THE LONG ROAD

When she stepped off the ship and out on to the promenade she didn't expect the instant flush of a warm wind across her body nor she did she expect the intensity of the sun and its brightness. Her eyes squinted and she frowned but recovered before too long, a matter of seconds…turning to the light ..the contours of her elegant face gently sun kissed as she relaxed into the light. Movement around her as passengers alighted the shuttle pulled her from sun worship and she stepped aside.

Her blonde hair, hanging long, just past her shoulders, lifted with the steady movement of her steps forward the wind pushing it backward. Lifting her head slightly she let the breeze assail her features as she began her walk to the Transport Bay. She felt one step closer to her destination. Her walk tool on a rhythm as she picked up the pace. Dressed in black – long pants, boots and a sleeveless shirt she was something to behold… beauty and movement and eyes full of focus. And she was. She was .beautiful. Her stride was powerful… it embodied a spirit… human… More human than human.

The planet was dry and the red earth spun with the wind as she looked down below the promenade to the surface. Her walk along the external deck almost complete, she took a moment to take in the sight from her vantage point on the stellar docking station…the sun beating down on the purpose built city below.

It was an engineering masterpiece. A self sustained environment on a desolate planet. Beyond the city as far as they eye could see, in every direction…red plains…red embankments…red mountains… and no water. But the city below was an oasis of technology in perfect harmony with man made forests and lakes and cities. It stretched for miles and miles and was protected by an invisible biosphere which kept the air hospitable and the temperature moderate.

She gazed over everything, focused on nothing. Again she tilted her head skyward and let the air and the smell and the sights and sounds of the planet swirl around her. Inhaling deeply she stepped back from the railing and turned towards the Transport Bay.

Stepping through the customs panel, she produced her identification as she approached the security gate and personnel then waited in a small queue.

A tall human male… about 30 years waited in the queue in front of her. Tall and dark and quite good looking. He had defined physical and facial features.. quite a presence. He turned towards her and nodded and smiled… a polite attempt at gaining her attention.

She gave a polite and brief nod in return. Her expression remained unchanged.

He wasn't encouraged…he wasn't discouraged either. The seconds began to explode in her eyes as his chest swelled slightly and his mouth began to form a word. His facial expression contorted in anticipation of his voice and the bubble of that second before the vibrations of that voice echoed out… And she countered it all with the tiniest shift of her eyes toward the security gate. And it was over. His head turned and his body was drawn to the counter. No words…no more eye contact.

Her expression, for the most part, remained unchanged…just a minor gentling of her aspect…a softer hue to her eyes. Idle chit chat, she thought and scowled so slightly.

She stepped forward and held out her identification. A small card that simply required scanning for security personnel to access relevant information.

A tall lieutenant nodded and looked up at her.

"Please state your name"

"Seven of Nine"..she said as she nodded.

"Please state your destination"

"Earth. San Fransisco. Starfleet Headquarters"

"All your details are in order and you have a seat of Transport Shuttle Orion 29 departing Deck 11. Please proceed". And he gestured for her to move through the gates and in the direction of Deck 11.

Seven of Nine nodded…"Lieutenant" .. she continued on.

A few metres beyond the security gates were display panels. She searched through the information until she confirmed details of the shuttle transport she would board. Lifting her card to access transport information, she confirmed her departure details.

Her task completed she stepped back from the console turned toward the departure decks. She stood for a moment…one in a crowd of thousands…Just another face… And she smiled…

A little while later Seven made her way towards the departure gate. She slowed her pace a little and let herself see the people around her. She didn't make eye contact with anyone. She saw them but looked through them. She felt untouchable. Like there was an electric pulse that radiated from her and produced a glazed shield around her. She moved within this shield in an almost surreal state. She moved effortlessly though the crowd. Content just to look at faces and perhaps enjoy something unique about someone passing bye. Something in a woman's eyes…or the way a man held himself…perhaps the way that child stood boldly and silently declared that he would misbehave and there was nothing in nature that could stop it…save for nature itself.

People were fascinating. Their behaviour at once completely mystifying and utterly predictable to her. Inherently kind and unbelievably brutal. Deceptively honest and confrontingly covert. And she saw it all in every aspect as she passed through the faces and bodies and finally made her way to her Transport Shuttle.

Seven of Nine leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes….. She adjusted her seating….adjusted it again and let out a slow, quiet, calculated sigh.

Taking the time to order her thoughts. Her journey had been long… not hours… not months… It had been years. She opened her eyes and carefully looked at the people around her again.

Everyone was on a journey. All the different races.. species… each here for their own reasons and seeking out their own piece of a future not certain.

She wondered at her fellow passengers…

I know enough about each one of you to know that as I look at you…. I know nothing about you. The impression you give me, Anderillian male, as you pass that data PADD to your travelling companion… is nothing of the person you really are. And as you happen to glance at me briefly…perhaps sensing my gaze.. I know that you know nothing of the life I have led…the feelings inside me, how they came to be … the journey I make.

A young human woman, approximately the same age as Seven, seems lost in thought.

What kind of life has she led. There are no tell tale signs as there are on Seven. No hints of a past littered with great loss and what Seven now felt was magnificent triumph. The undeniable power of the human spirit. Seven let her eyes rest on this woman for some time … so long that she was sure the woman became aware of some sort of scrutiny. But she sought no one out. Simply stirred a little and then returned to her thoughts. Seven found herself creating the history of this woman's life. A life filled with simple childhood pleasures. A loving family and friends. Educational opportunities. Various stages of social interaction. Emotional experiences..pain… joy...sorrow…love… And now…as she sat in her seat… She was contemplating choices as the transport moved closer to it's destination… At that moment… the woman turned and her eyes met Seven's. Seven felt the intensity in the woman's eyes matched her own… And she knew that everything she imagined about her was as true as it was untrue. And Seven looked away.

She closed her eyes once more and leaned back into the arch and relative comfort of her chair. And she thought of the past… the foreign country it was and the memories that littered her consciousness. She tried in vain to keep tiredness at bay. ***

Starfleet Headquarters always looked so imposing. The first time she had been there. … Voyager had just arrived home. She felt that she had been cut loose...flailing in uncertainty. So confused about where she belonged. If she belonged here.

Years struggling to embrace the humanity that was forced upon her. Years of fighting a nature she was expected to understand. A deepening desire to find a place within the crew of Voyager and an almost dark desire to…It felt dark. It did…it felt like a black blood and when she swallowed she could taste it and when she breather she could feel it suck the molecules out of the air and turn it into something even darker inside her.

That was what her love was. That was what she knew and it hurt her to know it. So she left. She left because if she was ever going to own it she had to turn it red. Make it pulse and flow and offer it to her. And this time she would offer it. She thought she might know how Might have the courage to do it. She thought she might make it something attractive …she hoped.

She felt like she'd earned the right to think that. Felt like she'd cried tears for it. She closed her eyes.

She remembered the space station in the orbit of Alesalah Prime…

The station was crowded …people everywhere…Seven was helping one of the away team, Ensign Vrell. Her leg had been lacerated by something, Seven hadn't had time to comprehend exactly what had lashed out ..down from the ceiling...but the scream that burst from the lungs of the ensign confirmed that it was brutal. She almost dragged her through the station, determined to reach a safe beam out sight with the rest of the away team. There was little opportunity to help people along the way but she did what she could. Stopping all the time to lift fallen debris off people…remove barricades allowing people to escape…at least give them the opportunity to reach safety.

Seven remembered feeling a dampness in her hair and she lifted her hand to head. She knew it was blood. She was bleeding…didn't know what had happened…didn't know when. Just kept moving.

The sounds around her were so loud and colourful. She could hear and see it in her mind…feel the chaos ..She feared for the ensign…feared for the away team…and…she feared for herself..and then her eyes flew wide and she stumbled briefly and the thought and shock of it…She was scared. Not scared of this moment Scared that there would be no more moments. Scared that life might end here and she had so much bore to do and feel. There was too much to understand. The chaos around her permeated her clothes…through her skin…into her senses. Confusion..anxiety…sadness..fear..it was all there…all to real..all to human.

Captive in a corridor after the station had been attacked.. She watched as the away team were slowly beamed off the station, one by one… Transport and pattern buffers compromised by the full scale aerial assault on the planet… And finally ..she was the only one who remained… awaiting transport… And it didn't happen. She gave it five long minutes… gave the crew five minutes to do what was required to beam her out…but it wasn't happening. And five minutes was too long in the one place. The entire ceiling of the deck collapsing and trapping her in a small corridor of the deck. No way out behind her. Nothing… Amazed not to be crushed in the collapse she sat and waited for the crew to come for her. She knew they would. Hours passed. Hours of waiting… and hours of nothing to do but think. She'd long exhausted every possible escape scenario. There was simply nothing she could do. Waiting was torture. She was discliplined. So she thought. She slowly unravelled during those two days. Never had she been so conscious of her life discontinuing…right then and there.

At first the silence was welcome. She was able to regain composure. Collect her thoughts and create some sense of order. And as the hours passed .. She thought about all the days and nights..all the years …all the experiences that had brought her here. And she thought about Captain Janeway.

She wondered what she would think of her now. Wondered how she would react to her death. Seven began to see this space station…this crushed deck… this lonely sector of space…as her tomb. And in it she would die with all her thoughts and hopes and all her….her desires.. These would be buried with her… Like buried treasures… deep under ground…hidden away from others. Hidden. Lost forever. And she cried. She cried for the loss…Cried for what would never be… and she was sorry for herself. She was sorry for those whose lives she wouldn't touch in some way… And she was sorry for the loss those who cared for her might feel. And she thought about Captain Janeway.

She would never be close to Janeway again. To die is one thing…but to sit in the shallow pool of this rising tide … becoming soaked with it...soaked to the skin… She was bitter. And alone. And she was sad and lost… And Seven of Nine cried…

When she woke, in sickbay, so confused… She'd been knocked unconscious by falling debris… however the further collapse of the ceiling around her allowed a safe beam out and she was alive.

It wasn't some sense of renewed vigour that helped her heal… It was a genuine understanding that there is nothing simple about being human. No simple path…no equations or diagnostics to plan and evaluate. As a human being you simply live and learn. However there is nothing simple about it. And there are no guarantees. No promises. Be true to yourself. Seven learnt that. She learnt that a long time ago. But now she understood it and knew that it was in the moments when you can see a path… when you can choose … That is when important gains are made. So she would be true to herself. She would see this journey through to the end. She would choose her path. ***

Seven opened her eyes and looked about the Transport Shuttle again. She turned and stared at the stars. She closed her eyes.

Voyager was home… Seven years lost and then without warning she appeared on Starfleet sensors. And the return of ship and crew, although long anticipated was heralded not with great fanfare but with quiet, heartfelt moments of recognition and reunion. Stealing fate and creating destiny the crew drew close to those who could understand what it meant to stand on that bridge and look upon the Earth.

Seven looked at him. Looked at Chakotay. She saw a man with whom she could seek out a life..a future.. a human life filled with human emotions and human pitfalls. Her feelings were real and they stirred deep inside her. There was some connection with this man. An understanding. An appreciation of something lost …something intangible… and she was drawn to him. It was a deep sense of longing that allowed her to be close to him. It was almost sad. Captured by a feeling… momentarily confused by its intensity… Her own deep intake of breath startled her and in that instant she felt the anxiety of separation. A sense of impending loss. Everything would change now. They would scatter across the universe…. And she wouldn't see her.

Slowly Seven turned towards Captain Janeway… And her brow furrowed and everything and everyone around her became white noise… a haze of colour… And in that instant she knew it. Understood it. Feared it. Wanted it.

Suddenly, the magnitude of what Admiral Janeway had done became apparent to Seven of Nine. The Admiral had spoken with Seven, attempted to explain the impact of the decisions she had made. Decisions that carried her to the Delta Quadrant. Seven couldn't understand it all… couldn't begin to comprehend the magnitude of her passion and her sacrifice ..until now.

Admiral Janeway had given her life…and given her memories…her future… all her accomplishments to return to this crew and deliver them to … to what? To a new destiny…? A chance to seize this moment and embrace a future with the understanding that each one of them held their life in their own hands…

Seven felt her body temperature alter significantly…Time stood still once more as a heat filled flush travelled the length of her body… exploding at the nape of her neck and creating a certain headiness … She gazed intently at Captain Janeway and was struck by the emotion she was experiencing.

Captain Janeway ..in that instant…turned and for a moment was briefly confused before her eyes searched for and met Seven's. Seven felt what little breath was inside her escape. An implicit moment of intimacy was passing between them. It was as powerful as anything Seven had ever experienced. It was a moment of realisation and discovery.

All that research…all the elaborate dating rituals …. Seven had attempted to place her sense of propriety…her emotional needs…her emerging physical longing… and her desire to connect with another being… attempted to place all these things into a convenient method of research, practical application and methodical outcome and attainment. The truth had been building deep inside her, fuelling these pursuits for the longest time…It was Kathryn Janeway. It had always been Kathryn Janeway. And she had crossed galaxies of time to show Seven.

The confusion slowly cleared and Seven centred her thoughts. She felt the captain's attention slowly disengage and Seven herself began to drift into a state of awareness again..more conscious of the situation around her once more. Slightly shaken but …she focused on the events unfolding on the bridge. ***

Seven opened her eyes… Noted the time… Half an hour had passed. She marvelled at how she now became lost in her own thoughts. Not so long ago she wouldn't have thought it possible to daydream. Her Transport Shuttle journey was half over. She would be on Earth soon. She let the memories of those moments on the bridge fade again.

She wouldn't go to her right away. She wondered if Janeway knew Seven was headed for Earth. .She wondered about a lot of things. Wondered if her choices had cost her what she most desired. She had to remind herself that if it were not for her choices she might not truly understand what or who it was she desired. She might not understand the nature of her feelings. And if she hadn't left Earth and Kathryn Janeway… she might always be the Borg who Captain Janeway rescued. She wanted to be so much more.

Seven started out at the stars passing by at warp speed and sighed… She recalled her last moments with Janeway. ***

She was in the Captain's Ready Room. The Captain was standing on the upper deck ...facing the window…looking out to the stars. Seven of Nine approached her from behind. She moved to the Captains shoulder, stood silently behind her. Seven felt it. She felt it with everything she had. And she knew it. She knew that there was something so powerful between them. She knew she loved her. The silence stretched on so long… waiting…And then Kathryn turned and faced her. Engaged her in a gaze so powerful…

"Captain….I.." and then she was lost…

What could she say? The journey was over. They had achieved amazing things. She was amazing. Seven wanted to tell her… Wanted her to know… She stepped forward…reached out her hand and touched the Captains arm…

And then it happened…then she knew… And the heat drained from her face and she felt the colour of her cheeks fade to pale. Felt the lifeblood drain from her pulsing nerve endings. Janeway looked at her. She knew everything. She knew Seven loved her. She probably knew she loved Seven… that was what Seven felt…

What became clear was that Kathryn Janeway was not going to let this happen. There was a distance in her gaze… acknowledgment but not acceptance. Where Seven had hoped to see warmth she saw authority and obstacles. And Seven left without another word.

And she didn't see her again…not in the days that followed… Debriefings at Starfleet… and family reunions…Not in the weeks of meetings. Not during the public events celebrating the return of the USS Voyager and her crew… and not in the months of retraining and reassignment. It was during that time that Seven established herself as a loyal and valuable Starfleet officer…Deciding to focus all her attention on her studies and training…she managed to find her centre…level out all the emotions that were playing havoc with her sensibilities… And she came to appreciate another aspect of humanity… Came to understand her own self worth. Came to understand that humans valued this and respected it in others. Seven found herself on the road to humanity once more.

And she found herself longing for Kathryn Janeway. Seven knew it then. Knew that she loved her. Knew it was real and was a part of who she was. She had feared that she loved Kathryn because Kathryn was all she knew… Now she understood it was love in spite of everything… So Seven embarked on a journey … It would lead her to planets….star systems….galaxies… far from Earth… and it was the only way. She needed to become Seven of Nine. It wasn't escaping…She wasn't running from what she feared. She was facing up to it. Prepared to beat it down. She wanted to become someone beyond Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix 01… rescued Borg drone…She didn't expect to become Annika Hansen. That young girl was a distant memory… a part of her…but long gone… and she wanted to be more than Seven of Nine… She wanted to become someone she liked. She had to discover that she was probably already the person she intended to be…but she wanted to know how that person interacted with the rest of the universe….How this person lived with herself and with others… She wanted to know if love was everything. ***

Seven pushed down on the pipe…trying to force it into place… succeeding finally…She looked along the length of the pipe as it stretched out at least three hundred metres along the field…The she swept across the entire field…marvelling at the work the crew had accomplished… She slowly stood…dusting herself off… her Starfleet uniform was covered in dirt…and she looked around and noticed that most of the crew she was working with were in the same state.

The crew had found themselves offering assistance to a small farming community. Although the planet was utilized warp technology there was a small community that chose to live an agriculturally dominated existence. The whole scenario reminded the ships' Captain of the traditionalists from Earth and the crew was very eager to assist after a major fault line at the planets crust had caused massive disturbances all over the planet.

Seven stood and raised her arm across her forehead… shading her eyes from the sun and looking towards the horizon. She let the sun bathe her in light and warmth and then warm wind blew across the field and lifted some of the topsoil. It blew across the pipes that they had just laid and Seven shielded her eyes momentarily. After the wind died down she wiped some sweat and dirt from her forehead and cheeks… She looked at her hands as she brought them down in front of her… They were dirty… And she turned them over…and marvelled at the state of them. She looked down over her chest and stomach…down her legs and then up her sleeves… Positively disgraceful… And she smiled…

Seven walked through the small village with a few members of the crew. There was a well and some of the children had beckoned them to the water where they could drink and clean themselves up a little. Seven found the children enchanting despite some awkwardness around them. She had in the past managed to develop a very close relationship with Naomi Wildman but that was a one on one situation. She found it quite a daunting prospect ..a group of children. Recalling one of her many personal objectives…to learn to trust her instincts…Seven let a gentleness she had found with Naomi lend itself to the current situation and discovered that most children…indeed most sentient beings.. were responsive to a sincere and genuine attempt at honest communication and interaction. ***

Walking the corridor to Admiral Paris' office, Seven found she was quite nervous.

Admiral Paris was more jovial than she had expected. He was sincere and polite and Seven had to concede that he was actually very friendly with her. She enjoyed their conversation.

He asked her about her missions. Made a point of coaxing out of her the most enjoyable missions. Also the most dangerous, disastrous and ill fated missions. It seemed that their meeting was really an opportunity for Admiral Paris to meet Seven of Nine.

There were some administrative matters to be taken care of and over the next few weeks Starfleet and Seven would have the opportunity to discuss Seven's future within their ranks. ***

Upon leaving Admiral Hayes office Seven felt quite relieved and quite pleased with the way things went. She found herself wandering the halls of Starfleet Headquarters. She enjoyed the different historical displays on the walls and marvelled at the way human culture was so apt to remind itself of past events…people… And she remembered a time on Voyager when a number of the crew and the captain in particular, found themselves discussing their distant relatives. How amazing that the idea of someone so long ago… personally unknown to the crew could have such an affect on their identity. A strange sadness…a sort of longing came over her then. And she thought about Lieutenant Kim, and Lieutenant Paris… and the Doctor..and Neelix… She wondered were they were that moment…what they were doing… if they were safe… Seven stopped abruptly…Wondered at the course her thoughts had taken. She surprised herself. It pleased her.

She wandered aimlessly for a while…having nowhere in particular to be, happy enough to re acquaint herself with Starfleet in a way she had never allowed before. She was different and found herself feeling part of something once more. She hadn't felt this sense of belonging since…since Voyager. And it was welcoming.

Seven exited the main building and found herself in a courtyard surrounded by café's and restaurants. It was a pleasant day and there were a lot of people out enjoying the sun. Although Seven wasn't particularly hungry she though about finding a seat for herself and ordering something. Just making herself a part of things. Watching people go about their day.

Seven was standing out of the sun next to an archway. Her hair was hanging loose and she decided to tie it back whilst she stood, deciding on a café when a woman caught her eye. She knew it was Kathryn Janeway. The distance was about fivehundred metres. Seven was sure. Quite surprised and completely frozen, Seven watched her. As Seven's arms came to rest by her side her hair swirled about her face and she nervously tucked it behind her ear as she watched Kathryn Janeway take a seat at a café with Admiral Paris.

The Captain was as beautiful and graceful as ever. Seven felt her heart racing and her throat became dry. Captain Kathryn Janeway sat comfortably at ease with the Admiral as they chatted pleasantly and ordered lunch. Seven didn't know what they were discussing. She knew that if she moved a few hundred metres closer she would be able to hear the conversation. But she didn't move. She didn't want to miss a moment of her. And she didn't want to intrude or act inappropriately.

She wondered if they were discussing Seven herself and thought it reasonable that Seven would be one topic of conversation. Her pulse became quite rapid at the thought of Kathryn asking after her. She watched as Kathryn gave the Admiral her undivided attention. She could make it seem like one person was the only person in the world… give someone her complete attention…focus so intently and it was real.

Kathryn Janeway gave herself to the moment so completely. It was something Seven craved for herself…that attention…that focus. It was one of the many things that Seven found herself falling in love with. One of the many.

The Admiral rose and disappeared inside and Seven watched as Kathryn sat back in her chair and looked out over the courtyard. She seemed to be observing the scene with an intense scan and then smiled and lifted her face to the breeze and the sun for a moment. Sevens lips parted and she felt a slow gasp escape her lungs. She had been standing in the archway for twenty minutes and although she had managed to remain inconspicuous she had begun to feel quite self conscious. How long could she stand in a dark corner and observe her former captain?

She had been aware of people passing by and although she never looked away from Kathryn she knew that her odd vigil was drawing the attention of passers bye. That and the fact that she was the object of appreciate glances wherever she went. That was quite difficult to adjust to. Never completely at ease because although she had come to understand that she was very attractive by most standards, there was a part of her that struggled with the obvious physical remnants of her time with the Borg. She knew that look. That hatred ..suspicion ..in people's eyes. She still saw it on occasion… It hurt her… but it was part of who she was.

Seven fought the impulse to approach Kathryn. The timing was wrong. She stood for a few moments longer and watched Captain Janeway enjoy the breeze. She watched Kathryn smile as two young cadets walked past talking excitedly. Kathryn watched the cadets long after they had passed her and it seemed to Seven that she became quite sad… a sort of wistful look overcoming her features. It hurt Seven's heart and she wished she could read Kathryn's mind…know what she was thinking and feeling…And kiss that sadness away. She longed to kiss her.

A few moments more… and Seven turned and walked out of the courtyard.

Kathryn shook of the odd sadness that over took her as she watched the young cadets walk by. Their whole career…their whole lives ahead of them, she thought. She remembered when she was that young…so many lifetimes ago, it seemed. Her days at the Academy were so exciting… and she couldn't wait to see the galaxy. And as she watched them laugh and hurry off…she thought of Seven of Nine.

She had been discussing Seven with the Admiral before he excused himself to accept an incoming message from Headquarters. He felt his meeting with Seven went very well and although he wasn't prepared to discuss all the details of the meeting it was clear to Kathryn that he had a very high opinion of Seven of Nine. As well he should, Kathryn thought. She thought the world of Seven…and wanted the world for her. Seeing those young cadets reminder Kathryn of what Seven had lost. What was taken from her. Her heart ached for what Seven could never know. That anticipation…the eagerness and innocence of youth. And her heart ached for Seven. She wished that there was something she could do for her. Something that would give her what she seemed to be willing to travel across the universe to find.

When Kathryn heard that Seven was returning to Earth she immediately contacted Admiral Paris and asked him to seek out Seven. She wanted Seven's return to be a welcome, comfortable one. She wanted Seven to feel that there would always be a place for her at Starfleet if that is what she wanted. She had heard good reports about Captain Yung, Seven's Commanding Officer aboard the Araluen. Kathryn had heard that he had equally good things to say about his science/astrometrics officer, Seven of Nine. This was some comfort to Captain Janeway. She so desperately wanted Seven to be safe and to find her place aboard her new vessel. To find her place anywhere. ***

Kathryn Janeway arrived back at her apartment after a most interesting day. Lunch with Admiral Paris ..Seven of Nine being the main topic of discussion. Seven herself the surprise of the day.

It was wonderful to hear first hand news of Seven. It had been eighteen long months since Kathryn had first hand information about Seven. She kept tabs on her as well as she could and was often able to gain access to mission logs and official reports from the Araluen. She would read the reports, eager for any information regarding Seven. Somewhat ridiculous for a Starfleet captain. Reasonable enough for a woman in love. She quietly laughed at herself and sighed and made her way upstairs.

Kathryn showered and ate a light meal… Made herself comfortable on a lounge chair and read over some reports she had left for too long. She managed to keep at it for about half an hour. Putting the pad down beside her she sighed and stood up. "Computer, coffee, white".

Taking the coffee she wandered over to her window and looked out over the city. It was a beautiful night… and Kathryn was reminded of the night Voyager flew low over the city and under the Golden Gate Bridge. She smiled and looked up at a full moon… a large beautiful, full, blue moon. For the second time that evening she laughed at herself.

She'd waited so long for Seven to come back…always hoping that she would…constantly frightened that she might not. She thought about the last eighteen months and the night Seven left.

The crew of Voyager had gathered together one final time. All the debriefings and reports …the interrogations... accusations…and finally the pardons.. all finalised. The situation had all come to an end much as Kathryn had hoped it would, though probably taking a little longer that she would have liked ..and possibly with a little more heartache than she felt was due. Still, her crew…all her crew were free to pursue a career in Starfleet or not, whatever they chose. Many were to continue with Starfleet and many decided to follow another path. This was the night for everyone to wish each other well and to remember the friendships and their journey home.

Tom and B'Elanna were such doting parents and their baby daughter, Miral, was the star of the evening. She watched her crew talking and laughing, noticing the way Harry had come of age. What a confident young officer he was now. She marvelled at the tangible bond between Tuvok and his family. She didn't believe she had ever seen the Doctor more in his element. Quite the conversationalist and not a trace of modesty. As always. Most of the crew were accounted for … save for Chakotay and Seven of Nine. She was sure they would arrive. Although she had not seen either of them for some weeks she felt sure they would make this evening a priority. Finally Chakotay arrived but without Seven of Nine. Kathryn saw him and glanced past him expecting her…She knew they had been spending time together. Admiral Janeway had made it known to Captain Janeway that the two were entering into a personal and romantic relationship. Although Kathryn had been surprised there was so much more to address at the time. The distinct ache she felt at that moment would be something she would consider for a long time though. It was afterwards that Kathryn had allowed herself to address the issue. It had not been easy…Kathryn found it difficult to face up to her feelings about the relationship. And then there were those few moments in her ready room. How many times had she wished she could have those moments back again…do it all differently…

Somewhere deep inside her ..she had always felt that Seven of Nine would be a very intricate part of her life. It felt… predetermined. It wasn't a conscious thought, rather it was as though once she had made the decision to take Seven from the Collective it was with an understanding that it was a connection for life. It had always been something so strong inside Kathryn that had compelled her to make the decisions she did with Seven. When the Borg came for Seven…when they took her.. Kathryn knew that she would rescue her back. When they fought …and they fought so often… it was conflict with purpose. There was so much between them …so much friction …but she always felt that there would be so much more between them. And as time passed…there was…more and more. So much more that when the moment was upon them it was more than she ever imagined and for one of the few times in her life, Kathryn Janeway was completely overwhelmed.

The responsibility of another persons life…of this person…Seven of Nine..her life… It became a vacuum of emotion and at that moment when she felt Seven was offering her all she ever wanted… It was the only moment she felt she couldn't accept it. And then she was gone.

Kathryn so wanted…needed to see Seven now… She knew it would be different… She expected it to be difficult however she was hopeful that they could forge some sort of relationship. Chakotay approached her. Seven was gone. A hasty commission on a Starfleet – Civillian venture, a deep space mission. ***

The official welcome ball for the Araluen was a formal affair. The ship had been on a unique deep space mission for twelve months. A large compliment of the crew were civilian. The mission had been a joint venture between Starfleet and a privately owned research body. Many of the crew and their families were unaccustomed to their loved ones being away so long and consequently the ships return was greeted with particular excitement. With that in mind Starfleet decided to make it a black tie affair feeling that the civilian crew had probably had enough of Starfleet protocol for the time being.

Captain Kathryn Janeway was in attendance as were most planet side captains and admirals. Kathryn had spent a nervous few hours leading up to the ball and had tried on a number of different gowns, finally deciding on a royal blue dress that scooped elegantly at her neck and accentuated her petite figure most flatteringly. When she arrived at the ballroom she found she was Admiral Paris' special guest and was seated on his table. He was always looking out for her. She smiled and some of the tension of the evening eased away. She was still quite anxious and Kathryn found herself searching the crowd for blond hair …gorgeous blue eyes and a figure that could launch a thousand ships. She smiled and sighed to herself quietly…"Oh Kathryn… It's going to be a long night.."

Seven of Nine arrived exactly at eight pm and made her way quietly into the ball room. She found her seat to the rear of the ballroom and politely greeted her fellow crewmembers. Her experiences aboard Voyager had enhanced her what she now understood to be limited social skills and she found that with a little effort and sincerity she was able to develop comfortable working and even some social relationships. It was a pleasant sensation to be reacquainted with her crew even if it had only been a week or so. Feeling quite pleased with herself Seven of Nine settled in and focused on the formalities of the evening. Some of the speeches seemed to go on a little long and by the third speech Seven found her attention wander to the many guests.

She began to notice that there were a number of admirals in attendance and then it dawned on her that there were also a number of captains seated as well. It occurred to her that Admiral Paris could be a guest and as her eyes began to search the crowd with a little more purpose she indeed noticed Admiral Paris a few tables across and a few more in front. It was then that she noticed Captain Kathryn Janeway seated to his left. Seven felt the blood rush to her face and then felt it drain away again. The Captain was there…here…in this room…so beautiful.. so close. Seven was memorized.

There were speeches and presentations and even a few anecdotes … missions and incidents and quieter times aboard the ship. Captain Janeway listened and appreciated the tales with a captain's ear. She loved to hear what a crew got up to in the quieter times. She was even partial to joining them on occasion.

She listened as Captain Yung spoke of a number of memorable occasions aboard the ship including one particular occasion when Ensign Jamesin initiated a Red Alert when spooked by the a number of crewmen who were engaging in an old Earth custom, Halloween. Ensign Pretec, Corin Molan and Seven of Nine utilized cloaking technology they had been developing and played havoc with a number of the crew before being brought undone by the Captain. The audience laughed and the crew particularly, found it amusing. The audience began looking amongst the tables for the culprits and it was then that Kathryn saw Seven. She was breathtaking. Dressed in a black round neck dress… her hair down…. She was smiling and enjoying the moment with her fellow crewmembers. Kathryn couldn't take her eyes off her.

Captain Yung continued to speak of the mission successes and Seven glanced towards Kathryn and their eyes met. Seven felt her chest contract. In a split second she felt panic and excitement… She managed to compose herself and nodded briefly to acknowledge her former captain. She noticed the captains delayed response and finally Kathryn nodded back and smiled. The intensity of their connection continued to grow and it was Seven who broke it and returned her attention to Captain Yung. Kathryn, somewhat numbed turned towards the speaker and tried to relax her breathing. Admiral Paris, seated next to her glanced at Kathryn and then cast a glance over to Seven of Nine. Then he smiled to himself and listened to the speeches.

After the formalities most people were up and moving about. She took a deep breath and turned towards the dance floor. Kathryn Janeway was walking directly towards her. Seven let her eyes roam over the most beautiful woman she had even known. She'd been waiting nearly two years for this encounter, their first since Voyager had returned to Earth.

As Kathryn approached Seven she nodded and smiled. "Seven, It's nice to see you".

"Captain Janeway". Seven noded.

" Seven, please call me Kathryn". I'm sure we've earned it, for this evening at least.

"Kathryn" She noded slightly.

" Well…deep space missions seem to agree with you, Seven. You look wonderful". And she does. Kathryn thought.

Seven tilted her slightly and smiled.

The silence stretches.

" It's a lovely ball…don't you think"? Kathryn is grasping for conversation.

"Yes, it is a pleasant evening. It is enjoyable meet with crew mates and friends again".

Kathryn nods and smiles.

Seven looks at Kathryn.

"Are you well, Kathryn"?

Kathryn is surprised and smiles. "Yes. Thank you. I've been keeping busy. There are a number of new ships being commissioned and I've had a little to do with one or two of them".

Seven nods. "And how is your mother … and your sister"?

"They are both very well. I spent some time at home with them just last weekend".

"At home"?

"Yes…in Indiana".

"Do you consider Indiana your home, Kathryn".

" Well…I call it home. It's where I grew up".

" But you are an adult now. And it is still your home regardless of how little time you spend there"?

Kathryn is taken aback a little "Well.. it's… I. I hadn't really given it much thought, to be honest, Seven".

Seven turns slowly away…Looks out on to the dance floor…looks at people…

Kathryn looks at Seven with a smile and new eyes. She knows what she is up to but likes it all the same. She likes her trying to ruffle her feathers.

Seven turns and looks Kathryn in the eyes. "Are you happy, Kathryn"?

Kathryn is momentarily taken aback but recovers quickly and steps closer… "Are you concerned about my happiness, Seven"?

Now it is Seven's turn to be a little taken aback. She looks at Janeway and quirks her head a little and then her mouth shapes into a little smile.

Kathryn is enchanted.

Kathryn and Seven are amused with each other.

Seven over the dance floor and then behind to doors that lead out into the gardens.

Janeway follows her gaze… smiles. "Would you like to go for a walk, Seven"?

Seven turns to look at Kathryn. She raises her eyebrow. "I..

"SEVEN" A beautiful young woman approaches with a gorgeous young man. "Ensign Molan".

Kathryn notices how genuinely pleased Seven is to see her.

" Seven this is my brother T'olar"! Ensign Molan introduces them.

Seven smiles knowingly. "I have heard much about you, Tolar". She extends her hand.

T'olar smiles warmly and presents his hand. "I've heard so much about you, Seven of Nine." He's clearly taken with her. Ensign Molan is pleased and then notices Captain Janeway.

"May I introduce Captain Kathryn Janeway". Ensign Molan. T'olar

The ensigns eyes grow wide. "Captain Janeway".

Kathryn smiles and reaches out her hand. "Ensign Molan". T'olar. Please call me Kathryn".

Ensign Molan discretely looks at Captain Janeway and then looks at Seven.

A silence overcomes the group.

T'olar asks the question.. "Seven of Nine..would you like to dance?"

Ensign Molan smiles.

Seven is surprised but smiles warmly and nods. "I would like that, thank you". Seven turns to Kathryn and nods briefly. "Kathryn". She then nods at the ensign. "Ensign" and then she grins.

Captain Janeway and Ensign Molan watch them walk to the dance floor and begin to dance.

Kathryn thinks they make a wonderful looking couple and as she looks at the doting sister, she knows she thinks the same.

Kathryn can't help but marvel at how relaxed and beautiful Seven is. How independent and exciting she has become. She sees a beautiful, accomplished young woman. Not the Borg drone she rescued who plodded her way through human emotions. Not the same woman she fell in love with. So much more. Something beyond who she was.

Ensign Molan turns and notices the captain staring. She again attempts to glance discretely at Captain Janeway. She looks out to the dance floor and to Seven. Seven is glancing at the captain. Finally, the ensign understands what haunted Seven all that time on the ship. She was in love with her captain. Possibly still is. And her captain is in love with her.

Kathryn senses Ensign Molan's scrutiny and politely excuses herself.

The ensign smiles and nods. "Captain". Watches her walk out the glass doors to the gardens.

T'olar and Seven return.

The three of them make polite conversation. Seven is polite and wants to be interested but can't help looking for her. Ensign Molan asks T'olar to get them both something to drink. He dotes on Seven slightly. She is polite and kind.

"Seven".

Seven looks at Ensign Molan and smiles.

"You and Captain Janeway. Were you close? She seems very fond of you".

" She was my captain. We were .. it was a unique relationship".

"And now"?

Seven sighs. "And now… I don't know".

" Don't you"?

Seven looks at the ensign.

Ensign Molan grins a little. "All this time… Seven. Your Captain?

Seven smiles and looks at her. "Former captain. Yes. All this time"

"Seven..she went out to the gardens".

Seven nods and looks over to the doors.

"Go now. Before T'olar returns. I need to douse some fires".

Seven gives the ensign a sympathetic look and glances over to the doors again. She looks back at Ensign Molan and smiles. The she turns and walks toward the doors.

Seven steps out of the ballroom onto a large balcony overlooking gardens.

She notices some movement to her left and sees Kathryn walking alone. She watches her for the longest time. Then walks inside and slips quietly from the ball. ***

The chime of the door sounded. She knew who it was. Knew it. No surprise. She didn't feel panic or fear. The seconds ticked by, pounding the silence. As if in slow motion, the room moved around her eyes. It was her turning towards the door. Everything she knew about herself was in this room in these few seconds, now. If she opened the door it would all change. She took one more look around the room. Everything seemed so small and faded. And old. It was like one of those old still photographs her parents kept. Something always in need of a burst of colour and movement. It was as if the entire room was bathed in a dull afternoon light. The last dying rays of the day. Begging for night and the dazzle of lights.

"Enter".

When dusk draws itself out, you can wait and watch. The beautiful, softening colours of the day slowly dispersing. Thin enough that the moon can penetrate in the weakest most distant points. You're sure you can watch it all. Watch the light turn to dark. Close your eyes or turn your head for just a few moments and unbelievably, inconceivably, the change. You barely looked away. Light as day. Dark as night.

"Seven".

"Kathryn Janeway".

A small smile. Familiar for familiarity. It's so wonderful to see her. She's … she's beautiful. "You look well, Seven. It's nice to see you again".

"Thank you… Kathryn". She hesitated. She paused. Tilted her head so slightly… relaxed her stance. "It is nice to see you also, Kathryn". She nodded. I think of you everyday. Your hair is longer. Your eyes are… different.

You seem altered. Less and more than you were. I wish I could be closer to you. You are so beautiful.

"You must tell me about your travels, Seven. Would you like a seat? Would you like something to drink"? How is this going to become easier? I feel sick. I'm so pleasant.

"No, thank you. Nothing". I am so polite to her. I am ill at ease. I need to be closer to her. I can't move.

"Are you not surprised to see me, Kathryn"?

She looked up at her. Met her gaze. "No. I'm not surprised. I knew you had returned to Starfleet Headquarters. I expected to see you at the ball. And I expected to run into you again sooner or later. Probably sooner. And here you are".

"Why did you think I would come"?

"Well…I…". Thoughtful. Considering. "I guess I just expected that you would pay an old friend a visit. We are old friends, you and I, Seven".

Pause.

"Yes. Old friends".

"No"? Looking at her questioningly.

"Yes". A knowing smile. "Shall we visit like old friends, Kathryn? Talk about old times? Acquaint each other with the details of our lives"?

Slight confusion. "Yes.. I think that..."

"Or shall we leave that for another time and discuss things which occupy our lives presently"?

Surprised. Unnerved. "Well… That would be nice too, Seven. We can discuss anything you like. I…"

Cool recognition. Appreciation. Manoeuvring. "What do you intend to do whilst you are here in San Francisco. Do you plan to stay long"?

"I plan to take care of a number of issues with Starfleet. I have several meetings. I plan to address some personal issues. The length of my stay will depend on these things". Matter of fact.

"Aaaah". Nodding. Careful.

"Nothing too problematic with Starfleet, I hope".

"Starfleet, is not problematic".

Baited. "No? I'm glad to hear it". Nervous. Silent. Awkward. Smile.

Moving closer. "Would you like to hear about my problems, Kathryn"?

Trying to calm her nerves. "Seven, if you need my help you know I will do whatever I can. Within my power". Pleased.

Noticed. Moving closer. "What if I needed you…." Trails off…

Tense. Using all her witts. "Yes.."?

Small smile. Eases back. "You have a very lovely apartment, Kathryn". Turns to look around. Bold. Touching things.

Surprised. Breathing shallow. "Thank you. Where are you staying, Seven? Headquarters"?

Deliberately not answering. Looks fondly at a picture of the crew of `Voyager' handing on the wall. "Quite a crew".

Agrees. Finding her voice. "Quite a crew".

"Do you think about them often"?

Smiling. Fondly. "Constantly".

Looking at her. "Constantly".

The silence draws out as Seven looks at Kathryn.

"Seven, you said there was something you needed…"

Still looking at her. "Yes".

Encouraging.

Prolonging. Deliberate. Cool. Raises her eyebrow and ever so slightly, smiles. "I need somewhere to stay". ***

Morning finds her sitting at a breakfast nook. Long blonde hair all about her shoulders. Her long legs dangling about the tall legs of the high chair.

She's so beautiful. I can smell her all through my apartment. It's wonderful. She's eating. "Morning".

Seven turns her head and looks Kathryn over, slowly, clearly taking the time to appreciate her movement.

"Good morning, Kathryn. Did you sleep well"? I didn't. I tossed and turned. Longing for you.

Recovering from the appraisal. Looks at her. "I slept well enough, thank you. You"?

Slightly amused. Wondering if she had the same problem. "Yes, well enough". Slight smile and raised eyebrow.

Kathryn struggles with the idea of pursuing it or letting it go. She nods. "What are your plans today, Seven"?

Kathryn moves to the replicator. "Coffee, white".

Seven raises her eyebrow higher and smiles. She's looking Kathryn over again. Finding her so appealing first thing in the morning. Still not completely awake and alert. Not used to company first thing. Not used to early morning conversation.

Kathryn turns to look at her, slowly sipping her coffee.

"What are you smiling about"?

Seven's smile widens. Shrugs ever so slightly.

"I am enjoying my fruit".

Kathryn looks at her, down at her bowl of fruit and then back at Seven.

Seven chews, lips very moist. Eyes meeting Janeway's. She stands slowly. Moves towards Kathryn. Reachers around her slowly. Janeway watches her…pulse racing...frozen.

"Coffee, white". Seven softly commands.

Janeway relaxes …regains her composure. "Coffee, Seven. I didn't think it was to your taste".

Seven turns and heads back to her seat. "You would be surprised, Kathryn" Softly. In control and changing the subject.

"This morning, to answer your earlier question, I have a meeting at Starfleet Headquarters. It could possibly engage me for most of the day. This evening I am free, however. I thought you might like to join me for dinner.."? Meeting her eyes.

"Yes, of course, that would be lovely, Seven". Relieved. "Dinner would be very nice. Would you like to eat out or dine in?"

"I believe I would prefer to dine here".

"Sounds like a plan. Does 7.00pm suit you?"

"7.00pm". Nodding and smiling. ***

Sitting quietly at the table.

Seven eying her and smiling.

Kathryn clearly hesitant about the desert before her.

Seven had prepared the menu and the dishes. Taken complete control of the meal. It had been most enjoyable up until the desert. Kathryn was disturbed. The texture and colour of the liquid coating the cake was the problem.

"How long do you intend to wait, Kathryn? It isn't going to change. What are you waiting for"? Seven teased her gently.

Kathryn looked up and met her eyes. Smiled. "I'm not waiting". She chellenged. "You haven't touched yours yet. I'm want to see how you fare!" Pleased with herself.

Seven smiled. Takes her fork and slices a portion away. Slowly she moves it to her lips ..then halts. She turns her fork and steers it towards Kathryn's lips.

Kathryn is surprised.

Seven smiles. "Starfleet Captains…" She teases.

Kathryn rolls her eyes and stares challengingly.

Seven gently persists. Equally challenging.

Slowly Kathryn opens her mouth taking the cake and fork inside.

Seven's eyes widen ..unprepared for the intimacy the gesture takes on.

Kathryn eyes her. More than prepared to take her on.

Kathryn's eyes grow wide with surprise and then pleasure as she moves the cake around in her mouth and then swallows. Seven retreats with her fork.

They stare at each other. Each a little confused. Kathryn exhales with a very light chuckle and looks down.

Seven continues to look at her. Her composure slightly dented. She eases back from the table and stands. Slowly she makes her way out on to the balcony.

Fresh air.

There is a breeze and Seven turns to face it. The wind lifting her hair and rustling her blouse.

"Seven…?" Quietly. Kathryn is behind her…moving to the balcony rail. She is next to her.

"It's very beautiful here". Seven gazes out over the lights of the city and the bay.

Kathyrn smiles. "I like it".

Seven inhales deeply…and exhales.

"Seven…what is it"?

She turns slowly and looks at Kathryn. "I'm waiting for something".

Kathryn moves a little closer. "What are you waiting for, Seven"? Concerned.

Seven smiles and laughs a little. She looks out over the bay. Thoughtful for a moment. "A sea change".

Kathryn enjoys this. She reaches for Seven's arm and squeezes it excitedly. "A sea change??!! Seven…you've been reading Shakespeare? Of all the play writes… I remember reading `The Tempest'… I thought it was so wonderful to…"

Gently but swiftly, Seven leans in and kisses her. A soft touch of her lips on Kathryn's. Halting her conversation. She pulls back, briefly…shocked at the explosion of contact. Again. .she thinks. Moving her body closer, she kisses Kathryn again. There is no resistance. Again she kisses her.

Kathryn is in rapture. The softest, warmest, sweetest lips she has ever known…kissing her so tenderly…so intensely.

Seven is kissing me. I can feel her fingers gently brushing down my cheek and along my jaw… Lips on mine. Fingers trailing down my neck… It is the most erotic experience of my life. How is this happening?

"Kathryn" Seven whispers against her cheek. Her breath against Kathryn's ear. Sevens kisses trailed across Kathryn's cheek and back to her lips.

"Seven". And Seven's lips are on hers again.

More intense. More urgent. Kathryn's hands move to Seven's hair encouraging her…pulling her closer. And Seven is all around her. Embracing her as their tongues met. They moan and fall into passionate kisses...sensual embraces…soft caresses.

Seven's lips trail down where her fingers once did…along the nape of Kathryn's neck. Finally.

Kathryn's hands roam along Seven's back and as Seven' teeth scrap Kathryn's neck her fingers and nails rake along Seven's firm behind.

The most erotic, electric jolt courses through Seven and she tears her lips away. Pulling back, gasping. Kathryn slowly opens her eyes…her lips slightly parted… Seven's shallow and rapid breathing fanning her face.

Their eyes locked. Staring at each other.

Seven tries to slow her breathing. Searching Kathryn's eyes. I did it. Kissed her. Took that first step.

She'd thought about it….wondered at it.. dreamed of it for years. And now it was done. She wanted it again and again. It was more than she had imagined. Not what she had expected. Everything she wanted.

Cloudy blue- grey eyes looked into wide blue ones. Somewhat confused blue-grey eyes attempted to focus on the woman before her. Regain some sort of composure.

Kathryn just had the life kissed out of her and exploded back into her again. Nothing she had ever experienced had come close to this experience. Her mind and body rippling with thoughts and sensations. The most beautiful woman she had ever known…the most raw soul, the most sensual…loving… exciting…

"Seven…"

She took her breath away.

Seven looked at her. Licked her bottom lip, inadvertently.

Kathryn stared. "What are you waiting for…"? Kathryn smiled.

They moved together. Bodies pressing together…straining for contact. Lips and tongues seeking each other out.

Kissing her with such passion, feeling this passion returned, Seven was overwhelmed. The sounds of their kisses in her ears and the feel of hands roaming each other's bodies. It was more exciting that she could have ever imagined. Loving the feel of her in her arms. Needing to say something, needing to make it known to her… Moaning…"I have wanted you for so long".

Kathryn's answering moan was electric as she sought out Seven's lips again.

Seven opened her mouth wider…as did Kathryn...kissing with such force and passion...wanting more. Taking it. Open mouths kissing hotly.

Seven moved to Kathryn's neck and kissed down to her shoulder..

"I know how to make love to you, Kathryn Janeway"…exploded from her mind and lips as Seven's hands slipped over Kathryn's ribs and down to her hips, pressing firmly.

Kathryn's legs buckled slightly as she pulled back, holding on to Seven, looking into her eyes.

She smiled slightly…"What are you thinking now, Seven" Curiously.

Seven pulled back a little as shallow breaths escaped her. She licked her lips again.

Kathryn swallowed and stared.

Seven looked her over as she gathered her thoughts… Meeting Kathryn's eyes… "I am thinking about how you are like fire in my embrace. I am thinking about how beautiful you are. I am thinking about the way I am unable to control my responses to you. I am thinking about feeling you writhe and buck with pleasure beneath me. I am wondering what you would sound like screaming my name in the throws of passion I am thinking you are a dream".

Janeway stared. Slowly, she touched the back of her fingers against Seven's cheek. "You're the prize. Don't you know that yet, Seven".

"What would I be without you"? Seven leaned in to kiss below Kathryn's ear.

"You don't owe me anything, Seven". Kathryn tensed.

"I owe you everything. But that is not why we are here in each other's arms".

"Oh? Why are we here in each other's arms"?

Seven smiled and kissed Kathryn's lips. "Because you can't stay away from me anymore". Seven kissed her on the lips quickly again.

Kathryn puled back, surprised. A slow smile spreading across her face.

"Seven of Nine, you've gotten so playful".

Seven smiled and raised her eyebrow. "You do not know anything yet, Kathryn Janeway". Seven reached down, taking Kathryn's right hand in her own leading her to Kathryn's bedroom. Janeway followed, wide eyed.

Kathryn smiled as she watched Seven find the way to her bedroom. Seven's eyes darting about as she familiarised herself with places she hadn't seen. Kathryn looked down at their clasped hands. It was all quite unbelievable. Being led to bed by this woman. This Borg creature who stepped off an alcove and changed everything. Changed her. This crew member who slowly became human again. Became a woman.

They reached Kathryn's bed and halted. Seven turned and faced Kathryn.

She was nervous, Kathryn could tell. They were both nervous. Kathryn moved in to her. Sliding her fingers up into Seven's hair. Seven lifted her hand and traced up Kathryn's arm, moving in close. They kissed. Slow, tender kisses. Seven was smiling. It moved Kathryn like nothing ever had.

"You're so beautiful, Seven". And then she kissed her. Kissed her with all the distance and time they had travelled together and all the years and galaxies they had spent apart.

Kathryn's hands moved over Seven's body.

"You touch me…" Seven couldn't finish. Her head fell back and Kathryn was kissing her neck. Loosening her hair and pressing her body against Seven. Her hands roamed across Seven's shoulders and down her ribs. Seven moaned and held Kathryn tight about her waist. Kathryn smiled, knowing what she was doing to Seven. Loving it. Loving her. Finally she was loving her. Suddenly, urgently, she found her mouth and kissed her hard. Kissed her like she had always wanted passion to be. Only knowing it because she felt it now. She slipped her hands under Sevens blouse and felt the shock of her skin. Seven jumped and Kathryn soothed her with softer kisses and gentle words.

"I have you, Seven. I'll be so careful with you. So gentle. Let me love you".

Seven pulled back and looked at Kathryn. Her eyes were cloudy and so blue. Her lips were swollen from their kisses. She nodded slowly. She looked over Kathryn. Such wonder. Seven touched her fingers gently to Kathryn's face. Let them roam down over her jaw and neck. She let them roam down her arms. Watching Kathryn's face…listening for her breathing. Feeling her react. Her fingers ran up over Kathryn's ribs and around her breasts. Seven paused and looked into Kathryn's eyes at her small intake of breath. She lingered almost imperceptibly and continued on down her stomach. Then around her hips and briefly toying with her thighs before moving up to her face again.

She leaned in and kissed her. Longing kisses. Kisses that ached for everything they promised.

Slowly they began to undress each other. Smiling as they toyed with buttons and clasps. Kissing each other.

Seven stared at Kathryn often. Penetrating gazes…Looking for something so deep inside her. Wanting it.

They were kissing again and Seven's hand slowly, tantalisingly made it's way to Kathryn's breast. Kathryn arched in to her. Opening her mouth. Moaning. Urging Seven on. The urgency returned and their hands were all over eacho thers naked flesh. Leaning in to each other. Mouths and tongues everywhere as they kissed passionately and fell to the bed.

Seven was leaning halfway over Kathryn. Looking at her. It was so familiar and so utterly unbelievable to them both. All these years… all the distance between them. All the obstacles… and here they were… naked… Seven smiled as she ran her fingers gently over Kathryn.

Kathryn looked up. Smiled.

"Do you understand, Seven"?

Seven looked so deeply in to her eyes. She nodded.

Kathryn's hand moved to Seven's face, touching her gently. Tracing her lips.

"Why now, Kathryn"?

She smiled. "Because I can't say away from you anymore".

Seven smiled.

"If I had not come, would you have sought me out"?

Kathryn nodded as she gazed at her.

"I knew you were coming back. I knew you were here. I saw you that day, in the courtyard". She smiled.

Seven raised her eyebrow. Then nodded. Her hands roaming down Kathryn's stomach and thigh.

"Did you wonder why I didn't approach you"? Seven's hands roamed over Kathryn's behind.

Kathryn let her hands move over some of Seven's implants and across her stomach to her hips. "I did wonder". She pulled Seven a little closer.

Seven shifted a little and lifted her leg, moving it over Kathryn's.

"I wondered why I didn't call after you, too". Her breathing was becoming shallow as Seven let her fingers roam over Kathryn's stomach and breasts, watching her reaction.

"And"? Seven was curious. Her attention being drawn to Kathryn's breathing and the sensation of hands on her naked skin.

"I was waiting". Kathryn smiled.

Both of them were barely managing to speak as their caresses intensified.

"For"? Seven leaned closer.

"A sea change". She smiled again and leaned toward Seven as they kissed.

Lips pressing, naked bodies caressing. Seven moaned at the contact. Kathryn seemed to groan and pull her closer.

Kathryn pushed Seven back. Pressing her against the bed and devouring her mouth. Her hands moved possessively over her perfect body…touching every inch and following the caresses with her lips. Seven's head fell back as she gave in to her. Gave in to this overwhelming need..this love..desire. She never thought it would be difficult to let go when it finally happened. But it was. And she let go anyway. It was Kathryn. Always Kathryn and now she was here with her. And she wouldn't breath..wouldn't leave.. wouldn't love..wouldn't live unless Kathryn told her to.

Kathryn was all over her. Loving her.

"Kathryn"… She could feel her lips move over her.

"Kathryn"… She felt her fingers enter her.

"Kathryn"… She wanted to tell her… But her body turned to hot liquid and melted into Kathryn. She didn't have to tell her. Kathryn would know now. They were inside each other. Everything was silver light… She felt herself swarm around Kathryn's body and felt Kathryn so deep inside her. She could hear her. Hear the sounds of their kisses again. Hear the friction of their bodies. Hear their movements on the sheets. She could hear Kathryn. She could taste her. Smell her. She loved her. More than anything in her life…more than any pain..any sorrow..any fear…any regret.. She loved her. And she gave in to it. Forever. She let go of everything. Just her and Kathryn and this silver light that became so sweet throughout every nerve of her body. She felt the rhythm of Kathryn's fingers drive her closer to the burning circumference of the heat and light.

Seven felt her whole body grow rigid and then explode with colour and feeling. It was…she was panting…It was… She couldn't open her eyes. Couldn't move…couldn't speak.

Slowly all the liquid heat cooled and she felt her body relax…felt her breathing even out… Felt a heavenly body press against her. Kathryn was whispering to her. Soothing her. Telling her she loved her.

"I've loved you for so long".

Kathryn kissed her lips. Seven opened her eyes.

Kathryn was still talking to her. But she couldn't really understand all the words. She leaned up and kissed her. Kissed her so tenderly. Kissed her with such love.

Kathryn was breathless.

Seven was speechless.

Kathryn kissed Seven's cheek, kissed her neck. Caressed Seven.

Seven turned on her side, facing Kathryn. She ran a finger over Kathryn's lips. Over her chin. Then she slide her hand around her neck and up through her hair and kissed her. She kissed her and rolled her over as she moved tightly against Kathryn's body. As the length of their bodies pressed against each other they both reacted. Their mouths opening for each other again… Hotly kissing and pressing closer.

Seven watched Kathryn intently as she trailed her fingers down over Kathryn's breast. She felt Kathryn arch into her. Slowly, she leaned her head down and gently took Kathryn's right nipple in her mouth. Kathryn's back arched further as she groaned. Seven sucked gently and then returned her gaze to Kathryn. Kathryn's mouth was parted and her eyes slowly opened. Seven's head tilted slightly as she considered Kathryn.

"If your going to do something like that, Seven, you should at least be prepared for the response". Kathryn breathed.

Seven kissed her lips. Took the same nipple between her fingers and enjoyed Kathryn's response.

She pulled back and pressed Kathryn against the sheets. Kissing and taking her other nipple between her lips. She let her hand slide down Kathryn's stomach, enjoying the way Kathryn moved beneath her touch.

Seven moved up to take her lips again and let one finger slide inside Kathryn as she did so.

Kathryn's body jerked beneath her. Kathryn tore her lips from Seven's and rolled her head to the side.

"Seven"! She gasped.

Seven watched her as she licked her lips. She looked down over Kathryn's body. Enjoying the way it rose and fell with the movements of her finger. Appreciating her soft curves and tender skin. Seven moved against Kathryn and kissed her, sliding another finger inside her.

"Kathryn, you are so beautiful. Your sex is intoxicating. Your scent is arousing". Kathryn moaned a little as Seven's fingers slid from her crotch. She opened her eyes to find Seven gazing at her intently while she slowly brought her fingers to her mouth, tasting Kathryn. Their eyes never left each other.

"Seven".

Kathryn's eyes were wide with desire. Seven's boldness had shocked and excited her. Seven knew it.

She leaned in and whispered to her. "I want you, Kathryn. Let me take you like you want me to".

Seven kissed her way down Kathryn's body. Kathryn's head fell back and she closed her eyes. She was unprepared for the almost senseless desire coursing though her. More than Seven knew…She did want her. Want this. She was hesitant to let it go. Scared to expose her desire. Seven had taken a leap and kissed her.

Kathryn opened her legs as Seven moved to her thighs. Her soft lips placing firm, sweet kisses everywhere.

"Oh…Seven.." She moaned.

Then Seven's mouth was on her. Small explosions rippled through her. Kathryn opened her legs wider, seeking more contact and the sexual pleasure that came from opening herself wide.

"Seven" She gasped as she felt her lover's tongue.

Kathryn's hips moved into Seven, finding the most sexual, sensual rhythm as her excitement reached it's climax. Her head fell to the side and her back arched as she called out… finally letting go so she could have it all…

"Seven…Please… harder". In that moment...letting go…begging to be taken…She climaxed and felt herself rock off the bed and land again. Moans and gasps escaped her as she savoured the remaining, gentling waves of her orgasm. Seven of Nine's lips trailed up her body, kissing and licking and came to rest briefly on her lips.

"Seven of Nine"… she smiled and sighed.

Seven smiled.

She looked at Kathryn.

"We made love". Tenderly.

Kathryn nodded. "We made love".

They lay together for some time. Just touching. Looking at each other. Sometimes kissing.

"Did you think you would ever make love to me, Kathryn"?

Kathryn lay back and thought about her response. "I didn't so much think I would as much as know that eventually, something would happen between us. I can't say if I knew it would be this. It scared me a little. To face it. To face you. I always knew something would happen".

They fell in to a silence…both laying on their backs...touching at different points along the length of their bodies.

"What did you expect when you came to me, Seven"?

Seven turned to face Kathryn. "I expected success".

Kathryn turned and smiled questioningly at Seven. "Success"?

"I came for you, Kathryn Janeway".

They moved together. Making love throughout the night.

Epilogue.

Kathryn woke in the dark of pre dawn. Instinctively, after only one night…She moved for the body she knew should be there. When she stretched and found nothing, she became fully conscious and sat up.

"Seven of Nine" She said quietly.

Confused, she tried to focus and relaxed a little. She could feel her essence…smell her… taste her. She knew she was here. Somewhere. Slowly she rose from her bed and slipped her robe on.

She wandered out into the living room and found Seven on the balcony, looking out over the bay. A thick rug wrapped around her.

"Seven".

Seven turned and smiled. "Kathryn". She moved towards her. Kissed her and wrapped her in the rug as she stood behind her. "Watch the sunrise with me".

"Seven, you don't have anything on under the rug".

Seven laughed. "I know". She sighed. I have watched so many sunrises on so many planets since Voyager returned to Earth".

Kathryn nodded.

Seven tightened her hold. "I would like to tell you about them".

Kathryn smiled and nodded.

"Hundreds and hundreds, Kathryn". Cautious.

Kathryn laughed. "I know". She sighed. Then she turned in her arms to face Seven and kissed her. Sliding her arms up over Seven's shoulders she gazed at her. "Would you like to hear about all my sunsets"?

Seven kissed Kathryn.