Cycle Complete

"Regeneration cycle complete."

Seven of Nine opened her eyes and stepped down from her alcove in Cargo Bay Two. Voyager's blonde astrometrics officer felt exhilarated as she often did completing a regeneration cycle. The one she had just finished had taken 48 hours, longer than usual. The ex-Borg had needed the lengthy cycle after returning from an away mission in the 21st century with Captain Janeway. When a sudden time rift had swept Seven off the Delta Flyer stranding her in 21st century Chicago, the captain had immediately gone after her. Forced to find a way back to the 24th century, the two women had realized their special bond for one another transcended mere friendship and had fallen deeply in love.

Two pale azure eyes glanced quickly around the cargo bay. Kathryn herself had keyed in the regeneration cycle and had promised to be waiting when Seven was finished, however there was no sign of the compact starship captain in the area among the storage bins and ship's equipment. Keenly disappointed, the blonde reminded herself that Kathryn had duties and responsibilities unlike any one else on Voyager. That was part of who she was, part of what made her the unique individual she was and the woman who had captured an ex-drone's heart.

Eager to be reunited with Kathryn, Seven slapped the comm badge on her brown biometric suit. "Seven to Captain Janeway."

There was no answer. Odd. She tried again. Still no answer.

"Computer, locate Captain Janeway."

"Captain Janeway is not on Voyager."

Seven's ocular implant shot up in alarm. Kathryn was not on board the ship? What had happened in the two days she had been regenerating?

"Computer where is Captain Janeway."

"Captain Janeway is on the Paani Home World at coordinates 549 North and 728 West."

The Paani? Seven conducted a quick search of her eidetic memory and found nothing about the species in question. What was Kathryn doing there? No doubt she could learn more in astrometrics. Quickly Seven strode through the doors of the cargo bay, coming to an abrupt stop as the burly figure of Commander Chakotay hurried down the corridor toward her.

"Seven."

"Commander." She stepped back into the cargo bay with him.

"I thought you would be finishing up your regeneration cycle."

"I completed the cycle three minutes and twenty-eight seconds ago."

The tattoo over Chakotay's left eye wrinkled. "Then I'm late. The captain wanted someone to be here when you came out of your regeneration cycle since she couldn't be here to greet you."

So she had remembered her promise. Seven felt a warm glow spreading from her head to her toes. "The computer informed me the captain was on the Paani Home World." She kept her inflection her usual dispassionate one.

"Voyager is involved in trade negotiations for deuterium. Our stores are getting depleted and the Paani have a large natural supply. The Paani insist on negotiating with the head officer."

"That would be the captain." Seven felt a surge of pride. "The captain excels at trade negotiations."

He cocked his head at her. "Do you know the Paani?"

"I do not. The Borg have not encountered that species before."

"They are proving a challenge to the captain. So much so that she has declared herself off limits for the duration of the negotiation."

"Off limits?"

"She will not be available to anyone except Tuvok and myself and the Paani. She is taking her meals and sleeping in the ready room."

"Unacceptable. She will damage herself." Surely he as First Officer would know this. "How long has she been doing this?"

"It started about a day and half ago when we first approached the Paani. And it was the captain's idea. She wanted me to explain that she would be unavailable until the trade agreement is made."

Something flickered in the dark eyes of the former Maquis. Had Kathryn informed Chakotay about what had happened between her and Seven in the Alpha Quadrant, Seven wondered, thinking it doubtful. Had not Chakotay himself harbored romantic feelings for Kathryn? Was he envious of Seven? If the positions were reversed, she knew she would be.

"How much longer will that be?" she asked now.

"We have agreed to negotiate for four days. This is the second day."

Outwardly the blonde kept her feature's expressionless but inwardly she chafed at another delay. It would be another forty eight hours before she could be with Kathryn again.

Chakotay handed her a padd. "The captain left you this message. And, Seven? Nice hat."

Seven became aware that she was still wearing the blue baseball cap she had brought back from Chicago as a momento.

"Just a reminder not to wear it when you're on duty. It's not exactly regulation."

There was nothing about the Borg's biometric suit with its tight curve-hugging environmentally-controlled fabric or its high heels that was exactly regulation.

"I did not intend to wear it on my duty shift, Commander."

Left alone in the cargo bay again, Seven downloaded the message into her workstation. The blank view screen flickered and then the auburn-haired Kathryn appeared.

"Seven, I hope Chakotay has explained that I can't see anyone until the trade negotiations are over. Make yourself at home in my quarters. I'll see you soon."

As a Borg Seven prized brevity, but there was something singularly lacking in Kathryn's message. She replayed it again, trying to scrutinize Kathryn's expression. No hint of a smile. The eyes showed more gray than blue. She was back in full captain mode.

The chime on the cargo bay door surprised Seven. Usually she had no warning when someone barged into the cargo bay. She remembered mentioning that to Kathryn during their away mission and wondered if the captain had passed that information on to Commander Tuvok.

The chime rang again, more urgently.

"Enter," she called out.

Lt. B'Elanna Torres came in, carrying a toolbox. The half Klingon chief engineer scowled a greeting. "It's about time."

"Time for what, Lieutenant?" Seven asked as the other woman walked toward the Borg alcove. Quickly, the blonde moved to intercept her. "State your intention," she demanded.

"I intend to dismantle your alcove."

"Explain."

"I'm following the captain's orders."

"The captain's?" Why would Kathryn want her alcove dismantled?

"It was one of her first orders when she returned to Voyager. She wants your alcove moved to her quarters." Torres stared into the Borg's confused blue eyes. "You didn't know about it?"

"No." Kathryn had invited her to share her quarters when they returned to Voyager but she had said nothing about moving the alcove.

"Well, if you have any objection speak now or forever hold your peace," Torres smirked.

"I have no objection," Seven said.

"Good. Because I've been waiting for you to finish regenerating so I can cross this off my duty check list."

"May I assist you?"

Torres opened her tool kit. "That could be a good idea since you are the only Borg around here."

The two women worked together to pull the alcove away from the cargo bay wall.

"We could tote this alcove up to Deck Three or we could just transport it there directly, what do you think?" Torres asked, gasping for breath as she reached for the last of the Borg wiring.

"A direct transport would be more efficient."

"And there would be less questions from the crew."

"Questions?" Seven looked over at Torres. The engineer was kneeling down, still trying to get the last of the Borg cable.

"About why we'd be moving your Borg alcove to the captain's quarters."

"The captain has invited me to share her living space," Seven said. "Perhaps she thought I would need the alcove. Allow me, Lieutenant. My arm is longer than yours."

"Be my guest." Torres scooted out of the way, letting the blonde reach for the wiring.
"So the two of you are going to be roommates?" Torres didn't try to hide her curiosity.

"Yes." Seven flexed her Borg-enhanced left hand and grabbed the Borg wiring from the cargo bay wall. She rose from the deck. "Shall we transport the alcove now?"

"Computer, site to site transport to the captain's quarters," Torres ordered.

A moment later the two women materialized in the captain's quarters.

"Maybe I should have specified in the captain's bedroom," Torres said, grimacing as she realized the alcove now stood in the middle of the living area. "You don't want to regenerate in the middle of the room, do you?"

"I do not," Seven agreed.

"Then help me move it into the bedroom."

As she assisted Torres, Seven realized that she had never been in the captain's bedroom before. She had often been in the captain's quarters, sometimes engaging in philosophic discussions late at night, but she had never seen Kathryn's large double bed before. It was a good deal larger than the guest bed they had shared briefly in Chicago. Just imagining what she and Kathryn could do on this bed made her stomach flutter.

"Seven. Stop…Stop, son of a targh, I said, 'Stop,' are you deaf!" Torres shouted as Seven realized that she had almost jammed the alcove against the chief engineer's chest.

"I apologize. Lieutenant. Are you damaged?"

"No. Pay attention. So where do you want to stand when you regenerate?"

"It appears that against this bulkhead would be the most likely spot," Seven said. It would also afford her a view of the bed and Kathryn reclining there.

"An alcove with a view," Torres said. "You got it." Together they began the complicated task of rewiring the Borg technology to the power conduit.

Katherine Janeway had a headache, a full blown temple-throbbing, molar-jarring headache. The pounding was akin to a pair of Klingon drums going full tilt with her brain as the battleground, and there wasn't a thing she could do about it. She also had an itch in the middle of her back, exactly where she would not be able to reach. She couldn't very well ask Tuvok to scratch her back or the Paani negotiators they were conducting a trade agreement with.

She glanced across the conference table at the Paani Chief Negotiator. Like most of his species Malik had a blue furry mane framing his face. The fur undulated when he spoke. The Paani were a handsome humanoid race.

"Thank you," Malik said.

Damn. Janeway kept her command mask on even as she caught the unexpressive brown eyes of Commander Tuvok. The Paani were an empathic race and she needed to keep her emotional field on neutral.

Ordinarily this was not a difficult task. Kathryn had always excelled at negotiating and diplomacy. While other Starfleet captains had chafed at the never ending give and take when it came to making contact with various species, Janeway had thrived on it. At least she had back in the Alpha Quadrant. Being marooned in the Delta Quadrant with hostile aliens around the next star cluster was a different story. And the Panni were tough negotiators, wanting to know exactly what the deuterium would be used for.

During the first day she and Tuvok had learned about the history of the Paani. A warp capable race, they had many rituals and concerns regarding those they traded with. It had been at the end of the long tedious first day when she had learned more than she needed to know about the Paani culture that she realized the species was empathic.

"We are sorry to have bored you, Captain Janeway."

"What?" The captain had prided herself on her diplomatic skills and her command training was such that she could never have given away her boredom unless…they had read her mind.

"It would appear that the Paani have us at a disadvantage," Tuvok had said when they returned to Voyager.

Janeway had been furious, at herself for allowing her thoughts to wander like a first year Starfleet cadet and at the Paani for not disclosing their empathic abilities.

"If we didn't need the deuterium I would give the order to depart immediately," she fumed.

"We did use up considerable resources fighting the Folkir. Perhaps Commander Chakotay could take your place at the negotiating table."

"That's not an option. The Paani insist on negotiating only with the captain. Last time I checked that was me."

That had been 24 hours ago and, although her headache had eased thanks to a hypospray the doctor had administered, Voyager was no closer to getting the much needed deuterium. Janeway and Tuvok had toured several of the mining sites, the Paani wanted them to know that the resource was not inexhaustible and that they must decide carefully who they wished to trade with.

Janeway felt as though she were at the bottom of a very long list of suitors. And they had not even begun to haggle over the price yet. After a brief tour of the main city of the home world where they had made appreciative comments about the lovely fabrics and jeweled stones in the bazaar and after a hearty meal consisting of sweet fruits and a flat wheat bread, Janeway was ready for the afternoon session.

Unfortunately the meal made her drowsy and Malik with a smile furnished her with a cup of the Paani brew that was reminiscent of Klingon raktajino. Not exactly coffee but it would have to do.

Once again he began to talk about the history of his people. Sometime in the next few hours the captain hoped that he would get to the deuterium that she needed for the ship.
Six hours later she pushed her chair back and stretched her back. Negotiations were stalled and she had to control her mounting impatience.

"Some refreshment, Captain?" Malik offered, pointing to a tray on a table.

"No, thank you."

"You are anxious to be back on your ship," Malik said, his blue mane undulating as he smiled.

"Yes."

"You are also anxious to get the ship back to the Alpha Quadrant."

"Yes." She had explained earlier why Voyager needed the deuterium.

"You feel guilty about that."

Janeway kept her face expressionless, and only her intimates would have noticed that the blue eyes had now turned to the color of flint.

"A captain shoulders many burdens."

"Yes, and you feel them all," Malik observed. He drifted away to talk with some of his people, allowing Tuvok to sidle up to the captain. Janeway felt at a disadvantage, being outnumbered. However, given the empathic abilities of the Paani, Tuvok was the only one who could keep his emotional field neutral.

"Shall we call for transport back to Voyager?" the Vulcan inquired.

She nodded and turned to say goodbye to Malik.

"We will begin again tomorrow morning," the Paani said. "And I will have only one member with me on my team. I do not wish you to feel outnumbered." The blue mane undulated again.

Minutes later, the two Starfleet officers stepped from the transporter pads on Voyager. Kathryn kept her shoulders back as they headed for the turbo lift and the bridge.

"Now I see why some species dislike empaths."

"The ability can arouse suspicion in those unaccustomed to it," Tuvok agreed.

"Call it a human foible but I don't like having my mind probed."

"It is not your mind as much as your emotional field, Captain."

"That too."

The lift stopped and they stepped out onto the bridge. She nodded to the alpha shift crew and silently signaled Chakotay to follow them into the ready room.

"Any luck getting the deuterium?" he asked.

"No," Kathryn said shortly as she stretched the back of her neck. She had the beginnings of another headache building.

"If they don't want to trade for the deuterium why don't they just tell us. We'll find another source," she said irritably.

"There are no other sources for several million light years, Captain." Chakotay said. "Seven is conducting long range scans in astrometrics but has not discovered any new sources."

Seven. Kathryn's heart sank. She must've finished regenerating and Kathryn hadn't greeted her. She felt a pang of regret and just hoped that Chakotay had explained things to her. They couldn't be together, not while she was negotiating with the empaths who would use any emotional advantage they could find. She could hardly keep her emotional field steady in the presence of the woman she loved.

At the unlikely age of 44, Kathryn Janeway, had fallen in love with the lovely ex-Borg she had severed from the collective years ago. It was the scariest and most thrilling feeling she had felt in her life. And one she was not about to share with the Paani. She hadn't quite shared it with those on Voyager yet. It was too new, too raw, too tender.

"Two more days of this," Janeway said, rubbing her temples.

"Tomorrow will be an arduous session," Tuvok said. "I recommend a good night's sleep."

Which she probably won't get on that ready room couch, Kathryn thought. "Good night, Tuvok. See you tomorrow."

The Vulcan left the ready room, however the First Officer lingered.

"Something on your mind, Chakotay?"

"I just wanted you to know that I gave your message to Seven and that B'Elanna has moved the Borg alcove into your quarters."

"Good."

Left alone at last, Kathryn sank back in her chair, a scowl on her face. The negotiations were not going well at all. Was she losing her touch? She felt tempted to contact Seven just to hear her voice. A red light beeping at her computer indicated that she had a message. When she checked the source she realized it came from Seven.

Well it could be important. And she didn't want Chakotay checking her messages in case Seven innocently disclosed something about their relationship. Particularly the physical aspects to it.

And you just want to read it…her little voice nagged.

That too.

A smile lifted her lips involuntarily as the cool Nordic beauty came into view.

"Captain, I have received your message. However, I cannot comply. I require your presence in order to make myself at home anywhere. I await the end of the trade negotiations." Her lips quirked in what passed for a smile.

Janeway found herself smiling back. Her whole body felt on fire, responding to just that simple message from Seven. Impulsively, her fingers traced the Borg's face on the screen then she dropped her hand. Drat! This was not helping her neutral emotional field one bit. Who knew how the Paani would take advantage of her in this vulnerable state.

Damn her fluctuating emotional field. The Paani had better come through with the deuterium. She snatched up a pillow and stalked up to the ready room couch.

"I'm glad you're back, Seven," Naomi Wildman said, walking quickly to keep up with her friend's much longer stride. "I missed you."

"I am glad to be back." Now that she had finished her shift in astrometrics, Seven agreed to take a nutritional supplement with her young friend.

"Was it fun being on that away mission?" the girl asked as they got into the turbo lift.

Seven glanced down at the child. "It was enlightening. Mess hall," she ordered.

"You saw Earth, didn't you?"

The ex-Borg cocked her head. Naomi's mother, Ensign Samantha Wildman worked in engineering and astrometrics. No doubt she had been involved in the ship's search for them during the time rift.

"Yes."

"What was it like?"

The half-Katarian Naomi had been born on Voyager and had no memory of Earth, something she shared in common with Seven until only a few days ago.

"It was interesting."

"Where did you go? What did you see? Did you make any friends?"

"Naomi Wildman, I cannot tell you where I went or what I saw. That would be breaking the Temporal Prime Directive."

The child's face fell. "Oh. I wouldn't want you to do that."

"I can however say that I did make a friend. Her name was Kerry."

"What did you do together? What does she like to do? Was she nice?"

Seven thought back to the woman who had befriended her. Kerry Weaver was an ER doctor, but in the time she had spent with Seven she had been mostly involved in teaching her how to cook. "She taught me how to make a smoothie."

"What is a smoothie?"

"It is a beverage."

"Could you teach Neelix to make it?"

Seven remembered the recipe for caramel brownies that Kerry had given her and which she had saved to her eidetic memory. Perhaps with Mr. Neelix's help she would be able to make the treat for Kathryn.

"We must ask him."

The two friends made their way to the mess hall where the last of the diners were lingering. The Talaxian morale officer and Voyager's chief cook was just finishing up the shift and greeted the idea of a new recipe with his usual enthusiasm.

"Caramel brownies and strawberry smoothies. They sound delicious."

"They are. I could enter the parameters into the replicator however I have learned that home cooking is the best." She followed him into the kitchen.

"I agree."

"May I assist?" Naomi peeped her head in between the Seven's left elbow and Neelix's right.

"Your assistance would be welcome," Seven said, glancing down.

Since Neelix did not have Terran strawberries or any of the other ingredients with which to make a smoothie, it took several hours before an alternative in the way of Kavian berries could be found. The smoothie was not of Alpha Quadrant quality but Seven deemed it sufficient.

"I think it's delicious," Naomi said, looking up with a pink mustache on her upper lip.
A half smile lifted Seven's lips as she passed the child a napkin.

"Many napkins are utilized during the consumption of this beverage."

The caramel brownies proved more difficult to make, and Naomi was forced to leave the mess hall with her mother before the treat had been perfected.

"Bed time, young lady," Ensign Wildman said.

"Mom, do I have to?"

"Yes, you have to." Samantha smiled at Neelix and Seven.

"We will save a brownie for you," the Talaxian promised.

"All right. Night, Neelix. Night, Seven." She hugged her stocky godfather and then her tall blonde friend.

"Perhaps you should retire as well," Seven said to Neelix. "I can pursue the matter of the caramel brownies alone."

"I couldn't sleep, knowing that there was a recipe for caramel brownies out there, waiting to be made," Neelix said with a laugh. "Come on, let's see what we can use for that caramel."

They were still searching for a substitute at 0200 hours.

"Perhaps some Azalian honey, what do you think?" he asked, digging into the furthest reaches of his pantry shelves. He brought out a jar and held it out to Seven, who dipped a finger into the mixture and licked the substance gingerly.

"It is sweet but lacks the color and texture of the caramel."

"Color we can fix…but texture is another thing. Ah…I know…Barillian nectar…" He held out the second jar for Seven's inspection.

She licked her finger carefully. "It is sweet and thick…I believe this would be an acceptable substitute."

"Good. Now I have the flour and the chocolate…so we should bake up a batch of caramel brownies for you."

Ten minutes later the mixer was humming as the Talaxian added the ingredients. Seven found an odd satisfaction in recreating the brownie that Kathryn enjoyed.

"I didn't know you liked brownies, Seven," he said later while the brownies baked in the oven. The aroma filled the mess hall.

"I find them enjoyable. The captain is particularly fond of this snack."

"Is she? That's good to know. She has been taking her meals in her ready room and I usually take her a breakfast tray. What if I include a smoothie and a caramel brownie compliments of you on her breakfast menu tomorrow?"

Seven nodded, approving the idea.

"If the brownies are acceptable," she said.

"We can see for ourselves in another five minutes," Neelix said.

At exactly 0235 hours, he brought out the first tray of brownies. Seven helped to cut the brownies into squares. Just why the treat should be cut into squares and not circles she did not know. It was no doubt a human tradition.

"Well?" Neelix asked, as she lifted a small square to her mouth. She chewed it carefully. The treat was sweet, the caramel thick and gooey, and she thought that it was a faithful copy of Kerry's.

"Acceptable."

Neelix beamed. "Good…" He took a bite himself. "Oh yes…I see. Sweet and delicious. I believe the crew will enjoy this treat as well as the captain."

"What time do you take breakfast to the captain?" Seven inquired, another idea coming into her mind.

"0700 hours."

"I will be back here before then. Do not take the tray in to the captain until I arrive."

With that Seven left the mess hall and returned to astrometrics. After her lengthy regeneration cycle she did not require sleep and had no wish to return to the cargo bay. She thought fleetingly of going to the captain's quarters but felt it best to wait and enjoy the quarters together, especially the double bed

Seven frowned down at her console, disappointed not to find a message from Kathryn. Had she read the one Seven had sent? Chakotay had mentioned that she would be off limits. Perhaps her messages were not arriving.

The blonde set the long range scanners automatically to scan for deuterium deposits and made a request to the computer for a list of human courtship rituals and romantic gestures. She wished to review the list and find something to include on Kathryn's breakfast tray, a wordless reminder that she was loved.

The ready room couch was a poor excuse for a bed. Always a restless sleeper, Kathryn tossed and turned until she flipped herself onto the deck. Hardly the proper sleeping position for a starship captain.

Her muscles felt stiff and achy as she pulled herself back onto the couch. She wasn't getting much sleep tonight. She felt tired and cranky and she blamed that Paani beverage she had been drinking all day. As though replicated coffee weren't bad enough.

She knelt on the couch and leaned her head on her elbows, gazing out the window at the Paani Home World. Voyager was in orbit around the planet oddly reminiscent of Earth, although nothing could match that blue planet that she called home.

Just days ago she and Seven had been back in the Alpha Quadrant, and already it felt so far away. She lay back down on the couch, remembering how it felt to be back on Earth, striding up the streets of San Francisco, drinking something known as Starbucks coffee, and then later riding around in a car in Chicago, with Seven in the backseat hanging onto her when the car hit a pothole.

Seven. She remembered the blonde's strong arms encircling her and how good it felt to be resting her head on her shoulder….!

No! No! No! Janeway bolted upright on the couch. She wasn't supposed to be remembering such things. She was supposed to keep her emotional field neutral. And God knew it wouldn't be for long if she thought of the blonde's arms, or legs or lips.
Soft, warm, crushable lips.…Arrggh! She would need a cold shower before the night was over.

God, no! The last cold shower she had taken had been a shared experience with Seven. The Borg had been crying in the shower, convinced that Kathryn did not love her. It had ended with Kathryn confessing her love as they embraced in the shower. It was one of the most memorable moments of Kathryn's life…and one of the most arousing.

And that wasn't helping her emotional field either.

At 0700 hours the ready room door chimed.

"Come," Janeway said, smoothing her uniform tunic and hoping her sleepless night didn't show under her command mask. To her relief it was just Neelix with her breakfast tray and cup of coffee.

The Talaxian smiled as the captain snatched the mug off the tray before he could place it down on her desk.

"Good morning, Captain."

She savored the coffee for a long moment. "Now it's a good morning. What's on the menu today?"

"Some oatmeal, a fruit smoothie and a caramel brownie."

Still standing, Kathryn glanced over the tray that held a small pot of coffee and a red rose.

"Where did you get the smoothie and brownie from?"

"Seven of Nine came by the mess hall last night with some recipes that she wanted to try…They turned out acceptable."

Janeway smiled involuntarily at the familiar phrase of the blonde.

"Don't forget to eat the oatmeal," Neelix said.

"I won't. Thank you, Mr. Neelix. This looks delicious."

Pleased, the Talaxian left the ready room. Kathryn finished her coffee then wandered to the tray and sampled the smoothie. It was remarkably like the one she and Seven had drunk in Chicago. She picked up the spoon and dipped it into the oatmeal, keeping the caramel brownie for dessert. After finishing half the oatmeal, she deemed it time for dessert and picked up the brownie. The smooth crumbly texture melted in her mouth. It wasn't exactly caramel, but it was a very close match. She had to remember to thank Neelix for trying to make the treat for her. The rose was a very nice touch too.

Tuvok came to the ready room while she was finishing up.

"Are you ready, Captain?"

"I don't suppose I could bring a thermos of coffee with me to the negotiations?"

"The Paani could deem it an insult."

"They are a prickly group."

"Common to empaths."

Janeway smoothed her uniform. "Well then, let's not keep our prickly empaths waiting."

A few minutes later on her way to the transporter room, she crossed paths once again with Neelix.

"Thank you for the breakfast, Mr. Neelix. It was just the thing I needed to fortify myself for the negotiations."

"You'll get the deuterium, captain."

"Thank you for your confidence and for the rose."

"Oh, the rose came from Seven. She wanted me to put it on your tray from her."

"Seven…" Kathryn smiled, thinking of the blonde. She had no idea Seven was such a romantic. She became aware of Tuvok's look of disapproval.

She couldn't afford to think of Seven now. They were just about to beam down to the Paani Home World. "Please refrain from placing any more roses or any other items from Seven on my breakfast tray. They are not welcome."

"I'm sorry, Captain…" Neelix said, looking flustered. Janeway brushed past him into the transporter room.

The cook continued down the corridor, not appearing to notice someone pressed against a doorway lining the corridor. Seven of Nine had intended only to catch a glimpse of the woman she loved. A check of the ship's transporter logs had indicated that the captain and Tuvok had beamed off the ship at 0800 hours so she had positioned herself in the corridor in order to see Kathryn.

She had not expected to eavesdrop on the conversation between Janeway and Mr. Neelix. Kathryn had warned her before that eavesdropping was not a good habit with her Borg-enhanced hearing, and Seven could see why. All pleasure that she had experienced at seeing the redhead had evaporated with the captain's words ordering no other items from Seven to be placed on her breakfast tray. The red rose was a symbol of romantic love according to her research in Earth's customs. Why did Kathryn reject it?

"You are agitated," Tuvok said as they rode in a land vehicle toward the deuterium mines. The Paani had wished them to see again that the mineral was not in infinite supply. Both the Vulcan and Janeway wore protective goggles and helmets.

"The road is rocky," Janeway replied.

"That is not the only source of your discomfort." The vehicle had no driver and a sweep of the vehicle by a tricorder had shown no listening devices by the chief of security.

"What are you trying to say, Tuvok?"

"You must not give in to your wish to see or think of Seven of Nine. Your emotional field…"

"My emotional field is my business, Tuvok. I have feelings for Seven. Strong feelings."

"You love her," he said, not appearing surprised.

"Yes."

"I had reached that conclusion some time ago, Captain. But you are also are involved in this trade negotiation and must keep that ahead of your feelings for Seven."

Janeway turned toward the Vulcan, her blue eyes showing more gray than usual. Tuvok was not just her chief of security but one of her closest friends.

"You think I would put a personal relationship before the good of the ship?"

"If you continue to entertain thoughts of Seven you will jeopardize the trade and thus prove that point."

Starfleet captains did not usually have a romantic relationship with their crewmembers for precisely this reason. Tuvok didn't have to say it. Kathryn knew it and had struggled with her feelings for Seven for years. It was only on that away mission she had given in to her feelings.

Feelings that she needed now to suppress if she was ever to get the deuterium.

The vehicle stopped in front of a large mining operation. Malik was not there, but several other Paani were and greeted her so enthusiastically she had a hunch they were about to get another guided tour into the mine.

Lt. Tom Paris stepped into the astrometrics lab to find Seven of Nine at her work console. This had been Seven's first day back at work and she was completing most of her tasks that had piled up in her absence.

"Lieutenant Paris," she said without looking up.

"Seven, you wanted to see me after my duty shift?"

"I desire your assistance."

The handsome pilot looked uneasy. "Astrometrics isn't really my thing, Seven." And since Tom had duties in sickbay as well as at the helm he wasn't looking forward to adding a third rotation to his duties.

"I desire your assistance with a holo program I wish to design."

"Holodesign?" Paris perked up. He was intrigued. "You taking a whirl at designing something?" Seven was an ex-Borg and had knowledge of many species and worlds. It could be interesting to see what she would design.

"Yes. I wish to create a program for my recreational use. That would be appropriate, would it not?"

"Sure…well, the first thing is to ask yourself what region are you trying to recreate."

"Early 21st century Chicago," came the prompt reply.

"Chicago. Good choice, but the early 20th century would be more fun. You could program gangster shoot outs. Al Capone."

"The criminal underworld during the time of Prohibition."

"Exactly. You could create a speakeasy. It could be fun."

Seven frowned as though considering his suggestion. "I prefer the early 21st century. A night club."

"Night club. Well, there's always Sandrine's, my program."

Seven had been to Sandrine's on several occasions. "I prefer to make my own."

"Sure, but no sense duplicating work that's already been done.…why don't I pull up the specs on Sandrine's and we can meet in the mess hall…You can take a look at them and use it to guide you in designing your own."

"That would be acceptable. Thank you."

What she wouldn't give for her own bed. Kathryn Janeway eyed her ready room couch balefully. She had slept there previously, when Voyager was going through hostile space and the captain needed to be immediately accessible. But this was different.

She was the captain and needed a good night's sleep. The trade negotiations depended on it. She was tempted to return to her own quarters and sleep in her own bed. Of course there was the little matter of a six foot blonde who might pop in unexpectedly.

"Computer locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in the mess hall."

"Time of Seven of Nine's next duty shift?"

"Seven of Nine is on duty at 0800 hours."

"Computer, is Seven of Nine scheduled for any activities in the next few hours?"

"Seven of Nine has reserved Holodeck Two from 2200 hours to 2400 hours."

Kathryn frowned, surprised. Seven usually didn't participate in holodeck programs without her company. She thought of Da Vinci's studio and their Velocity games. But this would mean that Kathryn could get a few hours sleep in her own bed. Seven was occupied in astrometrics and would be occupied in the holodeck. Moreover, the captain could seal her quarters with a privacy code that no one could override.

Feeling quite pleased at the idea of sleeping in her own nightgown in her own bed, she pushed herself off the couch and left the ready room. In the command chair Harry Kim glanced over at her.

"You have the conn, Ensign. I'll be in my quarters."

"Understood, Captain."

Knowing Harry, he wouldn't disturb her. He was never eager to hand over control.

Ten minutes later, Kathryn was luxuriating under the hydro spray, a far cry from the sonic shower in her ready room ensuite. After the shower she donned her favorite blue nightgown and headed for her bed, nearly stubbing her toe on the Borg alcove that hadn't been there the last time she was in her quarters. She picked up the blue Cubs baseball cap which had been hanging on the control panel.

She had placed the baseball cap on Annika's head just before she set the regeneration cycle for her. As she turned the cap over in her hands she saw a blonde strand had been caught in the head band. Gently she lifted the hair out between two fingers…holding it against her wrist. The white blonde hair could only come from Seven.

Sighing, she found herself wishing the astrometrics officer was with her. But that was not going to help her emotional field. She had even submitted to a round of Vulcan meditation with Tuvok after dinner tonight to try and calm herself. She turned the sheet down in her bed and climbed in, but as soon as her head hit the pillow she could see that her view was of the Borg alcove again. She felt lonely for Seven. She missed her… She wrapped the blonde hair around her finger and dozed fitfully, thinking of Seven.

B'Elanna Torress paced impatiently in the corridor outside Holodeck Two. The Petaq using the holodeck had overrun his allocated time by fifteen minutes. The more minutes passed, the more the chief engineer fumed. It couldn't be Paris or Kim, they were involved in another Captain Proton adventure in Holodeck One.

Torres, never known for her patience, finally snapped: "Computer, identity of person in Holodeck Two."

"Seven of Nine is in Holodeck Two."

Seven? Torres stopped pacing. She hadn't expected the Voyager's astrometrics officer to indulge in holodeck programs except when it applied to ship stimulations. The Borg showed no interest in recreational programs and had often declared it a waste of time. Of course that was before she had been lost in the Alpha Quadrant with the captain.

Torres's ridged forehead wrinkled in thought. The away mission had created a time rift and the two women had reappeared just a few days ago. The chief engineer was dying to know all the details about what exactly had happened in the alpha quadrant but so far no one was talking.

She couldn't very well ask the captain. Seven however?

B'Elanna glanced down at the holodeck program title. Hole in the Wall. Nothing she could deduce from that. The doors to holodeck were closed but as chief engineer she could override them. Ten minute was the usual grace time allowed for overlap and she had waited almost twenty. She punched in her code and the doors opened.

It was dark and she couldn't see clearly through the blue cloud of smoke. Music played and she was reminded of Sandrine's. Couples were dancing and laughing. She squinted, unable to see Seven. What was the Borg doing in the program. Was she practicing her dancing? Seven had damaged Lt. Chapman during her one date before the captain had swooped her off, and perhaps she wished to improve? Finally, she spotted the blonde astrometrics officer seated at a small table, smiling as she listened to the music. She seemed lost in her own thoughts.

The night club was small, noisy and smoky. A band played on a small stage and couples were dancing. In a small corner of the dance floor Seven was dancing with Kathryn, holding her once again in her arms. Nearby Kerry was dancing with Kim, clinging to her a little because of her damaged leg.

Kathryn snuggled up to the taller woman and tucked her head against the Borg's neck.

Seven's limbs felt sluggish and heavy, her pupils were dilating, and the sensory nerves were flooding through her. The song was evocative. And I love her.

Kathryn rubbed her fingers lightly along the implant on Seven's biceps.

"Seven?" a voice inquired a few minutes later.

Intrigued, because Seven had not noticed her appearance, Torres approached carefully.

"Seven?"

"The woman didn't answer. Her lips were still curved in a half smile and a definite dreamy expression filled the pale azure eyes.

"Seven?" Torres said a little louder.

Seven, dreamily reliving the evening she and the captain had first danced together, startled at the sound of her name being called. She blinked and beheld the ridged forehead of B'Elanna Torres in front of her.

"Lt. Torres."

"You're running this program on my holodeck time, Seven."

Consulting her internal chronometer, Seven realized that the chief engineer was correct.

"My apologies. I will give you my next holodeck time."

"Never mind that," Torres waved away the offer. She sat down at the table next to Seven.
"What's this program?"

"Hole in the wall."

"Looks like a night club?"

"From Chicago in the 21st century."

A waitress sidled up to Torres and slapped a napkin down on the table. "So, what do you wanna drink?"

"Are you drinking, Seven?" Torres asked. Alcohol interfered with the Borg's cortical functioning but the holo-alcohol on the holodeck would be acceptable.

"Yes, it is called a Shirley Temple. It is non-alcoholic and enjoyable."

"Really? I'll try that." Torres said to the waitress who headed for the bar. "So when did you learn to drink Shirley Temples?"

"When the captain and I were in the Alpha Quadrant some friends took us to this nightclub and I had the drink there."

"Friends?"

"Yes. My friend Kerry and her friend Kim."

"So you designed this program to duplicate the club?"

"Yes."

"Did you program your friends too?" Torres asked, looking around.

"No." Seven frowned. "It is against holodeck protocols to do that. Besides, if I saw them I might miss them more than I already do." She had been working on the holodeck program after her duty shift had ended. While it was not yet perfected she thought that Kathryn might enjoy it when she returned to the ship.

"They sound like good people."

"They are."

The waitress came back with the drink. Torres sipped it.

"It's sweet."

"Yes…"

"So, Seven, what did you and the captain do at this hole in the wall?"

Kathryn woke, for a disconcerting moment she thought she was on a Borg cube. Then she remembered. She was sharing her bedroom with Seven's alcove. Even when it was not in use it cast a green glow on everything nearby.

She turned over in bed, trying to get comfortable and not succeeding. Just the presence of the alcove made her think of Seven.

"Computer locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in Holodeck Two."

Still? Kathryn consulted the chronometer. It was 0200 hours. Seven had been scheduled for the holodeck two hours earlier. What program had she been running for the last four hours? Was someone with her?

"Is Seven of Nine alone?" she asked.

"Lieutenant Torres is with her in Holodeck Two."

Torres. Janeway threw the blanket off and stripped off her night gown, reaching for the uniform she had recycled earlier. B'Elanna had run several self-destructive holodeck programs with the safeties off, and the captain didn't like the idea of Seven being in there with her. The two women usually did not see eye to eye with one another.

By the time she had reached the holodeck she was definitely worried. At least the program running was a public one and she wouldn't need to call Tuvok to override it. She stepped into the holodeck, blinking at the blue smoke that seemed everywhere. Her eyes burned the way they had back in Chicago.

In fact this venue reminded her of the club she and Seven had gone to back in the Alpha Quadrant. It seemed Seven had recreated the Chicago club where she and Kathryn had gone on during the away mission. The same line of handsome men and beautiful women were at the bar giving everyone who came in the once over. The same urban cowboy was asking women to dance and the same band was playing the Beatles classic tune, And I Love Her. She and Seven had danced to that song back in the 21st century.

She noticed the couples on the dance floor. Was B'Elanna dancing with Seven? An irrational wave of jealousy nearly overcame the captain. She was being foolish. There was nothing wrong with Seven practicing her dancing with other partners. Of course it depended on just how close the two women were pressed up against each other.

Annoyed at that thought, she found a cocktail waitress with a tray of drinks blocking her path. As she stepped around her, she spotted Seven and Lt. Torres at a table.

"Kathryn!" Seven exclaimed happily. She did not know why people were coming into the holodeck program, and she was especially happy to see Kathryn. She had not seen her in over four days.

"Captain," Torres said, hoping the captain had not overheard the conversation she had been having with Seven.

"Seven. Lieutenant."

"Have a seat, Captain…I was just leaving," Torres said, getting up from her chair. "Thanks for letting me share your program, Seven."

"You are welcome." Seven turned to the captain with a shy smile. "Would you like to dance, Kathryn?"

"No, Seven," Janeway said, annoyed at herself because that was just what she wanted at the moment. She could almost feel the blonde's arms around her, her body pressed into those ample breasts but because of the negotiation she couldn't give in to temptation.

"Would you like a drink? A Shirley Temple perhaps?"

"No, Seven. All I want to do is go home and go to bed."

"Then we shall do so," Seven said happily. "Computer, end program."

The nightclub vanished and gridlines appeared. Seven was perfectly content to walk with the captain to the turbolift, feeling reassured by the captain's presence. Kathryn however was not so content. Just what was she going to do with Seven, Kathryn thought as they exited the turbolift at Deck Three and started toward her quarters. Oh she knew what she wanted to do with Annika, all right. She wanted to take her to bed and make sweet love to her, but that was impossible. And it would no doubt drive her crazy before the night was over. Why had she gone to the holodeck anyway?

"I did not expect you to sleep here tonight, Kathryn," Seven said huskily.

"The ready room couch was uncomfortable. I thought I could sleep better in my own bed. And I do mean sleep, Seven."

"I understand," the blonde replied. Although disappointed that they would not make love, she understood that the negotiations were strenuous and Kathryn might not wish to stay up for hours the way they often did when they made love. She would be content to hold Kathryn in her arms while she fell asleep.

Together they entered the bedroom. Seven eyed the rumpled sheets that had been tossed to the side when the captain had gotten out of the bed and the nightgown and robe scattered on the floor.

Kathryn picked them up. "I'm going to change…" she said and fled into the ensuite.

Puzzled at this behavior from the captain, Seven shrugged out of her biosuit and climbed into the bed. She fluffed the pillows and smoothed the sheet, savoring Kathryn's fragrance permeating the bed, enough to cause a sharp increase in her desire.

The captain needed to sleep. Seven would not make love to her tonight. She would just hold her.

Garbed once again in her nightgown, Kathryn emerged from the ensuite to find six feet of naked Borg occupying the middle of her bed. Not just occupying, dominating it. She felt an urge to grab the young woman and lose herself in her strong arms. And that was not going to help her emotional field one bit.

"Are you coming to bed, Kathryn?" Seven's voice was low and husky.

"Maybe you should regenerate, Seven."

The blue eyes appeared confused. "Kathryn?"

"That's why we moved the alcove here. So you could regenerate while I sleep."

Seven blinked. Why was Kathryn insisting on her regenerating?

"I can regenerate after you have fallen asleep."

"Seven, I'm tired. Don't argue with me, please."

Seven could see the fatigue etched in Kathryn's face. She slipped out of bed and put her bio suit back on.

"I will comply." She walked to the alcove, coming to a stop in front of Kathryn.
She bent her head and her lips were heading straight for Janeway's. For a moment Kathryn could almost taste their softness and sweetness then she turned her head abruptly so that Seven's mouth landed on her cheek. She could see the hurt expression in Seven's eyes.

"I'm not in the mood, Seven."

The captain had always been in the mood for her kisses before. Seven felt a lump in her throat as she set the controls on the alcove and stepped into it. Kathryn was avoiding her kiss and did not wish to share her bed with her. A waft of loneliness overcame her. She did not wish to regenerate.

"Good night, Seven."

"Good night." Kathryn could hear the sadness in the Borg's tone and felt her own heart ache. And that was exactly what she wasn't supposed to be feeling in preparation for tomorrow's negotiations. She waited until the regeneration cycle was underway then climbed into her bed and drew down the light. Even so she could see the green light of the alcove and the young woman standing there. She lay in bed and finally fell asleep.

"Regeneration complete."

Seven blinked then stepped down from her alcove. By her internal chronometer she knew it was 0200 hours. Kathryn was sleeping. Drawn to the bed and the red haired woman slumbering peacefully, Seven could not help giving in to the temptation and slid into the bed softly. She knew Kathryn would not wish her company in bed, but she wanted to lay in bed with her at least once more. It could be the last time she would do so, given Kathryn's dislike of romantic gestures from her. In her sleep, Kathryn turned toward the larger woman, throwing her arm and leg over the Borg's torso.

Seven pulled her closer into her embrace, unable to resist stroking her back soothingly. Kathryn sighed and dug in even more, still asleep. Seven pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. For one more night she would pretend that everything was all right.

"The time is 0600 hours."

Kathryn came awake at once, finding herself well rested. That's what sleeping in her own bed would do for her. She sat up and took a quick look around the bedroom. No sign of Seven.

Just one more day and they could be together. Smiling to herself, Kathryn took a leisurely shower, already plotting out what she would do and say to the Paani. She had recycled her uniform and donned it, attaching the four pips to the collar. As she made the bed, she found several strands of blonde hair on the pillow. Seven. The Borg must've come into the bed after regenerating.

Against her orders. Technically however, she did not remember telling Seven to stay out of the bed, only to regenerate while she slept. And there was no doubt that she felt well rested. Something that Tuvok remarked upon when he joined her in the transporter room.

"I trust that you slept well, Captain?"

"Yes, Commander…" She beamed down with Tuvok into the large conference room where they had been negotiating. Malik looked at her with keen interest.

"Captain Janeway."

"Negotiator Malik."

"You appear refreshed this morning."

"I had a good night's sleep."

"That is not all you had," he said with a hint of a smile. His blue mane undulated.

Her own smile froze on her face.

"Someone loves you very much, Captain."

"I fail to see what that has to do with our negotiations," she said furious at having her personal life brought into the conference room.

"Oh, it has a good deal to do with negotiations," Malik replied. He brushed his mane with a paw. "You also love this person, do you not?"

"You tell me."

He smiled. "You may have the deuterium you desire at this price." He pushed a padd across the table at Janeway. Her eyebrow flew up. That was more than a fair price.

"Is that agreeable?"

"Yes."

"Good. Commander Tuvok can make the arrangements with my assistant." The other Paani escorted Tuvok out of the room.

Malik continued to smile at the captain. "You are surprised that we would agree so quickly to the trade?"

"We have been negotiating for three days," she said drily. "I'd hardly call it quickly."

"A good point. We are empaths, Captain. That means we can feel the emotions of those we trade with. It helps us to know whether the deuterium will be used for good or bad. The fact that you know what it is to be loved and to love matters a good deal. We do not wish to trade with those who are indifferent to such positive emotions."

"I see."

"May I show you some of the bazaars in my home world? You may find something there that may interest this person who loves you so well."

"Lieutenant Paris…"

Paris gazed up from his breakfast in the mess hall at the tall blonde woman.

"Hi, Seven. Have a seat. I hear you got your holodeck program up and running."

"Yes." Seven sat down across from the helmsman.

"How is it working out?"

"It is adequate."

"B'Elanna says it was quite intriguing. Maybe I could see it sometime."

"You may. Lieutenant, you have had a good deal of experience in romantic affairs."

Paris choked on a waffle. "Did B'Elanna tell you that?"

"No, but I have seen and observed you. I wish to know what is the nature of a vacation fling."

"A vacation fling? Where did you hear that phrase, Seven?"

"I have been researching the database on romance."

Remembering that at one time he and B'Elanna had been scrutinized by the Borg, Paris felt relieved that it was a database that Seven had been consulting.

"Well a vacation fling is generally of short duration, lasting while the vacation does. It's similar to a shore leave romance. Something that happens when a couple isn't working or doing what they usually do."

"Do vacation flings never become permanent?"

Paris frowned, considering the question. "I guess they could. It all depends. It's hard to carry on a romance with all the pressures of shipboard living."

"What does it means in a romantic relationship when someone refuses a kiss, does not wish to share one's bed, and refuses romantic gestures such as a rose."

"The bloom is off the rose."

"The rose was in perfect bloom," she protested, remembering that she had replicated the rose for the captain's tray.

"No, I mean the relationship is breaking up."

"I see," Seven said soberly. She rose from the chair. "Thank you, Lieutenant."

"Seven, sometimes relationships go through ups and downs. Just look at B'Elanna and me. People can work things out.."

"I am uncertain if there is anything to work out," Seven said.

After exiting the captain's quarters in the early hours of the morning, Seven had spent time in astrometrics though she knew her mind was not on long range sensors. She had queried the computer again on romantic matters learning that vacation flings were of intense but seldom lasting duration. Perhaps that was what she was to Kathryn. Just a fling.

Now that they were back on board Voyager, Kathryn was obviously no longer interested in continuing their relationship. Seven blinked back tears. She was Borg. She would adapt. And the first thing she needed to do was speak with Commander Chakotay.

Kathryn gazed down at the stone, which resembled a blue diamond, flawless and just the color of Annika's eyes.

"It's beautiful."

"One of our craftsman could fashion it into a ring if you like."

"A ring?" That was a little too significant for Kathryn. "Perhaps a pendant on a chain?"

"That would be very possible. Let me show you…"

She passed the afternoon, enjoying herself as she selected not just a chain but other pieces of jewelry that she could present to Seven later at special occasions. Finally, biting into a Paani fruit that was remarkably similar to an apple, she watching the craftsman fashion the pendant with the blue diamond.

"She is very beautiful, this woman you love?." Malik asked.

She didn't ask how he knew it was a woman. "She is exquisite."

"I hope the stone will do her justice."

When the craftsman finally handed the pendant to Kathryn it was still warm, a blue-silvery metal surrounded the diamond which hung like a brilliant star. The Paani wrapped it in a small velvet pouch for her, accepting the payment she gave him. Kathryn tucked the precious item in a pocket in her tunic, imagining how Seven's eyes would light up when she saw it.

By the time she accompanied Malik back to the conference room Tuvok was waiting.

"The supply teams have arrived, Captain. I will oversee them if you wish."

"Good idea, Tuvok. I'll get back to Voyager." Kathryn turned to the chief negotiator. "Mr. Malik, thank you for your help."

"Always happy to make a trade, Captain Janeway."

She slapped her comm badge. "Voyager, one to beam up."

Rematerializing once again in a shower of sparkles, Kathryn stepped down from the transporter pads, one thing paramount on her mind. To find Seven. Quickly she queried the computer for Seven's location.

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters."

"Good."

With a definite bounce to her step, she exited the turbolift on the third deck and entered her quarters, looking around for Seven. She wasn't in the living area. Perhaps the blonde was on the bed, waiting for her the way she had last night. A shiver of excitement went up her spine as she peered into the bedroom. Again no Seven. A quick check of the ensuite did not produce the astrometrics officer.

Annoyed and wondering if the computer had malfunctioned, she queried it again.

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters."

"Specify."

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters on Deck Nine Section Twelve."

"Deck Nine…" Those were crew quarters. Since when did Seven have quarters on the lower deck? Only one person was responsible for allocating crew quarters. She was about to hail him on her comm badge when she heard the chime on her door. Maybe it was Seven.

When she opened the door however, it was not Seven. It was Chakotay.

"Commander," she greeted, letting him in.

"Captain. Tuvok told me you had been successful with getting the Paani to agree to terms for the deuterium."

"Yes. I was able to return to the ship sooner than we expected."

"Good. Captain, there's something I think you should be aware of."

"Would it happen to be your assigning private quarters for Seven?" she asked with a definite chill to her words.

Chakotay dipped his dark head in assent. "She came to me this morning with her request. Apparently she wasn't happy with her previous arrangement in Cargo Bay Two."

"I see." The muscle in Janeway's jaw tensed. And what about her arrangement with the captain?

"I tried to persuade her to wait until you had returned from negotiating with the Paani but she was insistent. I even told her the only thing available was no more than a closet. She deemed it adequate."

She would. "Did Seven say why she wanted her own quarters?"

"No. I'm sorry, Captain."

Janeway looked up sharply, reading the sympathy in his dark eyes. And not liking it one bit. Chakotay left and Kathryn walked over to her replicator. So Seven didn't want to live with her. That didn't mean that she wanted to discontinue their relationship. Or did it?

Kathryn felt a pang of uncertainty, remembering how hurt Seven had looked when Kathryn had turned her cheek, avoiding her kiss. She needed to explain things to her young love. She couldn't bear to lose her. Calm down, Kathryn. You don't know that she wants to end things. She just wanted her own space. Fair enough. She would need to talk to the young woman. She would ask her to come to her quarters…Her hand paused an inch away from her comm badge. No. She would go herself, in person, to pay a visit to Seven on Deck 9. But first, she would need to utilize the replicator for something other than coffee.

Half an hour later, carrying a bouquet of a dozen replicated red roses and a heart shaped box of chocolates, Kathryn stepped into the turbo lift.

"Deck Nine," she said.

The lift stopped on Deck Four, picking up more passengers, including Ensign Kim. His boisterous banter stopped when he noticed the captain standing there with the flowers and candy.

"Captain."

"Ensign."

By the time the turbolift had reached Deck Nine, it was completely filled. When the doors opened everyone waited for the captain to exit first. Squaring her shoulders, Kathryn stepped out, aware that everyone else was waiting to see where she headed. Acutely conscious of the eyes on her back, she made her way unerringly toward Section Twelve. But just which unit was Seven's?

Luckily B'Elanna Torres came around a corner and spotted her.

"Captain?"

"Good evening, Lieutenant. You wouldn't happen to know where Seven's quarters are?"

"I just came from there, Captain. I'll show you."

She followed the chief engineer to the fifth unit.

"Have fun, Captain."

Clearing her throat and straightening her shoulders, Kathryn rang the chime on the door.

Seven of Nine heard the door chime and wished whoever it was would go away. Lt. Torres had stopped by earlier with what she called a house warming gift. It was a Klingon house plant. Seven thought that the plant was more of an animal with its large petals.

The chime rang again.

"Computer, identify person at the door."

"Captain Janeway is at the door."
Kathryn! Seven opened the door at once, just as the captain was leaning in to press the chime again.

"Captain…"

"May I come in, Seven?" Kathryn asked, trying to be nonchalant as though she came calling on the blonde with roses and chocolates every day.

Seven stepped back, allowing the redhead to enter. Chakotay hadn't been kidding about the size of the quarters. It was small and cramped with no sign of a bed or chair to sit on.
Kathryn was appalled. How could Seven prefer to live in this closet rather than in the cavernous cargo bay or the captain's quarters?

"Isn't this living space small for you, Seven?"

"It is sufficient for my needs. I have a replicator and a work station."

"But no bed or chairs."

"I regenerate standing up, Captain. And I prefer to stand."

"So you have told me countless times," Kathryn said, with a smile. She realized she was still carrying the flowers and candy and offered them to the other woman. "These are for you."

To her surprise Seven held her hand, palm out, refusing the flowers and candy. "I have no need of romantic gestures from you, Captain. They are unnecessary."

Kathryn's eyes narrowed. The Borg's words were oddly familiar, almost echoing her own conversation with Neelix this morning. Had the chief cook told Seven of their conversation? It seemed most unlike the good-humored Talaxian.

"I overheard you say as much to Mr. Neelix this morning near the transporter room," Seven admitted.

So that explained it.

Carefully, Kathryn placed the roses and chocolates on the floor next to a large plant with petals that opened into a sort of mouth. She stepped closer to the blonde. "Seven, I really want explain..."

"It is irrelevant, Captain. I understand that you and I had a vacation fling in the Alpha Quadrant and that now our offship romance is not what you wish."

"A fling!" Kathryn was dumbfounded. "Annika, do you really think that's what it was."

Seven's eyes filled with tears. Annika was the name only the captain was allowed to use.

Kathryn reached out to touch Seven's cheek and the starburst implant. The blonde jerked her head back, not allowing the contact.

Hurt, Janeway let her hand fall, remembering the hurt expression in Seven's eyes last night when she had turned her head from Seven's kiss.

"Annika, please. About last night."

"I do not wish to speak about last night, Captain," Seven said quickly, blinking to clear the moisture from her eyes. "Speaking of last night only brings me pain." She turned her back to Kathryn, not wanting to face her. Her chest heaved under her plum bio suit. It was Kathryn's favorite color on the Borg.

Quietly Kathryn placed her hand between the taller woman's shoulder blades. She could feel the shiver going down Seven's spine at her touch.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you. The rose on my breakfast tray was lovely." She moved so that she was facing Seven. "Just tell me one thing. Last night after regenerating did you come into bed with me?"

Seven hung her head, unable to meet the captain's eyes. How had she determined that? "I am sorry, Captain."

"Kathryn. Call me Kathryn. Why did you come into bed with me?"

"I wished only to be with you. I have not been able to do so for several days. The temptation was very great to hold you for one last time."

"Last time. Seven, do you really wish to end our relationship?" Kathryn asked, feeling her throat dry as she awaited the young woman's reply. Why did it feel like her entire life hung in the balance? One word from Seven and she would cease to be the woman she was and return to being only a lonely starship captain.

A stricken expression came over the blonde's face. Why was Kathryn asking this? Kathryn herself had ended their relationship, hadn't she?

Seven lifted her gaze so she was looking at Kathryn. The captain's eyes held an expression new to Seven. Filled with yearning and uncertainty.

"Don't you?" Seven asked.

"No, my darling," Kathryn said. "I don't wish to end our relationship."

Darling It was the endearment that Kathryn had used for her. Seven felt a well of emotion beginning to rise inside of her. She reached out her long arms and gathered Kathryn to her, crushing her small form against her chest.

"Nor do I," she said huskily.

"Thank God," Kathryn said, aware that Seven's lips were just a fraction of an inch from her own. She pulled that leonine head down and felt the soft mouth envelope hers. The kiss went on and on, dizzying them both until Kathryn felt that she would fall if not held up by the taller woman.

"I love you, Annika."

Seven smiled, feeling the uncertainty in her heart disappear into another kiss from the captain

"I love you, Kathryn."

"It's thanks to you and your love that we got the deuterium." Janeway said, pulling back for a moment.

"Explain?"

"The Paani are an empathic species and Tuvok and I were attempting to keep our emotional fields neutral during the period of negotiation. That meant that I had to keep from thinking about you…because I am never emotionally neutral when it comes to you, my darling." Seven's arms tightened. "It wasn't the right strategy to take but at the time that's what we thought best."

"How did you get the deuterium."

"The Paani sensed something different about me when we came to the table this morning. I believe that I must've responded intuitively to being held in bed by you last night."

"You were responsive," Seven agreed with a smile.

"The negotiator asked point blank if I were loved. I said yes….He asked if I loved in return. I said yes. He was pleased. Apparently the Paani don't wish to give the deuterium to people who don't know what it's like to love."

"An interesting requirement for trade."

Kathryn rubbed her cheek against the blonde's chin. "I'm so sorry about all this."

"Every relationship has their ups and downs."

The captain smiled. "Yes… I have something for you."

"Something besides the roses and the candy?" Seven asked shyly. "Thank you for them."

Kathryn drew out the velvet pouch and handed it to Seven. The blonde drew out the pendant, her eyes shining like the blue diamond she beheld.

"Kathryn…"

"Shall I put it on for you, darling?"

Slowly Kathryn drew the chain around Seven's neck. As she secured the clasp she planted a kiss on the nape of Seven's long neck. "Wear it for me tonight in bed?" she asked huskily.

"I shall…but I have no bed here."

"I noticed. You will need to requisition one if you plan to live here. I'm a little old to be rolling around on the deck. Maybe a couch so I could sit when I visit you or …"

"Or?"

"Or we could just share my quarters as I wanted you to in the first place."

"I would like that. I always wanted that."

"Good. Shall we go home now?"

"Yes, Kathryn. We can go home."