The Play's the Thing

Part 3
 

Janeway wasn’t sure what to expect from her Astrometrics officer after that conversation, but was still completely unprepared for what she got.

Seven acted as if nothing had changed between them.

She was as cool as ever, as competent as ever, questioning orders when she disagreed with them, following them efficiently otherwise. The only thing Janeway could consider out of the ordinary was her polite declination to engage in their usual game of Velocity. But as Seven was busy catching up with work that had accumulated while she was trapped in the holodeck, it may well have been a legitimate excuse.

Janeway, on the other hand, found herself growing more restless every day. She slept poorly, alternating between insomnia and disturbing dreams of her time in the holodeck. Her patience was in short supply, and the second time she snapped at Chakotay over a relatively minor matter, he looked at her curiously.

"Something bothering you, Captain?"

She put a hand on his arm apologetically. "No, I’m just a bit tired, Chakotay. I’ve been experiencing some insomnia, and I think it’s starting to get to me."

"Maybe a visit to the doctor would be in order," he said.

"I think a glass of warm milk and a good book would be far more soothing," she said wryly. "But thanks anyway."

"Why don’t you take off early today, Kathryn?" her commander suggested. "There’s nothing much going on and I can easily cover for you."

"That might be a good idea," she agreed wearily. "I’ll take you up on it just as soon as I run these schematics down to Engineering."

"I can do that," he offered.

"No, I could use the exercise. And B’Elanna mentioned wanting to talk to me anyway."

But when she arrived on Deck 11, her chief engineer didn’t look very happy to see her. "Oh, Captain, you’re here."

Janeway’s brows rose. "You said you wanted to talk to me."

"Yes, but I was planning to drop by after…well, I guess it doesn’t matter." She glanced over her shoulder to where Crewman Boylan stood monitoring a nearby console. "Uh, can we go to my office? It’s a bit more private."

"Of course."

Once in her office, B’Elanna seemed even more ill at ease. "I appreciate your coming to see me, Captain. I was planning to stop by the bridge after my shift…"

"Well, I saved you a trip," Janeway said. "Now, was there something you needed to discuss?"

The engineer sighed. "You know I don’t usually meddle in other people’s business, Captain."

"A wise philosophy, Lieutenant."

"Yes, well…." She hesitated so long that Janeway grew impatient.

"B’Elanna, why don’t you just tell me what’s on your mind?"

"I’m worried about Seven, Captain," the Klingon blurted.

Janeway frowned. "You’re worried about her?"

"Yes, I think something’s bothering her."

Janeway kept her voice unemotional. "Then I think the person you ought to be talking to is her."

"I tried to, Captain," B’Elanna replied. "She says she doesn’t want to discuss it."

Janeway crossed her arms and leaned back. "Then perhaps you should respect that."

"But anyone can see she’s obviously unhappy!" B’Elanna said with irritation. "And you know Seven, Captain. She’ll retreat and overwork till she does some kind of damage to herself."

"If you are that worried about her, Lieutenant, I would think Commander Chakotay would be the logical person to talk to."

"Normally I would approach him about a personnel matter," B’Elanna agreed, looking uncomfortable once more. "But I decided to talk to you because…well, because you’re what’s bothering her!"

"I beg your pardon?"

A lesser person might have quailed at the sudden ice in Janeway’s tone. Fortunately, B’Elanna’s half-Klingon physiology gave her a higher body temperature, and her human side was blessed with an uncommon stubbornness.

"She’s told me a little about what went on in the holodeck, Captain," she said. "It’s been nearly a week and I think Seven’s still trying to deal with what happened to her there."

Janeway’s gaze was a blue-gray laser. "I had no idea you were such a confidant of hers, Lieutenant."

B’Elanna shrugged. "It’s true we were pretty antagonistic to each other in the beginning," she said, carefully lining up the PADDs on her desk. "But things have changed. I think we’ve developed…a mutual respect. In fact," she cleared her throat, "I consider her a friend, Captain. And I believe she’s experiencing some residual effects, ones that she’s not dealing with."

"That may be true, Lieutenant," Janeway said. "But that doesn’t necessarily mean it involves me. And while I appreciate your concern for a fellow crewmember, it certainly doesn’t involve you!"

"Yes, ma’am." B’Elanna said, after a pause.

"Was there anything else?"

"No, ma’am." The chief engineer’s face was impassive.

"Good. I’ll be in my quarters for the rest of the afternoon if you need me."

After she left, B’Elanna grabbed the gravel-filled ball she kept on her desk for that very purpose, and crushed it in frustration. "BlyuD!" she growled, telling Kathryn Janeway in Klingon what she hadn’t been able to do in English – that she was lying to herself.

She hadn’t admitted the extent of her knowledge to the Captain, but she was well aware of the cause of Seven’s unhappiness. She’d suspected for some time that Capt. Janeway held deeper feelings for the Astrometrics officer, feelings she kept sternly in check. When Seven described their interaction in the holodeck, and the Captain’s reactions afterward, B’Elanna guessed that the shuttles had finally come home to dock. Janeway, no longer able to deny her feelings for the former Borg, was doing everything she could to push her away. And it was making Seven miserable.

Seven herself appeared at that very moment, as if conjured by B’Elanna’s thoughts.

"You just missed her," the engineer said sourly, and described her unsuccessful attempt at approaching the captain.

"You should not have done that," the blond woman said, her brow furrowing.

"Oh, don’t worry. I didn’t give everything away. I was just hoping to hear…I don’t know…some indication of her plans. But she pretty much told me to mind my own business."

"Perhaps I should assume the type of child-like state I was in under the virus," Seven mused. "The captain seemed to prefer dealing with that individual."

"Don’t you dare!" B’Elanna said, coming around to lean against the front of her desk. "Janeway’s confused enough as it is."

"But she expressed affection more readily to that Seven," the Borg pointed out.

"You may have roused her protective instincts, but if there’s one thing you don’t need, it’s her thinking of you as a child," B’Elanna said emphatically. "Things are uncomfortable enough without introducing that aspect into it."

Seven’s head tilted. "Are you referring to the human proscription against mating with children? I am well aware of that tradition, Lt. Torres. Ninety-four point four percent of the species the Borg have assimilated have similar prohibitions."

"Well, I’m glad to hear it. I just meant that the captain’s probably feeling guilty about her attraction to begin with, and we don’t need another complicating factor."

Seven nodded. "That is very good advice, B’Elanna. I would not have expected someone with your judgement to be so perceptive about human emotion."

"My judgement?" B’Elanna bristled. "What’s wrong with my judgement?!"

"Your selection of Lt. Paris as a romantic partner calls that into question," Seven replied.

B’Elanna resisted the urge to belt the former Borg, and tried to remember how concerned she was about her welfare. "I think you’re doing the right thing, playing it cool," the Klingon said, changing the subject. "From what I hear, and from what I just saw, the captain is starting to feel the strain."

"I have no wish to cause her unhappiness," Seven said. "My actions are simply because I have no other choice than to wait. I cannot force her to care for me if she does not."

B’Elanna put her hand on the other woman’s shoulder sympathetically. "Oh, she cares for you all right. It’s just a matter of whether it will be enough to overcome her fear."

~~~~~~~

Janeway was more disturbed by B’Elanna’s words than she wanted to admit. Seven had been politely distant to her ever since the night they had shared dinner, but she was obviously confiding in Lt. Torres. Janeway felt a stab of jealousy, then dismissed it as ridiculous. She was truly glad that Seven was finding friends among the crew, many of whom had originally distrusted the former Borg. But she wasn’t sure exactly how much soul-baring Seven had done, and she hated the thought that her love life might be a subject of discussion.

‘If it could be called a love life,’ she thought moodily. The brief affair with Michael had proven highly unsatisfactory. ‘A hologram…I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that there wasn’t much substance to him.’

‘There’s a lot of substance to Seven,’ her traitorous inner voice whispered, and Janeway sighed. She missed her. She missed their Velocity games, she missed the challenging conversations they shared, she missed the opportunities she used to enjoy watching Seven develop into the fascinating person she was becoming. It was extremely troubling to know that Seven no longer felt free to relate to her in the same way as before. That special relationship, one that had come to mean so much to Kathryn Janeway, was now out of reach. It hurt more than she could’ve imagined.

Alone in her room, she replicated a glass of wine and called up a favorite sonata. But relaxation seemed unlikely – all she could think about was Seven. Being a woman of action, it was difficult for her to leave a problem unresolved, and it seemed to her that the situation with Seven had gone on long enough.

"Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in Cargo Bay Two."

It was too early for her to be regenerating, so Janeway decided to pay her a visit. She found the former Borg entering schematics in a PADD. Technically her shift had ended but she was still at work, and B’Elanna’s words about her overworking came back to mind. Seven’s expression at seeing the captain was as aloof as ever.

"Did you need my assistance?" she asked politely.

"No…I thought I might talk with you," Janeway said. "But if you’re busy…"

"I am not."

"You shouldn’t be working on your off-duty time."

"I am simply compensating for a period of non-work activity during my regular shift. I spoke with Lt. Torres for 34 minutes over a personal matter."

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about that," Janeway said, glad that Seven had raised the topic. "She mentioned that something was bothering you, and that the something was me! I’m not sure what you told her, but I don’t relish the thought of being responsible for your unhappiness."

The implant above Seven’s eye rose. "Lt. Torres is conjecturing. I merely related what happened to us in the holodeck."

"But was she speaking the truth? Are you unhappy because of me?"

The younger woman turned back to her PADD. "Is there a specific reason you wanted to speak with me, Captain?"

"Seven, don’t do that. Don’t shut me out." She stepped closer to the Borg and reached out to touch her arm. "I’m sorry I’ve been so clumsy over this. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you." Seven didn’t answer. "If it’s any consolation, I’m not feeling very cheerful myself."

"Then why do you continue in your present course?" Seven asked, looking up. "Why do you not do what will make us both happier?"

"Which is?"

"Allow us to express our feelings for each other."

Janeway sighed. "Oh Seven, how can you even be sure of your feelings? You have no experience with this kind of thing. I know, I know," holding up her hand, "you’ve assimilated the experiences of thousands of species. But that’s not the same thing as experiencing it yourself! I feel like I’m taking advantage of a juvenile here."

Seven put the PADD down and moved closer to the captain. "I will not gain personal experience until I engage in a personal relationship," she said reasonably. "However, I have been assured that there are other crewmembers who would be willing to help me."

Janeway frowned. "Oh? And just who told you that?"

"Lt. Torres."

"B’Elanna has a big mouth," Janeway growled, detesting the thought of Seven with anyone else. Anyone else but her. Closing her eyes briefly, she came to an abrupt decision. When she opened them again her whole demeanor had changed. From the way Seven’s eyes widened, it was clear she could sense it too.

Janeway reached up to run her hand slowly along Seven’s left cheek, rubbing the pad of her thumb gently over the classically defined cheekbone and down past her ear, curving her fingers around the back of Seven’s neck. The Borg stiffened slightly. "Captain?" she asked hesitantly.

She drew the younger woman slowly toward her. "I’m going to hate myself for this," she murmured, and Seven could feel the other woman’s breath against her lips. "But I’m damned if I’ll let anyone else teach you how to kiss." Seven willingly let her head be pulled lower.

"Close your eyes," Janeway whispered. "And let your other senses take over." Seven complied, closing her eyes, her hands instinctively raising to clutch the captain’s shoulders for balance. She expected to feel the captain’s lips against her own, but the first brush of sensation wasn’t against her mouth. It was the tip of Janeway’s nose, rubbing lightly against hers, bringing her attention to the scent of the auburn-haired woman in front of her. The captain wasn’t wearing perfume, but she gave off a slightly spicy scent which Seven’s nanoprobe-enhanced sense of smell detected easily.

Then there was the feel of Janeway’s left hand, spanning Seven’s ribcage and then settling on her waist. The fingers were warm and lingering, and circling around to the Borg’s lower back and pulling their bodies firmly closer. As she felt the length of Janeway’s body against her, Seven could feel her awareness expanding like a star going nova. Blood was rising to the surface everywhere beneath her skin – in the nerves tingling at her nape under Janeway’s clasp, in her breasts where they pressed up against the captain, and in the entire lower half of her body, which was growing more heated by the second.

And finally, there was the feel of Janeway’s mouth, soft and warm against her own. Seven had not expected the gentle nibbling which preceded the kiss, and drew back slightly in surprise.

"Relax, Seven," came the captain’s whisper, made even huskier by emotion. "I’ve waited a long time for this moment…and I intend to savor it." Then her mouth was back, pressing a bit more insistently, encouraging Seven’s own mouth to soften and open slightly. Janeway was clearly experienced at this, her lips coaxing an unexpected sound from the younger woman’s throat, and causing her hands to drop from Janeway’s shoulders to clasp the smaller woman’s hips and pull her even closer. Suppressing a groan of her own, Janeway allowed the tip of her tongue to snake out and slide over the Borg’s full lips.

The effect on Seven was electric. Janeway was literally swept off her feet as she felt Seven’s grip on her bottom tighten, and she was lifted up to bring her mouth even closer. Seven’s own tongue made an exploratory caress, which Kathryn rewarded by nipping the Borg’s lower lip lightly with her teeth. The breathing of both women became increasingly labored as the kisses intensified.

Finally Janeway pulled back to slow things down. "My goodness, you’re a fast learner," she gasped.

"It was sufficient?" Seven asked, looking pleased.

Janeway laughed, a sound that sent a tingle down Seven’s spine. "Any more sufficient and I’m not sure I could walk," she said. "By the way, you can let me down now."

Reluctantly, the Astrometrics officer loosened her hold. "I like kissing," she pronounced.

"It has its moments," Janeway agreed with a smile.

"It is hard to imagine that copulation will be even more pleasurable."

Janeway felt her knees grow weak again. "Was that a rhetorical statement?"

Seven looked puzzled. "Kissing is part of what is known as ‘foreplay.’ And foreplay is a prelude to copulation. Is that not correct?"

Janeway took a deep breath. "Kissing can be a part of foreplay," she replied in a low voice. "But it is an act that can mean many things. On Earth, kissing is used to express affection, as a greeting and a farewell, or for purely ceremonial purposes. It doesn’t always lead to copulation, Seven."

The blond woman was silent for a long time. "I do not believe that kiss was ceremonial," she said at last.

The captain’s laugh was tinged with embarrassment. "No, you’re right," she said. "It was the kind of kiss that usually leads to lovemaking." She noticed the Borg’s eyes light up and held up her hand. "Hold on, Seven. We’re not going to make love."

The younger woman considered that. "We are going to make love," she said with her customary certainty, albeit softer than usual. "The only unknown factor is how long you will ‘hold out.’"

Janeway, expecting to deal with anger or disappointment, was left speechless. Eventually she managed, "I’m not sure I like the influence B’Elanna has on you."

"I do not require B’Elanna’s assistance to know that we care for each other," Seven said. "Or to recognize that I desire you." Her arms tightened again. "Do you hesitate because of my Borg physiology? I know that some find my implants distasteful."

Seven’s voice was without inflection, but Janeway sensed what the statement had cost her. "Of course not!" she said immediately. She placed her palm against the metallic star in Seven’s cheek and looked directly into that cobalt gaze. "People sometimes fear the unknown, Seven. But I have always thought you were very attractive, even when I didn’t want to admit it to myself. It’s more than your beauty – it’s your intelligence and your courage and your heart. Your implants are simply a part of who you are." She sighed and leaned against the taller woman. "Can we go to my cabin? The cargo bay is not the best place for this discussion."

"That would be acceptable." Seven replied evenly, as they moved towards the cargo bay exit. "I look forward to continuing the ‘foreplay.’"

Janeway froze in her tracks and turned back to face Seven, feeling a tingle when she saw the determination and budding desire in the blond’s eyes.

"I…" she hesitated, suddenly feeling that things were moving far too quickly and were slipping out of her control. She cleared her throat. "Let’s just get to my quarters okay?"

But as the doors slid open they nearly collided with B’Elanna, who was on her way in. "Excuse me, Captain! Seven, I was just coming to see you."

"Do you require something, Lieutenant?"

"No, I was just on my way to the mess hall, and wondered if you wanted to join me." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she noted the air of tension between the two women.

"I am unable to comply at this time," Seven replied politely. "Capt. Janeway and I are about to engage in discussion in her quarters."

Janeway nodded coolly to B’Elanna and began heading for the turbolift. But the captain winced inwardly at Seven’s phrasing. Didn’t the Borg ever teach their drones the value of evasive maneuvers?

"Oh really?" came the engineer’s casual question as she fell into step behind them. "Well, I’ll keep you company on the way, then."

The captain grit her teeth, but obviously could not object to B’Elanna accompanying them. It made the journey more difficult, however, when all Janeway could think about was the kiss she and Seven had just shared, and what an energetic lover the younger woman would make. She suppressed a shiver, all too aware of the Klingon’s sharp-eyed and knowledgeable gaze.

"Well, Seven, have you fully recovered from your holodeck experience?"

Janeway knew this was partly aimed at her, but she waited patiently for the Astrometrics officer to answer.

"I am operating within normal parameters, thank you, Lieutenant."

"Well, we have the Captain to thank for that. She was certainly worried about you!"

Janeway wondered why she had never before noticed how endless the corridor was. From the corner of her eye she saw Seven’s suddenly interested glance fix on the Klingon.

"She expressed worry?"

"Are you kidding? She was ready to storm the holodeck! She insisted on doing the rescue single-handedly, and if we hadn’t gotten you out, the Genn planet would probably be a meteoroid by now."

"Lt. Torres is exaggerating," Janeway said as they entered the turbolift. She sent B’Elanna a quelling look as she continued. "I was naturally concerned over the fate of both you and Naomi, but no more than was the rest of Voyager’s crew."

"Nevertheless, I am…touched by your concern, Captain. And I believe I have not yet thanked you for rescuing me," Seven said softly. The look she sent Janeway was very warm, and the captain found herself flushing slightly.

"You’re welcome," she muttered.

"So, what are you going to be discussing?" B’Elanna asked blithely from over their shoulders. Seven turned around to speak, but Janeway interrupted, unsure of how truthfully the Borg would feel compelled to answer.

"I’m sure the lieutenant is joking, Seven. She knows better than to get involved in matters which are none of her business." Fortunately, the turbolift doors opened onto Deck Three at that moment. "Enjoy your meal, Lieutenant," Janeway said dryly, as she and Seven stepped out.

"Thanks, Captain. You too," was B’Elanna’s mischievous comment right before the doors closed. Seven had to grab hold of Janeway’s arm to restrain her from getting back into the turbolift. The significance behind B’Elanna’s remark was lost on her, but she did recognize the slight smirk on the engineer’s face as being provoking.

Once in her quarters, Janeway attempted to resume their conversation. "Seven, I think we need to slow this down a bit."

"Very well. I believe you wanted to express your reservations?"

Janeway had to smile at the Borg’s politely raised brow. "I know that you think my ‘reservations’ are the only barrier to us…to our…to the logical conclusion of that kiss, Seven," she finished hastily. "But that’s only because your inexperience prevents you from really seeing where this could lead."

"Ah." The blond nodded in comprehension. "And that is what you fear."

"What are you talking about?" Janeway frowned.

"You are afraid of the possibility of a more intimate relationship," Seven answered. "And you believe that avoiding copulation with me will prevent that."

"What?"

The younger woman moved closer and slipped her arms around Janeway’s waist. Ironically, her voice and manner were as though she was comforting the captain. "It is useful for you to behave as though it is my welfare that concerns you. But I believe you are afraid for your own sake. Perhaps because of your lack of success in this area?"

Angrily, Janeway attempted to pull away. "If you doubt my concern for your welfare, I’m surprised you still want to sleep with me! And what the hell do you mean, my ‘lack of success’ in that area?!"

Seven’s arms were gentle, but she refused to release her. "I do not doubt your concern for me," she said quietly. "But it would be understandable if you were fearful for your own sake. After all, your past relationships have ended in loss."

Janeway was silenced by the unexpectedness of that. She didn’t know whether to be glad or resentful that Seven’s hold on her was warm and unyielding. "Someone’s been gossiping, I see," she said, intending to sound cutting, but sounding rather shaken instead.

"Lt. Torres has told me about Justin and Mark," Seven admitted. "And I have heard other crewmembers refer to your father’s death as well." She lowered her head to place her lips against Janeway’s brow. "It disturbs me to hear of your unhappiness," she said.

Janeway closed her eyes and leaned against Seven. The strength she could feel in that voluptuous body was very comforting. "It happened a long time ago," she said. "I’ve recovered and moved on." But had she? She could go on pretending, as Seven had pointed out, that she was only trying to protect the younger woman from getting hurt. Or she could admit that Seven was an adult who might actually know her own heart and mind best. An individual who, while naïve in some ways, was also incredibly wise in others, and whom she shouldn’t be trying to shield from life’s vagaries in any case. ‘At some point, Kathryn Janeway,’ she said to herself, ‘you’re going to have to take a chance again.’ She gazed up into the beautiful blue eyes that were regarding her with such tenderness. ‘And now seems like a damn good time.’ She smiled up at the taller woman and stepped back out of the shelter of her arms. This time Seven let her go. She took hold of the Borg’s hand and led her to the bedroom, where they sat down on the edge of the mattress. "You are sure about this, Seven?"

"Yes, Captain."

"You’d better call me Kathryn, I think. In spite of what you may have heard, I don’t expect to be addressed by rank in bed."

Seven looked puzzled.

"It was joke, Seven."

"Yes, Kathryn," she said obediently, willing to accept Janeway’s definition of humor even if she didn’t get it.

Janeway chuckled and slipped her arms around the Borg. "Never mind. Non-verbal communication at this point may be more useful anyway." She leaned in for another kiss, pleased when Seven responded immediately. She instructed the computer to lower the lights and began to unfasten the opening to Seven’s biosuit at the nape of her neck, when she felt the Borg stiffen slightly. "Are you nervous, sweetheart?"

"I believe my raised blood pressure and gastric discomfort can be partly attributed to that emotion," Seven admitted. "But I am also experiencing what I am certain is arousal."

"We can stop at any time," Janeway said reassuringly. "If I’m doing anything that makes you uncomfortable, let me know." She moved over onto the bed, pulling Seven to lay down beside her. Propping her head up on her hand, she reached out with the other to undo the twist in Seven’s hair, letting its golden glory spread out onto the pillow and running her fingers through the silky strands. She gently stroked the Borg’s scalp with her fingertips and felt Seven begin to relax.

"When I was a young girl living on earth," Janeway began in a low voice, "my sister Phoebe and I were encouraged to play out-of-doors as often as possible." When Seven looked inquiring, she added, "It was part of the Traditionalist upbringing." She gently tucked a strand of hair behind Seven’s ear and let her fingertip outline its shell-like contour. As her finger trailed down the line of Seven’s jaw, she noted the slight flush appearing under the fair complexion of the Borg’s cheek. "One day, after a misty rain had passed over our farm house, we noticed a glorious rainbow highlighted against a nearby hill. That’s when Phoebe told me about the pot of gold the leprechauns have buried at the place where a rainbow touches the earth."

The captain’s fingertips had by this time journeyed leisurely down Seven’s throat, and were delicately tracing the collarbones beneath her formfitting biosuit. From there her hand swept down to gently cup a full breast, causing Seven’s eyes to widen and her chest’s rise and fall to quicken. With her index finger Janeway circled Seven’s nipple, then ran lightly over and over the hardening protrusion with her fingertip. "Are you familiar with leprechauns, my darling? And the legend of their pot of gold?" Those blue-gray eyes looked inquiringly into Seven’s, seemingly intent only on the story she was telling. But the slight smile on her lips told another story entirely.

"I am familiar with the mythological beings of Earth legend," Seven managed with difficulty.

"I thought you might be," Janeway said with satisfaction. Her hand moved leisurely over to the younger woman’s other breast, where her fingers began their subtle torment once more. "Well, being the adventurous child I was, I was determined to find that pot of gold. Phoebe was less convinced of the urgency of our quest, but I was able to talk her into it." Janeway’s hand began a slow descent, fingertips memorizing each rib, neither hesitating nor rushing over the feel of Seven’s abdominal implants, till they rested on the sensitive skin of her hipbone. "We set out that very moment, without even telling our mother we were leaving. The rainbow appeared so close to us, I was sure we would be back with our treasure before supper time."

Janeway’s hand was now only inches away from Seven’s mons, her arm lying across Seven’s lower abdomen, and the Borg could feel her blood flow to that area increasing. She braced herself for the next move of Kathryn’s hand.

"It seemed as if we walked for days," came the captain’s husky voice. "And that beautiful rainbow, shining right before us against the trees, seemed to get farther and farther away with each step." Janeway’s hand finally began to stir, but to Seven’s surprise, did not continue its downward path. Instead she grasped Seven’s left wrist, lifting the Borg’s hand with it metallic mesh to her lips for a kiss. Then she brought Seven’s hand to her chest, where Seven could clearly feel the strong beat of Janeway’s heart. "Phoebe wanted to turn back several times, but I was too stubborn to give up."

"I must admit that does not surprise me," Seven said in a low voice.

Janeway’s smile flashed white in the dim light. "I must’ve developed that character trait early," she agreed. She moved Seven’s hand till it rested over her right breast, and smiled again at the other woman’s intake of breath. "Finally, though, it began to get darker. And with the dusk, the rainbow disappeared. I had to admit defeat and we started back home." Janeway began to press Seven’s hand against her breast, closing her eyes briefly as the Borg took up the movement, using her fingertips to stimulate the captain’s rapidly stiffening nipple. Suddenly Janeway sat up, removing first her tunic and then the thin sweater beneath it. She lay back down and brought Seven’s hand to the lacy white cup of her brassiere.

"We were halfway home when my dog Bramble came running up to us. Across the field was my mother…she had come out with Bramble to track us down. I knew then that we were in trouble."

"She was worried about you," Seven whispered, fascinated by the sight and feel of Kathryn’s breast beneath her hand.

"Yes, she was worried all right. I tried to explain what we were looking for, but I could tell by her expression and posture that she was upset, although she didn’t say anything at all on that long walk home." Janeway took Seven’s hand and placed it over the fastening of her bra. "Take it off, please," she requested, the only acknowledgement of what they were doing. Seven complied eagerly. Her nervousness seemed to disappear as she concentrated on her task. The sight of Kathryn’s beautifully shaped breasts with their coral-tinted nipples was enough to take her breath away. She reached forward without any prompting to gently cup each firm mound, marveling at their softness and the way they rose to her touch.

"Well, I was miserable." Janeway’s voice was becoming more breathless as well, testament to the effect the Borg was having on her. "Not only had I not found my treasure, but I was also in trouble. Mom waited till after dinner, then asked us, ‘Do you know why what you did was so foolish?’" The captain reached down to slip out of her trousers and panties, leaving her lying fully nude next to the still-dressed Seven. "I answered, ‘Because we didn’t let you know where we were going?’ She nodded, then asked, ‘What else?’"

Janeway lifted her arms and linked them around the Borg’s neck. She nuzzled Seven’s ear, and continued in a whisper. "And I replied, ‘Because we were so busy we stayed out too late?’ And she again asked, ‘What else?’ Well, I couldn’t think of anything after that, and neither could Phoebe. And then mom said, 'Because you went out looking for something you could never find, and ignored what you already had. Katie, Phoebe – the rainbow is the treasure. Don’t ever forget that.’" She pressed her body up against Seven’s, causing the Borg to tremble slightly.

"Seven?" Janeway murmured. "Whatever happens tonight – that’s my pot of gold. Getting to know you, experiencing your friendship – that’s my rainbow. I will always be grateful for that." She placed a very sweet kiss against the corner of Seven’s mouth.

"Kathryn?" Seven’s voice cracked slightly. "I wish to undress now."

Janeway’s pulse leapt in response, but she remembered to use restraint. She drew the biosuit off slowly, unwrapping her lover like a precious gift. When Seven was finally naked, Janeway simply looked at her. "You’re beautiful," she said softly.

Seven didn’t reply. While her self-image would be forever scarred by the Borg’s mutilations and the subsequent implants, she seemed to accept that Janeway was sincere in her admiration. "I find the sight of you…arousing, Kathryn," she said at last. "May we proceed to the next stage of foreplay?"

Janeway couldn’t help but smile at Seven’s formal phrasing, but she vowed to make the younger woman lose her habitual control before the night was over. "Stage two, coming up," she said. She resumed their kissing and caressing, trying not to lose control herself at the feel of Seven’s voluptuous flesh pressing against her. Seven was no longer shy, returning both kisses and caresses freely. Janeway reached for one of Seven’s breasts and began sucking on the nipple, causing half-articulated exhalations to issue from her. After awhile she turned her attention to the other breast, and was pleased to feel Seven start to undulate against her.

"Kathryn," the former Borg gasped. "There is a sensation…I am not certain how to proceed…"

"Yes, darling?" Janeway whispered sympathetically. "What is it?"

"I believe I require assistance…in my—"

"Hold on, let me see," Janeway murmured, interrupting whatever clinical term the Astrometrics officer would’ve used. She reached down with gentle fingers. "Oh my. You’re very wet, Seven. Do you ache…right here?"

"Ache…ye-es," It was nearly a groan.

"I can help you with that, darling." Janeway kissed her way down Seven’s body till she reached the triangle of dark gold where her thighs met. She planted kisses all over the silky hair, pleased at the way Seven’s body lifted in response to the press of her lips. Carefully parting her thighs, Janeway used her tongue in careful strokes on the quivering flesh beneath her. The taste and smell of Seven was intoxicating, and Janeway leisurely explored every slippery fold. The gasps and moans coming from the blond woman indicated that she was enjoying the sensation, but then,

"Kathryn?"

Janeway lifted her head, but continued to stroke Seven with her fingers. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Your actions are causing the…ache…to increase."

Janeway’s husky laugh was sexiness personified. "Don’t worry, darling, I’ll make it all better…starting right now." She lowered her head once again, but concentrated her attention on the sensitive knot at the apex of Seven’s nether lips, laving it with her tongue. The tension in Seven’s body increased and her hips began a subtle thrusting motion. As she neared her climax, the sounds coming from her were indistinguishable, except for one drawn-out cry.

"Kaaathryyynn!"

Hearing Seven’s excitement nearly sent Janeway over the edge. She continued to lick and suckle until Seven’s shudders subsided into an occasional tremble. Then she moved up to hold the younger woman, who was wearing an expression of quiet wonder.

"I believe I now understand the attraction of copulation," Seven said shakily.

Janeway chuckled. "We’re going to have to expand your bedroom vocabulary, my darling."

Seven looked at her, eyebrow raised. "I would like to…’make love’ to you now," she said. "Is that satisfactory?"

"The description is just fine. As for the lovemaking, well I won’t be able to judge that till after…oh!" Janeway’s teasing remark was cut short as Seven pushed her down and covered her mouth with a kiss. After making love to Seven, Janeway was already quite aroused. So it was exquisite torment when the former Borg proceeded to touch and taste in a very exploratory manner – as much intrigued as stimulated by Janeway’s body and its passionate responses.

"Seven, put your finger inside of me…please."

Seven did, and her eyes grew half-lidded. "The sensation of heat is extraordinary," she whispered.

"Stroke me, please," Janeway gasped.

Seven began a slow movement in and out. "Kathryn," her voice was hoarse, "you are wonderfully lubricated." She marveled at how the sensation of being inside Kathryn, along with her lover’s undulating body, was arousing her all over again.

"More." It was a moan, and Seven was not sure whether another finger or an increase in speed was being requested. She provided both. When Kathryn moaned again in encouragement, Seven added a third finger. Once it was slick with moisture, she inserted it carefully into the tighter rosebud opening below Kathryn’s sheath. Her research had indicated this area to be erogenous to some individuals, although she was unsure if the captain was one of those.

The auburn-haired woman shuddered as that long slender invader slipped gently into her. "Oh God," she groaned. Seven shivered in turn. Kathryn’s reactions definitely indicated pleasure. Contractions were building slowly in the yielding flesh surrounding her fingers, and she recognized the echo of her own earlier orgasm. She lowered her full lips onto the tiny organ which Kathryn had demonstrated was the root of such delightful sensations, and was gratified at the sudden clenching that followed.

"Yes, please…don’t stop, Seven…" Janeway’s voice was a ragged plea. Seven found herself growling deep in her throat and becoming even more urgent in her movements. Janeway threw her head back and came with a long groan, the waves of her climax pulsing through her body like an electrical storm.

She lay so still afterwards that Seven felt a touch of alarm. "Kathryn? Are you all right?"

Janeway’s smile was blissful. "I haven’t felt this good in…" she paused. "I don’t even remember. You’ve turned my brain to mush, darling. Along with every muscle in my body."

"Indeed?" Seven frowned slightly. "Does that mean we will not be engaging in more lovemaking?"

Janeway groaned. "Give me some time to recover, Seven. You have youth and a Borg-enhanced physiology on your side. What do I have on mine?"

"Deprivation?"

Janeway raised her head indignantly, then noticed the glimmer of mischief on the blond woman’s face. "Seven! Are you teasing me?" The Borg’s lips quirked, but she did not answer. The captain regained energy enough to pounce on the woman next to her. She was delighted to discover that, as she had always suspected, Seven was definitely ticklish.

~~~~~~~

Standing in the passageway outside the holodeck, Janeway checked her chronometer and frowned. It was not like Seven to be late. The captain mentioned that she had missed their usual Velocity matches, so Seven had finally agreed to meet with her. But it was the appointed hour of their scheduled game, and Seven was nowhere to be seen.

"Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is currently in Holodeck Two."

‘Ah, she’s probably trying to get in some extra practice,’ Janeway thought with a smile. She entered the holodeck, but instead of a Velocity court was surprised to see what looked like the Forest of Forever. Could it be another virus? She frowned at the uneasy memories the setting evoked. Just then, Seven stepped out from behind a tree. She was dressed in her Velocity outfit and carrying two phasers.

"Kathryn. Are you ready for our game?" She handed Janeway one of the phasers.

"I thought I was. But you don’t intend to play Velocity here, do you?"

"When I agreed to meet with you, I was not thinking specifically of Velocity," Seven said.

"No?" Janeway was mystified. "Then what did you have in mind?"

"I thought perhaps we could find something positive in the Genn’s gift, and test your newfound ability to ‘play.’" There was a glint in the Borg’s blue gaze.

"Oh, the Genn gave me something positive, all right," said the captain softly. "They brought me you."

Seven smiled outright. "That is a beautiful thing to say, Kathryn. It illustrates your new openness perfectly. As will this game." With that, Seven raised the toy phaser she was holding and directed a stream of water at Janeway, which the older woman only partially managed to avoid by ducking.

"Why, you little devil!" Janeway spluttered, wiping moisture from her face and neck. "So you want to play, do you? Well, you’ll discover you’re playing with fire!" She lifted her own weapon for a shot, but Seven dodged it and took cover behind a tree.

"You taught me how to build a fire," Seven called back. "It will be interesting to see if I can extinguish it."

"More likely get your fingers singed," Janeway threatened, taking her own position behind a nearby bush. "You’re not a child this time, Seven. So don’t expect me to hold back when I catch you."

"I will not hold back either, Kathryn. If you catch me!" Seven turned and ran, letting loose tiny shrieks of excitement very reminiscent of the last time they had occupied the holodeck. Janeway grinned gleefully.

"Oh, I’ll catch you all right," she promised, laughing as she took up pursuit. "And then the games will really begin!"
 

The End