Seven's Release
S. Street
Chapter I
“Computer increase illumination by fifty percent.” Seven of Nine looked
about the cargo bay as she stepped out of her alcove. It was nothing
like the holographic quarters she had created for herself months before.
She turned to look at the green lights pulsating through her regeneration
unit. It had seemed like so long ago that she had desired to sleep in
a real bed. “It is better this way,” she reminded herself as
she made her way to the console. Her fingers ran adeptly over the keypads.
“More precisely," she told herself, "than they ran
over the piano keys.” The doctor had been teaching her to play,
but she had found little time to study in recent times. She found the
need for increased efficiency on Voyager to be limitless and had devoted
all of her energy to seeing that things ran more smoothly. A light flickered
on the console reminding her that her duty in Astrometrics was about
to begin. She straightened the tight bun that held her luxurious blond
hair and proceed into the corridor. As she entered Astrometrics, she
found Icheb diligently working on a star chart. His back was turned
to her, yet the instant her foot crossed the door, he acknowledged her
presence.
“Hello Seven,” he remarked as his fingers flew over the console. Stars
lay clustered on the view screen in front of him connected by dotted
lines which showed their trajectory.
“I’m studying star charts for the Starfleet Academy exam,” he explained.
Seven of Nine joined him at the console and they dipped their heads
in acknowledgment of one another. Seven felt comfortable with Icheb.
There was no need for unnecessary rambling.
“I recognize this chart. It is found in the Alpha Quadrant.” Seven
observed.
“Yes, I’m studying the star charts in sector one. My studies are coming
along quite well I believe. There is a lot of information to disseminate
though,” he admitted.
“I’m sure you are up to the task, Icheb.” She smiled a tight smile
at him and he smiled in return. She knew he was eager to please her.
It was much the same way she had been eager to please the Captain when
she had first come aboard.
That seemed like so long ago. She had once been a part of the Borg
collective, a drone without individuality and without emotion. It was
a past she had long struggled to come to terms with and still carried
with her to a varying extent. But, she had made a place for herself
among the crew. Her relationship with the Doctor was rewarding along
with the guarded friendships she held with some of the crew. Her relationship
with the Captain was more complicated. She had yet to define it adequately.
Any interest she might have had in Chakotay was deactivated along with
that ill fated program. Not that she had any interest in having a relationship
with the real Chakotay. He had merely seemed the logical and safe choice
to explore her sexuality. It was an exploration she now regretted.
“Captain to Astrometrics.” The Captain gazed in front of her as she
spoke into her com badge.
“Astrometrics here Captain,” came the reply.
Captain Kathryn Janeway sat in the command chair of the Starship Voyager,
her small form casting an aura of command that was many times its actual
size. Her fiery red hair fell loosely about her ears and her intense
blue-green eyes were flickering across the bridge.
“We are nearing a Class-C nebula that you identified yesterday. Can
you estimate how long it will take us to pass through it?” the Captain
inquired.
“It will take us 1.275 days to reach the outer edge of the nebula,”
Seven answered as she called up the stellar formation on her view screen.
A swirl of orange and purple cloudlike formations appeared before her.
It was an impressive display.
“Very well. Gather as much information as you can Seven. We are explorers
after all.”
“Yes Captain,” Seven replied flatly.
“Janeway out.” Captain Janeway had never ceased to be amazed at the
beauty that often comprised a nebula of this sort. She had seen many
in her years as Starship Captain. The last seven years spent lost in
the Delta Quadrant had presented its share of such phenomena. She had
vowed that despite the pressing need to get home she would not ignore
the possibilities and pleasures that such phenomena afforded her. As
Voyager’s hull penetrated the nebula, flashing orange lights appeared
out of the view screen. There were unusual eruptions of ghostlike apparitions
that appeared in random sequence on all sides of Voyager. It was all
somewhat dreamlike to Janeway as she stared in fascination.
“Now that’s pretty,” Lieutenant Tom Paris exclaimed as he put his
hands behind his head and whistled. He could just see himself taking
his wife, B’Elanna Torres, to lookout point on the holodeck in a Camero
to view just such a sight.
It sure is, Tom,” Ensign Kim replied smiling out over the bridge at
his good friend. “Everyone seems to be in a good mood today,"
Janeway thought to herself with a grin. Her grin faded into a small
frown as her recent conversation replayed in her mind. “Everyone
except Seven. Was that a little depression she had heard in her voice
earlier?” It was hard to tell with Seven, but Janeway thought that
she had seemed a little too intent on appearing controlled lately. She
suspected it had something to do with those holoprograms she had been
running awhile back, since the two coincided. Seven had assured her
that she was forming a gravimetrical array, but had been reluctant to
show it to the Captain. Janeway had a good idea that this reluctance
was due to the fact that Seven was hiding something from her. Lord knows,
Janeway knew that strange things could go on in those holodecks. But,
she hadn’t wanted to press Seven about it just yet. Seven had seemed
so defensive and self-protective that she had just let it go. She doubted
the veracity of that decision right now.
“Neelix to Captain Janeway!” a hurried voice chirped over the com.
“Go ahead Neelix.”
“Have you seen the spectacular color show that has been going on outside
Captain?” he asked somewhat ridiculously. “Well, I thought I’d have
a nebula light show party tonight for the crew. It’s a miraculous view
here in the mess hall. What do you think Captain?” he inquired.
“I think it is a great idea Neelix. Just what the crew needs.”
“Then you’ll be there Captain?”
“You sound so excited Neelix and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
What time?”
“1900 hours Captain.”
“Very well, inform the rest of the crew. Janeway out.” Captain Janeway
was looking forward to this get together and she knew just the person
she had to see.
Seven of Nine stood alone in Astrometrics downloading information
from the sensors to the main computer. She could almost hear the metronome
clicking beside her as she tried to concentrate on her task. It gave
her a sense of purpose and order. And she clung to that desperately.
As she glanced over the flickering lights of the control files, she
noted a red warning light appear to its left. One of the circuits had
been blown out. She would have to repair it. She bent over to reach
the particular circuit that had blown out. She did so with ease and
was busy fusing the circuit when Captain Janeway entered the lab. She
did not stand up to address her, but rather, continued her work at the
panel.
“Seven, I was hoping you might attend a little party that Neelix is
giving tonight in the mess hall. It’s sure to afford a nice view of
this nebula we are traveling through.” Janeway shifted her weight onto
her left foot and straightened her uniform as Seven of Nine stood up.
“I’m sorry Captain but, I’m afraid I will be occupied tonight,” Seven
said noncommittally.
“Are you spending more time on that gravimetrical array?” Janeway
queried.
“No Captain, I found the attempt to design that particular array inefficient.”
Seven of Nine looked past the Captain and stared at the nebula.
“Beautiful isn’t it? I think it would be of great value for you to
come Seven. Why don’t you do it at least as a favor me?” Janeway offered
and took a few steps toward Seven.
If that is your request Captain. I will attend,” Seven answered.
Janeway was disappointed by the flat tone with which this statement
was delivered. “I’ll cheer Seven up tonight,” she promised herself.
“Good. Then I’ll see you there,” she smiled and Seven nodded her head
in acknowledgment.
Chapter II
Neelix had clearly outdone himself this time. The mess hall had been
decorated with a series of streamers and balloons and flowers of all
sorts. Guest had started to arrive and he was busy fussing and preening
over each one. He was at his best at such events. Ever the chatterbox,
he was the perfect morale officer. No one went neglected when Neelix
was the host. Captain Janeway entered the mess hall around 1915 hours
and noted that a large portion of her crew had already assembled. She
scanned the room and found familiar faces. Ensign Kim sat with Tom Paris
and Lieutenant Torres who was filling out her maternity uniform rather
well these days. Chakotay stood looking out the view screen at the swirling
orange and green clouds that encircled Voyager. However, nowhere did
she see Seven of Nine. Disappointment, tempered her feelings of pleasure
at the sight of so many enjoying themselves. It was unlike Seven to
say she would do something and then not do it. She almost asked the
computer where Seven was, but then thought better of it and headed over
to say hello to Neelix.
Seven of Nine stood in the Cargo Bay debating on whether she should
keep her promise to the Captain. Social occasions had become her nemesis
and she toyed with the idea of finding some excuse not to attend. Still,
the Captain had made a point of requesting her presence and she had
indicated that she would go. Reluctantly, she ceased pacing and made
her way to the mess hall. It was 1945 hours when she arrived at the
mess hall and the party was in full swing. Music emanated from the ceilings
and people danced on a makeshift dance floor. She noted the Captain
talking to Commander Chakotay at the far side of the room. Their heads
were bent close together as they strained to hear one another over the
music. Seven entered the room and took up a position by the food bar.
She did not feel comfortable at all as she eyed the various nutritional
supplements that lined the table. She noted the closeness with which
the Captain and Commander Chakotay stood, and they seemed to be enjoying
something humorous. It was seemed so long ago that she had stood so
close to the holographic Chakotay. She was glad she had not done so
with the real one. He had nothing really to offer her. And she knew
she had nothing to offer anyone else.
It was not so much that she saw her come in than that she felt her
presence. Seven of Nine always projected a kind of serious fortitude
which could permeate a room. Captain Kathryn Janeway gently shifted
her position and looked past Chakotay searching the room. Her eyes fell
on her five-foot nine inch blonde Astrometrics officer. She was standing
by the food bar, arms crossed, clearly uncomfortable.
“Excuse me Chakotay,” Janeway said rather loudly. “There’s someone
I’ve got to say hello to.” She made her way past her old friend and
toward Seven.
Seven seemed unaware of her approach until she snapped her head toward
Janeway’s direction and bid her hello. It was of the up most importance
to Janeway to ease Seven’s discomfort. She cared about her a great deal
and it hurt Janeway to see her unease in social situations. Janeway
smiled at her and took her by the arm. “Good to see you Seven!” Janeway
offered.
“The volume of music seems to be rather loud to afford normal conversation,”
Seven obsevered. "What kind of music is this?”
“It’s an old earth form of music call disco,” Janeway explained. “It
was popular briefly during the twentieth century.”
“I can see why its popularity was brief,” Seven replied sardonically.
“Yes, well I think it has a certain danceabiltiy to it,” Janeway stated.
“Have you been dancing Captain? Many of the crew members seem to be,
with a good bit of abandon.”
“Well, I haven’t exactly let my hair down yet,” the Captain offered.
The pulsating beat of the music vibrated the carpet they were standing
on and the swirling gaseous clouds presented a unique atmosphere. Suddenly,
the music stopped and Neelix took center stage to give a toast to the
crew and the beautiful piece of space they were in.
“And now for a more somber atmosphere I have let Mr. Paris program
some quieter music to enjoy,” he announced beaming with pride at the
success of his party thus far. People dispersed from the dance floor
dripping with sweat and made their way to the various tables that were
arranged about the room.
“Let’s sit down, Seven,” Janeway offered and led Seven to a table
near the edge of the room that afforded a spectacular view of the space
outside. She noted that Seven seemed stiff and morose and had a feeling
that relaxing the former Borg was not going to be an easy task. “I thought
for awhile that you were not going to show up,” Janeway said as she
accepted a glass of synthehol wine from Neelix. She cupped the glass
gingerly in her hands and sipped it ever so softly.
“I was unsure as to whether to come, Captain. I have a lot of work
to do.” Seven hated lying to the Captain but, she couldn’t bear to reveal
her private devastation to someone she so wanted to impress.
“You know Seven; to listen to you one would think that all you did
was work. We haven’t even played our usual game of Velocity in some
time now. Is something bothering you?”
“I assure you I am fine,” Seven answered flatly.
“Well . . . “
“Captain, Seven how are you?” Commander Chakotay swept up beside them
and placed his hands on both of their shoulders. “How about a dance
Kathryn?” he asked. Several crew members including Tom and B’Elanna
had gathered about the dance floor.
“Sounds good. I’ll be right back, Seven,” she announced.
She and Chakotay made their way to the dance floor and began dancing
across the floor. Seven sat in her chair noting the way they held each
other and glided across the floor. The Captain’s small frame swayed
to the music and they held each other and moved on the floor. Seven
could not help watching her. She seemed so interested in Seven’s well
being. Seven felt terrible for not being more forthcoming to her. But,
how could she admit her imperfection to the Captain? How could she let
any of her feelings out if she were to become vulnerable and erratic
and shut down? Janeway could not help looking at Seven of Nine as she
danced. She noted the way she sat stiffly in her chair. The closeness
to Chakotay was offset by her distance from Seven. She peered over Chakotay’s
shoulder and gazed at her crew member. Seven of Nine catching her eyes,
returned her gaze. There was an acute sadness to it. Janeway smiled
at her and she thought she saw Seven briefly smile in return. The dance
soon ended and Janeway and Chakotay walked off the dance floor.
“Chakotay, give me some time alone with Seven, will you?” Janeway
requested.
“Of course, Kathryn,” he answered and walked toward Ensign Harry Kim.
“I noticed you watching us dancing,” Janeway broached. “Would you
care to dance Seven?”
“I believe Commander Chakotay is occupied at this time.” Seven replied.
“I mean with me,” Janeway explained. “Come on, it might just loosen
you up.”
“Captain . . .”
“Oh, come on Seven!” Kathryn sighed and pulled her friend out of her
chair toward the dance floor. It was less crowded than it had been a
moment ago and Kathryn found them a private spot near the back
“Who will lead?" Seven inquired.
Janeway laughed and stated that she would. Seven had to bend slightly
to accommodate the smaller woman, but found that they fit together rather
easily. She smelled the Captain’s perfume and noted that she had never
been that closed to Janeway.
“Now this isn’t so bad, is it?” Janeway inquired arching her brow
upward.
“No Captain, I believe it is quite the opposite.” Seven was smiling
now. Her body relaxed against the Captain’s. Quite unconsciously she
placed her head on the Captain’s head and then abruptly drew it away.
Janeway looked up at Seven into those steely blue eyes. She felt herself
get lost for a few moments and almost gasped at herself in surprise.
Too soon, or none to soon, she couldn’t figure out which the song ended
and the two parted. Janeway thought that Seven appeared to wince slightly.
“Are you okay Seven?” Janeway worried.
“Just a headache Captain, I believe I should head back to my alcove
now. Thank you for the dance.” With that she turned and abruptly hurried
out of the mess hall. On the way down the corridor her head was spinning.
She cursed herself for breaking her promise and letting herself get
over emotional. Would she never learn?
Back in the mess hall Janeway sighed and furrowed her brow. She had
succeeded in relaxing Seven, but to what end? Now Seven wasn’t the only
one confused. She caught the eye of a quizzical Doctor and noted that
he was walking her way.
“I see you’ve been enjoying yourself.”
“I’m afraid I made Seven over do it tonight,” she remarked.
“Oh, what do you mean?” He asked concernedly.
“She left with a headache rather abruptly. I hope she is all right,”
Janeway explained.
“A headache. Really. Perhaps I should go see if she is all right.
Goodnight Captain,” he turned from her and waved and departed through
the mess hall doors. A definite air of concern now pervaded him. Was
this really what he was thinking it was? “Computer, locate Seven of
Nine,” he barked.
“Seven of Nine is in Cargo Bay 2,” the answer came. He picked up
his pace and hurried to the former Borg’s home. He found her sitting
on the base of her regenerating unit her head in her hands.
The doctor looked worried as he found Seven of Nine in Cargo Bay two.
How he wanted to ease her pain. The same way that she had often made
him feel. Except for when he had expressed his love for her and she
had not responded. That had stung and he could not help feeling that
his exposing himself like that had lowered him in her eyes. “Seven,
are you all right?” He whisked a tricorder out of his pockets and scanned
her. “You’ve had another attack haven’t you?” he stated.
“I’m afraid so Doctor. I don’t know what happened. I was merely dancing
with the Captain and then . . . and I have been so careful. I have not
wanted to have any of those feelings.” Seven looked downward and grasped
the edge of the console.
“I know what you mean Seven,” the doctor looked down at his tricorder
and seemed to study the readings on it.
“You do not possess a cortical implant doctor. You do not know how
I feel.” Seven protested.
“Seven, I do. Perhaps you don’t remember, but I once told someone
about my feelings of love and it hurt very badly. . . Anyway, have you
thought about my doing those surgeries for you any more?”
“Doctor, are you referring to your profession of love for me when
you thought you were dying?” Seven winced as the doctor adjusted her
implant above her right eye. "I had no idea I had hurt you. That
was not my intention, Doctor.”
“I know Seven, but your silence spoke volumes.” The doctor placed
his instrument down on his tray and looked sadly at Seven.
“Doctor, I was in an uncomfortable position with everyone watching
us. I did not know what to say at the time. It was unfortunate. But
I do not feel it is unfortunate that you love me. I think very highly
of you.”
“Thank you Seven, but it wasn’t your admiration that I was hoping
for.” The doctor placed his hand on Seven’s shoulder and sighed.
“I have hurt you again.” Seven replied. “I’m not adept at expressing
my feelings.”
Although her feelings seemed to be leading her elsewhere she could
not deny that the doctor possessed some very intriguing qualities. The
Doctor squeezed Seven’s shoulder. She truly was a remarkable woman.
“I have never felt as cared for as you have cared for me. You have
been my teacher, my friend and my confidant. Please do not think that
I do not love you,” Seven confided.
“I know Seven. I only wish that you could feel for me the same way
I feel for you. But, I know that is not possible and I wish you the
best Seven. Have you thought about letting me perform those surgeries
on you now so someone can experience that love with you?
“Like I stated before doctor, I do not desire to have any feelings
of that kind,” Seven stated.
“We can’t always control how we feel Seven no matter how Borg we think
we are,” the Doctor observed. “You can’t simply shut yourself off from
everyone. Especially, the Captain.”
“I can’t afford not to, Doctor. My feelings are inappropriate and
dangerous. Let me work this out my way.” She cast a look at him that
made him retreat a few steps. There would be no arguing with her tonight.
Still, he felt that even Seven of Nine could not keep the inevitable
at bay forever.
Chapter III
"Personal log:
“It is hard keeping track of what time it is when you are a Starship
Captain. Shifts rotate, personnel around the shifts change, but the
responsibility of being Captain never rests. Shift reports have to be
to be signed, nebulas have to be investigated and before you know it
a day and night have passed and you haven’t slept. It seems like I haven’t
slept for a long time. Not that I’m complaining because being a Starfleet
Captain was all I ever wanted to be. Still, lost out her in the Delta
Quadrant for so long wears on my resistance to fatigue. There is never
any known port to dock in and take a little R&R. I find myself wondering
if I’ll ever get to have the feeling of curling up in bed with someone.
Just spending the day lying in each others arms. Doing nothing. After
all, Starfleet Captain’s have needs to. And this one needs a little
comfort.
The sound of the door to her ready room startled Captain Janeway and
she hurriedly pressed the pad to close her log.
“Come in,” she said as she yawned and took a sip of her coffee.
“Captain, I have finished scanning this sector of space and thought
you would like to review the result of my scan.” Seven of Nine stood
in front of her in her usual guarded stance. Her hair was tied in a
bun that set of her face in a severe light.
“Thank you Seven, Come, and sit down.” Captain Janeway motioned to
the chair that sat in front of her desk. Seven inclined her head forward
in acknowledgment and gracefully placed herself in the chair.
“How are you feeling?” Janeway asked.
“I am better. I have increased the maximum efficiency of the grid
sensors in Astrometrics. I believe this will enable us to more effectively
scan planetoids when we encounter them.” Seven stated. Captain Kathryn
Janeway thought she seemed a lot like a student giving a report to her
college class. So impersonal. So guarded. She had attempted for many
years now to break down that stoic resistance to the personal. “Perhaps
. . .” she thought “I have failed.”
“I was speaking in more personal terms Seven.” The Captain smiled
and instinctively rubbed her chin. “I hope you still aren’t planning
to work yourself to death,” she offered.
“Working myself to death would be inefficient, Captain,” Seven responded.
Personal Log:
“I just had another encounter with Seven of Nine. I hope I didn’t
give myself away. I find her so beautiful and intriguing. She of course
has no idea . . .”
A second beeping of the door brought her hand back to the pad and
deleted the last entry.
“Come in,” Janeway sighed.
“Captain, B’Elanna said it could be a bumpy ride when we enter the
far side of the nebula,” Commander Chakotay smiled at Janeway and crinkled
the lines that formed the tribal tattoo on his forehead. “By the way,
Kathryn you seemed to have a good time at Neelix’s party last night.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for any ion storm,” she smiled and laughed.
Chakotay couldn’t help noticing how seductive that laugh could be. If
things were different, maybe he and the Captain could have had something.
Anyway, they did have something. A remarkable friendship.
“Was that you and Seven I saw dancing?” he asked.
“Yes, I thought it might loosen her up some. I hope I didn’t create
a lot of talk." She looked at her old friend who was looking quite
like the cat that ate the mouse.
“Well you and Seven make quite a pair,” he teased.
Her shoulders tensed in reaction and the corners of her mouth turned
downward. It was so damn frustrating to be the Captain sometimes. Everything
you did was talked about. Your weren’t free to just be yourself. One
innocent dance with Seven and now they were a pair. Oh my.
Just then the ship began to tremble and Janeway put her hand on her
desk to steady herself. With a flick of the head she and Chakotay made
their way to the bridge.
“Report!” She ordered as she took her seat in the command chair.
“Captain, we are experiencing turbulence from some rather intense
ionic storms off our port bow. They appear to be building rapidly,”
Lieutenant Tuvok reported.
“Power to the shields!” Janeway ordered as another round of shock
waves hit Voyager. Streaks of light could now be seen on the view screen
and Tuvok thought that now Neelix was truly getting his light show indeed.
A massive bolt of light shot straight out of a cloud and impacted on
the hull of the ship. Voyager careened right and dipped sharply.
“Shields are buckling. Down to 40 percent.” Tuvok reported without
a hint of concern.
“Reroute all remaining power to the shields.
“Tom try and navigate us around those storm clouds. Increase to warp
7,” Janeway ordered.
“Yes Ma’am,” his fingers running diligently over the controls soon
brought Voyager to the requested speed.
Then a storm cloud appeared of Voyagers port bow and it sent a massive
energy strike that reached Voyager in a matter of seconds. The ship
veered downward from the impact and soon came to a dead stop just outside
the nebula.
“Report.” Captain Janeway ordered.
“We appear to have cleared the nebula, but the ship has taken on heavy
damage. There are, however, no casualties,” Tuvok reported.
“Captain, all engines are off line,” came the frantic voice of Lieutenant
Torres. “It will take me awhile to get them back on line.”
“How long?”
“About three hours for impulse. I don’t know how long for warp yet,”
came the reply.
“Very well. Get on it B’Elanna.” Captain Janeway sighed and buried
her frustration at yet another delay. Sometimes it seemed like they
would never get home.
Personal Log:
“It seems Voyager has come to a dead stop. All personnel are affecting
necessary repairs. Fortunately no crew members were injured during the
storms. All that could be done was being done, so I have nothing to
do but wait for incoming reports. Being dead in space is not a feeling
I like. But, at least weapons are on line. I can’t help thinking back
to last night's party. I wonder if I behaved appropriately. Asking a
member of the crew to dance besides Chakotay is something I’ve never
done. What possessed me to do it? But, it did feel right somehow. Dancing
with Seven just felt right. What am I to do now?”
“What am I to do now? I can not seem to stop thinking about the
Captain,” Seven thought to herself as she repaired one the main
injectors to the impulse engines. She had promised herself would not
get attached to anyone, but it seemed she already had. How could she
not have seen it? Was she now only attuned to such things? And once
again it was affecting her work. It was the second time she had to realign
that particular injector.
Chapter IV
It was a full three hours before repairs had been affected to the
impulse engines. Warp was a full two days away from being realized.
Still, they were on the move and it was a feeling Captain Janeway liked.
The stars outside the ship no longer streaked by, since they were at
impulse speed. They were much more tangible she thought. Janeway sat
in the mess hall eating her dinner looking out at them. The potato soup
that she was eating was warm and thick and made her think of long ago
winters at her childhood home. Time spent layered in clothing walking
through the fields to her home. As young girl she had often looked up
at the stars and wished she were among them. And now she was and suddenly
all she wanted was to be back in those fields. Wistfully, she sipped
her soup and closed her eyes. Once again, she felt her enter the room,
rather than saw it. The tiny hairs on her forearms noting a slight electricity
in the air. She kept her eyes closed for a moment longer, then focused
them on the young woman walking toward the counter. Seven bent her head
slightly to the left upon seeing the Captain, an acknowledgement of
her presence nothing more. Seven placed her hands on the counter and
began speaking with Neelix. Janeway felt a lump in her throat and cleared
it softly. However, at the sound Seven turned slightly and looked uncomfortably
at the Captain. Neelix was rambling about some absurd thing that neither
of them heard. Seven, herself, was uneasy and Neelix’s incessant chattering
was making her more on edge.
“I require some nourishment,” she stated to Neelix, cutting him short
and bringing his attention to the matter at hand.
“What would you like Seven? I have some great Laxian lamb,” he coaxed.
“I prefer something simpler. Perhaps a turkey sandwich would suffice.”
Her voice clipped the words carefully.
“Very well, a turkey sandwich it is.” And he was off in a flourish.
Seven knew she should return her attention to the Captain, but was loathed
to do it. “How would she ever get though this mess?” She had
made herself a promise and she would keep it. But, she could not afford
to offend the Captain, and how she wanted to please her. She wanted
to show her humanity to her and hide it all at the same time. Suddenly,
her desire for nourishment failed her as Neelix brought out her sandwich.
“Come sit down Seven,” the Captain offered.
“Thank you Captain,” she answered. Both of them played with their
food, the Captain swirling her spoon in the thick soup and Seven gently
grasping at the edges of her bread. An awkward silence hung between
them. And neither seemed inclined to break it. So there they sat for
a few moments, each interminably caught up in each others presence.
Janeway spoke first about what later she could not recall. She simply
took in those blue eyes offset by the shiny silver implant that was
positioned just above Seven’s right eye. Seven of Nine chose to concentrate
on the Captain’s communicator. She noted the sleekness of its design
and the utility of purpose. She took delicate bites out of her sandwich
each time replacing it on the tray before her. How she wanted to take
a good bite out of it and let the crumbs roll down her mouth. Yet, she
demanded precision and control and not a crumb fell out of place. Seven
talked of warp engines and plasma controls. The usual fare which she
noted so often caused people to shift uncomfortably in their chairs.
It was not her intention to do so, and it was in fact, often her way
of communicating about things she felt comfortable with. But, this was
usually lost in the translation. Seven shifted her gaze upon the Captain’s
face for the first time. The Captain was smiling at her yet, it seemed
to be a sad sort of smile. Perhaps, she had disappointed her yet once
again and ceased talking. The remnants of her sandwich lay on her plate
and she delicately folded her hands in her lap. The Captain’s interest
in her was maternal she told herself and that was for the best. Her
job was to be the most useful member of the crew. And she promised herself
she would be. Janeway herself was not thinking of warp engines or plasma
controls or com badges. Her thoughts lingered on the visage of a young
woman so confined in her own view of perfection. More than ever she
wanted to break through to Seven still, as Seven rose to leave, she
found that she had once more squandered her opportunity to do so.
Seven had largely been successful in her attempts the past months
in keeping her more intimate emotions at bay. The wall that she placed
firmly between herself and others afforded her the luxury of distance
from those troublesome feelings. Yet, it had not been as easy as she
would have liked. It seemed that once she had opened that door to intimate
feelings it was difficult to close it completely behind her.
“B’Elanna, how are repairs on those warp engines coming?” Janeway
asked as she checked the monitors that were inlayed next to her command
chair.
“Slowly Captain. I estimate twenty-four more hours before we have
warp at all.” “B’Elanna wiped the sweat from her brow as she put her
hand on the small of her back to relieve the pain. Being half Klingon
afforded her a certain degree of strength and stamina, yet, being pregnant
was not turning out to be an easy task.
Janeway sighed and returned her attention to her bridge crew. Lieutenant
Paris was softly singing some song having to do with the “YMCA”. Janeway
thought she remembered it from Neelix’s party. Ensign Kim was rolling
his eyes at Tom and Tuvok stood impassively starring at Tom Paris. Chakotay
was missing from the bridge as he was due to take over the shift in
a short while. Janeway counted herself lucky to have such a fine crew.
A crew that had come to be family. She would be pleased to welcome Tom
and B’Elanna’s new baby to Voyager’s family. She wondered how much of
Tom’s irascibility the baby would inherit as Chakotay entered the bridge.
For a brief moment, she hesitated, not sure whether to head for her
ready room or her quarters. Deciding on the later, she handed the bridge
over to her senior officer and proceed to the torbolift. It was not
long before she found herself inside her own quarters sitting quietly
on her bed. Her red command uniform lay draped over a chair discarded
in favor of a white pajama top. As she stretched her body out on the
bed, she noted how very tired she was. And lonely. Almost as lonely
as Seven of Nine she thought. Yet, she was sure in a different way.
She cast her eyes on the ceiling which was smooth. The wane light from
the computer generated illumination she had requested casting shadows
on the walls. She thought of her crippled ship, the insignificance of
Voyager in the vastness of space, and of the enigma, that was Seven
of Nine.
“Captain, Janeway!” Kathryn shifted in her uneasy slumber and opened
her eyes completely focused on the voice of her second in command. It
was something one learned to do as a Captain of a Starship.
“Janeway, go ahead,” she answered quickly sitting up.
“Captain, we have detected a vessel on an intercept course. We haven’t
been able to identify it yet. It will intercept in five minutes,” Chakotay
reported.
“On my way,” Janeway responded, quickly grabbing her uniform from
the chair. She appeared on the bridge moments later, her gaze focused
on the large ship which was rapidly filling the view screen. “Hail them,
Tuvok,” she ordered.
“They are answering our hail Captain,” Tuvok relayed.
“This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager,” she announced.
“I am leader Kraetec of the Northian home world, Captain Jan-e-way
we must warn you to leave this sector of space immediately!” The voice
was careful and slow spelling out each syllable as he spoke.
“We are on a peaceful mission. We simply want to travel through this
space on our way home,” she explained. Her voice gave no hint of the
tension she was feeling in her shoulders. A face now appeared on screen
to match the voice. The face was triangular in shape and of a blue hue.
The brows of the speaker were cut in straight lines and a small beard
appeared at the base of his chin. Dark brown eyes peered worriedly and
his jaw was clamped down tight giving him the air of extreme discontent.
“Nonetheless you must exit this space at once. It is not safe for
a vessel to travel any further in Northian space. I’m afraid our system
has been savagely attacked. Most of my people have been killed,” his
face turned a deeper shade of blue and he raised a mottled hand in the
air.
“I’m sorry about your people. Can we be of assistance?”
“No you must leave immediately,” Kraetec insisted.
"Who did this?” Janeway queried.
“They came in giant ships. Some claimed to mean us no harm but, the
others said they wanted to assimilate us. They fought each other and
the one who said they wanted to assimilate us attacked us as well.”
A second Northian appeared on screen. It appeared to be a woman with
similar features except, for long reddish hair. “Excuse me for a moment
Captain Jan-e-way,” he said.
A chill ran down the back of Captain Janeway. “The Borg,” she said
as much to herself as anyone else. She had remembered her encountered
with the Borg when unimatrix zero had been discovered and a civil war
had broken out among the Borg. It was not a reunion she desired.
“Tuvok, scan for transconduit activity,” she ordered as she waited
for the Nothians to return.
“Captain, I am detecting several residual transconduit activity in
this sector of space. The Borg have definitely been here recently,”
he stated showing no hint of concern.
“Captain Jan-e-way” Kraetec clipped as he returned on the view screen.
“We must return to what is left of our planet and rescue who we can.
Do not tempt fate for you will surely lose,” he announced. His image
faded from the view screen and the vessel streaked out of view.
“B’Elanna,” Janeway snapped.
“Yes Captain.”
“How are those warp engines coming?”
“We have been able to increase impulse engines, but warp is still
a good twenty-four hours away.”
“We need those warp engines, B’Elanna, before we get unwanted company.”
“Understood Captain, I’ll get them back on line as soon as possible.”
“I know, B’Elanna.” The Captain breathed deeply and exhaled letting
the breath slowly stream out between her lips.
“Mr. Paris, can you set a course that keeps us away from any residual
transconduit activity?” Janeway questioned.
“Yes, Ma’am.” And his fingers flew over the controls.
“Seven, can you plot this sector of space and brief me on the particulars
as soon as possible?” She asked taking a few steps toward the helm.
“Certainly Captain. You can meet me in Astrometrics and I will show
you what I have found,” came Seven’s reply.
“Very well. Tuvok, keep a lookout for transconduit activity. Commander
I’ll be in Astrometrics.” Janeway gave a look to her bridge crew intended
to fortify their resolve and turned on her heels and headed for Astrometrics.
Chapter V
By the time she had made it there, Seven already had a chart of this
sector of space on the view screen. Dotted along the sector were green
points which indicated the appearance of transconduit activity within
the past week.
“The Nothian’s planet appears to have been attacked by the Borg five
days ago. Its ecosystem has been largely destroyed along with millions
of Northians.” Seven did not like reporting such news. She suffered
for each one of those killed and assimilated. They would be robbed of
their humanity just as she had been.
“Are there any other planets in this sector?” Janeway asked.
There appear to be no more Class-M planets, Captain. The Northian’s
planet appears to be unique.” Seven frowned as she knew how easily uniqueness
could be wiped out. She herself had a hand in destroying civilizations
and the thought of such made her uneasy.
“Are we going to help them, Captain?” Seven looked at Janeway her
left eyebrow lifting to reveal the white of her eye.
“Right now we can’t help anybody. Without warp engines we would be
sitting ducks for the Borg if they came back. But, as soon as we have
warp engines we may see if we can be of assistance to the Nothians.
Is there any sign of new Borg activity?” Janeway rested her hand on
the console and thought about all of the people destroyed by the Borg.
“The last indication of Borg activity was twelve hours ago. There
is a steam of debris surrounding the third moon of this system. Several
other debris fields lay strewn in close proximity to the residual transconduit
reading. They appear to be debris from Borg spheres and cubes. It looks
as if the Borg and the rebel Borg have been using this space as a battlefield.”
Seven of Nine gathered in her breath as she though of Axum somewhere
far away fighting the Borg. She had not really gotten to know him in
the waking world and feared that she would not have been able to relate
to him as her real self. Still, she knew Annika had cared for him and
she was concerned about his well being.
“The last thing we need is to be in the middle of a Borg battlefield
without warp engines,” Janeway sighed. She ran her hand through her
short hair and Seven noted the way it fell in strands about her forehead.
Its fiery red color, giving hint to the fiery temper held beneath it
that Seven had encountered more than once. Seven wanted to say something
reassuring. Something to further set her apart from her Borg heritage.
“Captain, you always seem to get us through these situations,” she
offered know it was an insufficient thing to say.
“Than you Seven,” Janeway said and placed her hand upon Seven’s shoulder.
It lingered there and it reminded Seven of the dance they had shared
a few nights before. She found herself relaxing and smiled at the Captain.
They stood there for quite some time. Each caught up in the moment.
Janeway had been surprised when Seven had not stiffened to her touch.
Instead, she seemed to be responding to it. Perhaps, it was their proximity
to the Borg that made her want to touch the Captain now, but Seven had
been holding out for so long that she found a tear come to her eye.
The Captain brushed it away with her fingers, a gesture that came naturally
and easily. Seven found herself tempted to tell the Captain everything.
Yet, she held back not sure of herself and not wanting to lower herself
in the Captain’s eyes. Still, it was a moment that left an indelible
impression on both of them. Although, she did not tell Janeway about
her condition or her feelings, the look in her eyes conveyed a volume
to the Captain. Janeway wasn’t sure exactly what it was Seven needed
to tell her but, she knew that Seven was profoundly impacted by her
presence. That she needed the Captain to understand her. And with someone
as complex as Seven she knew it would take time. Janeway removed her
hand from Seven’s shoulder and turned her gaze back to the star chart.
She wondered what her life would have been like if she had never rescued
Seven and grimaced at the thought.
Seven knew that her encounter with the Captain had brought her perilously
close to breaking down and forging her promise to keep controlled. She
knew her duty was to help protect Voyager from the Borg, not to further
her intimacy with the Captain. Yet, this knowledge did not prevent her
from wishing it were not so.
“Captain, I am picking up transconduit activity one thousand kilometers
astern,” Seven reported.
Janeway now on the bridge snapped her head toward the view screen
which was filling with light. Her jaw muscles stiffened and she felt
a tingle at the base of her spine. Adrenaline pumped through her veins
and she sat stiffly in her chair.”
“B’Elanna, shut down all engines. Bring us to a glide. We don’t want
to attract their attention,” Janeway ordered. The ship slowed and coasted
slowly through space as a Borg cube appeared out of the conduit.
“Captain, another conduit is opening to our port,” Seven reported.
A Borg sphere appeared out of it and the two ships turned toward each
other. Each emitted a beam, which was absorbed by each others ships.
Voyager drifted a few hundred kilometers in the distance seemingly dead
and abandoned. Captain Janeway held her breath. She didn’t like hiding.
She had never liked playing hide and seek as a child. Still, she knew
that playing dead was at times an invaluable tactic. The two Borg ships
came about and fired at each other once more. The smaller sphere eluded
the blast and scored a hit on the larger Cube. Janeway was not sure
whom to root for, as she did not know which the rebel ship was. Debris
from the larger ship blasted through space as it was struck a second
time. It altered its course and came perilously close to Voyager. It
seemed to be taking cover behind her using her as a shield.”
“This is not good at all.” Janeway thought and traced her fingers
on the armrest. The Borg sphere positioned itself in front of Voyager,
hanging in space for what seemed like and eternity. Janeway knew she
had to act quickly.
“Tom bring us to top impulse speed mark 02.145 at my command,” she
ordered.
“Ready, Captain,” he answered.
“Now, Tom!
Voyager shot upwards with a start and the Borg cube that was behind
her seemed caught by surprise as the smaller Borg sphere shot a devastating
blow through its center.
“Keep shields at maximum," Janeway ordered as chunks of the now
destroyed Borg cube came crashing about Voyager.
“Shields holding, Captain,” Tuvok reported. “We are being hailed,
Captain.”
“On screen,” Janeway looked into the faces that appeared on the screen.
“We have destroyed the Borg collective ship. We mean you no harm.”
“Thank you. I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager,”
Janeway introduced.
“Captain Janeway we have heard about you. This, however, is not an
opportune time to interact. The Collective will surely send out another
ship to intercept us. We must retreat so that they won’t follow and
find you here. Be well, Captain.”
“Good luck,” Captain Janeway said as the Borg sphere retreated into
a transconduit opening.
“That was close Kathryn,” Chakotay said as she visibly relaxed her
shoulders.
“Too close,” she replied. “B’Elanna we need those warp engines.”
“Captain, I believe I can give you Warp four in two minutes,” B’Elanna
replied.
“Good work, B’Elanna.” With warp drive they would be in a much better
position.
Yellow lights still flashed over the corridors of Voyager indicating
a state of caution, but not alert. With warp drive now in service, Captain
Janeway felt surer of her ship and its capabilities. She sat in her
ready room weighing the matter of whether to render the Northian’s aid
or avoid this sector of space. The Northians had not actually asked
for her help, in fact, they had discouraged it. She felt that was due,
however, to a selfless concern for their well-being as opposed to a
rejection of Voyager and her crew. Janeway wasn’t sure what condition
the Northian fleet was in, if there even was one. She rubbed her temples
with her forefingers and took a sip of black coffee. She liked the way
it cleared her head, even if it did put her on edge sometimes when she
drank too much of it. She looked into the dark liquid as if attempting
to read some sort of tealeaves. As if the coffee itself could give her
some answer. She had attempted to send communications to the Northian
world, but so far her attempts had gone unanswered. She knew she had
braved the entire Borg Collective to save one person, Seven of Nine,
yet Seven was known to her and treasured. She did not know the Northians.
Or was it something more about Seven that had caused her to rush to
save her without the careful deliberation she was now undergoing? The
ship hadn’t seemed right without her and she had not been able to rest
until Seven was safe back on Voyager. Just the same was she didn’t seem
to be able to rest until she found out what was bothering Seven so much.
She frowned as she drew her gaze away from the coffee, realizing that
she was getting distracted from her objective. You couldn’t save everyone,
but when able you had to try.
“Chakotay, meet me in my ready room, please,” she asked over her com
badge.
“Yes, Captain,” Chakotay answered. A few moments later, he was standing
in front of her. There was no trace of the smirk that had appeared on
his face days earlier.
“I take it we are going to the Nothian home world,” he stated in such
a matter of fact way that Janeway had the urge to strangle him. “Was
she so easy to read,” she wondered?
“Yes we are. We’ll have to keep a constant lookout for Borg activity,
but I think the least we can do is see if they need any help. What do
you think?” She brought her hands together and looked at him intently.
“I agree Captain. Compassion is the better part of valor as they say.”
“Mr. Paris, set a course for the Nothian planet warp 7. Tuvok keep
sending our previous communication to them and let me know if and as
soon as they respond.” Fully in command, Captain Janeway steeled herself
for their new mission.
Chapter VI
One day into their journey there had been no sign of the Borg and
no word from the Northians. Captain Janeway sat in her quarters reading
a novel that had been given to her by the Doctor. It was Madame Bovary
and tended toward his dramatic tastes. She rubbed her eyes and put the
pad down that contained the novel. Her quarters seemed so empty. Sure,
it was filled with many things, but she was the only person that occupied
its space. She sighed. She decided a tour of the ship was in order.
As she made her way down into the corridor, she noted the yellow lights
that were still blinking above her. The crew seemed oblivious to the
lights constant presence and went on about their duties. It was after
she had visited Sick Bay and interrupted the Doctor during one of his
arias that she made her way to Cargo Bay 2. She found Seven downloading
some information from the computer. She looked about the bay and noted
that there were no real chairs to sit in and relax. She wondered whether
Seven ever did sit here, since she also stood when she regenerated.
“Where do you sit, Seven?” she queried.
“Excuse me Captain?”
“I don’t see anywhere to take a load off.”
“A load off what?” Seven asked in confusion. With that Janeway laughed
and leaned on the console.
“Furniture Seven,” Janeway explained.
“Furniture is irrelevant here,” Seven lied.
“Oh, I see,” Janeway laughed. Seven was beginning to tire of this
dance they were doing. It seemed to her that the Captain knew exactly
what it was she was hiding from her. Janeway looked up at Seven her
laugh trailing off like a wine being savored. She thought that Seven
was so easy to look at. She remembered the way that Seven had relaxed
in her arms and briefly put her head on her own during Neelix’s party.
She sighed without thinking.
“Is something wrong Captain?” Seven asked her silver implant above
her eye rising upward in question and yes, there was a hint of concern
there the Captain thought.
“I was just thinking about Neelix’s party, Seven. It was nice to relax
for a little while. You’re quite a good dancer you know.” Janeway put
her hands under her chin and looked playfully at Seven.
“I have practiced before. But, I must admit that it was quite different
with you.” Seven looked down at the console in front of her and stared
at the blue panel in front of her.
“Different how?” Janeway coaxed.
“I don’t know, for a moment I just felt at ease. Like I wasn’t apart
from everything and everyone.” Seven wasn’t sure just how long to let
his go on, but some part of her didn’t want it to end.
“Seven you are never alone when you're with me. Sometimes I feel like
you’re a part of me. A very important part.” Janeway caught the corner
of Seven’s exquisite blue eyes and willed them on her own. “Am I making
you uncomfortable Seven?”
“It’s just that . . . well, there is something I’ve been keeping from
you,” Seven began.
“What is it Seven?” Janeway asked.
“Remember the experiment I was running in the holodeck months ago.
The gravimetrical array?”
“Yes, you said you found it inefficient.”
“I deceived you, Captain. I was never working on an array. I was running
simulations in the area of intimacy and sexuality.” Seven paused not
knowing how to continue. “I found that such feelings interfered with
my work performance on Voyager. I also found out from the Doctor that
if I experience intense intimate feelings my cortical node begins to
shut down. That is why I left the party after dancing with you.” She
drew her eyes away from the Captain’s not knowing where to let them
land.
“Seven, I had a good idea you were not working on an array, but I
had no idea what exactly you were doing. I’m distressed to hear that
exploring your humanity in that way would result in such devastating
consequences. But, to hear that such feelings arose when you were dancing
with me pleases me despite myself. Isn’t there anything that can be
done? Can’t the Doctor treat you?”
“The Doctor has informed me that there may be a way to reconfigure
the electrical impulses sent through the node through several surgeries.
He believes that it would be difficult but, that eventually he could
succeed.” Seven returned her eyes to the Captain searching for some
sort of clue as to how to proceed.
“Why haven’t you gone though with them Seven? If they can work? Isn’t
it worth it?”
“After running my simulations I found that it was not. You yourself
pointed out how I was neglecting my duties.”
“Is that what this is about? Pleasing me? Seven, I never would have
presumed to deny you such feelings. On the contrary. Oh, Seven the very
person who sought to bring you back your humanity would not keep you
from the very heart of that humanity. Whoever you choose to be with,
and however that plays out, should not be restricted by your sense of
duty.”
“But, Captain, you deny yourself intimacy with a member of the crew
because of duty. I don’t see the difference.”
Captain Janeway had to smile at that. It made such perfect sense.
Why did she deny herself the very thing she wanted for Seven? She wanted
to kiss Seven right then and there. However, the fear for Seven’s safety
precluded her from doing so.
“You're right Seven. We both should not keep such a tight reign on
our intimate feelings. Like the feelings I have for you right now, but
can’t express because of your perturbable need to be perfect in my eyes.
You see, you are always perfect in my eyes.” It was a hard thing for
Seven to accept and yet, at the same time, it was the easiest.
“I don’t know what to do?” Seven’s furtive look begged for a solution.
“I think you have to make a decision Seven. Whether you want to be
constrained behind what your Borg implants say you are or what you truly
want to become. I can’t make that decision for you. But, I can tell
you that I will be with you every step of the way, either way.”
“I am suddenly so tired Captain but, I do not wish to return to my
alcove. So much depends on what I decide. Perhaps, I should reflect
on this and then make a definitive decision.” Seven rubbed her forehead
with her Borg enhanced hand reminding herself of her Borg implants.
“But you know Captain; I will never truly be completely human. I will
always have these Borg implants.”
“Perhaps, but they are only implants Seven and only you define you,”
Janeway gently placed her had on Seven’s shoulder.
“There is something I have always wanted to do,” Seven began.
“Yes, Seven.”
“If we could keep it platonic I would like to rest with you.”
“I think that would be possible, difficult but, possible,” Janeway
laughed.
“Yes,” Seven laughed in unison.
“Let’s go to my quarters,” Janeway offered and the two departed Cargo
Bay 2.
The Captain’s quarters were just as she had left them a few hours
before, but now after her conversation with Seven everything seemed
different to Janeway. As the door slid shut behind them, she noted how
very tired Seven looked. Seven discretely looked about the room noting
the Captain’s personal things. The fact that neither of them undressed
or embraced as they eased onto the bed did not detract from the comfort
that each felt in the other’s presence. Seven closed her eyes and remained
quiet. Janeway lay there awhile wondering what lay ahead for Seven.
What decision she would make and how she would resolve her own conflicting
emotions about love and duty. Then, blissfully, she slept.
Kathryn felt her presence beside her and opened her eyes without
fatigue for the first time in a long while. Seven of Nine lay beside
her breathing in and out steadily and surely. The Captain did not want
to get up, but she knew that duty called. They were still in Northian
space and the Borg were still out there somewhere. She sighed as she
gently pushed the covers off of her and quietly sat up. Seven stirred
beside her and looked up, at first a bit fuzzily, but then smiled at
the Captain. They both arose form the bed, Kathryn’s usually crisp uniform
worse for the wear.
“How are you doing Seven?” Janeway asked.
“Quite well Captain. I do not feel as tired as I did last night. Thank
you for allowing me to share your bed.” Seven took her time and took
in the Captain’s visage.
“You’re quite welcome Seven. I hope your course of action is clearer
to you. You know I want only what is best for you,” Kathryn offered.
“Yes Captain, I know,” Seven responded. “Your presence is required
on the bridge as is mine in Astrometrics. Perhaps we can discuss the
mater over dinner?”
“I’d like that.” Janeway watched as Seven turned and left her alone
to her own devices.
“Damn those Borg implants.” Janeway thought as she turned to
replicate a fresh uniform.
Chapter VII
The bridge was just as she had left it. Chakotay was sitting in the
command chair, which he immediately relinquished as Janeway entered
the bridge. A few moments after she entered the bridge Lieutenant Tom
Paris arrived to begin his duty as helmsman. The makeup of the crew
changed over the course of the next few minutes each replacement crew
member appeared with a crisp clean uniform.
“Report, Commander,” she said as she sat down.
“So far no sign of Borg activity. We are only a few hours away from
the Northian home world. No response to our communications so far and
we can’t seem to break though the interference that is surrounding the
planet to get a fix on how many survivors they are on the planet.” Chakotay
rubbed the bridge of his nose in response to the strain from constant
alert.
“I’d say we’ve been very lucky so far. Let’s just hope that our good
fortune continues. Get some rest Commander.” She laid her hand on his
shoulder and they exchanged warm smiles. She thought herself lucky to
be able to leave her command in such capable hands when she needed to.
Commander Chakotay nodded his head in acknowledgement and exited the
bridge. It was some time before Janeway realized that she had been staring
out at the space in front of her while thinking about Seven of Nine.
She chided herself and concentrated on the matters at hand. They were
quickly approaching the Northian planet. She was not exactly sure what
they would find there, but she knew from experience that it couldn’t
be good. She had seen too many worlds trashed and destroyed by the Borg.
They left an indelible impression on her and she frowned and ran her
fingers through her hair. Anger stirred and left a flush on her face.
She hoped Voyager could make some kind of difference to these beleaguered
people.
Seven looked at the projections of the Northian planet and began
analyzing the information that was beginning to stream from it. On the
bridge Janeway was beginning to energize with the anticipation of finally
getting a look at Kraetec’s planet. It was a look she would not soon
forget when they approached orbit. There were massive craters on the
planet where it looked like huge chunks of it had been gorged out. Janeway
did not know how the planet had looked before, but now it looked ashen
with jagged edges that jutted into space. She wondered how anyone could
have survived there. Just as she was about to consult Tuvok on communications,
he interrupted her with the news that the same Northian ship they had
encountered before was on an intercept course.
“Hail them, Mr. Tuvok.” Soon the screen was filled with the waxen
face of the female Janeway had seen beside Kraetec when they had first
been encountered. Her face looked paler and her eyes gave out a look
of complete devastation.
“This is Captain Janeway of the Starship Voyager. We are here to be
of what help we can,” Janeway offered not knowing quite how to ease
the burden her counterpart was obviously shouldering.
“Captain Jan-e-way, I am First Right Vortek of the Northian fleet.
I’m afraid Kraetec is occupied on the planet at this time. You were
warned not to come here. Why have you ignored our warnings?” Vortek
looked squarely into the view screen.
“We have encountered the devastation that the Borg can bring before.
We thought we might be of some aid to your people.” Janeway couldn’t
help averting her eyes to the left just a little to lessen the tension.
“It is appreciated. But, I am afraid there is little to do. Most all
of our people have been wiped out or taken by these Borg. Kraetec and
the surviving medical staff are attending to those that remain. We can
only hope to save what little is left.” Vortek’s eyes suddenly became
rounder and gave out a helpless expression. “When these Borg first came
we thought our defenses were adequate. Our conceit was soon vaporized
by the vicious nature of these aliens. Do not let your own conceit destroy
you. We do not know if they are coming back.”
Janeway mused that the Northians tended to end conversations with
advice. She had little advice to give in return.
“We have medical supplies on board that might prove useful to you.
Perhaps, you would care to visit our ship and we can help you the best
that we can.” Janeway made a giving motion with her hands and Vortek
folded her hands in the reverse gesture.
“That would be appreciated,” she said.
Three Nothians materialized on Voyager’s transporter pads. They were
all roughly the same height. Two of them had short red hair while the
third held the visage that Janeway had seen earlier.
“Welcome to Voyager,” Captain Janeway invited.
Along with the Captain, Tuvok and Seven of Nine stood in the transporter
room with the Northians. There was a sharp contrast between the sharp
and clean appearance of the Voyager crew and the matted haggard look
of the Northians. Janeway could only imagine what they were going through.
Seven stood back from Tuvok and the Captain. Her hands were behind her
back and she bore an expression of concentration about her. Inside of
her she felt deeply for these people. Their lives had been invariably
altered by the Borg, their civilization taken from them. She noted her
Borg enhanced hand and reflexively squeezed it with her human one. The
power of her Borg implants leaving and indelible impression on her human
soul. Yet, she knew from experience that she could not take away the
pain of these people. To try to shoulder it alone was overwhelming and
inappropriate. The Captain had reminded her of this many times.
It was some time later that the Captain Janeway appeared in Astrometrics
to check on Seven.
“Have the Northians gotten all the needed supplies?” she asked the
Captain.
“Yes, Seven. They have gone back to their ship to help their people
out the best they can. I’m afraid we have done all that we can do here.
We are heading out of Nothian space.”
Janeway watched Seven as she looked down at her Borg enhanced hand.
“Remember Seven that you are more than just the sum or your parts.
You are who you make yourself.”
“Yes,” Seven replied.
The doctor was rearranging his medical inventory when Seven stepped
into Sick Bay. He turned to her and smiled. “How can I help you Seven?”
“I have come to discuss the possibility of reconfiguring my cortical
node to allow more emotion.” Seven shifted awkwardly on her feet.
“I see. Well, let me show you what I have developed.” He took up a
pad and self- importantly looked at its contents.
It was two hours later when he finished briefing Seven on what her
journey toward intimacy would entail. It was fraught with possible pitfalls
and discomfort. Still, it promised so much. Seven thought about the
Captain and how it would feel to let her emotions flow freely in her
presence. It was a feeling she did not know if she would ever experience.
Chapter VIII
It was months later that Seven of Nine emerged from Cargo Bay 2 her
feet moving with surety. She past several crew members and she nodded
her head at them. The yellow warning lights that had flashed so diligently
a few months ago had given way to the fluorescent illumination that
now lighted Voyager’s corridors. She continued until she found herself
at holodeck 2. The program was running and she entered with only a small
hesitation. The room was dimly lit. It contained a piano and some tables,
one of which the Captain occupied. She looked downward on her seated
companion and pulled up a chair in which to sit next to her.
“I’m glad you could make it Seven.” Kathryn Janeway was running her
finger around the lip of her glass that sat on the table. Her eyes relaxed
and welcoming. She noted how Seven’s biosuit only showed a small fraction
of her skin surface. It served to accentuate what one was missing. There
was a program of music playing in the background and Seven thought she
recognized it from the party so long ago.
“I believe as they say they are playing our song.” Seven extended
her hand to Kathryn.
“I believe they are Seven,” Kathryn smiled.
The two rose and made their way to the dance floor. This time Seven
let her head rest on her partner’s for more than a few moments. She
noted the way they moved so easily across the dance floor and she felt
giddy in her proximity to the Captain. For a moment, Kathryn was concerned
that her own brain might shut down from the pure elation of being so
close to Seven. Kathryn lifted her head and looked into Seven’s eyes.
Seven dipped her head and caught Kathryn’s upper lip in her mouth. A
slight gasp escaped from the Kathryn’s lips before the two merged in
a kiss. Seven noted the softness of it. She had not kissed any women
before. Now she was even more satisfied to experience it first with
Kathryn. Their tongues intertwined and Seven’s hands grasped the back
of Kathryn’s head. The two did not notice when their song ended and
another one began. They were lost in each other and neither one of them
wanted it to end. How Kathryn wanted to get that biosuit off of Seven.
But, she had to let Seven lead. Go at her speed. Besides, she didn’t
have a clue how to take the damn thing off. Her hands ran along the
length of Seven’s sides and rested on her hips. Their kisses becoming
more impassioned with every second’s passing. It was some time before
they noted that the music had ended and they parted slightly to take
each other in.
“There is something that I have wanted to do,” Seven stated.
“Yes Seven?” Janeway asked.
“If it were not strictly platonic I would like to share your
bed.” She smiled at her reconstruction of the very words she had said
a few months ago when they had innocently slept together.
“Yes, Seven, yes.” Janeway took her hand and led her down the long
corridors to her quarters. They looked much the same to Seven as the
last time she had seen them. However, this time she no longer felt constrained
in her feelings about them. Seven sifted slightly as she dislodged herself
from her shoes. It brought her height down some in relation to the Captain.
Kathryn ran her fingers through Seven’s hair and undid the bun that
held it in tight repose. Her blonde hair fell luxuriously around her
shoulders. Seven adeptly unfastened the Captain’s uniform and breathed
slow steady breaths as it fell downward and Kathryn was left dressed
in a blue undershirt and bra and panties. With an effortless motion,
Seven disengaged herself from her biosuit and stood nude in front of
her lover. Seven raised the short blue undershirt over her Captain’s
head, unfastened the bra, and let it fall downward. Kathryn brought
Seven to her, their mouths covering each other’s expectantly. The sheer
pleasure of their two bodies against each other causing them to moan
in unison. The smooth cool metal implants that lay in various spots
on Seven’s body gave Kathryn unusual feelings of pleasure. She touched
Seven’s abdominal implant and traced its outline. Seven eased back slightly
not sure of what the Captain’s reaction to her Borg implants would be.
“Although the Doctor has repaired my cortical node the best he can
I’m afraid I’m stuck with these implants Captain.” A sad look came about
her eyes and Kathryn kissed her on the forehead.
“You are perfect just the way you are Seven. And I’m not Captain to
you right now.”
Kathryn gazed at Seven and noted how amazing she looked with her hair
down. She ran her fingers through Seven’s hair and rested her hand below
Seven’s chin. Kathryn eased Seven down onto the bed and lowered her
body on top of her. She kissed Seven gently on the forehead and trailed
her mouth down to Seven’s neck. Her hands exploring Seven’s body as
she did so. She ran her lips around Seven’s left nipple and brought
it to her mouth. Shudders of pleasure ran up Seven’s spine as she felt
the moist wetness of Kathryn upon her own. Kathryn teased Seven’s nipples
and Seven moaned in protest. She gathered Kathryn’s head in her hands
and pressed it to her breast. Kathryn sucked her breast in and out and
used her other hand to roll her fingers around Seven’s other breast.
“It feels so good Kathryn,” she whispered. Kathryn wanted to make
her cry out in pleasure and she ran her tongue down below Seven’s abdominal
implant. She let her fingers trail down to Seven’s wetness, parted her
lips, and traced the outline of them with her finger. Seven shuddered
in response. All of her inhibition, all of her need to be controlled
was leaving her as this beautiful creature was touching her in ways
she had only imagined. Kathryn took her finger and entered Seven. She
could feel Seven contract against her finger and slipped another one
in. Seven responded by rocking in rhythm with her thrusts. Giving herself
over to Kathryn like she had never given herself over before. It scared
her a little but that was soon replaced by the hunger for release. Release
from the prison she had created for herself and the barrier she had
always placed between herself and Kathryn. Kathryn had other ideas though
and removed her fingers from Seven. Seven groaned in protest and Kathryn
kissed her lips and gave her a wry smile. Kathryn lowered herself to
Seven’s thighs and gently kissed them. She brought her mouth up and
blew lightly on Seven’s clit. Seven cried out when she did so. Kathryn
flicked it with her tongue and Seven cried out even louder. How she
wanted to be released.
“Please, Kathryn, please,” she pleaded.
Kathryn began running her tongue against Seven’s clit and flicking
it back and forth. Seven felt herself beginning to come. She ground
her hips against Kathryn’s head and felt herself finally explode in
an orgasm that released her from everything.
Kathryn brought herself upward and kissed Seven giving her a taste
of her own juices.
Seven turned Kathryn over and intertwined her body with her lovers.
She felt the wetness between Kathryn’s legs on her thigh. This was one
time she was not going to disappoint Kathryn she promised herself. Seven
ran her hands up and down Kathryn’s arms. Goose bumps met her touch.
She rose up and positioned herself so that her wet center was on top
of Kathryn’s. She looked down at her lover and smiled as she rubbed
them together. Kathryn could not have imagined the pleasure of feeling
Seven this way. It was beyond comprehension and she simply gave herself
over to it. The fact that it was Seven, that she had finally reached
her made her smile back at Seven.
Soon Seven was kissing her lips passionately taking possession of
her lover. She trailed her fingers down to Kathryn’s breasts and cupped
them in her palm. She took each nipple in her fingers one after the
other. She lowered her head and gently kissed them and then kissed them
harder. Kathryn moaned and Seven softly bit one of them. Kathryn raised
her body in response. Seven caressed every inch of Kathryn’s body before
stroking her clit. She felt the response to her touch and looked Kathryn
deeply in the eye. She wanted Kathryn to watch her. Watch her please
her. Seven entered Kathryn with her fingers and Kathryn thought she
could have let Seven stay like that forever. Then she felt Seven’s tongue
above the fingers sucking on her clit. Kathryn felt her need rise.
“Oh Seven, yes, please,” she rasped her body rising off the bed in
response to Seven’s tongue and fingers. She grasped at the edges of
the sheet with her hands and returned Seven’s intense eye contact. She
felt herself go higher and higher until she reached climax and fell
back to the bed trembling. The intensity of her feelings both physically
and emotionally overwhelming her. As Seven’s lips met her own she savored
the moment, a moment she hoped that was of many to come.
