| Title: Everything Disclaimers: Paramount owns anything and everything associated with Voyager and her characters. I just enjoy playing with them and shall make no money from this. This story depicts women who love women and aren�t afraid to show it. That means sex. If you can�t deal with that, I believe Barney is playing on someone�s television from the last century. If you are too young or this is illegal where you live, leave now. Oh, yeah. The character of Lt. Rain Masters is all mine. Spoilers: Too many episodes to mention, with the exception of �Imperfection� and �Human Error� Archive: Perfect Misfits for sure. All others, please ask. Rating: Ch. 1-10, R, later chapters, maybe NC-17; a T/7, J/f story Chapter 31 The doors to the turbolift had just opened on deck five when Kathryn heard an unmistakable growl become a howl of agony. She bolted from the �lift and ran hell-bent for leather down the corridor. She skidded to a halt just inside the doors to Sickbay to observe her mate curled up in a ball on the nearest biobed. On legs of jelly she slowly approached the tortured woman. �Rain?� she whispered in an agonized voice, her hands coming to rest on broad shoulders. Turning to the EMH, she yelled, �Don�t just stand there! Do something, dammit!� The Doctor stood by helplessly and threw his hands in the air. �There�s nothing I can do, Captain! Believe me, I wish there was!� he exclaimed. Before the Captain could lambaste the physician again, she felt a light grip on one of her hands. Looking down, her cloudy gray gaze met a pain-filled green one. �Don�t bother the hologram, ele�mi�,� she murmured. �There really isn�t anything he can do, baby.� She gave the small hand on her shoulder a squeeze. Kathryn ran her free hand through the security officer�s thick, luxurious tresses and flinched when she felt the tremors running through the powerful body. Recognizing their need to be alone, the EMH retired to his office. Janeway leaned down to whisper, �What can I do?� �Come around where I can see you clearly,� came the soft response. The diminutive captain circled the biobed to sit in the chair next to it. She leaned over and pressed her lips to Rain�s damp brow, brushing the hair off her forehead in a gentle caress. Rain�s state was alarming to say the least. Other than Seven, Rain was the strongest woman Kathryn knew. And this woman did not have enhanced skeletal and muscular systems. So the fact that this undeniably strong officer was trembling uncontrollably, sweating profusely, and writhing in agony was devastating for the woman who loved her to observe. Hovering over her love�s body, Kathryn lightly ran her hands over her, saying, �I can�t stand to see you like this. There has to be something we can do?� she pleaded. Through clenched teeth, the lieutenant murmured, �I know you, Kathryn. The second you figured out what Tuvok and I were talking about, you did a sensor sweep, didn�t you? Tell me�what�you found,� she gasped, struggling to stay conscious. Tears in her eyes, Kathryn explained in as much detail as she knew what Harry had described to her. �I haven�t been down to Astrometrics yet to see for myself. That�s my next stop,� she finished her gravelly voice trailing off, again running her fingers through Rain�s hair, completely unaware of the actions of her own hand. Throughout Kathryn�s explanation, the Energetic�s mind was working overtime. It was immediately apparent from the reactions of her own body to the energy distortion�s power that Voyager would never withstand impact with the wave. She suspected Kathryn knew that, but as Captain, refused to acknowledge such a thing. But Rain was aware of a possibility that Kathryn wouldn�t even know to think of. First things first, though. Rain picked up one of Kathryn�s delicate hands to hold in her own, much larger, one. �Voyager won�t survive an impact with that thing,� she murmured. �You know that.� Janeway let out a frustrated sigh, brought their clasped hands to her lips, pressed several small kissed to the back of Rain�s and said, �But we have to try. I refuse to just sit here and let it overtake us. What are you doing?� she asked in a rush when during her response, Rain struggled to sit up. Rain attempted an exasperated look at her mate but only managed to look pained. Which was exactly what she was. �I�m not gonna have a strategy meeting with the Captain while laying curled up on a biobed. She�d never take me seriously,� she managed through clenched teeth. �What are you talking about? What strategy?� Kathryn was confused. Rain took several deep breaths, closed her eyes and tried to relegate the worst of the pain to a portion of her mind to be closed off. Using a Vulcan meditation technique she learned from Tuvok, Rain succeeded in blocking a good-sized portion of the discomfort from her forward consciousness. A temporary measure at best, Rain opened her eyes and focused on the problem. Looking into the swirling gray gaze of her future wife, Rain asked, �Kathryn, what am I?� Kathryn�s gaze narrowed in thought. �Where is she going with this?� Tilting her head slightly, she answered, �You�re Energetic.� Rain nodded and continued to prompt her captain. �Remember what I am, ele�mi��� They finished simultaneously, �Pure energy derived from pure emotion.� Kathryn stared intently at her second-in-command of security. Narrowing her eyes once again, she stated flatly, �You have an idea. One I�m positive I�m not going to like. Am I right?� Rain opened her mouth to respond but was saved when Lt. Torres hailed the Captain. �Torres to Captain Janeway.� Looking at Rain, Kathryn said, �You�re not off the hook.� She then tapped her commbadge and said, �Go ahead, Lieutenant.� �Captain, we�ve decided that shutting down all but reserve power on deck six, leaving only enough to power the Borg alcoves, should prevent any surges or overloads in that section.� The relief in the Klingon�s voice was readily apparent. �Nice job, Lieutenant. Do it. What progress have you made analyzing the energy distortion?� �It�s definitely responsible for our current problems. Short of shutting down power, right now I don�t have any other ideas, but we�re working on it.� �Understood, Lieutenant. Janeway out.� Turning back to Rain, she stared at the lieutenant with the full strength of her glare. She didn�t know whether to be incensed or amused when all she got for her efforts was a smile. Rain reached out and placed a hand on one of Janeway�s arms, which she had folded across her chest. She pulled and came away with one of her captain�s hands, which she then brought to her lips and where she placed a gentle kiss to the palm. With a wink, she said, �You know the blue death ray doesn�t work on me, so you might as well turn it off,� referring to the force ten glare. Janeway huffed out a breath in amusement and rolled her eyes. �What�s this idea, Rain?� she asked softly. The Energetic tilted her head and rather than answer the question, she said, �You�re right. You won�t like it. But before you say anything,� she held up a hand to forestall the inevitable interruption, �let me tell you this. It will work, Kathryn.� The staring contest ended when Janeway lowered her head and asked, �How do you know?� Rain pulled Kathryn between her legs with the hand she held in hers and used her free hand to raise the Captain�s chin to meet her gaze. �Because I�m ene�,� she stated simply and with great confidence. Janeway gave a large sigh and rubbed her forehead. �So are you going to tell me what it is, or do I have to guess?� she asked dryly, resigned to at least hearing what Rain had to say. Rain leaned in and pressed a hard kiss to Kathryn�s lips in thanks. �I love you,� she murmured. She then straightened up and explained, �I�m going to use my energy to repel the energy distortion.� �What? How are you going to manage that?� Janeway asked in disbelief. Giving the Captain a fond look, she explained further, �By doing something similar to what I did during the Acceptance.� With a wry twist to her lips, she added under her breath, �Magnified a thousand fold.� �No,� was the resolute response. �I won�t allow it,� Janeway insisted. Rain�s eyebrow met her hairline in a show of disbelief. �Why not?� �It�s too dangerous,� Kathryn hissed angrily. Rain narrowed her eyes against Janeway�s stubbornness. �No it isn�t, Kathryn. You�re being overprotective and ridiculous. And it�s a damn better idea than death! Which is what awaits us all if you don�t let me do this!� she growled. Kathryn dropped her forehead on to Rain�s shoulder. Her voice was nearly inaudible when she spoke. �Everyone will find out about you. I know you didn�t want that.� Her tone was sad. Rain turned her head slightly to press a kiss just below Kathryn�s delicate ear. �It�s a risk I�m willing to take, ele�mi�,� she whispered. �Call a meeting of the senior staff,� she encouraged, �so I can explain everything.� Kathryn nodded in resignation. �In a minute. Just hold me a little longer,� she asked. �As long as you need, baby. As long as you need,� came the whispered response. *** *** *** It was nearly two hours, after visiting Engineering and Astrometrics, and speaking with both Chakotay and Tuvok regarding any possible solutions to their predicament, before Janeway was able to call another meeting of the senior staff. After making the announcement from her Ready Room, Kathryn tapped her commbadge a second time. �Janeway to the Doctor.� �Yes, Captain?� came the expected response. �Bring Lt. Masters with you to the meeting, Doctor,� she ordered with a tiny grin for the look she imagined was visible on his face. �Uh, yes, Captain. May I ask why?� came the confused and bewildered response. �No. You�ll find out soon enough. Janeway out.� Kathryn smiled as she gathered a couple of PADDs to take to the meeting. She took a moment to pace across the room several times before gathering her resolve. Taking a deep, fortifying breath to brace herself, she left the Ready Room and headed for Conference Room 1. Making sure to arrive last, as was her habit, Janeway entered the Conference Room and took her seat at the head of the long, oval table. �All right, everyone, let�s get started. Mr. Kim, will you brief everyone on what you�ve found out about the energy distortion.� Janeway directed everyone�s focus to the Operations officer. As Harry described the vast scope of the phenomenon, Kathryn took a closer look at the others around the table. She noticed Rain paying particularly close attention to Harry�s report. Knowing the reason why, Kathryn�s jaw clenched in reflex. At the conclusion of his report, Harry took several questions from Paris, Chakotay, and Torres. The questions segued into B�Elanna�s report from Engineering. As she wound down her report, the engineer finished with, �At this point, Captain, all I can recommend is to shore up the shields as much as we can.� Janeway nodded and turned her gaze toward Rain and noticed with hidden concern her earlier distress returning. Truth be told, the Energetic was in unspeakable pain, utilizing all of her powers of concentration to remain focused. Speaking to the group at large, but maintaining eye contact with the lieutenant, Janeway said, �I�ll be honest with you. Given our status at this moment, it�s likely that we�ll be destroyed by this wave. Our ship doesn�t have the resources to withstand the impact. And most, if not all, of you know this. However, our status is just about to change. Voyager may not be able to withstand the impact of that wave, but we DO have a chance at survival.� She saw the skeptical, but hopeful, looks fall across the faces of her senior staff and continued with, �Many of you may be wondering why Lt. Masters is in attendance. Well, folks, she�s going to save us. I�ll let her tell you how,� she finished with a wave of her hand, thoroughly uncomfortable with the idea. Rain rose unsteadily to her feet, visibly trembling and sweating. The others looked at her with alarm. The EMH started to get up, but she waved him away. �I�ll be fine, Doc,� she murmured. Looking at the others, she began to speak. �First off, I�ll say this. The Captain does not like this plan one bit.� She held up a hand and waited for the mumbling to cease before continuing. �She doesn�t like it, however, for completely personal reasons. Professionally, she realizes it�s our best bet. And it will work.� She hesitated, then said, �There is a common misconception on board that I am Human. I need to inform this group that I am not. I�m Energetic.� She braced herself while waiting for that comment to sink in. The room erupted with various exclamations of shock, interest, and disbelief. But there was not one single negative comment uttered. Kathryn met Rain�s gaze with a soft, tender one of her own, recognizing how much that meant to her lover. When the cacophony died down, Rain continued. �I�uh�actually expected a different reaction. History has shown a decided lack of tolerance for Energetics, which is why Starfleet takes precautions to protect the identity of its Energetic officers. Your reactions make me proud to be a member of this crew. There is, however, a larger story here.� Rain paused and gave a tremendous sigh. Her trembling was increasing, and she wasn�t sure how much longer she could remain standing. She was about to continue when she was doubled over by a piercing pain to her head. Clutching it with both hands, she nearly fell over but was prevented from doing so by Tom Paris, who had been sitting next to her. He helped lower her back into her chair and made way for the Captain and the EMH, who had simultaneously leapt to their feet at Lt. Masters� obvious distress. �Rain!� said Kathryn sternly as she kneeled at the officer�s feet, �stay with us, sweetheart. That�s it,� she soothed when the Energetic focused on Kathryn�s face as a point of reference while she rode out the wave of pain. Kathryn brushed the hair off Rain�s forehead with a gentleness the senior staff had never seen in her before. They were witnessing first hand just how much the Captain did, indeed, love this woman. And no one found it the slightest bit awkward to observe. �Do you want me to explain this part while you rest for a minute?� she asked tenderly, continuing to soothe the brunette with loving touches upon her face. Getting no response except a blank stare, Kathryn cupped Rain�s face with both hands. �Rain, sweetheart, can you hear me? Focus on my voice.� She paused until she felt a nearly indiscernible nod. Relieved, she asked, �Do you want me to finish with as much as I know?� This time the nod was more obvious, though clearly agonized. Oblivious to her audience, Janeway murmured, �Okay,� before placing the softest of kisses to the Energetic�s forehead. Standing up, she placed herself behind Rain�s chair. The EMH swapped seats with Lt. Paris in order to monitor Masters� condition. The pair had the attention of everyone in the room, curious as to how this sick woman was going to keep them all alive. They had no way of knowing how this entire scene was eating their Captain alive. Truth be told, Kathryn felt like she was going to throw up. Knowing of only one way to get through this meeting without breaking down, Janeway allowed her command mask to drop down and her gaze to harden. She straightened to her full height and explained what she could of Rain�s history in Starfleet, what being Energetic meant in the grand scheme of things, and basically reassured everyone in the room that now knowing Rain�s true species did not change what everyone knew her to be. And they all knew it to be true when Janeway concluded with, �She�s still the same officer she�s always been. She�s one of Tuvok�s most valued officers. She�s still the friend you play basketball with in the holodeck, the same woman you spar with in the gym, the same person you dine with in the Mess Hall, the same officer who�s willing to risk her life everyday in defense of this ship and the Federation. Just take a close look, people. Because she�s here. Ready to fight even though this distortion is causing her unspeakable pain and agony.� Janeway�s voice trailed off to a whisper when she said, �And she�s still the same woman I love,� while looking down at her lover. With a groan, Rain picked her head up from where it had fallen to murmur dryly, in a tone guaranteed to elicit a laugh, �Laying it on a bit thick, aren�t you, love?� The laughter was a blessed balm to Janeway�s frayed nerves. Kathryn grinned and replied, �Just checking to see if you were listening.� Coming around the table to sit back down in her chair, the Captain lifted a delicate eyebrow and asked teasingly, �Did I say something that wasn�t true?� Having managed to block out the pain once again and succeed in getting herself back together, Rain stood up---with the EMH�s assistance---and replied cheekily, �Yeah.� When Kathryn�s other eyebrow joined its mate, Rain continued, �I play softball---not basketball.� The room erupted in delighted laughter, pleased at getting the chance to catch a brief glimpse of the special relationship these two women shared, pleased that the Energetic was not so seriously ill that she couldn�t function, and filled with hope that they would escape this latest predicament that Voyager had gotten itself in to. They all focused their attention on Lt. Masters and the plan that would save them all. NOTE: ene� is Energetic for �King� Chapter 32 On shaky legs, Rain made her way over to access the wall unit and brought up the sensor�s image of the energy distortion. Turning back to the group gathered around the conference table, she said flatly, �This thing is causing me some problems. But before I can tell you why, there are probably a few things you should know about Energetics in general---and this,� stopping to indicate herself, �Energetic in particular.� Wavering slightly, Rain put one hand on the wall to steady herself and one hand to her temple, unsuccessfully trying to rub away the ache. After a small pause, she continued with her explanation. �Prior to this moment, the only individuals aware of my being Energetic were the Captain, Commander Tuvok, and the Doctor. And I know that most people think Energetics are mythical or that they exist only in fairy tales, ghost stories, and legends.� With a weary sigh, Rain ran a hand over her face, wiping away beads of perspiration that had gathered before she continued with, �All of that is simply not true. Frankly, I doubt that anything you�ve ever heard about us is even remotely true. The differences between Energetics and Humans are, obviously, all internal. But the differences are significant.� She spent the next ten minutes giving a brief and basic synopsis of those differences---much to Kathryn�s relief. She didn�t want all of her lover�s secrets revealed. It made her feel inordinately special to be the only one in Rain�s life to know certain aspects of that life. And she wanted to keep it that way. Her gaze narrowed slightly when she saw her mate sway dizzily and lean heavily against the wall for the third time since her narrative began. Catching the security officer�s gaze, she mouthed the words �Sit down!� to clearly indicate her wishes. Rain nodded and concluded her explanation. �I really don�t have the time, or quite honestly, the ability to go into a more in depth explanation right now. When this is all over, I�d be more than willing to sit down and privately answer any questions you may have, but I�d really appreciate this not getting around to the rest of the crew just yet. I�m not sure they�d react as well as you all have,� she finished, making her way gingerly back to her chair. She faltered unsteadily on her way, causing the Doctor to leap from his chair to assist. It was only after she had sat down and looked up at the others that Rain realized that she was truly among friends. Tears pricked her eyes at the understanding and reassuring looks and nods she received from all present. When she finally looked down the table her gaze was intercepted by swirling blue-gray eyes that shone with love, also wet with tears. More practical matters soon interrupted the moment. Clearing his throat--the only indication that he, too, was affected by the moment--Tuvok asked, �What plan of action have you devised, Lieutenant?� Rain nodded at the Commander and, though fading fast, she continued on. �Right,� she murmured, gathering strength, �being a creature of emotion, my body manifests that element by converting everything immediately into bio-neural energy. Given sufficient incentive and inducement, I can release that energy from within.� She leaned back in her chair to cover her face with one hand, momentarily incapacitated. Her jaw clenched tightly, she waved off the Doctor�s assistance. �Like he could do anything,� she thought sarcastically. In explanation for those who were not previously aware of her nature, the Energetic said, �My body reacts negatively to any large energy signatures within approximately five light years. Because of the size of this particular distortion, I�m feeling it even from fifteen light years away. The closer it gets, the worse I�ll feel. I apologize for this incapacitation causing my explanation to be so drawn out.� Harry leaned forward to reply, �From my standpoint, you haven�t got anything to apologize for. I�m just sorry you feel so bad. Apparently the Doc can�t do anything for you---or he already would have?� He glanced back and forth between the EMH and the Energetic. At their nods, he continued, �But something has me confused.� The Operations officer�s bewildered look was evidence of his age. �You said your energy comes from emotion?� At her nod, he asked, �We�ve been in dozens of situations in which there was a whole lot of emotion being generated---all kinds---and we�ve never seen you do this thing. Release your energy, I mean.� He looked slightly embarrassed. �I mean, some of our softball games got awfully heated,� he teased, �and you didn�t act any different than you usually do? How is it we�ve never seen it? In seven years? And how can that defeat this�thing�that�s out there?� His curiosity was genuine and honest, and Rain had no problem answering him, even if it left her feeling a little exposed. She gave the young Ensign a sheepish look and replied, �The energy harnessed within the average Energetic�s body is enough to power a galaxy.� She rubbed her forehead in nervousness before saying, �And without going into any kind of detail, let�s just say�I�m an above average Energetic. Suffice it to say, I�ll be more than strong enough to counteract the power of this energy distortion. As for the other,� she released a large sigh, �Its kind of personal, Harry. It�s not something I want anyone to know about�so I suppress. Kind of like Vulcans,� she continued with a wink, indirectly teasing her superior. Tuvok raised an eyebrow. �On the contrary, Lieutenant. You�re ability to harness emotion and suppress it so that it is seen as no more than that of an average Human is�remarkable.� His eyebrows gave away how impressed he was with his second-in-command. �On Vulcan, Lieutenant, you would be considered a master.� Rain was stunned and unable to reply to the unexpected praise. To lighten the mood, Janeway teased in mock disbelief, �Tuvok, was that a pun?� Receiving the desired laughter, the Captain tried to put the discussion back on professional footing, instinctively knowing of her mate�s discomfort. She went on to explain how Lieutenant Masters� plan would work. She finished by stating, �Only senior staff will be allowed on the Bridge, so if there�s something you�re unsure about or something you don�t think you can handle on your own, you�d better say something NOW.� Her voice was hard as duranium when she concluded flatly, �There can be NO mistakes. I realize that Lt. Torres and Lt. Masters have much to discuss and prepare for, but the rest of you can begin preparing your areas now. Discuss this with no one.� Receiving nods, she said, �Dismissed. Lieutenants Torres and Masters, a moment please,� halting their exit, which was slow anyway to accommodate Rain�s needs. Both women turned to look at their commanding officer, the Captain�s tone carrying an odd inflection at the end. Janeway waited for the room to clear before gesturing for the two officers to again take their seats. Rain only became worried when Kathryn did not take her own seat, but, rather, the one adjacent to her own. The Energetic�s eyebrows met her hairline when the fiery redhead reached out to take her hand. Kathryn looked up at her lover, checking for signs of pain. Seeing them in green eyes cloudy with fatigue and agony, Kathryn�s jaw clenched tight. �Sweetheart, are you going to be alright?� she asked gently, lifting a hand to brush silky, dark locks off of a sweaty forehead. Rain closed her eyes, sighed softly, and leaned into the tender touch, her need for comfort after the staff meeting having reached near critical proportions. �Mmmhmm,� she murmured, �eventually.� Wanting to crash into the Captain�s arms---a severe breach in protocol, to be sure---the Energetic forced herself to lean away from the touch after a moment. Unconvinced, but not willing to dwell on it at the moment, Janeway turned to Torres. �B�Elanna, I want to call a family meeting before we get much further.� When the engineer lifted a brow in question, Janeway chuckled, �Well, we are one,� she rolled her eyes and conceded, �okay�we�re somewhat of a family.� She narrowed her eyes at the Klingon and pointed out, �Seven thinks so.� B�Elanna laughed. �Got me there, Captain. Okay, then, what�s this meeting about?� Janeway smiled. �When I said family, I meant everyone---Rain, myself, you, and your children. Even if she�s regenerating, I want Seven there, too. So we�ll just meet in the Cargo Bay. But I�ll wait until after you and Rain get everything set up that she�ll need on the Bridge. Okay?� Torres nodded and gave her future �mother-in-law� a grin. �Okay by me. Just let me know when I need to go round up the Sochlings,� she teased. Kathryn huffed out a laugh before turning back to her lover. In as loving a tone as B�Elanna had ever heard from the Captain, Kathryn said, �Darling, once you�ve finished preparing with B�Elanna, and after the family meeting, I want you to rest until its time.� Seeing the Energetic about to protest, the Captain raised her hand. �It�s not up for debate,� she stated firmly, hardening her tone just enough to convince the lieutenant of her sincerity. Rain gave in, but added a somewhat plaintive request. �Can I at least do so in your presence? I�m sorry, Kathryn, but if I�m to generate enough emotion for this, I�m gonna have to spend quite a bit of time with you beforehand.� The apologetic look on her face was enough to melt the Captain�s heart. �Of course you can,� she responded gently. �Rain, sweetheart, this is all about you now.� Rain just shook her head slowly, her features resolute. �No, ele�mi�, it�s about all of us. I�m just the conductor.� Kathryn�s lips twitched, but she did not respond. She just leaned back in her chair and said, �Let me know when you two are finished.� Her �dismissed� was quiet and contemplative, her eyes never leaving the security officer�s form as it slowly made its way out of the Conference Room. *** *** *** Down in Engineering, the two women made their way to Lt. Torres� office. �Have a seat,� the engineer started to say, �before you fall down,� she finished wryly. When all she received was a muffled laugh and a groan, she turned back to the security lieutenant and asked, �Can I get you anything?� Rain grinned widely before warning, �You�re gonna think I�m crazy.� Finding the look infectious, Torres couldn�t help but grin back at the Energetic. �What is it?� she queried. �I need something to eat. A LOT of something to eat,� replied Rain, her energy waning. Seeing Torres� incredulous look, she groaned and explained, �Since I�m all energy, I have to keep feeding it. Kathryn�s the obvious choice to build up my strength---because I get so much out of loving her, being loved BY her, and simply being in her presence---but that�s not possible at the moment. And right now, I�m in definite need of sustenance,� she finished, grabbing her abdomen in mock-starvation. Torres chuckled and muttered, �You�re right. You are crazy.� She turned back to the replicator, input some commands---allocating the rations as medication from Sickbay since, in a way, the food was needed to �treat� the Energetic---and removed a plate. Setting the simple chicken dish down in front of Rain, B�Elanna gave her a thoughtful look. �I know what you mean, though. That part about where your best strength comes from.� She stared down at the deck pensively for a moment. �I feel the same about Seven,� she whispered. Rain tilted her head to the side and chewed slowly. After swallowing, she asked gently, �Must be hard? Being separated like this?� Arms crossed over her chest, the young Klingon just nodded, still staring at the deck. Shaking herself out of her melancholy, B�Elanna sat down behind her desk, picked up the PADD Rain had been carrying and asked, �So what do we need to do to the Bridge? What needs to be adapted to facilitate the dispersion of your energy?� The engineer in her was highly intrigued by the complexity within the security officer�s body. B�Elanna found it all simply fascinating. Recognizing the sensitiveness of the subject, Rain allowed Torres to redirect the conversation. Taking another bite, she motioned toward the PADD in B�Elanna�s hand. As she got up to move to the replicator, the Energetic elaborated, �My main need will be a tactile interface.� She turned to the replicator and muttered, �Water,� before continuing with, �It only has to be as big as my hand, but it needs to interface with several key systems.� She picked up her glass from the unit and moved back to the front of the desk. She took a healthy gulp of her water and waited for Lt. Torres to begin with the technical questions. �Which systems?� B�Elanna absently asked, hunched over her own PADD now, taking notes. Her elegant brow crinkled in concentration, the engineer was already designing the interfacing unit. Rain smirked and sighed, �You�re such a nerd, Torres.� B�Elanna did not even look up to dignify that with a response, continuing to input modifications and ideas at a rapid pace. She did, however, growl, �I won�t deny that, but you better watch how you say it, Masters�or I�ll sic Seven on you.� Rain barked out a laugh�and instantly regretted it. With a sharp gasp, followed by a groan, she muttered, �You win,� throwing her hands in the air to an unseeing Torres. Finished eating, she pushed her plate away and answered, �My energy signature will have to run through the forward sensors, the torpedo bays, the phaser banks, and the deflector dish.� Rain�s lips twitched in amusement when she caught B�Elanna�s hissed whisper, �Jesus�want much?� Her smile faded when she realized that she needed access to one other part of the ship. And she hated to give worry to the engineer, who was already severely taxed in that area. When Masters didn�t elaborate any further, B�Elanna lifted her head to investigate. �Anything else?� she asked hesitantly, not at all liking the look on the Energetic�s face. Rain ran a hand nervously through her hair and refused to make eye contact. Growing more anxious by the second, having never witnessed the security officer fidget before, B�Elanna growled, �What?� Releasing a tremendous sigh, the Energetic lieutenant rested her chin in her hand, lifted her gaze and resumed with her requests. �The energy will also need to be directed to Cargo Bay 2,� she winced when Torres� eyes widened, �at a diminished volume than what is directed through the other systems.� �What the hell for?� hollered the agitated Klingon, throwing herself back in her chair. Rain leaned forward and braced her forearms across her knees. �Lieutenant�B�Elanna,� she started, �for this to work, all power must be shut off, and Voyager will have to be dead in space. I overheard the conversation you and Paris had with the Doc earlier. So I know Seven�s alcove must be kept powered up. This is the only way I can think of to help her,� she reported frankly with a shrug of her broad shoulders. B�Elanna appeared momentarily dazed at the sheer magnitude of the task the Energetic was undertaking. �What�uh, I mean�how�can you do that?� she asked in disbelief. Rain�s ragged sigh was weary in nature. �Yes, I can, but I�ll need your help.� She went on to explain that whatever device Torres� developed to route her energy throughout the ship, it would have to monitor and regulate the amount that was fed into Seven�s alcove. She wanted the engineer to be absolutely clear on what was needed. �I�m not sure I�m going to be able to focus on how much energy I direct to the Cargo Bay at the point of impact, Lieutenant. So it is imperative that you design the interface so that no matter how much energy I release into it, only the minimal amount needed to power the Borg alcove is allowed into that conduit. Can you do that?� B�Elanna merely nodded and attempted to keep the expression of awe from visibly showing on her face. Then realizing the import of the job, she got annoyed. �Of course, I can do it! What kind of engineer do you think I am?� Calming down slightly, she continued irritably, �Besides, Seven�s safety is a priority for me.� Rain nodded and said softly, �I know it is. That�s why I�m doing what I�m doing.� Her trembling had returned, though not to the extent that was occurring during the staff meeting. The Klingon noticed her discomfort. Wanting to help the Energetic as much as she could, B�Elanna hurried to wrap up their meeting. �Is there anything else you need from Engineering?� �Not per se, Lieutenant,� Rain replied somewhat cryptically. At Torres� raised eyebrow, she expounded, �But I do need something from you.� Her tone gave every indication that the request was personal in nature. Both of Torres� eyebrows rose to meet her ridges. �What�s that?� she asked nervously. The security officer shifted anxiously in her chair. Leaning forward again, she let her hands dangle between her spread legs. �It�s personal, B�Elanna,� she murmured. When the engineer nodded, Rain said self-deprecatingly, �To quote your woman, �I will not be functioning under acceptable parameters� when this is over. The very second I succeed�I�ll collapse,� she admitted rather frankly. Having already decided earlier that the Energetic wasn�t letting on to anyone---least of all, the Captain---just how dangerous this was to her, physically, B�Elanna wasn�t surprised by Rain�s admission. �What can I do?� she asked. Nodding in gratitude, Rain explained, �Once that happens, four things need to happen almost simultaneously.� �Wait a minute,� the Klingon interrupted. Torres reached into a desk drawer and removed a blank PADD. Preparing to take more notes, she muttered, �Ok, go ahead.� Rain smirked and leaned back in her chair. She shifted imperceptibly as she began to ache once more. She was also sweating. Interlocking her fingers across her belly, she closed her eyes to focus and requested, �The absolute first thing you need to do, obviously, is restore ALL power to the ship. That has to be as immediate as you can do it, B�Elanna,� she warned. Torres nodded. �I�ll have to coordinate it with Carey and Vorik. Not a problem. Next?� �Okay,� Rain started, �the next three DO have to happen simultaneously. You need to activate the EMH, erect a level 10 forcefield in Sickbay, and transport me behind that forcefield�all at the same time.� B�Elanna stopped and looked up. �Won�t the Doctor be monitoring you from the Bridge?� she asked with bewilderment. Rain shook her head. �No. I need him in Sickbay afterward. And he can�t be active while I�m doing�what it is I�m doing.� At the engineer�s quiet �Why not?� Rain answered, �I�m no engineer, but I�m pretty sure that the combined forces of my energy and that of the distortion�s will disrupt his matrix.� �You�re right,� grumbled Torres, annoyed for not thinking of that herself. She looked intently at the security officer for a few seconds. �What�s the request?� she finally asked. When Rain raised both her eyebrows in surprise, B�Elanna tipped her head and explained, �None of that was personal.� Chagrined, Rain muttered under her breath, �I�m going to be the dumbest one in this family.� Torres heard her and snickered softly. Rain narrowed her gaze at the Klingon and then laughed also. She then requested with all seriousness, �I need you to keep Kathryn from touching me once I collapse.� �Oh, for Kahless� sake!� cried the engineer, throwing her PADD down onto the desk. �Son of a bitch! Do you have any idea how HARD that�s gonna be?� Beyond agitated, Torres jumped out of her chair and began to pace across the narrow confines of the Chief Engineer�s office. �Shit. She�ll have her hands all over you before you even hit the deck!� Rain stood and faced the confounded woman. She threw B�Elanna a look and said heatedly, �And you absolutely cannot let her, Torres! I�m not kidding!� Flustered herself but too worn down to pace, Rain just crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the hybrid engineer. Sensing the resolute sincerity behind the Energetic�s words, Torres paused and gave Rain a considering look as a realization washed over her, �What�s the cost, Rain?� she asked softly. Confusion rested on Rain�s countenance. �Huh?� she asked stupidly. Torres matched Rain�s posture, leaning against the door, arms folded across her chest. She tilted her head to the side and asked pensively, �What�s this gonna cost you? Physically�mentally�emotionally?� Rain nervously ran her fingers through her jet-black hair. �Truthfully? A lot.� She sighed heartily. �Kathryn knows it�s a risky deal, but she doesn�t know exactly how risky---and I�d like to keep it that way,� she warned. B�Elanna merely nodded slowly. �Okay. So is touching you dangerous for her�or you?� she asked quietly. The Energetic shivered. �Actually, Kathryn�s the only one not in danger by coming in direct contact with my bio-neural energy.� It did not escape the Klingon�s notice that Rain failed to answer her question. �So its dangerous for you,� she clarified pointedly. Rain shrugged her massive shoulders sheepishly. �Kathryn�s touch always evokes a cascade of emotion in my body. It�s entirely involuntary. Once I collapse, I�m pretty sure it would overload my system,� she replied regretfully. Torres nodded and pushed off from the door. �Okay. I�ll do my best, Rain.� �Thanks,� came the soft and heartfelt reply. Torres was taken aback when the security officer�s lips twitched and a laugh escaped. She found out why when the green-eyed woman said, still chuckling, �Guess we can get ready for our �family� meeting now.� B�Elanna barked out a laugh of her own and returned with a smirk, �Yeah. You get Fesh`e and I�ll round up the kids,� as the two women quickly left the engineer�s office. Out in the hallway, they entered the turbolift. Once Masters requested the Bridge, B�Elanna requested Deck 6. Stepping off onto the appropriate deck, the dark-skinned woman called out over her shoulder, �Meet you in the Cargo Bay.� Rain leaned against the wall of the turbolift and chuckled to herself as the doors closed. �What a weird life I�m living,� she thought. To be continued... |