Part 1
Chapter One
Captain Kathryn Janeway grabbed the arms of her command chair when her
ship suddenly shuddered violently.
"Report!" she snapped at Ensign Kim.
"An anomaly just off the starboard nacelle interrupted our warp bubble
knocking us out of warp." Harry explained, frantically going over the data
pouring in on his board. "No sign of the anomaly, what ever it was it's
gone but I'm picking up two escape pods… with federation signatures," he
added excitedly.
"Any lifesigns?" Janeway demanded.
"One of the pods has faint lifesigns," Harry confirmed.
"Bring both pods onboard Harry," Janeway commanded. "Janeway to the Doctor.
We have a Federation escape pods with faint lifesigns in the hanger bay.
Meet us there."
"Captain, why don't you just beam the injured directly to sickbay?" The
Doctor inquired.
"Because we don't know what we're dealing with. Meet us in the hanger bay
Doctor... NOW!"
"On my way," he acknowledged.
* * * * *
A security team was standing by as well as the doctor waiting for
Janeway to arrive before opening the pods. The two badly damaged and
scorched pods sat in the middle of the hanger bay.
"Okay, go ahead," she ordered the doctor as she neared.
The first pod contained a woman with severe burns on her hands and face.
According to the Doctor, she was also suffering from life threatening
internal injuries. She was wearing a Starfleet uniform in command red
with the pips of a Commander. The doctor whisked the injured officer off
to sickbay. The second pod contained the body of a man; also dressed in
a Starfleet uniform who appeared to have died from his pod being
breached.
B'Elanna tried to access the pods internal memory. "I'm sorry, Captain,
these are just too badly damaged to get anything out of."
"Can you figure out what ship they came from?" Janeway asked, leaning
over to look at the scorched components B'Elanna was working on.
"No, it appears all the identification markings have been intentionally
removed. Could that have anything to do with the war with the Dominion?"
B'Elanna wondered out loud.
"That's a distinct possibility. I guess we'll just have to wait 'til our
guest regains consciousness. I'll be in sickbay," she said before
striding off.
"Janeway to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here."
"Any sign of the anomaly or any other escape pods?"
"Nothing, we've run a full sweep of the area. Were the pods really
Starfleet?"
"Yes, we've got one survivor, seriously injured. I'm heading for sickbay
now. I want all the senior staff assembled in an hour," she ordered.
"Acknowledged, Chakotay out."
* * * * *
Janeway entered sickbay and quickly appraised the scene. The doctor was
behind a forcefield working frantically on the new arrival. The
forcefield came down.
Janeway walked over and looked down into her slack features of the woman
in the biobed. The pink skin where her burns had been healed showed
prominently against her tanned face but did nothing to hide the beauty
of the woman with her high cheekbones and classically sculpted features.
Her blond hair was cut close to her scalp on the side, short on top with
the back tapered down ending just short of her neck. Her arms and
shoulders showed sleek muscle, her lithe form apparent beneath the sheet
covering her. Janeway was willing to bet she would rival Seven in height,
smiling at the thought of her Astrometrics officer.
She forced her thoughts away from her appraisal of the woman in the bed.
"What did you find out about her, who is she?" Janeway asked.
"Excuse me, Captain, I was too busy saving her life to do a genetic scan,"
the Doctor replied acerbically.
Janeway ignored his tone. "Is she going to recover?"
"Of course," the Doctor huffed in an offended manner.
Janeway sighed. Some days she wished she had never allowed the Doctor to
expand his program to take on so many human mannerisms. She glared at
the him showing her own impatience. Finally he told her what she wanted
to know concerning the woman's condition.
"She had severe internal injuries as well as burns on her hands and
face. I stopped the bleeding and repaired the internal injuries. The
burns responded well to dermal regeneration. She lost a lot of blood
before I got to her. I don't expect her to regain consciousness anytime
soon and it would be too dangerous to bring her around, he added quickly,
knowing that was going to be the Captain's next request.
"Fine, I'll be in my ready room. Once you identify her send her record
to my console," Janeway ordered, sparing one more glance at the mystery
woman before heading out the door.
* * * * *
Janeway's head jerked up from the pad she was reading when her console
beeped indicating the file had arrived from the doctor. She opened the
file scanning the information.
Commander Delores Ray MacMillan, 32-year-old human female
Current assignment: First Officer - Scout Ship Franklin
The woman had an exemplary record though it was strange that she had
turned down several assignments to larger ships and seemed to prefer
small scout type ships. Her eyebrows arched as she reached the
information at the bottom of the file. The Commander was an empath and
had originally trained to become a ship's counselor but changed to
Command half way through the academy. Janeway immediately felt
uncomfortable with the information she uncovered. The thought of an
empath on her ship regardless of their capacity made her ill at ease.
She had spent her entire career avoiding the clutches of ship's
counselors and had been relieved when Voyager's small complement had not
rated one. She closed the file pondering just what she was going to do
with the unexpected new arrival.
They had found no further traces of the anomaly or what had caused it.
She finally ordered them back on their way to the Alpha quadrant. Any
other answers would have to wait on their guest.
* * * * *
"Captain, please report to sickbay…our guest is awake," requested the
Doctor.
"Acknowledged, I'm on my way, Doctor."
Janeway was happy to finally be getting some answers. The Commander had
been unconscious for almost 24 hours recovering from her injuries and
surgery. The Captain headed directly for the biobed where the woman sat
glaring at the doctor.
"Captain," the woman greeted respectfully when she spotted her. Her ice
blue eyes met Janeway's directly. "Where am I and where are my shipmates?"
Janeway glanced over at the doctor in surprise. No wonder the woman was
upset if the doctor hadn't told her anything.
"I thought you'd want to fill our guest in," he said.
"What's the last thing you remember?" Janeway asked, ignoring the
woman's questions.
Del was immediately suspicious, could this be a Dominion trick to get
information out of her? She cocked her head studying Janeway trying to
sense her intent. Janeway stiffened when she realized what the woman was
most likely doing. Del couldn't detect any duplicity on the Captain's
part but it never hurt to be cautious. Though she couldn't miss the
sudden uneasiness confirming for her that this woman knew or at least
suspected that she was an empath. It was a common reaction she was all
too familiar with.
"How do I know if you or any of this is even real? For all I know you're
all Founders trying to get information from me and I'm really a prisoner,"
Del accused.
Janeway remembered the fears about the Founders when she was still in
the Alpha quadrant. The information Starfleet had sent them via the
Hirogen Array concerning the Dominion and the Founders had been
disturbing to say the least. She really couldn't blame the Commander for
being suspicious with the war going so badly.
"Doctor, get me a scalpel," Janeway commanded.
The doctor looked puzzled but complied. He gasped and reached out to try
and stop Janeway when she lightly drew the instrument down her thumb. "Captain!"
he cried in alarm. Janeway's thumb immediately welled up with bright red
blood. She held the digit out to the Commander.
"Satisfied?"
Del glanced over at the doctor. She had been uncomfortable with him
since she awakened. Not being able to sense anything from him had made
her suspicious. He appeared human but she had never encountered one she
couldn't sense, if only faintly.
"What about him?"
Janeway sighed, this wasn't going as she expected. "He's an EMH, our
original doctor was killed." At Del's dubious look Janeway turned to the
doctor. "Doctor decrease the integrity of your holomatrix," she ordered.
The doctor looked stubborn then with a resigned sigh complied. Janeway
showed Del how her hand could pass directly through the doctor. Janeway
could see all the questions in the woman's eyes. "I'll explain
everything but first I need to know what happened to you. I assure you,
you're on a Federation Starship and quite safe Commander MacMillan."
Del's eyebrow arched at the Captain's use of her name, then again it
made sense they would have identified her. It also explained how the
Captain knew she was an empath. If this was a federation starship then
the Captain would have access to her personnel file. Del relaxed
slightly accepting the Captain's word for now.
"I was first officer aboard the scout ship, Franklin. We were on a
mission to confirm the Breen where testing a new weapon. Shortly after
arriving in the area where it was suspected the weapon was being tested
we encountered a weapon signature we couldn't identify. On our way to
investigate, our scans picked up a spatial anomaly in the area where the
weapon's signature originated. The Breen appeared out of nowhere and
attacked with a weapon we'd never seen before. It cut through our
shields like butter. We never had a chance. Captain Daley ordered us to
abandon ship right before he was killed. Only seven of the ship's
complement of forty made it to the escape pods. The Breen opened fire on
the pods and the pod I was in was hit. That's the last thing I remember
before waking up here," Del concluded, sadly realizing it was most
likely none of her shipmates had survived since she had not seen anyone
else. It all hit her hard causing her shoulders to slump.
Del started in surprise when a warm hand squeezed her arm. She looked
down into Janeway's compassionate gaze. "I'm sorry."
"No one else survived did they?" Del questioned already knowing the
answer; Janeway's demeanor as well as the emotions Del could sense said
it all.
"No, I'm sorry. We picked up two pods. The man in the second pod was
already dead from a breach in the pod," Janeway sorrowfully explained.
Del felt tears pooling in her eyes but shook her head refusing to let
them fall. "How did you defeat the Breen or had they already gone?"
"We didn't see the Breen just the two pods."
Del stared at her sensing she was holding something very important back.
"Just where am I?" Del demanded.
Janeway cursed under her breath realizing the woman had read her
emotions and knew she was not telling her everything. She sighed heavily
and met the woman's eyes.
"I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway and you're onboard my ship, Voyager," she
stated watching the Commander's expression.
"Voyager! She's lost in the Delta quadrant. Starfleet had their first
contact with her in over three years just last year," Del exclaimed
unbelievingly. "What are you trying to pull?" she accused.
"Watch your tone with me, Commander," Janeway ordered, giving the woman
a glare. She was not used to her word being questioned.
Del met Janeway's glare unflinchingly. Great someone else who thinks
nothing of challenging me, Janeway grumbled to herself. She took a
deep breath realizing in the same situation she would be just as
suspicious.
"We were thrown out of warp when our starboard nacelle came into contact
with a spatial anomaly. When we came to a stop we spotted the escape
pods and brought them onboard. The anomaly whatever it was had
disappeared and there was no sign of anyone or anything except the two
escape pods. So you are on Voyager in the Delta quadrant. It's possible
the Breen weapon caused the anomaly.
Del's shoulders slumped lower, not only were her shipmates dead but she
wasn't even in the Alpha quadrant anymore. In a blink of an eye
everything she had ever known was gone.
"I'm sorry, Commander. I know this is a lot to take in. At this point we
have no idea how you got here much less how to get you back. We're
currently on our way back toward the Alpha quadrant," Janeway said
sympathetically, knowing what a shock all this must be to the woman.
The door to sickbay swooshed open before Del could reply and a stunning
blond with strange facial jewelry strolled in.
"I did not realize you were engaged, I will return later, Doctor."
The blond's voice sent a shiver down Del's spine.
"No need for that, Seven. I'm finished here. Captain, Commander, if
you'll excuse me," he said, before leading Seven over to a nearby biobed.
Del was immediately taken by the beautiful blond; despite her aloof
manner. She could sense the insecure woman beneath the haughty exterior.
Janeway noticed the Commander's interest and was pleased by the chance
to brag about her protégé.
"That's Seven of Nine, a member of my crew. She was assimilated by the
Borg as a child and was a Borg drone when she originally came onboard."
She grinned at the Commander's shocked expression. "You'll find Voyager
has a very diverse crew, including a few we didn't start out with. The
Doctor was able to remove most of her implants after I separated her
from the collective. She's become a very valuable member of my crew,"
Janeway explained, the pride evident in her voice. Del was able to pick
up other, less obvious emotions from the Captain. She cared a great deal
for this Seven.
Del had so many questions but Janeway raised a hand stopping her before
she could ask any of them.
"I know you must have a million questions. I'll make Voyager's mission
logs available to you. Since it appears you're going to be with us for
the foreseeable future I'll make sure quarters are available for you
once the doctor releases you. We don't have any open quarters for a
Commander so I'll be assigning you to the VIP quarters on Deck 3. Let me
know if you need anything. I need to get back to the bridge."
"If I could ask one question before you go?" At Janeway's nod Del
continued. "Am I under restriction?"
Janeway seemed genuinely surprised by the question. "No, Commander,
you're not. Your only restrictions are those imposed by the doctor. Give
yourself a few days to recover. I know what a shock this all must be.
You have full run of the ship, look around, read Voyager's logs. Come to
me when the doctor releases you to full duty and I'll put you to work.
Again, I'm sorry for the loss of your colleagues," Janeway said
sincerely.
"Thank you, Captain."
Janeway gave Del's arm one last squeeze before heading out of sickbay.
With Janeway gone Del couldn't help but watch the Doctor and Seven of
Nine. He appeared to be checking the implants on her face. Del was
captivated by the gorgeous blond and was surprised when she sensed her
discomfort with the exam because nothing of her distress showed on her
beautiful face. Just watching without being able to sense the underlying
emotions would lead you to believe she was the epitome of haughty
disinterest; a queen being attended by her servant but Del knew better.
The exam over Seven stood and started to walk out of sickbay.
"Hello," Del called when Seven neared the foot of her bed.
Seven stopped in her tracks and turned to appraise the woman in the
biobed. "You are from the escape pod we picked up."
"Yeah, Del MacMillan," Del greeted with a smile, extending her hand to
Seven. She could sense the blonds' hesitation. Seven came to an apparent
decision and took hold of her outstretched hand. Del almost pulled away
in surprise when an electrical tingle shot up her arm at Seven's touch.
Though Seven's face remained passive she could sense her surprise
realizing she had felt it as well.
"I am Seven of Nine - Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One, Seven
stated formally.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Del replied, not the least bit affected
by the woman's apparent cold manner. She knew it for the defense it was.
Del glanced down surprised to find she was still holding Seven's hand.
Seven didn't seem aware of it either. She reluctantly let go of her hand
instantly missing the warmth. She sensed Seven's confusion at the loss
of contact as well. They stood staring at each other for several moments.
The Doctor had been watching the interaction between the two women with
increasing irritation. He strode over to the biobed.
"Now Delores, you need your rest. Seven, you shouldn't be tiring my
patient out."
Del glared at the doctor. "I told you it's Del or Commander," she ground
out, "and she's not tiring me out. I'm fine."
"Tsk…tsk… Commander, I only have your best interest at heart."
Del growled at the Doctor's condescending manner. She wondered if there
was a way to turn him off. She reached out unthinkingly when Seven
turned to walk away and put a restraining hand on her arm. The same
tingle she felt before surfaced again.
"Please don't go," Del requested.
Seven looked down at the hand on her arm in surprise. Janeway and the
Doctor where the only crew members who touched her so casually. She
looked up into Del's warm blue eyes and hesitated. This woman's whole
reaction to her was confusing… did she not realize what she was.
The Doctor opened his mouth to further protest. "Computer, deactivate
EMH." Seven did not know why she did it but it seemed the right thing to
do at the time. The doctor disappeared mid-protest.
Del laughed in relief. "Thanks," she said, turning a bright smile on
Seven. "I should've thought of that."
"Only senior officers can turn him off," Seven informed her. She was
further confused when Del threw her head back and laughed heartily.
"I can understand that. Everyone would be turning him off if they had
the chance," Del chuckled.
Seven was starting to feel bad for deactivating the doctor. "He's a good
doctor and takes excellent care of the crew. He has been invaluable to
our survival." Seven opened her mouth to reactivate the doctor.
"Wait!" Del said stopping her. "I'm sorry, I know I owe him my life,
it's just he can be a tad overbearing and I'm frustrated being stuck in
this bed," she explained.
Seven could understand that, there were many times she had been
subjected to the doctor's overbearing personality.
"Could I ask you for a favor?" Del questioned.
Seven's implant over her eyebrow rose in response and Del was totally
charmed.
"Could you replicate me a pair of PJs'? This sheet leaves a lot to be
desired with all the people coming in and out of here." She had asked
the doctor and he put her off.
"PJs'?" Seven questioned, obviously unfamiliar with the term.
"Pajamas," Del clarified. "Attire used for sleeping or when stuck in a
biobed," Del added. She couldn't help wondering how Seven didn't know
what pajamas were but she could sense the woman's true lack of
understanding and something else she couldn't quite place, a sense of
discomfort.
"I do not sleep," Seven stated, "I regenerate. Though the Doctor has
suggested I try sleeping," She told Del as if it was perfectly normal as
she walked over to the replicator.
Del realized to Seven it probably was normal not to require sleep. She
really needed to access Voyager's logs. She was fascinated by this woman
and wanted to find out everything she could about her.
Seven returned with a pair of dark blue cotton pajamas and placed them
at the end of the bed. "Are these acceptable? I queried the computer for
basic sleep attire." Seven had noticed the woman was tall and that they
were very similarly built, so when the computer had ask for a size she
had used her own.
"They're perfect. Thanks," Del said with a smile.
"I have to get back to Astrometrics," Seven informed Del. Again she
started to reactivate the doctor only to have Del stop her.
"Umm…would you mind sticking around for a minute, I may need a hand
getting these on?"
Seven nodded in agreement.
Del reached for the pajamas causing the sheet to pool around her waist.
When she looked up and found Seven staring at her breasts she felt a hot
blush cover her cheeks. She could not remember the last time a woman had
made her blush. She quickly pulled on the top and buttoned it up.
Seven did not know what came over her. With the exception of pictures,
she had never seen another woman's breasts except her own and they
certainly did not look like that. She knew she should not be staring but
couldn't seem to stop herself. She watched with interest as a red color
suffused the Commander's face. Interesting…
Del had regained her composure now that she was covered. She dangled her
legs over the biobed waiting for the dizziness to pass. She pulled up
the pajama pants as far as she could before standing to pull them up.
She grabbed the side of the biobed when her legs refused to hold her up.
Her pants dropped around her ankles. She gasped in surprise when Seven
stepped over wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Are you alright? Should I call the doctor?" Seven questioned, sounding
slightly anxious. Maybe she should not have gotten the pajamas for the
Commander.
"I'm fine, just getting my sea legs," Del joked.
Seven's expression betrayed her lack of understanding.
"A joke," Del explained. She was very conscious of the fact that she was
only wearing a shirt and her pants were down around her ankles. Seven's
arm wrapped around her waist wasn't helping her composure any.
"Um... Seven, could you give me a hand?" she asked, indicating her pants
when Seven looked confused. She was afraid if she let go of the bed she
would hit the floor. Her face flushed red once again. Del bit her lip to
keep back a groan when Seven's warm hands slid up the outside of her
thighs and hips as she pulled the pants into place. Surprisingly the
hand she noticed earlier covered in some type of mesh was just as warm
as the more human one. She swallowed heavily surprised at the arousal
caused by the innocent touch.
"Thanks," Del murmured huskily. She gasped in shock when Seven swept her
up into her arms and deposited her back on the biobed. She was not a
small woman by any means, though when they were standing Seven met her
eyes evenly.
Seven misinterpreted Del's gasp and quickly jerked her arms back as if
burned, thinking the woman was repulsed by her touch. Del immediately
sensed the reaction and quickly reached out keeping Seven from
completely withdrawing.
"Thanks. I was wondering how I was going to make it back into that bed,"
she said, smiling at Seven, wanting to assure her that she wasn't upset
and unconsciously stroked Seven's arm.
Seven was well aware of the Commander's touch and totally confused by
the sensations it caused. She stepped away from the distracting touch
and was surprised to find she missed it.
"I have to go," she said, part of her wanting to run away as fast as she
could and the other part not wanting to leave at all.
Del sensed Seven's jumbled emotions and wanted nothing more than to
reach out and hold her even as she acknowledged the impossibility of it.
"Thank you for your help. I really appreciated it," she said, smiling
sweetly.
"You are welcome, Commander," Seven replied with a slight lifting of the
corner of her mouth. It was the closest Del had seen her give to a smile.
She wondered if the woman ever smiled.
"Please, call me Del, all my friends do and I'd like us to be friends."
Though Seven's expression never changed Del quickly sensed her shock at
her request.
Who is this woman? Seven wondered incredulously. "I have to go,
Del," she said. "I would like to be your friend too," she added shyly.
Del grinned. After the news Janeway had dropped on her, the day had
taken a decidedly upward turn. Though she had only been onboard the
Franklin for a few weeks before it was attacked she still felt the loss
of her crewmates. But right now all she wanted to think about was the
beautiful woman standing so shyly beside her biobed.
Seven walked to the doors of sickbay and stopped. She turned back to
face Del. "Computer, reactivate EMH," she said, before stepping through
the doors.
Del groaned as the doctor reappeared and started ranting at her. She
glared over at Seven who stood in the open doorway. When the doctor
turned to look Seven quickly stepped back allowing the doors to close
but not before Del could have sworn she saw a mischievous sparkle in her
vivid blue eyes.
* * * * *
Chapter Two
"Free at last!" Del muttered as she stepped out of sickbay and the door
whooshed shut behind her. She had been confined to sickbay since she
awakened three days ago. The doctor had gotten on her last nerve by the
end of the first day and by the third she was ready to commit mayhem.
After repeated requests to the doctor and finally to Janeway Del had
gained her freedom. She had not seen Janeway since that first day though
the captain had checked on her via com several times. The only up side
of her time in sickbay had been the chance to read Voyager's logs and
bring herself up to date. As fascinating as those logs were they were
nothing compared to the information she found on Seven of Nine. The
woman continued to intrigue her. She had been a little disappointed
Seven had not come back to sickbay to visit her but with what she
learned she was not particularly surprised. When she asked the doctor
about Seven he happily filled her in on all the things he had done for
Seven and how he was responsible for her transformation. He also
condescendingly told her of how he had successfully tutored Seven in the
ways of humanity. Del's dislike of the doctor had ratcheted up another
notch at his self-important posturing. Though she could not sense his
emotions Del soon came to realize the Doctor had feelings for Seven that
extended well beyond the realm of friendship.
Using the schematics of Voyager's layout she memorized she headed for
her assigned cabin. Del passed several crewmen on her way to the turbo
lift; two greeted her pleasantly and introduced themselves obviously
curious about her. The third crewman she encountered was a totally
different story. Del felt herself bristle at the man's blatant appraisal.
He smiled oily, his eyes lingering on her breasts.
"Welcome aboard Voyager," he greeted, "I'm Daniels. I'll be happy to
show you around or if you need anything just let me know." His tone
evidence of just what he had in mind.
As if his expression and tone of voice wasn't enough, Del's ability to
sense his emotions added to her instant dislike of the man.
"Thank you, Ensign. Your assistance isn't required," Del replied coldly,
dismissing the man. She felt his sudden surge of anger as she walked
away.
* * * * *
Del looked around her cabin in surprise. It was the largest cabin she
had ever had. There was a large living room, with an oversized couch as
well as a comfortable looking sidechair and ottoman. The couch was
placed under a wide expanse of view ports. The view of the passing stars
with the ship at warp was mesmerizing. There was also a separate dining
area with a table and four chairs. Tucked in the corner of the room was
a desk with a terminal inset in its top. A door set in the back of the
room led to a separate large bedroom with a queen bed, two small bedside
tables and a large walk-in closet. A quick peek into the ensuite showed
not only a shower but a tub as well. Her quarters checked out, Del began
to pace restlessly. She didn't have any belongings to put away; she had
lost everything when the Franklin was destroyed. She felt a stinging
behind her eyes as she thought of her lost comrades. Del was not used to
being inactive and after being confined to bed for the last three days
she was going stir crazy. The doctor refused to release her to return to
duty and insisted she take the week off.
Frustrated Del decided to do some exploring of her new home. On impulse
she queried the computer. "Computer, locate Seven of Nine."
"Seven of Nine is currently located in Astrometrics," the computer
responded promptly.
Del stepped over to the computer console to double check the location of
Astrometrics. Decision made she headed for the door.
* * * * *
Del strolled the corridors of Voyager familiarizing herself with the
ship. She found herself outside the Science Labs. Knowing that Voyager
already had a first officer she was already thinking ahead to what
position she could occupy that would best serve the ship's needs. From
what she understood Seven under took some of the duties of a science
officer but she wasn't Starfleet and didn't fill the supervisory duties
associated with the position. She was considering asking Janeway to
assign her as science officer. Wanting to meet some of the other people
assigned to the Science section she stepped into one of the labs.
A tall, well built, dark haired man with striking green eyes looked up
when she entered. He sported the pips of a Commander. He looked
momentarily startled then quickly recovered. "You must be Commander
MacMillan," he said, coming out from behind the worktable where he had
been examining rock samples and offering his hand to Del. "I'm Paul
Grimes."
"Nice to meet you," Del returned, shaking his hand. She wasn't surprised
he knew who she was; it was a small ship and news spread at warp speed.
"Familiarizing yourself with the ship?" he asked curiously.
"Yeah, I just got out of sickbay and after being cooped up for so long
thought I'd stretch my legs and have a look around."
"Well I'd be happy to show you around the lab. There's no one but myself
working at the moment. I head this particular lab, which focuses on the
planetary sciences. I myself specialize in geology. As you can imagine
in our current situation there isn't much call for planetary specialists.
We get our occasional outing when Voyager finds a planet with possible
supplies but that hasn't been very often lately. We work with just a
skeleton staff; the majority of our people double as maintenance workers,"
Grimes explained.
Del allowed the Commander to show her around the lab asking pertinent
questions as they went. "It must be very helpful to have someone of
Seven of Nine's expertise onboard helping out," Del commented innocently.
She was surprised at the sudden surge of distrust and hostility that
emanated from Grimes.
"Well just between us, I think Janeway made a real mistake keeping her
onboard. Should've blown her out the airlock like Chakotay did the rest
of those creatures. Don't be fooled by her, she's not to be trusted,"
Grimes declared adamantly.
Trying hard to hide her shock she quickly changed the subject.
"Well I should get going there're other areas of the ship I want to
check out. Thanks for taking the time to show me around."
"My pleasure. Say, how about I take you to lunch. I could introduce you
around to everyone," Grimes invited, his green eyes sparkling. He would
love to walk into the mess hall with the beautiful Commander on his arm.
He knew his shipmates would be green with envy.
Del knew exactly what Grimes had in mind, his emotions fairly radiating
from him.
"Thank you but no," Del politely declined. After making her farewells,
she resumed her impromptu tour of Voyager.
* * * * *
Unsurprisingly in due course she found herself outside the door to
Astrometrics. After leaving the Science Lab Del stopped to make
conversation with several people she met along the way. When she managed
to bring the conversation around to Voyager's diverse crew and Seven of
Nine in particular she had been surprised at the reactions ranging from
distain to outright hostility when she mentioned her. She couldn't
understand the crew's reaction. She was a newcomer and outsider but
everyone had gone out of their way to make her feel welcome. Seven had
from what she understood been onboard for almost a year but was still
perceived as an outsider. Del hoped she had just happen to run into
people who didn't care for Seven but she was beginning to have her
doubts. Seven's own surprised reaction to her offer of friendship led
her to believe that Seven was not treated well by the crew.
Pushing aside the disturbing thoughts Del entered Astrometrics. Seven
was working at a console in the center of the room and didn't even look
up when she entered but Del could sense a sudden tension in Seven. She
was wearing the same type of form fitting bodysuit she had when Del had
first seen her in Sickbay. She wondered why she wasn't wearing something
more comfortable than the skin tight suit and high heels. Not that she
didn't appreciate seeing the assets the suit prominently displayed but
the idea of Seven being constantly on display bothered her for some
reason.
Del walked over to the console. "Hi Seven," she greeted with a smile.
Seven looked up and her face showed a flicker of surprise before her
features resumed their normal placid expression.
"Commander, how may I be of assistance?" Seven inquired as if Del's
appearance in Astrometrics was an everyday occurrence.
Del might have been hurt by Seven's business like greeting if she hadn't
been able to sense the blonds' underlying nervousness at her presence.
After all, the last time she saw Del she had been in recovering in
sickbay. Most people would have inquired about her recovery. It just
reinforced for Del the fact that she should not react to Seven's
projected persona and instead ought to go on what she could feel of her
underlying emotional state.
"The Doctor finally released me from Sickbay. I've been familiarizing
myself with Voyager and thought I'd drop by and see Astrometrics," Del
explained. "And I thought we'd agreed you'd call me Del. I'm not on duty
and there's no one else around." She reminded Seven. "How about you tell
me all about this place?" Del requested gesturing around the room."
Seven seemed to relax as she led Del around the lab explaining the
various functions of the equipment and what her job was. Del could sense
her obvious pride in her accomplishments. Not that you would have known
it from watching Seven; her expression and tone of voice never changed.
She might have been reading a grocery list for all the enthusiasm in her
voice and manner. They finally made their way back to the main console.
Del stepped close to Seven to see the display she was indicating. She
sensed Seven's surprise at her proximity but didn't think twice about
it. Her arm pressed against the back of Seven's and she felt the same
electric tingle she had when she touched Seven in Sickbay. When she
moved her breast brushed Seven's back and she felt Seven shiver and the
tingle intensify. Del moved back a step breaking the contact, she
wondered if it had anything to do with her implants.
Del knew Seven had been discomforted by the physical contact but there
was something else there as well. She just had not quite caught it, it
had been so fleeting. Del's stomach chose that moment to growl loudly.
Seven turned and looked at her questioningly her implant over her
eyebrow arching.
Del felt her face flush in embarrassment at her wayward stomach. "I
didn't eat any breakfast. I was in a hurry to get out of sickbay." She
could sense Seven's confusion at her explanation. "Doesn't your stomach
growl when you're hungry?"
"My alcove meets all my needs. At the doctor's insistence I ingest a
nutritional drink; he said if I eat more I would be less dependent on my
alcove but I have never heard my stomach make such a noise."
"Surely you've heard other people's stomach's growl?" Del asked somewhat
incredulously.
"The only person who would stand in such close proximity to me for me to
hear their stomach would be Captain Janeway and I've never noticed her
stomach making that particular sound," Seven stated flatly.
Del shook her head in amazement. No wonder Seven had seemed so surprised
by her touch earlier and previously in Sickbay. It sounded as if she had
no physical contact with anyone, not even a casual touch by a friend.
"Don't you have any close friends onboard Seven?" Del immediately
regretted the question. Although Seven's expression never changed she
sensed a deep hurt and sadness radiating from her.
"Captain Janeway has been my mentor, helping me with my struggle to
regain my humanity. She told me she would not always be able to be my
friend because of her position aboard Voyager. The Doctor has also been
a mentor to me, and he is my friend."
Del couldn't believe it, two people out of a crew of one hundred and
forty-five and both of those people were really more mentor than close
friend. Del shook her head in disgust, what was the matter with these
people? Del knew she was attracted to the beautiful blond and wanted
more than friendship from her but for now she was determined to be the
friend Seven had obviously never had. "I'm glad you have people who care
about you Seven. I know we've just met but I'd very much like to be your
friend as well," Del said sincerely. She could sense Seven's uncertainty
as well as an underlying fear.
Seven for her part could not understand why this woman would want to
befriend her. She was well aware of the fact that she was almost
universally disliked, despised or downright hated by the crew. At best
the crewmembers that were not overtly hostile merely tolerated her
presence. Why should this woman be any different and why did she make
her insides flutter just being in the same room with her? Seven decided
she should be honest with Del and let her know being friends was not a
good idea.
"I am Borg. I will never be totally human. You are new aboard Voyager.
Being seen with me will alienate you from the crew. Those who do not
fear me and what I am despise me for my actions while I was a drone,"
Seven stated succinctly. Knowing the Commander would rethink her offer
now that she knew the truth, Seven could not help the part of herself
that wished she could be friends with the intriguing woman. She turned
back to her console not wanting to see Del walk away. After several
moments she looked up in surprise and found Del staring at her. She met
her blue eyes directly.
"I could care less what the crew thinks. I choose who I'm friends with.
I find you an incredibly intelligent, articulate and intriguing woman,
who I'd very much like to get to know better. Unless, of course, you
don't want to be friends with me?"
"I do," Seven blurted out anxiously, surprising even herself. She was
further shocked to feel a strange heat suffuse her face.
Del couldn't resist the grin that broke over her face. It was the first
even slightly emotional reaction she had ever seen from Seven and the
blush was just adorable.
"Then it's settled…friends?" Del intentionally held out her left hand to
Seven.
Seven looked at Del's offered hand then into her eyes. Del could feel
her trepidation. She projected at Seven a sense of acceptance and
friendship. Seven slowly reached out for Del's hand and closed her
mesh-covered hand carefully around Del's. Del smiled at her reassuringly.
She wasn't sure how long they stood with their hands clasped together
when her stomach growled again breaking the moment.
Del laughed. "Could I interest you in going to lunch with me?" she
invited.
"I do not require a nutritional substance at this time."
Del decided to try a different tack. "Then come and keep me company,"
she proposed. She could feel Seven debating with herself. "Please…I hate
to eat alone," she added, with her best puppy dog look.
"That would be acceptable," Seven responded seemingly emotionlessly.
Del was beginning to see what the crew's problem was with Seven. If she
wasn't able to sense the woman's emotions she admitted Seven's demeanor
would have put her off. She was nervous and unsure of Del's invitation
but she came across as very cold, emotionless with a haughty demeanor.
Del was quickly coming to realize what a vulnerable, insecure woman laid
beneath the arrogant facade. Del wondered how much of her demeanor was
due to her time with the Borg and how much was really a cover for her
inexperience and uncertainty in dealing with social situations.
"Come on then," Del encouraged reaching out to grasp Seven's hand
pulling her from behind her console and toward the door.
Seven actually stumbled slightly in surprise but willingly followed Del
out of the room.
* * * * *
The walk to the mess hall was quiet. The two crewmembers they passed
greeted Del pleasantly but neither acknowledged Seven. Del felt herself
bristle at their attitudes but Seven seem to accept their behavior as
normal, which infuriated Del further. Seven's stride seemed to slow the
closer they got to the mess hall. Del noted her growing discomfort. They
stopped just outside the door to the mess hall and Del watched as
Seven's expression grew even more aloof than she had ever seen it. Seven
jumped when Del placed her hand on the small of her back. Del left her
hand in place allowing Seven to grow used to her touch projecting
calming reassurance.
"Ready?" Del asked calmly, when she felt Seven relax.
She sensed Seven's surprise; obviously she was not used to someone being
able to read her. Seven nodded her head.
Conversation quickly ground to a halt with the entrance of the two
blonds. Though they shared blond hair and blue eyes they looked nothing
alike but they were both beautiful women in their own right. Together
with their statuesque builds they made a stunning pair. Del felt the
roiling emotions ripple through the mess hall. She ignored everyone and
keeping her hand on the small of Seven's back led her over to a table in
the far corner. Del made sure she took the seat facing the room's
occupants. Conversation slowly picked back up but Del was well aware of
the curious glances she and Seven were garnering.
Del had met Neelix and tasted his cooking while she was in Sickbay.
Neelix was a nice enough man if a little over enthusiastic in his
efforts to please but his cooking left a lot to be desired. She decided
to use some of her replicator rations to procure lunch.
Del glanced over at Seven; she was sitting ramrod straight in her chair
with her hands resting in her lap.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like some lunch?"
Seven remembered the Doctor's lessons and his lectures on the fact that
eating was considered a social interaction not merely a means of
sustaining the body. That people sharing their favorite food was one way
of developing a closer bond with them. Seven never really understood the
concept. She had tried a few things but everything tasted the same to
her, very bland and tasteless. She had seen crewmembers sharing meals,
heard them talking about how this thing was so good and that was so bad
but it was something she had never personally experienced.
"I could consume my nutritional supplement at this time."
That wasn't quite what Del had in mind but it was something, Seven was
trying in her own way. "Great, come on… I see an open replicator."
Seven and Del sat back down at the table with their respective lunches.
Del wrinkled her nose at the nasty looking green shake Seven had chosen.
She had selected a grilled cheese sandwich with potato chips and dill
pickles.
Del took a big bite of her sandwich humming in pleasure at the taste.
She noticed Seven watching her intently. "Would you like some?" Del
offered, holding out the other half of her sandwich.
Seven shook her head, then felt a need to explain at Del's disappointed
look. "I have tried different foods at the Doctor's insistence. He feels
that if I were to eat more I would be less dependant on my alcove but I
never understood the fascination people seem to have for food. It all
seems the same to me, a very bland, tasteless substance. I get
everything I need from my shake," Seven explained.
Del remembered some of the medical information she read about Seven and
the Doctor's theory that her taste buds had atrophied from disuse. That
was the real reason he had been encouraging her to try different foods
besides lessening her dependence on her alcove. He had hoped with use
her taste buds would regain their sensitivity. Del debated with her self
about what she was about to do. Though it was well documented in her
personnel record that she was an empath; she had other skills that
Starfleet nor anyone for that matter were aware of. She realized these
abilities early on but had made the decision to keep them a secret. She
was not only a strong empath but was able to project feelings and
sensations toward another person. In this case she could project to
Seven the correct taste of whatever she was eating and allow her to
enjoy the experience everyone took for granted when eating. She figured
with time Seven's own taste buds might take over. Praying she was doing
the right thing she held out half of her sandwich to Seven again.
"Give it a try, you've never had a grill cheese sandwich have you? Maybe
it'll be different," Del encouraged.
Seven looked at the sandwich suspiciously then back at Del.
"Please…" Del pleaded, reaching out with her other hand to gently stroke
Seven's arm, "for me."
Seven's stomach fluttered at Del's touch. Having never experienced this
type of subtle persuasion she quickly gave in and gingerly took the
sandwich from Del's fingers. Del quickly got the taste firmly set in her
mind ready to project it to Seven as soon as she took a bite. Seven
raised the sandwich to her mouth and took a small bite. Her eyes went
wide and she unconsciously hummed in pleasure when the taste hit her
tongue. She quickly took a second larger bite.
She looked up meeting Del's eyes. "This is good," she said, with more
emotion in her voice than Del had heard before.
She grinned at Seven. "I told you." Del's heart slammed in her chest
when a fleeting smile flashed across Seven's face. It had for just a
second illuminated her face turning her from a beautiful woman into a
gorgeous one.
"Want to try a potato chip?" Del asked, pushing her plate toward Seven.
Seven eagerly reached out and took a chip off the plate. Her face
scrunched up at the unfamiliar salty taste. She took a second chip from
the plate and tried it knowing what to expect this time.
"I like these too," Seven enthused.
Del looked on in delight as Seven ate her sandwich and all the chips on
her plate. Any guilt she felt for what she was doing was quickly washed
away by the obvious pleasure on Seven's face. Del was fascinated
watching her features come alive as she enjoyed her lunch.
Seven looked up at Del then back down at her empty plate. A light blush
covered her face when she realized she had eaten Del's lunch.
"I ate your lunch," Seven stated, abashed at her behavior.
Del laughed good-naturedly. "Don't worry about it. I offered, remember.
I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"I never knew anything could taste so good. Do you know other foods that
taste this good?" Seven asked somewhat hopefully.
"Let's not over do; that was a pretty big meal compared to the shakes
you usually drink." Del cautioned. She almost fell out of her chair when
Seven's lower lip stuck out just slightly in the cutest pout she had
ever seen. Seven seemed totally unaware of it. "Tell you what, how about
you come to my cabin tonight around 1800 and I'll make us some dinner,"
Del offered.
"That would be acceptable," Seven responded. "What is that?"
Del looked down and smiled when she saw what Seven was pointing at. On a
small side plate rested two dill pickles she had ordered with her
sandwich. She picked one up and offered the other to Seven. "These are
dill pickles."
Seven took a bite of the pickle and Del provided her with the
appropriate taste. Seven's brow furrowed and her mouth twisted in
distaste. She swallowed the bite she had taken and gingerly laid the
rest of the pickle down. It was all Del could do not to burst out
laughing at the look on her face.
"I think there is something wrong with those," Seven stated seriously.
This time Del couldn't help herself and started to chuckle. "I guess
they are kind of an acquired taste. I assure you, that's how they're
supposed to taste."
"I do not think I will ever acquire a taste for that," Seven said,
eyeing the pickle in obvious distaste.
"Got it, no more pickles," Del said, trying to stifle her laughter. She
did not want Seven to think she was laughing at her.
She met the eyes of several people who were staring causing them to look
away. Del was well aware of the attention they were drawing. Emotions in
the room had turned mostly to curiosity and amazement with one
exception. Someone in the room was harboring an extreme resentment
against Seven and herself. It was equally mixed with anger and lust. She
let her gaze slide over the room trying to figure out who the emotions
were coming from. Daniels, who she had encountered earlier was standing
near the door with another man. The emanations strengthened sharply when
she met his angry eyes but he quickly looked away.
"I must return to Astrometrics," Seven said, breaking into her thoughts.
Del nodded reluctantly. "Okay I'll walk you back."
As they made their way among the tables to the door Del unconsciously
put her hand on Seven's lower back. She became aware of it when she felt
Seven's surprise. She started to pull way then realized that Seven
wasn't uncomfortable and seemed pleased by the contact so she happily
left her hand in place. When they reached the area near the door Daniels
and his buddy blatantly ogled them. Del glared at both men wondering if
it would make things worse if she called them on their behavior. She
decided to take Seven's tactic and totally ignore the men. Just as they
were going out the door she heard Daniels mutter something but she
didn't quite catch what it was. His friend leaned over and whispered to
him causing them both to laugh. At the sudden stiffening of Seven next
to her she was willing to bet she had heard what was said.
Neither spoke on the way back to Astrometrics each lost in their own
thoughts. Del followed Seven back into the lab.
"I must return to work," Seven informed her.
"I know," Del acknowledged though she didn't want to leave. "Did you
hear what Daniels said as we were leaving the mess hall?"
"Yes," Seven admitted. "He said 'arrogant bitch'."
"Does he always speak to you like that?" Del questioned wondering if she
should go to Janeway about the man's attitude.
"He does not like me and is aware of my sensitive hearing. He always
makes sure no one is able to hear his comments but me. He is of no
consequence."
"It's still not right, Seven. You shouldn't have to tolerate that type
of behavior."
"As I told you before I am not well liked aboard Voyager and many people
feel I should have been destroyed for my actions as a drone."
Del's heart broke at the sadness Seven tried so hard to mask.
"I am a productive member of the crew regardless of people's
reservations and Captain Janeway trusts me."
"From what I've read of Voyager's logs you're an invaluable member of
this crew and have saved many lives, many times over. You deserve to be
treated with respect. The treatment you receive from people like Daniels
is unacceptable."
"He is of no consequence." Seven reiterated. "I must return to work."
Effectively ending the conversation.
"Okay, I'll see you at 1800 right?"
Seven nodded then turned her attention back to her console.
Del sighed frustrated and made her way to the door.
* * * * *
Chapter Three
Del paced nervously. Seven was due any minute. She glanced over to where
set the table in preparation for her arrival wondering if Seven thought
this was a date. Del hadn't issued the invitation as a date but
certainly was not against the concept. Does she even know what a date
is? Del wondered. She looked worriedly down at her attire; she had
changed out of her uniform and into a short sleeved knit shirt and
drawstring cotton pants. Maybe I should've stayed in my uniform.
She had taken a single step toward her bedroom when the door chime
sounded. Glancing at the chronometer she saw it was exactly 1800 hours.
"Shit," she muttered as she stepped over to the door. Del took a deep
breath before keying the door.
"Hi Seven," she greeted. "I'm so glad you could make it." Del knew Seven
was nervous and tried to make her as comfortable as possible.
Seven noticed Del's change in attire and worried she was supposed to
have changed into something else but she was unsure what that would be.
"Are you hungry?"
Seven's brow furrowed. "I am not sure," she said hesitantly.
"Dinner can wait, why don't we sit on the couch for a bit and get to
know each other better. Would you like a drink?" Del offered as they
made their way over to the couch.
"Alcohol interferes with the functioning of my cortical implant."
"No problem, I have just the thing," Del said, stepping over to the
replicator. "Two glasses of sparkling cider, chilled," she ordered. She
carried the glasses over to the couch where Seven still stood. "Have a
seat," Del invited, handing Seven her glass once she was settled.
Del took in Seven's rigid posture. She sat on the edge of the cushions
with her back ramrod straight, knees together, looking very
uncomfortable. Del relaxed back against the cushions and stretched out
her long legs in front of her.
Seven looked at the glass in her hand with just a hint of suspicion.
"It's non-alcoholic."
Seven took a cautious sip, then a second larger one. "This is good."
"Glad you like it. I made pasta for dinner. I hope that's alright."
"Is it as good as grilled cheese sandwiches?" Seven questioned
seriously.
"Better," Del assured with a smile.
They fell silent as they sipped their drinks but it was a comfortable
silence. Del smiled to herself when Seven finally moved back and leaned
against the cushions in a more relaxed pose, at least for her. Del
decided since she already knew some things about Seven it was only fair
to tell Seven about herself. She told her of her short time aboard the
Franklin. Seven listened avidly eager to find out all she could about
Del.
As the evening continued Seven was surprised at how comfortable she was
with Del. Not even during her philosophical discussions with Captain
Janeway had she felt this relaxed and at ease. But it was more than
that; Del stirred strange feelings in her she had never experienced
before. Del had not touched her since her arrival and she could not
figure out why that caused such a feeling of disappointment. Why would
Del touching her suddenly be so important?
Del noticed Seven's waning attention and sensed her jumbled emotions.
"What's wrong?" Del questioned softly.
Seven jerked back to awareness at the sound of Del's voice. She felt
that uncomfortable heat cover her face as it had before. Her thoughts
had distracted her, causing her to lose track of the conversation and
that was something that did not happen to her.
"I am sorry. I do not know what happened," Seven said, her confusion
apparent.
Del smiled at her understandingly. She reached over and patted her arm.
"Don't worry about it.
Seven shivered slightly when she felt the strange tingle Del's touch
always invoked.
"Ready for dinner?" Del invited, hoping to distract Seven from whatever
was bothering her.
Seven nodded eagerly.
They made their way over to the table. Del got Seven situated then
headed for the replicator to get their dinner. She had made her
selections earlier and had the replicator holding them in stasis.
Seven looked down at the plate then up at Del curiously.
"It's called Fettuccini Alfredo, it's pasta in a cream sauce with
herbs." Del took her seat and glanced over at Seven. She immediately
realized she had no clue how to eat what was in front of her. Cursing
herself mentally for not picking something simpler, she picked up her
fork and expertly twirled several strands of pasta around it and took a
large bite. She noted Seven watching her intently. Seven picked up her
fork and attempted to copy Del's actions. Her eyes widened at the first
taste of the pasta. As she had done earlier with the cider, unbeknownst
to Seven, Del projected to her the appropriate taste.
"This is better than grilled cheese!" Seven said, allowing that
tantalizing half smile Del had seen briefly at lunch to flash across her
face.
The rest of the meal was fairly quiet as Seven concentrated on her meal.
Del spent more of her meal watching Seven than actually eating.
"Don't you like it?" Seven asked indicating Del's almost full plate. She
cocked her head to the side and looked at Del questioningly when she
blushed.
"No, it's good," Del assured her, digging into the rest of her meal.
When they finished eating they retired back over to the couch neither
woman anxious for the evening to end. They talked for a bit about
Voyager, but Del knew Seven had something else on her mind.
Seven did indeed have something on her mind but wasn't quite sure how to
ask her question or even if she should. When the conversation naturally
trailed off Seven decided to take a chance. Up until now Del had been
nothing but straight forward with her and she felt confident she would
tell her if her questions were inappropriate.
"I have a question about something that happened today. I was going to
ask the
Doctor but considering it concerned us…" Seven hesitated. "Is it more
appropriate to ask you?"
"Sure Seven, you can ask me about anything."
"I can?" Seven's surprise was evident. "Captain Janeway once told me she
would answer any questions I might have but I soon found that she became
very uncomfortable and suddenly busy especially if my question concerned
human sexuality," Seven stated, matter of factly. She watched Del's
reaction closely knowing how people reacted when she mentioned
sexuality.
Del was well aware of Seven's scrutiny and kept her expression carefully
blank. "Well, Seven, some people aren't comfortable discussing human
sexuality. I assure you, you can ask me anything you wish. If I don't
know the answer I'll help you find it… okay?" Del couldn't help but
wonder what she was getting herself into but was determined to help
Seven any way she could. She should not have to depend on a computer
hologram to answer her questions and obviously Janeway was only willing
to help up to a certain point.
Seven's thoughts whirled. If Del was really willing to answer her
questions she wasn't going to waste any time in case she changed her
mind. "Crewman Philips made a comment to Ensign Daniels this afternoon
as we left the mess hall. I wish to know what it meant."
"Alright, what did he say?"
"'I'd pay money to see those two go at it.' Daniels laughed and agreed."
Del's first response was a flash of anger at the crewmen's behavior. She
forced it down knowing Seven required a calm explanation. Del cleared
her throat. "He was being crude and indulging in a common male fantasy.
He was saying that he would be willing to pay money to be able to watch
us engage in sexual intercourse."
"I do not understand. Why would he wish to do that? Copulation occurs
between a man and a woman."
Del blinked in surprise. "Who told you that?" she questioned, much
sharper than she intended.
Seven was taken by surprise by Del's response. "All of the social
interactions and dating scenarios the doctor provided were between men
and women. I assumed that since the purpose of mating was procreation,
humans only copulated with a person of the opposite gender," she
explained, very confused by the whole thing.
Del shook her head in disgust at the Doctor's blatant tactics. It could
not have been an accident that he had only presented her with
heterosexual choices. She had been right when she felt he had feelings
beyond friendship for Seven and now to find out he had used her so
called lessons to stack the deck in his favor. Del took a deep breath
trying to calm herself.
"You have access to the assimilated knowledge of the Borg…correct?"
"Yes, all the knowledge they had assimilated up until the time I was
severed from the Collective."
"In all the species that you know about are there not instances of
sexual intercourse between people of the same gender?"
Seven's gaze became distant for several seconds. "Yes, there are, in
almost all races including humans. But the doctor did not include that
as a viable alternative and only presented me with a list of the male
members of the crew. I assumed it was an unacceptable deviation from the
norm.
"Wait 'til I get my hands on the Doctor!" Del muttered sharply under her
breath, forgetting about Seven's sensitive hearing.
"If I correctly interpret your anger toward the Doctor, am I to
understand I assumed incorrectly?"
"First off, there are more reasons to mate than just to procreate,
though that is an option for same gender couples if they choose to do
so. The Doctor only presented you with half the truth. While it is true
that the majority of humans are heterosexual i.e. a man and a woman
there is also a percentage that are homosexual i.e. prefer their own
gender. Both are perfectly acceptable," Del explained patiently. She
decided not to even go into the fact that some people were bisexual not
wanting to confuse Seven further.
"So when I considered possible mates aboard Voyager I could have
considered the females aboard as well?"
"Yes," Del admitted, somewhat reluctantly. The thought of Seven with one
of the crew was an unexpectedly unpleasant thought. "Though the woman
you chose would have to be one who preferred her own gender as well."
"Which gender do you prefer to copulate with?" Seven asked, a suddenly
very interested look on her face.
Del choked, surprised by Seven's directness then chastised herself for
not being ready for the question. In all her interactions with Seven she
had been nothing if not blunt. Del looked over and met Seven's eyes
directly. "I prefer to make love with another woman." Del held her
breath waiting Seven's reaction. She breathed a sigh of relief when
Seven seemed to accept the information. Del wasn't quite sure but
thought she might have detected a hint of pleasure at the revelation.
Her thoughts were drawn back to Seven by her next question.
"Make love?"
"Yes, copulation refers to the physical act of intercourse regardless of
the gender of the participants. Animals copulate, well humans can too
but I much prefer the term 'make love' as it signifies the emotional
component of intercourse as well as the physical. Some people choose to
have sex as a purely physical interaction. They take physical pleasure
from another person's body but have no emotional attachment or in your
words, they copulate, a physical act. Love making is the emotional and
physical combined and in my opinion much more satisfying."
Seven was silent for several minutes taking in all Del had told her.
Finally she met Del's gaze. "Thank you," she offered simply.
"For what?" Del asked, confused.
"I have tried several times to discuss copulation with Captain Janeway.
She always found an excuse to leave or change the subject. You answered
my questions just as you promised. Why do humans have such trouble
discussing their sexuality?" Seven asked, genuinely curious.
"It's a very private thing Seven. People are at their most vulnerable
physically and emotionally when they're making love. It evokes strong
emotions that most people are not comfortable talking about."
"But you answered my question without discomfort."
Del shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I'm not most people."
"Can I ask another question?" Seven requested eagerly.
"You don't have to ask first. Just ask me anything you want to know."
That brief half smile flittered over Seven's face and unconsciously she
turned slightly on the couch until she was facing Del more fully. She
had tried to go to the Doctor a few times but his lack of humanity often
led to more confusion for Seven after he answered the question than
before. Here was someone who not only answered her questions without
discomfort but also encouraged her to ask them. Her excitement was
apparent in not only her emotions but also the look of anticipation on
her face.
"What does it mean… 'If I don't get some relief soon, I'm going to have
to take matters into my own hands'?"
"Where did you hear that?" Del asked, stalling for time and beginning to
realize just what she had gotten herself into when she offered to answer
Seven's questions but was determined to persevere.
"In the mess hall. Two of the crew were talking about working double
shifts. One of the crewmen complained about not seeing his girlfriend
recently then made the statement."
"He was most likely talking about masturbating. Are you familiar with
the term?" Del asked, not wanting to assume a level of knowledge Seven
didn't have.
"I came across it in my brief study of human sexuality. The computer
defined it as self-stimulation of the sexual organs for the purpose of
sexual release. It didn't provide any examples," Seven said, somewhat
disappointedly.
"Well that's what the crewman was referring to from what you've said. He
was unable to have sex with his girlfriend and was going to masturbate
to provide some relief."
"Do you masturbate?" Seven asked bluntly.
Damn! Well I did tell her she could ask me anything. Determined
not to make Seven uncomfortable or feel she couldn't ask questions Del
met her gaze directly. "Yes, Seven, I do, when the need arises."
"Would you show me how?"
"Excuse me?" she asked, trying to hide her shock. Del knew she could not
have possibly just heard Seven ask her to show her how to masturbate.
"Would you show me how to masturbate? Should I remove my clothing?"
Seven asked again, thinking Del hadn't understood what she was asking.
Del seemed to lose the power of speech for several moments. That's when
Seven seemed to realize she had asked something inappropriate and began
to feel very uncomfortable. Del was brought back to her senses by the
sudden burst of anxiety emanating from Seven. She quickly pulled herself
together and addressed Seven while looking her directly in the eye. She
didn't want Seven to sense any of her discomfort or her acute arousal at
the thought of what Seven had suggested.
"It wouldn't be appropriate for me to actually show you how to
masturbate but I can show you several books in the database that will
explain the basics and provide illustrations.
"That would be acceptable," Seven agreed readily, but couldn't help
feeling a little disappointed Del wasn't willing to show her. Some how
the thought of Del touching her made her feel warm inside and ignited a
strange tingling sensation between her legs.
Del sensed Seven's disappointment and fought to keep her own reaction to
the thought of touching Seven from showing on her face. She glanced up
at the chronometer and groaned.
Seven followed her gaze and was surprised to find it was after midnight.
"I should go. The Doctor would not approve of me keeping you up so late
with you just out of sickbay," Seven said as she stood to leave. She was
amazed; usually she looked forward to returning to the cargo bay in the
evening and the solitude it provided. But tonight she didn't want to
leave Del's quarters and actually dreaded the long hours of the night.
Del didn't want her to go either but knew she still wasn't completely
recovered from her injuries and needed to rest. She walked Seven to the
door of her quarters but stopped short of the sensor that would open
them. She turned to face Seven. "I really enjoyed tonight and I'd like
to have dinner together again soon."
"I would find that pleasant as well."
Going on impulse Del leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on Seven's
cheek. "Good night, Seven," she murmured. Del could feel Seven's shock
and worried that she had gone too far. She was reassured when a brief
flash of pleasure coursed through Seven.
"Good night, Del," Seven said softly before stepping through the doors.
Del stood rooted to the spot. She could still feel her lips tingling
from the brief contact with Seven's soft cheek.
Seven had been affected by the kiss as well. She rubbed the still
tingling spot on her cheek where Del's lips had been as she walked back
to the cargo bay.
* * * * *
Del rolled over with a groan and cursed. She had been trying to fall
asleep without success since shortly after Seven left. Every time she
closed her eyes she replayed that last conversation with Seven in her
mind with a very different outcome. She pictured Seven peeling down her
tight bodysuit and offering that glorious body to her for instruction
that Del was more than happy to provide. Growling Del threw off the
covers refusing to give into the throbbing pressure between her legs. It
had been a long time since she had been with anyone and the conditions
aboard the Franklin had left little time or privacy for providing
herself with a little relief.
She stripped off her pajamas and headed into the ensuite. Setting the
shower for cold water she stepped in and gasped when the chilling spray
hit her overheated body. Shivering she finally stepped from the shower
and dried off before retrieving her pajamas and climbing back into bed.
She felt guilty for her earlier fantasy about Seven. Somehow it felt
like a violation of Seven's innocence and she would never do that.
Del groaned in frustration trying to relax and still feeling some
residual arousal from earlier. She knew there was only one way she was
going to get any sleep. Fixing her mind on one of her normally favorite
fantasies Del allowed herself to respond to her body's demands. She
slipped her hand into her pajama bottoms unsurprised to find herself
already wet. She stroked the slick tissues under her hand allowing her
fantasy full rein. As she reached her peak she was unable to stop the
images of Seven that filled her mind. Her body slumped back to the bed
and she quickly
drifted off to sleep, her body sated.
* * * * *
Seven did not know what was wrong with her. She had spent last night in
the cargo bay but had been unable to concentrate on her work for any
length of time. Her thoughts kept returning to Del and the events of the
day; first their lunch in the mess hall and then dinner in Del's
quarters. Now she was in Astrometrics and was supposed to be working on
the path Voyager needed to take through the upcoming area of space but
again her thoughts were distracted wondering what Del was doing. "This
is not efficient." She grumbled shocked when she realized she had spoken
out loud to herself. She glanced at the chronometer seeing it was almost
1300 and felt a piercing sense of disappointment. She realized she had
been hoping Del would ask her to lunch again. Drawing on all her mental
abilities she forced the distracting thoughts aside and concentrated on
her work trying to ignore her lingering sense of dissatisfaction. She
had been working for approximately fifteen minutes when the door of
Astrometrics whooshed open and a slightly out of breath Del hurried in.
"Hi, Seven. Is it too late to ask you to lunch? I'm sorry it's so late.
I got tied up in Engineering with B'Elanna."
Seven stiffened slightly at the mention of the Chief Engineer then
realized Del had meant to come earlier and ask her to lunch again. The
thought caused a surge of pleasure.
"I have not consumed my nutritional supplement today."
Del hadn't missed Seven's reaction to the mention of B'Elanna. She had
innocently mentioned Seven to the Chief Engineer and had been startled
by the blatant dislike B'Elanna had displayed at the mention of their
Astrometrics Officer.
"Is that a yes to lunch?" Del asked teasingly.
Seven looked at her quizzically not used to being teased. She felt her
earlier confusion and dark mood lift at the openly affectionate smile on
Del's face.
"Yes," she affirmed, stepping out from behind her console and over
closer to Del.
Del fought to hide her surprise when Seven stepped into her personal
space close enough that their arms brushed. As she had done outside the
mess hall Del placed her hand on the small of Seven's back urging her
toward the door. "Great, let's go. Today I want to introduce you to a
hamburger and french fries." Del couldn't hold back a grin at sensing
Seven's pleasure at her touch.
Seven could not explain why but she got great pleasure out of Del's hand
resting comfortably on her back. No one's touch had ever invoked such
feelings before. Deciding to stop analyzing it and just enjoy the
sensation Seven matched her pace to Del's hoping she wouldn't remove her
hand.
Del cooperated and kept her hand in place even when they passed other
crewmen. Both women were aware of the startled looks but neither reacted
or seemed to care. As had happened the previous day conversation died
down immediately when the two blonds stepped into the mess hall. Del
glared at several people who showed more than a passing interest in
their entrance and they quickly looked away. Soon conversation returned
to its previous level. Del led them over to the table they had occupied
the previous day and left Seven there while she retrieved their lunch.
She returned to find a grinning Tom Paris standing next to their table.
Seven's expression was as emotionless as ever but Del sensed Seven's
acute discomfort and her anger instantly rose.
"Can I help you Mr. Paris?" she asked sternly. She had met the brash
helmsman while she was in sickbay and was less than impressed with what
she was sure he considered his irresistible boyish charm.
"I wanted to invite you to join us for lunch." Tom smiled at Del with
what he thought was a winning smile before turning to indicate a table
where Harry Kim sat looking embarrassed. "You and Seven, " he added
hastily when Del frowned.
"No thank you, Mr. Paris," Del rejected, sitting down with every intent
of ignoring him.
"Well, I just thought you might enjoy a little stimulating conversation
at lunch." He smirked with a quick glance at Seven his insinuation
obvious.
Del was on her feet before she was even cognizant of the thought of
getting up. She glared at Tom Paris allowing him to see and feel her
anger, her blue eyes blazed. She easily matched him in height and could
be very intimidating when she wished.
"I said no, Mr. Paris. I'm already having lunch with the companion of my
choice. Your presence is not wanted…understand?"
Tom gulped at the wave of anger that seemed to roll off the Commander
and quickly realized he had made a serious mistake. "No problem,
Commander," he muttered as he stumbled away from the table.
Del unclenched her fists and forced her anger at the arrogant helmsman
down. She resumed her seat and glanced over at Seven. Del knew how much
Tom's words had hurt Seven though by looking at her you would never know
she was even aware of what had been said.
"I should return to Astrometrics," Seven said quietly, feeling totally
out of place. "I am sure the invitation to join Mr. Paris and Mr. Kim is
still open."
Del reached out and stopped Seven when she attempted to rise. Seven met
her eyes in surprise. Surely Del would rather have lunch with Paris and
Kim than her.
"I didn't invite them to lunch, Seven. I invited you because you're who
I want to spend my time with not them. Paris barged into our private
lunch uninvited. If you really have to go back to Astrometrics then I'll
go with you and maybe we could meet for dinner. I don't want to have
lunch with anyone else," Del insisted earnestly.
Del waited for Seven to respond aware of her roiling emotions. Finally
one emotion took predominance…pleasure.
Seven looked at Del almost shyly. "What are we going to have today?" she
asked, looking down at the lunch Del had provided. "Is it very good?"
Del breathed a sigh of relief and resisted the urge to glare over at
Paris. "Today we're having a hamburger with all the fixings and french
fries. I left the pickles off your burger," Del said, laughing at the
relieved look on her face. Del had brought Seven her own burger so she
picked up her own taking a big bite and firmly setting the taste in her
mind.
Seven followed Del's example. One glance into her face showed her liking
of the burger. Del smiled, happy that she had chosen something Seven
would like. "These are french fries," Del explained, pointing to them on
her plate. "You can eat them plain or with ketchup, another alternative
is malt vinegar but you might not like that."
Seven tried the plain french fry first, when that met her approval she
met Del's eyes seeking her permission then dipped one in the ketchup on
Del's plate. "That makes them even better," Seven said, picking up
another fry and dipping it deeper into the ketchup this time. After
finishing most of her burger and a good portion of her fries she grew
brave. "Can I try that?" Seven asked, pointing to the bottle of malt
vinegar Del had brought back to the table.
Not wanting to ruin Seven's lunch in case she didn't like it, Del
sprinkled the malt vinegar on her remaining fries and ate several of
them. Seven watched with interest. She pushed her plate over toward
Seven urging her to take one.
Seven picked up the saturated fry and took a large bite. Her face
immediately scrunched up and it was all Del could do not to burst out
laughing. Seven swallowed the bite she had taken shuddering slightly at
the taste. When Seven turned an accusing glare on her and pushed her
plate back toward her she couldn't hold back any longer and started
laughing.
"I'm sorry, Seven but you should've seen the look on your face. I did
try to warn you," Del reminded. "Okay, now we know, no pickles and no
malt vinegar."
Under any other circumstances Seven would have been hurt thinking Del
was laughing at her but she quickly realized that was not the case. She
remembered once seeing two crewmen in the mess hall trying dishes from
each other's nationality and laughing when the other person tried
something that obviously had an unexpected taste. She hadn't understood
at the time but now realized they weren't being cruel to each other and
that it was all in fun. Definitely a hard concept for her to grasp. But
now she thought she might have a real inkling into the concept.
"I will take your warnings more seriously next time," Seven assured,
smiling slightly when Del laughed. "I should get back to Astrometrics,"
Seven said reluctantly. She really didn't want to go.
"I spoke to Captain Janeway this morning and mentioned I'd really like
to learn all about the Astrometrics lab. It never hurts to have people
cross-trained. I don't have a permanent assignment yet since the Doctor
hasn't released me to full duty. So would you mind me hanging around
Astrometrics for a few days and teaching me how the lab works?"
Del felt her heart slam in her chest when a full-blown smile briefly
crossed Seven's face. It was the first full smile she had ever seen and
was determined to see lots more of them.
"That would be acceptable."
Though she used the words Del had grown used to they were unexpectedly
filled with emotion. "Great… come on!" Del urged excitedly, looking
forward to the chance to work with Seven.
Neither woman noticed Daniels watching with an angry look on his face as
they exited the mess hall.
* * * * *
Chapter Four
The scuttlebutt concerning Del and Seven's daily appearance in the mess
hall for lunch for the past week was flying around the ship. Rumors
abound about the blossoming friendship. They ran the gamut from the
benign to the ridiculous. B'Elanna had heard them all; from the two
being just friends, to lovers, to the most absurd of Seven having
secretly assimilated Commander MacMillan and that accounted for why she
was willing to spend so much time with the resident Borg Ice Queen.
B'Elanna finally decided to check it out for herself. She was known as
the Gossip Queen of the Ship and prided herself on knowing the real dirt
before anyone else. When she heard the first rumors about Seven and the
Commander she had dismissed them as made up gossip about a new
crewmember. The rumors persisted and an increasing number of people
claimed to have seen the pair in the mess hall together. One person even
claimed to not only have seen Seven eat lunch with the Commander, but
that, they had actually seen Seven smile. B'Elanna snorted to herself in
disbelief.
She stepped into the mess hall and quickly glanced around wanting to
make sure she was in position before they arrived. A crewman had told
her what table they usually sat at and B'Elanna made sure she had an
unobstructed view.
She didn't have long to wait and got her first shock when the two blonds
entered the room walking closely side by side deep in conversation. The
second came when they turned to head for their table. That's when she
saw the Commander's hand resting comfortably in the small of Seven's
back as she led her over to their table. Seven remained at the table
while Commander MacMillan headed for the replicator.
B'Elanna watched as the woman took her turn at the replicator and then
walked back toward Seven with two plates of food. She couldn't tell what
she ordered but it certainly wasn't the usual shake Seven drank. She
continued to watch in utter disbelief as Seven began to consume her
lunch along with her companion. When Commander MacMillan said something
to Seven and reached out to stroke her arm B'Elanna almost fell out of
her chair at the answering half smile that briefly flashed across
Seven's face. Seven had been onboard almost a year and B'Elanna had
never seen her have anything for lunch except those nasty shakes. Add to
that the fact that she had actually seen Seven smile and B'Elanna was
totally intrigued. Determined to find out just what was going on between
the two she headed for their table.
"Hey Commander," B'Elanna greeted in a friendly tone. "Seven," she added
as a seeming afterthought nodding to the blond.
Del had hoped bringing Seven to the mess hall everyday would help her
crewmates see her in a different light. She was well aware of the
scuttlebutt going at warp speed around the ship. So far no one other
than Tom Paris had approached their table. Hoping that if she could get
B'Elanna to see Seven more favorably maybe some of the rest of the crew
would come around. Del decided to take a chance.
"B'Elanna, why don't you join us," Del invited. " And I'm not on duty so
Del is fine." She added with a slight smile wanting to keep the
atmosphere as casual as possible. Del quickly glanced over at Seven
feeling her sudden discomfort. Crossing her fingers that she was doing
the right thing she quickly projected a sense of reassurance over toward
Seven. She immediately felt her anxiety lessen and smiled reassuringly
at Seven when she looked up.
Seven's comfort with and trust of her had grown by leaps and bounds over
the last few days. Del didn't want to do anything that would damage that
budding relationship. In addition to their lunches together, Seven had
spent every evening over the past week in her cabin. Del had provided
dinner as well as spent the evening answering the myriad of questions
Seven seemed to have.
"Thanks, Del, " B'Elanna said, acknowledging Del's permission to use her
first name before taking a seat at the four-man table. Seven and Del
were sitting across from each other so B'Elanna had a good view of both
women opposite her. "What are you having for lunch?"
Del was pleasantly surprised when Seven spoke up before she could.
"Grilled cheese sandwiches; they are very good." The sandwiches were
Seven's favorite of all the things they had tried for lunch so far. She
had actually asked Del to order them today instead of accepting whatever
Del ordered for her.
B'Elanna looked at her in shock for several seconds then finally found
her voice. "Yeah, my Dad used to make them as a treat for us when I was
a kid, they were great. I haven't had one in years."
Del offered B'Elanna half her sandwich. She took the offering eagerly
then growled excitedly when she spotted the dill pickle slices on Del's
plate.
"May I?" she asked Del even as she reached for the pickles.
Seven watched aghast as B'Elanna peeled open her sandwich and put the
pickles inside.
B'Elanna glanced up and paused at the look of distaste on Seven's face.
"What?" she asked hostilely. Though the hostile tone was automatic
B'Elanna was actually fascinated by the emotions crossing Seven's face.
She had never seen her show such emotion about anything.
"Those are pickles. I don't like pickles," Seven stated matter of
factly.
B'Elanna laughed. "Those are the best part!" she enthused, taking a big
bite of her sandwich and growling softly in pleasure. Her eyebrows shot
up when Seven offered her half of her sandwich as Del had done. She
hesitated for just a moment then accepted with a muted 'thanks.'
Del got up and ordered two more sandwiches. She offered a whole one to
B'Elanna and split the other one with Seven. She and B'Elanna spoke
about some of the needs of the ship and Seven sat quietly saying
nothing. Del eventually managed to turn the conversation back to the
discussion she had been having with Seven when they came in.
"So, Seven, you were telling me about the Class M planet coming up in
the next system where we might find supplies," Del prompted, hoping to
draw Seven into the conversation. You didn't need to be on Voyager long
before knowing looking for additional supplies was a constant endeavor.
"Yes, it's a stable planet with a larger water to land ratio than
normal. Long range scans show it to be uninhabited. Its distance from
its sun makes for large temperate zones. So we may be able to find
edible foodstuffs. " Seven explained, actually expressing verbally some
excitement at the thought.
"Since when are you interested in foodstuffs?" B'Elanna questioned
Seven.
"Del told me about the difference between replicated and fresh food. I
wish to experience this."
So it's Del is it, very interesting. "Has Del been offering you
lots of different foods?" B'Elanna asked curiously.
Del listened to the exchange and knew B'Elanna was honestly interested.
Sensing no hostility from her she remained quiet.
"Yes, I especially like grilled cheese sandwiches," Seven said, a brief
smile lighting her face. "Today we are going to try…" Seven looked over
at Del for confirmation. "A hot fudge sundae." Her delight at the idea
could clearly be heard in her voice.
B'Elanna couldn't believe it, who is this woman! She looked like
Voyager's arrogant and aloof Astrometrics officer but she sure didn't
act or sound like her for that matter. It totally threw off her
perception of Seven. "Ah…that's great Seven, I'm sure you'll like it."
Seven was confused; B'Elanna was never this nice to her. At first she
thought it was because of Del's presence but then she knew from past
experience that someone else being around, even Captain Janeway had not
stopped B'Elanna from expressing her disdain before. She and Del had had
several conversations about the crew and their behavior toward her. She
decided to follow Del's example and hoped it was the right thing. "Would
you like to have a sundae with us?" she invited B'Elanna somewhat
hesitantly but obviously sincerely.
Del could have stood up and cheered. This was going much better than
expected. Seven had even managed to surprise her with the invitation to
B'Elanna.
B'Elanna's eyebrows almost shot off her forehead in shock at Seven's
invitation. Not only had the woman invited her to have dessert with them
she actually sounded as if she meant it. She had heard more inflection
in Seven's voice in the last half hour than she had in the last year.
B'Elanna glanced over at Del curiously wondering how much she had to do
with the sudden change in Seven. She flushed when she realized Seven was
waiting for her answer.
"A sundae sounds great."
Del headed for the replicator leaving Seven and B'Elanna alone at the
table. "So umm… you've been having lunch every day with Del huh?"
B'Elanna asked, then cursed herself for stating the obvious.
"Yes, she is helping me in my endeavor to consume more food so that I
will be less dependent on my alcove. She has been very helpful," Seven
added, in a surprisingly warm voice.
B'Elanna met Seven's eyes amazed to see them sparkling with emotion.
Whoa, something is really up here; I think Seven has a crush! "So
you really like Del?"
"Very much, she is my friend."
B'Elanna didn't know how many more shocks she could take today. Seven
was claiming someone was her friend!
Del chose that moment to return with the ice cream. Seven reached for
hers eagerly. Del reached out and placed a restraining hand on her arm
when Seven scooped up a big spoonful. "Don't chew it, just put it in
your mouth and let it melt then swallow it." She instructed.
B'Elanna started to make a smart comment but caught Del's warning glare.
It was then she realized how unfair she was being to Seven. She
obviously never had ice cream or at least not that she could remember
from before being taken by the Borg. B'Elanna had never really seen
Seven as vulnerable or inexperienced. She had just seen the aloof and
arrogant know it all attitude and allowed herself to react to that.
Now she was seeing a whole other side of Seven and began wondering what
else she had misjudged about the woman. For the first time she tried to
imagine what it would be like trying to cope when suddenly thrust into a
crew as a full grown adult when your last true experience with people
had been as a six year old child.
She couldn't help speculating how Del had been able to see that
vulnerable part of Seven that all of them had seemed to miss. Except
Captain Janeway, B'Elanna admitted to herself. She had tried several
times to help Seven socialize with the crew. The problem was Janeway
herself stood apart from the crew and so she wasn't really able to give
Seven an 'in' with the crew so to speak.
B'Elanna shook away the disturbing thoughts and took a bite of her ice
cream. She really wasn't a big fan of sweets but for some strange reason
hadn't been able to turn down Seven's invitation.
She glanced up at Seven and her mouth dropped open in astonishment.
Seven had her eyes closed and was humming in pleasure at the taste of
her sundae. B'Elanna felt herself react before she could stop herself;
her hearts pounded in her chest and she stared at Seven mesmerized. Even
though she disliked Seven she had always admitted that she was a
beautiful woman but now with her face alight with pleasure she was
stunning.
Del felt B'Elanna's reaction and couldn't hold back a grin; she met the
engineer's shocked gaze and winked.
B'Elanna quickly ducked her head thankful for her dark complexion that
hid her blush. She was embarrassed that her visceral response to Seven
had been so obvious.
Seven was oblivious to B'Elanna's reaction lost in the taste of her
first hot fudge sundae. She opened her eyes and gazed over at Del. "We
should have this for lunch. It's good!"
Del laughed. "It's dessert, Seven, and only meant for an occasional
treat. It doesn't provide the necessary nutrients that you need to
maintain your body and your implants."
"But it tastes so good," Seven said, totally unaware of her bottom lip
sticking out in a slight pout.
B'Elanna choked on the bite of ice cream she had just taken; now she had
seen everything! Seven was actually pouting. Her head was whirling, all
this was just unbelievable. "I'm okay," she assured her tablemates when
they both turned to look at her.
Del reached over and patted Seven's arm consolingly. "Yeah, I know,
sometimes it seems like things that taste the best are not the best for
us but most humans just can't seem to resist sweets."
Seven looked down at her dish in disappointment but seemed to accept
Del's explanation.
The beeping of Del's combadge interrupted them. Del reached up and
touched the device. "Go ahead."
"Commander, you were due in sickbay fifteen minutes ago," came the
Doctor's aggravated voice.
"I'm perfectly fine, Doctor and no longer require your assistance," Del
answered, reaching up to break the connection.
"I'd like to assure myself of that. Might I remind you, you cannot
return to full duty until I release you," he added smugly. "Report to
sickbay for a complete physical…" He obviously heard Del's angry snarl
of outrage over the com circuit. "Now, Commander MacMillan," the Doctor
ordered before breaking the connection.
Del growled under her breath but knew she had no choice. She stood up
and faced Seven and B'Elanna. "Sorry ladies, I have to report to
sickbay. Thank you both very much for an enjoyable lunch. Seven, I'll
see you back in Astrometrics as soon as I'm done with the doctor. Del
gave Seven's forearm a brief squeeze and nodded to B'Elanna before
heading for the door.
Seven and B'Elanna found themselves alone at the table. Neither spoke
they just stared at each other uncomfortably for several moments.
B'Elanna finally broke the silence.
"I should get back to Engineering." She hesitated slightly before
adding. "Umm… thanks for lunch."
Seven wasn't sure how to respond but remembered what Del had told her
about how she needed to reach out more to the crew with common courtesy
even if she didn't always understand it. "You are welcome."
B'Elanna was surprised by Seven's courtesy. She really hadn't expected a
response. Seven usually just walked away when she considered a
conversation done. She wondered if the Commander had been tutoring her,
if she had she'd obviously been more successful at it than the Doctor.
The two women exited the mess hall together, drawing just as many stares
as Seven and Del had that first time they entered together.
* * * * *
The doors to Astrometrics slid open admitting a flushed and obviously
very angry Del. Seven felt an immediate flash of anxiety and fear; she'd
never seen Del angry before. Before Seven realized what she was doing
she rushed from behind her console and over to Del's side.
"What is wrong?" Seven questioned fretfully.
Seven's concern and fear quickly drew Del from her angry contemplations
of slowly and painfully de-compiling the Doctor's holomatrix. Del
couldn't help but notice the inflection of Seven's voice. She had
detected over the past week the increasing nuances her voice had taken
on when speaking to her. It wasn't apparent with anyone else but when
they were alone Seven's voice had taken on a decidedly emotional laden
tone.
"I'm fine, just angry at the Doctor." She tried to reassure her sensing
her continued apprehension. Unthinkingly she reached out and wrapped an
arm around Seven's shoulders. She felt Seven stiffen for just an instant
then relax against her side.
"What did he do?"
"He insisted on doing a full physical and running a whole host of
diagnostic tests. I know he did it just to flaunt his power. I've never
been subject to that type of ordeal after being injured before I could
return to duty. The Doctor has a serious flaw in his holomatrix
somewhere. That's not how an EMH should act. I'm going to talk to the
Captain about me having a look at his program," Del said, getting angry
all over again just thinking about it.
Seven knew she should defend the Doctor but did not want to irritate Del
any further. The feel of Del's arm around her shoulders was also
distracting her. She felt an almost instinctive need to press closer to
Del's body. The contact scared and delighted her at the same time.
Seven's jumbled emotions again drew Del out of her angry thoughts. It
was then that she realized she had her arm wrapped around Seven's
shoulders. The contact was so natural she wasn't even aware she'd done
it. Del took a step back from Seven, breaking the contact.
She was tempted to put her arm back when she sensed Seven's
disappointment at the loss of contact but resisted, knowing she needed
to be very careful about touching Seven. But it was hard; it was almost
instinctive at times to reach out and physically make contact with her.
Del kept reminding herself that Seven most likely didn't feel the same
things she did when they touched and was just reacting to the simple
pleasure of the touch of another human. She on the other hand was
strongly attracted to Seven and rapidly falling for the beautiful blond.
Del blew out a breath in frustration pushing away her anger at the
Doctor. She realized that Seven probably felt loyal to the Doctor for
all he had done for her. And Del was willing to admit he had done a
wonderful job removing Seven's implants. She didn't want her to feel
conflicted because of her personal dislike of the doctor.
"Don't worry about it. I've been cleared to return to full duty so I
shouldn't have any contact with the Doctor again."
Del looked at Seven curiously when she felt the stabbing sense of
disappointment her words caused.
"Does that mean you will not be working in Astrometrics anymore?"
Del smiled, happy that Seven had enjoyed their time together and didn't
want it to end anymore than she did. "I hope not. I was the First
Officer on the Franklin but Voyager already has a First Officer. So I
was going to approach Captain Janeway about being assigned to the
Science Officer's position since you don't have one. I know you
currently fulfill a lot of those duties but this way we could still work
together."
A full smile blossomed on Seven's face and Del smiled widely in
response.
"That would be acceptable," Seven said, her voice warm and inviting.
Del had been in sickbay all afternoon submitting to the Doctor's tests;
it was almost 1700.
"Could I interest you in having dinner with me?" Del invited as she had
every night since that first lunch in the mess hall.
"I would like that."
"Well, I was thinking, how about we do something a little different
tonight. How about we have dinner in your quarters instead of mine. I'll
still replicate everything." Del assured Seven hoping to convince her.
She had never been in Seven's quarters and was very curious to see where
Seven lived.
Seven looked at Del in surprise. Maybe she was unfamiliar with Voyager's
layout. "There are no replicators in Cargo Bay Two."
Del laughed. "No, Seven, I don't want to have dinner in the Cargo Bay. I
mean in your quarters…where you live."
"I live in the Cargo Bay."
"What!" Del exclaimed incredulously.
"My alcove is located in Cargo Bay Two," Seven patiently explained. "I
have a work console there as well. That is where I live."
"But…" Del didn't know what to say. It had never even occurred to her
that Seven didn't have any quarters; every crewman was entitled to
quarters. "So is the Cargo bay closed off to the rest of the crew to
provide you with space for your alcove and living space?" Del questioned
curiously.
"No, the crew comes and goes performing their duties in the Bay. It is
still used for normal storage as well."
"What about when you regenerate? Can anyone just walk in?"
Seven was truly puzzled as to why Del appeared upset. "Yes, but I would
not be aware of them. In my regeneration cycle while I am not asleep I
am only minimally aware of my surroundings. Normal activity in the Cargo
Bay would not be enough to interrupt my regeneration cycle."
"What about when you're not regenerating? What do you do then?" Del was
having a hard time accepting that not only did Seven live in a Cargo
Bay, she didn't see anything wrong with it either.
"I work in Astrometrics during the day, when I am not regenerating, I
work at my console in the Cargo Bay." She looked over at Del somewhat
sadly. "I am not fully human, " she reminded her. "I do not require
sleep."
Del remembered Seven telling her that the first day they met. "But isn't
it like eating, you can sleep can't you? Wouldn't it further lessen your
dependence on your alcove if you slept at night?"
"It is not a good use of my time," Seven tried.
"Seven…" Del said sternly.
Seven looked at the floor unwilling to meet Del's eyes. "I have been
unsuccessful in my endeavors to sleep."
"If you don't have any quarters where did you try to sleep…in the Cargo
Bay?"
"No, in Sickbay."
"Well, no wonder you weren't able to fall asleep. I never sleep well
when I'm in Sickbay. There's too much noise from the equipment plus a
biobed is incredibly uncomfortable. You need to be in comfortable
familiar surroundings to fall asleep."
Del looked over at Seven speculatively. "Have you ever thought about
getting quarters of your own? Every crewman is entitled to quarters,
Seven. You don't have to live in a Cargo Bay."
"I never thought about it. I have always lived in the Cargo Bay. What
would I do with quarters of my own?"
"Well… you'd have your own bed so you could try sleeping again. It would
give you some privacy you currently don't have in the Cargo Bay and… you
could invite me over for dinner," Del added teasingly. "If you'd like,
I'll go with you to talk to Captain Janeway about it."
Seven thought for several moments. "That would be acceptable."
"Great, so how about dinner in my quarters tonight?"
"That would be acceptable as well."
Del grinned having become used to that response. She knew that it was
much more than acceptable since she was able to sense Seven's emotions.
Though her voice had taken on much more inflection Del wondered if
Seven's speech patterns would ever change. She shrugged off the thought
indifferently, it really didn't matter. It was what she felt that
mattered not the way she expressed it.
"1800?" Del queried as she headed for the door. At Seven's answering nod
she smiled. "It's a date." She was out the door and had taken several
steps down the corridor before it dawned on her what she had just said.
Seven stood frozen in shock as the doors closed behind Del. "It's a
date?" she muttered, wondering if Del really meant it or it was just a
figure of speech. The idea of being on a date with Del equally excited
and scared her.
* * * * *
Their evening so far had been fairly quiet. After sharing a glass of the
sparkling cider that Seven had developed a taste for they had enjoyed a
dinner of Del's family recipe of chicken and rice casserole. Del was
used to being bombarded with questions when they were alone and Seven's
suddenly reserved demeanor was starting to worry her.
She wondered if it had anything to do with what she'd said as she left
Astrometrics that afternoon. Determined not to let her own feeling of
disappointment affect her she turned to Seven to do what she was
convinced she needed to do to fix things.
"You're very quiet tonight. Does this have anything to do with what I
said when I left Astrometrics today?" Del didn't give Seven a chance to
answer and started to babble. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable.
You've become a good friend and I would never do anything to jeopardize
that. It just slipped out… I mean umm… it's just a figure of speech."
Seven's expression never changed but Del got a sudden sense of crushing
disappointment. It stunned her for a moment in its intensity.
Seven couldn't help but feel humiliated. She had allowed herself to
believe Del would really want to go on a date with her. After she left
Astrometrics the more she thought about it the more excited she became.
She had been quiet because she was not quite sure how she was supposed
to act on a date. The Doctor's lessons didn't make any sense. The things
he described as a date where the things she and Del did normally; so
this must be different if it was a real date. She was unsure how to act.
Now she realized what a fool she was to think someone like Del would
ever want to date a Borg. Seven had to get away; she didn't want Del to
know how much her rejection hurt her. She wondered if Del even wanted to
still be friends.
"I have to go," Seven murmured, bolting from her chair.
Del was quicker and managed to stop Seven just short of the door.
"Wait," she cried, "what's wrong?"
"I must return to my Cargo Bay," Seven stated, her voice as cold as Del
had ever heard it.
Del could sense the pain rolling off Seven in waves despite her stoic
demeanor. It finally penetrated. Seven had thought this was a date and
wanted it to be. Del wanted to jump up and down with joy. Realizing what
the problem was and what Seven probably thought Del could have kicked
herself for misreading the situation and making a mess of things.
Del reached out and placed her hands on Seven's shoulders refusing to
remove them even when Seven tried to pull away. "Listen to me Seven. I
wasn't honest with you just a minute ago…I did mean what I said when I
left Astrometrics… I wanted it to be a date. I thought you were
uncomfortable with the idea so… I lied," Del admitted.
Seven's head came up and she met Del's eyes staring into them trying to
read the truth in them. "You did?" she asked timidly, afraid to believe.
"Yes, I did. I'm so sorry. I would be proud to be on a date with you."
"You would?" Seven questioned, just a hint of hope in her voice.
"Yes, I would. Del reassured her then trying to convey her sincerity she
wrapped her arms around Seven and pulled her into a gentle hug.
Seven's body exploded in sensation. She had only ever been hugged once
that she was aware of. When she had first been separated from the
Collective she had demanded to be returned. Captain Janeway had briefly
hugged her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders from behind. This was
nothing like that.
Her body surged without her permission against Del. The feel of Del's
body against hers caused a cascade of sensations she had never felt
before. She instinctively wrapped her arms around Del's waist and tried
to press them closer together.
"Easy," Del whispered in Seven's ear as she softly stroked her back. She
was quite aware of Seven's emotions and did not want to pull away and
take the chance that Seven would think she was rejecting her. She let
the hug go on for several minutes before finally releasing Seven.
Seven looked at Del as they drew apart her eyes wide, she whimpered
slightly when Del broke the contact between their bodies. Del reached
out and gently cupped Seven's cheek. Seven leaned eagerly into the
touch. Del wanted so badly to accept the unconscious invitation she saw
in Seven's eyes and taste her sweet lips but she knew it was too soon.
She eased back a little further from Seven but kept her hand on her
cheek stroking it softly with her thumb.
"Okay now?" she asked quietly.
Seven nodded, still too overcome by the feeling of being in Del's arms
to speak.
Del led Seven over to the couch and urged her to sit down. "We need to
talk," she insisted. "Tell me what was going on earlier? If you wanted
it to be a date why were you so quiet and seemed to be so uncomfortable?
Seven looked down not wanting to meet Del's eyes. Del was having none of
that. Reaching out, she placed her fingers under Seven's chin and tilted
her head up until their eyes met. "Why Seven?"
"I was not sure how to act. The Doctor's dating lessons made no sense.
What he described as your 'typical date' was what our regular
interaction were like. I thought a date would be very different and
didn't want to behave inappropriately. Because then you wouldn't want to
date me again," Seven confided.
"Oh Seven…our previous evenings together were much better than most
dates I've been on," Del assured. "You don't have to worry about that."
Seven's implant over her eye rose in question.
"Okay, let me see if I can explain this..." Del took a deep breath. "The
difference between two friends spending time together having dinner,
conversation etc. and two people doing the same thing and it being a
date are their expectations. Two friends have no expectations of it ever
being anything more than enjoying time with a friend. When two people
are on a date there's a hopeful prospect that it will develop into
something deeper, beyond friendship. An anticipation… that they will
fall in love and make a life together. Do you understand the
difference?"
Seven thought for several moments then smiled. "You wish this…prospect
with me?"
Del wondered just how much to tell Seven. She didn't want to scare her
off but she had never been anything but totally honest in answering her
questions up until now. "Yes, Seven, I do. You're a very intelligent,
intriguing and beautiful woman. I enjoy our time together and I have
developed feelings for you."
"Feelings?" Seven asked, wanting to make sure she understood correctly.
"I care for you more than I do someone who is just a friend and I'm
attracted to you…sexually attracted," Del clarified, trying to brace
herself for Seven's reaction.
Seven wasn't prepared for the intensity of the emotion that surged
through her at Del's revelation. "I have developed feelings…for you as
well but I am uncertain. I have never been attracted to someone before
so am unsure of what I am experiencing. I only know I feel for you
things I have never felt for anyone before. I wonder what you are doing
when we are not together. I am happiest when we are together. I long for
you to touch me and when you do I feel a strange tingling sensation
travel through me. Is this sexual attraction?" Seven asked innocently.
Del wanted so badly to tell Seven yes what she was feeling was
attraction but knew she couldn't. "I can't tell you that Seven. That's
something you have to decide for yourself. You haven't had a lot of
experience so it may just be feelings of friendship you're feeling for
me. I know you've never had a real friend before. I think what we need
to do is just take things slow and see how they go.
"We can go along just like we have been and see how things develop. See
if your feelings get stronger for me or if you realize as you develop
other friendships that what you feel for me is just as a friend."
"Can we still date?" Seven asked eagerly, only hearing what she wanted
to, that she might indeed have sexual feelings for Del. She was pretty
sure she did. Del made her feel like no one else ever had but she was
willing to follow Del's lead and be cautious.
Del laughed happily. "Yes, Seven, we are going to date."
* * * * *
They spent the rest of the evening talking about dating and the rituals
involved with it. When the evening was over Seven was looking forward to
experiencing her first good night kiss.
Del fought to keep the grin off her face as they approached the door to
her quarters. Seven was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Good night, Seven," she said, leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss
on Seven's cheek. Del couldn't help it; she smirked at Seven's unknowing
pout. She leaned forward a second time and gently brushed her lips over
Seven's. Del wasn't prepared for the swift flash of arousal that
streaked straight down between her legs from the simple, almost chaste,
kiss.
Seven was in even worse straits never having experienced anything like
the sensations Del's lips brushing over hers caused. She gulped
convulsively and felt dizzy wondering if her implants were
malfunctioning.
Del opened her eyes to see Seven staring into space with a blissful look
on her face. "Good night, Seven," Del repeated.
Seven's eyes finally focused on Del's face and she struggled to regain
her composure. She knew she was supposed to leave now but was having
trouble getting her legs to cooperate.
"Good night, Del," she said, finally managing to turn and stumble out
the door.
As the door swooshed shut a joyous laugh burst out before Del could stop
it. Her first official date with Seven had turned out better than she
had ever hoped for. She quickly sobered hoping Seven really understood
what dating meant and that her sense of Seven's emotions toward her were
accurate and not wishful thinking on her part.