Third Watch

It takes a special personality type to withstand the rigors of life in deep space. For extended periods of time, one must be able to thrive in a restricted space. Gravity is artificial. Food and drink are subject to the whims of a replicator unit. And those are easy things to cope with.

No matter what the time, there is no day or night, no warmth nor change in season. Instead, there is a void, intense cold and profound darkness. It is not the darkness of an unlit room. The inky blackness invasive, silently creeping into a person's soul until suddenly one realizes that there is an internal frost that cannot be ignored. Even the passing stars fail to make a difference, merely calling attention to the darkness rather than diminishing it.

Reports of poor concentration and difficulty making decisions, insomnia, decreased appetite and low energy levels are the first clinical symptoms. Twenty-fifth century physicians called this reaction to deep space a dysthymic disorder. We simply referred to it as Space Chill.

Late twentieth century Terrans identified a condition referred to as SAD, the acronym for Seasonal Acquired Depression. Compared to the depression association with Space Chill, SAD was a walk around the holodeck.

It was said that those unlucky enough to suffer from the disorder often reported that they felt like each of their metabolic systems were shutting down, as if they were aware of their own impending death. Others claimed to hear voices calling them to their doom. In acts of desperation, those that were unable to pull out of this emotional tailspin often attempted suicide. Some were successful.

There are new treatments available; hyposprays that prevent serotonin levels from plummeting and photo-therapy that mimics the natural rhythm of a planet rotating around its sun.

With this in mind, unless there is a need to route energy elsewhere, we keep the ship's corridor lighting at maximum illumination. It is no accident that every starship coming out of the yards at Utopia Planetia contains pre-set holographic programs of planetary life; lush gardens, coastal settings, anything that can even for a few minutes, help you forget the bleakness of space.

For the most part, individuals that merely suspected they would succumb to the melancholy of deep space wisely sought out professions that would keep them on a planet's surface. And Starfleet Academy tests everyone, culling out the applicants that show even a minimal pre-disposition toward Space Chill.

Unfortunately, those tests never entertained the possibility that given the wrong set of circumstances an entire lifetime might be spent on a starship. That was something we were dealing with and I worried, sometimes to the point of obsession, about my crew's ability to handle prolonged space travel. It was the very reason I insisted that whenever possible, we find an "M" class planet and spend time on its surface. And the holographic EMH kept a close watch on the crew, monitoring brain chemistries as well as ingrams that might suggest the onset of the disorder.

For me, space was an object of great beauty. Except for the lengthy period we spent traversing the void, I reveled in it, took comfort from it. From my earliest recollections, it was my home, it's own siren's song called to me. Tales of interplanetary travel were my bedtime stories. Even after I was told to turn the lights off and go to sleep, I couldn't stop. Hiding books under my bed covers. I read by flashlight. Holographic images of nebulae, charts of star systems, images of 22nd and 23rd century starships covered the walls of my room. My father encouraged me. My mother worried.

But even I had my own demons to deal with. Not a day passed without my being reminded that my actions and my decisions alone were responsible for stranding us in the Delta quadrant. I had to face the facts that should we be successful, should Voyager return to the Alpha quadrant, my crew would come back to find loved ones gone or dramatically different from when they left, that so much time would have passed as to render them all strangers.

When I thought about this, the guilt would crash down on me. Most times, I was successful in my ability to push it aside. But when I least expected it, something would trigger it and it would taunt me, reminding me of my culpability. It is a little easier for me now. When I feel the mantle of responsibility turning into a noose, I turn to Seven of Nine, once the Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01, now my partner, friend, and lover. With one look, she can tell when I am overwhelmed by guilt. Without saying a word, she holds me in her arms and doesn't let go of me until the anxiety and the dread have passed. There is a sense of comfort and safety, of her allowing me to just be a person instead of a Captain. And I trust her enough to allow her to see the vulnerable side of me.

Like all other Federation starships, Voyager employs three 8-hour shifts per twenty-four hour period. Most of the time, my senior staff is available during Alpha shift, the period of time that would be the equivalent of 07:00 to 15:00. Of course, situations often occurred that would require changes and we were all ready and willing to assist others on different shifts. The three-shift model was an anachronism, a throwback to Earth time, with Alpha being somewhat analogous to morning, full of sunny skies and fresh energy.

But whether it is Alpha, Beta or Gamma shift, in space there is no difference.

Most of the members of my crew have no trouble adapting to a three-shift rotation. It is effortless for them to sleep when their shifts are over, to exercise at 0300 hours or to substitute breakfast for dinner. Some even thrive on the change, looking forward to breaking up the hours of their day.

Day.

Even I find myself using words that had no meaning in space.

Of course, I was not among the lucky ones, the ones that can adapt to shift rotation without so much as an extra yawn. I can bounce back and forth easily between Alpha and Beta shifts it's just that I'm not quite myself while on Gamma. I'm sure it becomes more obvious to my senior staff, especially when I meet with them after coming off Gamma. I have no doubt that I'm surlier than when I start my day with Alpha shift.

Having spent over four years sharing the bridge, Chakotay noticed the change in my demeanor and whenever possible, kept me off Gamma shift. If anyone else noticed this, they didn't have the temerity say so.

It's 0330 hours, middle of Gamma shift and all is quiet on the bridge. We've recently encountered the Vardwahr, one of the more aggressive species in the Delta quadrant. Most of my staff has been working round the clock to repair the damages associated with that meeting. So, despite all Chakotay's creative scheduling, I've pulled Gamma. The bridge is usually staffed with a skeleton crew during Gamma shift. Because of that, there is no mindless chatter about Captain Proton from Tom or long-range sensor reports from Harry. There are no insightful comments peppered with irrefutable logic from Tuvok and Chakotay's seat is empty.

Dear Chakotay.

Despite his hulking size, he is a gentle man. Seeking inspiration from his ancestors, he clings to ancient Native American customs, proudly wearing the tribal tattoo of his family.

There was a list of people that thought we would end up in a relationship. He was, no doubt, at the forefront of that list. But despite numerous overtures, it never came to pass. I felt not even the slightest twinge of interest, no sexual tension. Nothing. For a while, I thought that I was past caring, that I didn't need to get that close to anyone. It is very apparent that I was wrong. I doubt that even Chakotay could have predicted that I would fall in love with an ex-Borg drone.

With all that has transpired, I'm lucky that I can still count on him as a friend.

The last communication from Vorik in Engineering reported that the warp core was back on-line and functioning normally. I made a mental note to commend B'Elanna on her amazing ability to motivate her crew. Even when it looked like repairs would take forever, they managed to do it with incredible speed.

And there is Seven, asleep in our quarters. In my mind's eye, I have visions of her lying there, her normally severe bun loose, blond hair cascading on her pillow. Her pale skin is nearly iridescent in the dark, her lips parted ever so slightly in sleep, her breathing soft and even. My guess is that she's probably wearing pajamas, the midnight blue satin pair that I recently replicated for her. Of course, when I'm there, she does not wear them.

She is no longer part of the Borg collective. She is part of mine.

It is nearly impossible for me not to think about her when I'm on duty so I've stopped trying. Those few seconds that bring her clearly into focus are like breaths of fresh air to me.

There were no signs of any other vessels approaching, no sub-space anomalies and nothing to put us in imminent danger. This temporary respite allowed me to catch up on the day-to-day reports that had a way of accumulating on my desk.

The doors to the bridge slid open and Neelix, our resident Talaxian appeared holding a thermos of coffee. Depending upon the circumstance, he was ship's cook, ambassador or morale officer.

"Thought you might like a refresher, Captain." He volunteered. "I was working on a new recipe for leola root stew and thought I'd drop by."

It was no secret that I was addicted to coffee. It would be silly to deny it. Everyone knew that I drank a lot of it and I can't even begin to imagine how irritated I would be if I had to be on Gamma without it. I thanked him for thinking of me and began to review B'Elanna's status report, materials management for the Engineering section of an intrepid-class starship.

Suddenly, my PADD blinked, the screen went blank and for a second, I thought I'd accidentally deleted B'Elanna's report. Instead, a very familiar face appeared, the timestamp of 0030 hours at the left corner of the screen.

"It is very lonely in our bed, Kathryn.

I love you. - Seven"

"And I, you." I whispered, even though she couldn't hear me.

Then B'Elanna's report reappeared.

She was full of surprises, this ex-Borg drone of mine. Despite her claims to the contrary, she was warm and tender, and more than able to communicate her feelings to me. She entered the message just before she went to sleep, knowing that sooner or later, I would find her note.

I will admit that as our relationship solidified, I worried about how the crew would react. Seven assured me that they knew I wouldn't mix the professional with the personal.

Tom was the only one to test this. That shouldn't come as a surprise. I knew what I was getting when I had him bailed out of jail to pilot Voyager. Despite his blatant disregard for rules and regulations, his often overtly juvenile behavior, he was among the best pilots in the galaxy.

I was meeting with my staff, trying to determine the safest, most efficient approach to handle a plasma leak in the right front nacelle. Tom disagreed with my plan and turned to Seven.

"Seven, can you use your influence over the Captain and convince her that my suggestion is the way to go."

Without so much as a look in my direction, she stated, coolly "While we are on duty, my relationship with the Captain has no bearing on ship-related issues. I cannot tell her to change her way of thinking.

She paused before adding, "Even if it is in error."

Then she briefly glanced in my direction, making eye contact for a mere fraction of a nano-second, her ocular implant hitching up. And she favored me with that incredibly quick, nearly imperceptible nod of her head.

Subtle.

She could be so incredibly subtle.

I ended up re-thinking my decision and agreed to a different plan of action.

Despite the wondrous intensity of our new found relationship, I had no misguided beliefs that Seven would suddenly begin to agree with everything I said or did. She hadn't in the past and I doubted that love would change that. Truth be told, it would be a considerable loss to me to not have her unique perspective. Her thought processes were, for the most part, unencumbered by emotional baggage, her impressions based on fact and fact alone. The one significant difference was that now she waited for the staff to leave my Ready Room in order to question my actions in private. Subtlety and tact - I am truly amazed at how far she's come since I severed her from the Borg collective.

By the time I finished the carafe of coffee and reviewed personnel reports from Chakotay and Tuvok's security briefings it was 0700. Chakotay relieved me and I hurried to our quarters, hoping to catch a few moments with Seven. As I exited the Turbo lift, she stepped on. Damn, I thought to myself.

"Captain." She acknowledged, her head tilted to one side, the slightest upward turn of a smile played on her lips.

"Seven."

She was wearing her plum colored bio-suit, one of my favorites. For an instant, I wanted to pull rank, remove her from duty and spend the day with her. I couldn't bring myself to act so selfishly, at least, not this time. Even I doubted my ability to follow Starfleet protocol all of the time.

As the turbo lift door slid shut, I heard her voice.

"Please do not make dinner plans, Kathryn."

I wondered what she had up her skin-tight sleeve.

It usually took some time for me to wind down after coming off Gamma shift. This morning was no exception. I took a hot bath and soaked for nearly an hour, hoping that would ready me for bed. Still wide awake, I programmed some quiet music, mostly Mozart and Bach, some Vulcan chants for good measure. I had to agree with Seven. The bed now seemed entirely too large when one of us was missing. It took several symphonies before I finally felt my muscles relax and I was able to close my eyes. I rolled onto my side, pulled Seven's pillow next to me and hugged it. Admittedly, it was a lousy substitute for the real thing.

The chirp of my COMM badge jolted me out of the first moments of sleep and it took me a while to re-orient myself to my location, the date, the time.

"Chakotay to Captain Janeway."

"Yes, Commander. What is it?"

It was my belief that once I referred to him by rank instead of name, he would know that I was not pleased to have my sleep interrupted.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Captain but there's a fast-approaching ion storm heading in our direction. If we change course settings, we should be able to out-run it."

"Do that. Keep me posted. Janeway out."

I felt certain that my curt response would ensure my not being interrupted again.

I was wrong.

There's no logic in the formation of ion storms. One moment everything is calm, the next moment there's absolute chaos. Calculations of speed and direction are based on where the storm came from. But an ion storm heading in one direction could halt and reverse itself or it could suddenly veer off to one side and speed up. Projections for it future path are just that.

Projections.

Apparently, this ion storm was equally unpredictable. It sped up, overtook us and then matched our course and speed, as if it had a mind of it's own. Within moments, inertial dampeners went off-line, tossing Voyager to and fro. I woke up on the floor, right after I hit my forehead on the night table. Clearly, I was not going to get back to sleep. It was time to get dressed and return to the bridge. I touched my COMM badge.

"Janeway to Chakotay."

"Chakotay here, Captain."

"Other than the obvious problem with the inertial dampeners, what's our status?"

I'll admit I was sarcastic. But, my head hurt and I had to press a towel over my eye to staunch the flow of blood.

"Our shields have dropped to 82% but they are holding. The warp engines are still on-line. Voyager has sustained light to moderate damage on decks 4, 6, and 7 and there are small fissures on the hull near deck 10. The EMH reports minor bumps and bruises."

He also informed me that Seven was busy scanning for a star system that might provide us with some protection, a place to ride out the storm.

"Just get us out of this." I growled.

With less than two hours sleep and a gash over my right brow, I re-joined my crew on the bridge. Admittedly, it wasn't a pretty sight.

"Shouldn't you have the doctor look at that, Captain?" Harry asked, his face aghast when he looked at the deep purple bump.

I thanked him for his concern and assured him that I would do that just as soon as the situation stabilized.

Despite the fact that the inertial dampeners were back, the storm continued to batter us. With fissures near deck 10 threatening to cause a hull breach, I ordered all non-essential power re-routed to the shields. And I was just about to hail Seven when the door to the bridge slid open.

Right on cue, I thought to myself.

Her enhanced Borg vision immediately took note of my bruise and I could see concern register on her normally impassive face.

"I'm fine, Seven." I said, softly.

Her ocular implant rose, suggesting disbelief on her part.

"It would seem otherwise." She mumbled, just loud enough for me to hear.

Ignoring that comment, I asked for an update.

"I was able to locate a system, Captain. Traveling at warp 6, we can reach the G'mar system in approximately 6.2 minutes. It is a binary star system, with three planets and two planetoids. Telemetry readings indicate one class "H", one class "N" and one class "K."

That meant were had our choice of everything from a silicate surface with variable atmospheric conditions to a geologically active planet whose surface was composed entirely of water.

"The class "H" has low levels of breathable oxygen and some flatlands. There are indications of seismic activity." She continued. "It is not the safest environment, but given our situation, it is the logical choice."

According to her information, Voyager could land easily and we could compensate for any atmospheric variables. With the ion storm wreaking havoc on the ship, I gave Tom the order to plot course headings for the class "H" planet and finally took my seat. Instead of returning to Astrometrics, Seven moved to the workstation directly behind me. I have to admit that I like it when she is nearby.

Then, I overheard Seven hailing the EMH, requesting that he come to the bridge as soon as he was able.

"Bring a dermal regenerator with you, doctor." She added.

What could I say?

Don't worry about me?

Don't care about me?

Even though she acted on her own accord I couldn't be angry with her. I would have done the exact same thing had she been injured. This was all new to me, the notion that someone was taking care of me, looking after my best interest.

After bucking and rolling for another five minutes, we finally broke free of the storm and entered the G'mar system. I ordered a condition blue and gave Tom the order to land us on the planet surface.

We flew through incredibly dense cloud formations, finally breaking through it to reveal turquoise skies, red-hued mountains and extraordinary blue-green fields. Compared to the bumpy ride, the landing was smooth and uneventful, something we were all grateful for. No sooner had we come to a complete stop than the doctor materialized. I held up a hand, asking that he wait for a moment. Then, I requested that my senior staff assess the damages and meet me in my Ready Room in fifteen minutes.

Once that was done, I allowed the EMH to examine me. He took a medical tricorder reading and when he was satisfied that it was just a bad bruise, he used the dermal regenerator to heal my forehead. All the time, I could sense Seven behind me, silently watching as he treated me.

"No sign of concussion but you might consider taking it easy, Captain."

Easy.

Right.

No problem, I thought to myself.

I thanked him, looked over my shoulder and caught Seven trying to look busy. When I entered my Ready Room, she was following a few steps behind me. The door slid shut and I ordered it locked, using a personal security code. I heard her exhale.

"Come here." I ordered.

Well, actually, it was more of a request.

She approached cautiously, not sure if I was angry with her for contacting the EMH without my permission. When I walked into her arms, she knew better.

"Are you alright, Kathryn?"

I assured her that I was. How could I not be? Her strong arms held me close enough for me to feel her heart beating against mine. It was a delicious sensation.

She pressed her lips up against my forehead.

"Is that a kiss to make it better?" I teased.

She backed away a bit, huge blue eyes searching my face.

"I do not possess that ability."

"Of course you do." I stated as my comment was met by a blank stare.

"Elaborate."

"Kissing a bump or bruise is an Earth custom. It is based on the belief that love heals all." I said, watching as the words registered.

"In that case…."

And she placed the softest of kisses on my brow.

"We only have a few moments before the meeting." I whispered, moving even closer to her. It felt so good to relax in her arms. I'm not sure who benefited more from the experience, Seven or me. It hardly mattered.

"I missed you last night, Kathryn." She said softly, burying her face in my neck.

"Not nearly as much as I missed you. And, I loved the message you sent me." I responded and I could feel her lips move, forming a smile.

When my door chimed, we both groaned.

"Later." I promised, as I gently eased myself out of her loving embrace.

Seven took a seat at the table and I uttered the code that would unlock the door, bidding my staff to enter.

Within moments, everyone was present and accounted for. I took the empty chair next to Seven and listened.

"There is a minor plasma leak in the warp core. It is contained and we're not in any immediate danger. The warp engines should be operational in 36 hours." B'Elanna reported. "We'll need to re-calibrate the sensor arrays, too."

"Although we are on relatively level ground, there is considerable seismic activity in the nearby vicinity. We will need to be careful about traveling too far from Voyager. There is enough breathable oxygen to warrant our not having to wear environmental suits." Harry reported. "But the oxygen levels are considerably lower than we're used to."

"The only serious side effect is that some members of the crew will tire easily. Of course, given a few days, your bodies will compensate by producing additional red blood cells." The EMH noted. "So, that shouldn't be a problem. All of the injured have been treated in Sick Bay and released. None of the injuries were even remotely life-threatening."

I thanked him and looked to Tuvok.

"Sensors indicate no signs of humanoid life. There are no buildings, no machines, no signs of any technology. Our readings do indicate the presence of a wide variety of insects and an abundance of small reptilian animals."

"Great!" B'Elanna commented, sarcastically. "Bugs and snakes. My favorite!"

Tuvok quirked an eyebrow and continued his report.

"Nevertheless, vegetation is abundant and unless there are toxic or hyper-allergenic species we should not be in any danger. Sensor readings also suggest the presence of small mammals. There are a number of rodents with thin, ferret-like bodies just outside the ship. We've also sighted something akin to wild boar. In addition, there is a large body of water nearby and an extensive number of underground tunnels."

"Anything else." I asked.

"Yes, Captain. I am somewhat concerned that we have discovered an unexplained energy reading emanating from the planet core. It does not appear to be harmful, possibly the result of tectonic shifts. We will continue to examine it."

Tom reported that there were decent sized deposits of dilithium crystals and other usable minerals. I asked Chakotay to designate an away team, appropriate members of the crew that could assess the planet surface.

If all went well, I would allow the crew some R&R. Of course, that would only happen after repairs were completed.

Chakotay assigned B'Elanna, Harry, Ensign Wildman, Neelix, Tuvok and a security team to be the first to venture onto the planet surface. He also asked Seven to be part of that team. Whatever plans she had for dinner were going to be postponed.Sending an away team on a mission used to be a little easier.

Like most captains, I worried when part of my crew was away from the ship. For Voyager, small groups of people, hand-picked for their talents, were routinely sent off to explore unknown planets, to search for the raw materials or the technology that would keep us on course toward the Alpha quadrant. Sometimes, I would stay on the bridge, attempting to make small talk with whoever happened to be on duty. Other times, I would hole up in my Ready Room, holding my breath until I was notified of their safe return. It was a helpless feeling, knowing that members of my crew were no longer seconds away, that at any moment, some unforeseen force could put them directly in harm's way. I was loathe to admit that the powerlessness of the situation took up residence in my brain, niggling away at my peace of mind while I worried and wondered and waited.

Now, sending a team away was that much harder.

Not only did I continue to fret about my crew but, but when she was a member of the away team, I agonized over Seven's safety. The last thing I wanted to deal with was losing her, not after it took me a lifetime to find her.

Fortunately, this mission was very successful, not much difficulty to note and no harm done. Having spent time carefully examining the immediate area, the team wisely returned once G'mar's two suns began to set. Normally on the anemic side, Neelix came back wheezing and a bit red-faced but no one else seemed bothered by the low oxygen. The Doctor administered a tri-ox compound and he was good as new, happily chattering about the edible greens and herbs he discovered. B'Elanna found the stores of dilithium would be easily accessible and planned to take another away team to their location in the morning. While chasing after one of the tiny rodents, Ensign Wildman caught her foot on a vine. Easily freed, she was none the worse for it. With her usual Borg-like precision, Seven examined the seismic activity, charted the immediate region for future exploration and managed to download eighty giga-quads of data for future study.

And I exhaled.

I awoke at 0255 to find Seven sitting up in bed, her head tilted to one side as if she were listening to someone or something. Now that she no longer had to regenerate in her alcove, she was subject to dreams just like anyone else. Most of the time her dreams were benign and easily forgotten but on rare occasions her subconscious state revisited to the Borg collective. She would thrash about, wake up sweaty, her body trembling. When that happened, it often took hours to calm her. I would wrap myself around her, gently stroke her back and shoulders, murmur words of love softly in her ear. But this was different.

"Did you just hear a voice, Kathryn?"

I sat up, put my arm around her naked shoulder and I listened. Other than the hum of the ship's engines, nothing sounded even remotely out of the ordinary.

"No, my love. I don't hear anything." I answered.

"Curious. Something woke me up."

"Were you dreaming?" I asked as I lay back, pulling her down with me.

She told me she didn't remember anything else. Laying her head on my shoulder, she draped her leg over mine, her arm across my waist and she fell asleep instantly, leaving me to wonder which one of us had been dreaming.

When she awoke the following morning, Seven was her usual self, wanting to snuggle with me until the very last possible moment, kissing me good-bye with unBorg-like passion. I put the middle of the night incident out of my mind and headed to the bridge. I was surprised to learn that the ion storm did not budge at all, it's strength intensifying. But it was far enough in the upper ionosphere to no longer be a threat to us. One thing was certain, until it was gone, Voyager was staying put. Repairs were continuing as scheduled and it looked like after a three-month stretch without R&R, we would finally be able to remedy that situation.

After our shifts were finished, Seven and I had time to play Velocity. I have to admit that watching her move around in a sleeveless tank top threw off my concentration. I came in contact with the wall one several occasions because I was loathe to take my eyes off her. She smiled when I told her what caused my loss of focus. Yet even with that distraction, I pummeled her, beating her in straight sets.

Admittedly, she seemed rather preoccupied but when I questioned her about it, she told me that I beat her fair and square.

We spent a quiet evening in our quarters. With a light meal, good music and no interruptions, I was a very happy Captain. I programmed some music and stretched out on the couch, holo-novel in hand, my head in Seven's lap while she pored over her PADD, reviewing some of her findings. One of her hands rested lightly on my shoulder and she would occasionally run her fingers through my hair, then gently trail a finger along my neck. This was my idea of heaven.

At 22:00 hours, I sat up and without saying a word took Seven by the hand, leading her toward our bed. When I looked at her, she tilted her head and the slightest of smiles played on her lips.

"Resistance is futile." I intoned, attempting to duplicate the flat, Borg-like threat.

"Indeed."

After yet another night of Seven tossing and turning, I was almost grateful when the chronometer signaled the start of our day. I was in Engineering, listening to B'Elanna's warp drive update when my COMM chirped, the EMH hailing me.

"Janeway here, Doctor."

"Can you come to Sick Bay, Captain? It's Seven.

I excused myself and hurried out of Engineering. When the doors to Sick Bay slid open, I found my Borg stretched out on a bio-bed, a small neural monitor applied to her neck, the EMH performing a series of scans.

"What's going on?" I rushed to her side, took her hand in mine.

"I believe that I am experiencing auditory hallucinations, Captain."

She said it so calmly that it took me a few seconds to comprehend her words.

"Seven is hearing voices again." The Doctor said.

"Only one voice." She corrected him, the slightest bit of an edge creeping into her voice.

Having spent her entire life aboard one space vessel or another, I quickly discounted the possibility that she was succumbing to Space Chill.

"The ion storm?" I asked, wondering if all of the magnetically charged particles might be the cause.

"I've checked and re-checked her cortical implants. They are functioning well within normal parameters. No problems with the calibrations, all of her Borg circuitry is working appropriately."

"A Borg vinculum?" I suggested, remembering how that tiny piece of technology caused her personality to fragment. We watched her transform from human to Klingon to Ferengi and back, each time Seven surfaced for shorter and shorter periods until we thought we would lose her. It was an extraordinarily frightening experience and certainly one I hoped we would not have to deal with again.

"I have completed a number of scans the region. There are no signs of the Borg, no trans-warp signatures, no vinculum. Nothing"

I could sense her frustration as well as her fear.

While I stood there, the Doctor performed a number of additional auditory exams, each time determining that nothing was registering, that the source of this voice was internal.

"What are you hearing, Seven? Is it snippets of conversation? A warning?"

"It is a cry for help, Kathryn. The message is repeated over and over."

"A male voice or female voice?" I continued.

"I am aware of it being more like a thought than an actual voice."

I pulled up a chair and sat next to the bio-bed. Despite the Doctor's apparent discomfort at my actions, I continued to hold her hand, absentmindedly stroking it, attempting to reassure her that she would be fine.

I continued to question her, hoping to find some logical reason for this occurrence.

"Sometimes, I hear it once every 60 minutes. Then, it changes and I am aware of the voice calling to me two or three times within the same time frame."

"So, it wasn't a dream."

She nodded.

I asked her if that was the first time she heard the voice.

"No, Captain. In retrospect, I believe that I heard it on the planet surface. However, at that time, I believed it to be Ensign Wildman calling out to me. I helped free her from the vine and didn't hear it again until I was in bed with you."

"Well, we'll just have to keep you here until we figure this out." The Doctor interrupted, clearly perturbed by Seven's comments.

"I disagree." She stated. "I must return to the planet surface and search for the entity that is attempting to contact me."

I gently reminded her of Tuvok's report, the sensors indicating no life signs.

"The sensors are wrong." She said, with total conviction. She started to get up and the doctor stopped her.

"You will need to stay here until we remedy this situation."

"You cannot find anything wrong. Therefore, there is no logical reason for my being here."

The EMH started to sputter, citing rules and regulations, any reason to keep her in Sick Bay.

She turned to me, huge blue eyes starting to fill with tears of frustration.

"I must return to the planet. Captain, please…."

I silenced them both, then intervened on her behalf.

"I agree with Seven, Doctor."

I turned to her and told her that she could return but only if she agreed to my accompanying her. If she was experiencing a personality disorder, I didn't want her out there by herself.

"She does not appear to be in any danger at this time." I added.

"Fine." He snipped. "When you find her in a dissociative state, don't say I didn't warn you."

We left Sick Bay together. The moment the doors closed, Seven reached for my arm.

"Thank you, Kathryn."

It was 1830, too late and potentially too dangerous to venture to the surface.

"First thing in the morning, Seven."

She nodded her acceptance of the situation.

Knowing that her thought processes were being interrupted by an internal call for help certainly put a strain on the evening. She would stop in mid-sentence and shake her head, as if trying to silence the 'voice.' Her powers of concentration were being hampered by this unnerving experience.

"This is different from the vinculum, Kathryn. I am quite certain of it."

I told her I believed her. If I didn't, she'd still be on the bio-bed in Sick Bay.

I called for status report, requesting my senior staff meet me in my Ready Room at the beginning of Alpha shift. Chakotay, Tom, Harry, B'Elanna, Neelix and Tuvok were seated, data-filled PADDs in front of them. The only one missing was the Doctor.

In turn, each staff member gave me an update. Much to my delight, most of the repairs were complete, the engines were all fully functional, and hull fractures were repaired. Chakotay had already put the finishing touches on an R&R schedule and the first wave of ship personnel were ready to go.

The damned ion storm was still circling the planet.

"Once again, I am impressed with this crew." I said to a group of beaming faces. "I will be adding commendations to all of your personnel files."

Then I told them about Seven's 'voice.'

"With no signs of life, either from our sensor readings or from our numerous forays onto the planet surface, a search would seem highly illogical." Tuvok intoned. "I cannot imagine you benefiting from this experience."

"I agree, Captain." Harry added. "By now, we would know if there were other sentient beings on this planet."

I watched Seven, saw her frustration mount, as she silently sat listening to their comments. Only I knew how she was being affected by this internal voice, how much sleep she had lost, how I held her all night in a fruitless attempt to help her relax.

"If need be, I will perform another mind-meld with her, Captain." Tuvok offered, despite the great physical pain he had subjected himself to the first time she suffered from the Borg version of multiple personality disorder.

"It is not the same thing." Seven responded, emphatically. "I am well aware of the difference."

"Good. I was wondering if you were going to start speaking Klingonese to me." B'Elanna commented, referring to one of Seven's more aggressive personalities, a Klingon male that bit her cheek while attempting to initiate a mating ritual.

"Only if you would like me to." Seven teased back as B'Elanna's mouth dropped open, dramatically. The room fell silent. Even I was surprised at this uncharacteristic response. Surprised and a bit delighted. Seven had on many occasions been the butt of a number of pointed barbs and usually failed to react.

The door to my Ready Room chimed and without waiting to be invited, in walked the EMH.

"I am sorry that I am late." He offered, taking a seat at the table. I nodded to him

"Seven, I owe you an apology." He stated as he set up a view screen and brought up a graphic display.

"I spent several hours reviewing the scans of your cortical implants. After filtering out all of your brain waves, I was left with one, wave pattern. Every one of your prior personalities had at least one or two common elements, elements that proved they were parts of you. This wave does not. In essence, it does not belong to you. I am sorry I doubted you yesterday."

"Do you want to take a security team with you, Captain?"

I told Tuvok that Seven and I would be fine and I adjourned the meeting.

The temperature on the planet surface was a very pleasant 25 degrees Celsius, light wind, and clear skies. With two suns brightly blazing, the day was glorious. Under different circumstances, we would be getting ready to have a picnic instead of searching for, well I wasn't sure what it was.

"Shall I re-trace my steps, Kathryn?"

Knowing Seven's memory, I told her that was probably as good a plan as any and that she should try to find the location where she first heard the voice. So, we began our trek, laden down with food and drink, wrist lights and, just in case we needed them, phasers.

Seven pointed out various plants and rock formations, noting exactly where the first away team agreed to meet, where Ensign Wildman caught her foot, where she sighted a snake - incredible descriptions filled with the minutiae that only someone with an eidetic memory could recall. With Seven in the lead, we hiked through the underbrush, keeping a steady pace. At one point, I felt the need to stop, suck up some of that thin air.

"I am sorry, Kathryn. I should have taken the low oxygen levels into consideration." Seven offered. "I am so intent on finding the source of the voice that I have neglected you."

She sounded so forlorn, that without saying a word, I hugged her. We found a small clearing and after unlatching the utility bag, propped myself up against a rock.

"We are close to the caves." Seven said as she sat next to me. I was aware of the heat emanating from her strong legs and for a moment, I wished that we weren't on a mission. The area was secluded and thoughts of making love to Seven popped into my head.

"I know what you are thinking, Kathryn."

I'm sure my face turned a brilliant shade of red.

"Really?"

"Maybe we will have some alone time after we remedy this situation."

"Are you reading my mind, my love?" I was starting to wonder.

"No. It was merely a logical assessment of the situation at hand."

I moved closer and leaned my head against her shoulder. It didn't take long for my breathing to return to normal and I suggested we keep moving. Seven took the lead, clearing a path through the thicker brush until finally she stopped and turned to me.

"This is where I heard the cry for help." She said, taking additional readings of the area.

We were fifteen meters from a hilly area that bordered an incredibly green-hued lake.

"Let's see what's behind those hills." I suggested and took off in their general direction. We approached a lightly wooded area and I noticed the entrance to a cave. Seven nodded and we changed direction, heading for it's opening. I was just at the entrance when I heard a muffled sound.

"Did you say something, Seven?"

She said that she hadn't and pointed her tricorder toward the mouth of the cave. With lights affixed to our forearms we stepped inside where we were met by a small gust of cool, moist air.

I was just about to comment on the dampness when I heard a voice - Help me. Please, help me.

"Unless I've suddenly become easily suggestible, I just received a cry for help."

"You are far from easily suggestible, Kathryn." Seven noted.

She told me that she heard it as well and she sighed, knowing that she had truly been vindicated.

We continued, picking our way slowly and carefully around rocks and dead vines. The walls were dirt and stone with no signs of markings, no evidence of technology. I heard a second cry for help, then a third. I reached out, touching Seven's arm.

"Now, I understand what you've been going through. No wonder you couldn't sleep."

"It has been disconcerting, to say the least."

I told her I did and I made her a promise that from this moment on, I would keep an open mind whenever something unusual occurred. She favored me with one of her rare, but oh, so delightful smiles and we plodded on.

The air continued to grow cooler and damper as the cave looped closer to the lake. Tiny chameleons darted into crevices, large spiders backed away from the beams of light. At one point, I spotted a small stream of water, trickling from a crack in the Earthen wall. We stopped to take a closer look, using our lights to scan the area. While Seven examined the leak, I noticed that the tunnel was widening and although I initially thought it was my imagination, there seemed to be a flicker of light, faint illumination up ahead. That was enough to suffuse us both with a surge of energy.

With tricorders in hand, we picked up the pace, still remaining cautious. The tunnel came to a fork, the illuminated area veering off toward the right. As we neared that junction, we began to notice the sound of a low hum.

"A generator of some sort." Seven confirmed. "Interesting that we were not able to sense its presence prior to this time."

I wondered if something had been blocking our sensors.

"I concur. The generator itself might be responsible for preventing detection."

The barely lit corridor continued for nearly one thousand meters. As we made our way over and around loose stones and immense roots, the cries for help repeated with greater frequency, adding more of a sense of urgency to our mission. When we reached the end of the tunnel, I reached out for Seven's arm.

"Are you alright, Kathryn?" she asked, surprised by my action.

I told her that I was but that sometimes, touching someone you love can be very comforting.

"Like holding hands?" And I saw her full, sensuous lips curl into a smile. I knew she was recalling the first time I held her hand, how I did everything to deny my feelings for her. A lot had transpired since then.

"Yes. It is like holding hands."

As we turned the corner, we found ourselves facing the entrance to a well-lit cavern. Seven scanned the area and once she was convinced that there were no hidden devices to prevent our entry, took a step inside.

Despite the mud walls, the room was warmer and drier. There were high ceilings and torch lights on the walls. And there, on an immense cushion, sat the entity responsible for our search.

She, at least I thought she was female, had wide-set enormous emerald green eyes, a tiny nose and a gold lace veil draped across the lower half of her face. Her skin was an iridescent blue that shimmered in the low cavern light. Dressed in an unadorned ivory tunic, she sat tailor-fashioned, her tiny hands clasped in her lap, her legs unusually small for her body.

Seven stood still, almost in abeyance. Then, without warning, she strode purposefully, quickly closing the gap, finally stopping directly in front of the alien. I took several steps closer, watched as the telepathic creature studied my Borg, then unfolded her hands, placing them palm up. Dropping to her knees, Seven silently lay her own hands over the entity's, dwarfing the small fingers with her own. They stayed remained in the position for several moments until the telepath moved her hand. With a tiny index finger, she traced the ocular implant over Seven's left eye, the star-shaped metal on her cheek and the Borg-enhanced hand. Her iridescent blue skin glowed, turning yellow, then orange, then red as her eyes filled with tears, until an immense droplet cascaded down her cheek. And Seven's eyes did the same, huge pools of blue clouding over, becoming watery and spilling over. In my mind, I heard the telepath utter one word - Annika. And I immediately understood that within a matter of seconds, she knew all there was to know about young Annika Hansen, her years in the Borg collective, and her new life on Voyager.

The telepath nodded in my direction and I walked toward her, stopping when I reached Seven's side. Seven turned to me and smiled, her face aglow after her experience with the telepath.

In my mind, I heard the alien speaking to me, thanking me for locating her.

"I am a F'lin, one of the last remaining species of telepaths that serves as spiritual and temporal leader to the Kelari. Kelar is a planet some twenty light years from here. The Kelari are a peaceful people, skilled healers, highly successful merchants, agriculturally and technologically adept. They are prosperous and generous, offering to share their good fortune with the people of S'viro, a neighboring planet. Much to my great dismay, the S'viro have always been jealous of the Kelari. Rather than learn from them, they chose to demoralize them. In a desperate effort to undermine the strength of my people, I was abducted and abandoned on this planet. I know you were under the impression that this planet was not inhabited. There is a force field emanating from the lake. It is very effective in blocking sensors from locating me."

"It is curious indeed that they decided to spare your life." Seven noted as she stood up.

"Being able to read minds is a very powerful tool. As a rule, I do not misuse this power. However, while the S'viro were considering my fate, I managed to frighten them sufficiently." The F'lin responded, before adding, "All I ask is that once your crew has engaged in shore leave, you return me to the Kelari."

"Of course." I answered aloud, wondering if she could hear me.

"Yes, I do, Captain Kathryn Janeway." The F'lin nodded, her eyes once again twinkling, her skin returning to its natural blue-green state. "But, I cannot communicate the way you do."

And suddenly, in my mind's eye, I immediately realized that there was no mouth behind the gold veil. It was not simply ornamental in nature.

"I understand." I responded, unconsciously placing my hand on Seven's shoulder, an act that did not go unnoticed.

"You are bonded." The telepath said. It was a statement of fact, not a question.

"Bonded?"

"On Kelar, we refer to life partners as bonded."

"Then, yes." I responded. "We are."

Seven gently took my hand in hers, her long fingers automatically intertwined with my own. There was a time she worried that I would hide our relationship. Now, she knew better.

"That is as it should be." The telepath said and I made a mental note to discuss that with her at a later time.

I found it interesting that despite her limited facial expressions, I could sense the different emotions in her thoughts.

Back in efficient ex-Borg mode, Seven took up her normal stance, hands clasped behind her back, head cocked to one side as she studied The F'lin.

"You are incapable of walking." Seven stated.

Another nod, the word 'yes' being transmitted to both of us.

I hit my COMM badge and hailed the ship.

"Chakotay, here. We were just starting to worry about you, Captain."

I informed him that we were fine.

"Lock onto my signal. Three to beam back to Voyager."

"Three, Captain?"

"You heard me, Commander."

I was grateful that we didn't have to re-trace our steps through the tunnel.

Unsure of exactly what transpired between Seven and the telepath, I sensed a transformation, one that I looked forward to exploring in the near future. When Seven walked toward me and gently touched my forearm, she confirmed my suspicion.

There was a feeling of being suspended and minor light-headedness, signaling the beginning of the transport process. Within a few seconds we were standing in Transporter Room 2, alongside the telepath, still perched on her cushion.

"The ion storm has disappeared." Chakotay told me.

I asked him if it moved on and he shook his head.

"No, Captain. It simply vanished."

I didn't have to ask the telepath if she was responsible for the ion storm. I already knew the answer. If you could imagine hearing a telepath chuckle, then you could appreciate the sound that resonated inside my head.

"You will be taken to guest quarters on deck 3. Once you have rested, I'm sure members of my crew would enjoy meeting you. Is that acceptable to you?"

The F'lin nodded and closed her eyes. I heard her tell me that she'd be delighted.

Using an anti-gravity lift, Tuvok and two members of Security escorted the F'lin. As they began to move her, I noticed a dramatic change in the F'lin's color. Instead of a shimmering sapphire blue, she was now a flat, greenish-black. I saw Seven cock her head, ocular implant intent as she noticed the difference.

"Do you think the F'lin's coloring is indicative of her emotional state?" I put to her.

"Perhaps." She mused. "Her species has successfully adapted to their inability to speak. But I am curious as to how she is able to thrive, to consume nutritional matter."

I was about to suggest that we ask her when the F'lin answered both of us.

Much to our surprise, the cushion was analogous to Seven's Borg alcove, providing her with a steady stream of energy.

"Efficient." Seven responded with what was tantamount to Borg high praise.

I will admit that I found the F'lin's ability to read my mind a bit unnerving and decided that I would have to use a little more caution when thinking about her.

As Seven and I walked down the corridor to our quarters she stopped briefly and turned to me.

"You were correct." She said cryptically.

"About?"

"There is considerable comfort in touching the person you love."

With all systems functioning and no ion storm to contend with, I allowed my crew an additional three days of shore leave. Seven returned to Astrometrics, charting new sectors of the quadrant until she finally located Kelar. I sent the Kelari a subspace message, informing them of the F'lin's safety, that we would be in Kelar space in less than a week's time. Once Seven transmitted the coordinates to Tom, I insisted that she take some time off. What good is R&R if you can't share it?

On our last day on the planet surface, Seven rose early, kissed me and slipped out of bed. I assumed she was simply heading to the ensuite and I went back to sleep. The chirp of my COMM badge returned me to consciousness.

"Kathryn, please get dressed and meet me in Transporter Room 3."

I'm sure I mumbled something relatively unintelligible before I ended our communication. Fifteen minutes later, mug of coffee clutched in my hand, I joined up with Seven.

"Close your eyes, Kathryn."

"What is this about, Seven?" I responded, albeit grumpily. There wasn't enough caffeine in my bloodstream and I wasn't ready to play games.

"Please, Kathryn…."

Begrudgingly, I obliged her, felt my molecules scramble and when I re-opened my eyes, I found us transported to a clearing in the woods, the very same clearing where Seven and I stopped to rest on our search for the F'lin. There was a huge blanket spread under a large oak-like tree, a second one neatly folded in the corner, a basket of food in the shade and my Borg grinning.

"Well, you've certainly been busy this morning, haven't you?" I chided her before taking her in my arms and hugging her.

"I have established a secure perimeter so that we will not be disturbed." She said. "There are no snakes, spiders or other potential annoyances nearby."

I couldn't help but notice the twinkle in her eyes. Then, she took my hand and as she sat on the blanket, pulled me down with her. Within seconds, I was engulfed in strong arms as warm moist lips pressed against mine. Having become quite adept at undressing me, Seven wasted no time in reaching for the buttons on my jacket, easing the shirt over my head and loosening my slacks. I had it a lot easier. Releasing one clasp at her neck freed her from her biosuit. It was astonishing to me that no matter how many times I felt her body on mine, my own smaller breasts nestled between her fuller ones, the sensation left me breathless.

"Do you require additional oxygen, Kathryn?"

I suppressed a chuckle.

"No, my love. You simply took my breath away."

She favored me with a barrage of kisses, each one more intense than the last. Nibbling my lips, tongue joyfully greeting mine, hands caressing my face, I could not get over the shear intensity of emotion that washed over me. She moved down the length of my body, taking one breast in her mouth, her hand drawing circles on my other nipple. The coolness of metal, a tender mouth staking a claim to my body, a knee pressing gently between my legs, not only was I no longer a Captain but I easily relinquished all control of the situation to her. When she slid her hands under me and buried her face between my legs, all manner of intelligent or rational thought was suspended. Even after the series of delightful muscle spasms abated, it took a while for me to remember where I was, let alone regain the ability to speak or move. I finally realized that I was on top of Seven, her right hand resting on the small of my back, her left hand entwined in my hair, my face buried in her neck. I have no idea how she managed to unfold the extra blanket let alone drape it over my naked body.

"You are truly amazing." I croaked, my voice still hoarse with passion. She answered by kissing the side of my face and gently tightening her hold on me.

"I love you, my Borg."

Then I told her that the F'lin was right in her assessment. Regardless of which quadrant we were in, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.

More kisses.

When I was finally able, I rolled onto Seven's right side, propped myself up on my elbow and gazed into her face.

"My turn." I said softly, watching as her eyes widened, her ocular implant jumping up a notch.

"Indeed."

I unpinned her hair, allowing long, silky blonde strands to cascade around her face. There was something so incredibly sensuous about her that I had to force myself to focus, least I spend hours simply gazing at her. I traced the side of her face, moving my hand to the back of her neck until I looped her hair between my fingers. Moving toward her, I captured that mouth, reminding her that this time, I was leading and she was following. I surprised her when I re-positioned myself on top of her. When I rolled my hips forward, a groan escaped her lips. And mine. Seven, quick study that she was, immediately returned that very same motion, and we shared wave after wave of that exquisite sensation.

Sweaty and breathless, I looked at her face, the high red color in her cheeks, strands of honey and gold plastered on her forehead.

"Aren't you hungry, Kathryn?" she asked, knowing that I skipped breakfast when I rushed to meet her in the transporter room.

I nodded, ignoring one hunger but paying attention to another. I proceeded to nibble my way down the entire length of her body, stopping only when I located a wellspring of sweet moisture and breathed in a scent that was wholly hers. Tight blond curls separated easily as my tongue swirled on and around her, dipping into her and returning to the rapidly hardening mass of nerves. I felt her hands in my hair, felt her gently urging me to continue, as if I would consider stopping. Her hips bucking, the muscles in her back arching forward, her breath coming in hard gasps, and that wondrous release had a profoundly emotional affect on me. There is something exquisite in knowing that your lover places so much faith and trust in you to allow you to glimpse, even for a second, this profoundly vulnerable space.

I wrapped myself around my Borg, hugging her closely to me, feeling her chest heaving, her heart still racing. And caught up as I was in the moment, I was unable to stop myself from crying.

We were sitting side by side, the blanket covering our shoulders.

"Something has changed." I said, as I handed her a slice of cheese and handful of grapes.

"Elaborate."

"You are…..lighter."

She told me that I was in error, that her weight had not fluctuated."

I couldn't tell if she was teasing me or if she was simply taking me literally.

"No, that's not what I mean. There is a lightness of spirit, you are less intense."

I told her that I even heard her giggling with Naomi Wildman during their weekly kadis-kot game.

"You know me well, Kathryn." She responded. "I believe the F'lin is responsible for this."

"Oh?"

"When we first discovered her and she took my hand in hers….." Seven stopped to find the right words. "….she released something."

It was my turn to look puzzled.

"I believe that the F'lin not only telepathic but she is empathic as well. She help heal the rage that had been with me for years."

And she told me about the repressed anger, the knowledge that her body had been violated, that as a child, she had no way of preventing it or of protecting herself.

"Once my parents were gone, the Borg queen kept me with her, forcing me to watch as other races were assimilated. I heard their screaming, watched the blood draining from faces as the Borg nanoprobes took over their bodies. The queen mistook the inability of a four year old to articulate the horror as acceptance and approval. When I began to bore her, she cast me aside."

I sat absolutely still, watching and listening as she recounted the horrors of being assimilated.

Seven described the sickening sensation of someone severing her arm and replacing it with a mechanical unit, a unit that could only be used as a weapon of destruction instead of a source of tactile pleasure. She remembered what it was like to have her left eye removed, to no longer see curves and smoothness, to only have flat, view-screen like vision. And she told me what it was like to spend countless years in a Borg maturation chamber, never to feel the warmth of another being or hear softly spoken words of love.

"Until you came along, my Kathryn." And she smiled at me, reaching out with her real hand, brushing hair away from my face.

"You touch me in ways that I cannot express. You say things to me, simple words that you take for granted. But they are soothing to me."

I was totally unprepared for this discussion. On one hand, I was cognizant of the abuse she had endured but my knowledge was purely academic; files I had read, Star Fleet descriptions full of facts but lacking in emotion. Until this time, I never heard Seven recount her personal hell. Even with her flat intonation, I could hear the subtle traces of emotion. There was pain and there was anger.

For someone who normally keeps her emotions intact and under wraps, I found myself crying for the second time that day.

"The F'lin could not rid me of my memories." She continued. "But somehow, she was able to diminish some of the pain and for that I will be forever in her debt."

"As will I." I whispered and she rested her head on my shoulder.

With shore leave over, it was business as usual on board Voyager. With all systems functional and an easy four-day journey to Kelar, there was plenty of time for my crew to meet with the F'lin. As it turns out, the F'lin had a steady stream of visitors, so many so that I had to insist that she be given adequate time to rest between visits. I had visions of returning her to the Kelari, badly in need of telepathic R&R but she did not complain. After a number of visits, it became obvious to me that the F'lin had discriminating taste with regard to whom she conversed with. Although she was extremely cordial to Tuvok, Chakotay, Tom and the other male members of my crew, I noticed that she did not engage them to the same extent that she did B'Elanna, Samantha Wildman and the other females. When Seven brought Naomi Wildman to see the F'lin, she could barely contain herself, telling the child all sorts of stories while her coloring jumped to all of the primary colors with some pastels thrown in for good measure. But when it came to the men, her communication was clipped, short responses with little more than one or two words. Her appearance even reflected that difference, her normal shimmering bluish-green turning olive drab.

We were less than forty-eight hours from Kelari space when I decided to speak with the F'lin about the apparent difference in her behavior toward my crew. I left Chakotay with the CONN and headed to her quarters. As I approached the door, the F'lin contacted me.

"Good day, Kathryn."

I supposed that when you spent a great deal of time communicating telepathically, formal designations became meaningless. The door slid shut and the F'lin beckoned me to come closer, turning her palms upward.

"Come closer, child." She added, and I had to smile. It had been many years since anyone referred to me in that manner. Of course, knowing that our resident telepath was two hundred thirty five years old made it an accurate reference for her. I walked towards her and placed my hands over hers.

I was just about to question her about her behavior when I found myself experiencing a flood of mental images. Each one took no more than a few seconds but staying long enough in my mind's eye for me to recognize significant moments of my life. Some were joyful but others were so painful as to be nearly intolerable.

"You do understand the concept of a no-win situation, don't you, Kathryn?" I heard her ask, her telepathic voice more soothing to me than I had experienced in the numerous other times we communicated.

I told her that I did.

"You have experienced many such situations and despite the fact that you understand what transpired logically, you are inundated with guilt."

I remembered the accident that forced me to choose between my father's life and that of Justin Tighe's, how I was unable to save either of them. I remembered issuing the order to destroy the Caretaker's array, knowing that I was protecting the Alpha quadrant while damning my own ship to roam the Delta quadrant. There was even guilt in my having severed Seven from the Borg collective, an act that was purely my own, indicating no regard for her feelings.

For a second I felt lightheaded, almost as if I were being transported to a different location. When the wave of dizziness passed, I experienced such incredible relief, as if an amazing weight was lifted from my shoulders. There was a warmth radiating from my chest to my fingers and back.

"There." She said. "That's much better."

I heard myself agree with her, knowing that the words were not uttered, merely thought.

"You have questions for me, Kathryn."

At that moment in time, her interaction with my crew seemed almost insignificant but it was the reason I visited her.

"It is not that I dislike them. I am simply unused to dealing with them telepathically." She answered. "The Kelari are all females. Over the years, the F'lin found that females were more receptive to telepathic communication. They sought us out, asking our advice, heeding our words, generally more respectful of us as a species. Our experience with males was not as positive. They tended to mock us, ignore us, went so far as to openly denigrate us. The F'lin are not ignorant beings. Rather than expend our energies on those that scorn or belittle us, we became female-centric. I meant your crew no disrespect. From what I have seen, the males are more highly evolved, even tolerable - although I found your holographic Doctor to be rather peculiar."

That final comment made me laugh out loud. I told her that I understood and I agreed. The EMH could be difficult. I started to rise, then returned to my place in front of her.

"Yes, Kathryn?"

I took a deep breath, exhaled, and asked her one final question.

"What can I do to help Seven?"

I could feel the F'lin scanning my thoughts. Despite how incredibly intimate this was, it was not unpleasant nor did it seem even remotely invasive.

"You already know the answer to that, Kathryn."

A number of different memories came to me. Watching Seven regenerate in the alcove…..holding her hand in Sick Bay…...the first time we kissed…..making love in the clearing…..

"Love?"

"Of course. In her own way, Seven reaps more nourishment from your love than she does from solid nutritional matter. It is the singularly most important factor in her surviving the Borg. But remember one thing, Kathryn. This is all very new for her and she is bound to make mistakes. Continue to love her."

As I stood up, I thanked the F'lin for allowing me so much of her time.

"It was my pleasure."

I was nearly to the door when she told me that had I gotten there earlier, I would have bumped into Seven. I turned to see her emerald eyes sparkling.

"She asked me what she could do to help you."

The door to my Ready Room chimed and Chakotay stuck his head inside.

"We are being hailed by the Kelari."

I alerted Seven in Astrometrics, then hurried out, eager to greet them.

Harry, Tuvok, and Tom were at their stations, Chakotay took his usual seat to my left.

"Put it on the view screen."

"It is audio only, Captain."

I nodded to him.

"Greetings, Captain Janeway. I am Tal, Kelari Minister of the Interior. It is my pleasure to welcome you to our space."

I told Tal that we were happy to be here.

Tal informed me that the Kelari were very excited at the prospect of meeting me, that they were planning a huge celebration in my honor.

"I am transmitting the appropriate coordinates for beaming the F'lin to her home. Please transport her there immediately."

"No."

"Excuse me, Captain. Did you say no?"

I told Tal that I would be in contact shortly and broke off communication.

There was absolute silence on the bridge. Only one person felt comfortable enough to comment.

"Knowing you as I do, Captain, I trust that there is a good reason for this apparent breach of etiquette."

"Yes, Tuvok, there is."

Four faces looked at me, waiting for my explanation.

"Did you find anything strange about the way we were contacted?"

"Are you referring to Tal's use of audio instead of visual contact?" Harry asked.

I told him that wasn't the issue.

"What did you think of Tal's voice? How did Tal sound to you?"

Chakotay told me that Tal seemed pleasant, that he was genuinely happy to know that the F'lin was safe.

"That's just it. Tal sounded like a male to me. The Kelari are all female."

My COMM badge chirped.

"Yes, Seven. What is it?"

"I have just completed my analysis of the coordinates we received. Had we used them, the F'lin would have materialized approximately two hundred feet below the planet surface.

"Thank you, Seven."

As the words died on my lips, the ship lurched and the sound of a klaxon signaled our going to red alert.

"Three ships just materialized off the port bow, Captain. They are firing phasers at us."

"Shields?"

"Holding, Captain."

"Return fire, Mr. Tuvok. Target their weapons array."

"Aye, Captain."

Three sets of photon torpedoes hit their mark.

I sent another message.

"S'viro ships, your weapons are no match for ours. Stand down immediately or we will target your life support systems."

There was no further communication. The three ships backed away, turned and fled.

As I took my seat on the bridge, the F'lin contacted me.

"Thank you, Kathryn. I believe you have saved my life for the second time."

I was just about to give Tom the order to increase our speed to warp seven when five war ships appeared on our scanners.

"Great, just what we need." I said, aloud.

"They are not charging weapons, Captain" Tuvok announced.

Moments later, we received a message, this time on the view screen.

"Captain Janeway. I am so sorry that it took us this long to contact you. The S'viro had been blocking our transmissions."

"Yes. I know. We just had a minor run-in with them."

"I am C'orday, Senate Leader for the Kelari. We have eagerly been awaiting your arrival."

C'orday was nothing like the F'lin. She had golden brown skin tone, dark curly hair, and fine features, including a functional mouth. Were it not for the double-ridged ears and several small notches over her eyebrows, she could easily pass for human.

"How is the F'lin?"

I told her that the telepath was resting comfortably and would be returned to the Kelari as soon as we were close enough to orbit.

"However, I think it's in everyone's best interest if we transport her to your planet by shuttle-craft."

I could swear I heard the F'lin laughing in my head.

The Kelari were delightful. I found them as gentle-spirited and as kind-hearted as the F'lin promised. Rather than put them in an uncomfortable position, I had abandoned standard Star Fleet protocol and instead of bringing my entire senior staff with me, took an all-female crew to Kelar. Seven, B'Elanna, Samantha Wildman and I accompanied the F'lin to the surface.

The moment we stepped off the shuttle, C'orday and a dozen other prominent Kelari were there to greet us. There were throngs of well-wishers, loud music, cheering crowds, colorful parades - the Kelari just couldn't quell their excitement at having their leader returned safely to her home.

The Kelari were all similarly clothed in long flowing pants and brightly colored tunics. I didn't get the impression that it was their uniform, simply comfortable clothing. I later learned that the slacks were utilitarian with deep pockets and a series of loops capable of storing small tools or instruments. The only change in their attire was the color and material of the tunic. The Kelari did not bother with jewelry or other accessories. Believing it to be a most unusual adornment, Seven's Borg artifacts immediately made her the center of attention. I found myself standing by, listening to her explain how she came by the implants. You'd think that after all this time I wouldn't still find her fascinating. You'd be wrong. I couldn't take my eyes of my Borg.

"Seven is rather unique, isn't she?" C'orday commented, knowingly.

"Very."

After several short speeches, we were told of a banquet that would be held later that evening. The crows began to dissipate, the noise level lessening as the Kelari returned to their normal daily routines.

The Kelari governing structure was composed of representatives for the major specialties. I found not even the slightest hint of competition in the group. Comfortable and at ease with each other, they were a close-knit group that were not only successful as individuals but obviously respectful and supportive of each other's accomplishments in their areas of expertise. There was a good deal of genuine affection and affability being displayed and I got the distinct impression that it was not being 'put-on' to impress the outsiders. As a Captain, I could appreciate the importance of a well-oiled machine, whether it was a starship crew or a government hierarchical structure. C'orday explained that they were mostly scientists with a sprinkling of agriculturalists, industrialists, and legal scholars.

Eager to learn from each other, we designated time to meet and compare notes. B'Elanna went off with a group of engineers, hoping that they had something akin to slip stream technology or anything else that might get us back to the Alpha quadrant faster. Samantha Wildman was invited to spend time with their Minister of Biology. Out of personal curiosity, I asked her to find out how a unisex society managed to procreate. Seven offered to help tighten security around the F'lin by teaching the Kelari how to create variable shield harmonics around her temple.

Clearly excited by our visit; C'orday was almost over-eager to take me on a tour of the city and the nearby countryside. I had visions of my trudging all over town but ended up being pleasantly surprised when instead, C'orday took me up to the top floor of the tallest building. The structure, similar in height to a fifteen-story Earth building, had a clear enclosed tower that afforded us a 360-degree view of the area. To the north, I could see acres and acres of fields, neat columns of produce at various stages of growth.

"You don't use replicators for cooking?" I asked, finding it somewhat incredulous that the Kelari spent time growing and preparing their own food.

C'orday told me that there were some that did but many felt that the taste of replicator food was seriously lacking.

"It's just not as good as anything we can prepare on our own. We use fresh produce, herbs, spices - nothing pre-packaged. It makes a difference, one that I'm sure you'll experience tonight."

I was sorry that Neelix couldn't see this and C'orday must have picked up on a change in my expression.

"Something wrong, Captain?"

I told her about my crew, noting that it was comprised of both female and male members.

"I see." She responded. "I do appreciate your sensitivity to our culture, Captain. Perhaps, when you leave, we will send you back with something for your Mr. Neelix."

I told her that would be appreciated and continued the tour.

"If you look to the south, you will see a smaller community, individual housing next to a lake."

I couldn't help but notice them. With reddish-hued roofs, tiny gardens bordering the water, docks with small boats - it was truly lovely.

"Reminds me of some of the small fishing villages back on Earth." I mused.

"So, you like it?" she asked unable to conceal her excitement.

"It's wonderful."

Then she surprised me by inviting me to return to Kelar.

"I know you intend to get your ship back to the Alpha quadrant and I trust that you will be successful in that endeavor. Should you find a way to travel those many light years, I am hoping that some day, you and Seven will return here. Maybe, you will consider retiring here with us."

It certainly was the best offer I had had from anyone in the Delta quadrant and definitely worthy of consideration. While I couldn't imagine my not continuing in Starfleet, the prospect of settling down, maybe in thirty or forty years, was intriguing.

"I will discuss it with Seven, C'orday. You never know. Someday, we might take you up on your generous offer."

I couldn't help but notice a large group of people heading to the east. When I commented on it, C'orday seemed surprised.

"The F'lin didn't tell you?"

"About?"

"Tomorrow is one of our most important holidays. Once every five hundred ten days, our two moons rise in synchronization, each coming from a different point in the horizon. As they reach their apogee, one eclipses the other. For a short period of time, they appear as one unified moon. It is a time of deep spiritual meaning and many Kelari wait years to exhange bonding vows on this special evening."

I found the entire notion to be delightful and hoped that we would be invited to watch. C'orday smiled and nodded.

I was just about to ask her what the ritual entails when Chakotay hailed me.

"Our long-range sensors have picked up six ships heading directly toward Kelar, Captain."

"Estimated time of their arrival?"

"Less than twenty minutes."

I told him that I didn't think we'd be able to access the Delta flyer in that short a period of time.

"Can you get a lock on us?" I heard his words amidst a great amount of static.

"Breaking up…transmission blocked…."

And we cut off.

When I told C'orday of the impending attack, she seemed nonplussed by my concern.

"I have no idea what the S'viro are thinking, Captain. As long as the F'lin is back with us, we are not in any danger."

I thought that was a mild exaggeration on her part until I remembered the F'lin's ability to wreak havoc.

"Ion storms?"

"Yes, Captain. During her absence, we were forced into ship to ship combat but now that she has been returned to us….."

"Unless they have a way to stop her." I interrupted and immediately hailed Seven.

"Where are you, Seven?"

"I am near the F'lin's temple, Captain. Is there a problem?"

I told her about the imminent attack and asked her how far she had progressed in modifying the shields.

"My work on the variable shield harmonics was completed twelve minutes ago, Captain. I have been teaching the Kelari how to maintain the new system."

"Does anything seem out of the ordinary?"

"I cannot make that determination. I do not know what ordinary is for the Kelari."

Point well taken, I thought to myself. After all, Seven was only now being to adapt to life on Voyager The concept of ordinary was strictly subjective.

I told her that I was worried that there might be an attack on the F'lin and that C'orday and I would be there shortly.

"Be careful, Seven." I admonished.

"I will, Kathryn." Her response was a clear indication that she understood both my professional and personal concerns.

As C'orday and I boarded a small shuttle craft, we heard a low rumbling and the unmistakable sound of a blast. I didn't have to ask her where it came from. We both knew the answer.

Both B'Elanna and Samantha Wildman contacted me immediately, inquiring as to my safety and letting me know that they were unharmed. Hailing Seven proved fruitless, her inability to answer only serving to cause me more anxiety. Huge billowing clouds of smoke blackened the sky, spewing ash and debris on the surrounding area. The darkened skies made it nearly impossible to navigate, let alone discern what structures, if any, were left standing. Obviously an expert pilot, C'orday managed to navigate us through the smoke, landing the shuttle a mere fifty meters from the temple site. Fearful for the F'lin's safety and eager to help, they rushed to the temple site.

As all Kelari communications were being routed to C'orday, I saw her stop to respond to a COMM message.

"The warships have retreated." She reported to me.

That meant the F'lin was safe. Then C'orday told me that the explosion destroyed a secondary structure that housed one of the temple's major energy sources and my elation disappeared. We wasted no time, pushing our way through the gathering crowd. As we approached the destruction, we saw windows shattered and walls gone, a frame that was barely erect. We managed to get close enough to see spot several people being helped. Some were ambulatory while others were being carried. Fearing the worst, I found it becoming more and more difficult to catch my breath. I continued to scan the area in search of my Borg. When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned hopeful that it was Seven. I was nearly unable to conceal my disappointment to find that it was C'orday. Having gotten my attention, she pointed toward the temple entrance. There, amidst the medical personnel, I caught a glimpse of the unmistakable blue bio-suit, it's wearer stretched out on a litter.

I don't remember how I got to her side, only that I did, finding smudges of grime on her forehead, a bloody gash way too close to her good eye. Much to my surprise, she was conscious and able to talk, albeit weakly.

"You were right, Kathryn." Her voice was raspy from smoke inhalation.

I told her that my being right was relatively inconsequential, her being alive being considerably more important to me.

"What happened?" I asked, trying to keep her from losing consciousness.

"I found something out of the ordinary."

She had been explaining the method for varying shield harmonics to a group of engineers. One of them seemed to be recording Seven's lecture. Upon questioning, Seven found out that the nervous Kelari was not an engineer, that her specialty was economics.

"I was curious as to her reasons for being there. I noticed that this woman was becoming more and more agitated. Logic dictated that this was not ordinary."

Logic indeed.

"The woman panicked and moved toward the back of the room. When I alerted Kelari security, the bomb was discovered. They said she was a S'viro sympathizer. We were nearly outside when it exploded."

I told her how I proud I was of her. I told her how much I loved her. I told her how much I worried about her, anything to keep her focused while we were being transported to the nearest medical facility.

Unfamiliar with her unusual physiology, the physicians were more concerned that treating her would cause her more harm. Knowing that her cortical implants were sensitive, I asked that they refrain from using their scanning devices. From our earlier discussion, C'orday knew that our EMH was a male, that he would be the most appropriate person to heal my Borg. But Voyager was not in hailing distance and we needed an immediate alternative.

I was holding Seven's hand when the alternative became self-evident. Using a special transport system, four members of Kelari's spiritual community carried the F'lin into the room.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, Kathryn. I was unavoidably delayed." I heard the F'lin in my head.

Within seconds, she was in close proximity to the bio-bed. The F'lin, glowing bright yellow and orange, placed her hands on Seven's forehead. Her fingers began to emit a brilliant white light. I watched as the gash closed and scabbed over, the redness gradually lightening until there was not the slightest trace of the head wound. Once that was done, she moved her tiny hands back and forth, hovering inches over Seven's body as if she was scanning it for internal damages. Satisfied that there were none, she placed her hands in her lap and based on the action in the room, must have informed her attendants that she was ready to return to her temple.

The F'lin nodded to me, leaving me with one request. It was definitely worthy of future consideration and I told her as much.

Seven, never one for staying prone without a good reason, decided that it was high time to leave the infirmary. When the Kelari doctors suggested that she lay still, I shook my head and chuckled. I knew a hopeless situation when I saw one. Promising that she would relax once we were on board the Delta flyer, the doctors begrudgingly allowed us to leave the facility.

C'orday, upset and anxious at Seven's injury, made sure that we were immediately transported to the shuttle.

I found B'Elanna and Samantha Wildman already there, eagerly awaiting our arrival.

"Voyager is still an hour away, Captain." B'Elanna reported. "We can meet them halfway or wait until they are re-orbiting Kelar."

Not wanting to meet up with any other S'viro warships, I suggested that we stay put. Then, in Captain mode, I ordered Seven to find a comfortable cot and take it easy.

As she walked past me, I heard her ask if I would keep her company.

It was a request I gladly fulfilled.

With Seven's head wound already a memory, we returned for the celebratory banquet. C'orday was right when she told me I would come to appreciate the difference that fresh produce would make. It was truly exceptional, and a sad reminder of a mostly bygone era on Earth.

Rather than maintain an air of stiff formality, the food was set out on long buffet tables and we were able to take our pick from the variety of dishes. As was habit, I happened to glance in Seven's direction and caught her expression as she tasted the Kelari version of French fries. Still in the early stages of re-developing her taste buds, I saw her eyes widen in appreciation of the unique flavor and crunchy texture.

"Do you think Neelix can reproduce this?" she asked me as she popped a second fry into her mouth.

"Anything's possible."

Although Neelix was way too fond of leola root-based dishes, he usually did what he could to coax Seven into consuming solid nutritional matter. I made a mental note to ask him to duplicate this for my Borg.

C'orday and the rest of the Kelari women seemed eager to avoid the pomp and circumstance we usually suffered when acting as visiting dignitaries. Having spent an inordinate amount of time in full Starfleet dress uniform listening to endlessly boring speeches I was grateful for the no-frills simplicity of their lifestyle. At one point in the evening, I overheard several Kelari talking about the following night and the unusual lunar eclipse. It didn't take me long to realize that the F'lin's offer to officiate at a bonding ceremony was considered an exceptionally high honor, one not to be taken lightly. I had to admit that there was something calling to me, some inner voice that appreciated the uniqueness of a very private ceremony. It would give me the opportunity to acknowledge my feelings while in the midst of an all-female society. I was just about to seek out my Borg when she appeared at my elbow.

"You appear to be in deep thought, Kathryn. Are you troubled?" The sound of concern crept into her voice.

I told her that I was fine. Choosing my words carefully, I described the significance of the next night's eclipse and the F'lin's offer. I half-expected her to question me, or at the very least, to force me to justify my reasons for participating. But she didn't. There was no request for clarification, no demand that I elaborate.

"I was aware of the eclipse, Kathryn. I too, find the ceremony very intriguing."

"Why didn't you say something to me, my love?"

I watched her eyes cloud, saw her lower lip begin to tremble and my heart went out to this ex-Borg dealing with the sudden onslaught of intense emotions.

"I did not believe that you would want to make a formal commitment to me."

"You thought wrong." I whispered and ignoring the crowd of Kelari milling about, I held her tightly.

I donned a pair of cream-colored pants and an almost impossibly white tunic, knowing that somewhere else in C'orday's home, Seven was doing the same. The room was simple; a small bed, chest of drawers and desk. I found out that it had originally belonged to C'orday's daughter, now attending classes at a nearby university.

As far as the rest of my crew knew, Seven and I were participating in on-going trade negotiations with the Kelari. I felt no guilt at this obvious sin of omission, nor did I have any desire to provide additional information. I suspected that B'Elanna knew the truth but she managed to stay silent on the issue.

"Are you ready, Captain?" C'orday knocked on the door.

When she heard of our desire to participate in their bonding ceremony, she immediately offered us her home. She told me she would be honored to help me prepare for the ritual while her partner, M'loann, would do the same for Seven.

I told her I was ready and leaving my red and black uniform folded neatly on the bed, I left the room.

C'orday walked me to a small, cobble stone paved road. She pointed toward the lake, to a small gazebo-like structure.

"Wait here, Captain. As our two moons begin to rise, you will approach the F"lin from the east. Seven will be approaching her from the west. No one else will walk with you. No one else will be in attendance. The path is yours alone, the ceremony for you and your bonded."

I told her I understood and stood quietly as I waited for the dual moonrise. While I stood there, I watched as the sky turned from blue to lavender, then to a deep purple. Stars seemed to pop into view and at one point, I thought I saw Voyager streak across the sky. Then, as if a switch was flipped, the tips of two moons appeared, opposing each other on the horizon.

With a surprisingly large number of butterflies fluttering in my stomach, I set out in search of the gazebo. The walk was not a long one, maybe a kilometer or two, but it gave me time to calm down and sort out my feelings. There was not time to prepare vows, no time to find the right words to describe the intensity of my love for the young woman that was once known as Annika Hansen. Yet, I trusted that whatever transpired would be accepted with love.

I followed the path until the gazebo was in clear site. I marveled as long v-shaped shadows danced on the ground, bathing it in the silver glow of two identical moons. I could see the F'lin, her cushion elevated nearly a meter higher than usual. And I could make out a shadowy form coming from the opposite direction. I felt my heart jump in my chest. For someone that didn't even break a sweat when in the midst of a heated battle, I found this to be fairly unnerving.

Taking a series of long deep breaths, I continued on toward the gazebo. I was just about to enter the structure when I got my first real glimpse of Seven. Her fine features were nearly ghostly in the moonlight. As we made eye contact, I watched her face light up in recognition, her huge eyes peering intently at me. Immediately, the butterflies were gone and my breathing returned to normal.

I heard the F'lin inviting me in, instructing me to place my left hand over her right one. I watched Seven do the opposite, placing her right hand over the telepath's left. Without thinking, I reached for Seven's Borg-enhanced hand, completing the circle.

The F'lin asked me if I understood the importance and the significance of the bonding ceremony.

I assured her that I was.

Then I heard her put the same question to Seven.

I was thoroughly surprised to hear Seven's thoughts resounding in my head. Her words were nothing like that of her speaking voice. Her inner voice was younger, nearly girlish, and her intonation had an almost lilting quality to it.

"Kathryn, from the first time that we met, I was aware of your feelings for Seven." The F'lin continued. "Your participation in our ceremony is not only a testimony to that love, but a deeply intimate acknowledgement of it. As you now know, Seven can hear and feel your thoughts in a way you've never imagined."

I started to say something but no words came out of my mouth. Instead, my thoughts and my memories flashed by at incredible speeds. I described what my life was like before Seven entered it. Through a series of memories, I showed her how I spent my days as Captain and how I spent my nights alone. I was able to convey the solitude, the angst, the loneliness and the grief. I showed her how my life changed when she was severed from the Borg, how much I worried about her, what my hopes were for her, and how, despite my own inner protestations, I came to love her. Through the F'lin's telepathic link, I was able to convey more than mere words.

As I spoke, I felt her fingers, the conjoining of cool metal and warm flesh as they tightened their grip on my hand. Despite my being overwhelmed, I was able to show her the depth of my emotional commitment, the importance I placed on every moment we spent together and the promise that I would always be there for her.

Then the F'lin spoke to Seven, asking her to describe her feelings towards me.

For a brief instant, I knew what it was to be Seven, starting from her earliest recollections of life aboard the Raven. That young, sweet, emotion-laden voice described her feelings towards her parents, their hubris they displayed by believing they were impervious to assimilation, their inability to protect her, and the betrayal by the Borg queen. Yes, I had heard some of this before, but now I could see it all in my mind's eye. I heard her describe what it felt like for her to know that I was standing in cargo bay 2 watching as she regenerated, how she dealt with the knowledge that she had developed feelings for her Captain, and how her body reacted to the first time we kissed. And while she often professed that she was verbally inadequate, I found her thoughts to be profoundly descriptive, her words fraught with emotions that went unspoken but were experienced nonetheless. When she told me she loved me with a passion greater than anything she had ever experienced, I now understood those experiences.

And I believed her.

In the platinum light of two moons, I saw the telepath begin to glow red, felt heat emanating from her until it enveloped the three of us.

With one immense moon hovering over us, the F'lin broke contact.

I looked at Seven, seeing her with new eyes, eyes that appreciated her more than ever before.

With a well-rested crew, a fully operational ship, and the Kelari and S'viro several light years behind us, I had the day off and the opportunity to reflect on our recent experiences. Already having taken a long, hot bath, I replicated a cup of coffee, returned to my bedroom and propped myself up on several pillows.

Having a telepath on board, even for a short period of time, had given my crew the occasion to work through some of their suppressed grief at being stranded so far from their loved ones. My personal awareness of how much the F'lin helped certainly made me appreciate the need for a ship's counselor, even more so than before our chance encounter with the gentle healer.

There was even something appealing to me about commanding an all-female crew. It was certainly not a matter I thought of before my experience with the Kelari. Whether it was directly related to the positive impression they made or the change in my own lifestyle, it now seemed worthy of future exploration. I entered a note in my personal file, reminding me to discuss the eventuality of that happening within Starfleet. As I put my PADD down, Seven returned to our quarters. Despite my protestations, albeit weak ones, she voluntarily worked both second and third shift so that she could spend my day off with me. I smiled and watched her retreat to the ensuite. The annoying sound of the sonic shower filtered back to the bedroom and I hoped Seven would get done quickly. I soon found that even a ship Captain's prayers are answered for seconds later, the noise abated and she padded into the bedroom.

I watched as she pulled back the covers on her side of the bed.

"Sleepy?"

"Not yet." She answered, her blue eyes twinkling.

Faced with the choice of having my lips touch a coffee cup or make contact with the soft, full lips belonging to my beautiful companion, I easily opted for the latter. As I rolled toward her, she whispered.

"What took you so long, Kathryn?"

It was a question I often asked myself.

"I was waiting for you."