with your left hand without snagging it."

Nodding, Seven put her enhanced hand behind her back. "I will comply."

Janeway slipped one of Seven's feet into the bottom and then pulled the nude material up her legs once her foot was straight inside. Once she got to her knee, she did the same with the other one and then requested, "Okay, stand up and pull them all the way up…I'll help you with this side." As Seven placed her Borg hand on Janeway's shoulder as they pulled up the stockings together to her waist, the captain couldn't help but smile and remark, softly, "You know, I think I understand why you always help me dress now." Looking up and stepping into her, running her hands along the smooth curve of Seven's thigh, enjoying the satin feeling of the stockings, she whispered, "It's very intimate…I like it."

"I am pleased we are in agreement," the blonde grinned in success. Then looking down at her hips where Janeway continued to run her hands languidly across, Seven informed, "This material is peculiar. It is pleasing when you touch me through it." She turned her face back to Janeway and asked, "Do you enjoy it?"

"Mmmhmm…it's very sexy," the captain replied, lifting her head and kissing Seven's lips sweetly. Then reaching up she wiped the small amount of lipstick from Seven's pale lips and said, "Okay, we better hurry or B'Elanna will give us hell for taking so long." Snatching up the bra, she wrapped it around Seven's waist and explained, "Now, watch how this is done. You want to wrap it around your waist and turn it around so the clasp is in front. Then fasten it like this, " she demonstrated, "and then turn it back around. If it pulls when you turn it around…that means it's too tight. Did that feel okay?"

She certainly didn't feel as though this garment felt okay, however, she answered the question only and left her opinion out of her reply for the moment, "It did not 'pull.'"

"Alright," Janeway nodded, continuing with her lesson. "Now, slip your arms in here and pull it up over your chest." As Seven did so, the captain was glad that she ordered a 32DD since it was obvious that anything smaller would have been too small. Smiling, Janeway urged Seven to turn around so she could adjust the straps in the back and asked, "How does that feel?"

"I feel confined," Seven reported, shifting her torso. "How do you wear this garment all of the time…it is uncomfortable?"

"Well, you have to get used to it…it takes a while, but soon you won't even feel it anymore," Kathryn explained. Then coming around the front, she cleared her throat and explained, "And…you have to make sure that you're…situated." When Seven looked at as if she had no idea what in the world she was talking about, Janeway nodded and said, "Here…I'll show you." Turning Seven around again, she reached around and said as she slipped one hand inside of the cup, kissing Seven's shoulder, speaking softly at the intimate contact, "Just slip one hand inside and get comfortable." After lifting Seven's breast gently and letting the underwire scoot up underneath it, she asked, "Does that feel better?"

"It is more comfortable."

She knew that she should ask Seven to do the other one, but she let her selfish desire override her pragmatic side for the moment and repeated the process with the other one, this time without speaking, but continuing to kiss Seven's shoulder. Once that was done, she wrapped her arms around Seven's waist and whispered, unable to let this moment pass without expressing her affection, "Mmm…Seven of Mine…you are so incredibly beautiful. I love you."

Seven grabbed one of Kathryn's hand and brought it to her lips, kissing it gently and whispered back, using her preferred designation for the redhead, "I love you as well, my beautiful Kathryn. Thank you for your assistance." Over her shoulder, she smirked, "It was not unpleasant."

Janeway swatted Seven's firm bottom once and said, "I'm glad…okay, let's get a move on." Walking over to the replicator as Seven went over to the lounger and continued dressing, the captain asked, "What kind of shoes did you want to wear? Heels?"

"That is correct," Seven answered as she buttoned up her blouse carefully since she was required to use both of her hands.

Programming a pair of matching grey high heels, keeping the heel steep but thick since she knew that was what Seven's biosuits were like and she didn't want to have to worry about her stumbling as she walked around, Janeway handed the shoes to her as the door call sounded. Curious, she said going into the living room as Seven started to pull on her pants, "I wonder why she's knocking?"

Pressing her hand to the door call sensor, she was about to ask the question why their lover was knocking because she thought B'Elanna had finally broken the habit, she noticed Lieutenant Fowler standing behind her engineer, keeping her distance, somewhat.

Before Janeway had a chance to say anything, Torres explained, staying in the hallway, "I ran into Nick down the hall, so I thought we could all go together. Are you two ready?"

"Almost," Janeway smiled. Over her shoulder she questioned, "Seven, are you decent?"

"Explain."

Sighing, not in frustration, but rather mirth, Janeway tried again, "Are you done dressing?"

"I am…'decent.' They may enter," Seven informed from the bedroom.

Backing away from the door, she said, "Come on in." Then walking up to Torres, she smiled and offered, brushing off the lint from her shoulders, knowing B'Elanna would understand why she wasn't kissing her and that this was as much as she was comfortable with in front a member of her crew, "You look nice." Then walking over to her desk where her boots were, she remarked, as she pulled them on, speaking to her pilot, "You too."

"Thank you, Captain...you're radiant, as usual," replied the tall, emerald eyed pilot, smiling and knowing that Janeway wouldn't take offense since she had been working with her very closely in the last two months and felt she had a pretty good idea of what the captain found acceptable behavior out of her senior officers.

Elbowing Fowler sharply, Torres spat, as she growled, but smiled, since she absolutely agreed with Nicole's assessments, "Watch it, Nick."

Snickering, Janeway said as she walked toward the bathroom, "I swear…you two sound just like me and my sister." As her Astrometrics officer met her in the hallway, fully clothed and looking more human than the captain had ever seen her, although still undeniably exotic, Janeway smiled, looked her up and down in a scientific manner, and said, "Seven, you look very nice. How do you feel?"

Shifting her torso, the blonde Borg stated, "It is not…unacceptable, however, I believe I will develop a more comfortable apparatus to offer…support." When Janeway went into the bathroom to check her makeup and hair, chuckling, Seven walked out into the living room and came up to Torres, kissing her quickly on the lips, "Good evening, B'Elanna Torres. You are beautiful." Then nodding over to the tall pilot, she stated, evenly, still not certain how she felt about Voyager's newest senior officer, "You are not unacceptable, Nicole Fowler."

"Thanks, babe…new duds, huh?" Torres replied, jumping in before either of the tall women rubbed each other the wrong way again, running her hand up and down her back. Feeling the bra through the thin material, she said, scrunching her face, "Oh…now I understand…you're wearing a bra?"

"That is correct. It is uncomfortable," Seven sighed, clearly not any more pleased with the device than Torres seemed to be. Shifting again, twisting her torso from side to side for a second, she went on, "However, Kathryn assures me that I will adapt."

"Everyone ready?" asked the captain after exiting the bathroom and rejoining the female group, looking as though she should be a poster child for Starfleet headquarters, for she was the epitome of confidence, vitality, grace and hidden intimidation. When everyone nodded, she whispered to them all as they exited her quarters, after ordering the lights off, "Don't tell anyone I said this…but I think we're definitely going to show up the boys tonight."

As she walked down the hall, she was glad when Fowler stepped up next to her and Torres and Seven let the higher ranked officer take her place next to the her. It wasn't that she didn't want to be escorted by her lovers; however, this was a ship function where she had to be the captain first and foremost, and only, and she was glad that they understood that without it having to be spoken.

When they approached the turbolift, Janeway and Fowler parted so Seven and Torres could enter first, and then Janeway signaled that Fowler should follow. Once they were all inside, Janeway said, "Deck Two," and took a silent, but deep breath as she prepared to put on her diplomatic face for several hours, which really wasn't that difficult anymore. What made it difficult, or rather demanding, was that she had to constantly be on guard just in case something happened. When two completely unfamiliar crews mingled for the first time, it was almost a guarantee that sometime during the night there would be a misunderstanding, and it was usually her job to jump in a make certain it ended in laughter rather than fist-a-cuffs.

"Neelix," Janeway whispered, leaning in close to the Talaxian and putting her comforting and grateful arm around his shoulders after she was finished with the introductions and everyone began to take their seats, "as usual, you've done an amazing job. Thank you for throwing this together so quickly."

"Oh, it was nothing, Captain, " Neelix whispered back. "Besides, Samantha and Naomi came down and helped me set everything up…so I can't take all of the credit."

Looking over her shoulder as everyone finally settled into their seats, noticing that there were two chairs empty, Janeway said quietly, "Well, I thank you nonetheless. Now, why don't you take off your apron and come have dinner with us…we can serve ourselves."

"Actually, Captain," Neelix smiled, explaining, "that place isn't for me." When Janeway looked confused, he urged her into the back and explained, "When Samantha heard that they were so interested in our family, she asked Commander Chakotay if it was possible for Naomi to join you all for dinner since she worries that she is missing out on this kind of interaction. The commander thought that was a wonderful idea, but he asked me to talk it over with you since he wasn't going to have time to discuss it with you before the dinner…in case you didn't agree."

Sighing, reminding herself to have a word with her first officer about this as far as him putting off such sensitive conversations on others, Janeway nodded and replied, "Well, if the commander and her mother think it's okay, then I'll trust them." Then seeing the smallest amount of strawberry blonde hair poking around the corner of the doorway that led into the back of the kitchen, Janeway asked louder, "Is that my assistant I see being sneaky over there?"

Poking her head all the way out, Naomi replied softly, "Yes, Ma'am…can I come to dinner with you?" Standing up straighter, she informed, "I'll be in my best behavior…honest. I did all of my homework too."

Feeling like the biggest sucker in the universe and completely unable to help herself, Janeway nodded after rolling her eyes at Neelix who was trying not to laugh and said, holding out her hand, "Of course, Miss Wildman. Are you ready to meet everyone?"

"Oh yes, Captain," Naomi said, proud, as she took the captain's hand, but as they started out of the kitchen, she immediately became less confident, and as they approached the table while everyone turned around and looked at her, she held the captain's hand tight and stuck close to her side.

Squeezing the young girl's palm, reassuring her, hoping this wasn't about to be a very big mistake, she walked her up to Devin and introduced, "First Regal Devin, may I introduce you to Miss Naomi Wildman, my personal assistant, and the first, and only thus far, child born aboard Voyager."

Devin stood from her chair, dressed now in a long, flowing silver and gold gown that consisted of more layers than Janeway could count and seemed to be made out of the thinnest material she had every seen, and then immediately knelt so that the little girl didn't have to look practically straight up, saying, extending her hand, "Miss Wildman, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."

Naomi relaxed some and shook her hand shyly, feeling like she was in the presence of her fairy godmother like she had read about in the captain's books, responding, soft, and trying to remember the exact phrase, "Thank you, First Regal Devin…it is an honor to...make your acquaintance...too," to bounce up on her tip toes at the end, finishing.

As everyone chuckled softly, Devin stood back up and smiled at the captain, "She's charming, Captain…thank you for bringing her here. We do not get to see many babes in our duty."

Nodding, and forcing herself not to sigh in relief, Janeway ushered Naomi over to the chair that was kiddy corner to hers, glad that Seven was placed next to that seat and that Devin was seated on the other side so she could keep her eye on the child, Seven and Devin, since she had a feeling Devin's conversation would be focused on those two females. Noticing that everyone had a drink in front of them except for Naomi, Janeway excused herself from the table and ordered her a glass of sparkling apple juice in small wine glass so she could feel like part of the group and then hurried back over to the table. Setting the glass down in front of the girl, Janeway remained standing, picked up her glass and tapped her medium length fingernail against it to get everyone's attention. Then clearing her throat, she raised her glass and said, simply, "To new friends."

When their guests followed their gestures, but were obviously not familiar with them, Janeway tapped her glass to Devin's and then to everyone around her showing the alien how the tradition was done, and had to chuckle lightly when each of the alien's tapped their glasses together several times before they drank.

After the three course meal, the captain was more than pleased because the dinner went over exceptionally well as far as first contact social gatherings went since no one spat anything out or choked on something they found unpalatable, had an allergic reaction, or let their difference in culture get the better of them. As Janeway sat back after desert, sipping coffee, she silently listened in on the various conversations occurring around the table. Chakotay was seated at the other end of the long table, which was made up of several smaller tables pushed together, directly across from her, and more than one time during the evening she had caught him watching her, which she had responded to with a faint smile and nod of her head because she knew that he was also aware that the evening was going very well.

Tuvok remained fairly stoic and silent for the majority of the night, but not rude or pensive, and the captain had heard him conversing with Devin earlier about the Vulcan culture. Paris and Kim where their usual talkative selves, and it wasn't a surprise at all that both of them paid most of their attention to the only other female member of the first's crew. Chakotay, Fowler and Torres were keeping another male occupied for most of the evening, and Janeway thought that Nicole was enjoying her Maquis officer's stories just as much as the alien was since she hadn't been in on the real action Voyager had seen in the last seven years, and had to usually just read about what had occurred in a report.

As she had expected, the first paid little attention to anyone else during the evening except for Seven of Nine, but the captain was pleased that not only did Seven seem to be enjoying herself, but that Devin also made a point to include Naomi in the conversation from time to time. She did find it rather odd, however, that every time Devin made a comment about how extraordinary Seven was that the first looked over at her as if asking for permission to make note of it. After the fifth time, Janeway wondered if she was really that easily readable, and made a note to herself to speak with the first one on one about the matter simply because as Seven's captain, it really was a dreadful weakness if potential aggressors became aware that she was involved with a member of her crew because that was just asking for them to exploit that knowledge, and Janeway could not let that happen, if there was anything she could possibly do about it.

At 2100 hours, Janeway leaned over toward Naomi, who was quietly sitting in her chair, kicking her legs slightly, listening to Seven 'ramble' on about her experience aboard Voyager, and whispered, "Naomi, honey…I think it's time for you to go to bed."

The child fought the urge to object, but only because it was the captain telling her so and asked, instead, climbing down off the chair, frowning, "Will you walk me home, Captain?"

"Sure," Janeway nodded, getting up from the table, saying, "Everyone…sorry to interrupt, but it's time for Naomi to go to bed."

As the mixed group wished her a good night, Torres speaking loudly over the group and saying, "Night, shortcake," Devin stood and asked, "Captain, may I accompany you and Miss Wildman?"

"Certainly," Janeway replied, taking Naomi's hand and heading for the door, glad Devin had offered because it would give her time to talk with her privately on their way back.

When they walked out the door, Devin looked down and the small redhead and asked, holding out her hand, "Miss Wildman, will you permit me?"

Naomi smiled brightly and looked over at the captain for reassurance. When Janeway nodded to her, she took the woman's hand, having to reach much higher than normal due to the towering woman's height, and said, "I can't wait to tell Mommy about this, Captain…this is so neat!"

As both of the older women laughed, Janeway said, "Well, I'm glad you had a good time. Make sure you tell your mother that I said that you behaved very well tonight and that the next time we have such friendly guests, you are more than welcome to join us, okay?"

"Aye, Captain," Naomi nodded several times to make doubly sure the captain's saw her.

For the rest of the trip, Janeway remained silent as Devin continued to engage the young girl and tell her about the children on their homeworld. The captain was not at all surprised to find out that children where something of a national treasure on their planet, or at least she got the sense that that's how Devin viewed them since the tall woman seemed so taken with Naomi from the beginning. Stopping in front of Wildman's cabin, Janeway waited for Devin to bid her farewell and then knelt down and gave her assistant and warm hug, which was accepted readily before she opened the door for the child and greeted Samantha for a moment, taking the time to introduce Devin to the ensign.

As Janeway turned and gestured that they should continue down the hall instead of go back the way they came, Devin remarked, "She is delightful. It is clear in your way with her that she is cherished. Thank you for allowing her to join us this evening. If there is one thing I regret about my post it is that I am rarely in contact with babes."

Nodding, Janeway placed her hands behind her back and slowed their pace so that she would have ample time to talk with the first, and responded, "Normally, children wouldn't be present on this type of starship. It's not really equipped for them, but our circumstances have forced us into making accommodations." Smiling, Janeway admitted, "As for Naomi…well, I'd be lying if I said that sometimes her…assistance…wasn't the brightest part of my work day." Chuckling, she continued, "She certainly keeps me on my toes."

"She is remarkably intelligent for her age."

"Mmmhmm…she's naturally bright, which I'm certain she gets from her mother, Ensign Wildman, whom is one of my top scientists," Janeway explained as they turned the corner and started down another log hallway. "However, she's also very close with Seven of Nine, as I'm certain you could surmise, and she picks up a lot just from that relationship." Clearing her throat, Janeway slowed her slightly proud swagger even still and queried, "First Regal, I'm wondering if I could speak with you privately for a moment…woman to woman, and commander to commander?"

"Then I insist that you call me Devin, Kathryn," the eldest replied, taking a much needed bold step, feeling as though the captain would not be displeased if they used their given names for the time being, smiling and slowing her pace to match Janeway's.

"Thank you," Janeway nodded, acknowledging the change, and spoke softly. "This evening, I noticed that whenever you spoke with Seven, and were impressed by her intelligence or perspective, that you looked at me after you complimented her." Coming to a halt, Janeway looked up and asked, blunt but not harsh, "Am I really that transparent?"

Devin had to laugh at the nervous, determined expression on the short redhead's face, astounded by her way since she was certain that the captain had lived only half as many years as she had, and finally answered, "No. I apologize if I have caused you to doubt yourself this evening. As you know, my species sense of smell is keen. When I met Seven of Nine, I was able to detect your particular essence on her." When Janeway nodded at little bashfully and then started walking again, she went on, "I assure you, if that were not the case, then I would not be aware of your partnership with her." When Janeway laughed at herself and shook her head, Devin informed, "I looked at you out of respect. I didn't want to give you the impression that I was intrigued by Seven of Nine for any other reason than her story." As they stepped into the turbolift, she asked, "I am curious, Kathryn…how do you maintain?"

Not really understanding the question, Janeway said, "I don't follow..."

Smiling, Devin explain, "I realize you have the fleeting gift of youth on your side. However, you are the leader of a remarkable vessel that is a great distance from your homeworld...you have a precocious child as an assistant, and two vibrant mates." When Janeway looked surprised by that, she explained, "I also detected the scent of Lieutenant Torres on Seven of Nine, as well as on you, and you on her." When Janeway nodded, she went on as the turbolift doors parted depositing them on Deck Two, "How is it that you have the vigor that you do? Please find no crime in my forwardness, but you are a handsome woman, seem with health and manicured…what's your secret?"

Janeway lifted one corner of her mouth, as her blue eyes flashed with satisfaction for her diplomatic triumph, and answered, truthfully, "Coffee."

Soft, long shadows cascaded across the interior of the captain's quarters where the only ambient light came from the starfield that was slightly obscured by the warp bubble that allowed Voyager to travel faster than the speed of light. The soft sound of rustling sheets was barely audible over the more insistent sound of the room's current occupants' coupling. A misty, glinting sheen of perspiration was clearly visible on the thin, finely boned back of Kathryn Janeway, that wasn't concealed by the grey, standard issue Starfleet sheets, as she languidly, but rhythmically, undulated against the long body of the blonde beneath her.

Rearing her head and arching her back as Seven of Nine repeated the favor the captain was paying her and pressed her thigh into the juncture of Kathryn's legs, not breaking the steady movement in the least, the older woman gasped into the electric, warm night air of their bedroom, "Seven…"

As Seven placed her hands on the captain's narrow hips, urging Janeway to focus on her own need, the sheet that was covering their lower bodies starting to slip down her back with each stroke, Kathryn leaned her weight onto her left elbow and brought her right hand from Seven's breast, to where her thigh was so that she could continue to move her hips against the ex-Borg's leg and keep Seven's pleasure mounting as hers was. When Seven gasped as well, speaking her lover's name as Janeway slipped her eager digits between the silky folds of flesh that were slick and intensely warm due the aging night's activities, the captain bit her bottom lip as a wave of excitement zinged through her body at the word and the sensations.

Seven rarely said much of anything during their lovemaking, except Kathryn's name, and Janeway couldn't deny that that word alone was sometimes all she needed to send her over the edge into ecstasy. When Seven's hips began to turn in small circles with the movement of her hand, Janeway hummed, pleased, in the back of her throat as her blue eyes flashed again, this time in pure, wanton desire, and as the younger female moved her thigh away for just a moment so she could slip her right, fully human hand in between Kathryn's legs as well, again repeating the treatment she was being lavished with, setting her leg back in place and using her left hand to center the captain's hips onto her hand, Janeway arched her back again, the sheet falling away to their legs now.

Pressing her lower body into the contact hotly, Kathryn hissed toward the wall, "Ohyesssss…"

"Kathryn," Seven breathed a second time, closing her eyes only for a brief instant, the sound of her lover's voice causing a chain reaction in her body, which pebbled her skin and ignited her passion, in the unique way that only the timbre of Kathryn's multi-faceted tones did. When she opened her large, azure eyes and found that her lover was focusing her crystalline stare on her, Kathryn's face a mosaic of intense pleasure, unwavering admiration and deep, true adoration, Seven waited for a second, letting the starship captain's hips back away from her hand before she manipulated her hand further.

As Seven curled two fingers up and eased them into her body, gently but with definite purpose, Janeway's head lulled forward of it's own accord as first a faint whimper and then a deep, smoky, drawn out moan escaped her thinner lips. Pressing her chest further into Seven's soft, inviting, and heaving bosom, Janeway returned the favor, relishing in the feeling of Seven's breasts teasing her own, enjoying their attempt to equally pleasure each other at the same time, and whispered as she slipped one of her fingers into Seven, taking great care in the movement, "I love you."

As the youngest woman twitched in ectasty, crying out softly for Kathryn while she flexed the fingers that were buried deep inside Janeway, causing the redhead to purr, then lick her scortching lips as she dipped her head and devoured Seven's beckoning chest. While she pressed back against Seven's hand, a most unfortunate sound was detected easily over the hushed tones of the bedroom:

"Bridge to Janeway," called a tentative voice over the communicator that was sitting on the captain's nightstand.

"No, no, no!" the captain exasperated hurriedly against the swell of her lover's chest, feeling as though she wanted to weep and throttle someone's neck at the same time. If Janeway hadn't been so frustrated, she would have probably pondered if this sensation was what Torres had tried to explain to her one morning about how difficult it was sometimes being a human-Klingon hybrid, as far as wide sweeping emotional urges went. The captain certainly felt at both poles currently.

Taking her hand away from the captain's hip, Seven sighed heavily, regaining her composure and reached over to grab Kathryn's comm-badge. Holding the criminal device toward the captain, she waited for Janeway to stop mumbling profanities and settle herself. When she nodded that she was ready, the blonde pressed her messed tipped thumb to it and held it toward the captain's mouth because Janeway hadn't disengaged from her body yet, obviously hoping that this interruption would only take a brief moment.

"Janeway here," Kathryn sighed, keeping her temper reigned in which was difficult to do at this moment since the engisn who was hailing her was not only interrupting her lovemaking, but ruining a rather special and acutely intimate moment for her and her blonde lover who rarely had the opportunity to take such great care to draw out their coupling like they had been doing this evening.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Captain," the ensign started as standard protocol for disturbing the captain's while in her quarters at such a late hour and when she had a privacy seal activated. Then getting to the point quickly before he was cut down with a sharp tongue, he informed, "First Regal Devin wishes to speak with you…privately. She says it's urgent. She's requesting to be transported aboard."

That bit of information squelching the captain's temper efficiently, albeit, for how long was anyone's guess, Janeway replied, "Thank you, Mister Rodham. Beam her aboard and have someone escort her to my Ready Room…I'll be there shortly. Janeway out."

As Seven set the communicator back on the nightstand, Janeway sighed and said, leaning down, kissing her as she slowly and carefully withdrew her finger, "I'm sorry."

Seven eased the captain away from her leg so she could disengage her hand as well and replied after Janeway pulled her lips away after treating her to a very sweet kiss, "It is not your fault, my beautiful Kathryn." Smirking, trying to ease the captain's guilt with her own brand of humor, she offered, "However, perhaps we should consider cloning you so that the next time you are hailed during such an event, you can send her in your place?"

Janeway smiled faintly, rubbed her nose against the Borg's and said, "I love you, darling. I'll try to make it quick…don't move…I'm not through with you yet."

As the captain climbed off of her and padded into the bathroom, mumbling under her breath, Seven stated, "I will comply…however, if you do not return this evening and I do not arrive for my duty shift tomorrow, you will have to inform the commander as to the circumstances." When she heard Janeway's distinctive cackle, Seven smiled to herself, knowing she had once again been successful in assisting the captain in this matter.

This was now the third time they had been interrupted during their lovemaking, although, the first time they had been interrupted so far into an encounter, and even though Janeway never said anything other than, "I'm sorry," Seven was aware that Kathryn truly felt terrible about the situation. Seven knew that Janeway could never bring herself to say anything more since she was claimed by this ship first and foremost, but she also knew that in her head there was always a hefty battle being fought between her duty and her heart…or her body.

When she heard a rather loud string of profanities uttered as Janeway activated the sonic shower setting, which removed dirt and other substances with its pulsating waves, the blonde was grateful that the first regal was such a pleasant and gracious woman because Seven knew Kathryn enjoyed sonic showers about as much as she liked the Borg Queen.

After a minute, when the high pitched noise stopped and she heard Janeway activate the bathroom facet, mumbling as to the fact that she didn't know why she was even bothering since she was certain Devin would smell Seven all over her anyhow, the ex-drone resisted the urge to get out of the bed and retrieve the captain's uniform for her and to help her dress, only because she knew that would further Kathryn's unease, and she planned on staying exactly where she was unless Janeway required her assistance with another matter. As Janeway came out of the bathroom, moving quickly mumbling again about how much of a headache those "damned showers" gave her, Seven simply laid back and watched her lover be herself, which the blonde admitted to find humorous, endearing, peculiar, and adorable.

Coming out of her closet in her uniform pants, and grey undershirt, Janeway caught the smirk on Seven's face as she made her way to her nightstand to retrieve her communicator, and lovingly schooled, pointing one elegant finger at Seven, "You stop making fun of me."

Snatching up the device and palming it, she leaned over and kissed Seven's awaiting lips, lingering at them much longer than she knew she should, and daring anyone to question her judgement at this moment, then whispered, "Don't stay awake if you can't." After Seven nodded and then stretched, Janeway clenched her fist in frustration, spinning around before she wasted any more time admiring Seven's heavenly curves and spat, "Damn!" Sliding her feet into her boots, she zipped them up quickly and grabbed her tunic off the back of her desk chair, saying rather softly as she flew out the door, putting on her jacket, "I love you," knowing Seven could hear her clearly.

After zipping up her jacket and placing her communicator above her left breast, she adjusted her collar, absently tracing her fingers along her pips to count them and then sighed as she stepped into the turbolift while she noticed that she was missing one, "Bridge." Running her fingers through her hair and pulling it behind her ears, she sniffed her hands consciously, trying to pick up any trace of Seven's sweet and inhumanely pristine 'essence' on her. When the doors parted for her, she dropped her hands quickly and marched out of the turbolift, heading toward her office as the dark haired ensign stood and informed her that the first was waiting for her.

Nodding to him, she said, "As you were," as she stepped in front of the door which opened immediately for her. When the tall woman she had come to admire a good deal turned away from the vase of red and white tulips that Janeway had next to her couch, Janeway smiled as best she could, hoping it didn't look as fake as she thought it did and greeted, after the door closed, "Good evening, Devin…I apologize for keeping you waiting."

As Janeway approached her, the first sighed in deep regret as she was practically overwhelmed with various smells, all of them informing her that she had interrupted the captain and Seven of Nine during an intimate moment and offered, "Kathryn, I truly apologize for the intrusion. Thank you for allowing this hasty…personal meeting."

Janeway turned around immediately, forcing herself not to blush, having spent enough time with the woman to distinguish the looks on her face, and the rueful look she was expressing told Kathryn that her 'efforts' to cleanse herself had indeed been in vain. Walking over to the replicator, she asked, glancing over her shoulder once she was certain her command mask was firmly locked down, "Coffee?"

"Ah, the secret to your vitality…yes, obliged," Devin laughed warmly. When Janeway produced two cups, the captain not wanting to take the time to use her coffee set at this hour, and gestured that they should sit on the couch, Devin accepted the coffee and sat quickly. After taking a sip of the beverage, she decided it must be an acquired taste and set the cup on her lap as she explained, her golden face and similar colored eyes growing serious in a trice, "Kathryn," she sighed heavily, "I am now in violation of my government's statues…however, as I'm certain you were able to detail, I don't always agree with the deeds of my sovereignty." Setting the glass down as Janeway took the coffee cup from her lips and her face started to show signs of worry, she said blunt, "You have an issue."

Janeway set her coffee cup down as well, a little harder than she had intended, the clang on the glass startling them both, and asked, hurriedly, her intuition screaming at her at maximum volume, "How long?"

Devin nodded in respect for the captain's insight and answered, "Fifteen of your…hours."

"How many vessels?"

"They are sending every vessel in Spatial Territories Three, Four, and Six…fifty-three vessels in total…all of them with similar capabilities as mine. Some more…most less."

Swallowing at that number, never once faced with such overwhelming odds to overcome alone, the captain asked but already knew the answer to the question, since there was only one thing aboard Voyager that could be that valuable to the Fynth, that she could think of, "It's Seven, isn't it…your government wants her?"

"You are accomplished far beyond your years."

Kathryn reached across the other woman's lap and took her hand, squeezing it gently and she said, sincerely, "Thank you, Devin." Then standing, she continued, returning to the captain after her brief personal moment, "I think you should go now. I don't want to get you into any more trouble…we can handle ourselves."

Devin stood immediately and towered over the small captain, using her size, age and regal persona for all it was worth, "I will not allow my government to destroy this vessel or take that angelic creature from your grasp." Turning, she started down the stairs, her golden robe flowing in the movement as well as her long, white, wispy hair, "I feel responsible for this. I should have anticipated such a move. You have done nothing to warrant such an attack, and I will not stand for it." Turning again toward Janeway as the redhead shook her head and started down the steps, but remained on the bottom step, trying to give herself more height, "My crew and I will stand beside you in this matter…and we will defend you and yours until our last breath if need be. I am first regal of this territory, which means you do not have a choice in this matter."

"Devin…thank you, but I can't allow you to sacrifice your livelihood," Janeway started adamantly, although beyond moved by this woman's compassion and selflessness, which only made the captain want to fight harder to keep her out of harm's way.

"As I detailed, you have no choice," Devin informed, walking up to her but smiling.

Janeway lifted her chin and reminded, "I think you're forgetting whose ship you are on. This is our fight…not yours. I won't allow it."

Devin placed her hand on Janeway's shoulder and said, "You remind me of my late daughter…she was stubborn and willful." Then nodding, she bent her legs bowing somewhat, and continued, "After we have cleared Fynth space, me and mine will request asylum with your vessel…however, I plan to ensure that we are able to maintain our separate ships." Laughing, but this time with a harsh, almost sardonic click to it, she added, "It seems that perhaps I will see this Federation after all." Then spinning, she informed walking away, "We have no time to meander…I will contact you from my central." Stopping, she turned around and said over her shoulder as the doors opened for her, "There is no need for escort…I recall the pathway."

As the enigmatic first left her where she was standing, Janeway sighed heavily, running her hands through her hair once. Boiling over with a myriad of emotions, Janeway spun, climbed the stairs, picked up one of the sterling silver cups of her coffee set and chucked it across the breadth of her Ready Room, growling, "Goddammit!" Then laughing once at herself, just because she couldn't think of anything else to do, clearly seeing the influence her hotheaded Klingon girlfriend was having on her, Janeway took and long deep breath, set her shoulders and her jaw, and marched out onto her Bridge, returning to herself and making all the appropriate adjustments to her personality to tackle the task ahead.

Picking at her guitar as Torres sang the melody to the newest song they were working on for Seven's upcoming birthday party, Fowler jumped in with the harmony at the appropriate place and then nodded her head at her Klingon friend as she upped the tempo a little, thinking that this song could do better to be just a few beats faster. When B'Elanna seemed to falter just a tad, Nicole tapped out the beat with her foot, rocking her shoulders just a bit, hoping that visual cues would help them find a comfortable tempo.

Fowler smiled as B'Elanna caught on and stood up clapping her hands as the uplifting song picked up and found her rhythm. Then standing herself as the song reached the apex of the melody, strumming her guitar with more purpose, the clear, crisp chords sounding loudly in the confines of her new and fairly empty quarters on Deck Three. Fowler was just about to change keys as the song required, nodding to Torres, reminding her that it was coming up when the red alert klaxon sounded twice and the captain's crisp and sometimes ominous voice sounded over the comm-system, requesting all senior officers to report to the Bridge.

"Shit…" Nicole allowed, stopping her strumming and pulled the guitar over her head as the chief whirled around, searching for her tunic.

Spotting her black and gold jacket crumpled on the floor at the foot of Nicole's bed, B'Elanna mumbled more to herself, "Something big must be going down…she's not supposed to be on the Bridge right now." Looking over at Fowler who was putting on her boots, Torres snatched up the pilot's tunic, tossing it at her and said, "Come on, slow poke…you heard the lady."

"Lick me, Torres," Nicole spat, their banter while together usually leaning toward the vulgar, grabbing the jacket with one hand, zipping up her large boots with the other, still not quite used to having to be summoned in the middle of the night and dress quickly for Bridge duty. Then jumping up, she ran out of the door with B'Elanna, pulling on her jacket and starting down the hallway, immediately falling into an easy jog as they rounded the corner.

As they zoomed past Tuvok's quarters, the dark, tall and stoic man appeared from within, moving quickly as well, and after a few steps, all three of them were setting a steady pace as they approached the port turbolift, knowing that at the same time, Commander Chakotay, and possibly Seven of Nine were doing the same thing on the starboard side. Once inside, Torres and Fowler allowed Tuvok to request the deck out of respect for his higher rank, and the tall pilot asked as she zipped up her tunic, "Any idea what's happening, Commander?"

"Negative…however, I believe we are about to discover that information," Tuvok responded as Fowler twisted her hair that had been freed from the confines of its normal long braid, and wrapped an outer piece to secure her makeshift ponytail.

When the doors parted and the captain was immediately seen standing in the center of the command deck with her back to the lifts and her hands on her hips, Torres sighed, recognizing that stance immediately as 'The shit's about to hit the fan' stance and asked, coming out of the lift as Janeway turned around while the other lift doors opened, revealing Chakotay, "Captain…do you need me here or in Engineering?"

"You're fine here," Janeway answered, looking over at the turbolift from where Chakotay had just emerged, reminding herself to remain patient since Seven had been completely disrobed and would undoubtedly take a few more minutes than everyone else since her biosuits didn't go on as easily as they came off.

Since Tom Paris' quarters were on Deck Five, as well as Harry Kim's, Fowler stepped over to Janeway and merely looked at her, silently questioning whether or not she was to take the helm over from the young ensign manning the position at the moment since it was clear that they weren't under attack. If they had been under attack, Fowler would have jumped in without hesitation, but since they weren't, she thought it prudent to take a moment to pause.

Understanding the unspoken question immediately, Janeway said, "You're with me," which she knew Fowler would understand meant that her piloting skills wouldn't be needed at the moment.

Nodding, Fowler fell into position next to Janeway as Chakotay did the same and questioned quickly, but softly, as the turbolift deposited Harry Kim and Tom Paris, "What's going on?"

"I'll explain in a moment," Janeway whispered, and then said louder over her shoulder as Paris descended the stairs, "Mister Paris, if you please," gesturing to the helm. Again, she forced patience as Seven of Nine had still yet to appear, reminding herself that the blonde was still on her ship, that nothing was around them at this moment that could take her away, and that she was just probably having a small amount of difficulty donning her preferred, skintight attire. After a few more minutes when Seven of Nine had still not shown and Chakotay had taken his seat, the captain was about to hail her, thinking that possibly she had fallen asleep, the Borg still a decidedly heavy sleeper, but as she turned around and started for her communicator with her right hand, her Astrometrics officer stepped out of the turbolift, calm and cool, dressed in her plum biosuit, but shot the redhead a look that told her she apologized for her tardiness and that it couldn't be helped.

Nodding at Seven as she took her place at the auxiliary tactical station directly behind her command chair, Janeway bobbed her head once to Fowler, telling her to take her place. As the tall pilot and commander in training took her seat in the newly equipped chair that offset the captain's to the left, placing Janeway in the middle and Chakotay to the right, the captain turned to Operations and ordered, "Mister Kim, hail the Alaxiat."

Doing as he was told without asking any questions, the fact that Janeway was remaining silent speaking volumes about the severity of the situation, Kim informed after a short pause, "They're responding, Captain."

"On screen." Then turning her attention back to the viewer, Janeway walked down to the helm and stood behind Tom Paris as Devin appeared on the sizable screen, the elder woman's glowing features returned to one of pure business. "First Regal, I'd like to increase our speed as soon as possible, however, I'm aware that we have a lot to discuss. Would you be agreeable if we held a conference via our communications array rather than in person?"

"Not at all, Captain," Devin nodded quickly, now dressed in her white uniform again. Then turning to one of the slightly smaller female officers seated next to her, instructing her to increase their speed, she turned back to Janeway and stated, "We have now increased our speed to Spatial Velocity Eight. We can maintain this speed until we reach the end of the territory. Any quicker, and we risk taxing our resources. Can you maintain?"

Answering the question for the captain, Paris informed, "They're at Warp Seven."

Janeway nodded, tapping him on the shoulder, telling him to catch up to the them and then set their velocity to match, and then said, looking up at Devin, "It won't be a problem." Clearing her throat, she stated, "I think this is as good of a conference room as any." Turning around, she pointed up to Kim and said, "Harry, run long range scans…give me a status on the ship's headed this way."

Harry was already well on top of that task, but had elected to not interrupt the captain since he had a feeling she was already aware that there were almost sixty ship's baring down on them, and answered, "I'm ready fifty-three vessels, Captain. They've adjusted their course to match our new heading. The first wave's time to intercept is now…twenty-seven hours."

"Captain, at current speeds, we will reach the end of the Fynth territory in twenty-five of your hours," Devin reported. "However, it is very unlikely that my government will desist at the border. The space from there on for three spatial grids is not occupied."

"Thank you," Janeway nodded over to her, then turned to her officers who were all anxiously awaiting the specifics they knew would come, and said as she slowly climbed the stairs and made her way up toward Seven of Nine, "We've got a problem, with which the first regal has been most gracious in offering her assistance." Stopping next to Seven, Janeway looked at her directly in the eyes, then said turning away from her but putting her hand on her back and informed, "It seems that the Fynth government is looking to use any means necessary to acquire tactical and otherwise knowledge about the Borg." When everyone froze and looked at her and then at Seven, all of them understanding what exactly it was that Janeway was saying since she was standing right next to Voyager's resident Borg, obviously reassuring her, she nodded, turning even more confident and cocky, the captain then smiled up at Seven, rubbed her back and said, turning back to the rest of her officers, "Apparently, they aren't aware of just how much we like our Borg right were she is." Patting Seven's back one more time, she started across the other end of the Bridge, glancing quickly over at Torres whose teeth and fists were clenched, "So, we're going to get the hell out of Dodge." After nodding very slightly at the Klingon, she walked down the steps and said looking at the viewscreen, "Devin…of course, we thank you for your assistance, and I assure you that when this is over, I will grant you asylum and welcome you and your crew's company back to the Alpha Quadrant. However," she stopped in the middle of the command deck, "if the Fynth persist with their pursuit after we've crossed the border of their territory, or increase their speed before that, I'll be forced to flex a little Federation muscle and pick up the pace."

"I understand, Kathryn," Devin nodded. "We will maintain for as long as possible."

Janeway turned around and looked up at Seven of Nine, smiled crookedly and said, "Seven, I want you down in Astrometrics…see what that handy Borg efficiency can do, huh?"

Seven raised the eyebrow that was covered by her ocular implant and stated, "Yes, Captain," then pivoted on her back heel and started for the turbolift.

As Seven departed, Fowler immediately got up from her chair and took over Seven's post. Happy with that, Janeway looked over to Torres and ordered, "Chief, I think you'll be needed in Engineering now. Let's make certain we're prepared to run at maximum for several hours."

"Aye, Captain," Torres responded, jumping to her feet, fists still clenched and jogging to the other turbolift.

Turning back to the viewscreen, Janeway explained, "I think that covers it for now. Seven and I will come up with a few backup plans in case we have to change tactics…I'll contact you as soon as we have something. Thank you again, Devin."

"On behalf of my government, please accept my apologies, Kathryn," Devin nodded and then cut the communications.

Sighing, Janeway turned around and as she marched up the stairs heading for Astrometrics, "You have the Bridge, Commander."

As the soft, but definite hiss of the doors to Astrometrics parted without request, that department's head didn't have to turn around to know who was entering for several reasons. As she continued to work and the comforting sound of her captain's footfalls fell steadily toward her position, Seven of Nine remarked, "It is fortunate that the first regal is not present. I am certain that in my current state, she would not require a keen olfactory system to detect your scent on this drone."

Janeway was about to chuckle, but when her lover finished her sentence, referring to herself as a drone, something the captain knew Seven only did anymore when she was terribly uncomfortable and found something absolutely unacceptable, the compact redhead sighed instead, and slid up next to the tall blonde, letting the side of her arm touch Seven's as it worked with astounding precision, saying softly, "If you want to go wash up, Seven…I can run things down here for a few minutes."

Seven stopped her work and stated quickly, "It is not unacceptable, Kathryn…I was merely attempting humor."

The captain swallowed down her emotions about this situation for a moment and whispered, smiling weakly, "My mistake." Then clearing her throat and putting on her business face, leaning on the console with one hand while the other one was on her hip, she queried, turning toward Seven and looking up at her, "So, what have you got so far?" She knew with most of her officers it would take several more minutes before they had anything to report; however, with Seven of Nine, a few minutes was usually all she required to come up with several different tactics.

Seven smirked, then looked down at the board, tapped a few sensors and answered as she turned to her left and accessed an second group of sensors on another console, "I assume that you wish to avoid a direct confrontation? Though Voyager would make a formidable opponent, I believe that fifty-three vessels would be more than even you could overcome," looking over her shoulder and smirking again, she finished, "…perhaps?"

Janeway winked at Seven and then said nodding, "Yes."

"Very well," Seven turned back toward her console and stated, "Then our 'best' course of action is to continue on as we are presently." Coming back over near Janeway and continuing to work, she looked over at the captain and then up at the Astrometrics viewscreen, "However, I believe that there are several 'backup' plans available to us…some more aggressive than others."

The captain peered up at the viewscreen, looking at the spatial display which pinpointed to the second where Voyager and the Alaxiat where located, where the Fynth fleet was, as well as the border of their territory, and said, "Let's start with the non-aggressive tactics and work our way up."

Expecting such a request, Seven brought up the picture of a class two probe casing and explained, "Although this device is not as attractive as an actual drone," she smirked again, "it is possible we may be able to deter the fleet if we were to launch a probe which contained all of our tactical data on the Collective and left it in their path. Since Voyager is capable of much greater speeds, we could engage the warp drive to maximum, arrive at our destination, deposite the probe and rejoin the Alaxiat easily. " Turning to Janeway, the blonde went on, "I would be willing to give a sample of my nanoprobes, a report on my personal medical history including exact data on my physiology, and we could include a Borg data node as well. There are several in the Cargo Bay."

Janeway backed away from the console, crossed her arms over her chest and slowly walked up onto the dais as she pursed her lips, thinking over the situation carefully. Then shaking her head, she said, looking down at the floor, "I won't give them nanoprobes. They obviously can't be trusted with them." Then turning to Seven, she continued softer, "I won't give them a part of you, Seven…they don't deserve it." Rubbing her forehead now, she allowed, "However, I like this idea…everything except the nanoprobes and the data node. How long do you think it will take to gather the information?"

"Three hours, Captain," Seven sighed, thinking that the captain was being overly protective, but knowing that she would not be dissuaded.

"Okay, let me know before you launch it…I'd like to include a personal message," Janeway said, coming down the dais. "What's next…I'm not entirely certain they'll settle for that?"

Seven bobbed her head once and pulled up the next option, "It is possible that we could develop an antimatter warhead in this time frame, which would do significant damage to several of their vessels." Turning to Janeway, she went on, "This action would likely deter them since they are attempting to gain information to protect their species from assimilation. If they believed we had the capability of destroying all or most of their fleet, it would be illogical for them to continue to pursue us." Looking away again, she informed, seriously, "This would not be a standard Starfleet device, Captain."

"No, I don't suppose it would be," Janeway came back quickly, speaking easily, "but I don't have the luxury of hailing Starfleet and asking for assistance. So, why don't you just let me worry about those things, okay?" Patting her on the back once, she nodded toward the console, "What's next?"

Seven smirked and said, "Speaking of non-standard tactics," looking up and going on, "there is also the possibility of assimilation." Bringing up a picture of a nanoprobe, the ex-drone explained, "I could reprogram some of my nanoprobes to assimilate one of the Fynth vessels and then become inert. It would be similar to how we were able to defeat species 8472. We would have to be in close proximity to the vessel however…this is not a long-range weapon." Placing her hands behind her back, she finished explaining, "I do not believe that if they think that we have the ability to assimilate them, something that they obviously fear a great deal, that they will continue on their directive."

Janeway smiled crookedly, despite her unease and said, "That certainly would be poetic justice wouldn't it?" The captain turned her body as she scooted in close to Seven and perched on the edge of the console as she thought it over. "How long would it take to do this…assuming that we skip the antimatter warhead idea?"

"How many nanoprobe devices would you wish to produce?"

"Just one."

"The process would take approximately twelve hours," answered the Borg. "It would be efficient if I worked alone on this project."

Janeway nodded, bringing her hand to her chin as she stared down at the floor and continued to ponder the idea. Still not convinced, she asked, "What would happen to the ship we fired upon…exactly?"

The cool blonde placed her hands behind her back and reported, "The individuals aboard the vessel would not be assimilated, only the technology aboard the vessel. Several different avenues are available. I assume you do not wish the Collective to become aware of this situation, therefore, I would need to program the nanoprobes to perform only specific tasks such as to overtake the ship's primary systems. Unless we are specific with our instructions, the nanoprobes will assmilate the crew, begin creating a Borg vessel, which includes that creation of a subspace resonance beacon using the technology already aboard the vessel." Tilting her head slightly, she informed, "It is possible that if such event were to occur the Borg would investigate the situation." Releasing her hands, she went on, "The presence of the Borg would undoubtedly deter the armada...however, I do not believe that is a situation you wish to create."

"We've go enough problems without having to worry about the Collective paying us a visit."

Seven nodded and went on, "Therefore, the most we could do would be to access their environmental systems, their power distribution center, their propulsion, communication, and weapons arrays."

The captain rubbed the back of her neck slightly as she continued to look at the ground, absorbing all of this information in and asked, "If that happened…what would be left for the Fynth to salvage? I don't want to give them Borg technology…information is one thing…the actual, physical hardware is something completely different."

"I am unable to give you a guarantee that they would not be able to obtain functioning nanoprobes, or manipulate the inert ones," Seven informed. "I do not have enough specific data on the Fynth technology to be able to test how the nanoprobes will react to it." The Borg put her hands behind her back and sighed, "However, it is likely that the remaining vessels would be able to devise a way to salvage some components."

Since Janeway had a pretty good notion that was the answer she would get, the captain cleared her throat softly, looked up at Seven and stated, "Then we'll leave the assimilating to the Borg."

Not quite ready to give up on that idea, Seven reminded, "Captain, if we were to cripple their vessel with the nanoprobes, we could then destroy it easily…which would make any salvage effort futile."

"If we were talking about a handful of vessels, I'd take that chance…but we're too far outnumbered…we simply can't take the chance that while we're trying to protect technology, we're overtaken," Kathryn answered shaking her head. "We need to stay as far away as we can." Patting her on the arm, she said squeezing it lightly, "If all of our other efforts fail…then we'll do it…but right now, I'd rather not throw assimilation into the mix."

"Yes, Captain."

"Anything else?"

Seven turned to her board and replied, "Not as of yet. I have not had adequate time to analyze this region of space and look for natural phenomenon that could assist us." She looked over at the captain quickly, and then back to her board continuing, "It is unlikely that any such phenomenon could assist us at this point since we are so greatly out numbered." Titling her head, she added lightly, "It is unfortunate that we do not have the capability to create an ion storm."

"Agreed," Janeway followed without pause, remembering how she finally had to order Seven to give up on her ion storm project and just leave it be, since, although they had acquired a great deal of useful data, they'd still hadn't found anything definitive as to how to manipulate them, or what purpose they served. Coming around her officer and looking at the sensor board, the captain absently placed her hand on Seven's back as she said, "Okay, then let's go back to the warhead. You said the nanoprobe weapon couldn't be a long-range weapon…what can we do with this one?"

"We could deposit this device in a similiar manner as the probe, and detonate it from a great distance," Seven informed easily, enjoying the sensation of the captain's warm palm on her back. Moving to the side subtly, toward the captain so that their bodies were touching, she went on, "Considering such a device would be volatile, to say the least, the Fynth would not simply be able to destroy it. There are several modifications I could make to it, to ensure that it meets your needs."

With her free hand, the captain leaned against the console, looking up at the viewscreen as Seven brought up several different graphics and the accompanying data as she consciously rubbed her thumb on Seven's back as she asked, "Like what?"

"The first is a scattering field. The field could be emitted from the device which would make it difficult to target from a long range…therefore, making it nearly impossible for the Fynth to destroy it without inflicting damage to their vessels," Seven answered, smiling slightly at the closeness she felt with her captain, happy that they could take these small moments to show their affection without it distracting from their duty. "Secondly, with the precise calculations, such an explosion could create a rift in subspace which would make it impossible for them to track or pursue us on their present course." When she saw the captain frown, Seven turned to her and explained, "It would only be temporary, Kathryn…the rift would eventually close on its own. There would be little impact to anything other than space fairing vessels."

"Okay," the captain came back softly, glad, and not for the first time, that Seven understood her concerns about damaging the galaxy for their own benefit. Then smiling crookedly again, she asked, looking up at her brilliant companion, "What other tricks do you have up your sleeve?"

Seven looked back up at the screen and stated, "I have several…however, they are not as practical or efficient considering they would take some time to devise. I believe these are our best two options. In tandem, they make this option viable and pragmatic." Turning toward the captain, glad that Janeway let her hand linger on her hip for a second before she dropped it, Seven stated, "This is the option I suggest, Captain. With the help of Lieutenant Torres, she and I could create three, possibly four of these devices to be used at your discretion. With these modifications, it will take us approximately five hours to complete each once." Placing her hands behind her back again, she finished, "The only…'drawback' is that once a device has been created, it must eventually be detonated…there is no means for us to disarm it safely."

"Understood," the captain bobbed her head once, standing straight and looking up at Seven standing close. "I'll go talk to B'Elanna now and explain the situation. I'd like you to get started on the Borg data probe right away…we'll do that first, and then if that doesn't satisfy them, we'll build the warhead. That should give B'Elanna plenty of time to ensure the core is up to all the stress."

Bringing her hand up and rubbing Seven's shoulder, Janeway said softly, but still being very much the captain, "I know this is difficult for you…but I appreciate your calmness. You know," she reminded, though, " I will not allow them to harm you. If I have to eject the warp core, detonate it and assimilate every last one of their vessels…you know, I'll do it."

The tall Borg sighed heavily as she nodded and responded, "I know this." Then turning away, visibly upset, she whispered, "It is difficult for me to accept that you would go to such measures for the good of this solitary drone…but I know that you would. This incident will undoubtedly trouble you for sometime..."

"This solitary drone is a member of my crew, Seven," Janeway urged, quickly turning her back around, "and I don't hand over my crew to anyone…ever." When Seven looked away from her, she brought her hand up to the blonde's defiant, cleft chin, forcing her to look back at her and said, "I will assimilate myself and let them have me before I will allow them to take you." Then smiling, she added, "And you know how terrible I think I'd look bald."

Seven reached up and touched the captain's auburn kissed mane with her Borg hand softly, but stated crisply, "It will not come to that…on my honor." Then turning back around quickly and getting to work, she finished, "I am Borg. Failure is unacceptable. Resistance is futile."

As she turned on her heels and walked away, Janeway added before she reached the door, "Your song," she emphasized, utilizing words familiar to the Borg in her constant attempt to remind Seven that as much as she was the blonde's mentor back to humanity, she loved Seven for her Borgness as much as her humanity, "is music to my ears, Seven of Mine."

Chief Engineering B'Elanna Torres inhaled deeply at the question, slamming her hand down on her sensor board flat, her nostrils flaring, and growled back sharply, "ghobe' (No!). I said point zero two percent…no more! Not point zero three, and not even point zero two five!" Then spinning around, the feisty woman clenched her fists, took a moment to pause before she said something she'd regret and finally announced, calming very slightly, to her small group of engineers that were watching her with mixed expressions of fear, irritation and confusion, "People, this is critical. Precision is required. The captain needs us running at peak efficiency…and that's what she's going to get. No screw ups! Now get it done!" When everyone nodded at her saying, "Yes, Chief…yes, Ma'am," B'Elanna nodded her head once, exhaling and turned back around. Then noticing a flash of red on the upper deck out of the corner of her eye, Torres jerked her head up instantly, recognizing the hue and said, "Captain…I didn't see you up there."

"Hope I didn't startle you, Chief," Janeway replied, smirking slightly as she made her way over to the ladder. As she climbed down, secretly laughing at herself since it seemed that Seven of Nine was also having an influence on Torres and not just the other way around, she asked, "What's the status of my warp core?"

Torres walked up to the ladder and stood to the side as the captain hopped down and answered, "We're running smoothly, Captain. Just a few more tweaks and we'll be right on the money. She'll be up for whatever you need out of her."

"Glad to hear it," the captain came back, her tone light and pleasant, walking away from Torres and over to Ensign Nicoletti's sensor board, peering over her shoulder just for a moment to take a look for herself.

Forcing herself not to follow the captain around and make certain that everything was perfect, Torres sighed, took off her tunic, donning her tool jacket and said to the captain as she started toward the Jefferies Tube hatch, "If you need me, Captain…I'll be in the Jefferies Tube…Deck Ten, section eight charlie."

"B'Elanna, actually, I need a word with you before you go," Janeway responded as Torres opened the hatch.

Torres turned around and raised her eyebrows in question, but when Janeway let her eyes move over quickly toward the engineer's officer, the chief nodded quickly and said, "Why don't we go into my office?" Grabbing her normal tunic as they made their way over there, the Klingon tossed the article toward her desk, not caring where it landed and said, "Sorry about the mess, Captain…have a seat."

Janeway had to chuckle silently at the PADDs and various components stacked on the brunette's desk. As Torres went over to the replicator, Kathryn snatched up two PADDs that were sitting on the chair in front of the engineer's desk, set them on the edge of the table and said softly as she sat and B'Elanna handed her a cup of coffee, "Thank you."

"Sure," Torres smiled, coming around and sitting at her desk, sighing as she saw the mess in front of her. It was fairly well known that the Klingon preferred her quarters in a constant state of chaos, but the same was not true for her workspace, which she was rather ritualistic about cleaning. Ignoring the distraction and the embarrassment—although not really able to do much about it currently since she was busier than she ever remembered being with her Elite Force training and making sure she wasted zero time during the day so she could be with Kathryn during the evening whenever Seven couldn't, both of them operating on a secret pact to make sure the captain was never alone, unless she requested it—Torres hit the sensor that closed the tiny door to her office and asked as Janeway sipped her coffee, "What's up?"

Swallowing down the acidic liquid, Janeway sat back, crossed her legs and said, "Seven's come up with a couple of ideas that might give us some breathing room…or detour the Fynth altogether." After explaining the Borg data probe ploy, Janeway took another moment to sip more coffee before she cleared her throat and started the next part, which she wasn't certain if Torres was going to agree with, "If that doesn't work, she's suggested that we create somewhere between one to four antimatter warheads."

Torres' eyes grew bigger by the second as she realized that the captain was actually going along with this idea. When Janeway asked her if she had a problem with that, the engineer blinked and said quickly, "No, Captain…none." Clearing her throat, deciding she wanted some coffee as well, she admitted, "Um, I'm just surprised that you don't."

"Yes...Seven alluded to something similar," Janeway replied easily as Torres came back around her desk and sat down again. "Ordinarily, it's not something I would consider, but we've never been up against a whole fleet of warships…desperate times call for desperate measures." Standing, she came over to the other side of Torres' desk and perched on the side, next to her lover and said, "She's got all the specifics worked out, I'm sure…so I won't bother you with those right now."

Nodding, Torres set her coffee down on the desk and said leaning back, putting her hands behind her head, "This is going to cut into our reserves though…we won't be able to travel at maximum as long if we need to."

"Well, fortunately, I doubt we'll need to go that fast other than to deposit our 'gifts'…I don't think the Fynth can manage anything over eight…maybe eight and a half," Janeway responded. "I'll talk to Devin and get more specifics as to what we're up against right away, though." After B'Elanna nodded, Janeway set her coffee cup down, folded her hands in her lap and asked, softly, "Can we take a timeout for a minute?"

Torres sighed in relief, and slumped, answering, "Yea." Then standing, she slid next to Janeway and said, taking a deep breath, "I'm not going to break anything…at least not yet."

Janeway grabbed B'Elanna, wrapping her body around her and pulled her into a tight hug, saying, "I already threw my coffee cup across my office…so I think we're okay in that department." Then sighing, she pulled away, brought her hand to Torres' face, kissed her softly and said, "Thank you…I love you."

Torres nodded, taking one deep breath after another doing her very best to keep her cool and finally managed, "I swear to Kahless, Red…I'm getting tired of everyone and their brother coming after the two of you." Sighing and resting her forehead against Kathryn's, she whispered, "It never ends. I mean I know how special you two are, but what's so special about you? I mean, really…what the fuck, Kathryn? This is total bullshit."

"I know," Janeway replied equally soft. After kissing Torres silently once more, she stood and said, "Except, this time it's different, Lanna. They're not after me…they're after a member of my crew and I'm not going to take any chances." Picking up her coffee again, she vowed, "No talking, no hiding, no compromises…if they persist, I'll destroy every last one of them if need be."

"Cowgirl, there are fifty-three ship's after our asses," Torres reminded, starting to pace around and running her hands through her hair, although keeping her voice to a raspy whisper. "There's not enough Borg efficiency and Starfleet heroics in the universe to beat those odds…not up close and personal."

"You're right…there's not," Janeway turned around, setting down her cup and putting her captain's face back on, "and we're not going to fight them up close and personal…and it's not going to come to that…I'll see to it." Walking up to Torres, she rubbed the back of the Klingon's tense neck and said, "Thank you for the coffee…and for the timeout." After Torres turned around, Janeway forced a smile and whispered as she grazed her knuckles across B'Elanna's forehead ridges, "Oh, I love you so…tool-pusher." Needing one more kiss to settle her own nerves, Janeway stepped up, pressed her thin lips to Torres' and then said, patting her shoulder, "After you're done crawling around the Jefferies Tubes, I want you to go see Seven about the warheads. I want to be ready to move on this plan immediately."

"Aye, Captain," Torres nodded. "We've got a couple of more hours of modifications to make…but we'll get it done…on my honor."

"Mmm…you two say the nicest things to me sometimes," Janeway whispered over her shoulder as she walked away. "Keep me informed."

"Mister Kim," Janeway started, stepping out of the port side turbolift onto the Bridge and looking over at her youngest senior officer who was manning Operations. Turning the corner and staring toward her Ready Room she said, "Hail the Alaxiat, and inform the first that I need to speak with her, privately, as soon as possible. Patch it into my Ready Room."

Not waiting for an affirmation, the captain walked through the doors to her office, ignoring the inquisitive looks Chakotay and Fowler were giving her completely, not in the mood to debrief her command staff until she had a little more information. As she walked over to the side wall to retrieve her coffee cup that she had chucked, frowning at the small scuff mark she had created on the partition, trying futilely to remove the mark with her thumb, Ensign Kim's voice came over her communicator.

"Kim to Janeway…the link is active, Captain."

Giving up on the mark, knowing it was going to take more than spit and flesh to remove it, Janeway tapped her communicator, walking back toward her desk, "Acknowledged." Before she activated her workstation, the captain made the familiar trek from her desk to her replicator and ordered a cup of black coffee by rote, not even thinking about the movement, and then quickly made her way back to her workstation, sipping the piping hot beverage immediately, forgetting that according to the pips on her collar, she was a commander still.

Once seated, she cleared her throat, tapped her finger to the sensor and smiled as best she could as Devin appeared on the relatively small screen, "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting so quickly. I hope I didn't wake you?"

"There is little chance that I will be resting any length soon," Devin smiled warmly. "I see you have coffee…perhaps when this matter has been dealt with I will redouble my efforts to acclimate my palate to its savor…for you seem to be fairing better than me." Then laughing, she shook her head and said, "Forgive my chatter, Kathryn…it has been a trying cycle, and it is good to speak without the need for rhetoric. What can I do for you?"

Setting down her mug, Janeway leaned back and said, "I'll make it brief then. Your 'Spatial Velocity'…is that a consistent measure? What I mean is…is the incremental ratio between Spatial Velocity Six versus Seven…equal to Seven and Eight?"

Devin understood the implied question immediately and answered accordingly, "Yes…and our maximum velocity is nine. It is rumored that one of our craft traveled to nine and a half, but that was never proven…and the ship was destroyed, so I don't believe you have to fidget about the fleet exceeding eight, and nine is not a speed that any of those ships could maintain for more than a few, probably two, of your hours. The resources simply do not dwell."

Pleased, but distressed at the same time because she knew that Devin's ship could not simply put the proverbial petal to the metal and leave them in the dust like Voyager could, and Janeway now felt morally obligated to do her best to protect the Alaxiat, the captain nodded her head and then asked, softly, "How's your crew?"

"Our duty has beckoned us together," was all she said.

Curious, Janeway asked, still speaking softly, hoping she wasn't offending, "I'm curious, Devin…as a commander…how is it that you were able to convince your entire crew to…well, to abandon their homes…their way of life so easily?" Before the older woman could answer, Janeway shook her head looking down and explained, "Seven years ago, I made a decision to stay here in the Delta Quadrant…a unilateral decision…because I couldn't stand by and watch a race of people ravaged." Sighing, she went on, "I know what that burden is like…it's not something I would wish on anyone, certainly not you." Picking up her cup again, but this time just to hold it, she continued, "I know I can't dissuade you at this point, but I'd be lying if I said that I thought you weren't making too great a sacrifice for our cause."

"It is not a burden in which I will have to revel," Devin explained, humbled once again. "My guardians and I have lived and worked together for some length. We travel with the same ideals…our duty is to each other, and to you and yours, not to our former government at this moment. The rest of my crew was dispatched to the other two ships that normally accompany me once I learned of my government's plan." Grinning, she informed, "I sent them on their way, giving them enough misinformation that it will be several cycles before they deduce what has occurred. And, in preparation that the second regals miraculously develop the ability to carve for themselves, my maintainer has meddled with their systems." Laughing, she stated, "Currently, the are without the ability to communicate or track…they will not be a threat."

As what the first was telling her started to sink it, Janeway asked gravely, "Devin…how many are left?"

"Enough to do our duty…we will persevere."

The captain set down her coffee again and sat forward, urgent, almost pleading now, "But for how long? You can't possibly maintain your vessel with only your closest officers tending to it."

"The instant for that contemplation has faded," the first reminded, but not unkindly. "My decision has been carved. What is it that Seven articulates?… 'Resistance is futile.' Yes…I like that…resistance is futile. We are here to aid you, as well as ourselves by doing so. We will decide what needs to occur once we are clear from danger, but not prior."

Kathryn resisted the urged the rub her forehead and said, sighing instead, "Perhaps not…what if you and your crew brought your shuttle to Voyager now? My ship is capable of traveling at," doing the math quickly in her head, "at almost Spatial Velocity Eleven…for several hours we can run at that speed. You're not much good to me if you can't keep up, and I'm not going to leave you behind so you can be persecuted. I didn't let it happen to the Ocampa, and I'm not going to let it happen to you." Pleading again, her emotion coming out clear in her voice and face, "Please, Devin…come to Voyager while you still can."

Devin remained quiet for several seconds before she answered, "No, Kathryn…I cannot. I must maintain this vessel." When Janeway started to protest, the first raised her long, thin hand, silencing her and explained, "I am a first regal…I have been this for longer than I can recall accurately. I am not prepared to submit to your will. I'm afraid I am old and carved in my ways…a relic…and it is not a compromise I am willing to make at this passing." Nodding in respect, she went on, "If it comes when I can no longer do so, then I will submit…however, I cannot do what you ask unless there is no other boulevard. My guardians require my leadership…it is our way." Opening her arms, she smiled, "This is my domain…this is my universe. I will make allies…you have crew aboard your ship that I am certain would enjoy helping me maintain my vessel in tandem with yours, and I know that you would not deny them that opportunity." Leaning forward as well, she went on, "We will do this together, Kathryn…as two…together but apart. This is an opportunity we should not flee from just because it is…complicated." Smiling again and laughing somewhat, she informed, "You must trust me…it would not be as pleasant as you assume to have me aboard your vessel as a passenger. This relic is not accustomed to taking directives from women who remind me of my daughter."

Janeway did rub her forehead this time, completely unable to stop herself and finally responded, shaking her head, "Alright." Dropping her hands and staring at Devin, she said, "But I won't leave you…if we're going to do this together…then together we're going to stay. I won't sacrifice you to save Seven or anyone else…it's not something I can do." Nodding once firmly, she informed, "She's working on something right now that just might help us out. In the meantime, do you need additional resources? I don't have a lot of crew to spare at this moment, but I'm certain fifteen or twenty of my officers could beam aboard your vessel and assist you without causing a problem. More can come later, if need be."

"That would be helpful...obliged. I'll transmit our requirements swiftly," Devin responded.

"I'll contact you as soon as we have something definitive. Thank you again. Voyager out."

Half tempted to chuck her coffee cup against the wall again, Janeway instead slapped her hand down on her desk, cursing the universe for putting her into this position as she stood and came around her desk, just skirting the edge. Coming through the doors, back out onto the Bridge that was in a constant dimmed state since she was keeping her ship at red alert, she said, stopping at the doorway, "Chakotay…Nick…inside." Once they nodded and started toward her, she stepped out onto the Bridge, letting them pass and said, "Harry, we should be receiving a transmission from the Alaxiat shortly…patch that through to my workstation as soon as it comes in."

"Aye, Captain," Kim nodded, looking up at her and then back to his sensor board.

Then looking over at Tuvok, she said, "Commander…you too." Then turning to Paris, who was at the helm and swiveling toward her, she smirked and said somewhat sarcastically, still not ready to let her helmsman get too comfortable yet, "I guess the Bridge is yours, Mister Paris." After Tuvok passed by her, she stepped into her office to let the doors close and said to everyone who was standing around, awaiting her orders, "Have a seat," pointing to the long couch on the upper deck.

Before Fowler sat down, Janeway asked, coming up to the railing, "Nick, hand me my coffee pot, please? Thank you." As she went over to the replicator and ordered that the pot be filled, she asked, "Tea, Tuvok?"

"Thank you, Captain," Tuvok answered, knowing that if she was filling up her coffee pot and requesting that they all sit in her office, that this would undoubtedly be a lengthy or trying meeting, or more than likely both.

Grabbing the coffee pot out of the device, she caught Fowler rising from the corner of her eye, and since she had spent enough time with the woman, the captain knew her chivalrous pilot was attempting to help her; thus, she turned without hesitation and carefully handed the pot to Nicole before she turned back to her replicator and ordered Tuvok's Vulcan spiced tea. When the small glass appeared in the energy grid, she snatched that up quickly, remembering to retrieve her half-full coffee cup from her desk before she handed off the liquid to her Security Chief.

Sighing, Janeway leaned again against the railing, not wanting to sit in the corner chair, and said after she took a sip of her coffee and everyone else followed suit, "Well, here we are again." Laughing sardonically and shaking her head, she admitted, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting awfully tired of everyone trying to steal Seven of Nine away from us." Setting down her coffee on the floor of the upper deck, she rubbed her forehead, fighting the first wave of exhaustion and mumbled, "The Borg want her…the think tank…the A.I, now the Fynth…and I'm sure if this were the Federation, the Ferengi would offer a pretty penny for her talents as well." Then waving off her own irritation, she said, "I'm sorry for having to keep you all in the dark for so long…but this all happened rather quickly. Although, I'm not certain as to why I'm even surprised anymore?"

"Captain, I feel it is my duty," Tuvok broke in before his captain went any further, "to suggest that possibly the first regal is not being entirely honest with us. It seems unlikely that her crew would follow her on her own personal quest to right a wrong…and accompany us to the Alpha Quadrant."

Janeway looked up at him and informed, staring at him directly, not unkind but in the way she could with him since they had worked together for so long, "I trust her, Commander…she's not deceiving us." Then looking away, and over to Chakotay and Fowler, she explained further, "Besides, she doesn't have much of a crew left. Only her guardians…which I assume equate to her senior officers are aboard her vessel at this time. The others she transported to the other two ships that were with her when we first encountered them…and she's taken measures to ensure that they will not pursue us."

When Tuvok raised his eyebrow and then nodded, Janeway smiled crookedly at him for a moment, allowing the silent apology for doubting her judgement, not taking offense since she would be doing the same thing if she were in his shoes and went on, "As soon as Harry transmits her data to me, I'm going to send fifteen or so crewmembers to her vessel to assist her." Glancing over at Chakotay, she said, "Ordinarily, Commander, I'd send you to lead the group…but since I'll need you on the Bridge so I can keep up with Seven's efforts and the work in Engineering," she looked over at Fowler and informed, "I'm sending you, Lieutenant. You'll take your orders from the first, but I need a senior officer there to hold things together."

"Aye, Captain," Fowler bobbed her head once, forcing herself to not swallow or show the slightest bit of unease even if she felt as though her blood pressure had just hit an all-time high.

After nodding her head once to Fowler, she looked back over at Chakotay and then Tuvok, and then back to her first officer and said, "We're going to do this together…and despite what I said before, we're not going to leave them behind."

"Captain," Chakotay jumped in, setting down his coffee and having to voice his concerns, "I don't have a problem with them helping us out…nor do I have a problem with us helping them out, but I think that maybe we're going about this the wrong way." Sighing, he explained, "I think that we should just bring them here. It's obvious that they aren't capable of the speeds that Voyager is. We should cut our losses and run…as fast as we can. We can deal with the personnel situation later…it won't be the first time we've picked up someone before on the fly."

The captain shook her head were she stood, picking up her coffee and explained, as she started pacing, "I've already had this conversation with her…for several reasons that I don't want to get into right now, it's just not something that she is prepared to do…and it's not something I feel as though I can force upon her." Stopping her pace and turning back toward them, she went on, "If things get ugly and that is the only option, then she'll do that…but right now we're going to work together as a team, and we're not going to leave them behind."

When no one said anything further, Janeway cleared her throat and offered, "I know what you're all thinking…this is day one in the Delta Quadrant all over again." Smiling crookedly, she informed, "I'm not the same captain I was then…but some things haven't changed. I won't sacrifice them to save ourselves…and I'm hoping I have your support." Her confidence radiating now, even if most of it was a façade, at this moment, she finished, dry, "You know I don't need it, but I'd like it."

"Screw the Fynth…or whatever their name is, Captain," Fowler said quickly, angered and not afraid to show it. Shaking her head, she leaned forward on her knees and said, "This is so…nuts! I mean really, Captain…who the hell do these people think they are?" Looking up at Janeway who was staring her down hard, Fowler blinked and then included, "Captain…I support you, that's what I meant. This…this situation with these people coming after an innocent person to use as their lab rat…that's crazy. That's what I meant."

Yanking back on her temper before it boiled over, realizing she had misunderstood the pilot that had once hated her for making a similar decision, Kathryn forced a nod and said softly, "I agree, Miss Fowler…thank you for clarifying." Turning to her other comrades who all were watching the two of them rather closely not certain if they were about to witness a first class, verbal cat fight, she asked, "Any other opinions before I move on, gentlemen?"

Not really expecting Tuvok to say anything, Chakotay chimed in, "You know I'm behind you, Kathryn. I'm out here in the Delta Quadrant for standing up to injustice to begin with, remember? That part of me hasn't changed either."

Smiling, Janeway gave her silent thanks, no longer taking offense to his constant reminders that he was Maquis since after being alone for so long, and growing so close to him and B'Elanna, she had a much different perspective, and then moved on. Knowing Tuvok would unlikely say much of anything unless he thought she was making tactically unsound decisions, and since they had already gone over that, there wasn't anything else to be said that didn't contain emotional undercurrents, she informed, "Seven's come up with some backup plans for us…of course," she chuckled, "just in case they persist after we leave their space." Coming up the railing and leaning against it, resting her chin on her hands, she reported, "Right now, she's creating something of a Borg care package. We're going to launch a probe that contains all of our data on the Borg, as well as detailed medical and physiological information on Seven herself." Before anyone asked, she clarified, "And no, we aren't going to give them nanoprobes or any other form of Borg hardware. I simply don't trust them with it." Looking over to Nicole, she turned one corner of her mouth up and finished, "Clearly, their moral center is questionable."

"I believe that is an understatement, Captain," Tuvok chimed in, setting down his tea. "You are hoping that this care package will satisfy them?"

"That's right."

"And if it doesn't?" he asked the question on everyone's lips.

Walking over to the stairs and sitting down, she replied, "If they don't take our gift, then I've got another one for them." As her face hardened visibly, leaving absolutely no doubt that she meant what she said, "And that one won't be nearly as forgiving as I am."

Slowing her pace to almost a crawl, sensing that Fowler had some questions for her, Janeway looked up and over at her tall pilot as they traveled toward Transporter Room One, taking the long route on purpose and said with her hands clasped behind her back, "Say what's on your mind, Lieutenant."

"Yes, Ma'am," Fowler came back quickly, forcing herself to take smaller steps since her legs were quite a bit longer than her captain's. "I'm…uneasy…about taking orders from the first, Captain. What do you want me to do if we get into a situation that I feel is unwise…or doesn't jive with you?"

"Well, I doubt that will happen, but if it does, all you have to do is hail me," Janeway answered softly. "However, let me worry about Devin…just do what she asks of you." Stopping, she turned to Fowler and said, glad the corridor was empty at the moment, "I need you to show no doubt…none. The crew will need you to lead them. I trust, Devin. She's a good leader…she knows she's at a disadvantage here…she'll do as I ask, I'm certain of it." Continuing down the hall, putting her hands behind her back again and speaking easier as two crewmembers started toward them, "Just remember, we're all on the same team here. It isn't us and them…it's just us. One goal…one duty…to get out of this without a confrontation."

"Yes, Ma'am," Nick bobbed her head once as they approached their destination.

Janeway reached out and touched Fowler's arm as she stopped again, saying, "This is the end of the road for me. You're in charge from here." Squeezing Nicole's arm quickly and turning away, she said over her shoulder, "Take care of my crew, Lieutenant."

"I will, Captain," responded the green-eyed woman. Then taking a deep breath and putting on her own version of her command mask, albeit she knew it wasn't nearly as effective as the captain's, Fowler pivoted, steeled her shoulders, but then changed her mind as she approached the door. Loosening her stance, she rolled her neck back once and then entered, not smiling but looking awfully enthused.

As the dozen officer's who were all gathered around the small room grew somewhat quiet, most of them looking more than a little freaked out, Fowler clapped her hands together once and started, "Folks…listen up. This is how this is going to work. We're gonna go over to that ship, and we're gonna treat it better than our own, and we're going to do exactly what the first regal asks of us. From here on out, just look at her as if she's the captain…because that's what she is."

When a few officers in the back started whispering, she barked quickly, "And, if you have a problem with that…then you come talk to me, and me only. Any noncompliance, and I do mean any Ensign," she said, staring down one of the women in the back, "any noncompliance with either of our captains' wishes will not be tolerated." The nodding, she turned to the ensign manning he transporter station and asked, "How many can we do at once?"

"Six at time, Lieutenant," answered the short dark haired ensign, flat and fast, not taking her eyes off of her board and trying to make herself invisible.

The tall brunette turned back to the group and said, "Okay. We have zero time to spare, so stay on your toes. We have to drop out of warp, and then we'll go six at a time." Pointing toward the back, she said, "The first six…get into position. The rest of you, as soon as Roland says it's clear, I want you on that dais. Understood?"

After everyone acknowledged her, she tapped her communicator, and said, "Fowler to Bridge."

"Chakotay here."

"We're ready, Commander. We'll make it fast and Roland will tell you when we've made it," Fowler informed, nodding over to the ensign on the upper level.

"Acknowledged…stand by," Chakotay said as they contacted the other ship and coordinated their efforts. After a few minutes, the first officer said, "Okay, Lieutenant…go."

As Roland transported the first party to the ship, she waited for the signal that is was safe to ascend the dais and then nodded at the last six of the group to follow suit. Once they had dematerialized, she again waited for the all clear and then jumped up onto the transporter pad and said, smiling at the ensign, "Later days."

Then feeling the strange, but comforting sensation of dematerialization, Nick instinctively closed her eyes and waited for her legs to feel solid again before she opened them. Extending her hand toward the awaiting palm, she said, "First Regal…it's an honor to serve with you. Where should we start?"

"The honor in this duty is mine, Lieutenant Fowler," Devin smiled, bowing her head and her legs slightly. Then motioning toward two of her officers, one male and one female, she said, "Show them around and let them choose the posts they are best suited for…quickly. There is no time to meander." Back at Fowler, she put her arm around her back, urging her to follow her and said, quietly, "I know that you will need to see to your crew…however, I'd like you to accompany me to my central…your talents will assuredly be needed there as well. As you can see…I am lacking services in this realm."

"Of course. I'd like to contact Voyager and inform them of our status as well," Fowler said, walking with her quickly, finding it nice that she didn't have to modify her stride for once and reminding herself to keep breathing.

Janeway's heart jumped in her throat for a split second when she breezed into Astrometrics, her second wind coming on strong as she carried a nutritional supplement in her right hand, and Seven of Nine was no where to be found. With speed, Kathryn barked, "Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in Cargo Bay Two," answered the ship's monotone female voice.

The captain took a second to take a deep breath and shake her head at herself before she turned on her heels and started out of the space lab, making a quick right and going back the way she came toward the turbolift, nodding at two of her science officers as they breezed past her in the hall, everyone moving double quickly this early morning either trying to catch up, or trying to keep their bodies in constant motion for fear if they stopped, they'd fall down.

Stepping into the turbolift, the captain requested the appropriate deck and then took a small sip of the supplement, feeling somewhat hungry herself now that she had most definitely burned off the large dinner they all had consumed with all of the evening's activities. When the doors parted for her, she stepped out of the carriage and started down the hall, sighing when she realized she had absently taken the wrong turbolift and would have to walk to the other side of the ship.

Making a quick right, Kathryn started down a long fairly straight empty hallway and then making a left at the end, she followed that corridor as it gracefully curved around and then smiled fairly brightly, considering all that was occurring, as the large doors parted for her, the mechanical sound reminding her of many nights when she had entered this space to watch her Borg sleep. Not seeing Seven right away, Janeway called out, "Seven...yoo hoo?"

When no one answered her, Janeway pursed her lips and requested again, this time a little frustrated, "Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is on Deck Five section three alpha," reported the computer.

Sighing, recognizing that position as just outside of Astrometrics, Janeway shook her head and started back out the door, tapping her communicator, "Janeway to Seven of Nine."

"I am here, Captain."

"Seven," Janeway couldn't help but chuckle as she again retraced her steps, "you're a tough woman to track down."

"I was unaware that you were tracking me," the cool blonde came back. "I will endeavor to make myself more accessible to you in the future."

Smirking at that comment, at least ten different less than wholesome thoughts skipping across her mind, Kathryn came back as she entered the lift, "Just don't go anywhere for a couple of minutes, alright?"

"I will comply."

As Seven cut the communication channel, the captain requested Deck Five again in as many minutes and took another sip of the supplement. Leaning casually back against the wall, she looked down at her feet and smiled fondly, thinking about all of the moments she had taken this lift to see her tall blonde officer for no real good reason other than to just pay her a visit, and finally had to laugh at her own stubborn streak, now having absolutely no idea why it took her so long see that she was madly in love with the young woman. The captain wasn't aware that the lift had stopped or that the doors had opened until Ensign Wang cleared his throat, attempting to be subtle. Snapping out of her own revere, she mumbled, clearing her throat as well and moved quickly out of the lift, "Excuse me, Samuel."

"Good morning, Captain," the middle aged man of Asian decent nodded and responded, stepping into the carriage.

Feeling somewhat silly, not certain if it was lack of adequate rest or too much coffee causing it, knowing it was probably a lot of both, Janeway slowed her amble and tapped her communicator, "Janeway to Seven of Nine."

"I am here, Captain."

Turning the corner and starting toward Astrometrics, she smiled and asked, "Are you still in Astrometrics?"

"That is correct."

As she entered the space lab again, Janeway responded as Seven turned around to greet her with a inquisitive look on her face, "Just checking." Taking one more sip of the supplement, she handed it over and explained, "A little bird told me that you might need this."

Seven's brow furrowed even further as she accepted the offering. "Explain."

Janeway laughed out loud, waving her hand, "Nevermind." After Seven took a healthy swing of her food, she asked, walking over to the dais and taking a seat, "What's the status of our present?"

"I have completed gathering the information," Seven explained. Then sighing, she admitted, "It is in Cargo Bay Two…however," reaching to the console and picking up several orange datachips, she explained, "I neglected to retrieve these, which is why I was required to return."

Having a difficult time remembering anytime that the younger woman had forgotten anything, Kathryn asked, "Seven, is something wrong? I've never known you to forget anything."

Seven looked away from the captain's piercing, all-knowing stare and opened her mouth to answer, then closed it equally fast when she realized she was about to tell a lie. The blonde sighed again and admitted truthfully, "I am growing tired, Captain…such an occurrence, as you know, makes it difficult for me to remain as efficient." Then lifting her chin, defiant at her own exhaustion, she stated, "Although I am unaccustomed to this lethargy…I will adapt."

The redhead captain smiled ruefully and nodded, remembering once Seven explaining to her that as a Borg she could go for two-hundred hours without regeneration, then stood. "Come on…let's go."

"What is our destination?" asked the ex-drone, following the older woman.

"Back to the Cargo Bay," Janeway grinned. "Apparently, I'm just supposed to walk in circles this morning." After entering the turbolift, the captain ordered the deck and then tapped her fingernail against Seven's glass and ordered, "Drink up." Once they entered the Cargo Bay, she asked as Seven finished her drink, "Where's the probe?"

"It is behind that cargo container," Seven answered, starting toward it.

"Aht," Janeway stopped her, grabbing the datachips from her hand and replacing it with her own palm in one fluid motion, "I'll take care of it…it's time for bed." When Seven turned to her and began to protest, Janeway said brightly, taking the cup, but the look on her face was easily identifiable as the 'no compromises' look, "No arguments…bed…now."

"Kathryn, this device is a Borg regeneration alcove," Seven reminded, crankyily as she followed orders. "It is not a bed."

As Seven climbed the dais and turned around, Janeway huffed, playful, "Really?" Then climbing the stairs as well, she requested softly, "Kiss me," pointing to her lips this time instead of her cheek, which was the usual occurrence with that gesture. As Seven did so, the captain unabashedly lingered at them for far longer than she knew she ought to, the sweet flavor of the supplement urging her to stay and taste its savor, and then said, husky, as she stepped back, "Thank you."

Coming off the dais, she went over to the controls, set the cycle for three hours, knowing that would be plenty to regenerate Seven since she wasn't entirely depleted and whispered as she engaged the cycle, "Sweet dreams, darling." When the Borg's tall, lengthy body grew rigid and perfectly still, her eyes closing at the same moment while the alcove hummed to life, Janeway took a few moments to watch her as she had done so many times in the past.

Then sighing, she pushed away and looked at the three datachips in her hand as she walked toward the probe casing, setting the empty glass on a cargo container. Kneeling she placed the chips into the smaller protective casing Seven had acquired to ensure that they would not be damaged and reached into her tunic, pulling out the PADD she had tucked into her waistband which contained a personal, and direct recording of her, informing the Fynth that it was not normally her policy to turn over such sensitive information but that she was compassionate regarding their fear of the Collective. She furthermore stated, however, that this gesture was as far as her goodwill went and that if they continued to pursue her, not only would they fail to obtain her Borg, but that they wouldn't be able to obtain much of anything for a very, very long time.

When she heard the loud sound of the doors to the Cargo Bay opening, the captain poked her head around the container, curious as to whom was entering, and then smiled at Torres who was standing close to the doors, staring at Seven of Nine with a confused look on her face. "Psst…over here."

Looking over at the captain who was grinning and waving her over, B'Elanna scratched her head and asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm finishing our little care package," Janeway answered, sealing up the device and preparing it to be jettisoned into space. Looking up at the engineer who was looking over at Seven, the captain explained, figuring Seven had requested that B'Elanna met her in the Cargo Bay since this wasn't a ordinary spot for the Klingon to be, "She's was getting too tired…so I made her go to bed for a while." When she attempted to lift the probe, Janeway groaned and said, giving up immediately, knowing she was seriously going to hurt something if she attempted to lift that and asked, "B'Elanna…can you pick this up?"

"Huh? Oh, right," Torres said, shaking her head, turning back to the captain and pulling herself away from the serenity of watching Seven sleep, not for the first time wishing that she could just hop into an alcove and 'recharge,' as the engineer liked to refer to regeneration, for a few hours and come out feeling as though she had slept a whole night and eaten a full meal. "Sorry, Captain…I'm just a little distracted too."

Then reaching down, the strong, solid through and through Klingon bent her knees and lugged the probe up and onto her shoulder, saying on the way up, "Kahless…what the hell is in this?"

"Just datachips…is it too heavy?"

Huffing, holding it carefully with both hands on her right shoulder, she answered, "No…just awkward…but let's move it." Leaving the Cargo Bay and walking down to the torpedo launch room, not looking forward to having to negotiate the ladder with this weight on her shoulder, she asked, "After we launch this thing…do you have time to grab a quick bite to eat before you get back to work? I'm starving."

Her lover's mention of food reminding her that she was quite famished as well, Janeway nodded, opening the Jefferies Tube hatch for the engineer, "That sounds good actually." After Torres set the probe down and pushed it forward, climbing into the tube, the captain followed her, closing the hatch behind them and asked, "Are you cooking?"

"You're joking right?" laughed Torres. "Red, you don't want to eat anything I cook…trust me on this."

Crawling on her hands and knees behind Torres, admiring the view, Janeway remarked, feeling comfortable speaking in non-professional terms when they were in private, "Lanna, one of these days I'm going to get tired of hearing that excuse and teach you how."

"Like you're an expert?"

As B'Elanna reached the end of the tunnel and hopped down on the small ledge, pulling the probe back on her shoulder, Kathryn came back, "Apparently, compared to you…yes."

"Good point," Torres responded easily, looking down at the ladder. Then sighing, she set the probe back down and cursed as the captain moved out of her way, "I bet she did this on purpose? You know, we could have just put everything together down here…but nooo."

When the Klingon tore off her tunic, Janeway asked curious and chuckling, two seconds away from requesting assistance from someone in Maintenance, "What are you doing?"

Wrapping her tunic around the device, B'Elanna explained, "Improvising. Thankfully," she said, slinging the probe back over her shoulder that was now cradled in the tunic and was easier to manage since she could hold onto the sleeves of the tunic as well, "that's something I am an expert at." Then sticking the sleeves in her mouth and biting down on them, her slightly sharp teeth clearly visible, holding the probe with one hand, she descended the ladder as quickly as possible before she lost her grip. Once she was through the passageway, she jumped back and came down with a thud, absorbing the much greater impact, inhaling at the small amount of pain that shot through her from her feet and her lower joints, growling at it and letting it run its course pleasantly.

"Are you alright?" Janeway asked, hurrying down the ladder.

After setting down the probe, Torres reached up, grabbed the captain's waist and pulled her down, replying, "Piece of cake." When the captain came to a landing against her, B'Elanna got a strong whiff of the captain's hair and couldn't help but growl deep in her throat, her previous exertion inflaming her Klingon senses and instincts, as she pushed her face into the captain's spicy mane and took another deep breath. Then just as fast, she sighed and said, pushing away, "Sorry..."

Turning around, smiling in curiosity as Torres once again picked up the probe and placed it in the ejection chute, unraveling her jacket from it, Kathryn mumbled, "That's quite alright." Seeing the tension in B'Elanna's shoulders and in her quick, jarring movements as she set the probe into place and accessed the sensor console, Janeway came up behind her, placed her hands on her shoulders and asked, squeezing the muscles there, "Hey, are you sure you're alright?"

B'Elanna inhaled deeply again at the touch and the stimuli and warned through clenched teeth, "Red, you probably shouldn't touch me there right now." Grabbing the side of the chute, she went on quickly, swallowing, speaking clearer, "You're the captain…and you've got a reputation to maintain."

Finally realizing that her lover was having an acute, instinctual, sexual reaction and she wasn't in pain or upset, Janeway apologized and took her hands away immediately, knowing that she couldn't tend to her lover's need right now, no matter how much it pained her to not, "I'm sorry. I'll back off."

Nodding, Torres took a few deep breaths and finally said, "Thanks…I mean, I love you…but you know what I mean."

"Yes, darling…I know what you mean," Janeway responded warmly, walking to the other side of the small area and letting Torres work on her own since she was quite capable, and giving the engineer her needed space. "I love you too." As the chief continued to work and then finally pushed the probe all the way into the housing, the movement aggressive and undeniably powerful, slamming the hatch after it with equal force, Kathryn wondered silently if something else was going on since even though B'Elanna was naturally assertive, her genetic makeup demanding it, she had rarely seen her this fierce in quite some time, at least when performing simple tasks. She bit down on her tongue, not questioning for fear B'Elanna would take it as a negative reaction to her Klingon side, which both of them knew she was freely letting assert itself after a lifetime of trying to stifle it.

Turning around, Torres said, "Let's rock and roll." When the captain nodded and started up the stairs silent, the brunette stopped her, not harshly and said, patting her bottom, "Don't worry…I'm just tired, mad as hell and a little wound up."

Laughing, and letting her own anxiety release itself through the chuckle, the redhead informed as she started up the ladder, Torres on her heels, "Lanna, I think…little…would be a tad bit of an understatement." Once they were back to the first tunnel, they sealed the hatch to the torpedo launch room and the captain tapped her communicator, saying as she stopped Torres from starting down the tube, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Go ahead, Captain," said Chakotay fairly quickly.

"Commander, the probe is ready to go. I think we can stand down red alert for now…but keep us at yellow. Go ahead and take us to maximum, and launch the probe as soon as we're in position," Janeway requested. "I'll be there in few minutes."

"Acknowledged…Chakotay out."

Then taking a seat on the floor of the Jefferies Tube, letting her feet dangle off the edge, the captain waited with Torres while their small vessel accelerated to a warp factor of nine point nine seven five, came to a stop in less than a minute, deposited the probe, then accelerated again to rejoin the Alaxiat. Not at all surprised that she wasn't hailed by Chakotay to inform her that the core wasn't up to that stress because she completely trusted and believed that Torres was the best engineer she'd ever known, the redhead pulled B'Elanna over to her and requested, deep and seductive, "Kiss me."

"You don't want me to kiss you here," Torres warned, shaking her head back and forth, even as she pressed her body toward the captain's.

Janeway grabbed B'Elanna's tunic that was hanging open, pulling her toward her body as she leaned back, not caring that she was lying where people and god knows what crawled around, and hissed, "Oh yes I do."

When Torres' surged forward, connecting with her lips and growling, instantly devouring her mouth, all the captain could do was try not to chip any teeth as she accepted her lover's instinctual need wholly, and moaned unbidden. Moving her hands to Torres' muscled back instantly, able to tell that B'Elanna had been working out more recently, most likely due to her budding friendship with Fowler and their Elite Force training, feeling the increased tightness in their masses, hoping to relieve some of her tension, she pressed her fingers into the muscles at the small of her back, rotating them in small circles exactly how she knew the engineer enjoyed.

When the chief reared her head back, snarling in pleasure, "luq (Yes)," then impacted smartly with the roof of the Jefferies Tube, Janeway winced in pain, biting her bottom lip, knowing that had to hurt and instantly moved her hand to the back of the brunette's head.

"ghuy'cha," Torres cursed, closing her eyes tight and rolling to her side, then inhaled deeply again and let the pain, which was much more intense this time, run its course a second time.

"Are you alright?" asked the captain, honestly sorry as she rolled on her side, still holding her hand to the back of Torres' head. When B'Elanna opened her eyes and then started laughing hysterically, Kathryn pinched her lips together, holding back her laughter, still feeling guilty. Then no longer able to suppress it, she buried her head in Torres's chest and cackled at the situation until she couldn't laugh anymore. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she pushed herself up and tried again, "I'm so sorry, Lanna…are you sure you're okay?"

Rolling over and back on top of Kathryn, although, all of her unstoppable intensity now gone, she kissed the captain again, this time softly and slowly, and didn't stop until she heard the softest of whimpers escaped from Janeway's mouth after she deepened the kiss and their eager tongues connected. Knowing that meant that the redhead was starting to become aroused because it was a sound that instantly turned her own body into a bundle of overwrought hormones, B'Elanna thought it prudent to end their encounter in the lower decks before she couldn't control herself any longer, and finally answered, pulling away, "I'm fine, Red…although, next time you wanna get frisky in a Jefferies Tube, do me a favor and warn me ahead of time, and I'll wear a helmet."

Now completely endeared and slightly overcome by the engineer's amazingly gentle, but dominate kiss, Kathryn merely nodded and smiled softly, bringing her right hand up to Torres' cheek and rubbing her knuckles across her prominent cheekbone.

Knowing the expression on the older female's face very well, and doubly knowing that she could never resist it for long, B'Elanna sighed and said, "Cowgirl, don't look at me like that…you know I can't take it." She leaned down, kissed her once more smartly, and then said as she crawled away, "Let's go…if I don't eat something soon someone's gonna get hurt."

As they crawled out of the Jefferies tube, Janeway cleared her throat as she smoothed back her hair and said, "Why don't you go home, and I'll meet you there? I want to stop by the Bridge for a few minutes."

When they stepped into the turbolift and Janeway requested Deck Ten, Torres waited for the doors to close before she said, snickering, "Turn around," as she put her arms on the redhead's shoulders and moved her. When the captain questioned, she explained, "You're got grate marks all over her back."

As Torres brushed her off, Janeway thanked her sincerely, and then said as the lift slowed, "So do you," pointing to the engineer's shoulder.

Stepping out before the captain tried to clean her off, she made sure no one was around to hear her and said, "Yea, but I'm allowed to look like I've been crawling through Jefferies Tubes…that's my job." After turning, she wiped off her butt and said before the doors closed, "Thanks for the escort, Captain."

"Not a bother, Lieutenant," Janeway smirked as the silver doors closed. "Bridge."

After the short ride which took less than a minute, Janeway stepped easily and swiftly out of the carriage and said almost immediately, coming down the stairs on the left-hand side of the Bridge, "Report."

Not standing, knowing that the captain didn't demand it and because he was honestly getting too tired, Chakotay answered, "The probes is away and is right on target, Captain. We're back on course." Following her with his eyes as she walked around him and took a seat in the center chair, he continued, answering her questions before she had to ask, "The first vessel will be within its transporter range in ten hours…so I guess all we can do it wait." Then nodding over to the viewscreen where the Alaxiat was visible, traveling behind them actually, but the commander requesting that they keep the smaller vessel on the screen, he informed, "Nick reported in a few minutes ago. She says that every one has taken a post and that everything is good. She's working directly with the first on their Bridge, but says that once an hour she'll make her rounds to check up on everyone."

Nodding, Janeway replied, "Good." Then looking around the Bridge and back over to Chakotay, she leaned in and whispered, "I'm going to go grab a bite to eat. Go ahead and start rotating the schedules…I want everyone as fresh as possible by the time we clear this territory." Patting him on the arm, she informed, "I won't be long."

"Aye, Captain," Chakotay bobbed his head, holding back a yawn, having a hard time staying alert since he wasn't required to do much of anything but ask for updates and maintain his air of confidence, although, glad that now he actually had something to do that would require him to walk around a little. As the captain turned her head and started to rise, he noticed something odd and whispered, stopping her quickly, "You're missing a pip."

"Hmm," was all she said as she nodded in thanks and took off for the turbolift.

Climbing the stairs near Operations, she noticed Harry Kim watching her. Catching his glance, noticing the forlorn look on his face and knowing what exactly it meant, she winked at him, continuing on her way, silently telling him not to worry, and that it would be a cold day in hell before she would let anyone come aboard her vessel and kidnap her Borg Astrometrics officer, whom the captain knew he still secretly carried a torch for, and not able to blame him at all in least. Although, she hoped he would get over her soon, for his own sake, because even if she believed that Seven would one day fall out of love with her, which she absolutely did not, although there was some secret concern that one day Seven would 'outgrow' her, there was also the fact that the ex-drone was not bisexual, and that poor Ensign Kim would never have a chance, even if he wasn't such a sweet young man, and totally incapable of handling a woman like Seven of Nine.

Stepping into the lift, she made sure she waited until the doors were closed before she requested Deck Ten because even though it was public knowledge that she was involved romantically with B'Elanna Torres and Seven of Nine, she still didn't like people knowing when it was that she was visiting them just yet.

When the lift came to a halt, she exited, fighting a surprise yawn that bubbled up in her by covering her mouth and shaking her head. Turning left and breezing past Engineering's main entrance, resisting the urge to poke her head in to see what was happening when the chief wasn't monitoring things. After she reached the end of the hallway, she turned left again and walked down toward the end of the dead end hallway, stopping at the door next to the last one and pressing her hand to the sensor which would announce her presence, informing Torres that as the captain, it wasn't good form for her to just breeze into anyone's quarters except her own, even her lover's.

When she heard B'Elanna's voice telling her to "Come on in, Red," Janeway smiled and pressed her hand to the other sensor which opened the door, saying once her eyes fell upon the form of the chief who had removed her upper clothing, leaving her muscled body covered only in a tank top as she laid on the bed, flat on her stomach, "Hello again."

Since Torres quarters were rather small, the captain was out of her tunic which she tossed on the foot of the bed, and crawling onto Torres' back within seconds. When B'Elanna smiled as she remained still with her eyes closed, Janeway pressed her lower body into Torres' bottom, as she held herself up with her arms and softly kissed the darker woman's exposed shoulders. Then coming to a rest on top of the chief after a few moments, Kathryn cuddled with her and whispered, "What do you want for breakfast?"

Torres smiled brightly, but kept her eyes closed, her head turned away from Kathryn and said somewhat into the pillow beneath her face, "I could go for some redheaded cowgirl right now…or is she not on the menu?"

Pressing her face into B'Elanna's neck, nibbling the flesh there softly, Janeway purred, "Mmm…possibly for dessert." Then chuckling, she asked, "Aren't you tired, darling…you've been going non-stop all night?"

"Don't forget all day yesterday," Torres reminded smiling, and keeping her eyes closed. "I'm good though…except my feet are killing me." Finally turning over slowly so that she didn't displace the captain who was now straddling her, B'Elanna brought her hands up to the captain's waist and asked, "I don't know how you and Seven walk around in those heels all the damn time."

Using the Klingon's favorite answer, Kathryn leaned down and said against her lips, "We're talented." After kissing her properly, Janeway said, "Come on," climbing off of the brunette and pulling her up. "Let's have sandwiches…they're safe," she offered, and added afterward over her shoulder as she approached the replicator, "and quick."

Torres grinned wickedly, swiftly coming up behind the captain and responded, placing her hands on Janeway's narrow hips again, "Finger foods, huh?" Kissing Janeway's neck as she programmed the replicator, Torres continued, feeling more than a little randy, "I like that idea." When Kathryn glanced over her shoulder, giving the chief a flirtatious, yet brief glance before she turned back toward what she was doing at the replicator, the Klingon, as she had been planning as soon as Janeway put her back to her, unzipped the captain's pants on the side and slid her hand into the opening.

Maneuvering expertly underneath the thin underwear band, the brunette planted her hand firmly between the captain's legs in one fairly fluid motion which completely caught Kathryn off-guard. At the same moment, she pulled on the older woman's shirt enough so she could slip her other hand underneath that as well, again moved past the tanktop she wore underneath that and clasped firmly onto one of the captain's small, but nicely rounded breasts. A little surprised when she found a generous amount of moisture waiting for her lower hand, she growled low into Janeway's ear as her head was thrown back at the surprise and intense pleasure, using the Klingon word for mine, knowing that her lover would understand, "tlkIlHal."

"Lanna," Janeway gasped, trying to regain herself but having difficulty as Torres refused to let up on her, although, it wasn't like the captain was fighting it. Grabbing the side of the replicator, blindly searching for something to anchor herself to as B'Elanna continued to expertly manipulate her body, making her putty in her hands to mold and do with as she pleased, Janeway's head was pressed all the way back, resting on Torres' shoulder as she breathed, "God…you'resogoodatthat."

Spurred on by that admission, feeling even more confident now, Torres whispered as Kathryn began pressing her lower body back against her hand and whimpered again, "Mmm, QI'tu' (paradise)," upping the tempo of her swirling hand and centering its movements which caused Janeway to start panting as her body grew fevered. Once she saw that, B'Elanna knew she was close since almost every time she had made love to Kathryn, she responded in a fairly consistent manner. Sometimes she was more animated and demanding, sometimes she was quiet and completely submissive, but there were three things that always happened: She always whimpered, she always began panting, sometimes more heavily than others, and finally she always bit her bottom lip before she climaxed, just as she was doing now…what happened afterward, Torres was doubtful she'd ever be able to predict, but that was part of the reason why she enjoyed bringing her lover to this point as often as she could, just to see what kind of reaction she would get.

As Kathryn's knuckles grew white as her grip on the edge of the replicator threatened to leave permanent fingernails markings in the metal as she started to softly grunt through clenched teeth, her hips now moving in synchronous circles with B'Elanna's hand, she urged again, biting her neck softly afterward, "chol (come), Red," and when Kathryn tensed and gasped her name, Torres held her tight, drove her through each wave that swept over her body, and whispered, "Mmm…I love to watch you do that."

Leaning heavily against the wall as she took quick breaths, trying to oxygenate her body once again, Kathryn let her head lull forward as her lover slowly withdrew her hand and wrapped her arms around her. After a few minutes of slower breathing while B'Elanna continued to kiss her neck and stroke her back, telling her how much she loved her, Janeway finally got her strength back, and snapping in an instant, she spun around, grabbed the brunette and kissed her somewhat forcefully.

Then pulling away, breathing heavily again, she reached down to her waist and tore the Klingon's tanktop from her finely muscled body. After ripping her own shirt off, as B'Elanna watched a little bewildered, the captain clasped onto Torres by her strong arms, pushing her backward, and ordered, "Bed…now."

Resisting just a little, starting to have fun with the captain, B'Elanna laughed and asked, placing her hands on Janeway's hips again, "What about the sandwiches?"

"Fuck the sandwiches," Janeway replied without at pause, surging forward and pushing them into the bed as Torres laughed heartily, which quickly turned into a deep intake of air as the captain pulled off her pants and underwear with more haste than B'Elanna had ever seen.

"Yes...Kahless, Kathryn…YESSSS!" the brunette exclaimed through her teeth, grabbing onto the sheets and balling her fists as the redhead dove into her body, ravenous, and lavished her sex with her mouth, moaning into the quicksilver flesh. The feeling of being taken so completely by the captain's greedy mouth and hands that were traveling across her chest, stomach, and thighs, overwhelming her quickly, B'Elanna arched her back, pressing her hips father into the captain's seemingly insatiable mouth as she began to heave and pant herself, completely unable to slow her ascent.

When her lover's voice started to grow louder and more carnal, the captain had enough sense to change tactics, not believing it entirely pragmatic for others to know that during her lunch break while they were at yellow alert, she and her chief engineer had been engaged in rowdy sex, the captain took her mouth way, replaced it with her right hand and moved up, stifling Torres' cries with her mouth as she pressed her fingers inside of her, curling them right away and focusing on the spot she knew would make B'Elanna climax in seconds. Once Torres arched again, and latched onto her back as she started to shudder, Kathryn kissed her more passionately, catching all of the insistent cries in her throat and giving a few, softer ones back before they settled in a heap on the bed.

Easing up on the pressure of her lips, catching her breath again, Kathryn carefully withdrew her hand and straddled B'Elanna's body, reminding herself to be careful where she put her leg since she still had her uniform trousers on. Janeway purred happily as her lover's lips started responding to her embrace more, and after playing with her lips and tongue for a few minutes, she eased away, grinning and sighing blissfully at the same moment, looking down into Torres' chestnut eyes. "Mmm…that was very nice."

Smiling as well and laughing, shaking her head, Torres questioned, "Red…what the hell got into you?" Kissing her again, she said against her lips, "You've never been like that before… 'fuck the sandwiches?'"

"I could be wrong," Janeway responded, rubbing her nose against her lover's affectionately, "but I think her name is B'Elanna Torres." Biting B'Elanna's bottom lip once, she grinned and added, "You'd probably like her…she's very talented. Sometimes," the captain breathed, barely audible but acutely lustful, "she speaks Klingon when we're together…and it makes me a little crazy." Back at her lips, she flicked her tongue against them and finished, "She's also…very…very sexy." When she heard B'Elanna's stomach growl, Janeway chuckled, pulled away and reported, "And clearly…rather hungry."

"Regeneration cycle complete," announced the ship's computer an instant before Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, formerly of the Borg Collective opened her bright blue eyes and disengaged from her alcove with a slight hissing, then clicking sound as the alcove went into standby mode. Smiling immediately, she said in her cool, crisp tone as she stepped down from the dais, graceful in her arctic poise, "Kathryn."

"Feel better?" asked Janeway as she stood from where she had been sitting on a small square cargo container, arriving to the Cargo Bay ten minutes before the end of Seven's regeneration cycle so she could take a few fleeting moments to watch her Borg recover peacefully and use the experience as she had on several occasions to reenergize herself, restore her faith in her duty, remember her purpose and gaze upon the singular reason she loved life so.

Seven lifted her eyebrow that was covered by her ocular implant, the movement casting a small shadow across her nose in the dim lights of the large room, and answered, "I feel regenerated."

The captain turned up one corner of her mouth and requested, walking up to her and tapping her cheek, "Kiss me."

"I will comply," Seven informed before she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Kathryn's awaiting cheek. After straightening, the blonde stated, eyeing the smaller female, "You are well. This is unexpected. Have you regenerated as well?"

"Not exactly," the captain smiled, looking down at her feet, somewhat embarrassed and not able to help herself in the least.

Recognizing the reaction, having seen it on several occasions, Seven smirked again and responded, placing her hands behind her back, "You have spent time with B'Elanna Torres. This explains why you are now missing two pips, Lieutenant Janeway."

Kathryn reached up to her collar and whispered, "Damn," as she felt the evidence against her fingertips. Sighing, making a mental note to go directly to the replicator in her Ready Room and order two more pips now that she had been reduced to a lieutenant and said, "Come on," as she started toward the door, her left hand on Seven's back urging her forward.

"What is our destination?"

"The Bridge," Janeway explained as they walked quickly down the corridor, the captain swinging her arms slightly as her stride took on its pleasant, but commanding bounce. "Chakotay's resting right now, and so is Harry…and since we've got a dozen crewmembers on the Alaxiat, I'd like you to take over Operations for now." Looking over and up and Seven after she glaced over her shoulder, which was habit now, she asked, rhetorically hoping for one of Seven's cocky answers, certain she would get one, "Do you think you can handle that?"

"I am Borg," Seven reminded evenly as they entered the turbolift.

"Bridge," the captain requested, and then said, leaning against the handrail with one hand on her hip, flirting, but not out of character or overtly, "You know, that has such a nice ring to it sometimes."

Somewhat surprised by the captain's demeanor since the ex-drone was very aware of how irascible Kathryn could become when her ship was being threaten and she had been operating for many hours without regeneration, Seven titled her head some and stated, "You are displaying unusual behavior. Explain."

Understanding the question, the captain said quickly, before the lift stopped and dropped them off and she had to go back to being the straight-laced captain, "Sometimes, Seven…you've just gotta kick ass first, and take names later." Knowing that one would further confuse her officer, the captain winked at her, then put on her business face, although keeping a fairly cheery expression on it and exited the lift before Seven had a chance to question her again.

As the stymied Borg went over to Operations and relieved the ensign manning that post, Janeway nodded to Tuvok while she quickly hurried down her stairs and zipped into her office where she promptly replicated two shinny new pips, losing count of how many times she had had to order one of these rank insignias in the last seven years. After attaching them to her collar, she went back out onto the Bridge and came up to Tactical where Tuvok continued to maintain his post, steadfast as always. "Commander," she said quietly, "once the Fynth beam our offering aboard, I want you to go rest at that point. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain," Tuvok nodded easily, understanding perfectly that she wanted to ensure that all of her senior officers were well rested and ready for a possibly lengthy, long-range battle.

Leaving Tactical, knowing that Tuvok would do as she asked without question on this matter, she made her way down to the helm and asked Tom Paris who was busy pretending to be busy, "Having fun?"

"Always," Tom replied, turning around in his chair and looking up at her smiling just a little.

"I'm sure," Janeway came back, chuckling. Then tapping him on the shoulder, she said, "I know you're not technically off-duty for a few more hours, but do me a favor and go take a walk, maybe get something to eat? I'll hold the fort while you're gone."

"Thanks, Captain," Paris replied readily, jumping up and heading toward the turbolift as his stomach growled audibly, recharged by the very thought of food.

Sliding into the chair, waving off the ensign who was making her way toward the helm, informing her that she didn't require her assistance, Janeway said over her shoulder to Tuvok after she got situated, "Here were are again, Commander."

"Indeed," was all he said.

Chuckling, the captain leaned back in the chair, getting comfortable and said over the other shoulder to Seven of Nine who was efficiently working the board and paying her little attention, although the captain knew that even though she was indeed doing her job, and doing it well, the young blonde was secretly putting to memory this entire sequence, "Between Seven and Tuvok, I'd say it looks to be a quiet afternoon…eh, Ensign?"

"Yes, Ma'am," was all the Roxanne Baker said, never having been much of a talker, even when Kathryn attempted to bring her out of her shell as she was doing now...again.

"I guess I'll just talk to myself then?" Janeway laughed, shaking her head and looking back straight.

"Engineering to Bridge."

Tapping her communicator, the captain responded, "Janeway here...what is it, Chief?"

"Captain, who's working Operations right now?" asked the engineer quickly.

Curious, Janeway answered, looking over at the tall blonde who was busy manipulating the sensor board with astounding speed, "Seven is…why?"

B'Elanna replied, obtuse, "Figures…nevermind, Captain. Sorry to bother you. Torres out."

Not happy with that answer, Janeway queried, still looking up at Operations, "Seven…what are you doing right now…exactly?"

"I am readjusting the ship's power output to the environmental systems, as well as life-support, inertial dampers, and propulsion," answered Seven plainly, not looking away from her work. "The previous percentages were imprecise." Then looking up for a moment, she smirked, then looked down as she stated, "We are now operating efficiently. I suspect that Lieutenant Torres was curious as to why she suddenly had three percent more power output available to her in propulsion." Then looking up again as Janeway smiled crookedly at her, she informed, "If you wish, I can give you a detailed report on my analysis of Voyager's power distribution to pass the time?"

Turning back around chuckling, the captain replied, "Why don't you just send it to me in a memo, huh?"

The cool blonde looked back down on her board, starting in on the power distribution for Tactical and Communications, and responded, "As you wish."

As she continued to work, she looked briefly up at Tuvok and then over to the captain who was starting to drum her fingers on the console, and asked, "Commander, are you familiar with the phrase 'to kick ass first and take names later?'" When she heard Janeway sigh and curse under her breath as Tuvok raised his eyebrow, Seven smiled to herself and continued her task as Tuvok explained the phrase, enjoying spending her time on the Bridge with her two of favorite Starfleet officers...minus those she was less fond of.

Back at her command chair, now that the majority of her senior staff was maintaining their posts and having turned over the helm to Baker since Tom Paris was off-duty for four more hours, Janeway turned her head slightly toward where Seven of Nine was manning the auxiliary tactical console directly behind her as she announced, as requested, "Captain, a Fynth vessel will be in transporter range of the probe in five minutes."

Nodding her head, she quickly turned toward Operations and requested, "Hail the Alaxiat." After giving Chakotay a quick glance that spoke volumes about the amount of fingers and toes they both had crossed, the captain turned her attention to the front viewscreen quickly and waited for the image to be changed from the outer view of their 'sister' ship to one of the first regal, or whomever was in charge.

When Nicole Fowler responded to the hail and the captain didn't spy Devin anywhere in the background, the captain asked curious, "Lieutenant?"

Understanding the query, Fowler quickly explained, "The first regal is taking a few moments to rest, Captain…she's left me in charge."

"Oh," Janeway allowed in surprise that Devin would leave someone other than one of her guardians in charge, but continued quickly, smirking a little in pride for her officer who had obviously impressed the first enough to allow such an event, "one of the Fynth vessels will be in transporter range of the probe in a few minutes, so I'd like to keep an open link to you while we wait to see if they take our gift."

Fowler nodded and replied, "Aye, Captain."

Standing up, Janeway went down to the helm and quietly asked the ensign to bring up the sensor data on the armada chasing them, and then said looking back up at Fowler who was probably doing the same thing, "It will probably take them a little while to figure out just exactly how much information we gave them, but I think that if they don't halt their pursuit in two hours from the time they gather the probe, then we'll have to assume that they're not satisfied."

Watching in curiosity as one of Devin's crew came up to Fowler as she nodded to the captain and spoke quietly to the tall woman, who then crossed her arms, visibly thinking carefully, as she turned toward him, and said softly, but still audible, "No, you're right. I'll take care of it, but it'll have to wait." Then after she patted him on the shoulder and said, "Thanks…keep me informed," and turned back to the viewscreen and her own sensor board, Janeway thought for a minute to ask if there was a problem, but then decided against it and to trust that if Nicole needed her assistance, she'd as for it. Leaving the helm and slowly making a quiet circuit of her Bridge, she came to a stop next to Seven of Nine and eyed the sensor board.

Bringing up the visual interpretation of the data, knowing that the captain's brain wasn't able to process the coded information as quickly as hers, she tapped a few more sensors, zooming in the on the ship approaching the probe quickly, and informed in a soft, but precise tone, "This vessel is of the same design as the Alaxiat. They should be capable of interpreting our data with little difficulty." Looking over at Janeway, she said even quieter, "Two hours is more time that they will require."

The captain nodded and explained, equally quiet, "I want to make sure they've had enough time to contemplate their actions, speak to whomever they take their orders from before we start work on the antimatter warhead." Patting her back quickly, she said looking down at the data again, "I just want to be certain, Seven."

For the rest of the five minutes the Bridge crew of the U.S.S. Voyager and Fowler aboard the Alaxiat worked and waited in silence. When the transporter threshold was broken, the captain placed her hand on her hip as she leaned forward with the other hand against the console and consciously, but subtly closed the distance between herself and Seven of Nine until she was just slightly touching the blonde's shoulder. While she did so, her officer continued to steadily work her board and record the information coming, transferring the relevant data to the visual display for the captain efficiently, preferring to do the manual work at this moment to keep herself busy while she patiently waited and did her best to keep her fears in check. When she interpreted the data which told her that the probe had been beamed aboard the vessel, Seven made note of the exact instant and started a silent countdown in her head as she leaned slightly into the form on her captain, and reported, turning her head and looking down, "They have retrieved the probe, Captain."

Knowing that Seven would inform her when the two hours were up, she said quickly, nodding, "Alright, keep an eye on the fleet and let me know of any course changes immediately." Then bringing her hand to the small of Seven's back and resting it there, rubbing it with her thumb absently, she looked up at the viewscreen and said, "Nick, they've taken the probe. I'll let you get back and keep you updated. Voyager out."

After Kim cut the communications link, the captain left Seven's side and said to Tuvok as she approached him in less than a handful of steps, "Okay, Commander, you're relieved." After Tuvok merely nodded and started toward the starboard turbolift, Janeway said, "Seven, I'd like you at Tactical for now."

Setting her board back to its automated function of gathering data and displaying it, having a feeling that Janeway would be perched in front of it off and on throughout the next two hours, Seven pushed away and slid in behind the larger station, bringing up the sensor systems and turning up the volume of the small beeps just slightly, comforted by the sounds which reminded her that she was absolutely not alone and belonged to a fiercely loyal Collective that would continue to protect her.

That little move did not get past the captain, a woman who noticed practically everything that went on around her, although remarked on them infrequently. Quietly, she came up to Seven and asked, "Bring up the visual." Leaning over and studying it, she allowed the hand that was hanging at her side and below the console, its movements hidden by the construct, to come to a rest against Seven's outer thigh. Feeling the long, thin metal implant that traveled down the outside of her left leg in a loose S shape, Janeway stroked it languidly and whispered so quiet that she knew only Seven of Nine could hear her thanks to her Borg enhanced hearing, "I'm right here with you."

Seven sighed slightly and then nodded, not responding verbally for fear that their conversation would become public knowledge as she knew that the captain was not comfortable with, and truth be known, neither was she. After the captain gave her one final pat on the back of her thigh, Seven managed a smirk as the captain left her side and did not go back to her seat, but over to the auxiliary tactical console. Quickly, she activated the interface between the two stations and sent a quick message that would flash on the screen in fairly small letters which would keep it discreet, which read:

Chuckling silently as she received and read the message, the captain turned one corner of her mouth up but didn't look over at Seven while she sent a quick reply back that simply read:

Then clearing her throat, the captain refreshed the small screen so the message would disappear before she left the board and started down the steps, saying, "I'll be in my Ready Room."

The sound of the door call stirring her from her state of half rest, the captain took a few extra seconds to push herself up into a sitting position, and grab her cold coffee on the table next to her before she granted entrance to her visitor. When the tall, slim and more than pleasantly curvaceous form of her Astrometrics officer emerged into the depths of her office, the captain frowned visibly while she asked, "Has it been two hours already?"

"That is correct," Seven stated, turning toward her and placing her hands behind her back.

Setting down her beverage, Janeway requested, "Come sit with me." Once Seven climbed the stairs and perched on the bluish grey sofa, sitting perfectly erect and folding her hands in her lap, the captain placed her hand on Seven's hands and said softly, "Seven," then sighing, "I'm sorry."

"This is not your fault, Kathryn," the Borg came back quickly.

"Well, that's debatable, but I don't want to get into that right now," Janeway came back, still remaining quiet. Then placing her hand on Seven's back and rubbing it gently, she went on, "How are you holding up? Do you need to regenerate before you start working on the warheads?"

Normally the younger woman would not allow such a comment go without debating it fiercely, and even though she thought it was completely unacceptable for the captain to allude to the fact that she felt responsible for this situation, Seven let it go for the good of Kathryn only because she knew that getting into an argument over this matter at this time would only stress her more, and more than likely cause her to act more hastily than she already did from time to time. Sighing and pushing down her frustration, Seven stated, "I am functioning under acceptable parameters at the moment. I will not be required to regenerate for at least ten hours. At that time, it would be advisable that I regenerate for another two hours to ensure that I am operating at peak efficiency when we clear this territory."

"Okay," replied the redhead, patting her lover's hands twice. Then taking her hand away and tapping her communicator she said, somewhat looking up, instinctively, "Janeway to Engineering."

"Torres here," the chief announced rather quickly.

"Chief, I'm sending Seven down there now…I want you two to get started on the warheads right away. I want one ready to go as soon as possible."

"Acknowledged. Torres out."

Standing, Seven stated as she started to walk away, "The procedure will take approximately five hours. I will contact you when we are ready to deploy the warhead."

Before she could get away from her, Janeway stood and came over to the steps as she said, "Seven, one more thing." When the blue-eyed blonde turned around, Kathryn put her duty to her ship aside for a moment and focused on her duty to her lover as she said, "I love you…we'll figure this out. I know it."

Unable to resist, knowing it could be several hours before she was able to have a private moment with Janeway again, Seven waltzed up to her and picked her up as she hugged her tight, but not using too much pressure, knowing she could crush the smaller woman in her arms if she was not mindful of her actions. As Janeway wrapped her legs around her waist, highly familiar with the gesture, Seven let her enhanced arm fall to her bottom, holding her up easily and pulled away so that she could kiss Kathryn's lips. After Janeway stopped kissing her and telling her over and over how much she loved her and how she promised to protect her, Seven rested her forehead against Janeway's as the older woman traced her finger around the starburst on her cheek, and stated, "I feel that I must inform you, my beautiful Kathryn, that when we have neutralized this threat, I plan to deactivate your communicator, seal the door to our quarters with a Borg encryption code and conduct a detailed analysis of your body. It will be a lengthy endeavor, I assure you, and any resistance on your part will be futile."

Smiling and chuckling, the captain said, hovering close to Seven's lips, "Well, I always did plan to give my body to Science. Kiss me."

Seven said kissing Janeway several times quickly as she spoke, "That is an order…with which I…shall always…comply, Captain." Then ending their conversation and kissing Janeway passionately, Seven slowly let the redhead slide down her body until she came to a rest on her own feet, their height equal since Janeway was standing on the bottom step. Then pulling away and sighing, Seven stated, "I look forward to my analysis." Spinning, she said as she left, "Perhaps I will require B'Elanna Torres' assistance? I will speak with her regarding this matter." "Mister Kim," Janeway said, coming out of her Ready Room, "what's the word?"

"No change, Captain," Kim reported, sighing and looking up from his dancing fingers. "All vessels are still maintaining course and speed."

"What a surprise," she murmured, caustic and bitter as she came to the command deck and stopped in the middle. "Hail the Alaxiat."

"Greetings, Captain," responded the first regal, now seated back at her command post as Lieutenant Fowler worked to the left and behind her at one of the small, circular room's brightly colored sensor boards. Before Janeway could break in, she continued, "Lieutenant Fowler had updated me on the situation…I'm assuming my government was not satisfied with your gift?"

Glad to be speaking with Devin again, not because she didn't like Fowler, far from it actually, but because she needed to make certain the older woman would continue to go along with the captain's tactics and let her lead this mission since Voyager was clearly the superior vessel, Janeway answered, with clear regret, but crisply, "No, unfortunately." Then clearing her throat, she informed, "So, right now Seven of Nine and Lieutenant Torres are constructing a long-range tactical warhead, which I will deploy once they have completed it."

Walking down to the helm, Janeway continued, leaning easily on the back of the chair with one hand while the other rested on her hips, making her look supremely confident in her casual stance, and rather intimidating, "Seven's going to make a few adjustments to it so that we can detonate it from a long distance, and she's going to use a dispersion field to make it impossible for the fleet to scan or target it until they're right on top of it." After Devin nodded very slightly, informing the captain that she understood and she had no objections as of yet, she went on, "We have the possibility to make four of these devices before their production starts putting a significant dent into our antimatter reserves. However, the power of this device when detonated will be…extreme. More than likely, it will cause tears in subspace, which should disrupt their ability to track us for some time and force them to change course, or drop out of warp to negotiate the rifts." After a beat, she informed further, "It will also destroy any vessel within ten thousand kilometers, and cripple any within twice that distance." Then turning up one corner of her cheek, she finished, "Hopefully, they'll take the hint this time…I'd prefer not to completely destroy your former government's ability to protect themselves…but I will if they force me to."

"I understand completely. Would it be possible for us to speak in private?" asked the first glancing around the interior of Janeway's Bridge.

The captain forced herself to not sigh or show the slightest hint of unease by the request, or that she believed it to be anything more than the first needing to speak with her about a personnel situation or something of that nature, and nodded as she replied, "Certainly." Starting toward her Ready Room, she said pointing to Operations over her shoulder, "Harry, if you please." Grabbing a fresh cup of coffee before she sat down at her desk, having a feeling she was going to need it, Janeway moved quickly around the curve of her office desk and sat in her chair, tapping her finger to the sensor on her workstation where the live image of Devin appeared immediately.

"Lieutenant Fowler, your captain and I must converse alone," informed Devin over her shoulder at the equally tall Starfleet pilot who was busying herself behind her. After Nicole nodded and departed without anything more than a formal, "Yes, Ma'am," the first smiled softly, turning back to Janeway and said, starting the meeting off informally as she preferred to do, "She is a pleasure to work with, Kathryn…a capable and respectful officer. I wish I had fifteen like her."

"You and me both," Janeway admitted, then fell silent again, letting the first say what she needed to say before she jumped to conclusions or attempted to persuade her in any way.

Sighing, Devin leaned forward and said, "I cannot and will not attempt to stop you from using this weapon you are developing." Then shaking her head and sighing again, she let herself fall back into her chair and speak with less vigor, "However, I think that you would want to know what is happening with my government." She raised her head and gazed into the viewscreen directly at the captain as she explained, "It is with certainty that I tell you that innocent people will perish in this weapon's wake. Undoubtedly, the firsts and seconds charging this mission have been given false information. More than likely, that information is using the fact that I am a relic of the former government and assisting you to further their agenda." She leaned forward again and said, "I know that you must do what you must do, and I will protect your interest as best I am able, but the fleet chasing us is not our true enemy…at least, the majority of them are not. They are merely following orders…orders that are convoluted and filled with lies."

"I'm sure you're probably right," Janeway sighed, this knowledge certainly not news to her, "but I can't risk it. I can't risk warning them anymore than I already have. We've given them tactical information on the Borg…there is very little that they would learn from Seven of Nine beyond what we've already given them. This is years, Devin…years of information…everything we have except for the actual thing. Good people, my people, have died or had their lives changed forever by the Borg to gather this data." Leaning forward herself, she said quietly, "I don't like killing people…even killing people that want to kill me, or misuse someone I love more than life itself. It's not something that sits well with me…but I am the captain of this vessel. Seven of Nine is a member of my crew. I was the one that made the decision to sever her from the Collective. From that moment, her life became my responsibility. Beyond that, it is my responsibility to see this crew safely to the Alpha Quadrant, and Seven is a vital to us. I can't take the risk this time in the name of diplomacy any more than I already have. I've given them information...classified, top level information on the Borg, a move that alone could have me court-martialed and my command rescinded. I've warned them that I will not hesitate to destroy them using any means necessary. That's as far as my good nature goes this time." Turning softer, she said, "I realize what a conflicting situation this is for you… and I don't expect you to like this decision at all…but, it's not your decision. I take full responsibility for it and for whatever occurs. You are only escorting me…it is my ship, my resources creating this weapon, and it will be my order to use it."

"Orated like a true first, Kathryn," Devin remarked. "However, it is not that simple, I'm afraid. If I were not escorting you, it is likely that this situation would be different."

Shaking her head, Janeway came back quickly, "I admire your loyalty toward your comrades, Devin, but I don't agree. They set their course and planned this attack before you informed me of their actions." Smiling ruefully, she went on, "You might have made it a little more convenient for them, but I'm certain they would have just devised another story, possibly one that would have labeled you as some kind of conspirator, even if you were unaware of the circumstances."

The captain snatched up her coffee and said after taking a sip, "I know I don't know your government, but considering you're here helping me, and they are attempting to kidnap an innocent person to turn her into some kind of lab experiment…I'd say your ideals differ…significantly."

"They do…it is one reason I have been shunned to the outskirts of our territory…where my influence can do little damage to the new regime," Devin acknowledged. Looking away for a moment, then finally back at the captain, she nodded and stated, "Very well, I will not detail this matter with you further." Lifting her hands slightly, she concluded, "This situation is unfortunate all around…and I will simply have to let the spirits decide my justice." Getting back to the business of running this operation, she asked, visibly becoming more impassive and rigid, "When will the device be ready to be deployed?"

"It should take a little less than five hours, but if I know Seven and B'Elanna," Janeway smirked proudly, "they'll have the first one ready in less than four."

Nodding, the first regal smiled and remarked, "A precision oriented scientist and a voracious, impassioned maintaineer…how do they maintain order amongst such contradictions?"

Chuckling, Janeway shook her head and said, "Well, 'order' is a loosely defined term…but, at least they aren't trying to kill each other anymore." After each of them shared a smile and a silent but knowing glance, Janeway set the coffee in her lap and asked, "How is my crew…everything working out alright?"

"They have been extraordinarily helpful," Devin replied. "I've left the responsibility to seeing to them as well as to my guardians to Lieutenant Fowler so that I may focus my efforts on detailing our resources and devising a strategy for my crew and vessel once this insanity is behind us. She is standing up to the challenge well…but I sense that there is tension she is not detailing. However, I have not attempted to speak with her about this since I have heard nothing to affirm it…it is just an sense and a subtle change in her amble."

When Devin noticed a definite downturn of the captain's thin lips as she continued to drink her coffee, she asked, "Do you wish to speak with her privately?"

"No, but thank you," Janeway replied quickly. "If there's a problem that she feels needs to be brought to my attention, she'll do so, but I think right now, she's just having to assert her authority more than she's used to. I'm sure she'll find her way, though."

"Very well. You will keep me informed on your progress?"

"Of course. As soon as I have something specific to report, I'll contact you again," Janeway nodded setting her coffee down. Then before she cut the communication, she said seriously, "Once we deploy the warhead, I think your staff and mine will need to sit down and discuss a combat strategy, just in case."

"Agreed. Alaxiat out."

"Lieutenant Torres, my calculations are complete," Seven stated, looking over the sensor board in the upper deck of Engineering and speaking loudly enough so B'Elanna, who was on the lower level overseeing the extraction of antimatter from the containment field of the warp core, could hear her. "I am transferring the data to your workstation now."

Nodding, Torres whispered an order to Carey who was also working with her and said as Seven started for the ladder, "Okay, then I guess we should replicate a transceiver next. Can you handle that?" she asked, smirking as she went over to her workstation to take a look at Seven's data, just out of duty because she was responsible for the process, but certain it was precise.

"I am Borg," Seven reminded, jumping down from the ladder.

"Right," grinned Torres, then silently laughed at herself for asking such a question to get a response that used to set her easily inflamed temper off every time. After looking over the calculations, making note of something that struck her as a little odd, she quietly went over to the large replicator, that's primary function was to replicate mechanical parts for the ship, and said, "You're calculations look good, but I noticed that the yield won't cause a rift wide enough to stop the whole fleet from having to change course. Is there a reason for that?"

"Yes," Seven stated, programming the replicator with astounding swiftness. "If we increased the yield on the warhead, the damage to subspace would be unacceptable to Ka…the captain," Seven amended, remembering that their conversation was not private at this moment. "At this time, she is not prepared to intentionally cause long-term damage to the galaxy." After the fairly small, square device appeared in the energy grid, she picked it up and went on, "However, if our first effort is not successful, I believe she will contemplate the yield further." Sighing, again feeling depressed about all of the decisions the captain was having to make for her benefit, she finished, "It is a decision she will make with regret either way, I am certain."

Torres reached up, grabbed the transceiver from Seven and said, smiling and patting her squarely on the shoulder, "Well, that's assuming that they don't run home to mama after they get a dose of this. Come on, let's go kick some butt."

"And take names later," Seven sighed again. "I am familiar with this term, B'Elanna Torres. It is in contradiction with Starfleet ideals."

Patting Seven's shoulder again, she smiled wickedly and informed, "Not this time, dollface." As they attached the transmitter to the torpedo casing they had delivered to Engineering, Torres asked quietly, honestly curious, noticing the creases in the blonde's brow, "Why does this bother you so much? You've never been a stickler for Starfleet protocol as long as I've known you."

Seven turned her head toward B'Elanna and answered when she looked back at the work they were doing, as Torres grabbed the spanner from inside her tool jacket pocket, "I do not care about the Fynth, except for the first and her crew. If they ceased to exist tomorrow, it will have little impact on me. However, if Kathryn," she whispered the personal name, "is forced to destroy them, it will impact her greatly. I do not wish her this burden. She has more than a sufficient amount...no more is required."

Knowing that was true, but wanting to lighten Seven's mood, Torres grinned and said, "It might not be like Starfleet, bang, but a Klingon wouldn't hesitate. She's defending your honor…the right is hers."

"B'Elanna Torres, that argument is illogical," Seven stated. "Kathryn is not a Klingon and does not operate under your cultural rules."

"Sure she does," Torres came back rather quickly, and smiling. "She's defending your honor for me since I'm not the captain, and I'm defending her honor by not taking over the ship and kicking their asses trying to defend yours. See how that works?"

Smirking, Seven stated again, "Your argument is overly simplistic and flawed. I am not surprised…it is typical."

Her laughter coming out in a short bark, Torres grinned showing teeth in a semi-snarl and said, "Watch it, kiddo…or I'll kick your skinny butt too."

"You will fail," Seven informed, smirking again and finishing her work. Standing, she turned to Torres, placed her hands behind her back and stated in her best arrogant tone, "Perhaps it is you who should rethink her words…or I will be forced to dangle you from the upper level by your feet until you confess who is superior."

Smiling big and bold, Torres replied, "You're lucky I like you so much, dollface."

"That is correct, B'Elanna Torres…I am fortunate." Placing her hand on her shoulder, she finished, "Thank you for attempting to make me feel better with your illogical extrapolations. It was efficient."

"Anytime," Torres came back, patting her on the shoulder again. Then walking over to Carey, she asked, crisply, "Carey, what's the time on that?"

"Almost done, Lieutenant," the sandy blonde, slightly balding man replied, looking toward the brunette as she stomped toward him. "Ten more minutes."

"Good," she nodded, looking over his shoulder at the readout. Then walking up to the device that was attached to the core itself, she inspected it closely, and then said once she was happy everything was functioning as it should be, but wanting to stay close to the core just in case something went wrong, "Seven, get to work on the scattering field generator. Do you think you can handle that?"

"I am Borg," Seven replied, walking quickly over to the replicator. "Perhaps you should seek assistance from the Doctor with regards to your short term memory capabilities?"

"Perhaps you should seek assistance from him about your cortical implant?" Torres chuckled while Carey sighed at them, as they continued to monitor the distribution of antimatter. "Seems to me that you're stuck in some kind of infinite loop…I am Borg…I am Borg…sound familiar?"

"It is sufficient," informed Seven, continuing to work quickly but smirking with her back to Torres.

"There you go again," Torres vollied with her back to Seven as well, pulling out a tricorder and scanning the warhead's core. "Next you'll say, 'Resistance is futile,' or 'That is correct.'" Shutting the device and nodding at Carey, she stepped up next to him and started the procedure to seal off the warhead's core from the warp core.

"You are in error…again," Seven came back, programming the replicator to produce the scattering field emitter. Taking the device out of the replicator, she turned and offered, "If you require assistance with your thought processes, I would be happy to help you in this endeavor. There are several techniques that we could utilize." Walking over to the torpedo casing with Torres, the duo working in tandem efficiently, Seven went on, "Naomi Wildman would also be willing to assist you as well , I am certain." Then hearing the softest sound from the upper level over Torres hearty laughter, she remarked without looking away from her task, "Captain, your timing is fortunate. Our task is nearly complete."

"What task would that be, Seven," Janeway questioned, sarcastically, climbing down the ladder, "constructing the warhead or belittling my engineer?"

Knowing the tone of the captain's voice as one she reserved for when she was being facetious or was pleased, Seven replied as she entered the final instructions into the device as Torres secured the housing that would hold the core, "Both."

Stopping by Carey first, Janeway took a few moments to observe and inquire about the process and to make doubly certain they were taking the necessary precautions before she headed over to Seven and Torres, saying, "Well, just keep the insults to a dull roar, alright?"

"Yes, Captain," Seven grinned, and then pushed upright from her knees in one fluid movement. Next, looking down at Torres as she finished securing the housing, Seven stated, "Lieutenant Torres, I believe we should test the dispersion field generator before we mount the core."

"Right," the chief grunted, pushing down on the strong metal and sliding it into place forcefully. Then jumping up, she huffed and said, smiling at the captain, "All set." Holding her hand out to Janeway toward the cool blonde who was making her way over toward one of the far sensor boards, she said, "After you."

"Captain," Seven explained, "please return to the torpedo housing. It will be more efficient if I have something to test this against."

Walking back over to where she came, Janeway asked over her shoulder, "Just want is it you plan on doing?"

"I am running a detailed analysis of the immediate area surrounding your position," Seven smirked, glancing up at Janeway quickly, who now hand her hands on her hips and was narrowing her eyes in a flirtatious, but cautionary warning. Nodding to Torres, who activated the dispersion field, she ran the test again and stated, "The dispersion field is activated. I can no longer detect your bio-signature, Captain. Move about the area until I inform you to halt...please."

"There," Torres pointed as the scans detected the captain once again while the redhead slowly walked away from the torpedo and started toward the door, "that's good, Captain." Shutting off the dispersion field, she reported to Janeway, "Looks like this thing will disrupt readings of everything within six meters…that should be plenty to make it pretty darn hard to target, considering it's small to begin with."

"It's done, Lieutenant," Carey informed, looking over at the three women quickly as she finished the final procedure, completely oblivious to the inside joke regarding Seven's 'detailed analysis.' "I'll need your help to disengage the seal."

Jogging over to the core, Torres said after she grabbed the device and disengaged the locking mechanisms, "Okay, go." As the seal was released, and the small, but heavy device popped away, B'Elanna bit down on her bottom lip as she quickly, albeit very carefully, walked toward the torpedo housing. Stopping at the railing, she handed the device to Seven, who was offering her assistance, knowing that Seven should be the one to place the core into the tube since her enhanced strength and sensitivity would be able to best ensure that it didn't breach before they were able to secure it.

"Easy," Janeway whispered as Seven knelt and placed the volatile core into the housing.

Ignoring the comment since it was typical behavior, Seven set the device into the metal, cushioned housing and engaged the containment field which cradled the core and kept it in a state of suspension to compensate for any turbulence the torpedo would experience upon deployment and while it floated in space and awaited detonation. Then sealing the tube, she set the final sequence of commands, which would allow it to be armed and activated from a safe distance. "The warhead is ready."

The captain took a silent breath and then without further delay tapped her communicator, and said, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Go ahead, Captain," Chakotay came back.

"Commander," she informed with no regret or pause in her tone, "the warhead is ready. I'll contact you again from launch control once we've secured it. Stand by. Janeway out." Then turning to Torres and Seven, who were lifting the device onto an anti-grav, it being too heavy and bulky to carry all the way down there, she said, "I'll take this down…I want you two to get to work right away on another device." As Seven and B'Elanna strapped the torpedo down tight, she went on, "Don't disengage the warhead core from the warp core until I tell you." Looking up at Seven, she said quickly, "Seven, make calculations to double the yield, in case they don't get the point."

"Yes, Captain," they both nodded seriously as Janeway grabbed the handle and easily pulled the object behind her as it floated in mid-air. As the ranking officer left the room and the small group of officers that were in Engineering at the time remained quiet, Torres sighed, pushing the seriousness of the captain's statement out of her mind, and said, "Alright people, you heard her…let's do it. Carey, prepare another containment device. Nicoletti, Vorik…you two go down to the Shuttle Bay and give me a reading on the antimatter supply of both shuttles. If we have to, we'll dip into their wells." Then turning to Seven, she said, "Seven, go ahead and start without me. I need to go clear this with the captain."

Not waiting for Seven to answer, Torres took off out of Engineering, jogging fairly quickly and hoping she would catch up to Janeway before she got to the turbolift. Turning the corner, she sighed and slowed her pace as she saw an empty hallway, knowing she would have to wait a moment for the lift since the captain had just used one.

After the doors finally opened for her, she selected the appropriate deck, and as soon as the lift came to a stop and the silver doors parted for her again, she barreled down the corridor and finally whistled loudly to get the captain's attention as the redhead opened the Jefferies Tube hatch and started to lift the anti-grav so that she could slide it into the tunnel. When Janeway looked up at her and then furrowed her brow and remarked, "If I'm not mistaken, Lieutenant, I gave you an order," B'Elanna came to a sliding halt and said in a huff of air, "It's being taken care of, Captain. I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind the company?"

Sighing, Janeway pushed the torpedo into the tunnel, accepted Torres' hand to help her climb in and asked as she started crawling down the long, narrow corridor, "What's on your mind?"

Closing the tube and following the captain, the chief explained, "I'm not questioning your decision, Captain, but if it's okay with you, I'd like to consider using the resources from the shuttles…that is if we have enough to spare in them. I've got Vorik and Nicoletti checking on them now."

"No," the captain came back quickly, "I want both shuttles in full working order just in case we have to fight this out. I'll need all the firepower we've got, and some way to get Seven to safety in case we're overtaken. The Flyer's fast enough to be able to get away from any of their ships."

When they reached the end of the tunnel, Kathryn said, climbing down and pushing the anti-grav out of the way so she could open the lower hatch, "That reminds me…I need a favor of you."

"What's that?" Torres asked, climbing down the stairs first so she could make certain the torpedo would come to a smooth landing.

Engaging the forcefield on the anti-grav and then tilting it so that it was now vertical and could fit through the opening to the torpedo room, she explained, "If things get messy, and it looks like we're going to be boarded, I don't want you to wait for me to give you an order…I want you to take Seven, Naomi and her mother, and run. Is that understood?"

Torres waited to respond until she had set the anti-grav aside for fear she would get clumsy and forget what she was doing in her anger, and said, grabbing Janeway's hips and pulling her down quickly, "Captain, I'm not leaving you here…and neither will Seven."

Pushing away from Torres, the captain said, clipped, "I think you hit your head earlier harder than you thought, Lieutenant. Despite what I said, this isn't a favor…it's an order." Disengaging the straps, she asked, "Are we clear on that now?"

Holding onto the wrung of the ladder so tight she thought that perhaps she was going to pull it away from the wall, Torres continued, "Captain, just forget for a minute about me. I don't care what you say, there is no way Seven is ever going to leave you…and despite what I say," she added with sarcasm, "I can't overpower her." Forcing herself to take a deep breath and ease down on the aggression for a moment as the captain finished what she was doing and went over to the torpedo chute, opening the hatch, she continued, "Captain, she won't do it. She won't comply…you have to know that."

"Yes, I know that," Janeway replied testy, her conversation with Devin playing on her mind over and over again, "but it won't be a problem. I'll give you a hypospray so that you can sedate her for a while…long enough to get off of Voyager, and far enough away that she won't try to come back."

"Kathryn, that's crazy!" Torres shouted, now furious. "One, you're asking me to go behind her back and dishonor her." When Janeway turned around and glared at her, Torres didn't back down and went on, "Two, you're assuming that she won't try to come back, which is completely crap…she'll do it, I know it, and three, you're assuming that I won't let her."

"I'm not asking you, Lieutenant," Kathryn came back quickly and equally loud, "I'm telling you. This isn't a democracy. I'm giving you an order and I expect you to follow it."

"No, you're asking me to choose between your will and hers, and I won't do it," Torres growled heatedly, pacing back and forth now. "That's not fair, Kathryn…and don't you dare tell me that your will is all that matters because if this was a real command decision then you would have asked someone other than your Chief Engineer to pilot. I can't fly worth shit, and you know that."

Mad as hell because she had been caught, Janeway spun around and started working again, slamming things around and said, "Fine! Just forget I said anything then. Report back to Engineering, Lieutenant. I can handle this on my own."

"If you think for one minute I'm walking away from you right now, you've got another thing coming," Torres rallied, standing her ground.

Standing straight, Janeway spun around, placing her hands on her hips but keeping her distance for fear that her heart would betray her in this moment, and barked, "I just gave you an order, Miss Torres. Dismissed."

"You can give me orders all day long, but I'm not leaving until we've talked about this...or you have me hauled away," Torres reported, climbing the ladder and closing the hatch so that their voices wouldn't carry. Then getting back to work, she said, going over to the one side of the torpedo, "Captain, you're going to have to help me…I can't pick this up on my own."

Sighing, Janeway marched over to the device, picked up her end and slid it into place, saying, "This is exactly why captain's are not supposed to get involved with members of their crew, B'Elanna." Sliding the tube into place, she slammed the hatch, it being her turn to demonstrate her aggression and said, shaking her head, "I can't believe you're putting me in this position."

"I'm not putting you in this position...you are," Torres reminded immediately, walking up to her. "I don't know what's going on in that head of yours, but I think maybe you've had too much coffee."

"Goddammit, B'Elanna, this isn't funny!" Janeway spat, turning toward her. "You've just defied a direct order, and you don't have the excuse that you spent most of your life as a Borg drone to help your case. What the hell am I supposed to do with you now?"

"Whatever you do, don't ask me to leave you behind to be slaughtered," Torres returned, raising her voice at first, grabbing her shoulders and pushing her back against the wall, but not hurtful. "I won't do it, Red…never, and I don't care how mad it makes you, or how hard it makes your job. I won't dishonor you by running like a coward…ever. Period."

Grabbing Torres arms and forcing them off of her, which wasn't difficult since B'Elanna would never manhandle Kathryn, she said, "You're objections are duly noted, Lieutenant." Then tapping her communicator, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Chakotay here."

Cranky, she barked, "Get us into position and deploy the warhead."

"Acknowledged," he responded and approximately a minute later when the loud but not deafening sound of the torpedo door opening and forcing the warhead out into space, he reported, "The torpedo is away, Captain."

"Keep and eye on it and contact Seven in Engineering…so she can do what she needs to do. Then put us back on course. Janeway out."

Looking at Torres, Janeway spat, "I don't have time to argue with you, so you're just going to have to be mad at me."

Bewildered, B'Elanna asked, grabbing her shoulders again before she slipped past her, "What the hell is going on with you?"

Sighing, frustrated and exhausted, Janeway again moved Torres' arms off of her and replied, "I'm getting tired of repeating myself." Taking a step to the side and said, "Now, if you'll excuse me."

Torres sidestepped at the same time, blocking her way and said, "Don't walk away from me, Red…please, don't do this." When Janeway's stare faltered just a instant as Torres pleaded with her, B'Elanna didn't waist a second and said, grabbing her waist, "Please, cowgirl, talk to me…please don't walk away from me now."

Folding, Janeway sank into Torres' arms and whispered, "Lanna." Wrapping her arms around her and holding her tightly, she continued, "I'm sorry for what I said…and I'm not mad at you for not following my orders. They weren't good orders anyhow."

Rubbing Janeway's back, the chief held her close and whispered, having a feeling what was bringing this one, "Red, you can't kill yourself over this too." Pulling away after leaning them up against the wall, she titled Janeway's face to hers and said, "I know this hurts you, but you can't blame yourself. This isn't the Federation…there's no one for us to call, and we haven't done jack shit to these people. They're the ones doing this to themselves, and you know they have to know that we'll fight them. They're willing to take that chance."

"Oh, but B'Elanna, they don't know," Janeway whispered, shaking her head and holding back her tears for all she was worth. "They don't know what they're doing…I'm sure their government has lied to them." Sighing heavily and pressing her face back into B'Elanna's neck, she continued to whisper, "I'm going to kill hundreds of innocent people today... all because I can't make up my mind which rules to break and which rules to follow." Speaking now mostly to herself, she sighed, barely audible, "It's disgraceful…I don't know why you all even tolerate me anymore..."

"You are not a disgrace," Torres pulled back again, speaking firmly with feeling, reaching up and wiping the single tear that was falling down Kathryn's cheek. "You are good." Shaking her a little, the engineer remarked with the utmost sincerity, "You are a good person, Kathryn…you're the best person I know. You care so goddamn much about things that most people don't even think about." Then hugging her, she finished, "But you can't keep doing this to yourself." After a few moments, she looked back at Kathryn's face again and smiled, "Baby, you know my world revolves around you, but the world doesn't revolve around you and your decisions. You can't blame everything bad that happens in this quadrant on yourself." Smiling brighter as Janeway sighed and shook her head, she clasped onto her chin again and said, "You're just a redhead cowgirl trying to get a bunch of fuck-ups home safely." When the captain exhaled in sorrowful humor, exhaustion, misery, and regret, Torres hugged her again and said softly, rubbing her back, "Kathryn, I love you, and I know I don't know anything about what it means to be you, but I don't like to see you like this. It's not right…you are good…I swear it…on my honor."

The captain moved her head so she could kiss the engineer and said, "I love you, Lanna." Then resting her forehead against Torres', she sniffled, not allowing herself to cry beyond that single tear and whispered, "I'm sorry," sighing, "I just don't know how to do this right anymore sometimes."

"I know," B'Elanna whispered back, moving her head and kissing Janeway's forehead. "None of us do, but we've got to stick together…as long as we stick together, we're doing this right. It's all we can do."

"Seven of Nine to Captain Janeway."

Kathryn took a moment to swallow down her emotion and clear her throat before she responded to the hail, knowing if her voice wavered in the least, Seven would detect it immediately and probably be down there in less than a minute, demanding the know what had occurred. Then tapping her communicator as Torres remained close to her, but gave her a little space to be the captain, she said, "Janeway here."

Seven paused for a few beats, detecting a modulation in the captain's tone and then finally went on, "Captain, I have engaged the scattering field and armed the warhead. Do you want me to transfer control to Tactical?"

"Yes," the captain nodded as she spoke out of habit. "Was there anything else?"

"That is all," Seven answered, but did not attempt to end the conversation, knowing that something was bothering Janeway but not wanting to get into it unless the captain did so.

Understanding what Seven was doing, Janeway turned one corner of her mouth up sighing and said, "Everything's fine, Seven. Thank you. Janeway out." Then looking over at Torres who was chuckling, she shook her head and allowed a small laugh to escape her lips before she continued, "I'd swear she was a telepath if I didn't know better." Pulling Torres close to her again, Janeway kissed her softly and then said, "Thank you again for being so wonderful to me...and I'm truly sorry for what I said." When B'Elanna winked at her and informed the captain that she was used to her coffee overdoses, Janeway rolled her eyes, then patting her bottom once as she walked way, she finished, "Let's go before she comes down here looking for us."

"Janeway to Seven of Nine," the captain hailed after tapping her communicator.

"I am here, Captain," Seven responded in her normal way.

"Seven," Janeway asked, rubbing her thumb and first to fingers together as she spoke, seated in her command chair on the Bridge looking up slightly, "I know you're busy, but would it be possible for you to transfer your work to the Bridge Engineering station for a few minutes? We're preparing to discuss a few tactical strategies with the Alaxiat, and I'd like your input."

"I will comply."

Nodding, Janeway turned her head over and up to Operations and said, "Hail them."

"On screen, Captain," Kim informed bypassing the whole formal procedure since he knew that it wasn't necessary anymore with the Alaxiat.

When only the first appeared on the screen, Janeway started, "First, would it be possible for you to gather your department heads so that we can talk about a defense strategy in case our warheads aren't enough to deter the fleet?"

Devin bobbed her head once, and pressed one of her long, golden, and bony fingers to her sensor board which surrounded her chair that was planted in the middle of the small, circular room and stated, "Lieutenant Fowler, gather members from all primary systems and report to central…we have no time to meander." Then turning back to Janeway, she stated, "They will be with us shortly."

"Thank you," Janeway replied, doing her very best to hide her laughter at the older woman's ways of ordering her crew to do her bidding. Then glancing over at Chakotay, who was also trying to hide his smirk, she whispered, "Maybe I should try that sometime, huh?"

"Couldn't hurt," Chakotay whispered as Seven of Nine appeared on the Bridge and started immediately for the small Engineering section that was located to the far left of the Bridge toward the back corner without saying a word.

Getting up, Janeway followed her over there and said quietly, "I won't keep you long…how is everything coming along down there?"

"The process is now efficient," Seven reported evenly, working her board and not looking up from it. The glancing over at Janeway just for an instant, she went on, smirking just faintly, "There is no need to 'rush,' Captain. I am capable of performing both tasks simultaneously."

As Fowler and three other Fynth officers, all of them the same ones that had accompanied the first to Voyager for the dinner party, Janeway rallied softly, and winking, "Never doubted you for a moment." Quickly turning, the compact redhead said as she made her way back to her chair, "It's good to see you, Lieutenant…how's my crew?"

Clearing her throat and hoping her voice didn't sound as hoarse as she thought it did since she felt like she had talked, schooled, stroked egos, whispered, and yelled more in the last day than she had ever been required to do so in her life, Fowler croaked, unsuccessful, "Everything's fine, Captain."

Janeway bit down on her tongue as she was tempted to tease the pilot about the frog in her throat and said, sitting down, "Glad to hear it." Then catching Chakotay's knowing glance, she held it for an instant, communicating silently as all good captains and first officers did, and continued as she turned her stare back to the viewscreen, "First, how many shuttle craft do you have aboard your vessel?"

"Only the one yacht," Devin answered quickly. Then continuing, expecting the questions, she said, "It is capable of traveling at a," nodding her head, "warp factor of seven, but standard speeds for this vessel are five. Any more, and again, the resources become taxed rather swiftly."

"What about weapons?" asked the tall, handsome commander, leaning toward the captain in his chair.

"The Lastrik boasts three standard laser pulse arrays," replied Shreen, the only other female guardian who was the first's yacht pilot. "As well as two photonic cannons…one forward and one aft, capable of distributing a spherical pulse, when engaged together." When the captain and the commander, as well as Harry Kim and Tom Paris chuckled to themselves, the black-haired woman titled her head and glanced at Devin who was also watching the human's reactions with curious interest.

Clearing her throat, Janeway smiled and said, "Thank you, Miss Shreen. You'll have to forgive us…I'm sure your photonic cannon is impressive." Then sighing when they continued to look confounded, she explained, "It's a long story…one I'm sure our Doctor will be happy to tell you about someday." Then sitting back and settling herself, she crossed her legs and went on, "As you know, First, we have two shuttle craft. Now, the Sri Lanka isn't much of a powerhouse, but combined with the Delta Flyer, they're both fast and maneuverable enough to do significant damage in a dogfight. The Flyer is faster than any of the Fynth fleet, and thanks to some entanglements we've had with the Borg, we know she's a tough little ship." Looking down at Tom Paris, she ordered, "Tom, go down to the Shuttle Bay and run a full diagnostic of both shuttles, and prep them both for flight. Make sure they're equipped with plenty of field rations and emergency supplies. Report back when you're done." As the first made the same order to her own pilot and Nicole Fowler, Janeway asked as Baker slid into Voyager's helm, "Harry, how long before the first wave of vessels come within range of the warhead?"

"Five ships will be right on top of it in twenty minutes, Captain," Kim reported, looking up from his board.

"Seven," Janeway questioned, getting up from her chair and making her way up to Tactical quickly, thinking she had more time than that, "how long for your calculations?"

"They are complete, Captain," Seven informed, still working her fingers. "Currently, I am running a simulation to detail the effect of such an explosion." Then looking up as Janeway went over to Tactical and asked Tuvok to bring up the sensor data on the approaching vessels, she offered, "The most efficient use of our current warhead is to detonate it exactly one point seven two seconds before the vessels surpass its position. The explosion will do three things at that point. It will disrupt their warp bubbles instantly, causing them to drop out of warp, where they will be unable to outrun the shockwave, which will destroy them, undoubtedly. The subspace fractures will expand from the epicenter and force following vessels to change course or drop out of warp to navigate the terrain." Placing her hands behind her back, she offered, "If we detonate the device prior to that, or after that, it is not guaranteed that they will not be neutralized."

Nodding to Seven, Janeway looked up and Tuvok and said, "Program the computer to track the vessels and detonate the warhead according to Seven's calculations." Then looking up at Devin, she said, "First, if this doesn't stop them, we're going to deploy another warhead as soon as possible." Looking back at Seven she asked, "Any idea how long it will take you to put it together once we know for certain?"

"The device is ready, Captain," Seven stated. "Currently, we are awaiting your orders on the yield. The antimatter extraction will take an hour once we restart the process. We have gathered enough to duplicate this weapon's power at the moment."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Janeway thought silently as she slowly made her way over to Seven of Nine. Coming to a rest against the console, she asked, looking back over at Operations, "Harry, if an hour from after we detonate the first warhead, we launch another one, and assuming that the vessel's following the first wave skirt the subspace tears, can you give me an estimate on how long it will take for them to reach the next one?"

"Give me a minute, Captain," Harry nodded, getting to work at programming the scenario into his console. Then after a few moments, he said, "Ten more ships will be in range in a little over two hours…fifteen total are in the second wave, but five would have to go through the debris field."

When the captain turned quickly toward her and nodded down at the sensor board, silently requesting her to give her a report, Seven worked up the scenario swiftly and reported, "If Ensign Kim's projections are correct, five vessels would be vaporized…three would be destroyed beyond repair, and the final two would mostly likely be left adrift, unable to continue their pursuit…continuing with the theory that ten will emerge first. The other thirty-eight vessels would be unaffected...however, they would have to detour half a light year in all directions completely. The damage to subspace will be too extensive for them to navigate through. If that were to occur, I can estimate that the next series of vessels will intercept us ten hours after that…however, that event would occur well beyond their territory."

Kathryn remained quiet for a few more moments as she thought out all the possibilities that were certain to her, and then asked, turning toward the viewscreen, "First, you said you have data on the space surrounding the Fynth territory?"

"For three hundred spatial grids," the first answered proudly.

"I know right now the best course to be on is our current one, but I'm wondering that once we clear this territory, if it might be better to change course to put some room between us the and the remaining fleet? That's assuming that they continue to pursue us. Would it possible for you to transfer that data to Voyager so that we can analyze it in our Astrometrics lab? I'd rather not have to go too far off course for the Alpha Quadrant, but that's better than a direct confrontation."

Working her long fingers over the console to her right, she nodded and stated, "You should be receiving the transmission as we speak…it is extensive."

"Download in progress, Captain…I'm transferring the data to Astrometrics," Kim reported.

"Seven, go ahead and transfer your calculations back to Engineering and inform the chief of the situation, then report back to Astrometrics and get to work on this…I think Miss Torres and her staff can handle the rest," Janeway ordered.

"Yes, Captain," Seven nodded and began working quickly.

Leaving Seven's side after patting her arm, Janeway went back down to the command deck of her Bridge and asked, sitting down, "Tuvok, what's the time?"

"Ten minutes and eighteen seconds. "

Opening the console to her left so that she and Chakotay could have a look at the data, she leaned over and said, raising her head, "Harry, make sure you gather as much sensor data as possible on the explosion…then transfer that down to Astrometrics as well."

"Captain," Devin spoke up, continuing to see to her tasks, "I'm also transferring all of my data on Fynth tactical strategies, flight patterns, and vessel specifications." Then smirking somewhat, the tall, grey-haired woman added, "Included in this information are my own personal notes regarding my observations of weaknesses in our fleet's tactics or ship design, as well as consistent wartime behavior of a few of my former colleagues." When Janeway raised her eyebrows in surprise, she nodded her head and explained, "As I said before, my guardians and I have worked together for a great length…if you and yours had not stumbled upon our space, we would have made a defection on our own shortly. Your cause has only hastened our agenda, and given us the opportunity to further our own ideals, and set a final destination."

Janeway nodded, then replied, "Thank you…any information you can give us will be helpful, even if we never use it other than to make a report to Starfleet command."

Leaning over close to the redhead, Chakotay whispered, "You know, of course I'm not happy about this situation, but I have to admit that it's kind of nice to think that we'll have a little company for the rest of this journey. This could really work out to our advantage."

Too tense to smile at this point since she knew that in a little over five minutes she was going to destroy five vessels with one blow, the captain leaned over close to him and responded, "I know what you mean." Then looking up from the display and into his kind face, she went on, "Certainly, I don't want to give up any of my crew, but I know that there will probably be a few that will want to stay on with Devin permanently…and I'm not going to stop them." Sighing, she shook her head a little and said, "When this is all over, you and I are going to have a lot of wrangling to do, I'm afraid. I don't know yet how many people she'll need on duty all of the time, but I'm certainly not going to let her run herself and her crew into the deck trying to keep up. I guess it will just hinge on how many want to work for her permanently?"

Smiling softly, Chakotay patted her arm and said, "Not as many as you think." Then chuckling a little, he went on, "I know it's a conversation that you and she will have to have in private, but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't care to watch you two fight out just who is going to be top dog of our extended family."

"I'll bet," Janeway managed to crack a sarcastic smile. Then winking at him, she smirked and whispered, "If I were a gambling woman, Chakotay, I'd bet the farm on the 'stubborn and willful' redhead." Then looking over at Devin who was now out of her chair and walking around, her uniform which consisted of a white one piece jumpsuit that was padded quite thickly, more than likely because they were so thin and probably prone to broken bones and bruises, with golden stripes that ran around the cuff of the long sleeve and down the leg of the pants which seemed to denote rank, she said quickly, "Although, I doubt I'll get her into a Starfleet uniform anytime soon," which of course, she knew Chakotay understood was a joke, since she would never attempt to push Starfleet apparel onto the woman and her crew, but she knew that if they were going to remain as team for the rest of the way home, they would have to have a discussion about their ideals and come to an agreement. Janeway wasn't completely looking forward to the 'talk', but she knew that when it was over, that Devin would agree that Voyager would be the lead ship, simply because it was the superior vessel, which meant that the captain would continue to be the master of her own domain. Furthermore, she felt that Devin would understand that that meant that she would need to operate in accordance with Janeway's wishes during first contact situations and any ensuing problems, but Janeway was also willing to compromise and would agree that when times were quiet, she wouldn't interfere with Devin's day to day activities or orders and respect her as the commander of her own vessel. Kathryn understood that this agreement would undoubtedly incur several bumps in the road simply because that was life, and two people rarely ever agreed all of the time, but she was fairly confident that they would find their way. At this point, Janeway felt that if she had managed to keep a crew of Starfleet officers, Maquis vigilantes, Delta Quadrant natives, which included one extraordinarily willful ex-Borg drone together, then she could probably board a Klingon Bird of Prey or a Romulan Warbird and effectively lead them as well, even if under her confident exterior she was certain she was straying very far away from everything she knew to be true before the Delta Quadrant.

"The first wave is approaching the warhead. Detonation will occur in approximately thirty seconds," reported Tuvok, looking up from Tactical.

Janeway nodded and forced herself to show absolutely no doubts as to her decision. Standing, she quickly made her way over to Tactical, wanting to stand next to her long time friend during this terrible occasion, needing his unwavering support to steel herself against her own inward contradictions. Passing around him, Janeway leaned in close on his right side where he stood and watched with her, not needing to work his board at the moment since the computer had taken over all operations of the warhead.

When Tuvok dropped his arm to his side, Janeway snatched it up as the seconds ticked down and wrapped her hand into his, knowing that he would understand that she was silently asking for his personal support, which he understood since that was why he dropped his hand, knowing she would wish to connect with him at this moment. As the countdown reached less than five seconds, Janeway unconsciously held her breath and didn't allow herself to close her eyes for a second, while she asked no one in particular for forgiveness, and then looked down at the board again just as the warhead was detonated.

Squeezing Tuvok's hand once in thanks, she nodded and exhaled quickly, leaving him and moving over to Operations, barking, "Report."

"Data is coming in now," Harry answered, moving his hands as fast as he could, activating certain sensors and deactivating the ones he didn't require, or weren't giving him accurate information due to the severity of the explosion and the damage it did to subspace which made his job somewhat more complicated. "The shockwave is expanding, Captain…three ship's were caught in the initial explosion, as far as I can tell," he added, hoping she would understand that meant that they were completely gone so he didn't have to say it aloud, "and the others were caught in the shockwave." Looking over at her as she stood close to him with her arm on his back, he said softly, "One is…partially adrift."

Nodding, knowing that meant only a part of the vessel was left, she asked quickly looking at the data and not seeing the information for herself right away, hoping she was just missing something, "The others…are they following?"

"Unknown," Kim explained. "The damage to subspace is also interfering with our sensor's capabilities. We won't know until they either go around or navigate through the wake. Should be only a few minutes, Captain. If they're going to follow, they'll need to do it quick or they'll never be able to catch up to us without going way beyond their territory."

Nodding, she said, "Let me know the minute you get something." Then leaving him, she looked up at Devin quickly, who was keeping her cool but obviously doing her best to pay the captain little attention at this time so her pain wasn't visible, and continued toward her Ready Room, announcing, "I need some coffee…Chakotay, you have the Bridge."

"Aye, Captain," Chakotay nodded, knowing that the captain needed a moment to herself, wishing she'd invite him in, but understanding why she didn't.

Sighing, Harry slapped his hand down on his board in frustration and said quickly before the captain escaped into her Ready Room, "Captain, they're still pursuing." Then looking back at his board as she cursed audibly, "I'm reading…thirteen ships so far…more data is coming in as the subspace tears continue to dissipate."

Devin spat a foreign curse as well that couldn't be comprehended by the universal translator and said, "Kathryn, my apologies again for my former government's behavior. It is obvious that they have filled the fleet with unspeakable deception."

Starting up the stairs, Janeway returned, angered, "Devin, don't apologize to me anymore…I'm sorry that you have to watch this. Chakotay, I'll be in Engineering…so much for a coffee break."

"Chief," Janeway barked, pointing to Torres and Carey who were monitoring the stagnant device attached the warp core, marching into Engineering with a serious charge to her step, "double the yield on that core."

Spinning around, startled by the harsh tone, Torres sighed, knowing that meant that the Fynth were persisting and said, nodding and turning back around, tapping Carey on the shoulder, "Aye, Captain." When she heard the captain's footfalls stop to her left, she looked over that shoulder and stated, "It's going to take us just under an hour to harness the antimatter."

Looking up at her precious warp core, the single most important part of her ship, Janeway asked, "Can we do two at one time?"

Torres clenched her jaw, took a breath to keep her irritation at this situation and how it was pushing their already tough to replace resources beyond advisable limits and said, "I can't advise that, Captain."

"I didn't ask if you advise it, I asked if it can be done," Janeway came back quickly and authoritatively, but not entirely harsh.

"We can do it, but again, it's going to put strain on the core, Captain," Torres replied, turning toward her and crossing her arms over her muscled and tight chest. "I can't responsibly recommend it to you."

"Understood, do it anyway, and call me when this one is ready to go," Janeway came back with haste. When Torres clenched her jaw again but nodded, Janeway stopped her from walking away and said, "If it becomes too much, then you have my authorization to stop the process, but I want to be prepared to deploy another one of these as soon as possible…I'm not sure what it's going to take to get them to back the hell off. Understood?"

"HIja' (Yes)," Torres growled instinctively, incensed, growing impatient and even more easily aggravated by her exhaustion and the situation which was causing her to have to do potential damage to the vessel she worked so very hard to keep together.

Surprised, but not offended, Janeway patted her shoulder and rallied with emphasis, walking away, "tlhlngan Hol vIjatlhlaHbe' (I don't speak Klingon), B'Elanna," raising her hand and shaking her finger over her head.

Torres sighed and then laughed, replying as Kathryn started out of the door, shaking her fist in the air, "Do'Ha' (That is unfortunate)."

"What did she say?" asked Carey when Torres came over to him and gave him a hearty slap on the back, feeling recharged again thanks to the captain, who never ceased to surprise her.

"She told me doesn't speak Klingon," Torres informed, moving over to the replicator to produce another core containment device, laughing. Then looking over at Carey, who seemed confused, B'Elanna sighed and resisted the urge to hit the sometimes very dense, and boring man upside the head, and said, "Joe...it's a joke…laugh, it's funny."

"Kathryn," Seven said, not looking over her shoulder as Janeway came into Astrometrics, "the Fynth obviously continue to be interested in running a detailed analysis of my body."

"Are you going to make a bad joke every time I come in here from now on?" Janeway asked, shooting her a disapproving look as she came to a halt next to her.

"That is correct," Seven stated fast and flat, ignorning the captain's bad mood because she knew very well what emtions Kathryn was experiencing. Then putting her arm around Janeway for a moment as she side-stepped her, she stated, "However, only when I feel that you require one. This situation is clearly difficult on many levels. I am attempting to 'lighten the mood.'"

"You've been spending too much time with B'Elanna, I think," Janeway came back, moving out of her way. When Seven nodded and stated that was a possibility, Janeway finally chuckled, shaking her head and asked, "Okay, so, what have you got for me?"

Seven turned toward the captain looked her up and down on purpose, raised her eyebrow and then stated turning back to her board as Janeway sighed, shaking her head and schooled her with another disapproving glance, which the Borg knew was only for show because she was the captain, and answered, with a question to clarify, "What information do you require first?"

"Let's go over what you have so far on possible course changes," Janeway answered as she turned and started to the stairs, preferring to stand up on the dais to look at the data on the large viewscreen, mostly because it was easier for her to see it clearly.

Bringing up the area and zooming in on their exact location, Seven stated, "Once we reach this territory's boundary, there are two viable course changes we could make. The first," she brought up the graphic, detailing the projected course with a red line, "heading would continue to take us away from Fynth space as well as the remainder of the fleet. Interception would still be possible…here," she zoomed in on the area, "however, that would take them five light years from the outer edge of their territory. At this time, I cannot give an estimate on how likely that scenario is. This course also bypasses all surrounding inhabited sectors and is relatively free of spatial phenomenon. It would be 'clear sailing.'"

Turning around, Janeway grinned crookedly at Seven, as she did whenever the younger woman used an adage correctly, and asked, "Okay, what's the next one?"

Seven detailed that course change in a similar fashion and explained once the captain's attention was back to the viewer, "This course will make interception virtually impossible, Captain. There is a sizable nebulous rift that stretches across three sectors that would come between us and them. They would not be able to scan us through this rift, as we would them...however, the rift is dense enough that we could take a perpendicular course once the rift is between us and put enough distance between us and them that any hope of interception would be minimal, to say the least."

"I'm sensing a but coming on," Kathryn said over her shoulder.

"That is correct," Seven nodded. "From the information that the first has given us, this area is highly traveled and several species are at odds over ownership of the region. Apparently, unscrupulous individuals prefer to use this area to attack unknowing vessels."

"Pirates…that's all we need," Janeway mumbled, looking at the data. When Seven queried, she turned and explained, "Pirates, Seven, hide out in nebulas or anywhere where it makes it difficult for ships to detect them, and then swoop in fast and take advantage of the element of surprise." Coming down the stairs, she said, "It's an old sea fairing term. Pirates have been around for a long, long time." Shaking her head, she said, "They can be pretty ruthless sometimes, and do just about anything to anyone to get what they want."

Seven tapped a few sensors, deleting that course selection and stated, "Then it is not an option. I believe we have encountered enough 'pirates' as of late."

Janeway couldn't agree more, so she let the fact that Seven was making such a decision go and said, coming over to her and patting her on the back, "I know. Well," she sighed, "I guess then if they continue to persist after the next round, then well look at this option more closely. Have the computer run an analysis of this area. I want to be prepared for everything." As Seven did that, Janeway paced around behind her, rubbing the back of her neck and yawning, then finally asked, going back over to the stairs and taking a seat, starting to have a great deal of difficulty fighting her exhaustion, "Okay, so what information do you have about the Fynth fleet that we can use to our advantage, in case we run into them?"

"The first regal has detailed several observations," the tall blonde stated, not needing to use her board to explain this information since all of it was now stored in her memory files. Turning toward Janeway and walking up to her, placing her hands behind her back as she recited, "They have three standard attack formations that they utilize a majority of the time. I have retrieved the specific data and transferred the information to the helm, as well as to the Sri Lanka and the Delta Flyer." After Janeway nodded and then leaned back on her elbows as she continued to listen, Seven went on, "The smaller vessels, the 'sideline' class, have a weakness in their shield matrix, which we can use to our benefit. However, in order to take advantage of this design flaw, one of our vessels would have to get within transporter range. We could then beam a photon torpedo into the small aft section, which is unprotected, and detonate it from within the vessel. The proximity is close enough to their power generator that is would undoubtedly destroy them. This will require precise calculations."

Letting her tired eyes travel up Seven's heavenly form, her depletion keeping her from resisting, Janeway grinned though somewhat lidded eyes and said, "Hmm, well…I'm sure you could take care of that."

"That is correct," the Borg came back, raising her eyebrow and titling her head, cocky, as she noticed the captain admiring her body. Allowing the inspection without making comment, she went on, "The first regal also states that the Fynth are not tedious as to changing their command codes at the prescribed intervals, and she has a lengthy record of the codes for several of the large vessels, like her own. If these codes are indeed correct, that would make it possible for us to disable their shields for a long enough period for us to mount an effective assault."

Yawning again, Janeway apologized and then chuckled, sitting up straighter, "Remind me to stay on Devin's good side, huh?"

As the captain stood, Seven offered her hand and said softly, "I will comply." Then stepping up close to the captain, who was at the same height as she because she was standing on the bottom step, Seven said, brushing her red hair behind her ear for her, "You are required to regenerate."

Grabbing Seven's hand, Janeway kissed it quickly and said, "I'll think about it." The placing her arms across Seven's shoulder, she smiled and requested, "But, why don't you give me a kiss to tide me over, huh?"

"Computer, seal the Astrometrics lab, authorization Borg alpha ten epsilon," Seven stated, placing her hands on Janeway's hips, then explained, "I do not wish to be disturbed at this moment."

"Mmm, you say the sweetest things," Janeway smiled before her lips connected with the blonde's. Slowly, she pulled away after a few blissful moments, letting her lips and forehead linger against Seven's as she whispered, "I love you." After kissing her again quickly, she informed, "I'll rest after we deploy the next warhead." Walking away, she patted Seven's bottom and said, after she unsealed the door, "After you're done in here, I want you to have a supplement and then go help in Engineering. And, if you need to regenerate, go ahead…do it while we have the time to spare."

"Yes, Captain," Seven nodded, turning back to her console.

The captain fought off another series of yawns as the turbolift doors opened and deposited her onto Deck One. Stepping out immediately, she said, "Report," as she came up to Operations.

"Fifteen ships are now barring down on us, Captain," Chakotay reported from Operations where he was watching the events unfold along with Ensign Kim. "Three vessels seem to be investigating the scene of the first explosion. The rest are hanging back a little, but still on course." As Janeway came over, he took a step back to make room for her and asked, "What's the status on the second warhead?"

"Torres and Carey are working on it now…they should have it finished within the next half hour," the captain answered, looking over the sensor data and tapping a sensor strip to bring up a more detailed analysis of the three ships that were hanging back, not surprised to find that they were three of the lesser capable vessels in the Fynth fleet. Nodding at Kim and Chakotay to carry on, she said, heading back to her Ready Room, "I'll be in my Ready Room, gentlemen."

"Torres to Janeway."

Sighing, Janeway tapped her communicator where she stopped in the center of her Bridge and said, "Go ahead, B'Elanna."

"Captain, we're about ready down here."

"On my way," the captain responded, shaking her head and starting back up the stairs. "Seems like I'm just not supposed to have any more coffee today," she mumbled under her breath while Chakotay shot her a rueful smile. "Deck Ten," she snapped after stepping into the lift. As the lift started to descend, the captain pinched the bridge of her nose as she leaned against the back wall, and when the lift stopped, she started out of the open doors, but then halted as she realized she hadn't arrived to correct deck yet and the small form of her assistant appeared in the doorway. Frowning, Janeway questioned as the girl stepped into the lift and smiled brightly at her, "Naomi, where are you going?"

"I'm going home, Captain," the young girl reported. When the captain looked unhappily at her, she said quickly, "I was just taking a walk. I got bored…was that bad?"

Sighing as the lift stopped and the doors opened, the captain took her hand and informed as she walked her home, "No, sweetheart, that wasn't wrong. You know you're not supposed to go out of your quarters during a red alert though, right?"

"Yes, Captain," Naomi nodded quickly, sighing, thinking for sure she was about to get in trouble. "What's wrong, Captain? How come you're mad? Did someone do something bad?"

Forcing her face to brighten, she squeezed Naomi's hand and whispered, "I just didn't get to have my coffee yet." Then poking her stomach, she laughed, "And you know how much I like coffee."

Giggling at the touch, the small carrot top nodded and replied, "Oh, I know, Captain…Mommy won't let me have coffee, she says it will stunt my growth. What does that mean, Captain?"

Chucking, imaging the young girl attempting to emulate her mentor by ordering cup after glorious cup of coffee, Janeway explained as they approached the door, "It means that you won't grow as tall as you should if you drink it. And she's right…it's not for little girls."

"Captain, when I'm old enough to read your other books, can we have coffee while we talk about them?"

"Probably, but you'll have to ask your mother," the captain informed, tapping the sensor on the girl's door for her. Then before she let go of her hand, Janeway stepped into the cabin, knelt down and said, pulling Naomi over to her, "I want you to promise me that you'll stay in here until the all clear is given. Understood?"

Turning serious, the young girl nodded shyly and said in a half whisper, "Are bad things going to happen again?"

Janeway pulled the child into a hug and whispered back, "Not if I have anything to about it, they won't. There's nothing for you be afraid about, but I still want you to stay in here so I don't have to worry about you too, okay?"

"I promise, Captain…I won't go anywhere," Naomi vowed, embracing the captain tightly. "I won't be afraid…honest."

Janeway laughed once, which came out in a small barking like sound, and said, pulling away, "Thank you." Then tapping her cheek, she requested, "Kiss me." After the child did so, Janeway kissed the side of her forehead and then stood, forcing herself not to groan at the movement, saying, "Okay, I've got to run before B'Elanna sends a search party looking for me." Standing in the doorway, she looked around and then whispered, turning back around, "Rule number four about being a starship captain: Never be so late that your staff has to send a search party to find you…it looks bad." When Naomi nodded and gave a thumb's up, a move she had learned from Torres, Janeway winked at her and left quickly.

In less than a minute, Janeway was breezing into Engineering, decidedly more cheerful than she would have been if she hadn't run into Naomi and said, walking quickly over to Torres who was closing up the second torpedo tube casing, "Report."

"This one's done, Captain," Torres said, turning her head as she heard the distinctive sound of the captain's heels clicking steadily on the metal ground even before she heard the redhead's even more telling voice. Then nodding over to the other engineers, she went on, "Carey and Vorik are looking after the second one." Standing up, she sighed and admitted, "Looks like the core's handling the load fine…you were right."

Patting her engineer on the back as Nicoletti started toward them with the anti-grav, the captain whispered, "I didn't get this job just because I look good in the uniform, Chief." After a few beats, "Thank you, Ensign," she said to the small, quiet brunette who simply nodded and went back to her other tasks. Bending over, she and Torres picked up the torpedo and placed it as delicately as possible as Seven of Nine emerged from the doorway, carrying a supplement and drinking it quickly as she walked.

"Do you require assistance?" asked Seven, taking the glass from her lips and coming to a halt near the smaller women.

As Janeway strapped down the torpedo casing, B'Elanna grabbed Seven's, drink took a swing, scrunched her face and then said, swallowing and slapping their blonde lover on the arm, "Kahless, why didn't you warn me? That tastes like…thick baby formula or something?"

"I was not aware that you would attempt to consume it," replied Seven seriously while sipping her beverage. "As for the consistency, it is similar to breast milk, so your observations were accurate." Finishing her drink, she set the glass down on the console and asked again, "Do you require assistance with this device?"

Patting Seven's arm again, B'Elanna grinned and said, "We can handle it. It's kind of a tradition now…right, Captain?"

"If you say so," Janeway answered, pushing herself up from a squat after activating the device and setting it to hover at a certain height that was comfortable for them. "Alright, let's go…Seven, why don't you see if Lieutenant Carey needs your help with anything?"

"Very well," Seven nodded, then turned toward Carey and Vorik and stated, crisply, "Lieutenant Carey, you are required to give me a task."

"See what I had to put up with all that time?" Torres snickered as they pushed the tube out of Engineering.

When the captain heard Seven's crisp voice crack, "Insufficient," and then, "Comply," Janeway cleared her throat in the doorway loudly, and had to smile at Torres when the next word they heard roll off of Seven's sometimes unforgiving tongue was a terse, "Please."

Once the doors to Engineering were closed, both of them had to laugh out loud at their blonde lover as they shook their tired commiserating heads and maneuvered their cargo to the turbolift. Once they were inside, Janeway said after requesting their destination, "You know, sometimes I wonder how we ever made it through the first year without her assimilating us all?"

"Well, in case you didn't know this, Red, Seven was pretty hung up on you…even then," Torres smiled, slapping the captain's shoulder lightly. "So, she wouldn't have done away with you…me? Well, I'm not certain how she and I got through it? Although, you should probably thank Chakotay next time you and he have a quiet dinner together," she snorted, "he talked me down more than a few times."

Nodding her head, Janeway said over her shoulder as they stepped out of the turbolift, "Oh, I'm aware of more than you think I am. Chakotay's not the only person on this ship with sources, you know?"

Torres sighed and pushed the gravity cart ahead of her, mumbling, "Should've known..."

Once they had navigated their way through the Jefferies Tube, the trip now seeming routine to both of them, Torres clasped onto the captain's waist and pulled her down off the ladder, which was also habit now, and she planned to keep right on doing it as long as Janeway didn't protest, which she did not, and said, setting her down and kissing her cheek quickly, "Hey, let's try something new and not slam things around?" When Janeway chuckled, Torres admitted, "Because I'm too damn tired to expend that much energy."

Helping Torres disengage the strap after the forcefield was taken down, Janeway huffed, "You're too tired to slam things around, but not too tired to drag me off the ladder? How does that work?"

"That's different…that's fun," Torres smiled. "Besides, you're light as a feather, Red…doesn't take much to move you about." Then moving over to the torpedo and grabbing her side, she grunted as they lifted it and set the shiny, black casing into the chute, "Now, this thing…that's heavy."

"No kidding," Janeway sighed, taking a deep breath and helping Torres slide it forward. Then working the console as Torres shut the door and sealed it, she continued, "Well, any last words before we send this one off?"

"Qapla'," Torres spoke with emphasis, pounding the side of her fist against the door.

"Good enough for me," Janeway nodded, walking over to her and touching her arm as she tapped her comm-badge with her other hand, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Chakotay here."

"You know the drill, Commander," was all she said, knowing he would take care of the rest. "I'll be up in a few minutes. Janeway out." Then quickly poking Torres in the stomach, she smiled and said, "Come on…I need some coffee before my good mood goes the way of the dinosaur."

Loudly, Torres yelled, starting up the ladder, "Red alert, the captain's out of coffee." Getting up to the middle section, she lowered her hand and pulled Janeway the rest of the way through, and then said, "Too bad I forgot my hanky panky helmet again. Remind me before the next round, huh?"

Smacking Torres on the bottom as the engineer started through the tunnel, Janeway laughed and asked, "How's your head anyway?"

"I've got a bump…but it was worth it," Torres smiled, looking over her shoulder. "Badge of a true warrior, you know?"

"Hmm, well, then I won't ask you to see the Doctor," Kathryn came back as Torres opened the hatch and hopped down. Accepting B'Elanna's hand as she jumped down as well, Janeway dusted off her knees and sighed, looking down at her less than spotless uniform, "I don't even know why I bother? Well, hopefully, this will be last time I'm needed to crawl through that Jefferies Tube for a while."

Following the redhead down the corridor, glad she wasn't walking at her normal warp speed pace, Torres said, "Messy looks good on you, Captain…you must have been an engineer in a former life?"

Janeway held up her hand in protest and said, "I'm too tired to contemplate reincarnation, B'Elanna…you know how all that stuff gives me a headache. Time travel, reincarnation, predestination…uh, all of it…wretched stuff."

Stepping into the lift, Torres barked, "Deck Ten," and then said, smiling at Janeway, "I love you…you always make me laugh."

"Stop making fun of me," Janeway schooled, poking her stomach again, "I mean it." Then leaning in, she stole a quick kiss and said, "I love you too. I've already ordered Seven to go regenerate when she feels she needs to, so why don't you take a break while you've got some extra help?"

"Okay, thanks," Torres nodded, and then brought her hand to her mouth as a yawn bubbled up from her chest. "You just had to say rest, didn't you?"

When the doors parted, Janeway waved goodbye to Torres who did the same over her shoulder as she yawned again, and then said, crisply, "Bridge," before Torres' yawns became contagious, which didn't take long. By the time she was stepping off the turbolift, all she could do was mumble, "Unless there's anything out of the ordinary, I don't want to hear it." When no one said anything, she nodded, continuing on her way and managed between yawns, "I'll be in my Ready Room." Once inside, she walked lazily over to her sofa and tapped her communicator at the same time, saying, "Janeway to Seven of Nine."

"I am here, Captain."

"Seven, will you contact me ten minutes before the second warhead is detonated, please?" requested the captain because she certainly would not let herself sleep through such an event, but she knew that if someone didn't wake her, she absolutely would at this point.

"I will comply…will you be in your Ready Room?"

"I certainly hope so. Thank you. Janeway out."

"Report!" Janeway barked at Kim as her heart ached painfully for the loss of life she had just caused, needing to be aggressive in her demeanor to keep all regret out of her voice for the moment.

As Janeway queried him, Kim looked away from the captain as she marched toward him, her auburn hair and the bright color of her crimson shoulders offsetting each other, and informed quickly, keeping to his task and staying as emotionless as possible, "Data is coming in now, Captain…sensors are having to compensate for the subspace damage caused by the shockwave." When Janeway saddled up next to him, impatient, Kim got the first readings in, and reported, "I'm reading…two vessels…both adrift." Looking over at her, he said, "They're not in pursuit."

"Any idea when we'll be able to tell if anymore are following?"

"I'm guessing, but considering how far back they were and that they'll have to skirt the area for almost half a light-year, it will probably be three, maybe four hours before we know," the ensign explained. "We'll be clear of this territory by that time."

Nodding, Janeway patted his arm kindly, and requested softer, "Hail the Alaxiat."

"On screen."

"First," Janeway started evenly as she started down the stairs, "the warhead was successful." Coming to a stop at the helm, just behind Tom Paris, she placed her hand on the back of his chair and continued, "We won't know for a few hours if we've still got company, but by that time, we'll be clear of Fnyth space. Once we reach the border, I'd like to change course to give us a little more breathing room…while we work out our new arrangement." Tapping Paris on the shoulder, she said quietly, "Transfer the course change to her." Then looking back up to the viewscreen, she said, "You should be receiving our course change now."

"I am," Devin nodded. Then looking over her shoulder, she said very crisply to Fowler, "Lieutenant, program this data into the helm." Then turning back to Janeway, Devin sighed and stated, "Captain, it would be prudent for us to slow, as soon as we know of the situation, and if we are no longer being followed. My ship is not accustomed to traveling at this speed for such a great length." Then setting her shoulders, she cocked one eyebrow and stated, "However, I am certain that between the two of our crews we can remedy this situation, but we will need to slow down to make such upgrades."

Nodding, Janeway smiled crookedly and stated, "Well, we don't usually run above Warp Six for long periods either…so I understand completely. If we're still being pursued, can you give me an estimate before you have to slow down?"

"A moment," Devin stated, then stood from her chair, moving the console away from her body to she could disengage from the command chair and walked over to where Fowler was. Working with the tall pilot, she said over her shoulder, "We are making calculations…" then finally answered, "Fifteen…hours."

"That will put us far out of their territory," Chakotay jumped in, coming up to the helm as well. Looking over and down and Janeway he said, "I don't think it will be a problem."

Bobbing her head once, she turned back to Devin and said, "That should be fine. If we find out sooner that they're not following, then we'll slow down right away."

"I am agreeable to this," the elder woman said as she turned her head back to the viewscreen, her long hair swishing to the side, some of it ending on her shoulder. Then coming over to another console, she pulled up the course suggestion, looked at it for less than two seconds and said, smiling, "A wise choice…this section of space is completely free of sovereign cultures. I should warn you…the Fynth have alliances with several other species this side of their territory. It is possible that other ships will attempt to pursue us in the near future until we are free from this entire region."

"Any idea how long it will take us to clear any of those threats?" asked the captain quickly, not having thought of that since in her mind, she couldn't imagine anyone wanting to do business with such a selfish, malevolent government, but then rethinking her own theories, she reminded herself that she was in the Delta Quadrant and not the Federation, and this quarter of the galaxy was decidedly different from her home.

Not having to use the computer to answer the question since she had long prepared to make such an escape, she answered, "Once we slow, it will take us eleven days if we maintain our speeds to your warp factor of six. Our vessel is capable of maintaining that speed for such a time; however, once we have exceeded the limits of my former regime's reach, we will need to find a space port in which to do maintenance, upgrades, secure supplies, and possibly another flight officer since one of mine was unfortunately required to depart with the rest of my crew."

"Well, I've got two very fine pilots and I'm sure for now we can manage," Janeway smiled and nodded her head. Then tapping Paris on the shoulder, she said, "Looks like you'll get the chance to fly another new vessel."

"Sounds good, Captain," Tom answered with enthusiasm.

Janeway raised her eyes back to the viewscreen, and said, "I'll have Seven start scanning with the long range sensors and monitoring communications…unless you have a specific space station in mind?"

"Unfortunately, I believe it would be unsafe for us to utilize any of the space ports I am familiar with at this time." Sighing, she sat back down in her chair and went on, "Our actions today will undoubtedly by viewed as…hostile…and I believe we would only be putting ourselves at further risk for aggression by doing so. Several travelers I have inspected have mentioned a port owned by an individual named Venkat, however…and they were on their way to make trades with their cargo, and from what I could detail, it is on the outskirts of this sector. I do not have specifics on this port other than it must be somewhat popular if so many vessels I've encountered during my tenure were on course to it. Perhaps we should consider this place? The individuals I encountered were not people I would suggest we spend a great deal of time with, however. They were not openly hostile…merely, agitated and smarmy."

Having a small chuckle with her first officer at the first's descriptive ways, Janeway bobbed her head a few times and said, "I'll inform Seven to scan the communications channels for any mention of this Venkat too then." Then crossing her arms over her chest as she thought about it, she finally glanced up again and said, "First, I need to speak with you and Miss Fowler privately…please stand by." Then turning to her Ready Room, she pointed to Tuvok and said quickly over her shoulder, "Mister Kim, transfer the communication to my workstation…Commander, you're with me." Once she was inside with her Tactical officer, she explained, going to grab a cup of coffee and offering him tea, which he politely declined, "Seems to me this space port could be a perfect opportunity to put the Elite Force to good use…and gather some resources for the new shuttle?"

Raising his eyebrow, Tuvok placed his hands behind his back as she followed Janeway over to her desk where she picked up her workstation and carried it over to the couch so that they both could sit, "Agreed. Despite what the first says…agitated, smarmy individuals that deal solely in barter are rarely trustworthy, and usually capitalistic."

"Mmmhmm," Janeway nodded in agreement as she sat down and tapped her finger to the sensor where Devin and Folwer appeared. "Devin, you remember my Chief of Security, Commander Tuvok?"

"Of course," Devin bowed her head once in respect, "Commander…the Vulcan…I enjoyed our conversation as to your culture the other evening." Then looking to Janeway, she asked bluntly, "What's this regarding, Kathryn?"

Janeway had to swallow down her coffee before she spat it out at the woman's defensive intonation, and said quickly, "Don't worry, Devin…there's no problem…I just wanted to bring you up to date on a small…aside…to my crew." Setting her coffee down in her lap, she leaned back casually and said, nodding over to the Vulcan, "Commander Tuvok leads a small group of my finest, tactically proficient officers in what we call our Elite Force. The group is relatively new, but due to some rather unfortunate circumstances," she cleared her throat, driving the memory of her unspeakable encounter with Mister X from her mind as fast as it came to the forefront, she continued, "we've had to develop this team. Lieutenant Fowler is Mister Tuvok's second in command, and she is the group's pilot. Once we clear Fynth space, I think it would be a good idea if we drop out of warp for a second to change crews. I'd like to send Paris over to you, since he's a very capable pilot, as well as Commander Chakotay, and I'll need Miss Fowler to return to Voyager to prepare for their mission." When Devin furrowed her smooth, golden brow in confusion, the captain realized she had forgotten to explain that part and stated, "If we find this space port, then I think we should send the Elite Force in undercover to gather the supplies we need. I'd rather you not go just in case you're recognized, but if you feel that you need to go, then this group is more than capable of seeing to all of your needs, including your protection."

Jumping in before the first started questioning, Fowler informed, coming over to her side and speaking easily but with a great deal of respect since the woman demanded it, and honestly, Nicole couldn't help but do so since it was clear that not only was Devin cunning, but she was definitely older than anyone, except maybe Tuvok, "First Regal, the Elite Force is comprised of one member from each of Voyager's primary departments. Commander Tuvok leads us and represents Security; however, all of our primary functions are security. I am the pilot, since we plan to operate using one of our shuttles, and am in command when circumstances call for the commander's absence. Seven of Nine represents Astrometrics, Operations, and Communications…Lieutenant Torres…Engineering, and Samuel Wang is our scientist and field medic. We also have shipboard members, but this is the alpha team and we've trained hard for this type of situation."

Devin nodded her thanks, thought quietly for a moment and then turned to Janeway, saying, "Very well…this is for the better. I agree that I should not accompany…it could jeopardize the mission since," she laughed and lightened her mood, "I'm afraid it would be difficult to disguise me adequately." After they all chuckled, except for Tuvok who only raised his eyebrow and nodded once, she went on, "However, I insist that you take my maintainer. He is deftly familiar with the requirements of this ship and I fear that his exclusion would make it difficult for even your B'Elanna to see to all of our needs."

"That shouldn't be a problem, and he'll be in good hands," Janeway smiled warmly, sipping her coffee. Then turning to Tuvok, she asked, "Do you think he'll need to come aboard Voyager before the squad disembarks?"

"It should not be necessary," the swarthy Vulcan replied evenly. Then looking over to Devin, he nodded his head once and explained, "I mean no disrespect, First Regal, but for this mission, since we will most likely have little time to prepare as our crews undergo changes, I would like to think of him as a civilian presence…for the sake of my squad, so that they know how to treat his safety accordingly."

Devin cackled and then said, smiling, her golden eyes flashing, "Oh, believe me, Mister Tuvok…that is most necessary." Looking over to Fowler who was laughing, knowingly, she finally turned to Janeway who was grinning, but not sure why, and explained, "My maintainer, Menthy, is not what you would call a warrior…a brilliant…engineer…but not a solider. He will not be offended and I am certain be very oblidged of your protection." Shifting in her seat, she went on, talking with her long arms, "Now, my gunner, Grenthel, he is a solider…but since he has not trained with your troop, and we are not in need of weapons, I will not insist that he join. Perhaps in the future he could assist you?"

"I will speak with him once we are settled," Tuvok answered.

Sipping her coffee and listening to everything, Janeway continued to eye Fowler closely, checking for any signs of tension or exhaustion, or that things weren't going well for her, and then finally asked when the conversation ended, "Lieutenant…how's the crew been?"

Fowler cleared her throat which was still scratchy and answered honestly since only high-level officers were present, "We're running smoother now, Captain. There was a bit of an adjustment period, but I think cooler heads have finally prevailed." When Janeway frowned at that, Fowler added quickly, "I'd rather not make a fuss…it's been taken care of."

"Alright," Janeway nodded once, letting it go, certainly hoping punches weren't thrown on either side, but trusting that if something to that extreme had occurred, Fowler would have said something. "Well, Devin, I don't think there's anything else until we know either way whether we still have to worry about the Fynth. We're prepared for that, though…right now Torres and Seven are constructing another warhead. If it turns out we don't need it, then we'll simply detonate it somewhere where it won't cause too much damage to space. Unfortunately, there's no way for us to disarm it…and it's not something that I'd like to keep on my vessel for more than a few minutes."

"I understand completely," the first answered solemnly. Then sighing, she brushed off her despair and nodded, "I cannot think of anything else to detail. I am certain there is more…perhaps it is fatigue?" Looking over to Fowler, she cracked, although not at crisply as normal, "Lieutenant, since you will be departing soon, I will once again hand over my central to you. Stir me from my rest when you must depart. Good day, Kathryn…Tuvok…thank you for your candor."

"Sleep well," Janeway finished before the first got away. Then looking at Fowler, she nodded and said, "Good work, Nick. Hang in there and we'll get you home so you can rest your voice," smiling crookedly before she cut the communications, "Voyager out." Then sighing and yawning herself, Janeway took another sip of her coffee, then set it down, turned to Tuvok and propped her head up on her elbow as she reached across the small space separating them, patting his folded hands, and said, softly, "Thank you, old friend…I don't know what I would do without your support."

Tuvok nodded his head one time and stated, in a softer tone, "It was a difficult situation for you…undoubtedly. I am fortunate to be able to offer such support under such trying times."

Chuckling ruefully, Janeway shook her head, withdrew her hand and asked, "Do you think the Elite Force is up for this type of covert operation so quickly?"

"Yes," Tuvok nodded. "I will work out the specifics of our assignment promptly so that we have adequate time to prepare for our roles...however, they are capable and I am certain we will meet our objective. They have been especially devote in their training…I assume this has to do with the recent threats to us…nevertheless, I do not anticipate that their attitude will change now."

"How's B'Elanna doing?" she asked directly, but quietly. "I know you've had some concerns since she's been exhibiting more…aggressive…tendencies as of late."

Tuvok raised his eyebrow and stated, moving his head slightly from side to side as he spoke, "It has not been a problem as I feared. Lieutenant Fowler and her seem to have bonded, and despite their frequent insults to each other, they mutually respect one another…and Lieutenant Torres does well to allow the lieutenant to settle and focus her aggression. Seven of Nine has also been helpful in this area, and it usually takes nothing more than a few clipped words from Seven before she regains her focus. The situation has improved decidedly in the last few weeks, and I have not witnessed a need for any intervention on the part of Lieutenant Fowler or Seven of Nine." Then looking away for a moment, raising his eyebrows quickly and then bringing them back down, he turned again to Janeway and finished, "However, after a discussion with Lieutenant Fowler, we both agree that Lieutenant Torres will not be assigned as your direct protection. That task should and will fall on my shoulders, and if I am unable, or if the situation requires that you are accompanied by a female, Miss Fowler will maintain that post." When Janeway didn't say anything, he went on, "Seven of Nine should not be given such a task either unless that situation requires her enhanced talents. Each exhibit an overly protective streak where you are concerned which could jeopardize our mission."

The captain took a deep breath and finally nodded, "You're right, besides…I don't like the idea of them spending too much time around me in potentially hostile, unfamiliar environments. There's too much of a risk that someone will discover our relationship and try to take advantage of that." Reaching for her coffee, she took a sip, resting the cup near her lip and finished, "We'll do this by the book…and if they give you any problems, I want you to let me know and I'll handle it…understood?"

"Yes, Captain."

The captain finished her coffee, set down the cup and said patting his leg twice, standing, "Well, I don't know about you, Commander, but I'm beat. Fill Chakotay in on the crew transfer…I'm going to check up on the work in Engineering and then try to get a few moments rest."

"Report," Janeway asked she stepped into Engineering, moving as quick as her spent body would allow and having to consciously think about her step, forcing her legs to keep their crisp, commanding stride even and as steady as her heartbeat.

"Captain," Seven said, turning around from the console where she was working and answering for the Engineering staff since even though she wasn't technically in command since Torres was resting, she was the only senior officer and the most capable of answering any and all of the captain's questions, "our work on the third device is progressing efficiently. We will have harnessed the required amount of antimatter in seventy-two point eight minutes. Lieutenant Torres prepared the torpedo tube before she retired to her quarters to regenerate." Then looking over at the other officers working, she stated, "Lieutenant Carey is overseeing the warp core and will be required to regenerate upon the chief's return. Ensign Vorik is capable of operating efficiently for several more hours...however, I believe that Ensign Nicoletti is required to rest at this time. Commander Chakotay has yet to submit the duty roster for Engineering and left it up to Lieutenant Torres' discretion."

Rubbing her forehead, trying to think of someone who could replace Nicoletti since the rest of their main Engineering staff was aboard the Alaxiat, she finally tapped her communicator, saying, "Janeway to Chakotay."

"Go ahead, Captain."

"Commander, we're having a little bit of a personnel shortage in Engineering…I need a replacement for Nicoletti as soon as possible. Janeway out." Then sighing, she shook her head, not aggravated that he had left the wrangling to Torres, or that B'Elanna hadn't got a replacement since this situation was more than unusual and everyone was doing the best they could while trying to fight their own exhaustion, she nodded to the tall blonde and stated, "Thank you for keeping an eye on everyone, Seven. I'm sure they appreciate your assistance."

The Borg didn't bother explaining that she did so simply to maintain efficiency, figuring Janeway knew that already, and also didn't want to vocalize it since most of the crew of Voyager seemed to take offense to her thought processes, thus merely nodded at the acknowledgement and then asked, "What is the status of the fleet?"

"Well," Janeway sighed, speaking softly, "the fifteen ships that were chasing us aren't capable of doing so anymore, and the damage to subspace is too extensive for us to know if the remaining vessels are still in pursuit. I doubt that they are, unless they really do have a death wish, but it's too early to say either way. We'll know in a few hours if they're still coming for us." Then yawning and rubbing her neck, she went on, resting against the console as Seven did her duty to maintain the systems in Engineering for the lieutenant, "And, by that time, we'll have cleared their territory and have made our course change." When Seven looked over at her, she managed a faint, crooked smile, and said, "Don't worry…no pirates." Then patting Seven's arm, she said softly, "Seven, when B'Elanna comes back, I want you to go regenerate for five hours…if I need you during that time, I'll wake you, but it looks like the Elite Force will have a mission coming up soon, so I want to make certain you get at least one full cycle in before you have to go." Then standing up straight, she whispered in the tone that she knew only Seven could here, "Besides, I'd also like to continue where we left of sometime before I turn you over to Tuvok."

Speaking clearly, but in 'code,' she stated, "I will comply considering I still have my analysis to complete, and I do not wish to delay it."

Chuckling, Janeway patted her back as she walked away and said, "I almost forgot. Let me know when the warhead's ready, huh?"

"Yes, Captain," Seven came back as Janeway walked away.

Exiting Engineering, Kathryn started down the corridor toward the turbolift, but then as the thought of entering her empty quarters hit her, she did an about face and started back the other way. Janeway wasn't certain if it was just her exhaustion, the knowledge that she had probably killed over a thousand, possibly two, individuals today because she wouldn't let a small group of people be persecuted for standing up for their convictions, or the small reminders she had had throughout the day about her ordeal with her personal stalker, but the more she thought about it, the more she was certain that she absolutely could not stand to be alone at this moment, even if her body was crying out for relief.

Figuring that Torres was asleep and not wanting to wake her, Janeway checked the hallway and then quickly overrode the seal on the door before she was spied doing so. When the soft and consistent sound of the chief's' snore fell upon her ears, Janeway smiled softly as she quickly disrobed, only leaving her underwear on and crawled into bed, setting her communicator on the nightstand, knowing B'Elanna would wake since the Klingon was accustomed to sleeping alone and took up much of the fairly small bed as she slept in a curled up ball. Sliding in behind her, having to stay on her side, Kathryn waited for the brunette to stir before she slipped her hands to her waist and silently requested that she unwind just a little bit.

Humming in happiness, recognizing the soft, sure, and nimble hands of her oldest lover instantly, Torres complied and mumbled as she turned over and pulled the captain's into her arms, always preferring to hold Janeway rather than the other way around, "Hey, Red…did we win?"

"Jury's still out," Janeway replied softly, settling into Torres' comforting, strong body easily, enjoying that her lover preferred to hold her since that was exactly what she needed at the moment. Kissing her cheek quickly and nuzzling her face into the crook of the engineer's neck, she whispered, "Go back to sleep, darling."

"Mmmhmm," the olive skinned woman replied, already doing so.

The captain didn't attempt to fall asleep yet since she knew that as soon as she did she would be hailed from Seven of Nine stating that the other warhead was ready to be deployed, and since the device was so volatile, Janeway didn't feel comfortable holding onto it for any length of time, so after the last one was detonated which would put several more hours in between her ship and the Fynth armada, she decided to just let it go and detonate it as soon as they knew whether the fleet was still chasing them. It certainly wouldn't hurt them at all from that distance, but the damage to subspace would be enough that they wouldn't be able to track each other, and again the Fynth would have to bypass that area completely, so the captain didn't see it as a total waste, even if it did bother her to do damage to the galaxy.

Besides knowing she was going to be called in less than an hour, there really were just too many thoughts parading around in her mind to even consider resting beyond reclining at this moment. Not only was she terribly distressed over her decision to use the warheads, although knowing in her heart that if she had to do it all over again, she would, but suddenly, she had another vessel to worry about. She understood that it was not her vessel, but more than likely members of her crew would be working on it, possibly permanently, and the fact that Devin had risked her life and her crew to assist her, even if all they had done at this point was give them a head's up and detour two small vessels, it still was a huge sacrifice, one the captain would never forget.

As her brunette lover's mouth fell open slightly and she began to snore rather loudly, which was not usual, Torres usually only snoring very lightly, Janeway sighed and whispered, "Lanna, turn on your side." As B'Elanna closed her mouth and murmured an affirmation, turning toward Janeway, Kathryn quickly rolled onto her other side as well so the engineer came to a rest against her back, pulling her close into her chest at the same moment. Feeling a little warm in the extra hot quarters of the Klingon since Torres had blankets piled on her bed and her warm body was wrapped around her, the captain moved her legs out from underneath the quilts for some relief and then settled back into the pillow, chuckling a little as Torres mumbled to her and moved her hand up to cup her breast. Allowing the affection without contemplation, the captain's thoughts turned inward again after a few minutes when B'Elanna grew less rigid and heavier against her back, and her warm breath on the captain's neck slowed until she was again snoring, but very softly, which Kathryn was used to and rather enjoyed.

Janeway finally finished castigating herself several minutes later for not anticipating that the Fynth would make such a move after Devin showed such keen and direct, although benign, interest in learning about the Borg, and not following her instincts when they told her that although the first regal was obviously a noble and kind woman, she was clearly somewhat of a ramble rouser and to be wary of befriending her so quickly since rebels tended to just make diplomatic situations worse. Although, the captain could no longer deny that most likely, in Starfleet's eyes, Janeway was exactly that now, and probably would be labeled such for the rest of her tour of duty. That is, if they got home, and if they let her keep her command and didn't either throw her in jail, or reduce her to an ensign, and assigned her to some 'paper-pushing' desk job, which the captain knew was a definite possibility. That was an outcome she would accept wholly, and with pride since no matter what, it meant that she had fulfilled her duty to her crew and returned them to where they belonged, but in her heart, she knew she would never accept such a post and would simply retire, and then try to find some other way to make a difference in her own, ramble rousing way.

As she thought longer about the possibility of retirement, at least from Starfleet, she speculated that that might not be such a bad idea all-around. Certainly there was little hope that she would ever be able to top the satisfaction of returning her crew from the jaws of the Delta Quadrant, and the captain was a firm believer in knowing when to say when. On top of that, she also knew that even if they got home tomorrow, she would probably have some difficulty learning to take orders again, simply because she had had to be the final voice of order for so long now. There was also the fact that she missed her family terribly and desperately wanted to immerse herself in all things non-technical and family oriented for quite sometime just so she could feel like despite everything she had gone through and done, deep down at her core, she was still the girl that was raised in a small, close-knit, agriculural community in Indiana. Then finally, there was the fact that she was now seriously involved with not one, but two younger and very talented women, both of whom had still yet to find their full potential, in the good captain's eyes, and she hoped that upon their return, each of them would have many, many opportunities in Starfleet, and outside of it to explore. That was something that Janeway had thought about quite a bit in the last two months, and she had secretly decided, without speaking to them, that for once, she was going to put her career and priorities on the back burner, compromise, and let them find their way, and just tag along for the ride. Normally such a thought would have never even crossed her mind, but now, after all she had been through and lost, and then gained in return, she felt that she had seen her fair share of action for one lifetime, and that it was someone else's turn to take center stage for a while, and she knew that as long as she had them by her side, she could find happiness and purpose in something around wherever it was that they wished to reside.

That was definitely one benefit to this whole situation. Kathryn was aware that she was more than capable of working in several fields, and she knew that her resumé, outside of Starfleet, would be as stellar as one could get. Sighing, she thought to herself, "As long as they don't throw me in jail for the rest of my life…everything will be fine…I know it." Then chuckling again, softly, she had somewhat of a silly fantasy about being busted out of jail by her two lovers and finding a quiet corner of the quadrant where their friends and family could come visit often, to live happily every after, completely undisturbed by red alerts, for all eternity.

"Seven of Nine to Captain Janeway," came her Astrometrics officer's voice softly over to communicator.

Snatching it up quickly, blinking several times, realizing that time had definitely got away from her since the hail surprised her, she pressed her thumb to it and whispered, "Janeway here…try to be quiet, Seven."

Seven paused for a moment before she realized that such a request meant that Kathryn was regenerating with B'Elanna Torres. Not surprised, and even though the reasoning behind it, which she believed she was aware of, saddened her, it was also a relief somewhat since it reaffirmed to her that she and B'Elanna were correct in continuing to ensure that Janeway wasn't alone as much as possible, Seven stated, in a raspy whisper, which would have made the captain laugh if she weren't trying to be quiet, since Seven whispering in such a way always seemed so completely wrong, "Very well. The warhead is complete. What are your directions?"

"Get it ready to move…I'll meet you in Engineering in a moment. Janeway out." Then palming the device, the captain grabbed Torres' arms that were firmly locked around her torso and pulled them away as easily as she could, hoping to not disturb her since she wanted the engineer to get more rest before she went back to work.

Feeling the loss of warmth and comfort as the redhead pulled away from her and climbed out of the bed, Torres moaned, unhappy and asked, cranky, as she opened one eye to see the captain pulling on her shirts, "Where are you going?"

Janeway turned around and smiled softly, laughing at Torres who rarely woke up in a good mood, and explained, walking over to her, "I've got to get back to work…but I want you to sleep for a few more hours before you do." Then leaning over as B'Elanna frowned and pulled the covers up to her neck, Kathryn kissed her softly, but quickly on the lips and said, "You're so cute when you're grumpy."

"yItamchoH (Be quiet!)," Torres sneered, then leaned up and kissed the captain back before she got away. Falling back onto her pillow, she turned on her side and curled up in a ball, figuring out what was going on as Janeway pulled on her pants, the chief said, "Give this one a proper send off for me."

Zipping up the side of her pants after tucking in her shirt, Janeway sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on her boots and replied, "Anything specific this time…or is Qapla' still applicable?"

Smirking, opening one eye, she said in her best monotone voice, "It is sufficient."

Laughing out loud, and smiling, the captain leaned over again, kissed her forehead and said against the ridges there, "I love you…go back to sleep."

As Janeway snatched up her tunic and started for the door, Torres rallied, "Hey, don't forget the hanky panky helmet…Seven's taller than I am."

Cackling as she exited the quarters, pulling on her tunic, she quickly checked to make sure she was still labeled as a captain, surprised to find that all of her pips had managed to stay where they belonged, and then affixed her comm-badge to her tunic, smoothing down her hair and pushing it behind her ears just before she walked into Main Engineering. Spotting the tall, sleek form of her Astrometrics officer immediately, not just because her physique commanded the eye to admire it, but because her buttery locks and her plum, leotard were in such contrast to the other colors in the room, the redheaded captain stopped at the door as Seven signaled to her and pushed the anti-grav toward her position.

Once they were out of Engineering, Seven stated, "There is no need for you to accompany me. I am capable of performing this task unassisted."

Not at all surprised that the super human Borg could lift the torpedo on her own, Janeway patted her back and said, sarcastically, "Glad to see you too, Seven."

Seven glanced down at Janeway quickly to make certain she wasn't serious, and then turned back front, nodding, "You are being facetious." After two crewman passed them in the hall and nodded to the captain, Seven stated, "I am always agreeable to your company, Captain…however, if you wish to continue regenerating, I would not be disagreeable."

"It's fine, Seven…I'd prefer to see this one off personally like the others…tradition, remember?"

"Ah," Seven came back as they approached the turbolift. "You and B'Elanna Torres seem to be fond of making these 'traditions' out of irrelevant events. It is a peculiar pastime." When Janeway laughed, shaking her head as they moved into the carriage, Seven stated, "Deck Twelve," and then continued, "Were you able to sleep?"

"No, but I was able to rest my body…I'm fine, Seven," Janeway answered looking over and up at the tall blonde. "I can't sleep until I know the fleet isn't after us anymore."

Sighing, Seven rolled her eyes, but refused to continue the discussion, knowing it was futile to persuade the captain to the contrary at this point and merely stated, "Very well," letting her disapproval come out, and informing her lover that although she wasn't happy with that, she would not protest…yet.

Janeway rolled her eyes as well and let Seven go first once the doors opened. The rest of the walk was completed in a comfortable silence, and when the Borg opened the door to the Jefferies Tube, pushed the cart into the tunnel but did not attempt to follow it immediately, Janeway held out her hand and said, in a coarse voice, "After you."

Once the captain was inside and had closed the hatched, Seven asked as she continued to crawl through the space, looking over her shoulder for a moment, "Are you attempting to enjoy the scenery again?"

"Something like that," the redhead came back grinning.

Seven pushed the cart all the way to the end of the tunnel and said stepping down, offering a hand to the captain, smirking and informing, "It is typical behavior."

"Hmm, maybe that would be a tradition?" Kathryn rallied, poking Seven in the ribs. "Doesn't seem so irrelevant now…does it?"

"You are correct," Seven replied, raising her eyebrow and opening the hatch as the captain manipulated the anti-grav to operate vertically. Crawling down first, Seven slid down the ladder as she had watched Torres do on several occasions, finding the movement much more efficient than climbing down and eased the anti-grav through the narrow space. Then setting it off to the side, she reached up and pulled the captain down off the ladder, bringing her to a soft landing in front of her.

Pursing her lips, Janeway went over to Seven, assisting with the straps and asked, "What is it with you and B'Elanna always yanking me off of ladders?"

"It is simply more efficient than waiting for you to descend on your own," Seven answered quickly. Then looking up at her for a moment, she added, "There is also less risk that you will lose your footing and damage yourself. We are doing our duty to protect you."

Sighing, Janeway stepped back as Seven lifted the torpedo as if it massed barely anything, sliding it into the chute without so much as an expulsion of air, and informed, "I'm a Starfleet captain, Seven…I'm perfectly capable of climbing down a ladder."

Working the console, Seven responded, "You are attempting to reconcile the pleasure our actions give you with your belief on the actions your rank demands. This is also typical behavior." Shutting the door, and sealing it, she looked up and stated, "It is ready, Captain."

Huffing and waving her hand at Seven in mock disgust, although there was a certain growing uneasiness that revolved around her lovers' recent over-protectiveness, mostly because she knew what events had caused the swing in their behavior, and anytime Kathryn was reminded of that horrible week she became either irascible or withdrawn, Janeway pounded her fist against the door, speaking the Klingon work for success, and then continued as Seven queried her silently with an upturn of her eyebrow, "More traditions." Tapping her communicator, she said, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Tuvok here."

"Commander, deploy the warhead. Seven and I will be up in a moment to arm it and set a detonation time."

"Acknowledged. Tuvok out."

As Seven started toward her the now familiar sound of the launch doors opening just on the other side of the hatch was heard, Janeway grabbed her arm, and said, grinning, "One more tradition, Seven." Placing her foot on the wrung of the ladder and pulling herself up so that she was just a few centimeters taller than the blonde, she whispered, "Kiss me."

Before she did so, Seven smirked and stated, "Now I understand why B'Elanna Torres was so eager to assist you with the second warhead."

"Exactly," the captain hummed before their lips connected in the tiny room.

"Don't get too cozy over there," Janeway said softly, as she walked with Chakotay, who had a small duffel slung over his shoulder, toward the Transporter Room. "I still need my first officer."

"Have no fear, Captain...I like my own bed way too much to give it up," Chakotay teased, coming around the corner with her and placing his hand on her upper back. Before they reached the small room, he stopped her and said, "You know, Tom might be one of the ones that want to stay though?"

Sighing, Janeway looked down at her feet as she crossed her arms over her chest, and responded softly, "I know…and if that's what he wants, I won't stop him." Then looking up, she admitted quickly, "But I'd prefer it if he stayed here. We've made so many changes lately to get used to this new setup, I'd rather not have to undo them now…especially with the Elite Force."

Chakotay patted her shoulder and said, "I'll make sure he understands that he's still important to us."

"Thank you, Chakotay," Janeway smiled, and then turned and started back down the hall before they started being watched by nosey crewmen. "Give my best to the crew, and thank them for their hard work for me, huh?"

"Sure," Chakotay nodded as they reached the small room. Letting the captain go first, she nodded to Tom Paris who was waiting for him, and said to her, "Well, Captain, I guess is goodbye for a while."

When Chakotay held out his hand, Janeway said, scoffing, "Stop that…come here," and gave him a firm hug. Then walking over to Tom, she hugged him too, patting him firmly on the back and said, "You two be careful…I want you back in one piece, and that's an order."

"Aye, Captain," Tom nodded, knowing she had to be long since exhausted if she was displaying such personal feelings, even with just her senior officers present, stepping up on the dais as Chakotay did so as well.

Nodding at them both, she smiled and then tapped her communicator, "Janeway to Bridge."

"Tuvok here."

"Commander," Janeway started, coming up to the transporter station and operating it herself since the ensign who was usually posted here was working in Engineering in replace of Nicoletti, "we're ready to make the crew exchange. Coordinate our efforts with the Alaxiat."

"Acknowledged. Stand by." After less than a minute, Tuvok's voice came over the speakers and stated, "You are free to energize."

"Acknowledged," Janeway said, quickly giving a final look to her two male officers and activating the transporter, sending their signals to their sister ship and pulling Lieutenant Fowler's bio-signature to Voyager at the same time. Once her signal was in the pattern buffer, Janeway ran her through the bio-filters in case there were any harmful bacteria or viruses on the Alaxiat that they didn't know about yet, and then sent her into the auto-sequencer routine which put her back together in front of her in a sparkling of photonic energy. When Fowler opened her eyes and sighed, obviously glad to back aboard the captain's vessel, Janeway smiled and said, "Welcome home."

Hopping down from the dais, ignoring the stairs, Fowler smiled back and croaked, "Thanks, Captain…it's good to be home." When Janeway snickered at the woman's tired vocal chords, she sighed and said, "Well, I don't think I'll be singing anything too challenging for a few days."

Patting Fowler on the back as they started out the door, the captain planning to see Nicole to her quarters to get the lowdown on the Alaxiat before she returned to the Bridge, Janeway said, "Probably not…not like you'll have much time for that sort of thing in the next few days anyhow." Stepping into the turbolift, she said, "Deck three," and then turned to Fowler and said, "I'm proud of you. You did a fine job."

Swallowing, trying to lubricate her throat, Fowler managed a scratchy, "Thank you, Captain." Then coughing, she shook her head and asked, "Do you mind if we save the debriefing until I can talk?"

The captain gave her a commiserate smile and nodded, "Sure." As the lift stopped on Deck Three, she decided to stay in and just go right back to the Bridge, but said to Fowler as she walked away, stepping into the seem of the doors so that they wouldn't close on her, "Lieutenant, don't be afraid to go see the Doctor if you need to."

"I just need to not talk for a while…I'll be fine," Fowler squeaked shaking her head. "Thanks, Captain…I appreciate it though."

Sighing, remembering what it was like having to jump into a tough situation and take complete control, although those memories to her felt almost like it had occurred in another lifetime, Janeway stepped back and said, "Bridge," wondering if part of the reason she had such a gravelly voice was because she was required to use it, sometimes loudly, often. Then shrugging it off since it was just one of those thoughts that didn't have a definitive answer, and she certainly wasn't going to balk at the sound of her voice since not only did it serve her well as a captain, but her lovers, past and present, also got a great deal of joy out of listening to her smoky tones, Kathryn stepped onto the Bridge and asked, "Harry, how long before we clear Fynth space?"

"Twenty-two minutes, Captain," Kim reported quickly, prepared for the question as soon as he heard the turbolift doors opening.

Nodding her thanks at the quick report, Janeway walked down the stairs and asked the ensign manning the helm, "Ensign, do you have the course changes programmed into the computer?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Roxanne Baker answered quickly.

Sitting down in her command chair, feeling decidedly lonely since there were only four officers, including herself on the Bridge, neither of them sitting next to her, which she admitted she had started to get used to now that Fowler also held a position that required a command chair, and it was almost a guarantee that when she was required to take her spot, she would have at least one person next to her to talk to, Janeway sighed and said, pushing herself up, needing more coffee, "I'll just be a moment, Tuvok." Then reappearing on the Bridge with a cup of coffee, which wasn't habit for her, but figuring she had broken enough of her own rules in the last twenty hours, especially with regards to allowing personal contact with her crew and girlfriends while on duty and in a location other than her office, she decided she might as well just keep right on going and start fresh tomorrow. Sometimes it was good to be captain…sometimes.

After sipping her coffee for several minutes, almost at the bottom of the mug, Harry Kim reported that they were approaching the boundary. Swallowing, Janeway looked over at him, and said, "Hail them." Then crossing her legs, and leaning on the side of her arm rest, setting her mug down on the console next to her, she cleared her throat as the viewscreen was activated and the first, Chakotay and Paris appeared before her. Not surprised that Paris was manning the helm as Chakotay worked a console to his immediate right, looking a little perplexed at the unfamiliar technology, Janeway suppressed a snicker as he glanced over at her and gave her one of his trademark, 'I'll get you for this' looks, and said, "First, I think we should let you change course first and then we'll follow."

"Agreed," Devin nodded, starting to look as though she was more than a little tired. From what Janeway could gather, she assumed that the woman was probably somewhere around the age that her father would be if he were still alive, but that was only from what Devin had told her about her experiences because other than the woman's stark, white hair, her face was practically as youthful looking as Seven of Nine's. However, looking at her now, Kathryn noticed that not only did she look even more gaunt that she normally did, but her golden skin was not nearly as aglow as it usually was, and there was a slight, but definite darkening of her equally sunshine kissed eyes. That on top of the fact that she wasn't smiling, which seemed to be a normal occurrence for her, nor was she talking, which she seemed to like to do a great deal, and was rather good at, told the captain that she too was feeling the stress just as much as Janeway was, if not more since Kathryn at least had an adequate staff assisting her, all of whom had been under her command she knew.

Clipped, Devin barked, "Lieutenant Paris, alter course."

"Yes, Ma'am," Paris came back in his usual happy, and somewhat annoying tone.

Clearing her throat, hoping Paris would hear her and understand that perhaps he should cut out the sarcasm for the moment, Janeway then said, "Baker, do it." After the brunette changed course and followed them, nodding her head once over her shoulder, informing the captain that they were on course as well, she asked, "Harry, what's the time left before we'll know if we're being followed?"

"A little less than two hours, Captain," Harry reported, working his board and scanning the disaster area again, hoping to gather something more now that they were on a new heading, but not surprised when the change didn't offer any new details.

Snatching up her coffee, the captain nodded and said before she took a drink and ended the communications, not wanting to keep Devin any longer than she had to since it was plainly obvious she wasn't in the mood for small talk, "First Regal, unless there's anything else you need…I won't keep you?"

Sighing, Devin shook her head and said pointing at the captain, "Perhaps, Kathryn, on the next crew exchange, you could send over a bit of the coffee…for I fear that I am in need of its regenerative services?"

Smiling ruefully, Janeway toasted her and said, trying to get used to being called by her first name in front of her entire Bridge staff consistently, and not certain yet if she should request that Devin refrain because Chakotay did so too, every now and then and that had never caused a problem, "Seems to me that your doing just fine without it…but I'd be more than happy to pass along my bad habit." When Chakotay looked up and smiled at her, she laughed and said, "I'm sure Chakotay can tell you plenty of stories about me and my not-so-secret addiction," shaking her finger at him, "be gentle, Commander." Then nodding, she finished, "I'll contact you again once our long range scans have given us the good news we're hoping for…keep your fingers crossed," she added quickly, hoping that adage would help lighten the first's mood since she would undoubtedly question Chakotay as to its meaning, and since her first officer was one of the best story tellers she knew, she figured it would do the trick. "Voyager out."

Up at Operations, hovering around Harry Kim, and knowing she was probably making him nervous, but not able to help herself since they were approaching the four hour mark rapidly, and her Operations officer assuring her that if no vessels appeared beyond the rift at that point, they would be unable to catch up to Voyager without going very, very far out of their way, Janeway rubbed the back of her neck, turning her head in the circle, trying to work out the kink her neck which felt at this point like it was a permanent addition to her already forever tense shoulders.

Sighing with relief, Kim smiled brightly and said, "Four hours…and nothing…they aren't following us."

"Hallelujah," Janeway raised her arm halfway, and let if fall to her thigh with a smack. Sighing, Janeway smiled, shook her head, walking to the railing on the upper deck, and said, "Commander, stand down yellow alert. Mister Kim, hail the Alaxiat." When Devin appeared on the screen, visibly anxious, Janeway smiled brightly and informed, "First Regal, your former government has finally given up the hunt."

Devin practically collapsed into a heap of exhaustion and relief and managed, pushing her console away from her so she could stand, "The spirits have blessed us this day. Commander, my central is yours for the foreseeable future." Then turning to Janeway, she bent her legs as much as she could manage, bowing and said, "Captain Janeway, my thanks for your fortitude and leadership in this endeavor. I fear that without your assistance, my guardians and I would not be fairing as well as we currently are." Before Janeway could speak, she went on, "I come to you now and request asylum from the Fynth Sovereignty, to which, from this point on, me and mine, renounce our citizenship."

Feeling suddenly emotional, Janeway managed before she had to clear her throat, "Granted." Then after she took a moment, she continued, "Computer, open a ship wide channel," once that was done she said, "All hands, this is the captain…Computer, note that on this day, I, Kathryn Janeway, commanding officer of the Federation starship Voyager, do hereby grant the crew of the formerly Fynth vessel, the Alaxiat, asylum, as well as a temporary membership into the United Federation of Planets, and all rights, privileges, and liberties that come with said membership, which will be formally reviewed upon our return to the Alpha Quadrant. Furthermore, I do hereby christen the formerly Fynth vessel, the Alaxiat, as the Federation starship the U.S.S. Alaxiat, commanded by First Regal Devin, as Voyager's sister vessel…together," Janeway smiled, "may we boldly go...home."

"So noted," replied the computer after the sometimes wistful captain stopped speaking.

Nodding her deep thanks, Devin took a deep breath and said, shaking her bony fist, "Together, Kathryn…we shall overcome and flourish." Smiling, she enthused, "In the words of our reason to merge…Resistance is futile."

When she heard the cheers and laughter coming over the speakers thanks to the open channel, Janeway smiled and said, "Indeed it is, Devin." Then nodding to Harry to end the open channel, she said quickly, "Thank you…for everything. Me and mine, are in your debt. Now please, go get some rest."

"No persuasion is needed at this length," was all Devin said as she turned and started out of her control center.

"Well, Commander…our family just keeps getting bigger and bigger," Janeway smiled, shaking her head and leaning on the Operations console next to Harry Kim who was smiling proudly at his captain. "I'll talk to you soon. Voyager out." Then looking over at Kim, she shook her head, rubbed her forehead and said, "Well, kids, that's it for me." Then sighing as her memory reminded her she still had a few things to see to, she sighed, "After I power down the shuttles, that is."

Walking away, the captain pointed to Tuvok, informing him the Bridge was his and said, "Commander, see to getting some bodies up here soon…it's too quiet." Then stepping into the turbolift, she said, "Deck Ten," wanting to make two quick stops there before heading to the Shuttle Bay, chuckling to herself and saying under her breath, "A captain's duty is never done." When the computer beeped at her, informing her that it didn't understand her instructions, she said as the doors opened onto Deck Ten, "Exactly, my friend."

Her first stop was Engineering, and when she walked in and didn't see Seven of Nine right away, but quickly spied Torres, who was lying on her back, with her head stuck under one of the consoles, barking at Susan Roland, who was 'assisting' her by following her orders as to which sensors to push, Janeway came to a halt and asked, "Something wrong, Chief?"

"Aye, Captain," Torres growled from within the device. "Give you three guesses as to who was using this console before it went haywire."

Crossing her arms over her chest and bringing up her hand to hide her grin, Janeway asked, "Any idea what she did?"

B'Elanna came out from underneath the console with dust all over her face and tool jacket, saying, getting to her feet and crossing her arms over her chest, smirking, "More efficiency efforts." Then sighing and shaking her head, she went over to the board and informed, "Which works…although, most of my staff isn't capable of decoding thirty strings of data per second, so it's not really helpful."

"I'll talk to her," Janeway replied as Torres asked Roland to bring up the data stream. "Is it working now?"

Grinning, Torres said, coming up to the captain, "Thankfully, Captain, she's not the only efficient person on this barge." Then patting the captain on the shoulder lightly, she smiled and said, "Hey, that was pretty cool…the whole asylum bit. Guess that means they're hangin' around, huh?"

Nodding and walking with Torres toward her office, Janeway said, "Looks that way. Where is Seven, anyway?"

"She's recharging," Torres responded, coming into her office. "Want some coffee?"

"Actually, no thank you," Janeway laughed, taking a seat on the chair in front of B'Elanna's desk since it seemed that her engineer wanted to speak with her. "Something on your mind?"

"Yep," Torres answered, grabbing her creamed coffee and coming over to her desk, sighing as the mess that she had yet to be able to clean stared at her. Sitting down, she explained, "I don't want to jump the gun here, so stop me if I'm over-stepping my bounds, but I think we should seriously think about trying to upgrade the Alaxiat's warp capabilities. If we're going to look out for our own, I'd like to try to get them up to par…at least capable of Warp Nine, if possible, since we rarely go faster than that."

Janeway smiled, then yawned, rubbing her neck and said, "No, you're right, and we've already talked about it a little bit." Then taking a deep breath, willing herself to keep awake for just a little longer, she went on, "But, before I send you over there for the foreseeable future, you've probably got a special mission coming up. Tuvok will give you the specifics as soon as we have them, but I just wanted you to know so you're not at my front door tomorrow demanding to get to work on their systems."

Then standing, Janeway decided it was time to break a few more of her rules for the day. So, she went around Torres' desk, pressed the sensor to shut the door and said, sitting down in her lap, "So, why don't you kiss me…like you mean it…before I have to turn you over to my Security Chief, and then over to our new friends, huh?"

"Hey, I can do that," Torres grinned, before she planted a wet one on the redhead.

"Who is it?" asked the ship's only child through the communication system, which meant that her mother was still on duty and she was alone. Of course, there was never a concern that someone from Voyager was going to harm the child, but it was something her mother was concerned about since it was possible for intruders to board the vessel.

"Someone looking for her assistant," Janeway answered.

"Hi, Captain!" Naomi greeted as the doors opened quickly. "I heard your announcement. That's so neat…what does that mean?"

Holding out her hand, which Naomi took instantly, she explained as they started down the hallway, "That means that the first regal and her crew are going to go home with us."

"Wow...neat!" the smaller redhead bounced. "How come they want to leave their home?"

"Well," Kathryn explained as they turned the corner and started for the turbolift, "they didn't like their old home very much, and they liked us enough that they wanted to come make a new home in the Federation."

"How come they didn't like their home? Was it bad?"

Mildly concerned that the young girl seemed to be rather focused on 'bad' things, and planning to have a discussion with her as to what was bringing that on, but not now since she was simply too tired, she answered, carefully, "Well, sometimes, Naomi…people don't always agree on how things should work. The first regal and her crew didn't agree with her government's way of doing things, so, instead of fighting them, they just decided to seek out a society that holds their same values…like we do. Does that make sense?"

"Yes, Captain," Naomi nodded, stepping into the turbolift with Janeway. Then wanting to request their destination, she queried fast, "Where are we going?"

"To the Shuttle Bay."

Nodding, Naomi said, "Deck Twelve. How come we're going there? Are we going on an away mission!"

"No," Janeway chuckled, shaking her hand. "You're going to help me power down the shuttles…do you think you can handle that?"

Answering without thinking, she exclaimed, "Oh yes, Captain!" Then walking out of the carriage, she admitted, "Captain, I don't know how to do that."

"Well, that's why I'm bringing you along…practice." Leaning down just a tad as she spoke, liking to keep their 'captain training' lessons seemingly private, privileged information, she informed, "If you want to be a captain, you'll have to learn how to do everything there is to do on your ship."

"Wow…neat!" Swinging the captain's hand as she walked, filled with excitement and happy to be out of her bedroom, she asked, "Captain, do you know how to work everything on Voyager?"

"Well, everything except Mister Neelix's oven," Janeway answered. "I've never been much of a cook."

As they stepped into the Shuttle Bay, the girl announced, "Oh, that's easy, Captain…I'll teach you."

Walking quickly down the hallway toward her cabin, Seven of Nine's long, powerful stride was filled with more than its normal swiftness due to her mounting anticipation. Breezing past Commander Chakotay's quarters, Seven barely gave the doors to her own quarters time to part for her before she slipped in between them. Then turning around, she stated as they closed, "Computer, seal the captain's quarters. Authorization Borg, alpha, ten, epsilon."

After placing a privacy seal on her communicator and the captain's, which she knew was on the night stand on the captain's side of the bed, which Seven deemed as a misnomer since the captain practically slept on top of her most nights when they were together alone, the tall blonde palmed her communicator and walked silently into the bedroom where she knew the captain continued to sleep soundly since her slow, steady respiration was audible thanks to her Borg enhanced senses. Setting the tiny device down on the night stand on her side of the bed, next to the digital clock she had replicated for herself, taking Naomi Wildman's advise so she didn't feel so disoriented every time she awoke from her sleep and couldn't figure out how long she had been regenerating, the sensation still not entirely second nature to the ex-drone yet, Seven reached behind her and unzipped her biosuit, after activating the sensor to loosen the outfit.

The material slightly tingled her skin as she pulled it off since she had just finished her regeneration cycle and small, harmless amounts of electricity were still present in the suit. After taking the suit into the closet and hanging it up, Seven freed her hair from her bun, setting the clip for her hair on the shelf, exactly where she always put it, then retrieved a long, silky nightgown the captain had replicated for her one day as a 'month-a-versary' present. Wearing it since Kathryn was also wearing her nightgown, although, Seven's was longer, with a much more drastic neck-line and slit up the side, and a pure, deep black, which apparently pleased the captain a great deal, because Kathryn always became rather aroused whenever Seven donned it, the ex-Borg hoped for that same reaction this time because she too was feeling quite frisky, a normal occurrence after a full regeneration cycle.

Still quiet, Seven approached the bed and then merely sat on the foot, knowing better to crawl on top of Janeway while she was unaware since she had done that once before, and the ensuing elbow she received in the stomach hadn't been as bad as the knowledge that she had scared the captain who still was not completely recovered from her ordeal with Mister X, although, both of them would admit that she was doing better these days since her nightmares occurred much more infrequently, and she seemed, especially in the last week, like she was starting to feel truly safe aboard her vessel once again. The exception to that rule had become clear in her behavior during this ordeal, but considering the great stresses Kathryn was under, Seven thought her small habits of looking over her shoulder and her new preference to not be alone was hardly anything to make mention of since the captain had yet again pulled through this mess like a champion. Seven merely considered those changes necessary adaptation, and she felt it was her duty to not only assist Janeway with them, but to adapt herself by not bringing them to Kathryn's attention. The Borg couldn't be certain, but she believed Janeway was aware of some of her subtle changes, and thus there was also no need to make such a report...especially considering she had a feeling that no matter how to detailed the information to the redhead, Kathryn would grow defensive and then withdrawn.

Then reaching out, Seven rubbed the captain's leg that was exposed toward the end of the bed with her mesh covered hand, so that Janeway would know instantly who was touching her. When the captain stirred lazily and then hummed as she became aware, recognizing the cool metal touch, Seven only then crawled toward Kathryn who was now on her back and grinning at Seven through lidded eyes. Hovering over the captain, Seven asked without preamble, "Are you prepared to do your duty for Science, my beautiful Kathryn?"

As she unabashedly gazed down the front of Seven's garment, the amble cleavage beckoning her and quickly stiring her senses, then finally brought her eyes back to the blonde's pale face, Janeway languidly traced her index finger over the Borg's ocular implant, down her cheek, to her ear, past her neck, down her shoulder and all the way to her bosom, while she answered, her voice raspy, but alluring, "I'm always prepared to do my duty, Seven...I'm the captain."

fin