Part Six
*

Kathryn walked the corridor to cargo bay two, all the while preparing herself for the conversation she was about to have with Seven.  Shed have to choose her words carefully.

She thought about her own actions. It was an impulse to put Caela in the brig. An impulse, but it would be safer for everyone. Even Caela had understood that. Seven probably would. But how was she going to take the rest of Kathryn's news?

‘Seven’, she imagined herself saying, ‘ I've locked your girlfriend in the brig and you're forbidden to see her.’

Kathryn stepped inside the cargo bay, to find Seven standing outside her alcove, reading one of the poetry books that Kathryn had given her. This brought some hope to Kathryn… but she wouldn't pin too much on it. Seven could be thinking of Caela as she read Sappho, or Byron… ‘She walks in beauty like the night.’ He could have been describing Caela.

Seven heard her Captain approaching, and set the book down. She stood at attention, in her soldier like manner. “Captain. I am ready to accept the consequences for my actions.”

“At ease, Seven.” Kathryn said.

Seven relaxed just enough to look at Kathryn, who had one arm up against her regeneration console.

Kathryn took a breath before she spoke. “You took control of my ship. You went alone after a deadly animal. If you were Starfleet, you'd be in the brig right now.”

Seven listened without response.

“Seven, do you realize how serious this is?”

“I did not take control of the Helm. I took only transporters-"

“And force fields, I know. But you prevented the Captain from getting to the bridge, and you prevented security teams from carrying out their orders.” Kathryn felt again the memory, the fear of losing her then the relief when Seven returned to Sickbay with Caela. “And you could have been killed.”

Seven's eyes went downcast for a moment. She glanced back up at Janeway. “I will report to the brig.” She moved to step past Kathryn.

“Wait.”  Kathryn said, and as Seven turned to face her again, “I think there are mitigating circumstances.”

“Such as?”

Tread carefully, Kathryn told herself, “I believe that you've become confused over Caela. I think you acted irrationally because of that confusion.”

Seven's face hardened. “I have no confusion where Caela is concerned. Though I have in the past acted on impulse, this was not one of those occasions. I planned my actions carefully.”

“Please understand when I say this, Seven. I think she took advantage of your developing sexuality. She is an empath. We don’t know that she didn’t sense what you were going through.”

“She did sense it.” Seven answered, “But there was no manipulation.”

“Perhaps you’ve become emotionally involved to a degree that has clouded your judgment.” Kathryn felt the battle going on inside- one moment wanting to insist that Seven hadn’t known what she was doing… the next, knowing that she was speaking to a grown woman who had a mind of her own and choices. “Can you honestly tell me that you would have taken such a risk for anyone else on this ship?”

Seven’s eyes were steady on Kathryn’s. “I would have taken such a risk for any one of my friends.”

“But you did it for Caela.”

“Why is that different?”

“Because she was the danger.” Kathryn said, “You did save Naomi from Caela, and I have taken that into account. I don’t want to put you in a cell. You’ll be confined to quarters and Astrometrics for an undetermined amount of time. And I need two promises from you. First, I need your assurance. That you won’t take over my ship again?”

Seven didn’t understand this. Kathryn was clearly stalling. She knew that there was more to Kathryn’s feelings for her than friendship. They’d exchanged enough glances, and brushed close to each other enough times… yet neither of them had the courage to do anything about it.

Now Kathryn had put Caela away, and Seven concluded, was trying to find a reason to explain to herself why Seven had explored sexuality with Caela…. Yet she would not admit to any of this.

Seven would allow Kathryn continue this line of inquiry. She would questions herself after this meeting, as to why neither of them had the courage to tell the other of their feelings.

Human emotions were puzzling.

Seven would give her assurance. “I will not take over your ship again. Unless it becomes absolutely necessary.”

Kathryn folded her arms. “Seven…”

“It is highly unlikely that it will become necessary.”

“Good enough.” Kathryn said, “And second. You will have to stay away from Caela.”

Without a pause, Seven stated. “I will not.”

“This is not a request. It is a direct order.”

Seven’s eyes hardened. She held her head high. “You told me once that individuality has its limits on a starship where there is a command structure. After you liberated me from the Borg, I chose to adapt into the Voyager social and hierarchic structures, and have endeavored to work for the good of the Voyager family. However, I am an individual, and I am now choosing to exercise that aspect of my self. I do not wear a Starfleet uniform, Captain. I will not obey that order.”

Kathryn steeled herself, at once angry and wary of the distance she felt growing between Seven and herself at this moment.

“Caela is in the brig now, Seven. She will remain there at least until after her next change.” Kathryn did have sympathy for Seven. “I know you’ll miss her. But I’ve given orders to security. They know you’re not to see her.”

Seven’s composure changed only a little. Kathryn could see she was hurt. Seven spoke, “In choosing to go after Caela, I followed my head as well as my heart. This is something you taught me, Kathryn. Caela is alone. I am her friend. Please do not punish her for my act.” Seven’s big blue eyes suggested hope that Kathryn would change her mind. “I believe she needs me.”

Kathryn’s heart sank. She could have handled Seven if she’d been angry. She could have handled almost anything, except this. Seven, hurt and making the argument for Caela’s sake.

She turned, “This discussion is closed.”

Seven didn’t turn to watch Kathryn leave. She stood in place for a moment.

She would not accept this. Caela needed her. Caela was unique, as Seven was. Only they could truly understand each other. She had been ready to accept the consequences for her actions… but not if it meant giving up the friendship and intimacy she had found with Caela.

She would see her. It was inevitable.

*

Twenty-four hours had passed since Caela’s second change. She wore her own clothes again, and paced back and forth inside the small space of the brig cell. Her hair was tied back into a knot, and she wiped at the tiny beads of sweat that formed on the back of her neck.

The hunger inside her burned at her stomach. She wanted to see her sky again, her suns, her moon. Her moon…

She closed her eyes, stopping where she stood, thought about the world she’d foolishly left behind. She could imagine the moon, full in the sky, beckoning her to allow the wild to take over. To let the Howl out.

And she would. Now. If she could.

She sat on the small bed, leaned forward with her head in her hands. She could feel the desire inside her, both for the hunt and for the flesh of Seven against her…

Caela knew the crew was safe with her in here. So why wouldn’t the change come? Why did it seethe inside her like this?

She felt the intention of someone approaching down the corridor. Someone coming to see her. She didn’t recognize the energy, and her mood sunk further when she realized it couldn’t be Seven. She watched as a man entered through the doors, spoke quietly to the security guard, and pulled a chair over.

His face had markings on it much like those the elders of her tribe had worn on their arms. He had dark skin and brown eyes. He sat on a chair in front of her cell.

“Who are you?” Her arms folded over her stomach, and she took a breath against the hunger pang that was hitting.

“My name is Chakotay.” He said, and then added, with concern, “Are you all right?”

She nodded, “What do you want?” The pang had passed and she relaxed again. Her skin flushed hot. She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead.

He leaned forward on his elbows. “You’re new on the ship. Tucked away in a cell. I’m sure it’s no fun for you.”

“At any moment I might be no fun. Chakotay.” She said his name with effort. It was sharp on her lips compared to the names she was accustomed to. She looked at his face, blinking her large green eyes slowly. Then she tilted her head as she took in his emotions.

He laughed. As a child, there was a German Shepherd in the village that did that very head tilt.

She stood then, hands on hips. “I amuse you?”

He stifled his laugh into a smile. “I’m sorry, It’s not you, it was a memory. A fond memory.”

Caela wasn’t amused. She stared at him.

“I’m not starting off on the right foot, am I?” Chakotay grimaced, “Let’s start over. I’m Chakotay, and I thought you might like some company.”

Caela could read this one, but it wasn’t all right up front. He had a simple and easy mastery over his thoughts and feelings.  She found his attraction for her and that didn’t surprise her; the crew of Voyager rarely saw human like faces, and they were bound to be interested when they finally did. What did surprise her was the respect with which he held it inside. Most of the other men, and many of the women, on board hadn’t done this. She read his current feelings. “I intrigue you.”

“Yes. Yes, you do, very much.”

Caela sat again. She was impressed with his honesty… so far on Voyager, only Seven had been so honest to say what she actually felt- once she’d left behind her jealousy regarding the Fire Beetle incident. Caela had concluded it was normal for these humans to be guarded about their feelings. This Chakotay intrigued her, she decided.  She would trust him for now.

She gestured toward his face. “Your markings. What are they?”

His hand went to his forehead. “It’s an ancestral tattoo. A gift from my tribe.”

It was Caela who smiled now. She liked this Chakotay.

*

They spoke for a few hours about life on Caela’s world, and life in Chakotay’s village and ancestral homeland. He spoke of the ways of his ancestors, and of the ancestors of many of the people on Voyager.

“Many people on Voyager have tribe, then.” Caela said, “I would like to meet B'Elanna sometime. If she isn’t terrified of me. Or wanting to kill me.”

She had almost forgotten the hunger until it welled up inside her demanding to be heard. She broke out in a cold sweat suddenly, and felt her belly screaming at her. She doubled over on the cot.

“Chakotay to the Doctor. Emergency in the brig.”

*

“My cycle has gone wrong.” Caela lay curled up on the floor of her cell, shivering from cold one minute, and breaking out in a sweat the next. “I feel so… strange. This is not right.”

The Doctor passed a modified tricorder wand over Caela and read the data as the tricorder beeped and chirped in confusion.

“I should have changed already.” Caela said, her voice quivering with the shivers. “It won’t come.”

Chakotay stood just outside the force field over the entry to the brig. “Doctor? Can you help her?”

The Doctor put away his instruments. “Caela, your DNA is in a state of flux. One moment, it is entirely human, and the next, portions of the unidentifiable DNA, which I have coined as the Howl Helix, begin to take form, but then recede.”

She closed her eyes. “I need my moon.” Sadness swept over her. “My instinct tells me I need my moon.”

The Doctor thought about it. “That is a possibility.”

”How’s that, Doctor?” Chakotay asked

“Millennia ago on Earth, women’s fertility cycles were thought to have been controlled by exposure to natural light. Most women ovulated during the full moon, and menstruated on the new. All that changed with the advent of artificial lighting. It was a widely accepted theory, but never accepted as fact by most scientists of the late 20th century, when women’s health became a larger issue to the medical world than it had previously been.”

“And Caela’s world had no artificial light.” Chakotay said. “So that theory might apply to her cycles.”

“Exactly.” The Doctor looked down at Caela. “Are you experiencing mood swings?”

She glared up at him. “If you weren’t a hologram, I’d rip your head off. Is that what you mean?”

The Doctor nodded. “It’s primitive, but I want to try something.” The Doctor turned to Chakotay, “Caela must be moved to a holosimulation of her world.”

Chakotay understood immediately, “I’ll get Tom right on it. He’s the best holoprogrammer we’ve got.”

“Feel free to ask for my input, Chakotay.” The Doctor said, “And please notify the Captain? I want to get these readings back to my lab.”

Caela had pushed herself onto hands and knees and was stretching back like a cat. She relaxed again, on her side, legs pulled up, her head resting on her arms.

Chakotay kneeled in front of the force field. “Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine- we’ll get you your moon.” He stood, “Doctor, I’ll let you know as soon as the program is ready.”

Caela rolled onto her back, and after Chakotay had left, she looked up at the Doctor. “I want to see Seven.”

“I’m sorry, Caela.” He answered. “Captain’s orders.”

Her eyes moistened. She waited for the next wave of hunger that would hit her.

*

“A holodeck simulation?” Janeway sat back at her desk, coffee in hand. “No, Chakotay. Uh-uh.”

“The Doctor feels it would be best for his patient.” Chakotay leaned forward on her desk. “I’ve got Tom programming the simulation right now.”

Janeway was surprised to hear it. “Tom, programming an environment for Caela? How’d you manage that?”

“B'Elanna.” Chakotay said. “She said she doesn’t blame Caela for what happened. She told me she has respect for anyone who can live like that-“ Chakotay looked away in thought, “With something so wild inside her. And B'Elanna wants to help. So she asked Tom to do it for her.”

Such a show of forgiveness made Kathryn feel about two inches high.

Chakotay continued. “I’d like for Seven to work with Tom, since she was on the surface.” He saw a small sum of resistance and then shame in Kathryn's eyes. “This is about more than Caela, isn't it?”

Kathryn dismissed it, “No, Chakotay. I just want my crew safe.”

“And they will be, with her in a secure holodeck.”  He leaned forward on her desk. “Please. Let me do this for her.”

“Oh, don’t tell me you’ve gotten attached to her, too.” Kathryn rolled her eyes. “Is she emitting a pheromone I’m unaware of? When did this happen? You’ve only seen her as the animal. Ah, I know- you must have seen her in the brig.” And she added, with a sardonic wink, “ She’s quite a looker, isn’t she, Chakotay?”

He removed his hands from her desk. “It’s not that, Kathryn. And jealousy is not only unbecoming in you, but completely unnecessary.”

She held up a finger. “Don’t even-“

He spoke again, “There is something about her. Wildness. Wildness I have to understand. She has…” his eyes were thoughtful, as he looked at Kathryn. “She has nature in her.”

Kathryn understood at least that much. “I can see why that would be very appealing to you.” She stood, leaving her coffee on the desk, and moved around to the replicator. “Caramel Brownie.” She waited for it, and faced Chakotay.  “Let’s not forget. She’s not quite human.”

Chakotay smiled at Kathryn, bemusement all over his face.

She took the brownie from the replicator, and paused as she lifted it to her mouth. “What’s that for?” She gestured to his grin.

“Doesn’t this conversation sound familiar to you?”

She shook her head. “No… should it?”

“It sounds a little like something I told you. When a certain Borg drone was trapped on our ship. Before the implants were even out, what was it you told me?”

Kathryn couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “I believe I told you…” She thought about the words again, “Her perfection is not from the Borg. It's in her.”

“And I told you, she’s not quite human.”

Their eyes locked for a moment in the deep friendship that had formed between them over the past years.

Kathryn went back to her desk, “And I said I didn’t care.” Her thoughts were lost in the memories of the first days with Seven on board Voyager. She stayed far off in the memory. “I told you I would find the human in her, and I would touch that perfection.”

“And I knew then and there that you would. You must understand.” Chakotay said. “Why it is that I have to help Caela.”

Kathryn finally acquiesced. “I guess I do.” She dipped her brownie into her lukewarm coffee, and bit in. After she had chewed and swallowed it, she spoke again. “Fine. Put her in the holodeck- but be damn sure it’s adequately secured, and I want guards on the door at all times, as well as surveillance. I want to know every move she makes in there.”

“And Seven?”

Kathryn sighed. “Yes. You can ask Seven’s help.”

“Great.” Chakotay said, and went around to give Kathryn a quick peck on the cheek. “Thank you.” He turned to rush out, when Kathryn stopped him.

“Wait, Chakotay, there’s something you need to know about Caela.” She stood as he stopped and turned to face her. “About Caela and Seven.”

*

Seven sniffed the air.

Tom thought her nose looked like a rabbit's as she tested the fragrant air.  Cute. “Do we have it yet?”

She sniffed again, ignoring the question. “Computer, increase this scent index by .02 percent.”

Tom took a long, deep breath. “Oh- it smells like- “ He sniffed again, “Yeah, it smells like pears, and honeysuckle.”

Seven sniffed. “Computer, increase this scent index by .03 percent.” Another sniff. She turned to Tom, and nodded.

Tom saved the scent index to the program. “A few last minute adjustments…” his fingers tapped out the last commands necessary, “And voila.”

The holodeck became the world Caela had left behind. Lavender sky, two suns shining brightly down onto the canopy of green and purple leaves. Seven and Tom stood in the center of the clearing.

Tom whistled, “Nice place to grow up.”

Seven took in the sight around her. “Caela will be pleased.”

“I think so.” Tom agreed. “So, we’re ready. Right?”

“Almost.” Seven went to the console. She adjusted the time index, and they were standing under a purple sky, a full moon shining brightly where the larger sun had been.

Tom nodded, folding his arms. “I have got to bring B'Elanna here sometime.”

Seven arched her brow at him. “If Caela gives her permission.” She spoke to the computer. “Hide console. Hide arch.”

The entrance was gone, and only Caela’s world remained.

Proud of his latest accomplishment, Tom proudly announced. “I do believe it’s ready now.”

Seven pressed her combadge, “Seven of Nine to Commander Chakotay. The holodeck is ready. You may bring Caela in.”

He answered. “Stand by. We’ll be transporting her in.”

“Seven-“ Tom didn’t want to push her out, but he knew Janeway’s orders.

She didn’t want to leave the simulation, and she didn’t want to go knowing Caela would soon be here. She resolved to leave for now.

The arch appeared then, and Captain Janeway stepped inside the simulation.

She greeted them. “Seven. Tom.” Her eyes took in the sight around her, and she turned 360 degrees. “This is wonderful. You both did an excellent job.” She faced Seven. “I take it you left out the Fire Beetles?”

Seven was distant. “Of course. However, I will include them should Caela request it.”

Tom wanted no part of the tension that had just popped up between the Captain and Seven of Nine. He didn’t even want to know what it was about. He hastened his exit, “B'Elanna's getting out of sickbay soon…”

“Dismissed, Tom.” Kathryn said, and heard him leave.  The quiet between herself and Seven was heavy. “Seven. I have to say I am saddened at the turn our friendship has taken.”

“As am I.”

“I don’t want this situation with Caela to come between us.”

Seven’s eyes gazed down at her Captain, her Kathryn. “Yet it seems to have.”

Kathryn looked up into those beautiful blue eyes. “Yes.” She turned, inhaled the sweet clean air of Caela’s world. “Being in here… it reminds me of the night we spent by the fire.”

“Understandably.”

“Before we heard the Howl.” She turned to Seven. “You were about to ask me a question that night.”

Seven had turned her back to Janeway, and was scrutinizing a tree for authenticity.

“I was wondering,” Kathryn said, walking around the narrow tree trunk to make eye contact with Seven. She stood against the tree, so that Seven would face her. “What were you going to ask me?”

Seven blinked, and had opened her mouth when the Doctor appeared in the center of the clearing.

“I’m sorry, have I interrupted something?”

Kathryn threw her hands in the air, “It was bound to happen.” She was frustrated, “If it hadn’t been you, it would have been something else.”

The Doctor was taken aback. “Really, Captain, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“You’re right. I apologize,” Kathryn said, and clasped her hands in front of her. “Caela’s about to beam in?”

“Yes.”

Seven’s face lit up. She looked to Kathryn, and it fell again. “I will leave now.”

Kathryn didn’t ever want to see such a saddened Seven again. Ever. “Seven, I’ve been thinking about what you said. That Caela shouldn’t be punished for your actions. I think it’s only fair to her if you see her. But just for a few minutes. She’s not safe right now.”

The Doctor concurred, “Once she’s in here, there’s no telling what could happen.”

Seven nodded in a way that Kathryn could almost swear was emphatic, if not reserved. “I will stay only a short time.”

“See that you do.” Kathryn said, turning to the Doctor, “I’ll be on the Bridge.” She spoke to Seven once more before she left, “Can we be friends again?”

The familiarity returned to Seven’s eyes. “I never ceased to be your friend, Kathryn.”

Kathryn couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll see you in Astrometrics later tonight.”  She nodded her goodbye to the Doctor and left.

Chakotay stood outside the arch and smiled at Kathryn as she exited. They touched hands as she passed, and the arch closed again. His voice still came over the comsystem; “We’re beaming her in now.”

Seven watched as Caela took form in the center of the clearing, shivering, her hair soaked with perspiration, her clothes sticking to her like a second skin. Seven was at Caela’s side immediately. Her hands were on her forehead, wiping the wet strands of hair of her face. “Caela. I am here.”

Caela opened her eyes, “Seven?” She was visibly relieved to see her, and pushed herself to sitting with some effort. “Seven.” She took Seven’s hands in her own.

“Doctor,” Seven held Caela’s fingers, “Is there nothing that can be done for her ?”

“We can only wait, now that she’s in here.” The Doctor said, and began paying attention to his tricorder.

Seven looked into the emerald eyes of Caela again, and brought her fingers to her lips where she gently kissed them.

Caela squeezed Seven’s hands. “It is so good to see you again.”

The Doctor cleared his throat. “Just a moment more.”

Caela quickly took Seven’s face into her hands, pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Her fingers slipped back into Seven’s coiffed hair, grasping as if impress this kiss on both her mind and Seven’s. The kiss was long and deep, and finally, just their lips lingered together. And they parted.

Seven leaned her forehead on Caela’s, whispering, “Be well.”

Caela’s hands slid down Seven’s back. “When the change has passed, will you come for me?”

Seven wasn’t sure she would be allowed to, but still she answered, “Yes.” She reluctantly released Caela’s hands and stood, “You will be in my thoughts.”

Caela would have replied in kind, but the hunger was tearing at her again. She caught her breath and lay down on her back, hands over her eyes.

Reluctantly, Seven stepped away. She made her way to the arch, and as it appeared, she looked back at the form of her friend- lying there in what Seven thought must be terrible agony. She turned, and stepped out of the holosimulation, grateful to the Captain for allowing the visit.

Chakotay stood in the corridor outside the holodeck entrance with two security officers, and they assured that all force fields and surveillance was in place. Seven nodded to Chakotay as she passed, and made her way to Astrometrics. She had been neglecting her work there. There was nothing she could do for Caela at this time; she would focus on her work. It would help her to not think of what Caela was going through.

*

The Doctor stayed with Caela. It had been twelve hours since arriving in the holodeck, and the artificial moon was still in the sky. He took his readings and observed as the exhausted young woman suffered through wave after wave of pain or hunger.

She had attempted to eat vegetation, but it wouldn’t go down. She had attempted to stand, but her arms and legs were reacting to the flux by weakening and pain. Finally, she managed to take her clothes off and lay still when it came over her.

The animal stretched as if it had just awakened from a deep sleep. No sign of Caela’s exhaustion. The animal ignored the doctor completely, and sniffed around the simulation. Its ears perked up and it took off at a silent run into the trees.

The Doctor had the data he needed. He would return to sickbay.

*

Kathryn sat at her desk and watched Seven’s face as she watched Caela on the monitor. Seven had been watching the animal for fifteen minutes or so.

Once the change had occurred, the time index had kicked in, and now in Caela’s world, the suns were about to rise.

At this moment the animal gave all its attention to gnawing on the bones of a holographic kill. Its belly sated with replicated nutrients, it soon curled up and slept. The suns rose; Caela the woman took form again, laying on the deep bed of grasses and moss, a peaceful countenance now, not a sign of the earlier struggle.

“Well.” Kathryn said, “I think it’s safe to visit her again.”

Seven stood. “Would you like to accompany me?”

“I would, actually, but the Doctor has had some success in his research on Caela. He’ll be waiting for me.” Kathryn stood and went around to the front of her desk as Seven made her way to the door.

“Thank You, Kathryn.” Seven reached out and touched Kathryn’s hand. “I am grateful to you.”

Kathryn was taken completely off guard by Seven’s gesture. She could only stand there feeling the warmth of Seven’s hand, and after Seven had gone, she still felt it. She brought the hand to her face, feeling the spot where Seven had touched it with her lips.
She glanced down at the monitor, at the sleeping figure in the grass.

Chakotay had been right. Trying to control Seven in regards to Caela was the wrong approach to the situation. Instead, he’d suggested to Kathryn, be her friend as always.

And if anything was there- which he told Kathryn, there was something there; he’d seen it in Seven himself- if anything was there, let nature take its course. Seven’s feelings for Kathryn wouldn’t change, even with Caela bringing out new feelings. Kathryn hoped Chakotay was right.

Seven was still on probation, but full privileges had been reinstated to her. Again, Chakotay had pointed out something to Kathryn, “Seven is a unique disciplinary situation. The crew knows it. They don’t always like it, but the know it. And many of them feel that what she did was the correct action. They feel she was the only reason the Howl didn’t harm anyone else.”

Kathryn hoped Chakotay was right. She’d taken his advice, cooled her jets as Paris would say, and was hoping that it would pay off- or at least create a more amiable atmosphere as far as she and Seven were concerned. The last thing she wanted was to lose that friendship.

Time to go to Sickbay. Find out what the Doctor had learned.

*

End part 6