Voyager-B
Part III

Five Days Later

I closed the commlink from Starfleet Command. Our orders were final now. I gave myself a few minutes to compose myself before I had to share them with the rest of the senior staff. I replicated myself another mug of coffee. On duty only three hours and I was on my fourth cup.

"No need to delay it," I said to myself.

I fastened the high collar of my uniform, picked up my coffee cup and strode back out to the bridge.

"Captain on the Bridge," Harry announced.

"Mr. Kim, Yellow Alert. " Though my crew looked at me with questioning eyes, they obeyed my commands. They were all aware that I had received a message from Starfleet.

I pressed my commbadge. "Command Staff report to the conference room."

I nodded to the officers on the bridge before heading for the conference room, two security guards in my wake. I sat down, then dismissed the security guards, knowing that they'd be standing watch at the doorways to the room.

I took my seat, facing the door. Rocking in my chair, I surveyed the room while I waited for my staff to report. The table and the room were both considerably larger on this Voyager as my staff had expanded. Everything about this ship was larger, except the science departments. I frowned at that thought.

They filed in quietly, their faces serious. Protocol dictated that Chakotay would be seated beside me, and the Head of Security, Tuvok to my other side. The rest of the crew quickly seated themselves, the Delta Voyager crew easily mixing in with the new staff members. As I had expected, Seven sat opposite me, where she could see me at all times. I held back my smile and instead acknowledged her choice of seating with a slight inclination of my head.

Commander Beragun was the last to join us. He stood at attention in his green and black tunic, snapping off a salute. He waited until I returned it before sitting down between Seven and Harry. I could sense my officers cringing at the overt military display. While I understood the need for Starfleet's Special Forces presence aboard my ship, I wasn't used to it either. I'd never served aboard a ship with the true military division of Starfleet. And I was still startled whenever I saw columns of green and black clad squadrons double-timing through the lower decks as they drilled.

I carefully looked at my staff as I took a final sip of coffee. If any of them were nervous, it wasn't obvious. I had to really look before I noticed a mouth shut a little tighter, a lip being chewed, fingers quietly drumming on the table, a little tension about the eyes. Commander Beragun almost seemed excited, his pupils wide. I made a mental note to later ask Seven if she had sensed the same thing while seated next to him.

"I have received our orders from Starfleet command," I started, foregoing any small talk. "We will remain at Yellow Alert until we have arrived at our scheduled rendezvous with the Gowron and the Alpha Warrior." I was proud of my crew. Not one of them blinked an eye when I mentioned a Klingon Battleship and a Romulan Warbird. "From there we will proceed to Argellos."

"Argellos, Captain?" Chakotay asked.

"A small uninhabited planet near the Neutral Zone. Commander Beragun, your battalion will train jointly with the Romulans and Klingons in preparation for a ground assault to re-take Outpost 495."

"Why not retake the outpost with an air attack, Captain?" Chakotay asked.

"We still have civilians and Starfleet personnel on the outpost, fighting covertly. We have no way of knowing where they are encamped. The Klingons and the Romulans also have officers and civilians there as well. It is our mission, along with the Klingons and Romulans, to take out any Cardassian or Dominion ships orbiting the outpost, as well as provide space support should any enemy ships appear to defend their troops planetside."

I turned toward some of the less senior staff. "Tom, Seven, Ro, you are to train on the shuttles to provide support closer to the fighting, as well as be prepared to rescue troops and civilians. Commander Beragun, I'll also be expecting members of your battalion to be working shuttle duty as well."

"We expect to be doing all the flying and firing, Captain," he said gruffly.

I couldn't be sure if I was being overly sensitive, but his response had been close to insubordination. Even though he was the ranking Special Forces officer, I was still Captain of the ship and all aboard her, and I was still leading the mission. I sensed Counselor Darris watching me.

"Starfleet will be sending along further orders as we near our rendezvous with the other ships. Expect more detailed orders for your battalion as well, Commander," I said, coldly, looking at Beragun.

He nodded, barely.

"We are at Yellow Alert as there have been recent reports of Dominion Raiders between here and the Neutral Zone. I want us running with shields up. B'Elanna, engines and systems must be at one hundred percent at all times. Whatever it takes."

"Understood, Captain."

"We've got six days before we reach the rendezvous. I suggest that all crewmembers designated for shuttle duty spend some extra time in the shuttle simulators in holodeck two. Harry, set up a schedule once Commander Beragun has provided you with his list."

"Aye, aye, Captain."

"Tuvok, Chakotay, I'd like to speak to you in my ready room. The rest of you are dismissed."

* * * * * * * * * *

"We're going to need to split up our bridge duty," I said to Tuvok and Chakotay as I sat behind my desk in my ready room. "I want one of us in command at all times."

"A wise decision, Captain," Tuvok commented.

"It'll mean some overlapping shifts, as well as longer hours."

"Any suggestions, Kathryn?"

"Well, gentlemen, RHIP," I said, leaning back in my chair and folding my hands on my stomach.

"Excuse me, Captain. RHIP?" Tuvok looked as puzzled as a Vulcan could be, which wasn't saying much.

"Rank hath its privileges," I said smiling. "I'll be on the Alpha shift, starting at 0700 hours, but I'll overlap with both of your shifts. Chakotay, I'll need you mainly on the Beta shift. I've got you scheduled for 1500 hours until 0100 hours. Tuvok, you've got primarily Gamma shift, from 2300 hours until 0900." They both nodded, neither saying a word. "I'll try to schedule meetings accordingly, but there will be times when I'm sure we'll all have interrupted downtime."

"That would be a logical assumption, Captain."

"We'll start the new schedule today. I want new duty rosters submitted by Alpha shift tomorrow. That'll be all."

As they got up to leave, I asked Tuvok to stay.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Are the security guards really necessary?"

He knew which security guards I was talking about; further explanations weren't required.

"Captain, I know you that you are aware of the regulation. It is now standard Starfleet protocol to have an armed escort for the Captain, and the Bridge Duty Officer, whenever a Yellow or Red Alert has been called."

"Another regulation I'm not too keen on. Does it have to include my off-duty actions as well?"

"They will be posted outside of your quarters, or wherever you might be," he added tactfully. "They are under strict orders."

"Can you see to it that they make themselves a bit less obtrusive?"

"I will order them to remain at the maximum allowed distance during a Yellow Alert. If we are at Red Alert, you understand that they will have to be closer."

"Yes, yes, I understand," I said irritated. "That'll be all, Tuvok."

* * * * * * * * * *

It was a few hours after dinnertime before I left my ready room for the last time that day. The Beta shift had begun hours before, and Chakotay was seated in the Captain's chair. Seven was still on duty at the weapons console, though I'm sure she had volunteered to stay until I left the bridge. I then noticed that Lieutenant Ro and Counselor Darris were also on the bridge. I knew the Counselor preferred working overlapping shifts, beginning her duty a few hours into the Alpha shift and ending a few hours after the Beta shift had begun. She had made the request before we left spacedock and I had approved it.

"At ease, Commander," I said, motioning to him to sit back down. "I'm not staying. I'm going to grab some dinner." I bent over and whispered, "why is Lt. Ro still on the Bridge?"

"She volunteered to work a double until we worked out the new duty rosters."

"Don't let her work a double. I want her rested and on the Alpha shift."

"Yes, Captain."

I patted him on the shoulder, then I walked over to Seven. "Are you going to work the Beta shift tonight?" I asked in a quiet voice.

"I was waiting for you. While you have been in your ready room, I have programmed the computers to perform continuous weapons status reports and download them to my alcove, and my personal workstation."

I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Ro and Darris were both watching us. They were both being subtle about it, but I didn't miss much that happened on my bridge.

"Really? Maybe we should discuss this over dinner," I said with a small smile.

"That would be acceptable."

"Then consider yourself officially off-duty, Lieutenant."

"Yes, Captain."

We entered the turbo-lift together, my two security guards getting in with us. I could tell that Seven was a little disconcerted by their presence.

"Did you want dinner in the mess hall, or someplace else?" I asked Seven.

"The mess hall would be inadequate for what I need to discuss with you," she said pointedly.

"Then I'll replicate something in my quarters." I told the computer to proceed to Deck three.

"And will there be two or four of us for dinner?" she asked me as we left the turbo-lift.

"I was only planning on the two of us," I teased, "unless you've invited someone."

"I was referring to your 'escort'," she said, her face almost wrinkling with distaste.

"Oh, them. No, they won't be joining us."

"Good."

"Though they will be stationed outside of my quarters," I added, the doors opening to my quarters.

"Indeed. And why are they there?"

"Starfleet Regulation M629 Section 4. When Starfleet is in a state of Military Readiness, the Captain of a ship will be accompanied by a security team whenever the ship's status is at Yellow Alert or higher. Or something to that affect." I had looked up the regulation in order to reacquaint myself with it after my meeting with Tuvok.

"Does that mean I must stay in my own quarters?"

"No," I said quickly. "We have so little time together now that I absolutely refuse to not have you with me during our off-duty hours." I put her arms around her waist and hugged her. "I've missed you, Seven."

"We have not been apart, Kathryn."

"But we haven't been 'together' since we left spacedock."

"I understand. Our duties to the ship come first, and proper rest for both of us is necessary for the well-being of the ship."

"How hungry are you?" I asked, changing the subject. I began to rub my face across her breasts.

"I am not hungry. I regenerated last evening. It is you who requires nutritional supplements."

"I think I'd like to delay my dinner, have a little dessert first," I said, gently biting Seven's nipples through her tunic.

"Kathryn, I do not understand why you find it necessary to come up with so many different euphemisms for making love. Why do you not just state that you wish us to make love?"

Even though Seven was responding in a Borg-like manner, her nipples were responding in a very un-Borg-like manner.

"Is that what you want, Seven?" I whispered against her neck. "Do you want me to tell you what I really want to do?" The whole time I talked, I caressed the hard points of her nipples. "Do you want me to tell you how much I want to have you naked beneath me? How very much I want to make you say my name in that wonderful way that you do when I touch you in all the right spots?"

Seven moaned softly, then suddenly picked me up and carried me into the bedroom. Seconds later we were scattering our clothes about the room in our haste to touch one another. It was times like these that I missed Seven's old outfits. One quick moment, and she could peel it off. Now we both had all of those infernal layers of Starfleet uniforms.

We quickly sank down onto the bed. In our rush, in our passion, we struggled for control of our lovemaking. One minute I was on top of Seven, sucking one nipple, then the other, then the next moment, I was on my back and Seven was kissing me deeply, almost roughly.

"Seven... darling... we need to slow down..." I gasped, putting my hands on her face and pulling her away.

"Unacceptable... I cannot wait, Kathryn... I need to touch you now..."

"And I need to touch you, too..."

"Then why are asking me to cease my attentions?"

"I'm not asking you to stop, only slow down."

"I will not comply," she said simply.

I couldn't resist her, even if I truly had wanted her to slow down. I don't think either of us wanted it to be soft and gentle. There was urgency between us, a need for an instant connection. It was almost as if we knew we had to take immediate advantage of our moment together, not knowing when we'd have the chance again.

"Then don't comply," I replied.

I pulled her head down for another one of those deep probing kisses. I spread my legs, pressing myself against Seven again and again. Without much foreplay, Seven's fingers penetrated me, and I groaned into her mouth. I hurriedly slid my hand down her torso and sought her out. She was at wet and as eager as I was.

It was hard, fast, and intense. And together.

"Oh, my," I managed to say once I'd finally caught my breath.

Seven's reply was muffled by the pillow next to my head. She laid sprawled across my body, her breaths deep and ragged. I was surprised to find that I had the energy to lift my hand as I lazily stroked her smooth back.

"We haven't... like that since..."

"Since we were almost caught in the middle of making love in Cargo Bay Two by B'Elanna Torres," Seven said, finishing my sentence.

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that time."

Seven had recalled a moment when we'd been lovers for only a few weeks, when no one truly knew that the nature of our relationship had changed. B'Elanna had indeed almost caught us in the act. We'd foolishly forgotten to seal the doors with a security code. We were lucky that Seven's Borg-enhanced hearing had given me a few precious seconds to react. I hadn't even had time to adjust my clothes before I scrambled behind Seven's alcove where I remained hidden until Seven was able get rid of B'Elanna.

I was remembering a more recent moment, one that had occurred just before Seven had found the wormhole. We'd been working double shifts, as the ship had been badly damaged in a skirmish with the D'couer. One night, I returned to my quarters for a quick shower and a change of clothes. I didn't have time for much else. Strictly by chance, Seven had also chosen that same time for the same reason. Needless to say, we never even made it to the bedroom.

Seven turned her head and began to place soft kisses along my neck. I could feel her body move ever so slightly against mine.

"Kathryn, I believe I have changed my mind. I now find that I am hungry."

"Really?" I said, smiling.

"Yes, I find that my appetite has been stimulated."

Dozens of smart remarks ran through my mind. Was it just her 'appetite' that was stimulated? What exactly did she want to eat? I dismissed them as too crass. I instead asked the most innocuous sounding question I could think of.

"And what are you hungry for?"

"I believe I need to consume you in order for my hunger to be abated."

"Does that mean I can have you for my dessert?"

"That would be acceptable."

She began to give me one those all encompassing kisses when we were interrupted by the chirp of my commbadge.

"Counselor Darris to Captain Janeway."

"Damn," I swore softly, breaking away from the kiss.

I searched through my clothes on the floor before finding my commbadge.

"Go ahead, Counselor," I said, finding my robe and slipping it on.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything, Captain."

Seven scowled and I smiled.

"No, Counselor," I lied.

"Would it possible to meet with you this evening?"

"Lt. Seven and I were just about to replicate some dinner. Would you like to join us in my quarters?"

"If it won't inconvenience you, Captain."

If she was surprised to hear that Seven was in my quarters, it didn't show in her voice. I didn't know if she knew about Seven and me. I hadn't offered her the information, and she had asked me few personal questions. I didn't know what, if anything, was in my Starfleet personnel file.

"No, it's fine. Why don't you stop by in forty-five minutes."

"I'll be there. Counselor out."

* * * * * * * * * *

We showered quickly, and separately. I didn't trust myself to keep my hands off Seven, and I knew we didn't have time. I even took care to set the water temperature to be a little cooler than I liked, hoping that it would put it a damper on my desire for Seven.

While I replicated a small, light dinner for three, Seven tidied up my quarters which had become very messy and cluttered in a short time.

"Kathryn, I do not know if I can live with you if you continue to leave your quarters in such a disorganized state," she commented, picking up the coffee mugs that were sitting around on every available counter top, desk top and table top.

"I'm sorry, Seven," I apologized. "I've been spending too much time on the bridge."

"And not enough time on your back," she muttered, thinking that I hadn't heard her.

"Then perhaps you should take some action to remedy that situation," I shot back, a wicked grin on my face.

The look of surprise on her face delighted me. But before she could respond, the door chimed.

"Come," I said, setting the food onto the table.

Counselor Darris walked into the room. She was of average height with brown hair and warm brown eyes. I guessed her age to be a few years older than Seven. She handed me a bottle of wine. I smiled as it was vintage wine from the Picard Vineyards.

"I heard you like good wine."

"Yes, I do, thank you."

I set the bottle on the table. From behind me, I heard Seven take out three wineglasses. Counselor Darris didn't seem surprised with Seven's familiarity with my quarters.

"Please, have a seat. I hope you don't mind that I've replicated a light meal of a salad and fruits."

"No, that's fine, thank you."

"You forgot the bread, Kath - Captain," Seven said, setting the loaf of French bread on the table.

"Thank you, Seven."

I poured us each a glass of wine. I sensed that they were waiting for me, so I served myself first.

"So, is this a social call, Counselor?" I asked between bites.

"Not really."

"Would you like me to leave?" Seven asked.

"No, Lt. Seven. At least finish your dinner."

"Seven and I were about to discuss a security matter. Why do I get the feeling that you're here for the same reason?" I asked.

"How did you know, Captain?" she asked, startled.

"She is psychic," Seven said in her best Borg voice.

"Captain?" Counselor Darris was confused.

"Seven, that's not funny," I said, my voice tight.

"I apologize, Counselor. Aboard the first Voyager, it was a long standing joke that the Captain had to be psychic. It was the only explanation that the crew had for her ability to seemingly know everything that happened on the ship."

"Oh, I see," Counselor Darris said weakly.

"I apologize as well, Counselor," I added. I gave Seven one of my patented Captain's looks. "My crew seems to have an underdeveloped sense of humor."

"No need, Captain. I think I might agree with them. I have yet to explain it myself, the captain's knowledge of everything that happens on the ship."

I took a sip of wine before asking my next question.

"Your question, it's about Commander Beragun, isn't it?" I pressed.

"Yes."

"I think I should leave, Captain," Seven repeated, standing up.

"Seven, you're second in command of security. There isn't anything I can say to the Counselor tonight that you can't hear."

"As you wish, Captain," Seven said, sitting back down.

"You're uncomfortable with a military staff on your ship, aren't you?" Darris asked.

"A little bit. I admit seeing all those green and black uniforms takes some getting used to." I picked up my wine glass. "But that's not what I'm concerned about." I turned to my left. "Seven, in the staff meeting this morning, what did you think of Commander Beragun?"

"He was somewhat agitated, almost paranoid."

"What makes you say that, Lt. Seven?" Darris asked.

"His pupils were quite dilated during the entire meeting, and the rate of his respiration was elevated." She saw the unasked question on the counselor's face. "While I was seated next to him, I saw his eyes, and with my Borg-enhancements, I was able to detect his breathing. His heart rate was raised as well."

"Counselor, Commander Beragun is a highly decorated Starfleet officer with many years of experience."

"Your point, Captain?"

"He shouldn't be reacting this way. I want you to talk to him. I'm concerned that he might be showing the early signs of deep space psychosis."

"That's a serious accusation, Captain."

"Call it a hunch, not an accusation."

"Captain, with all due respect, you are not a doctor or a counselor."

Seven bristled beside me. I stopped myself from putting my hand on her arm.

"I've got over twenty years in Starfleet. Have you ever seen a case of it, Counselor?"

"No," she admitted.

"I have. Three times. You don't ever forget it." I picked up my glass of wine once more. "Consider it an informal request."

She stared at me. I'm sure she didn't know quite what to think.

"I'll... I'll take it under advisement, Captain."

"Good. More wine?" I asked, holding the bottle up.

"No, thank you."

"Seven?"

"No, Captain. Half a glass of wine is sufficient for me." She stood up abruptly. "Excuse me. I need to regenerate this evening."

She cleared her dishes from the table.

"Will you be regenerating all night, Lieutenant?" I asked.

"For a few hours. Why?"

"We still haven't discussed your latest computer program on the weapons status."

"I will contact you when my cycle is complete."

She left the room without saying another word. I turned to my remaining dinner companion. "Sure I can't interest you in another glass?"

"Well, maybe half a glass."

I poured us both a half glass of wine. I leaned back in my chair.

"You've got other questions for me, Counselor."

"I confess I'm beginning to think that I'm in the wrong profession, Captain," she said, smiling. "And I suspect that you'd make a good ship's counselor."

I smiled back and sipped my wine. I waited for her to ask her questions.

"Does Lt. Seven have dinner in your quarters often?"

Not exactly the first question I thought she'd ask. "Every night." I fixed her with a stare that said more than my words.

"I see. Does the crew know?"

"The original Voyager crew does. It's not something that could be kept secret for over two years. Secrets don't keep on a ship of any size." I took another sip of wine. "As far as the rest of the crew, I'm sure they have their suspicions."

"It isn't on your personnel record. Not officially, anyways."

"Good. Not that I'm ashamed of it," I amended. "I just don't think it's Starfleet's business."

"Unless it affects your ability to command."

"Which it didn't on my last ship."

"I'm sure you'll understand that I wish to reserve judgement, Captain."

"I understand you have a job to do, Counselor."

We waited in an uneasy silence before she finally spoke. "I'm glad to know where we both stand, Captain."

"As I am." I set my glass down. "It's late. I think we should continue this conversation some other time."

"Tomorrow, after your shift ends?"

"You are persistent, aren't you?" I smiled, but I knew it was a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Fine. We can continue this tomorrow." I stood up. "And counselor, I will expect a report on our earlier topic of conversation."

"Understood, Captain."