Copyright 2000, Susan S. McCrackin  Reprinted with permission of the author.
 

They had just finished eating and Ketaria had moved them into the living area. Seven looked at her questioningly. She could tell that something was different. Ketaria sat them on the sofa and pulled her chair to sit nearer them. Without thinking, Seven reached for the Doctor’s hand.

Kahkar cleared his throat and sat down in his chair, leaning forward slightly. "Ketaria and I would like to talk to you about something."

"Certainly," the Doctor replied.

Seven was looking intently at Ketaria and Ketaria was smiling broadly at her. Something was about to happen.

"Yesterday, when I added the sleep routines to your program, I found something interesting imbedded in it."

"Oh?" The Doctor was starting to show concern.

"Don’t worry, Doctor, your program is fine. I did not find anything wrong with it."

"That is good to hear," the Doctor was obviously relieved. Then, his brow furrowed and he asked, "What did you find?"

"What I found was a chromosomal pattern coded into it."

"What?" The Doctor was confused. "A chromosomal pattern? Whose?"

"I can only believe it is that of your creator."

"Zimmerman."

"Yes. I believe your program was patterned after him."

"It was."

"Then, Doctor, it is, basically, your chromosomal pattern."

The Doctor and Seven looked at each other and then back at Kahkar. The Doctor said, "I do not understand. How is this significant?"

Kahkar leaned back in his chair, "With your chromosomal pattern, we have a model. With that model, we can take a cell from Seven, take the DNA from that cell, cut it apart and put it back together in your pattern."

Seven was looking back and forth between the faces of Kahkar and the Doctor. She saw the look of confusion disappear from the Doctor’s face and be replaced with wide-eyed recognition. She heard the Doctor speak.

"Are you telling me what I think you are telling me?"

"I am."

She heard the Doctor exhale. She saw the already broad smile on Ketaria’s face broaden even more. She saw the slightly worried look on Kahkar’s face. She was trying to replay what she had heard in order to understand what was being said and what it meant. Suddenly, she understood. Her grip on the Doctor’s hand tightened, "No." It was said softly, with great disbelief. "It is not possible."

"Yes, Seven," Ketaria reached for her free hand, "it is possible. We can do it. If you want us to."

She felt her head swim and the Doctor grab her, supporting her. She was trying to focus. Ketaria moved to be by her side. "Seven, are you not pleased? Isn’t this what you wanted?"

When the Doctor heard Ketaria speak, he looked at her in shock, then turned his eyes to Seven, "What? Seven, is this what you want?"

"Please. I must think." She got up and shakily moved away from them. She kept her back to them until she could think. Then, she turned to face Kahkar, "Are you certain?"

"Am I certain I can do this? Yes. I am certain. Am I certain I should do this? No. Of that, I am not certain."

"Wait!" The Doctor stood and crossed to Seven. "Wait." He reached to gently turn her to face him. "Seven, you need to talk to me. Is this what you want? Do you want us to have a child?"

She put her hands up to his chest. Her mind was racing, running through a thousand thoughts. She was feeling as many emotions. She had to close her eyes to isolate the one thought and the one emotion she needed to hold onto to answer his question. Finally, she opened her eyes to answer his question.

He saw the answer in her eyes before he heard her voice.

"Yes."

A child. Their child. He took her face in his hands and stared deeply into her eyes. Her eyes were full of fear and desire. He pulled her to him, wrapping her in his arms. Then, he led her back to the sofa and sat her down. He stood and looked into her eyes again before he said to Kahkar, "Tell me everything."

***

They were in the science lab and Seven was once again on the examining table. The Doctor was holding one of her hands and Ketaria the other. She was almost afraid to think. Soon, Kahkar finished and asked her to sit up.

"I think we could do it as soon as tomorrow. That is, if you wish."

She tried to say tomorrow but the word would not come. It was, however, echoing through her mind.

Kahkar finished putting away his equipment and then approached the three of them, his face showing his concern, "Seven, I need to be certain you understand the risks so I am going to say this again. Please, listen to me.

"Your Borg implants and nanoprobes will treat a fetus like an alien invader and will fight it. In order to keep your Borg systems from killing the fetus, you will have to greatly restrict your regeneration cycle. You will have to starve your Borg systems. This will put a strain on your body. You can compensate, to a certain extent, by increasing your regular sleep cycles, by restricting your exertion and by supplementing your diet with increased consumption. The Doctor will have to monitor you carefully.

"You should be able to carry a baby to term. But you should also be prepared that your effort will not be successful. There are too many unknowns. You will have to live each day of the next nine months with the knowledge that success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. And you must know that there could be a danger in this for you. If your Borg systems fall below a critical energy level, they could shut down. You will be walking a very fine line during your pregnancy to regenerate enough to maintain your Borg systems but not enough to risk your pregnancy.

"Seven, that is a lot to deal with. Before we do this, I want you to be as certain as you can be that you are ready for this and that you can accept what may come with all consequences that are possible."

She could not answer him. Ketaria felt the emotions pouring from her and was almost staggering by them. It was taking all of her strength to hold the emotions away from her. Kahkar stepped forward, "Doctor, I think you and Seven need some private time to discuss this completely."

The Doctor nodded. He took Seven’s hand and helped her off the table. "We’ll go to our quarters."

They started to leave. At the door, Seven stopped, turned to look at them and said, "Thank you. Thank you for even giving us the opportunity to think about it."

It was a silent walk back to their quarters. Once inside, she went to touch the work of art that gave comfort and peace. The Doctor came up from behind her, taking her into his arms, and kissing the back of her neck.

She had to ask him, "Do you want a child?" She twisted in his arms so she could watch his face, "Do you want to have a child with me?"

The Doctor knew if there was ever time for complete honesty, now was the time. He just wished he knew, honestly, exactly what he thought. "Seven, the thought of having a child with you was more than I could ever dream. I don’t know what to think. Kahkar’s offer is a miracle. But the possible threat to you frightens me. I cannot stand the thought of losing you."

"This could be our only chance."

He could not think of what to say to her. He knew she was right. He could give her a child in other ways but he could not give them their child as Kahkar could. Once the two ships went their different ways, the chance to do that would go with this ship. Their child. It was more than he could ever have dreamed – but he had dreamed of it. He understood her need, her desire, because he shared it.

She watched his thoughts as they ran across his face. She saw the flicker and recognized it. She went to him and kissed him deeply. Then, with her eyes locked onto his, she took his hand and backed away, pulling him with her into the bedroom.

She knew what they would tell Kahkar.

***
 

It was o-three hundred hours and she was wide-awake. The Doctor was snoring softly beside her. She slipped out of bed and went to look out of the window. She was scared. She had been so sure that she was doing the right thing but now, she was anything but.

She went into the living area. After considering her action for a full minute, she hit her combadge.

"Seven of Nine to Captain Janeway."

It took a few seconds, but the response came, "Janeway here."

Seven heard the immediate concern in her voice. "Captain, I am sorry to wake you, but I must talk to you."

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes. Nothing is wrong. I…I just need to talk with you."

"You may come to my quarters."

"Captain," she hesitated, "would you transport here?"

She almost heard the question in the silence. Seven held her breath, waiting.

"I am on my way."

"I will meet you in the transporter room."

"Janeway out."

When the Captain materialized in the science ship’s transporter room, Seven handed her a big mug of coffee. Janeway took the mug, gave herself time to take a sip, looked up at Seven and said, "Something tells me I might need more than one cup."

They walked back to Seven’s living quarters. Janeway looked around, "This is very nice." She noticed the closed door.

Seven answered her unasked question, "The Doctor is sleeping."

"Sleeping? He’s sleeping?"

"Yes, Kahkar added sleeping subroutines to his program." She paused, slightly blushing as she added, "He even snores."

"Well," Janeway said, the amusement obvious in her voice, "I am certain you did not have me transport over at three o’clock in the morning to discuss the Doctor’s snoring."

"No, I did not." Seven took a deep breath, "The Doctor and I are considering having a child."

Kathryn Janeway choked on her coffee. When she finally recovered, she managed to ask, her voice strained, "What?"

"The Doctor and I are considering having a child."

"That is what I thought you said." She coughed again, "How are you planning on doing this?"

"Kahkar found a chromosomal pattern in the Doctor’s program. He can take some of my DNA and reconfigure it to the Doctor’s and use that to fertilize an egg. The child would be our child and not a clone."

"He can do that?"

"Yes. He can. And right now, we are planning to do it this morning."

The Captain’s eyes went wide. "This morning?"

"Yes. This morning."

She carefully took another sip of coffee, more to give herself time to think than anything else. "It sounds as if you have already made up your mind. So what am I doing over here at three in the morning?"

Seven sat in the chair to face the Captain, placing her hand on the art object on the side table. She concentrated on the feeling of peace and comfort the piece gave. She gathered her thoughts before speaking, "I am certain I want to have the Doctor’s child but I wonder if I would be fair to the child. One day, Voyager will return to earth. What will life be like there for the child of a Borg and a hologram? It will be bad enough for me as a former drone. I realize that my life is always under threat when we come into contact with new beings because I am Borg. The fact that I was separated from the collective and am an individual has little meaning to them. I am Borg. That is all that matters.

"My child will also be Borg." She noticed the look on the Captain’s face and hastened to add, "Not really Borg. Kahkar has assured us of that. The nanoprobes will not pass the uterine wall. The child will be safe. But she will be Borg because I am Borg."

"She?"

"Yes. It will be female. Since it will be my DNA that goes through the restructuring, the child will be female. That is acceptable to both of us."

"I am certain it is."

"Captain, am I being selfish? Am I putting a child at risk? Would I be putting my…our child at risk? I have not found this world to be a tolerant place." Her look was full of pain.

Where was she ever going to find the words for this? What was she going to say to Seven? What should she say to her? She took another sip of coffee.

"To be perfectly honest with you, I am not certain what to say to you. The act of having a child is a very selfish thing to do. You are perpetuating yourself. At the same time, it is an absolutely unselfish act because you are giving of yourself to bring another life into this world.

"There are so many reasons I should sit here and try to talk you out of this. But making the decision to have a child is a very private decision. It is a decision that only you and the Doctor can make. I do have to tell you that whatever you decide, I will support that decision." She stood up and walked around the room. She was trying hard to allow herself time to think this through. "I think I am correct in saying you would have support from the crew of Voyager. You probably do not realize this, but the crew is very happy for you and the Doctor." She smiled at the surprise on Seven’s face. "Oh, yes. They had been waiting for this relationship to happen for a long time."

"No, I did not realize."

"No, I know you didn’t. There were a lot of crewmembers who, quietly, tried to promote a relationship between the two of you. Then, when you got together, they worked very hard to support it. You have been a little too distracted these last few months to notice but the crew is very happy for you and the Doctor.

"I think your child would be greatly loved, Seven. She will be surrounded by a number of people who will look out for her and care for her. You know how much Naomi is loved on Voyager?" Seven nodded. "Well, I think your child would be loved even more. This would be a child from a relationship nurtured by them.

"But, you are correct to be concerned about what will happen when Voyager returns to earth. You will probably have a number of…difficulties when you arrive. I will be there to support you and so will this crew. Still, it will not be easy for you. That reality will be complicated by the relationship you have with the Doctor. I do not know how that will be received and I can only guess how a child of such a relationship will be received.

"You are right, this world is not a very tolerant place and you have suffered for that. And you will continue to suffer for it. There is nothing you nor I can do to stop that. If you and the Doctor do have a child, she probably will suffer because her mother is Borg and her father a hologram. Look at what B’Elanna went through because her mother was Klingon and her father human. It would be no different for your child. But B’Elanna survived, not without wounds and some resentment but she survived. And, she knows she was loved. That is what she remembers now. That she was loved.

"So, I guess I have to ask you this." She sat down, taking Seven’s hand, "Can you love this child enough to make up for the hate? Can you love this child enough to give her the strength of self she will need to live in this world? Can you love this child enough so that she will love herself? If you can honestly answer yes, well, I think you will have your answer."

The Captain’s intense gaze held Seven’s eyes. She made herself think about the words a long time before responding. Finally, she gave a small laugh, "The child is not even conceived and I already love her more than I love my own life."

"Then I guess you have your answer." She sat back against the sofa. She allowed herself to think back to the first time she had ever seen Seven of Nine. A vision of the Borg being released from the alcove flashed in her mind. Then, she remembered their confrontation in the brig and her promise to help her regain her humanity, to be there for her, to help her through it. Now, she looked at this person in front of her. This was such a different person but she still sensed her strength. It was that strength that had allowed her to be separated from the Borg and it was that strength that would allow her to bring a child into this world. She knew this child would be greatly loved.

She moved from the sofa, kneeling in front of Seven, and gathered her in her arms.

"A baby."

They had been back on Voyager for a little more than three months. Parting from Kahkar and Ketaria had been difficult. The Doctor and Kahkar had installed the headboard/alcove in their quarters on Voyager and Ketaria had given Seven the piece of art that sat on the side table.

"You have already given me too much. I have nothing to give you in return. I cannot accept this." She was holding the work of art, feeling the comfort coming from it, reluctant to give it up. Still, she offered it back to Ketaria.

"No, you have given me a wonderful gift. Your emotions are so strong and so innocent. You have refreshed me. Taking my gift will honor me. Please keep it."

She was stretched out on the sofa, holding the piece in her hands, her head resting on the armrest. Her eyes were closed but she knew the Doctor was approaching. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

"Feeling any better?"

"A little. I will be fine."

"I don’t imagine I can talk you out of going to the Astrometrics Lab today?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Really, Doctor, I will be fine. There is no reason for me not to go to work."

He ran his tricorder over her. "Still a little queasy?" She nodded. "But you are enjoying the feeling because it means you are pregnant." She smiled and nodded again. "Even so, you need to eat something. Promise me you will go by the mess hall and eat breakfast before you go to work."

She looked at him and grimaced but said, "I promise."

"I will meet you back here for lunch. If you can slip away a little early to rest in your bed-alcove, I think it would be best. Your Borg systems seem to be a little weak but I would like for you to go a couple more days before you go through a full regeneration cycle if you can. I’ll check you at lunch to see how you are doing. Okay?"

"Yes, Doctor."

"Have you thought anymore about when you are going to start telling people? This secret is not going to stay a secret much longer."

"I know we will have to start telling people soon. I am just not quite ready to share this yet."

He understood what she was saying. These last few months had been a wonderful time between them. They had grown even closer than they had been before. He had not thought that would have been possible. If the crew suspected anything, they did not let on. He patted her hand, kissed her goodbye and left.

She lay there a few more minutes before finally getting up and walking to the mess hall. She went up to get her breakfast plate from Neelix.

"Good morning, Seven," he said as he prepared her plate. Then, as he was handing it to her, he looked up at her. "Seven?" His voice was strange and with a lingering question.

"What, Mr. Neelix?" His expression puzzled her.

"Uh, nothing," he quickly recovered, busying himself with the next plate. "I hope you enjoy your breakfast."

She moved off to sit at a table away from the crowd. She was eating slowly, guarding against the queasiness she was feeling, not aware that Neelix had come up beside her. He placed a glass filled with something white on the table near her. She looked up at him, surprised.

"Uh, I thought you might enjoy a glass of milk with your breakfast." He was stuttering a little, "It will be good for you. I’ll try to make certain to keep a supply on hand for you. You know, in case you need it. Or something…. You can let me know."

He knew. "Thank you, Mr. Neelix." She glanced down at the glass, "I would like that."

He nodded, "Let me know if you need anything. I mean…anything." He backed away.

"Thank you. I will." She kept her eyes on her plate and finished her breakfast as quickly as she dared. Before she left, however, feeling Neelix’s eyes on her, she drank the milk. She knew they would have to tell people soon. The Doctor was correct that the secret would not be a secret much longer.

She welcomed the opportunity to involve herself in her work and was pleased when the time slipped away. She suddenly realized it was time for her to return to her quarters to rest in the bed-alcove before lunch. She left the Astrometrics Lab and was aware she felt really tired.

B’Elanna Torres arrived in the lab minutes after she left. She was not happy to find it empty. "Computer, where is Seven of Nine?"

"Seven of Nine is in her quarters."

"Well. The Borg Queen is certainly free to take her leisure today, isn’t she?" She was upset. It had not been a good morning in engineering and she was edgy. She decided she would make a little visit.

Seven seemed surprised to see her but invited her in. "Do you require my assistance?"

"I required your assistance in Astrometrics but you weren’t there. So, I came looking for you." She was looking around the quarters. It was the first time she had been here and she was curious. Still, her curiosity did nothing to dampen her building anger. "Taking a little extra time off today?"

Seven was taken aback at her anger, "No, I was feeling unwell so I came back to rest."

"Unwell? You live with a doctor, Seven. Seems to me he could have checked you out before he left." She was starting to warm to this. She had wanted to go at someone all morning long and this was the best chance she had had. She was going to take advantage of it. "What is it? Some Borg virus?"

"No." Seven was trying not to get upset. Doing so would not be good for the baby. "I just need to rest."

"We all need to rest, Seven. What makes you so special?" She turned to look at Seven and noticed that she did look pale. B’Elanna frowned. Maybe she was sick. She looked at Seven more closely and caught her breathe. The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. "Are you pregnant?"

Seven’s hands immediately flew to her abdomen as if to protect the child there. She backed up.

B’Elanna’s mind was flying. There was no way it could be the Doctor’s. He was a hologram. Her eyes blazed with anger, "How could you do that to the Doctor?" The anger that had been burning at her all day now boiled over.

Seven went even paler, alarmed at what the Lieutenant had said, "No…."

"Oh come on, Seven. I’m not stupid. The Doctor is a hologram." She was yelling now, furious at Seven and furious for the Doctor. "That can’t be his baby. Have you even told him about this? Here you are, playing house with him and obviously playing with someone else. How could you do this to him?"

But Seven was not listening. Her mind was whirling and she was fighting to remain conscious. The words were coming to her in a fog. Everything about her started to go black.

The Doctor heard the shouting as he approached the door. Fearful, he rushed through the door in time to see Seven seem to slip down through the air onto the floor. He rushed to her, "Seven!" He quickly scanned her with his medical tricorder, somewhat relieved that most of the results were normal. The Borg systems were weak and he knew he needed to get her to the bed-alcove. "B’Elanna, I need your help."

B’Elanna had been standing there, her anger dissipating but still upset with Seven. Betraying the Doctor was something she could not forgive and would not forgive. She wasn’t interested in helping Seven but she would help the Doctor.

He lifted Seven and carried her into the bedroom. B’Elanna followed and watched as he laid Seven on the bed. He turned to her, "I need for you to activate the alcove mechanism while I do a more thorough scan."

"What?" She was looking around the room. "There isn’t an alcove in here."

The Doctor was checking vital signs, "The headboard, B’Elanna. The headboard is a regeneration mechanism. Never mind, I’ll do it myself." He moved to activate the alcove and then went back to his scans. She watched as he lingered over Seven’s abdomen and was surprised to hear his words, "Thank goodness. The baby seems to be okay."

"You know?" B’Elanna reached for his arm. "You know she is pregnant?"

"Of course I know. How could I not know?"

"And you are okay with this?"

He could hear her anger and looked at her, trying to figure out what she was upset about. Then, he realized what she was thinking, "No, B’Elanna. It is my child. Seven is pregnant with my child."

B’Elanna was not certain she was hearing him correctly. "Doctor, are you telling me you performed some kind of surgical procedure?"

"I didn’t. Kahkar did. But the baby has both our genetic patterns. Seven’s and mine. The baby is ours."

"How?"

"I will explain that later." He turned back to check on Seven. "Right now, I have to make certain they are all right." He started scanning again.

B’Elanna was feeling overwhelmed. But she was not going to leave this place until she had some answers. She walked over to check out the headboard. It was a marvel. If Kahkar could create something like this, she thought, maybe the baby was theirs. She watched the Doctor and saw the concern written on his face. She watched as he gently arranged Seven on the bed, checking her alignment with the functioning alcove and reading his scans as he made certain she was receiving the energy she needed.

Finally satisfied, he stepped back. "I think they are okay. He pulled up a chair and sat down, close to the bed, taking Seven's hand. "Do you want to tell me what in the world was going on between the two of you?"

He was angry and B’Elanna knew he had every right to be. She cleared her throat and uncomfortably responded, "It was my fault. I went to Astrometrics to find Seven and when she wasn’t there, I got upset. So, I came here to find her and then…." She paused, getting upset with herself, remembering how angry she had been, "Then, I realized she was pregnant and got really mad when I thought it wasn’t yours." She finished weakly, not really knowing what to say.

In spite of himself, he found himself smiling at her. "I should be really angry with you. But I appreciate your fighting for me." He laughed at the word fighting. "The truth is, B’Elanna, your argument with Seven did not really cause the fainting spell."

Instantly, she was concerned, "What did?" She could see the old reticence toward talking about Seven spring to the surface. "Doctor, if you don’t want to talk about it, fine. But I made you a promise before about not betraying your confidences and I kept that promise. I will make that same promise to you now. You can trust me."

He sighed, "It was her Borg implants and nanoprobes. Their energy levels dropped too much."

"Maybe we need to put her in her Borg alcove."

"We can’t."

"What?"

He rubbed his hand across his mouth and breathed deeply. She could tell he was thinking about what he should say next so she stayed quiet. Finally, he said, "The only way she can carry the child is to severely restrict the energy levels of her Borg systems. If she does not, the Borg implants and nanoprobes will attack the fetus." He looked at her, "In effect, she has to starve her Borg systems or she will lose the baby."

B’Elanna was stunned. She looked back and forth between the Doctor and Seven. She was almost afraid to ask her question, "But I thought Seven had to regenerate?"

"She does. We are working on a balance that will keep her Borg systems strong enough to function but weak enough not to threaten the baby. The headboard gives off a weaker energy so she is trying to use this and only use the Borg alcove sparingly."

She walked slowly over to him and gave him a hug. She couldn’t think of anything to say.

At that moment, a call came, "Janeway to the Doctor."

"Doctor here."

"Doctor, we’ve had an accident in the shuttle bay. You are needed in the Sickbay."

"On my way." He looked at B’Elanna. "I hate to ask you this, but can you stay with her and call me if there are any problems?"

"Of course. You can count on me."

"I know I can." He turned to leave, "Oh, B’Elanna, while your argument did not cause the fainting spell, the stress did not help. Please, for my sake, try to avoid any arguments."

She nodded and he left. She sat in the chair next to the bed and watched Seven sleep. She could hardly believe it. Pregnant. Seven was pregnant. And it was the Doctor’s baby. She could hardly wait for the explanation of how that happened. She looked at the functioning headboard, again appreciating the engineering that had gone into it. Plus, it was absolutely beautiful. She hoped Seven wouldn’t be too upset with her when she woke up. She was really hoping the Doctor would return before that happened.

But, an hour later, there was no sign of the Doctor and Seven was starting to stir. B’Elanna moved out of her immediate line of vision and spoke in a soft voice once she was certain her patient was awake, "Seven, it is all right. Please be still and rest. The Doctor wants you to stay here until he gets back." She moved back so Seven could see her. "Are you okay? Can I get you anything?"

"No, I am fine. I do not desire anything."

"I’m sorry, Seven. What I said to you was uncalled for. I hope you will forgive me."

Seven was looking at the bedroom door and B’Elanna knew she wanted the Doctor to come walking through. In a moment, she turned, "I accept your apology. Thank you."

B’Elanna sat, her hands folded. Finally, she spoke, "You must love him very much to do this."

Seven sighed, "I do." She looked at B’Elanna and smiled, "And you must care for him very much to fight for him the way you did."

"I guess I do," laughed B’Elanna. "Do me a favor and don’t tell Tom, okay? I don’t want him to be jealous." She started to wiggle and her excitement came through in her voice, "A baby. Seven, you are really going to have a baby?"

Seven’s hands were rubbing lightly across her abdomen. She nodded her head.

B’Elanna asked, "How far along are you?"

"About four months."

"Wow. A baby." B’Elanna was giggling.

That was exactly how Seven felt, but she just smiled.

Everyone was in the mess hall but no one knew why. They were all asking each other what the purpose of this gathering was. Only Neelix seemed to know what was going on but, for once, he was not saying anything. Finally, the mess hall doors opened and Captain Janeway came in, followed by the Doctor and Seven of Nine. Suddenly, people were whispering and elbowing each other as they realized that the Doctor and Seven were holding hands. They quieted once the Captain started to speak.

"Thank you for coming tonight. I know all of you are wondering what occasion we are celebrating here tonight and I will not hold you in suspense any longer." She looked around the room, certain she had everyone’s attention. "Tonight, we celebrate the union of Seven of Nine and the Doctor."

She fought not to laugh as she watched a room full of mouths dropped open. Then, she continued, "Seven and the Doctor have come to me, indicating their desire to be married. I have checked Starfleet records and can find no reason why this marriage cannot take place. Therefore, we will proceed." She looked around the room, curious as to the reaction of the crew. She was pleased to note that the heads she could see were nodding. "Doctor, Seven, will you please come forward?"

It was a simple, yet beautiful ceremony. After exchanging their vows, they turned to face the crew and the Captain said, "I now present to you the Doctor and Seven of Nine Hansen."

They were welcomed with cheers and applause. Neelix immediately came forward with champagne. Once he made certain everyone had a glass, and something nonalcoholic for Seven, he turned to the Doctor and said, "Doctor, I think a toast would be appropriate."

The Doctor lifted his glass, "And I wish to thank Mr. Neelix for that unplanned opportunity." He winked at Neelix.

"A toast to Seven of Nine, whom I love dearly, for becoming my wife. Finally, because of her, I have a name!" Everyone roared. The Doctor leaned over and kissed her lightly. Cheers erupted again.

Then, Neelix stepped forward, "To the Doctor and Seven of Nine. May you have a long and healthy life." Everyone cheered and drank. That was the beginning of a long round of toasts, some serious, some not.

Finally, the Doctor asked for quiet and, after many attempts, was given the floor. "I want to thank all of you for being a part of this tonight. Now, I have another bit of news and I hope all of you also will be a part of that." He paused, looked at Seven, then pulled her closer to him. The Captain was holding her breath, as was B’Elanna. The Doctor continued, "I am very pleased to announce that Seven and I are going to have a baby."

A total silence fell over the room. The Doctor tightened his arm around Seven and continued to address the group, "I know you must wonder how that is possible. We have Kahkar and Ketaria to thank. It was their scientific abilities that made this pregnancy, this child possible. She is not a clone. Our daughter carries the blending of our genetic patterns. This child is very much wanted and very much loved. We hope you will be as pleased for us as we are for ourselves."

The Captain was searching the faces of the people in the room. She did not know what to expect and she was nervous. The wedding was one thing but this was something else all together. B’Elanna was next to her, alert for anything. They exchanged glances.

Then, Neelix stepped up, "A toast to the Doctor, to Seven and to baby Hansen." He lifted his glass and looked around the room. It only took a second, then a room full of glasses was raised with a resounding "hear, hear" and the silence was broken. Tom Paris called from the back, "When is the baby due?"

The Doctor replied, "In about five months."

"Okay all, I am running the baby pool. I’ll have a calendar with dates and times in the morning." He was met with more cheers.

Then, Seven of Nine stepped forward with her glass raised. The crowd fell silent. She turned to the Doctor, "To the Doctor. When I came onboard Voyager, you removed most of my Borg implants to give me back my human body. You gave me your friendship and we became friends. Then, you taught me how to love and out of that love has come our marriage and our child. You told me once whatever it took to make me happy, you wanted that for me. You, Doctor. You make me happy." She tipped her glass to him, "To you." She sipped her drink, then moved to him and kissed him. He embraced her and they hugged, to the cheers of everyone in the room.

The Captain and B’Elanna looked at each other with tears in their eyes. Neelix, also teary eyed, decided it was time to move the party along. "Okay, everyone, feel free to help yourself to the food."

Chakotay and Tuvok made their way to the Captain. Chakotay sidled up to her and asked, "Is what happened here tonight really legal?"

The Captain sipped her drink, "I didn’t find anything that prohibited it."

"But you didn’t find anything that allowed it."

"No, I didn’t. But, as I said, I didn’t find anything that said I couldn’t do it."

"Do they understand that, while it is not illegal, it may not be legal?"

"Chakotay, they were aware of my findings. We decided we would cross that bridge when we got there."

"A prudent decision," offered Tuvok.

They both looked at him, somewhat surprised.

"There is an old earth saying that I am familiar with," he paused before continuing, "it is easier to get forgiveness than permission."

Janeway laughed and patted him on the arm, "My sentiments exactly."

***

Tom was watching the Doctor as he worked at his desk. He did not think he had ever seen the Doctor look so concerned. He fought with himself for quite a while about whether or not to talk to him. He thought knew what the Doctor was worried about. He had seen some of the records the Doctor had been keeping on Seven although the Doctor kept most of the records encrypted. Still, he knew Seven didn’t look right and the Doctor was monitoring her closely. All of these things added up to something but he wasn’t certain exactly what.

He shook he head when he thought about them. He knew Seven would never want a baby just for herself. She had been raised by the Borg and very rarely considered herself in any decision. She always thought about her "collective." Her decisions and desires were never driven by selfish acts. Having this baby was something she wanted for the Doctor.

He never would have believed she would love anyone that much. Or anything. The Doctor was a hologram. He wasn’t even a real person.

No, thought Tom, I don’t believe that. He is as real as I am.

He walked to the door and lightly knocked, "May I come in?"

The Doctor looked up, slightly surprised. Mr. Paris never knocked. "Is something wrong?"

"Maybe."

The Doctor looked at him, puzzled, "What’s wrong? Am I needed?" He started to rise.

"No, Doc. Keep your seat." Tom entered and sat down in the chair across from the Doctor. He gave the Doctor a sympathetic smile, "I thought maybe you could use someone to talk to." The Doctor looked at him suspiciously and Tom could tell he was reluctant to tell him anything. Tom cleared his throat, "If I were you, I wouldn’t trust me either. But, I’m serious, Doc. I know you are worried about Seven. I know something is not quite right. I’m not going to tell anyone anything but I want you to know I am here for you if you need a friend."

The Doctor almost did not know how to react. This was not the Tom Paris he knew. But the look in Tom’s eyes told him that the words were sincere. He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling gathering his thoughts.

"Have you and B’Elanna been talking?"

"No. Well, I asked but she wouldn’t tell me anything."

The Doctor nodded. "She promised not to say anything. Good for her." He sat silent for a moment. Tom was his assistant and he decided he should know. "The only way Seven can carry the baby is to severely restrict the amount of time she regenerates. She has to keep her Borg systems weakened so they won’t threaten the pregnancy. This is putting her under a lot of stress. We have been trying to figure out where the balance is between too much regeneration and too little. The baby does much better with a minimum regeneration time but that is really hard on Seven."

Tom was not certain how to react. He had no idea this was what the problem was. He figured she was experiencing some problems with the pregnancy but had never figured on this. "Did she know this was going to be a problem?"

"Kahkar made certain she knew before we ever made the decision."

Tom exhaled. "Wow." He thought for a moment. "But she seems so happy."

"She is thrilled. Even when she is feeling her worst, she is happy."

"And you aren’t doing nearly as well."

"I guess I am just worried." He looked down at the data pad on his desk. After studying it for a moment, he pushed it across the desk.

Tom picked up the pad and studied it for a moment. "No wonder you’re concerned. These reading are all over the place. Her Borg energy levels aren’t stable at all." He looked at them for a while longer, "Doctor, how is she functioning?"

"She is doing every thing else right. She is getting a lot of rest, she eats very well and she is very careful about not over exerting herself. I cannot complain about her as a patient."

"Well, Borg always do try to be perfect." He was pleased the Doctor chuckled. His asked, his voice warm and compassionate, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

The Doctor’s head turned toward him, amazement and appreciation in his eyes, "Thank you for asking, Mr. Paris. Just be there for both of us. What ever happens."

Tom nodded his head. "You will have that."

He was about to offer to get each of them a cup of coffee when the Sickbay doors opened and Seven came rushing in. They both saw she was panicked. They rushed out of the office to meet her.

"Seven, tell me what’s wrong." The Doctor’s voice was calming.

"I do not know," her’s was scared. "I felt something."

He was helping her onto a biobed, "Get me a tricorder, Mr. Paris." But Tom was already handing him one before he could even finish his sentence. "Lie still, Seven." He scanned her carefully.

Then, he gave Tom a strange look but Tom saw it wasn’t a worried look. It was almost an amused one. He watched, wondering what was going on.

The Doctor leaned over Seven, picking up her hand. "Can you tell me what you felt and where you felt it?"

She put his hand on her abdomen, "It was about here and it felt like a Borg implant moving." She watched his face, fear in her eyes, her breath coming quickly, "Is the baby okay?"

He concentrated for a moment, closing his eyes. Then a smile started to spread across his face. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him intently. "Seven," he reached down to stoke her hair, his voice tender, "the baby is fine." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then said, "What you are feeling is the baby. She’s moving."

Her eyes went wide. He took her hands and moved them to her abdomen, covering them with his.

"Our daughter is moving, Seven. It isn’t a Borg implant. It is our daughter."

She lay there still, concentrating, waiting for the baby to move again. Tom stood there, quiet, not wanting to do anything to break the magic of the moment. Finally, she looked up at the Doctor, a smile starting to appear, "I feel her." Her voice was soft, almost musical.

Tom watched as tears started to trickle down Seven’s face. Then, he saw her sit up and reach for the Doctor. He saw them embrace each with one hand still on Seven’s abdomen, trying to feel their baby. He saw them, but it was hard since he realized he had tears in his own eyes.

***

They settled into a comfortable routine. Seven tried to continue her work in Astrometrics but it was not long before the effort was too much for her. She was regenerating less and less, relying mostly on the bed-alcove as her energy source. The Borg alcove was too powerful and using it invariably caused problems with the pregnancy. It was difficult for her to do much more than take her walks around Voyager.

The crew knew her pattern and she found she could not walk very long before she was joined by one or another of them. She suspected it was by design, as the Doctor did not like her being alone. At first, she found the constant company disconcerting but she gradually became accustomed to it and finally found she looked forward to visiting with the various crewmembers.

Today was not one of her better days. It was always like this just before she was scheduled to regenerate in the Borg alcove. Her energy levels would be really low and she would struggle to get through the day. But she never complained. All the crew ever saw was someone who was extremely happy.

She was nearing the end of her walk when B’Elanna joined her. B’Elanna noticed immediately how pale she was and how slowly she was moving. She moved into step with Seven and offered her arm. Seven took it gratefully.

"Not having a great day?"

"No," Seven shook her head, "but I will be fine." She put her hand on top of her rather large stomach, "We will be fine." The smile she gave B’Elanna lit her face and added color to her cheeks.

They entered the living quarters and Seven went immediately to the lie down on the sofa. B’Elanna was concerned by what she saw. Seven had lost all of her color and seemed extremely weak. She picked up the medical tricorder the Doctor kept in the room and scanned her.

"B’Elanna, thank you but I am fine."

"No, you are not. The energy levels of your Borg systems have really dropped. You need to regenerate. Come, I will help you to your bed."

"Can you give me a minute? I do not think I can get up right now."

B’Elanna continued to scan and replied, "No, Seven. We need to go now. Do you want me to call the Doctor?"

"No. I can do it." With great effort, she got off the sofa but needed B’Elanna’s help to walk to the bed. B’Elanna activated the headboard and pulled the chair closer to the bed. She kept scanning and was relieved to see the energy levels rising.

"I am going to stay here with you." To her relief, Seven did not argue with her. "Seven, you need to be more careful. When are you scheduled to regenerate in your Borg alcove?"

"Tomorrow."

B’Elanna heard the concern in her voice. "Are you worried about it?"

The reply was soft and given reluctantly, "Yes."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It sometimes stresses the baby," Seven was looking at her stomach, "I worry about her."

"I am certain the Doctor monitors you carefully while you regenerate. You will be fine and you will feel a lot better afterwards." B’Elanna was doing her best to be supportive.

A look of discomfort crossed Seven’s face and she shifted her position on the bed, then placed her hand on the side of her stomach. Then, a look of delight appeared on her face. She looked over at B’Elanna, "She is moving. She does that a lot when I am lying like this. The Doctor loves to feel her when she moves at night. He often goes to sleep with his hand on top of my stomach." As soon as she realized what she said, she blushed. B’Elanna laughed at her embarrassment.

"Seven, that is wonderful. You should not be embarrassed." She hesitated before asking, "Could I feel?"

Seven nodded and guided B’Elanna’s hand so she could feel the baby moving. B’Elanna concentrated and laughed when she felt the baby move beneath her hand. "Oh, that is great. This must make you so happy."

"It does." Seven looked up at the ceiling and sighed, "At times like this, everything feels perfect." After a moment, she said, "B’Elanna, I would like to ask a favor of you."

B’Elanna gave her an expectant look, "Okay."

"I would like to know that you and Tom Paris will be there for the Doctor and our child if something happens to me."

B’Elanna caught her breath. "Seven, don’t talk like that. Nothing is going to happen." She started to remove her hand but Seven caught it and looked at her intensely.

"B’Elanna, please. It is important to me. I have to know that this child will have people who will love her and care for her if I am not here." Her voice was emotional and B’Elanna found herself nodding.

"I promise."

"Thank you." Seven released her grip and relaxed. "You more than anyone else understands what she will face. You can help her. You can show her how to live with honor and strength in the face of adversity. The Doctor will love her but you can make her strong." She fell silent, suddenly exhausted.

B’Elanna was stunned. Then, angrily, she leaned over Seven and looked her in the eye, "Listen to me. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won’t let anything happen. You will be here to make certain this child grows up loved and strong. I promise you that." She backed off, breathing heavily, "Now, rest. I will sit here with you while you regenerate. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about anything."

Seven of Nine’s eyes teared and she gave B’Elanna a grateful smile. Then, she closed her eyes and slept. B’Elanna sat back, weary and shaken.

No, don’t you worry, she thought. I don’t make promises I don’t keep.

Their living quarters was full of the sound of laughter. There was an impromptu party going on. The Captain and Tom and B’Elanna had dropped by as they did most nights to keep her company. She was feeling good tonight and was enjoying their company. She had successfully regenerated and there had been no obvious complications. This grouping had become a regular event, since her walks around Voyager had been restricted. As she had told the Doctor, she felt she waddled more than she walked so she would waddle around their living quarters in private. But the truth was she did not have the strength to walk around Voyager. She did not want to worry him but she was afraid that, if she walked too far, she would not be able to get back to her quarters. The Doctor had gotten her a device to walk on so she could get her exercise and she used it every day although she had to be very careful about how much energy she expended.

B’Elanna had become a frequent companion and would visit with her while she walked. She appreciated the company and the conversation. She hated to admit it, but being by herself and mostly inactive was boring. Even the Captain had been a regular visitor. She would stop by with news to keep her up to date on everything that happened on Voyager. She especially appreciated the visits when the Captain asked her help in solving problems.

The Doctor had checked her that morning and everything was normal. He had told her he thought the baby would be delivered within the next two weeks and had encouraged her to allow him to induce labor. She knew he was worried about her but she was reluctant to speed the delivery. She wanted the baby to come into the world in her own time. Still, she could hardly contain her excitement. Today’s regeneration cycle would probably be the last before the baby arrived. It had been difficult but, right now, it looked as if they were going to be successful.

She had her hands on her abdomen, feeling the baby move. Less than two weeks. She wanted to feel this child in her arms, to hold her close and to sing to her. She and the Doctor had spent many nights singing to the child already but soon it would be different.

Still, she had this nagging thought that would not leave her. She looked around the room at the people who surrounded her. These were her friends. She could count on them. The thought in her head was driving her to speak.

"I want all of you to promise me something."

They turned to her. The Doctor had a frown on his face. He was alert to any sign of her energy levels dropping, as they had been doing a lot lately. He looked her over carefully and she knew he was quietly monitoring her. She caught his eyes and held them with her own.

"If anything happens and it comes down to a choice, I want you to first save the baby. Promise me that."

They stared at her. Then, the Captain, Tom and B’Elanna looked at the Doctor. He did not even notice them.

"Seven, are you all right?" He was looking intently at her, eyes searching for any sign of trouble.

"Promise me, Doctor. If it comes down to a choice, you will first save our baby."

"Seven, please…."

"Promise me, Doctor!" She was starting to get upset. "Promise me."

He sat back, alarmed. He could see her getting upset. Still, he did not answer.

"Doctor. I need you to promise me you will first save our child." She stood.

"Okay, Seven." He was starting to really worry and he was anxious to calm her. "I promise."

She looked to the Captain, "I need for you also to promise that you will make certain the child is your first priority."

The Captain looked to the Doctor, eyes wide. He nodded to her and she said, "I promise, Seven. Your child is my first priority."

Then, she turned to Tom, "You also, promise me."

He glanced at B’Elanna, then looked to the Doctor for his approval. Receiving it, he said, "I promise."

Finally, she turned to B’Elanna but before she could speak, B’Elanna stood and said, "I have already given you my promise, Seven. I will live by that one."

The two women stood, staring at each other. Then, Seven gave her a tight-lipped smile, nodded and sat heavily down. B’Elanna said, "Well, as long as I am standing, why don’t I get us all something to drink?" She moved around Seven, patting her on the shoulder as she passed. "Why doesn’t someone get out a game and let’s get back to the party.

They worked to resume their banter but Seven could tell she had worried them. She felt badly about that but extracting the promises had been important to her. The thought had really been nagging at her for a long time. She felt she would rest better now and she needed all of the rest she could get.

***

"Good morning, Doctor."

"Hello, Captain. How are you doing this morning."

"I’m doing fine."

"Really? Then why are you in my Sickbay?"

She laughed. "I’m not here because I am sick. I can assure you of that. I noticed your automatic response did not kick in."

"I was making myself nervous," he was looking at her sheepishly, "every time anything happened, I found I was spouting that off. So, I temporarily turned it off."

"A little anxious, are we?"

He knew she was joking with him so he chuckled, "No, Captain. Not a little anxious. A lot anxious." He saw the warmth in her face and felt comfortable confiding in her, "I will be so glad when the baby is here and everything is all right."

"I know you will be. Doctor, I need to ask you. Is Seven doing okay?"

He was quiet a moment before answering, "Are you asking because of last night?"

"Yes. What happened last night has me very concerned. Is she experiencing problems?"

"Actually, Captain, I am more comfortable with where things are right now than I have been before. Last night surprised me as much as it did you. I am not certain what to make of it myself. She is worried but I think the worst is over. If she were to experience problems now, I could take the baby without any problems. It isn’t like it would have been a couple of months ago. She even regenerated yesterday without any problems. That is the first time since she got pregnant that regenerating didn’t cause her a problem."

"Really? I didn’t know that."

"Seven didn’t tell anyone how much trouble she has had. This pregnancy has been hard on her."

"She has seemed so happy."

"She has been happy. She keeps telling me she has never felt so fulfilled. But it has not been at all easy. I cannot tell you how many times I thought wondered if this pregnancy was a huge mistake."

"Did you ever tell her that?"

"I did once."

"What did she say?"

"She told me that, regardless of what happened, she would never think it had been a mistake. That she considered loving me and having this child to be the most important things she had ever done in her life."

The Captain heard the wonder in his voice and saw what the words meant to him. "Well, I am sure everything will turn out okay."

"I am just glad it is almost over."

***
 

The pain rolled through her body. She breathed through it in long, deep breaths until it passed. She leaned her head back against the headboard. The pain was…exquisite. That is how she thought about it. She was enjoying every second of this. The contractions were coming a little more than fifteen minutes apart. She would go to the Sickbay soon but she was delaying going there as long as she could.

She wanted this private time. She wanted to experience as much of this alone as she could. She knew that after she arrived in the Sickbay, there would be no privacy. This thought made her smile. Everyone was so excited about this baby. The Doctor was so nervous he was almost driving her crazy. Captain Janeway and B’Elanna were constantly checking up on her. She could feel their eyes on her whenever they were around. Both were planning to be there for the delivery.

She was surprised at how pleased knowing this made her. They would be sharing this baby with everyone on Voyager. This child would not be just their child. She could not think of a single person on Voyager who had not wanted to feel the child move and, doing so, had looked at her with their eyes full of happiness and delight. She had never felt so much acceptance.

Yes. This was the right thing and everything she had been through was worth the effort. She was tired and she knew her body was worn down. The battle that had waged between her Borg systems and the baby had taken a lot out of her but soon, it would be over. She would be able to regenerate on a regular schedule and she knew she would recover quickly. She had a wonderful reason to spur her on.

Another contraction started and she lay there, breathing through it. They were intensifying and coming more frequently. She knew the Doctor would be upset with her for not coming to the Sickbay immediately but he would not stay upset with her for long. Still, it was time for her to go. She got off the bed, put on her robe and started out of the room.

She was halfway to the doors to the corridor when she stopped. She looked around the room, confused. Where was she? She lifted her head and concentrated. They were gone. The voices were gone. Where was the collective? She was starting to panic. She looked down at herself. She was swollen. Why was she swollen? Where was her exoskeleton? What was wrong with her body?

She blinked and looked around the room again. Mamma? Poppa? Are the men coming? Are we going to be assimilated? Will it hurt? She had to hide. They would get her if she didn’t hide. She tried to move but her body would not respond. It was as if she were frozen.

She blinked again. No. Please, no. Something was wrong. She opened her mouth to call for help but nothing came out. She knew she had to get to Sickbay. She tried to move but her body would not respond. She concentrated, finally managing to get one foot moving, then the other. It was taking all of her will to move her body. One foot. Then the other. Slowly, painfully.

She was almost at the doors when another contraction came. This one was the most intense yet. It took her by surprise and she tried to start her breathing routine but the pain was taking her breath. Suddenly, she felt herself going down and she fell heavily to her knees. She knew she was pitching forward and, with an almost superhuman effort, she twisted her body so she fell on her right shoulder, her right arm behind her and her left falling in front of her face. She watched as it lay there, lifeless. She concentrated on it, trying to move it. Nothing happened. Ketaria’s words came back to her, ‘a perfect blend of form and function.’

Not any more. No function. Just form. She could only stare at it. Another contraction started to roll through her body. Too soon. Too soon. It was happening too soon.

Help me, her mind was screaming, please, somebody help me.

***
 

Ketaria Omarahn sat straight in the chair. Kahkar immediately reached out for her.

"What is wrong?"

"I don’t know." Her voice was panicked. "Something is wrong."

"Where? With whom?"

"I don’t know. Wait. Give me a minute. I have to think."

She concentrated, holding onto his hand for focus. Suddenly, her eyes opened wide. "No. It is Seven. I know it is Seven. Oh, Kahkar, something has happened." She turned to him, the fear wild in her eyes, "She needs help."

"Ketaria, Voyager is light years from here. You cannot possibly be picking up her emotions from this distance. It must be something else." He trusted his wife’s ability to read the emotions of others but he did not believe she could pick up emotions over this distance.

She whirled to look at him, "It is Seven. I know it is. And I know that something is wrong. She needs help. We must do something." She concentrated, "Kahkar, she needs our help now!"

"But what can we do? We cannot communicate with them. If she needs help, we could never be able to find them quickly enough."

She knew what he was telling her and she knew he was right. There had to be a way. They had to do something. "Can we open up a subspace communication with the ship?"

"We could, but it would take a little while."

She closed her eyes and replied, "I don’t think we have any time. She needs help now. Come."

He looked at her questioningly as she turned her chair to face him. She sat, her knees touching his and grabbed both his hands. "Concentrate with me."

"What are you going to do?"

"I am going to try to reach out to touch someone on Voyager. Maybe whatever it is that is allowing me to feel Seven’s emotions will allow me to touch someone else."

"Ketaria, that is not possible."

"Kahkar, we have to try. Now, concentrate."

***
 

Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres was pacing around engineering like a tiger. Everyone was trying his or her best to stay out of her way. No one wanted to do anything to draw her attention. They knew that the person who got in her way was really going to catch it. She marched up to an ensign manning the control console who immediately paled when he realized the Lieutenant was at his side. She opened her mouth and he prepared himself for her onslaught. But nothing came out. She closed her mouth, a look of confusion on her face. Then, she opened her mouth again and she managed to get her words out, her voice sharp, "Ensign….I’ll be back."

She turned and marched out of engineering. Everyone behind her breathed a huge sigh of relief.

She was striding down the corridor with absolutely no idea of where she was going. This was making her very angry. Suddenly, she approached a turbolift and walked in. She stood there, still no idea of where she was going.

Finally, she spoke, "Deck nine."

Why was she going to deck nine? She was confused and getting angrier. Regardless, as soon as the turbolift stopped, she was charging the doors, slipping through them sideways and taking off at a dead run.

She was scared. The closer she got to Seven’s quarters, the more frightened she got. She was yelling her security override codes to the computer as she ran and the doors were sliding open. She ran for them. She burst into the room and immediately found herself sprawling onto the floor. She jerked around to see what she had tripped over.

"Oh, God." It came out as a low guttural groan. She scrambled back, crawling over Seven’s body and looked into her face. Seven’s eyes were open but they did not look at her. B’Elanna lowered herself to look into her eyes. She saw the pain and the fear in them.

"Computer, emergency transport to Sickbay!"

The Doctor was working at his desk when they began to materialize in Sickbay. He was on his feet immediately. "B’Elanna, what happened?"

"I don’t know. I found her like this."

He was scanning her. "She’s in heavy labor. Let’s get her to the biobed."

They lifted her and he was shocked by how lifeless she felt. He immediately activated the biobed and started a complete analysis. B’Elanna was watching his face and saw a desperate expression start to form.

"Doctor, what is it? What’s wrong?"

"Her Borg systems are failing. They have started shutting down." He looked at her in shock and she could tell he was not quite certain what to do first. Then, he regained his composure, "Get the Captain down here and tell her to get Mr. Paris back as soon as she can. We are going to need all the help we can get."

She hit her combadge, "Torres to the Captain."

"Janeway here."

"Captain, I am in the Sickbay with Seven. You’d better get here." Even she could hear the panic in her voice. "And the Doctor wants you to get Tom here as fast as you can."

Kathryn Janeway felt every face on the bridge turn to her. They all heard Torres’ voice and everyone knew something was terribly wrong. She glanced at Tuvok, "Open a channel to the Delta flier."

"Channel open."

"Voyager to the Delta flier." Her voice was sharp, commanding.

Chakotay’s voice filled the bridge, "Delta flier. Come in Voyager."

"We need Ensign Paris. Return to Voyager as quickly as you can. As soon as you are in transporter range, beam Mr. Paris straight to the Sickbay."

Chakotay exchanged sidelong glances with Tom Paris. They and Harry Kim had taken the flier out for a routine run. Still, it would take them at least half an hour to get back to Voyager. "We are on our way. Captain, can you tell us what is happening."

"I don’t know, Chakotay. All I know is that Seven is in the Sickbay and they want Tom there as quickly as possible."

"Is everything all right?"

"I don’t think so. I am on my way there now. Janeway out."

She headed for the turbolift, "Tuvok, you’ve got the bridge. Get Mr. Paris to Sickbay as quickly as you can."

She did not even wait for a response. She entered the turbolift, "Sickbay." As soon as the doors opened for her again, she ran.

The Doctor was working on Seven when she arrived. B’Elanna was working at a console. "Report."

Without even looking up the Doctor replied, "She is experiencing a total failure of her Borg systems. She is also in heavy labor. Going into labor has apparently drained her Borg systems. They are barely providing any energy to her body at all. B’Elanna, what are you finding? Can you beam the baby out?"

"Beam the baby out?" Janeway was stunned.

"Negative, Doctor. The Borg implants are giving off erratic electrical impulses. They are interfering with the transport beam. It wouldn’t be safe. Can you take the baby."

The Doctor was preparing a hypospray. "I may have to. First, I am going to see if we can revive her. Our best option might be to delay the birth of the baby long enough to allow her to regenerate in her alcove a few hours." He placed the hypospray against her neck and administered the dose. She started to awaken immediately. As soon as she opened her eyes, he started talking to her.

"Seven. You are in labor but your Borg systems are failing. We are going to try to delay the delivery to allow you to regenerate." He was preparing another hypospray.

She was trying to focus on him, struggling to understand what he was telling her. She felt weak, unable to think. She tried to move but found doing so difficult. Suddenly, she felt another contraction starting. A groan escaped her before she could stop it.

The Doctor turned to her immediately, checking the biobed scans. He closed his eyes against what he saw and turned to the Captain and B’Elanna. "The baby is being stressed. If we don’t deliver her soon, we will lose her. We don’t have the time to allow Seven to regenerate. We’ll have to take the baby." He turned to prepare the equipment he needed.

Kathryn Janeway approached Seven, "It’s going to be okay. We are going to hurry your baby along a bit and then get you to your alcove. You are going to be fine. Just hold on." She stroked her hair, trying to comfort her.

Seven spoke, her words coming out as a whisper, "Biobed. Energy source. Assimilate."

Janeway’s eyes shot to B’Elanna’s. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes. Is it possible? Can she link with the biobed for energy?"

"I don’t know. It’s worth trying." Janeway picked up Seven’s left hand, looking at it carefully, then tried to position it near a control panel. "Okay, Seven. Inject the panel."

She concentrated but nothing happened. "Can’t."

Janeway looked at B’Elanna, "Ideas?"

B’Elanna came over and started looking at the exoskeleton, running her fingers around the ports, "I don’t know. There might be something here. I feel a bump." She looked at her Captain. "Stand back and I’ll give it a try." She aimed the hand at the control panel and pushed at the bump.

Suddenly, Seven’s assimulation tubules ejected, connecting with the biobed panel. The Doctor turned just as the link was made, "What are you doing?"

B’Elanna answered, still holding Seven’s hand in place, "We’re trying to link her to the biobed to see if she can get energy from it."

"Do you think that’s wise? We don’t know what will happen to Seven with that kind of energy or what will happen to the biobed with her draining it."

"If it doesn’t work, we can disable the bed and you can go ahead with the surgery but if it works, we may have bought the time we need." She was concentrating, making certain Seven’s hand stayed in position and the tubules maintained the connection.

"It seems to be working, Doctor." Janeway was reading the scans. "Her Borg systems are responding."

He moved quickly to examine the scans himself. "You’re right." He looked up, grateful, "Good work." He prepared another hypospray and prepared to administer it, "Seven, this will help to speed up the delivery." He administered the medication and started to turn. She grabbed his arm. He stopped and looked at her.

She gave him a weak smile, "I love you."

His grim face relaxed into a smile and leaned down to kiss her lips. As he started to stand, she put her hand on his head to pull his ear to her mouth, "Remember your promise."

He closed his eyes and tried to keep his face from betraying the emotion he was feeling. He pressed his check to hers for a second and then stood, his eyes looking at her tenderly. "Let’s bring our daughter into the world."

***
 

Everyone was in position. B’Elanna stood, holding Seven’s left arm in place, making certain the link with the biobed was not broken. The Captain was behind Seven, helping with her breathing routine. The Doctor was at the end of the biobed, reading the scans and checking on the status of the baby. Janeway noticed a look of concern starting to appear on his face. She hoped Seven did not see the look she was seeing. She felt Seven’s body start to tense and knew another contraction was starting. She grabbed her and started to encourage her through her breathing. B’Elanna tightened her grip on Seven’s arm, fighting to keep it in place.

"Push, Seven," the Doctor commanded. "Push as hard as you can."

She was straining. Even as hard as she tried, she knew it wasn’t enough. Too soon, the contraction was over and she fell back, exhausted. Everyone drew a breath.

The Doctor moved from the foot of the biobed and came to stand at her side, "You are doing a good job." He started stoking her hair, "But we are running out of time. If you can’t deliver with the next contration, I am going to have to stop this and take her surgically. She is being too stressed by this and so are you. Letting this go on any longer will put both of your at risk."

She nodded. She knew he was right and she herself was not certain she would last much longer. The energy she was receiving from the biobed was not adequate. She could feel her muscle control fading and knew her thoughts were wandering. Kahkar’s words came back to her, "your body is now dependent on the implants… the implants serve as a power source for your muscular system…without them your muscular system would shut down …your thought processes rely on the energy of those implants to function." She closed her eyes to concentrate. She would put everything she had into this last contraction. She would deliver this child.

The Doctor was watching the scans. Finally he said, "Okay. Contraction is starting. Seven, when I tell you, I want you to push as hard as you can."

"With B'Elanna holding onto her left hand and the Captain supporting her
from the back, she prepared. The Doctor said, "Push, Seven. Push as hard as
you can." She pushed. He looked at the face of his wife, encouraging her.
"Good, keep pushing. She's coming. She's coming, Seven. I have her. Okay,
she's here. You can stop."

Seven fell back. Janeway and B’Elanna froze in their positions. The Doctor was working on the infant in his arms.

There was a deathly silence in the room. The Doctor broke the silence, "Captain, I need your help."

Janeway quickly moved to his side. B’Elanna stayed where she was. She turned to look at Seven and felt her heart jump into her throat. She checked the scans, horrified. Seven was unconscious and her vital signs were weak and irregular. The link with the biobed had been terminated. Worse, the Borg systems were once again shutting down.

The Doctor and the Captain were working on the baby. They were keeping their promise to Seven. She had a promise to keep also.

She reached for Seven and pulled her off the biobed, "Computer, two to beam to Cargo Bay two."

Neither the Doctor nor the Captain realized they were gone.

As soon as they materialized in the cargo bay, B’Elanna dragged Seven into the alcove, leaning her against the back. She moved to the console and set the regeneration mechanism to maximum, then returned and managed to lift Seven into position. She was standing behind her, arms clasped around her, straining to hold her up. She was waiting to feel Seven’s body start to stiffen on its own, to lock into position in the alcove. Nothing happened. "Computer, scan the regeneration cycle records and report."

"Regeneration mechanism is functioning properly."

"Computer, scan Seven of Nine and report."

"Borg systems are failing. Regeneration is not being accepted by failed systems."

She felt like screaming. She lowered Seven down and leaned her against the alcove again. She ran to the console and examined the results. She had to see what was happening.

Seven’s body was not responding. Her Borg systems had gone below a critical energy level and would not accept the energy from the alcove. She slammed her hand down on the console in frustration. Think. She had to think. She had a promise to keep and she did not go back on her promises. With every ounce of control she had, she forced herself to stop and think. Suddenly, her eyes opened wide and she starting punching commands into the computer.

Then, Captain Janeway materialized in front of her. She saw B’Elanna working frantically at the computer and then looked to see Seven on the floor of the Borg alcove. She moved to Seven’s side and was quickly joined by B’Elanna.

"Captain, I’m so glad you are here. I need your help."

"Tell me what to do."

"Help me lift her."

They stood Seven up as best they could and B’Elanna moved behind her, again clasping her arms around her body to hold her up. Then, B’Elanna spoke, "I have programmed the computer to send a concentrated, high energy charge through the alcove. I am hoping that will reactivate her Borg circuitry. I need for you to initiate the charge while I hold her in place."

The Captain’s face went blank. "B’Elanna, I can’t do that. It could kill you."

"Captain, we don’t have a choice. It is the only thing I can think of to save her. You have to do it and you have to do it now. As soon as it is over, you can transport me to Sickbay. The Doctor ca…." She stopped, alarmed, "The baby?"

"The baby is okay. Tom arrived and is helping the Doctor. I thought you could use help here."

"Okay. If the baby is okay, you can beam me to Sickbay if I have any problems. But we don’t have time to discuss this. You have to do it now!"

Kathryn Janeway was used to making quick decisions and she made one now. She moved quickly to the console, her hands poised over the control. She looked at B’Elanna one last time.

"Do it. Now!" B’Elanna yelled and the Captain initiated the command.

The charge shot through the alcove. The Captain watched as B’Elanna’s head went back and her body locked with the energy charge. Seven stayed limp. Then, slowly, as the energy poured through her, her legs started to bear her weight and her body gradually straightened into its regeneration position. Janeway watched the scans and saw that the Borg circuitry was powering up and accepting the energy flow from the alcove. She reset the controls to maximum. As soon as the high energy charge was terminated, B’Elanna fell back against the alcove and slumped to the floor. Kathryn Janeway rushed to pull her out of the alcove.

"Janeway to Sickbay."

Tom Paris responded, "Sickbay, go ahead Captain."

"I am transporting Lieutenant Torres to you. She experienced a high enegy charge from the Borg alcove. She needs immediate attention." She stood away from B’Elanna, "Computer, transport Lieutenant Torres to sickbay."

She watched B’Elanna shimmer out of sight and waited to hear from the Sickbay.

"We have her, Captain."

Captain Janeway sat on the edge of the alcove, suddenly exhausted. She let her gaze linger on Seven. She got up and read the scans before she would let herself speak what she was thinking.

"You did it, Seven. And you have a beautiful daughter."

***
 

After three hours, the Doctor shut off the regeneration cycle. She would have to come back and complete the cycle but he knew she would want to see her baby as soon as it was safe for her to do so.

Her eyes flew open immediately and she felt herself falling. Then, she felt his arms catch her and lift her. She looked into his eyes and he reassured her, "She’s fine, Seven. And so are you. We’re going to see her right now. Computer, two to transport to Sickbay."

As soon as they materialized, Seven started looking around. She saw the Captain sitting in a strange chair that moved back and forth with the child in her arms. Even as the Doctor carried her to a biobed and laid her down on it, she did not take her eyes off of her child.

The Captain stood and walked over, giving the child to the Doctor. He, then, turned to Seven. "Here is our daughter." And he laid the child in her arms.

Never had she felt anything like she felt at that moment. She looked into the face of her daughter, feeling totally fulfilled as the tears started to flow. She held the child close to her and felt the softness of the baby’s skin against her cheek

"Oh." It was all she could say. She looked up into the face of the Doctor and he leaned down to her. She kissed him lovingly, then, pulled away and, leaning her head down to the baby, kissed her also. She looked at the Captain, her face glowing in amazement. She looked around the room and started when she saw B’Elanna on a nearby biobed. Captain Janeway quickly walked over and put a hand reassuringly on her arm.

"She’s all right. She just took a pretty significant shock when we sent a charge through your alcove to reactivate your Borg implants."

Seven looked into the Doctor’s face in surprise.

He took a breath and explained, "Your Borg systems were failing. After we delivered the baby, B’Elanna transported you to your alcove. When your systems failed to respond to the regeneration cycle, she sent a concentrated energy charge through the alcove to reactivate your Borg systems." He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, "Thank goodness, it worked."

"But, what happened to her?" Her voice was weak and strained.

The Captain and the Doctor exchanged worried glances, but she responded, "Seven, B’Elanna was holding you in place in the alcove when I sent the charge through it."

Seven pulled her baby closer to her and stared at the prone body. She whispered, "She could have been killed."

"She said it was the only thing she could think of to save you," Janeway had tears in her eyes.

The Doctor put his arm around her, "B’Elanna is okay. I was able to treat her and she should not suffer any ill effects. She is just sleeping right now." Seven leaned against him heavily. Then, she looked up at him. He smiled, "Would you like for me to wake her?"

She nodded. She had to make certain B’Elanna was all right. The Doctor placed a hypospray against B’Elanna’s neck, administered a dose and she opened her eyes. The Doctor spoke to her immediately.

"Take it easy, B’Elanna. Everyone is okay, including you. Just don’t move too quickly."

She sat up slowly, her head spinning slightly, and tried to focus on the people in the room. She realized everyone was looking at her and she was suddenly self-conscious. "I am fine, thank you very much. You can all quit staring at me now."

Laughter erupted in the room but Seven of Nine simply said, "Thank you."

B’Elanna gave her a weak smile and growled, "Don’t mention it. I told you, I keep my promises."

***
 

She was sitting in the mess hall, holding her sleeping child, watching everyone arrive. She was in the special chair the Captain had given them for the baby. It was called a rocking chair and she found she enjoyed the rocking motion as much as the baby did. This was the night they were going to welcome the baby to Voyager.

The Doctor was standing behind them. She looked back at him. She did not think he ever had looked more handsome. She motioned for him to lean over.

"Do you need something?"

"No," she replied, stroking his cheek, "I just wanted to touch your face."

He beamed. She pulled him softly to her and kissed him. "I love you."

He looked deeply into her eyes, "I love you, too. I love both of you very much." He kissed her, leaned down to kiss his child and then straightened. He watched the crowd for a few minutes and then said, "I think everyone is here." He nodded at the Captain and she stepped forward.

"Tonight, we welcome the newest member of the Voyager family. We have watched the Doctor and Seven get to know each other, become friends, join together as husband and wife, and tonight, we celebrate the birth of their daughter. Congratulations to a wonderful family." She raised her glass and the room resounded with cheers.

Once they lowered their glasses, Neelix stepped forward, his curiosity too much to bear any longer. "Have you two thought of a name for the baby? We would like to know what to call her."

The Doctor and Seven smiled at each other and he reached down to help her to her feet. He stood with his arm around her as she spoke.

"Yes, Mr. Neelix. We have thought of a name for the baby." She paused, an expectant hush falling over the room. "We would like to name her Kathryn B’Elanna Hansen." She looked in the direction of the Captain and B’Elanna and added, "With your permission of course."

Kathryn Janeway and B’Elanna Torres stood frozen in shock. Finally, the Captain came forward, the amazement etched in her face, "Are you sure?"

"Captain, I assure you, we have thought about this carefully," the Doctor said. "We would be honored if you allowed us to name her after you."

He thought the Captain was going to cry. As Seven handed her the baby, she looked down at her and said, "I would be thrilled."

Seven looked at B’Elanna who was still frozen in place. She walked up to her and asked, "Would you mind?"

When B’Elanna still did not respond, Janeway walked over and put the baby into her arms. She stood there and looked at the small face looking back at her. "Kathryn B’Elanna Hansen," she said, pronouncing each name slowly, the wonder obvious in her voice. She raised her head up, "I think that is a wonderful name. It would make me very proud."

The Captain put her arm around B’Elanna and turned her to the crowd. "I want everyone to meet Kathryn B’Elanna Hansen."

B’Elanna looked down at the child in her arms, then up to the faces of the Doctor and Seven. Suddenly, she grinned and lowered her head down to speak to the baby. "Kathryn B’Elanna, you and I will be wonderful friends and I will be there for you, always." She glanced up and caught Seven of Nine’s eyes, a special look passing between them when she added, "I promise."
 

The End