“Permission.”

“Regeneration cycle complete.”

Seven opens her eyes and steps out of the alcove. “Good morning Captain,” she says taking in stride that Janeway would be there waiting. She pauses a few feet in front of the captain, clasping her hands behind her back — standing at attention, she briefly wonders what she wants.

“Good morning Seven,” Janeway replies, a small grin on her face, “Sleep well?”

Seven was well aware the captain knew she did not sleep while she regenerated; yet it had become a sort of ritual between them nonetheless.

“Kathryn,” Seven began, her voice softening as she steps into Janeway’s personal space. “We both know I only sleep well in your arms.”

A small chuckle escapes Janeway’s mouth as she wraps her arms around Seven. “Umm, I’ve missed you Sweetheart,” she murmurs against Seven’s ample chest.

“I have missed your presence as well Kathryn.” Seven lowers her head to press her lips against Janeway’s cheek and smiles when she felt a slight tremor.

“How are you feeling?” Janeway asks.

“I am… fine. Although according to Lt. Torres I should be… nervous.”

“Nervous?”

“Yes,” Seven continues. “She stated ‘It’s not everyday you ask permission to get married.’ I understand the concept of asking,” she pauses, “for your hand in matrimony, however I do not understand why I should be nervous.”

“Darling, you know how much I love you — but you don’t have to ask. I’m sure mother will approve.”

Seven releases her embrace and walks over to her workstation and brings up the data she aquired. “According,… not only to my lesions in humanity with the Doctor, but as well as the research I have conducted regarding courtship rituals in North America — Indiana to be precise,” she looks into Kathryn’s eyes, which are sparkling with amusement. “This is precisely what I should do and,” she frowns slightly, “I should have asked earlier as we are now sharing quarters — I would not wish your mother to think you are being taken advantage of,” she concludes.

Janeway reaches out and takes hold of Seven’s mesh—covered hand and brings it to her lips. “You are truly the most considerate person Seven — I’m sure my mother will love you as much as I do.”

“Commander Chakotay to Captain Janeway.”

“Go ahead Commander,” Janeway acknowledges.

“There are some reports that need our attention…”

“I’ll be right there, Janeway out,” she turns to Seven. “I’m sorry Sweetheart, maybe we can have lunch?”

“That would be acceptable,” she replies, with a slight dip of her head.

“Thirteen hundred hours in my ready room?”

“I shall comply.”

Janeway kisses her soon to be wife and leaves the Cargo Bay.

Seven watches the compact form of her lover as she departs. She smiles and thinks about how light Kathryn feels against her body, how she feels in her arms — how Kathryn’s head would rest in the crook on her shoulder while she slept, as if her shoulder had been designed especially for that purpose. All these thoughts leave her with a longing to chase after the redhead drag her to their quarters and ravish her the entire journey home.

Uncharacteristically sighing, she shuts down her workstation. As much as she may have wanted to go after her, she knew Kathryn would never do such a thing.

It was enough for her to know that Kathryn loves her as much as she loves Kathryn. She walks out of the Cargo Bay and to the turbolift. “Deck eleven. Seven of Nine to Lt. Torres.”

“What’s up Seven,” B’Elanna asks as she reads through the Gamma shift report.

“My hair,” Seven quips.

B’Elanna practically spews the juice she was drinking. “Your hair?”

“Yes Lieutenant. And as you would say, ‘Took you long enough.’”

“All right Borg — wadda want.”

Seven’s eyebrows rise perceptibly. “You can not provide me with what I want at the moment, though I have no doubt you would be an acceptable substitute. However, you can assist me with my endeavor this morning,” she states as she leaves the turbolift.

“Do you want to run that by me again?”

“If you were Borg,” she says as she walks into Engineering, “I would not have to repeat myself,” she concludes as she steps into Lt. Torres’ office.

“Nice of you to drop by,” B’Elanna replies as she decides to let Seven’s earlier statement slide. She didn’t want to hazard a guess as to what she meant.

Seven stares at the Klingon—Human hybrid and makes note, although they did not get along at the beginning, she felt they had moved towards a slight truce. They still bickered, it would not be the same if they didn’t. Yet Lt. Torres no longer bitched at everything she did.

Their relationship had gotten to the point where she asked Lt. Torres for her word — if for some reason she or Lt. Commander Tuvok; the only other person she could count on to protect Kathryn at all costs, were unable to – and if Ensign Paris and their child were not in danger, would she do her best to protect the Captain in her place – to the exclusion of sacrificing her life.

“May I be first in line to Gre’thor if I don’t.”

“Acceptable.”

“Lt. Torres, as you are well aware, I plan to ask Captain Janeway’s mother, Gretchen for permission to marry the captain.”

“Yeah and?”

“I wish your support in this.”

“Me?” B’Elanna sits up in her chair gauging Sevens’ sincerity. ‘She means it.’

“Yes.”

“You want me to…”

“Be by my side should I for some reason be unable to complete the task on my own. I do not foresee this happening, however, if you are going to stand with me during the ceremony…”

‘She wants me to be in the wedding? Nah, I heard wrong.’ B’Elanna thought as she shook her head.

When Seven notices that she has lost Lt. Torres’ attention she fights the urge to roll her eyes. ‘Really. What was the point of this? Perhaps Kathryn was right. Perhaps I should forgo all of this and we should simply marry as soon as possible.’

“You want me to be in the wedding?”

“Yes. I have concluded that Naomi Wildman is far more suited to be the flower girl, unless you find it distasteful. I am sure the Doctor would be…”

“No! I mean, no,” B’Elanna waves her off, as she gets out of her chair with some difficulty, her hand automatically going to her back for the added support. “I’ll do it.”

“Thank you — now you will accompany me to Astrometrics while I contact Mrs. Janeway.“ With that said, Seven turns around and leaves B’Elanna’s office. She notices B’Elanna has not yet followed. “Tugh! Lt. Torres, time is of the essence.”

Seven’s command to “Hurry up!” in Klingon made her fume. “Ghuy! She wants my help - ha!” she mutters as she leaves Vorik in charge, letting him know he can find her in Astrometrics. “Slow down Borg,” she calls out as Seven’s long legs quickly out pace her.

Seven pauses. When she hears Lt. Torres approaching she continues to the turbolift. “Deck eight,” she states as she enters.

“Thanks for waiting,” B’Elanna said sarcastically as she brakes the beam stopping the doors.

“I knew you would make it, otherwise I would have kept the doors from closing.”

B’Elanna crosses her arms over her expanding stomach. “So, have you given any thought to what you’re going to say?”

“To Mrs. Janeway?”

“Yes, who else do you think I mean,” B’Elanna answers exasperatedly.

“Have you been sleeping well lately?”

“Excuse me?” B’Elanna didn’t think she’d ever get used to Seven’s sudden changes in topics — it was hard to keep up sometimes.

“You seem to be more sarcastic than usual this morning and I was simply inquiring — perhaps the baby,” she glances down, “has kept you up?”

“No… the baby did not keep me up.”

“Perhaps you are ingesting to much caffeine?”

B’Elanna’s retort was cut off as the turbolift doors opens.

“After you Lieutenant.”

“QI’yaH,” B’Elanna grumbles.

Seven’s ocular implant rose as she hears the expletive. “An interesting choice Lt. Torres — but would not Qu’Vatlh have been more suitable?”

B’Elanna stops in her tracks and slowly turns around.

Seven notes the physiological changes in Lt. Torres’ body, the rise in her body temperature, her respiration. Knowing about the stress being placed on not only the Lieutenant, but her unborn child as well, Seven became unaccustomedly worried.

“Lt. Torres, I… I apologize if our conversation has upset you,” she begins, hoping this was the correct course of action and wishing Kathryn was here to inform her know one way or the other. “If you have changed your mind — I would not find it dishonorable. My behavior was,” she thinks of the phrases the Doctor has been teaching her and not finding any suitable candidates, uses one she hopes the Lieutenant would find appropriate instead. “Unacceptable and I have no wish for you or the baby to be damaged. I am a Peta’Q.” she finishes and stands in her “attention” stance as Kathryn has called it.

B’Elanna’s legendary temper began to simmer down — she takes a deep breath and shakes her head. She smiles ruefully to herself. Seven was being herself — something she was positive the Captain found exasperating at times but quite normal, if not somewhat endearing.

‘Oh yeah, Seven’s going to keep the Captain on her toes.’ She thought. B’Elanna promptly begins walking away calling out behind her, “Come on Borg — otherwise I’ll ask Mrs. Janeway for permission.”

A slight smile graced Seven’s features before she starts to walk after the Lieutenant. “The day you wish to ask Mrs. Janeway permission to marry my Kath… the Captain is the day you wish to go to Sto’Vokor.”

They both enter Astrometrics and stop at the console.

“It is a good day to die,” B’Elanna says looking at Seven.

“Indeed.”

The turbolift doors open.

“Captain on bridge,” Harry calls out.

Janeway takes a moment to smile in his direction. “Good Morning Lieutenant.”

“Good morning Captain.”

“Tom…”

“Captain.”

“Tuvok, you have the bridge, Commander, you’re with me.”

Chakotay follows Janeway into her ready room and sits down while she continues to the replicator. “Would you like something?” she asks.

“No thank you.”

“Apple juice, cold.”

When Chakotay hears her request he turns in her direction. “Apple juice?”

Janeway raises her hand as she takes a sip. “Seven seems to believe that too much caffeine will have a detrimental effect on my system the closer we get to setting a date,” she explains as she sits behind her desk, taking the data padd Chakotay hands her.

“I should have thought about that years ago,” Chakotay laughs.

“It probably wouldn’t have worked,” she replies putting down the half empty glass.

“Probably not,” he acknowledges. “So… today’s the big day?”

“Hmm?”

“Come on Kathryn — you can’t fool me. Voriks’ in charge in Engineering and both Seven and B’Elanna are in Astrometrics.”

“Oh dear. B’Elanna?”

He nods.

“Why would B’Elanna be there with Seven?”

“My guess — backup.”

“This isn’t a rescue mission Chakotay.”

“But you have to admit, Seven does like to take care of any contingencies.”

“They’re going to kill each other,” Janeway says.

“Do you want me to alert security?” Chakotay asks humor lacing his request.

Janeway shakes her head. “I’m sure they’re getting along… I hope.”

“Lt. Barclay, it is kind of you to assist me today.”

“Oh no Seven,” Reg Barclay replies, his hands fluttering nervously as he speaks. “I’m glad to help.”

“Hey Reg.”

“Lt. Torres? It’s good to see you again — how’s Tom?”

“Fine, he’s on the bridge right now.”

“Please thank him for the Captain Proton program… I haven’t tried it yet. Deanna — Counselor Troi wants to observe, you know.”

“Not a problem. I’m sure Tom will understand.”

“Lt. Barclay…”

“I’m sorry, let me get Mrs. Janeway,” he looks off to the right. “If you could step over here please.”

“Hello Mrs. Janeway.”

Gretchen Janeway smiles when she sees Seven. “Annika, oh, it is good to see you.”

B’Elanna looks at Seven and is shocked to see her smiling. It completely changes the way she looks. There is a warmth to her face that B’Elanna hadn’t noticed before.

“Mrs. Janeway…”

“Annika.”

“I am sorry … Gretchen.”

‘She’s blushing — Kahless’, B’Elanna muses as she stands off the side and watches the interaction between Seven and the Captain’s mother.

“That’s all right dear. Did I hear correctly, is that Lt. Torres?”

“Yes, forgive me. Lt. B’Elanna Torres, Mrs. Gretchen Janeway.”

“Hello Mrs. Janeway.”

“Hello Lieutenant. Annika has told me so much about you.”

“Really?”

“Yes and I’m so glad you two are friends. I know how hard it’s been for Annika — if Kathryn’s letters are any indication…”

“Gretchen, I have a question for you and we do not have much time,” Seven interrupts.

“Of course — perhaps we can talk at a later date Lieutenant?” she answers non—pulsed at Annika’s interruption.

“I’d like that Mrs. J.”

Gretchen laughs and Seven marvels at the similarities between Kathryn and her mother.

“I’m sorry, but I’m sure Lt. Torres has many stories she can tell about Kathryn.”

“You got that right.”

“Annika, what did you want to ask?”

All at once Seven believes she may need to report to the Doctor.

She is experiencing the most unpleasant sensation in her abdomen. Her mouth was at one moment extremely dry and the next she finds herself needing to swallow convulsively. Unconsciously she wipes the palms of her hands on her bio—suit.

B’Elanna looks at Seven wondering what was taking so long. ‘Oh boy’, she thought. Her complexion had a decidedly pale look to it something B’Elanna hasn’t seen since the Doctor had first begun to remove Seven’s implants.

“Seven,” she whispers, “Get a grip and ask…”

“Annika, are you all right?”

B’Elanna gives her a slight nudge.

“Why did you…”

“Ask her Seven or I will.”

“Ladies, I’m sorry but we’re running out of time,” Reg tells them.

“This Borg drone is requesting permission to marry your daughter Mrs. Janeway.”

‘Crap, Borg speak. She must be nervous.’

“Borg? What Borg?”

“Me,” Seven replies, somewhat confused. “I am Borg. You are aware of this are you not? Surely Kathryn has explained.”

“No dear, you were Borg — now you are the lovely young lady who’s captured my daughter’s heart and has made her happier than I’ve seen in a very long time. Of course I’ll give you permission, I’m pleased and delighted to welcome you to our family Annika.”

“Ten seconds,” prompts Reg.

“Thank you Gretchen, you have my word, I will take care of her.”

“Five seconds.”

“I know you will, get home soon, I can’t wait to embrace my newest daughter…”

“Daughter?”

The screen went blank — Seven scowls in consternation. Her fingers fly over the console, trying to get them back.

“Hey…”

Seven continues unabated.

“Seven - let it go. It’s too late, we’ve lost the signal.”

“This is unacceptable B’Elanna Torres.”

‘Well, that’s a first’, B’Elanna thought. Seven has never come close to calling her by her first name before. “I know it is, I know,” she replies, gently patting Seven on the shoulder. “This would be the perfect time to say Qu’Vatlh.”

Seven merely nods. “Thank you for your assistance — it was fortuitous that you were here.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I am not sure what happened. I could not speak, the palms of my hands perspired, and I had the most unpleasant feeling in my abdominal area…” she says as she rubs her stomach, amazed that the small movement helps.

“You were nervous that’s all.”

“It was uncomfortable.”

“It always is.”

“I am curious — why did Gretchen… Mrs. Janeway,” she corrects herself, as she wasn’t speaking to Gretchen at the moment. “Why did she call me daughter?”

“Well,” B’Elanna says as she crossed her arms, “As you’re marrying the Captain, and she’s Mrs. Janeway’s daughter…”

“Yes.”

“In the eyes of the Federation, the eyes of most laws and cultures, it makes you her daughter—in—law.”

“But Mrs. Janeway did not say, “Daughter—in—law.” Explain.”

“The apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree.”

“What does fruit…”

“Let me finish.”

“Proceed.”

“It means the Captain and Mrs. Janeway are very much alike…”

“Yes, I noticed Mrs. Janeway’s laughter reminded me of Kathryn’s.”

B’Elanna smiles, “Knowing the Captain the way we do, knowing her the way you do — she doesn’t do things half—assed.”

Seven glances at her with an, ‘explain what you have just said’ look.

“Once she makes a decision, the Captain gives everything she has, she doesn’t hold back.”

“You are correct in that assessment.”

“She’s had to have learned that from someone. She didn’t emerge from a maturation chamber like you did — no offense…”

“None taken.”

“Mrs. Janeway sees you as a daughter — not as someone who’s marrying into the family. She’s not holding her feelings back. She’s not trying to gauge if you’re an acceptable partner for her daughter — in her eyes you already are. She proved it when she said you weren’t Borg. She jumped on that as quickly as I’m sure the Captain would have.”

“I see.”

“I hope you do Seven. Mrs. Janeway looks like a great person — Hell, she didn’t mind when I called her Mrs. J. You can’t do better than that, not by a long shot. Don’t be surprised if she asks you to call her Mom one day.”

“Mom?”

B’Elanna nods. “She’s a Janeway and she doesn’t do things…”

“Half assed,” they both conclude.

“Should I wonder what’s being discussed?”

“Captain Janeway.”

“Kathryn.”

Janeway looks at Seven and smiled somewhat indulgently. “B’Elanna, Seven… have a nice chat with Mother?”

“That’s my cue to leave,” B’Elanna says as she makes her way to the doors.

“B’Elanna please don’t rush on my account.”

“I’ve got to get back before Vorik messes with my engines. Captain… Seven.” B’Elanna exits Astrometrics and heads back to Engineering.

“What brings you down here Kathryn?”

“I wanted to see if you spoken with Mother yet.”

“I did, as did Lt. Torres.”

“I didn’t know Mother knew B’Elanna?”

“She did not. I introduced them and they spoke momentarily. I believe when we get back, Lt. Torres and Gretchen should spend some time together. They seem to get along and they share a common bond: you.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Janeway answers drolly. “So other than giving my Mother and most likely Phoebe, ammunition, things went well?” she asks slightly anxious to hear her mother’s response.

She had spoken extensively with her mother about Seven, from their first meeting to the circumstances how she finally expressed her feelings for Seven by kissing her during B’Elanna birthday party.

Phoebe needled her endlessly about Seven; hence the ammunition comment, once their mother had told her about her relationship. She had asked whether or not the Doctor had run brain scans on Seven, “Because she’d have to be crazy to get involved with you.”

It was one of the many ways her sister teased her. Lord help her when they finally made it home. She’d never hear the end of it.

“Ammunition?”

“I’ll explain later.”

Seven dips her head slightly understanding Kathryn would tell her in greater detail what the comment meant. “Things proceeded according to plan — somewhat.”

“Did something go wrong?”

“I…”

“What is it Sweetheart?” Janeway asks as she moves closer to Seven who was obviously distressed.

“I became nervous and Lt. Torres needed to assist me.”

Janeway breathes a sigh of relief. “Oh God — I thought it was something serious.”

“It was Kathryn — had I not asked, B’Elanna would have and you would be short your Chief Engineer.”

Janeway’s laughter came to an abrupt stop. “What?”

“Lt. Torres stated earlier if I did not ask Gretchen for your hand, she would.”

“You’re joking.”

“I am being quite serious Captain.”

As soon Janeway hears Seven call her Captain, she realizes Seven considers the situation extremely serious. “All right, but what does this have to do with being short my Chief Engineer?”

“I told Lt. Torres…”

Janeway wonders briefly if Seven was aware that she had gone back to calling B’Elanna lieutenant. In fact if she wasn’t mistaken, she would say she’s never heard Seven calling B’Elanna by her first name before.

“The day she asks your mother for your hand was the day she wished to go to Sto’Vokor.”

“Indeed.”

“Which is precisely what I said when she responded it is a good day to die.”

Janeway stares at Seven for the longest of time, realizing this woman was the person she wants to spend the rest of her days with. How she was going to swear, in front of her friends — her family, to love and honor Seven — to be with her in good times and bad. What had she done to deserve Seven was beyond her comprehension, but she wasn’t going to let her slip away.

She smiles — she couldn’t wait.

“I guess today was not a good day to die.”

“It was not.”

Janeway wraps her arms around Seven holding her tightly.

Seven looks quickly at doors. “Kathryn, someone may walk in.”

“Let ‘em. I’m invoking Captain privilege.”

Seven gives in and embraces Kathryn in return. “You invoke it at the most unusual times Kathryn.”

Looking up, she gazes into Seven’s eyes and remarked how they sparkled, like two diamonds on fire. “Surely, you’re not complaining?”

“Absolutely not. I enjoy these moments when you let your guard down and allow me to see one of the many facets, which makes up the woman I adore, the woman I plan to marry as soon as possible, the woman I wish to have children with. I love you with every breath Kathryn. Every beat of my heart belongs to you and nothing will stop me from marrying you.”

“Annika,” Janeway whispers as her eyes fill with tears, “is it possible you assimilated a poet at one time?”

Seven knew whenever Kathryn calls her by her human designation she has touched her profoundly in some manner. “It is quite possible Kathryn, however any poetic thoughts or feelings would have been deemed irrelevant by the Borg. Why?”

“Because my dearest heart,” Janeway says as she caresses Seven’s face. “You have the soul of one.” She brings Seven’s head down and kisses her.

“Kathryn we must not,” Seven tells her, breaking the kiss. “I will not let your reputation suffer because someone finds us kissing.”

“You’re right,“ Janeway murmurs against her neck. Pulling back slightly, she says, “Computer, seal Astrometrics lab authorization Janeway, Omega, Zero—Zero—One.”

“Acknowledged.”

“Kathryn?”

“Mmm,” she replies as she continues to nuzzle her fiancée’s neck.

“You are still on duty…”

“Nope,” she says as she begins to nibble Seven’s earlobe and is quite pleased with herself when she hears a sigh. “Chakotay advised me to take the rest of the day off as I was far too distracted and,” she explains as she reaches behind Seven’s neck and releases the clasp holding her bio—suit closed “I really have missed you terribly.”

As soon as more of Seven’s neck and shoulder become visible Janeway kisses, licks and tastes each millimeter.

“We have only… only… been… oh Kathryn…” she shakes her head. “Apart for… 12 hours,” she gets out.

“Far too long in my book.”

Seven wraps her arms around Kathryn tighter — she feels a warm flush traveling through her body and settling between her legs, causing her to rub her thighs together.

Kathryn Janeway may be the only lover she’s ever known in her life, but Seven knew if for some reason their relationship had not progressed to this stage, if she had taken another lover, they would not hold a candle to Kathryn — ever.

Her hands went to the bottom of Kathryn’s tunic and raises it up, allowing her access to her skin. She grunts as Kathryn hand finds its way to the front of her bio—suit and fondles her breast.

“I love you Annika,” Janeway whispers.

“Show me Kathryn, please!” Seven pleads as the heady rush of arousal flows through her blood stream.

“Computer, release seal on Astrometrics and initiate two for site—to—site transport to Captain’s quarters… authorization Janeway, Pi, Seven, Five.”

When both Seven and Janeway materialize in their quarters, Seven begins removing Kathryn’s clothes.

“Computer, log Seven of Nine off duty, personal business.”

“So logged.”

“Computer,” Janeway pushes Seven’s bio—suit down her legs, smelling her arousal, making her mouth water. “Engage privacy seal on my comm. badge and Seven of Nines — we are not to be disturbed unless for a ship wide emergency.”

“Acknowledge.”

“Computer,” Seven calls out, having divested Kathryn of her tunic, and her bra, while Janeway kicks off her boots and removes the rest of her clothes. “Seal Captains quarters, Borg encryption, Indiana, Five, Ten, Alpha.”

Janeway smiles.

“Acknowledge.”

“Seven…”

“Yes Kathryn…” she replies gathering her in her arms, enjoying the sensation of her bare skin against Kathryn’s.

“I think we’ve talked enough, don’t you?”

“Yes Kathryn.”

“Commander?”

“Yeah Harry.”

“Is the Captain coming back?”

Chakotay glances at his roster — seeing the last two entries the computer made smiles. “No, I don’t think we’ll see her for the rest of the day.”

The End.