Sorry this has taken so long. I have recently moved back to California and
switched from an Apple clone to a PC so this all had to be reformatted. Hope
you enjoy.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns them I am borrowing them for a moment not for
profit venture.
Captain Janeway had been bewildered to find Lt. Tri in communication with
Chief after dismissing the rest of her officers. It seemed rather
unnecessary
considering it would only take them a matter of minutes to reach Tas
quarters, unless....
Nik sat up abruptly after the import of Tri's message registered. The sudden
movement disturbed Tas who responded by gently trailing her hand across her
abdomen; a gesture that normally would have her squirm with pleasure; but,
on this occasion made her realize how totally unprepared they both were for
guests.
"Tri, do you think you could delay your arrival slightly, at least?"
Tri looked up to find Kathryn looking at her curiously and decided it would
be
impossible to divert the Captain, "Negative, Tri out"
The Captain was startled when Chakotay requested her presence on the
bridge as she and Tri had prepared to leave the Ready Room. Giving Tri a
questioning look over both her communication and what was requiring her
presence on the Bridge. She left for the Bridge Tri following right behind
her.
It had taken some effort on Nik's part and then on Tas' part to get them out
of bed and moving in the proper direction mainly on account of the fact
both of
them were very easily distracted from the task of getting up and properly
dressed by the others presence. If they did not find a way to circumvent
this
they would both end up being habitually late for duty shifts the rest of
their
lives, an idea which made Nik smile completely; although, smiling in such a
manner still felt a little odd. She again double checked to make sure her
hair was covering the marks on her neck once again wishing she had a dermal
regenerator on her; yet, this had shown her one way in which long hair was
more efficient as the current burst of explicatives Tas was uttering more
than
proved. The dismay she felt at seeing Tas'clothed form leave en suite was a
normal occurrence for her although after their separation it felt sharper
than
usual almost painful. But, given the circumstances, she realized a certain
relief they had managed to at least dress before Captain Janeway's and
Tri's arrival. It was obvious by the amount of time which had passed
that
Somehow Tri had managed to divert the Captain. Tri, Nik thought wistfully
I
am
going to owe her so many favors. It was at that moment she felt the ship
resume warp speed and wondered why and how long they had been out of
warp and shook her head once again in amazement at the ease with which
her bond mate could distract her. Tas looked over at Nik with a passionate
intent causing Nik to blush more than slightly. Reaching over Nik gently
stroked Tas neck before pulling up on her collar silently apologizing. Tas
grinned self consciously and said softly, "Sorry, about my verbal
outburstearlier, I just do not understand why Nanoprobes can't....I love you
and
definitely enjoyed how...Well you know....". Tas let the the sentence finish
in
her mind.
It was times like these when Tas and her were their own collective of two
that
she felt all the regrets of having been raised by the Borg completely
vanished.
Although, Nik thought ruefully it could be a little embarrassing as she felt
her
body react strongly to Tas' unspoken thoughts.
Mor grabbed Qel by his forearm as they followed the boisterous group down
the corridor and asked him if he was at least going to inform Tas of this
latest
development. Qel grinned the evil smile Mor knew so well and actually found
quite invigorating and she had her answer.
Janeway walked next to Tri and Naomi enjoying the friendly banter between
them and the rest of the group. The slight delay in allowing the shuttle to
dock
seemed well worth the interruption and it was with some surprise she found
herself outside what had previously been Lt. Torres' quarters so engrossed
in
the playful banter her brain had not even registered the trip.
Leaning over Tas gave Nik a quick kiss on her cheek and reassuring hug after
the door had chimed alerting them of someone requesting entry. Tas could
feel her bond mates nervousness reverberate within her and reached out with
her mind to help calm her loves fears and requested the door to open.
Tas felt her world spin on its axis once again and wondered what happened to
that inner reserve and strength that held her in such good stead as a
Captain.
There in the doorway larger than life stood her mother and father she was
also dimly aware of the fact that others were with them; but, she seemed
unable to focus beyond her mother. One look at her mother's face told her
she
was in trouble, serious trouble. Nik heard her bond mate softly say in her
mind well at least their could not be any more big surprises and Nik
trembled as the phrase famous last words passed through her mind.
Captain Janeway stared at the tableau in front of her surprised to see a
look of
panic in Captain Tas' eyes. Her mind began running through as many
plausible and implausible reasons and courses of action before what had only
been a moment was broken as Tas' mother, Cue, swept her daughter
into a
big hug then turned and gave Chief one also. Janeway was awed to
comprehend that the beautiful blonde that had been sitting so relaxed on the
couch was indeed the young woman she had known as Seven of Nine.
Cue sat down pulling Nik and Tas down on either side of her on the couch.
Turning towards her daughter Cue smiled knowingly at her.
"So my dear did you really believe I really would not find out after all I
am your mother."
"We were going to let you know the minute returned home on leave, mom I
swear."
"Well, I told you last time you were home that we approved", Cue smiled at
her bond mate of 30 years before looking at Nik also with loving affection.
"So", Tas asked nervously, "You are not upset?"
"Well I was not amused when Mau, you know her she and I worked together a
couple of years ago, congratulated me on my daughter's bonding. I think
she
was trying to stir up trouble she was always like that. Perhaps she took
the
fact I was not invited to this special event to mean that I did not
approve. Well, anyway even though I tried to cover my shock she
picked up
on it and filled me in on all the details with great self satisfaction. It
seems she was on a layover at the station during her last vacation. So are
you going to show
me or are you going to keep the old woman waiting."
Captain Janeway listened to the ongoing narrative with a growing feeling
of
dread. She realized she had believed even after hearing of Seven's change of
name and her rank of Captain that she would be returning to the Alpha
Quadrant with them. It was becoming painfully obvious that Seven had bonds
here in the Delta Quadrant that would prevent that.
Tas sighed and arched an eyebrow at Nik who tilted her head slightly in the
manner which allowed Tas to know it was her decision. It took several
moments to remove their uniform jackets in order to show the mark of their
joining. As a result the marks on Tas' neck became quite evident ; however,
everyone present was polite enough not to comment at the moment.
Captain Janeway found herself both disturbed and slightly intrigued by what
was
obviously the marks caused by assimilation tubes on both of their neck's.
Those thoughts were quickly superseded by the white noise in her mind when
she focused on the women's arms.
Kathryn Janeway's carefully maintained control had completely crumbled
after seeing the tattoo on Chief's arm. She had already seen the matching
one on Tas' arm earlier during her stay on Voyager and had even commented
on the stark beauty of the design which seemed almost Borg in origin. The
meaning of the marks was apparent to her every time the two young Captains
eyes met the passion between them absolutely made the air between them
crackle. She was jolted out of her revelry by someone placing a gentle hand
on her shoulder. She glimpsed over quickly to see Tri staring at her
intently
with friendly concern in her eyes giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Part
of
her wanted to shrug the offending hand off the red stripe of command;
however, the human part of herself which she usually kept buried deep
underneath the professional captain vitally needed this very human contact
and relished in it.
For the first time since entering Cue's bond mate Eke spoke up, "They
are quite beautiful, and I also want to state my approval. However, I do
hope
for your mother's sake Tas...."
Tas interrupted her father, "Dad, we have already discussed this",
glancing
at
Nik lovingly, "and once we are home the plan is to go through the full
ceremony, that is mom if you would help with the arrangements"
Kathryn was surprised to find her whole body relaxing into the friendly
contact from Tri and started as her commbadge chirped.
"Captain, here"
"Yes Captain, this is Neelix I was wondering when you and our guests would
be arriving. Everyone here is getting quite anxious".
Captain Janeway looked quizzically at the women sitting on the couch.
Tas immediately stood and replied, "I see no reason we can not join the
festivities immediately. If that is acceptable to everyone?"
Chief spoke quietly as everyone prepared to leave, "Actually if I could
speak
privately with Naomi for a moment and Captain Janeway could you remain a
minute also, please?", finally meeting the Captain's gaze for the first time
since she had entered the quarters.
Captain Janeway watched as Seven, Chief her mind chided her, knelt down in
front of Naomi and talked quietly to the young girl after everyone else had
left
for the Mess Hall. It had taken a supreme effort on her part to not
eavesdrop
and tried to appear nonchalant as she inspected Tas' quarters. Naomi
seemed surprised by what ever she was being told; yet, in a very happy
excited way. Naomi could not believe what Nik was telling her. Nik had
seemed so apprehensive and nervous about upsetting her which was a little
confusing. She would have to think about that later. A sister, Naomi had
never
been so joyful and practically ran out of the room to find Puma the one
person
Nik had given her permission to tell. Hearing Nik's familiar cry of no
running
in the corridors as she dashed out.
"So a Captain, Congratulations Chief"
"Thank you, Captain Janeway"
Both women walked slowly in tense silence, although Kathryn noticed
looking
over at Chief her former crewmember actually seemed more relaxed now than
she ever had been on Voyager. Janeway had no idea even where to begin and
was grateful when Chief broke the silence between them.
"Captain Janeway, I wanted a moment to talk to you alone before the
gathering in the mess hall. I had planned on informing you of my
relationship
with Tas before it became public knowledge; regretfully, I was unable to do
so.
You were the most important person in my life during my time on Voyager and
if I have one sorrow about my bonding it is that you were not there with me.
This maybe presumptuous of me to say; yet, I feel it is necessary to inform
you that......... My emotions concerning you were always very convoluted.
Part of me until the day I left resented your decision to sever my link to
the
Collective although I have come to greatly appreciate that decision and my
appreciation grows daily. A part of me looked to you as my mentor,
commander and friend. And a part of me loved you as more than a friend a
fact
which caused much guilt and confusion for me. I hope I have not offended
you.
But, I needed to let you know this. You began the healing of my soul and I
will
always be grateful and love you for that."
Janeway listened to Chief with growing astonishment surprised to find many
sentiments stated mirrored her own. She also was constantly tied into knots
over the convoluted feelings she had for the woman who had been Seven.
Although, she never regretted her decision to sever the young woman's link
from the Collective she could comprehend Chief's point to a certain extent.
She had loved Seven as a friend, as her pupil, and sometimes when she was
not in complete control as even more than a friend. And those moments would
fill her with guilt. She looked at this woman and realized she did not know
the young Captain next to her; but, was looking forward to getting to know
her.
After what seemed to Chief as agonizing long time Kathryn finally responded.
"Captain, I also regret not being present at such an important moment in
your
life and since I believe crew protocol no longer applies why don't you call
me
Kathryn. We seem to have an overabundance of Captains on board at the
moment. I am unable to tell you how I felt about you when you were on board.
I do know that when the shuttle exploded a part of me died."
Chief looked at Kathryn clearly startled, "I am sorry I caused you such
pain. It
seemed the logical course of action at the time. And Kathryn please call me
Nik"
Nik, Janeway's mind raced. Tas' pregnancy came to the forefront of
her
mind and she was about to offer her congratulations when both her commbadge
and Nik's wrist communicator chirped simultaneously. Both messages were
basically the same they needed to get to the Mess Hall immediately. Eke was
trying to kill the Doctor and although that was an impossibility a serious
diplomatic situation was developing.
Just moments ago in the Mess Hall.
The Doctor entered the festivities late due to his research into Tas'
pregnancy. Research which had brought him to a startling conclusion.
Although the gathered crew was boisterous there seemed a certain edginess as
they awaited the guests of honor unsure of what to expect. Naomi managed to
catch up with Puma and the rest outside of the Mess Hall. Pulling Puma aside
she waited until the rest of the adults entered to whisper the good news to
Puma. For some reason Naomi realized Puma did not seem as happy as she was.
It took a moment for her to realize that perhaps Puma was jealous. Was that
what Nik had been concerned about? Naomi grabbed Puma by the hand and giving
her a friendly smile they entered the Mess Hall together.
Once again the arrival of Naomi with Puma in tow caused complete bedlam.
Almost drowning out the occurrence between the Doctor and Tas. Tas was
furious and mortally embarrassed when within earshot of her parents and
several other people he quite clearly declared that he was the father of her
child. A child she had yet to inform her parents about hoping to wait until
it was just immediate family to share that news.