Voyager-B
Part II

I took the shuttle on a fly-by over several parts of the North American continent that I liked. Even though Seven didn't fully comprehend the sentimentality of my flight, she tried to understand, patiently listening to all of my stories. I realized that she had probably heard them before on our last trip, but she thoughtfully kept her remarks to herself. I don't think I was trying as much to share them with Seven, but rather recommitting them to my memory in case I was gone on another extended trip. Seven years had been a long time without seeing Earth and all of its familiar sights. I hoped it wouldn't be another seven years before I saw my home again.

When we landed near by mother's house, it was almost sunset. And sunset meant dinnertime at my mother's. We left our small bags in the shuttle and immediately headed for the house.

My mother was waiting on the porch, Phoebe behind her. They greeted both of us with loving hugs. It never failed to touch me at how readily they both accepted Seven, and how comfortable Seven was around them. But then again, Phoebe always was warmer and more open than I was. At least, I always thought she was. And my mother, she would love anyone I brought home, even a Rigellian Slime Cat.

"Have you had dinner yet? Are you hungry?"

"You know I'd never pass up a chance for your home cooking, Mom. I never know when I might get to enjoy it again."

"Shall I set a place for you, Seven?" my mother delicately asked, knowing that Seven didn't need or enjoy meals as much as I did.

"Please. I would like to join you this evening."

"Good, good."

I took Seven's hand as we followed them into the house. She raised one eyebrow, and I could tell she was still unaccustomed to my recent, and very public, displays of affection.

"It won't be long, Seven, when I won't have this opportunity to hold your hand whenever I want."

"Indeed. Even when we are alone and in our quarters?" Her eyes twinkled.

I smiled back at her, then raised her hand to my mouth and kissed it quickly.

"You'd think the two of you were newlyweds," Phoebe commented, setting the food on the table.

Seven's cheeks reddened, which wasn't something that happened all that often.

"Phoebe," I warned.

"Oh, Kathryn, don't try that Force Ten Glare on me. I'm not some wet-behind-the-ears ensign," Phoebe laughed.

I had to laugh, and even Seven smiled at Phoebe's comment.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was close to midnight when Seven and I finally retired. My bed was just as soft as it was the last time we'd visited, and just as soft as it had been when I was growing up. How I wished I could've moved it to my quarters on Voyager, but that would never happen. Besides, it was barely big enough for the two of us, unlike my bed on board the ship.

Seven curled her body around me, her legs tangled up with mine.

"I am glad that you, we, are able to have this additional trip to your mother's house."

"Really? You like being here?"

"Yes. And not only for how it relaxes you. I enjoy your mother's company and Phoebe's as well. They are both very accepting of us and our relationship. And we have something in common."

"What's that?" I asked, turning over so that my face was pressed against her soft chest.

"We all love you unconditionally."

I had trouble swallowing the lump in my throat. Sometimes Seven could say the most astounding things.

"I love you, too, Seven. Unconditionally."

I lifted my head and kissed her full lips, trying to convey all the love I felt for her in that one solitary kiss. Seven's fingers tangled in my short, now graying, hair and she opened herself to more of my kiss. She gradually broke off our kiss, breathless and warm.

"Kathryn, you have not kissed me like that since..."

"Since when?"

"Since the night after I found the wormhole that returned us to the Alpha Quadrant," she admitted, always honest with me, no matter how much it could hurt me.

"Then I've been wrong, Seven."

"Wrong? How?"

"You should feel how much I love you with every kiss. I've been neglecting you. And I'm sorry."

"Kathryn, do not apologize. I do not require you to kiss me that way every single time to know that you love me. Sometimes, a kiss like that is not appropriate." Her voice dropped. "Sometimes it is not your kiss that I require."

"Then what do you require of me?" I asked, my fingers absently stroking her nipples.

"At this moment, I require another of your kisses, but not on my mouth," she replied, her voice almost playful.

"Would you like me to kiss you here?" I murmured, kissing her neck, just below her ear.

"Although that is very pleasing to me, Kathryn, I do not believe that is the accurate spot. Perhaps you could try other places on my body and I will tell you if it is correct or not."

I chuckled softly. "Darling, have I ever told you how very glad I am to be in love with you?"

"In the past two point five years, you have told me one thousand, eight hundred and forty-three times."

"But who's counting?" I added, my chuckle turning into a laugh. "And it will never be enough times as far as I'm concerned."

"Kathryn, right now, I require you to show me how much you love me, not tell me," Seven persisted, taking my hand and placing it on her left breast.

"Oh, I intend to," I said, easing her onto her back. "Just remember that we need to keep quiet. This room doesn't have enhanced soundproofing like our quarters on Voyager."

"It is not I who was so loud on our previous visit."

"You forget, Seven, that it's not just our voices that make the noise. The bedsprings squeak."

"I did not forget." Her voice reverted to a very Borg-like tone.

"I just wanted to be sure."

"If you are so concerned with noise, perhaps we should move to the shuttle. I am sure that the soundproofing there will be more than sufficient."

I stopped my kisses, unsure if Seven was serious or not.

"Kathryn, you should not be worried about whether your mother or Phoebe can hear us. I do not think the sounds of two people in love would be so disturbing to either of them. Besides, it didn't stop you the last time we were here."

No, it hadn't. But Phoebe's remarks six months ago almost had. Seven hadn't been in the room when Phoebe had teased me almost mercilessly when she'd overheard Seven and I making love early one morning. My face burned now just remembering it. I hadn't been that embarrassed since getting a dressing down back in my Academy days.

"You're right, Seven. It shouldn't bother me, either."

"Then make love to me."

"No."

She was shocked at my response, her eyes wide, her mouth open. "You will not make love to me?"

"No, I will not make love to you. I will make love with you."

I leaned over, planting another kiss on her lips. I wanted her to feel the way I did whenever she kissed me. I wanted her to tingle from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. I didn't know why it was so important for me that night, but it was.

"Kathryn," she whispered as I lowered my face to one breast, then the other.

I worshipped her breasts with my tongue, determined to give her as much pleasure as I was feeling. I reveled in the size and softness of them. She moaned softly, then she moved her hands to her breasts. She cupped them, squeezing them together so I could move back and forth from one to the other with ease. I covered her hands with my own and we held those splendid breasts together.

I could feel her hips begin a gentle, steady roll against me. I pressed one of my thighs between her legs and felt her desire on it.

"Kathryn..."

"Mmmm?" I answered, my lips back against her neck, my hands kneading her breasts.

"I believe I know where I want you to kiss me..."

"Tell me..." I whispered. "Tell me where you want my lips..."

"Down..." was all she said.

I kissed her deeply on her mouth, a promise of what I intended to do to other parts of her body. She answered my kiss with one of her own, her arms wrapping tightly around my body. There was something so very human about Seven when she held me so closely.

"I love you, Seven," I said, before I began my descent over her body.

"Kathryn," she said once more, almost urgently, pleading.

My mouth and fingers moved across baby soft skin and over cold Borg implants, not missing any part of her body. I could smell her desire, and soon I was tasting it, a musky and metallic nectar. It was uniquely Seven, and only for me.

Seven began a quiet, soft keening that was music to my ears. She gasped once, her fingers pressing into my shoulders when I slid two fingers gently inside of her. I continued to roll my tongue across the hard little ridge, tenderly sucking on it. Her muscles contracted, drawing my fingers in deeper, trapping them. I knew Seven so well now; knew it wouldn't be long for her. I felt the rush of moisture bathe my face and my fingers, and I wanted to cry out my love for her.

Seven stiffened beneath me, repeating my name over and over, almost reverently. She had no God to cry out to when she climaxed. It was my name, and my name alone, that she called.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was mid-morning when I finally woke up. The window was open and a warm, gentle breeze stirred the curtains. Seven was gone, but I noticed she'd retrieved our packs from the shuttle. I heard voices outdoors and I quickly threw on the shirt I'd been wearing the night before. I stuck my head out the window and saw Seven walking arm in arm with Phoebe. I could see that Phoebe had completely won over Seven, as only Phoebe could convince Seven to link arms with hers. I almost called out to them, but decided against it. Seven could always use a dose of Phoebe, a woman who never let any of us evade her questions, never let any of us get away with anything. Seven had met her match when it came to being direct.

I showered and changed into a pair of pants that I'd obtained on my last visit. They were a now a broken-in pair of slacks, comfortable, yet still sturdy enough for wearing around the farm. I hoped it wasn't too late for breakfast. My mother was a good cook, and dinner had been wonderful, but her true talents lay in her breakfasts.

"Good morning, Kathryn," my mother greeted me, holding out a fresh cup of coffee for me.

"Thanks. Good morning."

"Sleep well?"

"Yes, thanks."

"I suppose there's nothing quite like sleeping in one's own bed, is there?"

"No, there's not," I agreed.

"Especially when you're sharing your bed with the one you love."

I blushed and nodded. I now knew who Phoebe had inherited her outspokeness from. My mother just happened to be a bit more tactful.

"How long do you have before you leave?" my mother asked, changing the topic.

"Two more nights, then we leave."

"Do you have your orders yet?" She set a plate full of one of her hearty breakfasts in front of me.

"Not the specifics. I'll get them once we've left spacedock."

"It seems like I've just got you home, only to have you leave again."

"I know." I began dig into the food. "Mom, about this mission..."

"Yes, Kathryn."

"Should anything happen to me..."

"Hush. Don't think such thoughts."

"It's a very real possibility. I've written a letter for you and Phoebe." My eyes remained fixed on my plate. "I want you to look after Seven, make sure she gets on with her life."

"Kathryn Janeway, I'll not have this kind of talk at my kitchen table." There was an unfamiliar harshness to my mother's voice.

"Mom..."

"I mean it. You will both safely return from your mission. I expect you both to be here for my birthday."

Six months until her birthday. We'd be lucky to still be alive in six months, let alone back on Earth. I don't think she understood how serious this mission was this time. Or maybe she did, and just didn't want to think about it.

"All right, Mom. We won't discuss it anymore. I just want a promise that you will look after Seven."

"Kathryn..."

"Please, it's important to me. I need to know that Seven will have a family to go to."

"Of course she will."

"Thank you."

I returned to my breakfast, but I'd lost my appetite. I pushed my plate away and picked up my cup. This mission still bothered me. I'd never doubted my ability to command before, but I was beginning to second guess myself and my skills as a military leader. It was a feeling I wasn't used to, and it was one that I didn't like.

My mother came up and laid her hand gently on my cheek.

"You'll be fine, Kathryn. You've already proven yourself as a captain a dozen times over."

Our eyes locked and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. She leaned over and kissed my forehead.

"You should spend some time with Seven today. I don't think you'll be having much time together in the future."

"If only to rescue her from Phoebe," I said wryly, getting up from the table. I kissed my mother's cheek. "Thank you."

I squeezed her shoulder before heading outside. Phoebe and Seven were sitting on the front porch swing. Phoebe immediately got up so that I could sit beside Seven. I instinctively reached for Seven's hand after I sat down. Seven looked almost tired, if that were possible. Then again, she'd been with Phoebe for who knew how long. Phoebe could be exhausting. There were times when even I could only take her in small doses. I could only imagine how Seven was feeling. Overpowered and exasperated, I thought.

"Would you go for a walk with me?" I asked.

"I am agreeable to that."

Phoebe no longer grinned whenever Seven spoke. I had grown so used to Seven's way of speaking that I had been startled the first time Phoebe had almost burst out laughing when Seven spoke. She smiled at us both, then left us alone on the porch.

"Come, Seven," I said holding out my hand.

We walked across the fields together in silence. I wanted to breathe in all the fresh air that I could, smell the newly cut hay, smell the freshly tilled soil. Despite all that the holodecks had to offer, nothing could replace the real thing. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I felt Seven step behind me, her arms slipping about my waist.

"Nothing like springtime in Indiana," I said, my eyes still shut.

"I wish I could see you this happy all the time, Kathryn," she whispered against my ear. "The only other time I see you with this expression is when Voyager has survived yet another crisis."

"I never really appreciated it until I was away from it for so long, thought I would never see it again," I turned around and kissed her gently. "And it's even better, Seven, having you here to share it with me."

"I am glad that I am able to be with you."

* * * * * * * * * *

We walked through the barn. I eyed the hayloft, then looked at Seven. There was something about seeing her in a pair of old-world denim style pants and red-checked blouse, her hair loosely pulled back, that set my hormones afire. A smile came to my lips.

"Seven, there is a part of your education here on Earth that I've neglected."

I thought I had done a good job of disguising the desire in my voice, but apparently Seven knew me too well. The Borg implant above her eye crept up her forehead and there was a hint of a smirk on her face.

"Indeed. And what might that be?"

"Have I ever told you about an old Earth custom called a 'roll in the hay'?"

"No. I am unfamiliar with this activity."

"Climb up that ladder and wait for me."

"And why should I do that?"

"Because I asked you to?" I asked, hopefully.

"Very well, Kathryn. I will endeavor to humor you this one time."

If Seven had been prone to rolling her eyes, she would have. Instead, she gave a small sigh and began to climb the ladder. I admired the view for a moment before I looked around the barn. I spotted an old horse blanket hanging up. I shook it out, threw it over my shoulder, then climbed up the ladder after her.

Seven had found the ceiling too low for her to stand comfortably, so she had sat down. I crawled across the pile of hay and spread the blanket out. I sat down on the blanket and motioned for her to join me.

"I fail to understand how pursuing physical activity in a pile of mowed grass could be considered educational," she commented, moving to sit beside me.

"It's not just physical activity, Seven," I said, putting my arm around her.

"And if we are sitting on the blanket, then how are we to 'roll in the hay'?"

I couldn't believe how frustrated I could still get when she took everything I said so literally. I turned to her, ready to launch an explanation, when I realized she was smiling at me.

"You do not wish to roll in the hay, Kathryn. You wish to make love."

"And how long have you known that?"

"I noticed that your body was demonstrating signs of arousal when you saw the ladder to this area of the barn."

"It's called a hayloft."

"And you find this... hayloft conducive to romantic activities?"

"Seven, have I ever told you that sometimes you talk entirely too much?" I saw her open her mouth to respond. "Don't answer that. It was a rhetorical question."

"Then what do you wish me to do?"

"Lay back and let me love you," I replied, pressing her back against the blanket.

I kissed her passionately, my hand resting on her breast. I could feel her nipple harden under the light pressure from my palm. Seven arched her back slightly, pushing up against my hand.

"I love you, Seven," I said between kisses.

I began to unbutton Seven's blouse, but I stopped when I saw the plain, white cotton bra that she wore. I wondered if her underpants were the same, and I felt another surge of desire between my legs, just thinking about it.

"Seven, do you know that right now you are the very image of every farm boy's fantasy?"

"I do not wish to be every farm boy's fantasy," she said curtly.

"Then just be this farm girl's fantasy." I kissed her neck, and traced a fingertip along the edge of her bra.

"And what does this fantasy involve? Should I resist your attentions?"

"No, not unless you want to," I whispered as I finished unbuttoning her blouse.

"Good. I do not wish to resist. Resistance would be... unproductive."

"Oh, Seven, you have such a way with words." I smiled, then reached around her back to unhook her bra. She moved as if to take off her blouse and bra, but I stopped her. "Leave it on."

"But your access to me will be impeded by the clothing."

"Sometimes, barriers and obstacles can be arousing," I explained, my fingers pushing aside her bra and finding a stiff nipple.

"Indeed. We will have to explore this further."

"I intend to, darling."

"I hope you will promptly proceed."

There were times when I think Seven spoke like a Borg on purpose, to be humorous. I knew most people found her humorless, but her wit was dry and sharp. I wasn't sure if this was one of those moments, but when I looked up, I saw her smile.

I moved so that I lying between her legs, my face nestled between her breasts. I started a slow grinding motion with my hips, knowing that the friction was something we both enjoyed. I lifted my head so that I could look at Seven, see her eyes. And what I saw then was what I had been seeing for over two years - love. I only hoped that Seven could see the same in my eyes.

"Seven..."

"Kathryn..."

"I need to touch you, Seven. I need to feel you, need to be inside of you."

"Please, Kathryn..."

I shifted my weight from my hips to my knees. I reached between us, unfastening her pants. Inefficient, this old-world clothing, I thought, smiling to myself. I saw that Seven had completed her outfit with white underpants and I was surprised at how excited that made me. I slipped one hand inside of her clothing, amazed at how wet she'd become.

"Lift your hips," I said. "I need more room."

Seven did as I asked, and I pulled her pants down just far enough to give me room to touch her. She quickly wiggled out of them. Once her pants were off, I began to stroke her lightly between her legs. "You're right, Seven. Access is important," I said, pushing inside of her.

I moved so that I was between her legs once again. I began to thrust my hips against her as I pumped my fingers deeply into her. She moaned and her hips rose up to meet mine.

I watched Seven, my heart full of all the love that I felt for her.

"I love you, Seven... " I gasped. "Come for me, darling...yes..."

"Kathryn!" she half shouted, half sobbed.

Her body trembled and shook. I kissed her over and over, slowly easing her through her orgasm. Her body stilled, then her long arms slid around me.

I lived for those few moments of bliss we shared after we made love; loved them because of how I felt afterward, how I had made Seven feel. I loved to lay my head on her chest and listen to her strong heart. It was a time when I felt closest to Seven, a time when it seemed we were the only people in the universe.

Seven's light caresses up and down my back slowed and her hands dropped to my ass. She began to knead it, pulling me closer to her. My Borg was letting me know that she was aroused once again. She shifted my body so that our faces were even.

"I do not think your fantasy is only to make love to me in the hay. I believe it is your fantasy to have me make love to you here," she said, rolling us both over until I was on my back and looking up at her. How could anyone not be aroused at seeing Seven, her hair mussed, her blouse open, a flash of white underclothes.

She pinned me down, her Borg-enhanced left hand holding my wrists together above my head. There were times when being in control, being in command was what I didn't need; times when I wanted to be under Seven's command, under her control. And Seven always seem to know when that was what I needed.

"You are not to climax until I tell you so, Kathryn," she said, pushing my shirt and bra up.

"I don't know if I can do that."

"You must wait," she ordered, her fingers tugging one nipple, then the other.

"You know what that does to me..."

Seven then proceeded to kiss me with that single-minded Borg determination that left no room for doubt in my mind that I was loved. She let go of my wrists and my arms immediately wrapped around her slender back. She continued with her kisses, both hands on my breasts now.

Perhaps she sensed it, or maybe it was feeling my body moving against hers, but Seven knew I needed more than kisses. Her mouth still covering mine, she reached between us and pulled at my pants.

"Wait," I groaned into her mouth.

I lifted my hips and helped her to push them down further. I felt one leg pull free of the clothing, then I felt Seven's hand on my thigh, slowly moving upward. Her caresses on the inside of my legs, then between my legs became rougher, more insistent. She pushed aside my underwear, her fingers now directly kneading my flesh.

"You are quite wet, Kathryn," she observed, her fingers touching me, stroking me, but not quite where I needed them.

"Inside, Seven, now," I demanded, my voice raspy with my need.

"Like this?" she asked, one long finger probing me deeply.

"More, Seven..."

She added a second finger and I gasped at how good it felt. I drew my knees up, wanting more of her.

"Yes, Kathryn?"

"Another... please..."

"Are you certain that is what you want?" she asked, her fingers slowly thrusting in, but not completely out.

"Yes... yes..."

"I will comply."

I felt her add a third finger and I moaned, loving the feeling of having her fill me so completely. I began to counter her thrust with a rocking of my hips.

"Oh, Seven... yes..."

I could feel myself beginning the spiraling climb to an orgasm when I felt Seven halt the motion of her fingers. I wanted to scream my frustration.

"Kathryn," she said sharply. I looked up at Seven, unable to stop my hips from undulating against her fingers. "You must wait until I tell you."

"I can't... don't stop, Seven..."

"Do you want to climax?" she asked, her fingers beginning to stir again.

I cursed myself for having introduced Seven to so many various forms of sexuality.

"Please, Seven... darling..."

"Yes," she said simply.

I almost sobbed aloud when I felt her fingers commence that steady pumping once more, her thumb swirling around my clitoris until I almost couldn't stand it for one more second. She leaned over me and kissed me with an intensity that had me seeing stars. For one brief moment, I thought I was going to black out from the feelings that ran through me.

"Seven!" I shouted, my body rigid and clutching at her.

She continued until I fell back, limp and sated. I felt drained, like my body was made of gel-paks. There were times when I felt vulnerable, and even a little needy, following one of our lovemaking sessions. And Seven knew that this was one of them. She rolled over onto her back, cradling me in her arms.

"I love you, Kathryn," she said gently, kissing me.

"I love you, too."

I snuggled up closer to her, soothed by the soft touch of her hands caressing my body.

"Too much fresh air," I said drowsily, my head on Seven's shoulder.

"Too much love making," she corrected me.

"Too much is never enough," I replied, and as I drifted off to sleep, my last thoughts were of Seven's lips pressing against my forehead in a sweet kiss.

* * * * * * * * * *