REMEMBER WE'RE FOREVER

As she was fighting for some control of her thoughts and emotions , the lovely young blonde had moved next to, Janeway , and without hesitation pulled her into a hug of gentle warmth - just as the song foretold . Unknown long moments passed before they slowly disengaged from the warmth of each other's arms and looked into each other's eye with yearning.

"How long have you felt this way ?" Janeway , finally heard herself ask , Seven .

"I've had the feelings for a very long time . I had no idea how to-" hunts for a word " formulate a means to tell you ; until we spoke of my interest in music's ability to speak to the emotional core of a person . I knew I could not tell the , Captain ; I needed to tell the inner you - the part that is , Kathryn . If I have caused you discomfort , I apologize. It was never my intent to make you uneasy , Captain ; but , you did ask to hear my song . And - it seemed to be the right time to let you know ."

With a deep intake of breath , and more than a little courage , Janeway , stepped over the threshold of her 'captaincy' , drew the young woman's face towards her own - and kissed her . Long moments passed as the women let their pent up passion boil forth from the long term binds that had held their feelings in check for far too long . The craft continued on its course via auto-pilot towards the gaseous nebula , the sensors signaled their closing proximity from a distance of 100,000 kilometers out from the nebula ; the craft dropped automatically to half impulse .

When they finally broke for air ; it was , Kathryn , that spoke first .

"I'm not sure if that was the right thing to do ; but , I have wanted to do it for so long - , Seven - I apologize ."

Staying with the wordless mode of expression the Borg pulled , Kathryn , into another kiss . But this time it was gentle , tender even . Tasting each other's passion was almost too much for the young Borg , who had often thought about kissing ; but , was finding out that the action was far more potent than the idea . How could such a simple touch between individuals , create such an overwhelming response . She felt herself descending into total bliss as something within her Borg implants started to resonate . She realized that 'something' was trying to contact them through her occular implant.

Slowly pulling free of their kiss , Seven , tried to understand the information that was now pulsing through her implant . Instinctively , Janeway , knew something was wrong . Her partner would not have cut the kiss short for no reason. " Seven , what's happening ? Are you having second thoughts ?" The tremble of fear faintly audible in her voice .

"No , Captain , there is someone/something trying to communicate through my ocular implant . But the signal is very weak , with much distortion - I cannot make out what they are trying to communicate ." The calmness in her voice masking the froth of emotion that was still effervescent in her veins . She looked into , Janeway's , face and saw her own love being reflected back . A nano-second later the Captain had returned .

"Raise shields to maximum power , give me a reading on where this signal could be coming from , Seven ."

"Captain , there is a sub-space hole opening on our starboard side , distance 50,000 kilometers , heading 235.9 - I'm erecting shields to full strength . Sensors show something is exiting and headed our way ."

Seven transferred all possible energy to the Delta Flyers shields , while Captain Janeway applied tactical piloting skills that had been dormant far too long for comfort . She maneuvered straight for her would be assailant , then applied a 180 with a braking thrust that allowed her craft to be pulled into , and along the wake of the newly arrived craft . The sudden arrival of this craft couldn't be accidental , and she wasn't going to take any chances before she knew what they were up against .

" Seven , what can sensors tell us about our new ' friend ' that can be used to our advantage ? " Janeway barked out from her place at the helm .

" They seem to be in a state of dormancy , I read no life signs ; yet this could just be a ploy to get us to drop our defenses before they strike . I am also reading some extensive damage to their shields; small yet potentially lethal hull cracking on the lower decks - and Captain - I'm picking up a possible distress signal piggybacking on their deep-space sensors . It's weak , but I may be able to boost it enough for us to run through the universal translator ."

With the potential danger of their ' neighbor ' unknown the hair on the back of Janeway's neck stood at attention . Everything in her experience & training told her that this craft's arrival at this place and time was not accidental . Her gut instinct as a Science Officer spoke of wonder ; a chance to make a first encounter in this far corner of the Delta quadrant , coupled with the chance to give aid . Such an opportunity to make a new ally doesn't present itself to you in this hostile part of the galaxy very often , and she didn't want to offend anyone and make an enemy before they had even met .

" Run it through the translator . But - only after running a phase one diagnostic on it to see if anything else is being carried . And Seven - also run a projection as to where they're sending it ; I'd like to know if we can expect any more company that may respond to their plea for help ." As she maneuvered the craft to a safe distance from the ' enemy ' craft , she thought of the Trojan Horse Legend of old Earth . Would an unknown enemy try to gain entry to her craft by way of obfuscation ? Could this craft truly be 'dead in the water' so to speak ? And if it was , what had made the spatial anomaly spit it out at them at this time ? Her instincts nagged at her that something wasn't right , but , for the life of her she couldn't place WHAT is was that was out of place - nor could their sensors at this time .

"Captain - I have configured where they were signaling - there is a class M planet ,11 light years past the anomaly . Too far off to discern life signs ." As Seven looked up from her station towards , Janeway , their craft took an explosive blast from the vacinity of their newly arrived neighbor . " Captain , shields are still at 93 percent of capacity ; bringing photon torpedoes online and focusing phasers on their aft shielding plate - if we hit them hard at that point their ship's integrity will fail ."

Instinctively , Janeway , knew that was not the thing to do right now - how she didn't know - but she wasn't going to test her theory . Bringing the craft around to face the front of the alien craft she spoke .

" Hold off on the phasers , Seven . Prepare two torpedoes for wide angle burst and fire on my mark ." Janeway , swiveled towards the helm's controls and hit the thrusters to move them off to portside . "Now - Seven !" As the torpedoes blast concussion spread over the craft , a hazy outline of a larger craft shadowed around the craft in front of them ; as though the image in front of them was a cloak to hide the true size and capability of the foreign craft . " Seven - did our sensors pick that up ?" asked Janeway as she ramped up the ships thrusters to full , and flew away from the nebula ; or so she thought . Caught up in the alien craft's attack she had forgotten about the spatial anomalies emanating from the nebula ; and , as she plunged the Delta Flyer forward , the forgotten anomalies made sure they were never forgotten by Janeway again .

"Seven , where do the sensors place us ? We seem to be , for lack of a better word lost ." As she placed the Delta Flyer into a holding pattern , a message came through their communications panel .

" We mean you no harm , we are in need of aid . …We mean you no harm , we are in need of aid - can you assist us ?"

" Seven, can you lock unto that signal and tell where it originated ? "

" Captain , the signal seems to be coming from a ship on the far side of this planet , & Captain , my sensors also have detected a similarity to all three contacts we've recently experienced ." Seven's hands raced over the console's surface , confirming the sensor's results . "They all utilize the same frequency of amplitude ."

As the hair on the back of her neck stood erect , she was almost afraid to ask "Seven , are you saying they're all the same signal ? "

Now having triple checked the results , Seven looked to her , Captain " The spatial anomalie seems to have torn the signal into shards that are erupting from separate time lines . We seem to be near the same class M planet I detected earlier ; but , Captain - the sensors show it to be much further than the 11 light years it registered earlier ." As Seven finished her face lost color and a tense look crossed her face .

"What is it , Seven , where are we ?" As , Janeway , asked the question , she had left her place at the helm and had come to stand beside the young woman to see just what had her so upset or was she scared ?

"Kath - Captain , we have traveled 25,000 light-years towards the Alpha Quadrant . And --we have lost contact with Voyager . " Seven was so rattled she did not at first notice that , Kathryn , was leaning into her back , looking at the readouts over , Seven's , shoulder with her hand on the young woman's shoulder . Seven looked into her eyes and wished to hold her close ; to make the emptiness fade from within . " Captain , we must make more tests - these results could be just as muddled as the previous readings proved to be ."

Drawing a deep breathe while straightening her tunic , Janeway , moved to the other sensor console to assist , Seven , with the analysis , " Seven - can you boost the last signal we received from the alien craft ? It may give us a clue as to who we were listening to and if they are responsible for our current predicament ."

"I am transferring that data to your console ; I will try to establish contact with Voyager by sending our signal back at the Nebula ."

Janeway yelped "No ,Seven , we need to know what sets this temporal shift off before we add any more influx to it . Help me with the signals current whereabouts so we can prepare an appropriate defensive response ."

As they reconfigured the data their ministrations became a ballet , reflected by the data stream on their screens . Each anticipating the others path , the data started to reconfigure itself into a clearer sense of order . Anyone who would have watched the two women work , would have thought they did this frequently , for hours at a time . The graceful manner in which their data flowed together , shifting into clearer extrapolations of meaning . Janeway , herself was astounded when some answers started to clarify on the screen after only a short amount of time .

"Well , Seven , it looks like that planet is not the cause of this spatial shift ." Janeway , glanced from her console to offer a slight smile of commradery to , Seven of Nine tertiary adjunct to the unimatrix of her heart . "I think I'll lay in a course to intercept the alien craft on the planet's far side . Hail them on all frequencies to offer aid ; but , keep a buffer on our signal - I don't want to cause any more spatial shifts before we can figure out just what is happening ."

* * * * * *

What is happening ? Janeway , thought as she came out from the past, for a moments reflection on the now . She and Seven , had found happiness here on Taluk 4; were starting a family on this planet . Could she really leave to go back to being a Starfleet Officer ; to being the Captain of Voyager ?

As she walked to the hearth and poured another cup of tea , Janeway , decided to try the pie , Seven , had made . As she placed a piece of pie onto a plate, she thought of why she was hesitant to return to that life - as she slid into another memory .

* * *

Three months earlier they had been walking along the ridge of the hill behind their cabin , making their way to a favorite vantage point with a view of the valley below . The sun was warm upon their faces , yet there was a soothing breeze flowing up from the valley's floor as they made their way along the hill's ridge .

"Kathryn , I need to talk to you about something , that I wish to do ."

Started , Seven , in her typically forthright manner . " It regards the two of us and I will not proceed if you do not agree with my decision in this matter ." As she had been speaking the young blonde had come to a stop in front of , Janeway , in an attempt to focus her attention . " As you know , I have been researching the spiritual practice of honoring the ancestors as practiced by the Freeoylen . I have concluded that we need to consider honoring the ancestors as well ." Slowly she drew her breath before continuing " If we are to remain here , I wish to follow the cultural practice of our adopted community ." Seven , halted wondering how to let , Kathryn , know this was truly important to her " I wish to gestate a child . Our child . I want to start a family , so that we may also honor the ancestors just as this culture does . Also , I wish to honor you , my partner , the one I love with all of my heart . Madly , deeply - always !" Seven was so caught up in her explanation she did not notice that , Kathryn , had stopped breathing due to shock at what her partner had just said .

After finally remembering to breathe she looked into , Seven's , eyes ; knew she wasn't kidding and swallowed before speaking . " I really don't know what to say - I can't say this was the topic I was expecting - I seem to be at a loss for words ." Before she could be cut off she continued " But , I can see and could hear , how much this means to you, Seven . So - why don't you start at the beginning my darling ." The calmness in her voice , betrayed the flux she felt within her chest and mind ; but , she smiled at Seven , took her hand in her own and sat down on the grassy hillside right where they were .

Seven , collected her arguments mentally as she sat next to her partner on the grass . Then , as though thinking better of that , she moved behind , Janeway , settled in behind her , wrapped her into a warm hug and began her thesis . "As you know I have been researching this cultures spiritual system . It is based on honoring those who have come before . In thier case the ancestors who initially became stranded here at Tulak 4. I have come to realize that it has many aspects that are honorable as well as efficient . " As she had been speaking , Seven had started to stroke , Janeway's hair in an absent minded gesture to soothe her lover . "This culture believes that the various generations form a chain of continuos , entwined spiritual remembrance . That while they no longer remember the planet that was their ancestors home they do remember their commitment to each other . And , the base group of commitment is the family. Mutually dependent upon each other for survival when they initially arrived , the family unit evolved over the centuries to ensure the spiritual as well as physical survival of the members ." At this point she kissed , Janeway's right ear from behind and whispered " I wish to have a family to ensure our own physical and spiritual survival on this planet , and to become true members of this community that has adopted us since we arrived ."

Now that she had laid her thesis out for examination , she felt sure that , Janeway , would not refuse her .

"Seven , I can't help but wonder if there might be something else at root here that you don't want to admit ." As she spoke these words , she was sure this would end up hurting , Seven , more than she wanted it to ; but she had to continue . " I know you have also researched the spiritual paths of human culture that are within our data base ; and - well - I can't help but wonder if you don't have a bit of ' Madonna ' complex going on as well in your desire to start a ' human family ' here on Taluk 4." There , she had spat it out in all it's sourness , and she would have to suffer the fates that awaited her next .

" Kathryn , do you think I only wish to procreate with you so that I may become a religious figurehead ?" This was an aspect she had blindly dismissed in her quest to gather admirable reasons for achieving her wish in having , Kathryn's , daughter . "My desire to have a child with you is not guided by any false desire to achieve religious figurehead in this culture or any other ." Feeling just a bit crushed by this line of reasoning by her partner , Seven , felt as though this conversation had been a mistake; she had not prepared her thesis properly . And as a result her wish would not happen .

"Seven , I know this is not your only reason . But , can you honestly tell me that this permutation of religious belief was not a possibility in your plan? Do you really think you can bear the first human child on Taluk 4 and not be held in some elevated station within their ancestor worship ? They may very well look upon you as more than a mother , they may come to look upon you as 'the mother' ." Calmly she continues, " Seven , this culture already looks upon you with awe due to your engineering prowess with the energy generators left by their ancestors." The force of her voice shocked , Janeway , and made her pull up short of her next statement, as she turned completely around to look into her lovers eyes .

" Seven , I do love you . More than words can tell . It's mad , it's deep and it's forever . But , before we have any children , I think we need to make sure that we don't create any cultural ramifications as a result ."

That was as far as , Janeway , could get . When Seven , had heard the words 'before we have children' ; this meant that the idea was still viably alive . Which made her heart jump with joy as she kissed , Janeway , with all her love .

As , Seven , planted a force 9 kiss on , Janeway , the two women rolled back into the grass . After many moments of heated and very passionate exchange , Janeway , broke for air , looked towards her lover and said "Seven , if we decide to have children , how do you plan on- well " not sure if she was up to , Seven's plan of action - "how do you plan on making this so ?"

" Kathryn , the technology has been available since the 21st century to make this so . I was most certain you would agree with my plan , so I have already reconfigured the medical kit to allow for this procedure . Of course I will need to get a genetic sample from you , then I will be ready to proceed ." The coolness of the answer amazed , Janeway . If she was talking about becoming pregnant she very much doubted she would be so calm and methodical about it .

"Oh , Seven , leave it to you to take all the romance out of becoming a mother ." spoke , Janeway , as she pulled , Seven , closer for a force 9 kiss of her own .

Had that truly been only three months ago ? She sipped her tea and wrinkled her nose as she found the tea had cooled down while she was lost in thought . She still remembered the joy she had felt losing that argument with , Seven .

When they had finally returned to their cabin , Janeway , had taken , Seven , directly to bed and showed her just how much she loved this idea of becoming a mother . That night they had made love for hours on end , stopping only for liquid and a light repast after the orgasms started coming farther apart . After many rounds of orgasmic fun , she realized her lovely Borg not only had inhuman strength due to her Borg implants ; but , apparently she also had an almost inhuman ability to come - repeatedly . And the length and intensity of , Seven's , orgasms were always astounding to her partner , not for the first time . The level of intensity never ceased making , Janeway , feel smug at her ability to make , Seven , quake with delight . Nobody had ever made , Janeway , feel so sexual and alive , as her lovely young Borg did .

* * * * * *

Getting up to make a fresh cup of tea , she fondly thought of the coffee she had drank as part of her daily ritual on Voyager , this tea can never come close to replacing coffee she thought to herself . Her saddest day was when the replicator buffer ran out of coffee ; the tea wasn't bad , but it did lack the oompf of the delicious black stuff she had drank for so many years .

As she returned to her easy chair , she heard a small noise from the rear of the house ; moments later she could smell the fresh scent of her mate as she neared the back of the chair . Janeway put out an arm, palm up and Seven , placed her hand inside . Bringing the hand to her mouth she placed a kiss on the soft , warm palm and then looked up into , Seven's face . "Hey , lovely lady , what wore you out so much that you needed a nap ?" she asked half in jest .

"I am finding motherhood to be a very exhausting duty , even before the child is born . As a result I need more time for regenerating than I did before ." Responded the lovely blonde as she came to rest on , Janeway's lap to cuddle . " Also , I wished rest so that we may copulate this evening ." When Seven says copulate , thought the captain , this will not be a gentle session of making love ; no , her young love was looking for something much more earnest , something very ......raw . Now Seven , leveled a glare of sexual desire so intense that , Janeway , could hear her own pulse jump a beat . When , Seven , set her mind to something 'resistance is futile' as , Janeway , had learned many times over .

" I made a pie today ." She kisses the captain's temple . " Did you try a piece ? I thought you might enjoy it with your tea ." Seven , snuggled closer as she spoke of her day . " Then I worked for a while on the nursery . I have decided to barter for two rocking chairs for our nursery . I felt it would be proper to have a chair for both parents ." Not a question , but an insight into Seven's decorating ideas - period . Seven then went on to explain the reasoning behind her chosen color scheme for the baby's nursery . The entire time she spoke of her day , she had been 'sniffing' deeply of the scents that wafted from Janeway ; after her hike back from town .

Seven now burrowed her nose into , the captain's , neck and breathed deeply . " You're scent is very strong ." After many moments of deeply inhaling the heady scent , she licked the saltiness from , Janeway's neck . "You taste good as well ." Once again she inhaled deeply " I , find myself becoming aroused from your musky smell , Kathryn ." You could hear the need in her voice as she squirmed on her lover's lap . "Please , Katie , I wish to be with you , the desire is almost too intense for me to process." Standing up , she pulled the captain to her feet and led her to their bed ; Janeway mutely following behind knowing that resistance is futile .

Seven lead her mate directly to the foot of the bed , then proceeded to remove her clothing slowly , sensuously methodical as she spread kisses and knowing touches in just the right places . When the last garment had slowly fallen away from the feisty auburn's compact form , Seven proceed to nudge her back onto the mattress ; before performing a strip-tease for her very appreciative mate .

As , Seven , slowly swayed to the beat within her head she slowly peeled her own clothing from her body . Seven's , pregnancy still was barely visable on her lithe frame as she moved gracefully to her own beat that marked out time within her head . By the time her last clothing article was puddled onto the floor at her feet ; the level of arousal in , Janeway , was threatening to explode through her body . The feisty redhead could feel the moisture pouring forth as the young blonde's strip-tease pushed her to a level of wanton abandon rarely experienced . Feeling her own heart-beat marking out cadence on her clit had , Janeway , ready to devour the lovely Borg beauty- if only she would come close enough to grasp .

Seven , could see the wanton lust on her lover's face and wished to prolong the moment of desire . She considered the potential options , and smiled slightly - only at the corners of her lusciuos mouth . "Roll over onto your stomach , Kathryn , I wish to knead your ass until you beg for mercy !" cooed , Seven , as she towered over the bed ; leering at Janeway .

With only a nano-seconds hesitation , Janeway, rolled onto her stomach and slightly lifted her ass towards , Seven . While waiting for her lovers touch , she could feel her arousal start flowing down her legs , slowly marching with gravity towards the bed covers .

With the lightest of touches , Seven , started to caress her lovers soft , warm gluteus maximus . Slowly increasing her touch as she increased the area she was kneading , Seven , could make out the muskiness of her lovers need . Slipping her right hand into the crease of the ass she started to massage the soft fold , applying gentle pressure on the sphincter's cluster . She slowly massaged the sphincter's opening with her fingers and let a bundle of spittle fall amongst her fingers . She started to slip her left hand between , Kathryn's , legs- slowly running it up the inside of her left leg before slipping a digit into the fold to collect the moisture that was freely flowing . With her digits awash in fluid , she started to flutter her fingers about the base of , Kathryn's clit for a long delightful bit of time ;until her partners bucking inspired a change in positions .

"Please , roll over onto your back " whispered , Seven , as she disengaged her hands from their explorations of , Janeways body . Janeway rolled onto her back, legs slightly agape as she anticipated her lover's next caress . Instead , Seven , brought her nose to , Janeway's , chest and started to inhale deeply . A moment later she had planted her nose in her startled lover's left armpit and was inhaling it as though it were some drug. Before , Janeway , could ask what was up , Seven , had moved her nose to the other pit and was exclaiming "Your smell is intoxicating to me today ! I detect more musk to it than usual - and I do not know if this reaction is a result of my being pregnant ; but , I think I like it very much ." Then , she stuck her tongue into the pit and licked it - long and slow like it was , Janeway's , labia she was enjoying .

With her face buried in the musky armpit , alternating between licking and inhaling the scent deeply , Seven , settled between her lovers legs .Wrapping her arms around the small redhead she again started to knead the ass of her lover, all the while sucking and licking at her partners ripe pits .

The continued sensation of this warm tongue buried in her armpit , instead of her pussy had the juice cascading down the crevasse of her ass . Janeway , could feel it pooling below her , yet no amount of writhing below , Seven , would move her to change locations until she was good and ready . Janeway's nipples had cemented themselves at attention with the first of , Seven's , touch ; now the ache was becoming too much to take - so she started to pull and pinch on the nipple most available, while her lover focused on her 'other areas'. As both women continued their ministrations the level of frenzy built within the captain , until she could take no more. "Please, Seven . I can't take much more my love -" gasps for air " I need release -" another gasp " NOW! " The last word was barked in a tone long forgotten in their everyday lives - it had been issued as a command, not a request or suggestion .

Seven , broke from her lust induced trance to look into , Kathryn's eyes . This was not 'her' Katie at all ; but , the woman she had fallen in love with initially . This person who had just barked at her with all the nuances of command in her voice was , Captain Kathryn Janeway of the starship Voyager , someone who had disappeared from their lives two years ago . Not caring why this portion of her lover had resurfaced after all this time , Seven's libido drove her to new levels of passion & lust .

After planting a force 9 kiss on her partner's parched lips , Seven , lowered herself between the awaiting legs and sucked of the abundant juices that had been flowing unchecked for some time now. The sweetness of the offering was intoxicating like wine . After Seven drank deeply of the offering , she ran her tongue over the bud of , Kathryn's , clitoris and savagely suckled upon it . She could feel the shudders ebbing closer to the surface as she lapped at the juices that started to gush from her lover . Extending two fingers as far as , Seven , could into her lover , she could tell that Janeway's orgasm was nearing . Again she sucked the swollen clitoris into her mouth as she drank of the sweet fluid that flooded her face while slowly stroking in & out .With the longest fingers on her right hand within her partner , Seven , soon felt her lover start to buck and sway beneath her . After long moments of increased waves of pleasure , Janeway , let loose with a hoarse wail before collapsing back to the bed . When her lovers breathing had returned to a semblance of normal Seven spoke .

"Kathryn , I wish to know why you felt the need to command me to give you release a moment ago . Do I not always bring you to a satisfactory resolution when we make love ?"

Kathryn Janeway , had not realized her gaff , as it had been uttered in a state of sheer and utter passion " I didn't even realize I had done so , Seven . I'm sorry my love " she now pulled , Seven , into her arms "I didn't realize I had raised my voice to you - it won't happen again ." She softly ran her fingers through Seven's golden locks .

"That is too bad ; I found it " she stumbled in thought at her realization " I found it quite stimulating to be commanded by you in this manner . I have never heard your need to be so urgent that you needed to bark at me ." There was no joking in Seven's declaration - she HAD been turned on by the bark of her lover demanding release ." I just wish this aspect of your personality had not buried itself when we became stranded here . I always found this an attractive part of who you are , and have missed it for many months ."

Good god , had she really barked a command at , Seven , while making love ? Had , Seven , just admitted she liked her to command her ? This must be a result of the contact I had with Voyager earlier today , she thought . Had , Seven , really enjoyed this barked order during a most personal moment between lovers ? Why did this make her glad in some way - I must be going crazy, thought Janeway .

Seven could tell that her lover was internally arguing with herself ; she had seen this look come over her lover before ." Kathryn , what is it that you are not telling me ?" inquired the stunning naked blonde that lie beside her in bed . The look leveled at her direction melted any last reserve she had . Seven , had come to know her better than she thought .

"When I was in town today , I - " she stumbled over her words , wishing she did not have to speak them aloud " we got a signal from - Voyager . They're due here in less than 50 hours ." There , she had managed to get it out without crying .

Seven , took a few moments to fully absorb what her lover had told her - Voyager , was on its way for them ." Why did you not tell me before-"

" Before you dragged me to bed, Seven ?" she finished the young woman's question .

" Maybe I wanted one last chance to make love with you before we have to return . Maybe I wasn't sure how to tell you , because I wasn't sure how you would react to the news . Maybe-"

Now it was , Seven's , turn to finish for her lover . "Maybe you were afraid I would not want to return to the ship , since this community has so readily accepted me ?" As the words poured from Seven's mouth , Janeway cringed at the honesty of them as they penetrated her ears . "Is this it ? Do you really think I will allow myself to be parted from you ever ? I am going to remain right by your side , Captain Kathryn Janeway , nothing could keep me away - " she pulled , Janeway's , face around so that they were eye to eye " I love you , Kathryn Janeway , I will not allow us to be parted , until death do us part." And then she placed a searing kiss on her lovers lips that left no doubt as to what she was feeling for her , captain .

Janeway , was caught in her own mental temporal loop as she kept hearing *I am going to remain by your side , Captain Kathryn Janeway , nothing could keep me away - I love you , Kathryn Janeway , I will not allow us to be parted , until death do us part* . Seven , had needed no discussion about the implications of returning to Voyager ; she was prepared to follow her Captain - her lover , even to the ends of hell apparently .

"Kathryn , you are having - second thoughts about remaining my mate when the ship arrives for us ." Not a question ; but a cold statement. Seven's straight-to-the-matter approach had missed the truth of the situation . But , it had the right affect , shocking , Janeway , from being a cold detached officer back to being a woman in love .

"No , Seven - I'll never cease being your mate , I love you more than myself - " with much hesitation in her admission to her lover " I don't know if I want to return to Voyager - to being Captain of Voyager . Now that they have found us ; I'm not so sure I want to be found-and the worst part is , I'm not sure why ."

Seven could not believe her companion did not wish to return to Voyager ; therefore she bluntly voiced her disagreement "Of course you wish to return to Voyager , Kathryn , how can you even think otherwise . Was it not you who found a way to boost our Distress Signal? Was it also not you who has daily returned to the Delta Flyer to keep all systems operational; was it not you -" Janeway, had brought a small hand to Seven's lips to halt the flow of reasoning her mate was providing in such an impassioned tone. But the young blonde broke free and sought one last question .

"How can you consider anything , but returning to Voyager ?" and her tone was so racked with incredulity , she felt she would spank Kathryn if she didn't come to her senses .

" I wish to find the woman - the leader - I fell in love with years ago , my love . I cannot imagine the two of us remaining here , now that we have an alternative . And , Katie - it is what we have been waiting for all this time ; don't turn away from that now. Besides - I do not wish to stay here anymore . The knowledge of Voyager's intended arrival finds me feeling -; relieved and very , very happy ."

As , Janeway , looked into Seven's face , and saw the true joy of returning to their ship glowing from her. " Seven , I never expected you to be excited to return to the confines of the ship ."

When they had first decided to stay for prolonged periods on the planet surface , Seven , had often suffered slight agoraphobia ; having never lived on a planets surface before . Over time she had not only adjusted , but had taken to hiking the hills to see far vistas. Janeway was intrigued " What has you so excited to return to the confines of the ship ?"

Seven , looked into Janeway's eyes and pulling her into a close embrace whispered with all her love "We will have loving friends in our lives again ; I am glad our daughter will have a chance to know these people we love . The people we have made friends with here do not hold the same place in my heart as the friends I left behind on Voyager do . Also - you do not make a good handyman - you will be able to get back to what you do best my love ; being a starship captain . Captain Kathryn Janeway , of the Federation Starship Voyager ."

The last of Janeway's sense of distortion faded from her mind as she listen to the lovely young Borg speak passionately of life on Voyager . It was crystal clear to her now what had been holding her at bay from rejoicing over hearing from Voyager ; how would the crew of Voyager react to the fact that their captain and the beautiful blonde were now a couple ? She turned to her partner and while looking into the bluest eyes that were reflecting so much love spoke of her unease .

"Seven , what if the crew has a problem with our relationship , once we get back on board Voyager ? What "-

Soft fingers stopped the captains train of doubts , while the blue eyes kept pouring love onto the object of their attention . "Your crew will have no doubts unless you give them reason to have doubt , Captain of my heart ." As the last word was uttered , soft lips covered Janeway's in a show of the deepest love possible for two people to share .

By the time the lovely blonde ceased her show of love to her partner ; both women were fighting for breath as well as fluid for their parched throats . When they had drained the cup of water by their bed , Seven , glided across the room to draw more water for their bodily replenishment , and Janeway's gaze followed every move of the vision before her .

The love she felt started to well in her chest as the lovely vision set herself beside , Janeway , on the bed .

"Seven, I truly love you more than words can express ." Then she reached out for the lithe form beside her and hugged her close as she revealed the last piece of the rescue puzzle .

"There is something else you need to know about Voyager's arrival my love ." As she spoke these words , the Borg's curiousity brought her face up to look into her lovers face as the last piece was revealed . "According to the time date on our message , the search to locate us has only taken two weeks ."

While she let , Seven , roll that fact through her mind she fell into her own sense of displacement over this fact . While she and Seven , had been here on Tulak 4 , for almost three years , the crew of Voyager had only taken two weeks to find a way to follow them through the time fractures near where the Delta Flyer and the women had found refuge .

"Now I think I understand your apprehention of the crew to our relationship . If we also had been missing two weeks , they may understand that we realized our attraction for one another . But , we have been living together for almost three years and treat each other as a bonded couple - not just as people who are dating .You are also worried that the crew will not accept the fact that I am expecting your child in six months . You are thinking the crew will come to think of this as you giving up on them ; that we had believed we were on our own . You feel as though you have failed your crew by taking up residense with me on the planets surface , and befriending the Freeolyn ."

Seven's ability to dissect a group of data was truly startling at best ; but , to have it directed at her command psyche was almost too much for , Janeway , to take - almost . With a huge intake of air into her lungs she held , Seven's , gaze and felt such love radiating towards her that she felt incredibly renewed and strengthened , able to face anything the universe threw at her .

" What would you say if I told you , that when we can communicate with Voyager , I'm going to ask , Chakotay , to assign an engineering crew to moving your alcove to my - our quarters ?" Janeway asked in a soft voice .

" I would say that is only logical . As the Doctor's Portable Regeneration Unit has proven it's worth - I need less time in a Borg alcove now than I did when I first joined Voyager . I do not think we should have the Captain's partner on display in cargo bay 2 for any member of the crew to admire - that is a pleasure reserved for you my love ." The kiss that followed , Seven's , declaration proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that , Janeway , was Seven's true Collective until death do they part ." But , Kathryn , you are forgetting something else are you not ?"

Janeway , stared at , Seven , having no clue what she meant . " Will we not also require some form of a nursery to also be prepared ? Or would you prefer to wait until after we have settled in as a couple , before we let it be known we are a family unit ?"

Caught off guard by , Seven's , perceptive take on this was truly making , Janeway , realize that their time together had made her partner very attuned to how she thought - once again . I will never be alone again . Seven , really does love me as much as I love her , be honest with her now before you cause her any dishonest pain . " I think it would be a good idea for us to return to Voyager as two people who have been awaiting a miracle for almost three years . After a few days I will have our room expanded into the guest quarters next to mine . Most will assume that we have decided we require more space since it is now quarters for two , not one as it has been for years . What we decide that space be used for is up to us ; and , eventually we will let it be known that we are expecting our first child . The crew doesn't need to know that Freeolyn culture partially prompted your desire to bear children ." With her mind having drifted to the plan that just seemed to flow from her , she did not see the gaze change on her beloved's face as this last sentence was delivered .

Seven , pulled back from their embrace , looking down into , Janeway's , face with sadness and shock . " Do you wish me to terminate this fetus , Kathryn ? Do you believe I only desire to have your child because of Freeolyn spirtual teachings ? Are you ashamed of the life we made for ourselves here on Tulak 4 ?" Angrily she turned from , Janeway .

Janeway , barely heard the second two questions . How could , Seven , possibly think she would want their daughter aborted ? " Seven , look into my eyes while I tell you this . " Slowly the young woman matched her gaze once again , her blue eyes wet with tears ready to flow at any moment . Janeway , softly stroked the dimple in her chin ,as she held the young woman's gaze . " I don't want to know why you would ever have thought I could condone aborting our daughter , Seven ; because frankly I don't want to know why you ever thought that of me . I love you and our daughter more than words can tell . And , as much as I hate to admit it ; returning as a family is the only honest thing to do under the circumstances . Thank you for shocking me into remembering that I am a member of a family unit , not just a captain ."

Seven , slowly sank back into the hug they had been sharing a short while before , inhaled deeply , before offering her apologies . " I am sorry , Kathryn . When you spoke of the crew not needing to know of the cultural mores that helped my maternal urges to be recognised ; I felt as though you were ashamed of this daughter I carry . I was mistaken . I must ask though - why is this something not to be spoken of ? "

" I'm not sure it is . I seem to be adjusting to being found in a state of disconnect . Lets just hold off any more discussions for tomorrow , and just focus on us , here , now ."

Janeway leaned slightly forward to engage her partner in a slow , deep , passionate kiss that left both women shivering with delightful anticipation of what the evening may yet impart .

* *

As Captain Janeway prepared the Delta Flyer for its return flight to Voyager a sense of completion settled over her . She and Seven , would be back on board Voyager in less then twenty minutes , after 2 years , 9 months & 10 days away from her ship and crew . Her crew had found a way to follow them through the spatial fratures , 25,000 light years into this portion space ; but , in a form of cosmic joke only 2 weeks had passed for her crew .

And while being found should be the best news that could have happened , there was the unexpected benefit of being 25,000 light-years closer to thier destination - the Alpha Quadrant , and home . But , they would have to make sure that the spatial distortions wouldn't somehow grab them and fling them back where they had arrived from ; or worse , being flung somewhere even farther or more dangerous .

"Delta Flyer to Yoyager ." said Janeway . "Commander Chakotay - you have two members of the crew who would very much like to come home ."

"Glad to welcome you both home safe , Captain . The whole crew is excited to have everyone back where they belong ." The tone of pure joy radiated from his voice over the communications channel .

"Glad to be back . Have you finished the changes I requested the other day when we spoke ?"

"Yes , Captain . Everything is ready for your family's arrival as per your orders ."

"Excellent , Janeway out , until we dock ." As she brought the Delta Flyer into its approach vector she stole a glance at , Seven . Then plotted the needed corrections before taking a deep breath and relaxed for possibly the last time . When she open her eyes she felt unusually calm .

She took a moment to glance at her partner's profile , as she worked at the co-pilot's station to her left . The gift she had given , Seven , hung from her neck as a talismen of their time together on Tulak 4 . She had given it to , Seven , their last night on the planet's surface .

A memory of that day they had been pulled to this planet's system flowed through her mind . Seven , was singing a song , and Janeway's heart had awoken to the intense love she felt for the young Borg . I don't think I was really alive before then ; I was merely existing in a form of command auto-pilot , she thought to herself with bemusement .

Sensing the intensity of the gaze directed her way , Seven , looked over to her beloved . A smile tracing itself across her lush lips as her eyes spoke of calm assurance in her captain . Janeway returned the smile and motioned for , Seven , to lean towards her . As they drew near , the Captain placed her hands on either side of the lovely young woman's face and drew her into a long , lingering kiss . As the kiss ceased they rested thier foreheads together , Janeway's , hands still lovingly holding her beloved's head in a light grasp .

"I want you to know , that while I will be thinking of you all day , it may be late evening before I have a chance to see you again . Make yourself at home when you are through in the Astrometrics Lab . I'm sorry we don't have the luxury of reacclimating to life back on Voyager , but , we need to determine a course of action as soon as possible for the sake of the crew and ship both . But , Seven , always remember - I love you madly , deeply , always . From here on in remember we're forever ."

Another kiss before they part and prepare to return to Voyager .

After slowly easing back from her partner , Seven , leveled her blue eyes on Janeway . " I will find a way for us to leave this area without affecting the anomoly . We have been collecting data from this side of the anomloy for almost three years . It should be easier to assess what our chances are with the much more powerful sensor array and computer system that Voyager possesses ." She leans in to deliver a kiss of her own to her beloved . " I will not fail you , Kath-Captain . "

THE END -