The Ovarian Cast of Thousands
"Good Morning, Kathy."
Captain Janeway leisurely stretched from her slumber while reviewing the luscious dream she had just exited. Little groans escaped her as she turned over and snuggled a nearby pillow.
"Good Morning, Kathy."
The captain, a single woman of deeply held passion, thought for a moment that the interest of her dream was talking to her. I must still be dreaming, she sleepily mused. She answered, "Good Morning."
Instantly, her eyes flew open as she realized she heard her own voice. She jerked about for her bearings. Tousled and groggy from such an abrupt awakening, her eyes quickly scanned her bedroom. Then she screamed.
"Intruder alert!"
"Good Morning, Kathy. My, aren't we grumpy this morning. I am wounded that you receive me in such a manner."
"Q! What. How. Aren't you late to fuck up some other timeline?" She growled.
"I hope you don't expect to kiss me with that mouth." Janeway shot him a force-ten glare and the wallpaper behind him bubbled on the bulkhead. He turned to see the damage.
"Woof. You are in a state this morning aren't you?" He began to follow her to the ensuite. She spun around and dared him to come closer. Involuntarily, he reared back.
"Not in here." She ordered. "If you want this to continue, then get me a LARGE cup of coffee."
Seeing that appeasement was in order, he quickly acceded. "Oh right, coffee, of course."
As she emerged from the ensuite, robed and somewhat better prepared, a Bajoran woman dressed in Security detail colors, came barreling in through the door. Captain Janeway stopped cold in her tracks.
"Who the hell are you?" She demanded.
The Barjoran woman skidded to a halt looked herself over and then checked her surroundings. A deeply puzzled look washed over her face. She then looked to the captain. Her eyebrows peaked and she hesitantly questioned, "Captain Janeway?"
"Yes? Who the hell are you?"
Realizing she was before a superior officer she snapped to attention and stated her name. "I was responding to a security breech at Quark's? I am Major Kira Nerys of Deep Space Nine, Captain." Then her voice drifted off. "Or at least I was a minute ago."
Janeway slapped her palm to her forehead and then walked over to the nearest chair and fell into it. Janeway squinched one side of her face and asked the Bajoran, "Major, have you ever met Q?" The security officer shook her head and Janeway thought the woman was looking pale.
The captain's voice dripped with sarcasm and she drawled, "Well, Major Kira Nerys, this is Q. Q this is Major Kira Nerys of Deep Space Nine, of the ALPHA QUADRANT." As she completed the introductions her voice rose to a virtual bellow and stayed there. Glasses on the counter shattered. It caught Kira's attention, but since the captain paid it no mind, she looked to Q who just motioned a caution for her to ignore it.
"Kathy, you really must do something about your sexual frustration." Gesturing at the buckled hull and shattered glass lying about. "Its gotta be hard on the repair crew."
Janeway began to demonstrate just how frustrated she really was when she noticed Major Kira weave where she stood. This must be much too much for her, Janeway noted. Without permission, Nerys moved across the room and dropped on to the couch. Janeway shot the Major a look of surprise, prompting her to realize she had broken protocol. She scrambled to stand, but Kathryn merely waved her off and gave her a look of sympathy. Kira nodded her thanks and gratefully sank back into the couch. She made an effort not to look utterly confused.
Q, meanwhile, was trying his best to look mildly apologetic. Grasping the arms of the chair as though struggling to keep her seat, Janeway turned to Q and asked the question that had to be asked. It 's not as though she really wanted to know, but this was Q. As much as he was omnipotent he was also child, and children seemed to like explaining what a mess they made of things. She wondered how hair-brained this one was going to be.
" So, Q. You want to tell me what is going on?"
His faced beamed in self-pride and he began to gesture broadly, " Well, Kathy." He favored a look to the Bajoran as if to say, "I get to call her Kathy, aren't I cool?" Kira returned a blank look and Janeway wondered if she should call for the Doctor. She rolled her head back to face Q.
"As I was saying. I was visiting a star system known for its prurient leanings, when the idea came to me. I know you are aware that I am attempting to reproduce." Janeway rolled her eyes and rubbed her hands briskly over her face.
"Q we have already been over this."
Q developed a quick case of hangdog but forged ahead. "As disappointing as that was to me, it occurred to me that the Federation seems to begat very strong and suitable women. So I had a most brilliant idea to gather them all in one location, rather then flit around from place to place and timeline to timeline. And guess what? I picked your ship! Isn't that just marvelous? I thought you would help me choose a mate considering you were first choice and all. Whaddya say Kathy?"
Kathryn imagined that she must look as dumfounded as Major Kira. It took longer than usual for her to respond to Q. But when she did it was in a manner so unlike her.
After a period of time, she got up out of the chair, nodded to Kira, and began to make her way back to her bedroom, deciding that either there was no possible response to this preposterous scheme or that it was just a really really lousy nightmare. She opted for the latter and the comfort of her bed.
Q ran around to head her off. Grabbing her arms, he begged her to help him, pleading loneliness, being adrift in the cosmos, and other lame justifications. Kathryn looked back to see that the Major had yet to move and she decided that probably the woman was best left where she landed. Kathryn, turning to attention to Q, glared at his hands and he withdrew them as though he had touched flames.
In mock sincerity, Janeway said, "Q, you have no idea how much this pains me."
"Oh, you mean you do feel sorry for me." He said hopefully.
"No." She said abruptly. "No, I mean it pains me, like in the neck. only much. much lower."
It took Q a second to catch what she was saying. When he did, he looked aghast. He motioned to speak again, but Janeway just shook her finger at him each time he started. She patronizingly patted his cheek and informed him she was going back to bed, that she wanted him gone and when she awoke she wanted to find this was all just a rotten dream. With that she moved him aside and entered her bedroom shutting the door behind her.
Q stood still, pondering. Then a look came over his face that spoke volumes in terms of mischief. He summarily popped himself to another location. Kira Nerys for her part remained on the couch, motionless and far, far away.
Meanwhile, in the Mess Hall..
"Uph!"
A dark complexioned woman landed unceremoniously in a heap on the floor of the mess hall. Her variation of a turban was askew and her flowing garments were now bunched up and gathered around her waist, revealing an electrically purple thong. As she looked around to assess her new surroundings, an expression of severe consternation etched itself deeply in her countenance. Her lips curled back over her teeth and she let out a deep bellow that shook the bulkheads.
"Q! Get your lily white cosmically worthless ass down here immediately!"
A shimmering off to her left culminated in a sight she found repulsive. Q stood before her in a flowered shower cap, suds failing to conceal his form and a puddle rapidly forming around his feet.
He screamed. "Guinan? I didn't think you'd shower with me."
"By all that there is Q, I will never, no never, not ever shower with you." Now standing and shaking her clothing back into place, Guinan, late of the Enterprise, glowered at the omnipotent being. As she began to look him over and smirk at certain points, Q snapped himself into clothing, mumbling.
"Omnipotence means doing much with very little." He offered defensively.
"Ah huh. Small blessings I suppose." She choked on her laugh and proceeded to circle Q.
"You want to tell me exactly what you think you're doing this time?"
Q looked as though he had been sent to the principle's office. So much like a child, thought Guinan.
"Q, I am waiting."
"Well, I thought it would be great to reproduce. You know, have a little me running about the galaxy." Guinan rolled her eyes and raised her hand to her forehead as a headache threatened to make it's self known. "Go on. " She sighed.
"I approached Kathy, uh, Captain Janeway, but shortsightedly, she turned me down. Imagine me, Q?" Guinan quickly searched for a chair and fell into it as he continued.
"So, I looked about the Galaxy in search of someone who sparked my interest as she did. It occurred to me that the Federation had many women who were similar in nature and so in a moment of brilliance, if I say so my self."
"Might as well, as you are the only one who would think that."
"You know Guinan, pettiness doesn't suit you. Anyway, I decided to bring them all here so I could pick from the lot, as it were. Of course being a Q, time is of no concern so I went as far back as there was a Federation and had them all summoned here."
Guinan's head reeled under the computations of the number of timelines and personalities that would be contaminating the fabric of time. The descriptive term, quantum clusterfuck came to mind.
"Q, what if no one agrees to this?"
Q looked affronted. " What? Impossible. Surely one of these women will find me suitable. I mean who wouldn't want to be the mother of a Q?"
"I'm not so sure the mother aspect is as much an issue as the fact that you would be the father and...mate." She allowed this last word to hang in the air.
Q turned to her and in a very wounded voice he asked, "Am I so undesirable, Guinan?"
For a moment, Guinan found herself feeling pity for the omnipotent toad. So she softened her tone. "Q, its that you are so big. well in some respects."
Q stood still appearing to be deep in thought. "Well, I suppose that this much perfection could be difficult for the average human mind to grasp, but that is why I chose Federation women. They have…spunk…drive. cunning linguistics."
Guinan shook her finger at him, "Watch it, Q." She threatened.
"Oh come on, Guinan, it could be so much fun, don't you think?"
"That's just it, Q. You have contaminated multiple timelines and extracted women out of the blue to deposit them here with not so much as a 'by your leave!' How do you expect to woo someone by coercion?"
"Is that so very important?"
Guinan wondered how it was possible to be omnipotent and yet so dense.
"I know I'm going to regret this, but Q, just who did you zap onto this ship?"
Q looked up as if the list was printed on the ceiling. "Well, let's see."
Q rattled off a veritable who's who list of Federation women, spanning roughly two centuries. Guinan decided that her next step should be to contact some of her former crewmembers. But how to get rid of Q, she puzzled. As she tuned back in to Q's roll call, it dawned on her.
"Q, listen, I think that what you're trying to do for the Continuum is…admirable. yeah that's it. But take it from me, these women you have brought here are not going to go easily. They have survived because they are not gullible. I have a suggestion that might make your efforts more, how shall we say, productive."
"Oh Guinan. Will you help me?" Q pleaded.
"Q I think you should go to the holodeck and run program Beta 3 Guinan Guide. It's a little program that I constructed to help the lovelorn on the Enterprise E. Data found it to be most helpful and he is about as naïve about this as you are."
"Well, I don't think I much like being compared to the Android."
"Trust me Q, it'll suit you. Now go along now." Q vanished in a hail of sparkles. Guinan quickly hailed the ship's computer and ascertained the whereabouts of Tasha Yar, Drs. Kate Pulaski and Beverly Crusher, Deanna Troi, and Captain Kathryn Janeway. Then she hailed each of them requesting they come to the mess hall immediately. The mess hall was abuzz of chatter and confusion when the Captain arrived. She walked in and stopped abruptly. "Well, I was hopeful." She sighed. Recognizing Guinan, she walked over to her and asked the obvious. "Q?"
"Afraid so, Captain."
Janeway surveyed the various attendees. As an aside to Guinan, she suggested that the ship be re-christened as the Starship Ovaria, in honor of this fiasco. Guinan stifled a laugh as Janeway put her arm around Guinan.
"I'll confess, Guinan, I am at a loss as to what to do. What is your take on all of this?"
Guinan shared with her the details of her talk with Q. He was apparently serious as the tale he told Kathryn was the same one he told Guinan except for exactly who he had brought on board. As Guinan recounted the names, Janeway felt herself slumping slightly under the weight of the news. Guinan, the anticipatory, handed her a cup of steaming coffee. Gratefully, she accepted it and drank heartily.
Kathryn looked around at the various women present and for once wondered if it was such a good thing to be the ranking officer. Well, she thought, perhaps we could handle this differently. Aloud she said, "If I could just have everyone's attention."
" I understand that all of you know that Q is behind this and why." They all rolled their eyes in unison. The captain bit back a smirk.
"Yes, as I was saying. I think there is a way out of this but it is going to call on a bit of flexibility from all of us."
So the cunning captain laid out a most glorious plan to thwart the intentions of Q. After all was said and done, Kathryn could tell they were apprehensive, as many had not explored an opportunity like she was suggesting.
Tasha Yar was the first to speak. "Captain, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Kathryn pursed her lips and nodded. "Yes I am proposing that we adopt a position of defense and pair up. How far you decide to take it will be up to each couple. But I dare say it will have to be convincing. As to Q's ability to pop in and out at will, I'm afraid that means the convincing will mean co-mingling quarters and beds."
Guinan watched the captain surreptiously. A sense that she was a little more comfortable with the plan, niggled at her. She shot a look over to Counselor Troi. The communication between them was brief but apparently, Troi felt the ease, too. Just then a fast moving, former Borg entered the mess hall. Seven of Nine stopped suddenly and surveyed the inhabitants of the room. Her ocular implant soared to her hairline as she began to sense that far more was afoot than just the unwelcome advances of the pesky Q.
"Captain?" Janeway moved over to Seven and gently pulled her further away from the crowd. Intensity surrounded them as each related their stories. Again, Guinan looked to Troi. It was clear to them that there was an advantage for the captain that maybe even she was not aware of. Seven's voice became more insistent and audible to the crowd.
"But Captain, I recommend that you have sufficient security with you at all times. As I do not know the skills of the new members and as they do not know of your propensity for trouble, I see no other candidate as suitable as I."
Now standing defiantly at attention, Seven looked as formidable as any the other women had seen. Dr. Kate Pulaski murmured to Dr. Crusher, "If that's what a rehabilitated Borg looks like then I think we'll be hard pressed to keep the Federation from trying to rehab them all."
Beverly punched her in the ribs using her elbow. "Yes, well Pulaski, if she is the one who catches your eye, you'd better move fast. Might as well choose your partner than have one chosen for you."
Meanwhile, Tasha Yar had been blundering about trying to chat up Deanna. Deanna had let it go on for long enough before remembering that this wasn't Will she was dealing with. No, she thought, this is a kind and gentle woman who I have admired. Perhaps. Deanna moved a few steps toward The Captain and the Borg. Catching the attention of Janeway she motioned for her to come over.
"Captain, I believe I can expedite the pairings."
Janeway breathed a heavy sigh and wiped her forehead. "Counselor if you could, I believe that it would help matters greatly."
So Deanna Troi, empath and counselor, suggested the Captain call all crewmembers to cargo bay one and she would then assess likely pairings among the crew.
Later in cargo bay one.
Captain Janeway now stood on a makeshift podium that Seven had procured. Seven felt an odd sensation come over her as she watched the captain attempt to bring the group to order. It was a feeling that she had become aware of over the last few weeks but as yet, could not identify. She only knew that the frequency of occurrence was dependent on the presence or thought of the captain.
As the new crew fell silent, the last ones to quiet down were Lwoxana Troi, Deanna's Betzoid mother, Nurse Chapel, an unknown Ferengi woman and someone who bore a striking resemblance to Amelia Earheart. Seven walked over to them. She merely put herself between them and the Captain, folded her arms across her chest and let the assimilation tubules extend from her Borg hand in obvious display and meaning. The three women, aghast, immediately quieted down. Seven turned around to face the captain, who admonished her, though the Borg heard a hint of smile in the tone. With everyone now paying attention, Janeway began.
"As I am sure many of you have questions and are eager to have them addressed, I have one thing to say to that."
All eyes were riveted on the captain as she resumed.
"Q."
A murmur began to swell among the women. The emotions now tangible, ranged from anger and fury to confusion.
She attempted to regain control so Seven gestured with her Borg hand that she could effectively quell the discussion. Janeway winked, sending a chill skittering through Seven. Then she watched her captain place two fingers into her mouth and release a pressured exhalation. The whistle echoed throughout the cavernous bay and all the women snapped to attention, fearful that the shrill noise would result in ruptured eardrums. As it was, several of the lights in the room burst in resonance to the pitch.
Kes, who had been standing just behind Seven, stepped up beside the Borg. She tapped the tall blonde on the elbow. Seven looked down.
"Hi, you must be Seven" .feet tall, thought Kes.
Seven looked her over, noting the elfin like ears and diminutive size. "And you must be Kes."
Kes nodded. "I wanted to speak with you about all the buckling of hulls and the broken glass that seems to be everywhere on the ship."
Seven let out a sigh. " It is an inefficient use of resources as we are constantly having to repair things whenever the captain is present."
Seven's expression had not altered, but Kes' eyes widened. "I was beginning to wonder if this was the remaining damage from when I came back looking for myself."
"No." Seven said, matter of factly, " We were able to repair that. It's just that when Kath. I mean the captain glares at anyone or speaks commandingly, damage is sure to result. Surely, you must remember?"
Kes shook her head slowly. "No, not to this extent." Then she lightly punched Seven in the arm. " And my name is Kes, not Shirley."
"Indeed."
Both resumed listening to the Captain
".but we have a plan. Now as many of you are now aware, Q has determined that the Continuum needs new blood. If any of you are willing to mate with Q then we can forgo the alternative Alternative plan. Any takers?"
As opposed to earlier, there was not a sound to be heard but all present took on the appearance of a school of gape-mouthed fish.
Her hands now on her hips, Captain Janeway continued. "The alternative plan we have is to pair everybody up." Eyebrows throughout the bay began to twitch and rise. The Captain surveyed the reactions she was privy to and pressed on.
"The idea is that if Q sees that we are all coupled, then he will just have to look elsewhere."
A woman identifying herself as Carol Marcus, one time lover of Kirk and mother to his child, asked, "Could you be just a little more specific, Captain?"
Janeway then did something that Seven had rarely seen. She blushed.
Clearing her throat and glancing briefly at Seven, she replied. " I am suggesting that we," she paused for emphasis, "portray ourselves as lesbians in loving relationships. I believe that that would discourage Q enough to send him packing."
Nods of assessment and approval rippled through the cargo bay.
This is going oddly well, thought the Captain. The Ferengi woman who everyone determined must be Quark's mother began eyeing Lwoxana Troi's hands and pondering the oomlax she was reported to be so good at.
Deanna Troi, for her part, was taking in the reactions and emotions to try and pair up compatible crewmembers. Janeway motioned for her to step forward.
Holding her hand up for quiet, Janeway concluded, "To help us expedite this mission, Counselor Troi and Kes, both of whom are empaths, will pair you up. These parings are not necessarily permanent, but it seems as good a place to start as any. Counselor, Kes, if you will." She motioned for them to begin and they proceeded to mingle through the crowd.
Janeway sidled over towards Seven in the secret hopes they would be paired. She tried to look nonchalant as she did so, attempting to chat about nonsense with the Borg. Seven looked upon her captain. In hushed tones she offered, "Captain, you appear to be ill at ease." Janeway turned her head away a little embarrassed. Then calling on a determination of now or never, she turned back to face the Borg head on. She looked into the cool blue eyes and simply let the command mask fall away.
Seven became witness to a sight greater than she thought possible. Omega had granted her a measure by which to judge perfection and for the second time in her life, she knew she was looking at it. But this time it was love she saw: unquestioned, unconditional, and till now, unspoken.
Tears began to well up in her eyes as she looked deeply through the window the captain had opened for her. Janeway gently raised her hand and caressed her Borg's face. Chuckling quietly, she whispered, "Where there is crisis, there is opportunity."
Seven whispered back, "I am glad you saw this opportunity. Captain."
Stepping closer than she should while in public view, the captain mouthed her own name giving Seven permission to use it. She slid her hand past Seven's cheek around to the nape of her neck. With her eyes, she asked Seven's permission to proceed. As the young blonde slowly acceding to the slight pressure on her neck, she neared the captain's lips breathing the words, "Resistance is futile."
Each tendered the unquestioned pressure of lip on lip. A rush of memories and hopes flowed between them. As they broke apart they leaned against one another's foreheads seeming to give thanks.
Suddenly, Janeway became aware of where they were. Out of the corner of her eye, she ventured a look. Everyone had stopped what she had been doing. The array of expressions ran the gamut from nonchalance to voyeuristic heat to shock. Janeway slid her hand down Seven's arm and took hold of her hand. Squeezing it, she whispered, "Trust me." Searching her love's eyes for agreement and finding it, Janeway turned to their audience. "That's what I mean by believable."
Murmurs ranging from, "That was an act?" to "That was no act, " could be heard all around. Kes and Troi, for their part, were trying frantically to cool down, an unfortunate reaction to having been empathically wide open at the time of the display. Kes even exhaled a large breath upward to blow her bangs from her forehead. Troi nodded to the captain in agreement to their pairing.
In as cavalier a demeanor as she could muster, the captain bade them continue and begged out of the remaining exercise. With pressure belying her need, she grasped on to Seven's hand, summarily yanking her from her standing position and made a beeline for the door. She did not stop until they were in her quarters.
Seven wasn't so sure that she hadn't made a mistake and that she was going to be reprimanded. But once the doors to the captain's quarters hissed, shutting out the rest of the ship, Janeway released her hand and stood in front of her. A look of panic sliced across the captain's face striking a chord of tenderness in the former drone. Seven, in a reprisal of her captain's earlier act, simply reached out and cupped the captain's face in her palm. She then gently guided the face toward hers and placed a delicate kiss on those lips. Hands slowly moved up and enveloped the two as they deepened the kiss to convey their hearts' intent. Janeway pulled away to catch her breath. After a moment, she started to speak but tender fingers were placed across her lips. Kathryn searched Seven's eyes for meaning.
"Kathryn, we need not analyze this. It just is. I know we have positions to maintain. I am Borg, I will not disappoint. Let us not talk about what has been, only what will be."
Kathryn was reeling. Her mouth fell slightly open and Seven's fingers took the opportunity to move across the available lips memorizing every line and curve. She felt more than saw Kathryn's knees give way. Gracefully, she slid her arms beneath her captain, providing a cradle.
Wonder gracing her face, Kathryn looked up at this amazing woman with new regard. Seven grinned wholeheartedly and asked, "When was the last time you ate, my Kathryn?"
It was not the question that Janeway was expecting. She searched her memory for the answer. Questioningly, she squeaked out an answer. "Last evening?"
Seven carried the captain to her dining area and placed her in a chair. Walking over to the replicator she programmed a meal of sliced meats and vegetables and a carafe of spring wine. Once the meal had appeared, she brought it to the table and seated herself next to the Captain. With little deliberation, she selected an offering and began to hand feed the captain. The beginnings of a protest were attempted but the Borg raised an ocular implant in rebuttal. No further arguments ensued.
Just as the meal was nearing completion, Q sparkled his presence in the living area.
"Kathy, I have been having the most marvelous time. I had always considered Guinan to be well, to be a quantum pain, but she."
He stopped in mid sentence. Janeway, now standing, looked up over her shoulder at her Borg who was right behind her. "Seems to be a common reaction today."
"Indeed." Seven agreed.
"Q! What is it now?"
Q was apparently taken aback at what he supposed was going on. He began in fits and starts.
"I…uh...no it can't be...is it." Finally falling back on "Kathy how could you?"
Toying with him she responded with, "Could what, Q?"
He gestured at the two of them. Seven felt most smug and apparently it showed.
"And get that look off your face, you, you drone." Kathryn felt Seven place her hands on her shoulders. Reaching back and patting the hands that comforted her, she said, "Q, surely you know where I stand, as for Seven." her voice drifted up with her eyes."
"As for me," Seven rejoined, "I would rather mate with the Queen than mate with you." Janeway snickered at the insult.
In a huff, Q petulantly sparred, " It looks as thought you already have." Seven stepped around Kathryn and her tubules extended, flailing about in a threatening manner.
"OOO kinky," Q noted. The captain stepped in between them and pushed Seven's hand away. She felt the tubules encircled her index finger and for a split second she felt fear. Abruptly looking at Seven her fears were replaced with intrigue, as Seven answered the unasked question, "They are. adaptable, Kathryn." Janeway's eyebrows shot up into her hairline as she gave the implication some thought.
"Ahem. I'm still here."
Janeway shook her head. "Yes, I see. And just why is that?"
"You know Kathy, if I wanted to be insulted this much, I would just go back to the Continuum." And with that he disappeared.
Janeway let out a sigh of relief and let her arms hang loosely about her. Hands began to rub her shoulders and make long luxurious passes down her back. Then the movement stopped. The captain let out on involuntary whimper. Hot moist kisses on the back of her neck were her reward. A deeper moan was emitted. Kathryn turned around and looked into adoring eyes. She blushed.
"Seven, " she began. "There is something we need to talk about."
Seven absorbed her into a full hug whispering into her ear. "I think not. But should I misread you, then tell me. As to talking...Kathryn, I think it is overrated." With that she again swept the smaller woman into her arms and headed for the bedroom.
Meanwhile back in cargo bay one..
Deanna Troi and Kes had completed the initial coupling for Project Sappho. At Troi's suggestion, the new couples were taking time to get acquainted.
Guinan had put in a special request to be paired with Uhura as she had somewhat of a crush on her during one of the early encounters with Kirk's intrepid crew. Guinan was really taking it slowly so that if there was a chance of this extending beyond the life of the crisis, she would have been proper in her courting of the beautiful woman. Dr. Pulaski was off in a corner with Nurse Chapel, Deanna was head to head with Tasha Yar, Beverly Crusher and Leah Brahms were walking the perimeter, and Dr. Lenara Khan was courting Carol Marcus. Lwoxana and Iksha, Quark's mother, had already left the area in search of a secluded spot. Kira Nerys and Jadzia Dax seemed suited, as did Kes and Tal Celes. Saavik, being only half Vulcan, had determined that the exploration with Samantha Wildman could prove "enlightening" and so had willingly followed Ensign Wildman back to her quarters.
As it was discovered that B'Elanna Torres and Ro Laren had, during a corresponding brief lay over at Utopia Planetia, actually enjoyed a lay over one another, they were chosen to partner as well. Keiko was paired with Jennifer Sisko as Kai Winn was with Kai Opaka.
As a hushed atmosphere of whispers and soft voices embraced crew of the Star Ship Ovaria, Q popped in to the cargo bay. Not surprisingly, he stuck out like a fire engine-red eighteen-wheeler in the middle of Death Valley. Out of his league and way out of his class.
" What goes on here?" He demanded.
B'Lanna charged after him like a targ after a bone only to be yanked back by a wiser Ro Laren. She wrestled away from the Bajoran but stayed put. Deanna and Guinan conspired to take care of the omnipotent dweeb.
Deanna began, "Q what could you possibly want from us?"
"Well, I suppose Kathy has already told you what I want. But what is going on here?" Guinan placed her hand on Deanna's arm asking for a turn. Granting it, Deanna turned over the proceedings to Guinan.
She straightened her robe and adjusted her hat, then sauntered up to Q. " Look around, Q. You are not wanted nor needed here." She swept her arm in an arc to invite him to observe. Most couples had resumed their tete a tete. The look, which shadowed the face of Q, was one of utter disgust.
"I can't believe that in just this short amount of time that all of you could have coupled off. It's just. impossible. " He hailed Dr. Crusher. "Beverly, what about you and Jean Luc? " The doctor simply shrugged her shoulders and reached for Leah's hand as they walked away.
Q turned to Deanna. "What of you and Ol' Stiff Necked Riker?" Tasha took this opportunity to lean down, placing a kiss on Troi's cheek. Deanna smiled sweetly.
Q began stomping the floor and turning in circles.
"ARRGGHH! I am going to get to the bottom of this. so to speak.." In huff, he left as he had arrived. In his wake, B'Lanna walked up offering a suggestion.
"You better contact the Captain."
Guinan and Troi looked at each other with not a little trepidation.
"What?" Demanded the engineer.
Guinan and Troi looked at one another, thoughts passing between without sound. Deanna stepped away as Guinan put her arm around the young woman letting her in on the reality of the Captain's pairing.
All that could be heard by the others was B'Elanna's outburst. "Get outta here! The Captain and that…that. Borg?" Laren stood nearby and just shook her head in dismay. Guinan signaled for her to come take over. Laren escorted the Klingon out of the bay and headed for the bridge. Soon all of the couples drifted out and headed for corridors and rooms unknown.
Meanwhile back at the Captain's quarters.
"Mummph."
"What, Darling?"
Seven came up for air. "I asked if anyone was manning, or I suppose more accurately, womanning the bridge."
Janeway sat bolt upright in bed hitting Seven's head with her knee. She gave a look of apology to her lover and threw herself over the side of the bed in search of her jacket and her comm badge. Rustling around, her hand found purchase and she tapped the badge abruptly.
"Captain to the bridge!" She barked.
"Bridge, Lt. Ro Laren speaking. What is it Captain?"
Kathryn collapsed back into the bed. "I was just checking to see if everything was alright."
A small chuckle carried across the system. "All systems are operational, Captain, but, it seems that Q senses a ruse."
"Well, I might have suspected as much."
Seven whispered, "I believe this means we must try harder to convince him." Then she wiggled her implant for emphasis. Kathryn just winked at her new lover.
"Captain?"
"Oh yes, Lt. Ro. Pass the word along to the others that relationships are not to be trifled with."
"No problem here Captain."
"Uh, Lt? Just who are you paired with?"
"Lt. Torres, Captain."
"Hmmm. No problems?"
"No Ma'am. None that I haven't dealt with before."
Janeway was surprised at the last comment. She thought to herself, I really must get to know my crew better. Although at this rate I think I know all I need to.
"Very well, Lt. Carry on. Check on available staff and establish a duty rotation. We do have a ship to fly after all."
"Yes, Captain. Bridge out."
The next day....
The captain was in the mess hall sharing a cup of coffee with Guinan.
"Guinan, I understand from Picard's records that you have some...abilities."
"Well, yes. What is it you want to know, Captain?"
Janeway hemmed and hawed a bit seemingly nervous about her vulnerability.
Guinan reached across the table and placed her hand over the Captain's.
"You need not worry, Captain."
"Am I that obvious?" She shook her head, embarrassed to be that easily read.
"No. But IT was obvious. This situation was merely a catalyst for something that would have occurred eventually." She smiled warmly at the woman before her. "It was inevitable, Captain."
Janeway let out a heavy sigh resting her head on her fist. "I sure didn't think so."
"Ahh, distance gives perspective."
"I suppose so."
"Well," ventured Guinan. "Are you happy?"
A grin unbidden, forced its way across the face of the intrepid captain and she fought to hide it like a young schoolgirl. Guinan thought it quite charming and moved to remove the captain's hand from covering her face.
"Captain, you have a smile which all should see. It will encourage them. And it does no harm to see the captain happy."
"Yes, as goes the captain, so goes the ship."
Guinan merely nodded her head in response. Just then the Captain's badge chirped.
"Ensign Wildman to the Captain."
Kathryn returned the hail. "This is the captain."
"Uh, Captain, I was wondering if we might should have a Social."
"A Social, Ensign?"
Guinan couldn't help overhearing and nodded her approval. Janeway shrugged her shoulders, not seeing the harm of it. A little party could ease everyone over the initial difficulties. Not, she mused, that she had had any.
"Yes, Captain."
"Well, I see no harm. It might be good for everyone. Use whatever resources you need, Ensign. Guinan appears to be willing."
"Thank you, Captain. Wildman out."
"Well, Captain. This seems to be going along fairly smoothly. But you might want to check on Kes."
The captain looked surprised. "Why? Is something wrong?"
"Well, she is fairly new at being an empath and she is young. I believe she is experiencing a little difficulty with all the emotions available to her."
'I see. I suppose I might as well talk with her now. I don't see that this is going to end any time soon."
Guinan conspiratorially added. "I certainly hope not."
Kathryn noticed that just seconds earlier Uhura had entered the mess hall. Reaching over and patting Guinan's hand, she stood up and motioned to Uhura. The captain whispered, "Good luck, my friend," and left to find Kes.
In Astrometrics.....
A very angry Klingon half-breed stormed into the lab.
"Just what are your intentions?" She demanded.
A young Borg coolly regarded the intruder. "Good morning Lt. Torres. Did you sleep well?"
The engineer's mouth flapped open and closed.
"I slept sufficiently. Thank you for asking B'Lanna."
Torres began to pace feverishly about the lab seemingly unable to contain her self.
"AAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHH! Seven you know very well why I am here. Don't try to change the subject." Seven looked around to see if the bulkheads remained in place. Torres was known to peel a little paint back in her rage as well as the captain. Noting no damage, she replied.
"Lt. Torres, I would not begin to assume to know what you are talking about."
The Klingon charged toward her stopping only a few feet away. "The captain. I'm talking about the captain. What are your intentions?"
" I do not understand what you mean by intentions?"
"Ugh! Seven, is this a one night stand or are you serious about a relationship with the captain?"
"Oh! I see."
"Yeah, you drone, what do you want from her?"
Seven thought for a minute. "Lt. Torres are you performing some sort of Klingon familial role?"
B'Lanna looked as though she was about to pull her hair out. "Seven! Don't change the subject!"
Seven looked to the ground determining how best to respond. She did not feel as though she owed the Klingon any explanation, as the relationship was between she and Kathryn. But in light of the captain's role and the protectiveness of the crew towards Janeway, she felt she should say something.
"Lt. Torres. As this is none of your business personally, I feel no obligation to defend my actions. But as I presume you are merely inept in expressing your concern for the captain, I will tell you. I do not understand the phrase, "one night stand". However, I am in love with the captain and seek to have a permanent relationship with her. She is the reason for my being. When I am away from her my thoughts are of her. When I am with her I can think of nothing else.
"I have researched this and have found that this is what love is. As she has risked her self on a number of occasions to rescue me, I feel I too, would risk all to see her safe. She is my primary in this collective."
B'Lanna stood stock-still and dumbfounded. Finally finding words to speak she said,
"Well. all right then. I guess that settles it. Thanks for making it so…clear, Seven."
Turning on her heel she sped out of the lab, eager to run new information through the rumor mill.
In the Hydroponics bay..
Kathryn quietly stepped around each row looking for Kes. The ship's computer, whose voice she determined sounded strangely like Lwoxana Troi's, indicated that Kes could be found here. Kathryn was amused that she felt pressed to be quiet as she would have been in a library. Silently, she proceeded to the back towards the seeding area.
Here she found Kes studiously noting the growth of various plants. Not wanting to startle her she made a little noise clearing her throat. Kes jumped.
"Captain, you scared me."
"Kes, I'm sorry. But you seemed so deep in thought."
Kes looked at her hands and fiddled with her cuticles. In a voice far away she responded. "Yes, I suppose I was."
"Captain." "Kes." They both started. A nervous laugh ensued and Janeway put up her hand for permission to speak. Kes shyly nodded.
"Kes, how are you holding up under all these emotions?"
Tears welled up in the Ocampan's eyes as she answered. "Oh captain, there are just so many. I am feeling a little overwhelmed, honestly."
Janeway put her arm around the small woman and brought her into a hug.
"You miss Tuvok, don't you?" A nod against her chest was her answer. Then an idea came to mind.
"Kes, Lt. Saavik is Vulcan. I'm sure she has the same training as Tuvok. Why don't you see if she can help you?"
Kes pulled back and looked up. Kathryn's heart nearly broke to see the strain that was now so evident on the small woman's face.
She pulled the Ocampan back in for another hug and began to sway back and forth with her. The sobs ceased and Janeway could feel the tension ease out from Kes.
She pulled Kes' head back and looked into her eyes holding her face steady in her hands. With her thumbs she wiped the tears away. "Kes, you need never withdraw when you are having trouble. I will always help you."
A tender smile bridged Kes' face. "Thank you captain. I'll remember that."
"Now let's see." She tapped her badge. "Captain to Lt. Saavik"
"Saavik here, Captain."
"Lt. could you come to the hydroponics bay?"
"On my way Captain. Saavik out."
Looking back at Kes, the Captain declared. "Now all we have to do is wait."
In the Mess Hall.
After Uhura had returned to the bridge, Guinan hailed Samantha to join her so they could plan the evening's festivities.
"Guinan, don't you think we should have a theme?"
"Well I suppose we could. What did you have in mind?"
"Well," Samantha began nervously, "I was thinking that since we have dubbed this the Sappho Project, we could have Greek theme."
"You mean like wine and Mediterranean delicacies."
"Yes, and couches to lounge on. Maybe we could even dress in togas."
Images of Uhura's full figure draped by a sheer, linen wrap sent Guinan's heart into spasms. Samantha caught the expression that crossed her face. Wistfully, she addressed it. "Yeah that's what I was thinking."
A far off look graced the ensign's face and Guinan chuckled. "Well Ensign, if I didn't know better, I would say that you have made a few discoveries, recently."
Samantha blushed to her hairline. "Well, I can't say that the thought ever really crossed my mind before, but I can't say as that I'm sorry that Q interfered, this time."
Guinan laughed out loud. "Shh. I don't want him knowing that we appreciate this. Oh that would be awful to owe him something." They continued on laughing and planning for the event. Soon all crewmembers were talking amongst themselves about the party and replicating appropriate garments.
Seven had discovered a minor nebula where the ship could be at station keeping for the duration of the experiment. This she presented to the captain, justifying that it would require a minimum of crew and would conserve power supplies. Lt. Ro Laren, temporary First Officer, established a skeletal crew schedule and set sensors at long range to alert them of nearby ships. Secure in her ship's protection, Kathryn logged off and returned to her quarters. She had not discussed the evening's plans with Seven and was more than disappointed that the young woman was not already waiting for her. Just then, she was hailed on her comm link.
"Seven of Nine to the captain."
Janeway's voice burred, "Yes Seven, where are you?"
"I am in Cargo Bay Two getting ready for this evening's festivities."
"What are you wearing?"
There was a pause. "Nothing at the moment, Kathryn."
Kathryn's head reeled with the thought. "Seven, I meant what are you going to wear tonight?"
"Oh." Seven sounded a little flustered as well. " I was going to wear the traditional garments of an Olympic competitor."
Janeway's eyes flew wide open and the implication. "Ah, Seven, you do realize that the athletes competed in the nude."
"Yes."
The stalwart captain began to feel unduly challenged here. The heat, she realized, had risen immeasurably in her quarters so she cued the computer to lower the temperature by five degrees, all the while taking off the layers of clothing her uniform prescribed.
"Kathryn?"
"Yes Seven."
"Am I to understand that you do not wish me to do this?"
Many thoughts wrestled with one another in her mind, most of them self-serving and self aggrandizing. To have Seven arrive for the party on her arm, but totally nude. well it would be horribly objectifying for Seven, but what a kick in the ego it would be for the previously chaste captain. She knew Seven did not see herself as the drop-dead gorgeous woman she was, but she knew very well that everyone else thought that and to take advantage of Seven's naiveté would be terribly dishonorable.
Janeway released a heavy sigh, "Seven is there something else you could actually wear? "
Then the thought occurred to her. A lascivious grin peaked the corners of her mouth. "Seven, my love, why don't you research the garments of a tribe of women called Amazons. I think that you'll find it to be a fine compromise and very suitable for this evening. Oh, but Seven, I think you could forgo the weapons."
"Weapons?"
"You'll see what I mean when you do your research. Oh and Seven, shall I pick you up or shall we meet here?"
"I will meet you in your quarters at 1900 hours. my Kathryn." The comm signal was silenced. Her Kathryn. the redhead rolled this over in her thoughts as she prepared a hot bath and replicated her clothes. As she decided on a costume for the evening she smiled, wondering how she would be received showing up as a Greek Body Slave.
1900 hours..
The captain's door hissed open catching Janeway just crossing its path. She turned and what she saw took her breath away. All six feet of her Borg looked as though she had just stepped from a myth of Centaurs and Trojan Horses. On her feet were leather-laced sandals. The laces crisscrossed her calves and tied off just below the knee. Across her hips was just the hint of a red leather thong with panels added to both front and back. Stretched and barely constraining its cargo, a matching red leather bra adorned with feathers and beads completed the outfit. Seven's hair had been carefully braided with interwoven fabric and beads. She was, in short, authentic. Perhaps more so, for her implants, a proud testimony to battles survived, would have earned her the rank of warrior in any Era.
Kathryn became sensitive to Seven's fidgeting and realized she must be feeling self-conscious.
"Well, don't you look the part?" Kathryn eyed her appreciatively. Seven responded with a faint blush. "I'm going to have hurry if I'm to catch up with you. Be out in a minute." Kathryn gave her a quick kiss then ran off to exchange her robe for her costume.
Moments later she emerged from the bedroom as though she had just come from the Acropolis. A sheer, white, calf-length toga suspended from one shoulder and gathered at the waist by a golden belt with laurel shaped leaves complimented her form and height. On her upper arm, a band of the same pattern as the belt shimmered, and accentuated her bicep. Simple leather sandals guarded her feet and an upturned crescent moon was painted on her forehead.
"I'm an oracle." She declared.
"I see." Said Seven.
"No, I see." Seven adopted a very confused look that caused Kathryn to laugh.
"I am a priestess who has visions of what will come to pass. That's what I mean."
"All I see is a most beautiful woman ready for a banquet."
Now it was Kathryn's turn to blush. Seven moved toward her and brushed her lips across Kathryn's. The kiss deepened and soon their passion threatened to overflow.
Huskily, Kathryn whispered, "I think that we should go now, Seven." Both of them were shaking from the rush.
Seven whispered back. "Kathryn, what do you see for this evening?"
The captain laughed gently. "What I see, my lovely Amazon, is a fine dinner spent with entertaining women, followed by intense treaty negotiations between an Amazon Princess and an Athenian Oracle."
She brushed her lips again across Seven's. Absently, Seven inquired. "How intense, my priestess?"
"Oh, I foresee them taking all night."
The Borg offered a brief chuckle, as she stepped back to admire the woman before her. "Then we should begin so that we may return."
With that, they left the captain's quarters for the party.
Later at the festival....
Perhaps it was the result of the sudden change in timelines and stress of all the adaptations. Perhaps it was the feeling of freedom from having any men around. Perhaps it was just that on Earth it would have been time for the full moon and Terran women still felt the pull. Or perhaps it just simply was the heavenly wine that Guinan produced for the occasion. But whatever it was, the result was a party nothing short of some Bacchanalian festival for the senses.
At one point, Janeway thought she should put some sort of parameters on the behavior for this event, but by the time she finished the thought, her Borg had returned to place an obvious toe-curling kiss on her in front of everyone, resulting in the captain throwing caution to the wind.
B'Lanna and Ro had shown up as Hermes and Apollo, the garments revealing rather firm attractive legs. Kes had arrived, with Tal Celes in tow, dressed as dancers from the East.
But it was Beverly and Deanna who stole the show. They had really gotten into the mood and had hurriedly rehearsed a Middle Eastern belly dance. That was probably the proverbial straw to any restraint the women might have had. It seems as though Beverly had had enough of the wine to add a dance number involving seven veils. By the time she had removed the last veil there was nothing to stop the women from following their instincts. Some left for quieter environs but most chose to stay. The point at which Kathryn felt Seven's Borg hand vibrate was all she needed to command a site to site transport of the two of them to her quarters.
Meanwhile up in the rafters overlooking the Festival, like two Q's in a pod.
"You know I just didn't think they had in it them."
"Oh Q, surely you jest."
"No, I really thought they were too caught up in propriety to see other options. Q, Don't tell me you thought they would go for it?"
"Why yes. Yes I did. Remember just last Eon, I was telling you that the Humans were far more flexible than you gave them credit for."
"Oh, Q, you did not."
"Did so."
"Did NOT."
"Ah huh."
"Oh Q you always have to be right."
"What should we do now, Q?"
"You know, Q I am so proud of us. We opened their eyes to a new way of being, brought together a very fine crew, and resolved the repairs crew's dilemma about ship's upkeep in the wake of a frustrated Captain. All in all I would say we have done very well."
"Well let's pop over to the Enterprise D and see what has become of Riker and Lt. Barkley…Shall we.?" The end or maybe it's a beginning.
(July 2001)