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

He rolled over, his eyes still closed and reached for her. When his hand felt the empty space in the bed, his eyes opened. He squinted to see in the darkened room. He was alone. He chuckled to himself and pushed out of the bed. He was groggy; his sleep subroutines worked really well. He walked into the living area, knowing he would find her there.

He smiled at her, crossed to the sofa and stretched himself out so he could watch her. He loved this time of the morning. If this was a dream, he never wanted to wake up.

She was sitting in the rocking chair, nursing Kathryn B’Elanna. Her long legs were crossed, one foot swinging back and forth as she rocked. Her head was cocked and leaned down toward their baby. She glanced up at him from time to time, smiling. She knew how much he loved watching her nurse the baby.

"So," his voice was still husky with sleep, "What do you have planned for the day?"
 

She just looked at him, knowing what he was really asking. She gave him the same look she had given him every day of the last week and went back to watching Kathryn B’Elanna nurse.

"Seven."

"I know, Doctor. But I am doing fine."

He pursed his lips. He knew she did not want to discuss anything upsetting while she was nursing so he decided not to pursue the conversation further. At least not now. He decided to talk about something he knew she would discuss with him. "She has grown so much already."

"I know," her eyes were bright and her face lit up. "I can almost watch her grow." She looked at him, her eyes moist, "I never imagined it would be like this."

He lifted himself off the couch and went to her. He kissed her, "I didn’t either." He moved to the replicator, "Can I get you anything?"

"No, I do not require anything right now."

He ordered up coffee and sat back down on the sofa. "I have a busy day planned today. It is time for the annual crew physicals. B’Elanna said she would come spend the morning with you."

She did not say anything. He knew she wanted to argue but would not. He sipped his coffee and continued to watch his wife and child. This was more perfect, he thought to himself, than any life he could ever have imagined.

**

B’Elanna entered the room, "Good morning, all."

"Good morning," Seven’s response was not cold but it also was not warm. B’Elanna’s eyes looked to the Doctor who gave her a slight shake of his head.

"I am going to put Kathryn B’Elanna to bed." Seven rose from the rocking chair and walked into the bedroom.

The Doctor walked over to B’Elanna, "She is very touchy today. I don’t think she is feeling well. She would not even let me check her this morning." He looked at her carefully, "Do you think you can handle it or should I call the Captain."

B’Elanna thought a few minutes before responding, "No, Doctor. I think I can handle it. If it gets too bad, I’ll call the Captain myself." She laughed softly, "Thanks for the warning, though."

Seven walked back into the room, her look telling them she knew they were talking about her. She turned to the replicator and ordered herself breakfast. She turned, "See, Doctor, I am taking care of myself."

He did not glance at B’Elanna like he wanted to. Instead, he went to Seven, gave her a kiss and bid her goodbye. At he walked out of the living quarters, he risked a small wink to B’Elanna and mouthed good luck to her.

Seven sat at the table to eat her breakfast. B’Elanna ordered a hot tea and sat down to join her.

"So, did KB sleep well last night?"

Seven glared at her, "Her name is Kathryn B’Elanna."

"Sorry. Everyone calls her KB and, since she is all anyone talks about on the ship, I am afraid the KB just slipped out." B’Elanna gave Seven a friendly grin, hoping to improve her mood. 

Seven was quiet for a moment, "Everyone talks about her?"

Interest. This was good. B’Elanna sipped her tea, "Seven, she is the topic of every conversation. Her baby pictures have been downloaded to almost every computer on Voyager. You have a little star on your hands!"

Seven seemed pleased. "But I wish they would not shorten her name. It is incorrect."

B’Elanna just nodded in agreement. She had learned by now that sometimes not responding to Seven was the best thing to do. Without being obvious, she tried to watch her carefully. But Seven knew she was being observed.

"Lieutenant, I am fine. You do not need to watch me every minute. I wish you and the Doctor would accept the fact I am capable of taking care of myself." She rose and strode to stand near the rocking chair, "I do not need to be babysat every minute of the day." Her voice was angry. She turned to face B’Elanna, "I…."

B’Elanna watched the color drain from her face. She shot from her chair but before she could reach her, Seven collapsed, falling into the coffee table. 

"Damn." She grabbed the medical tricorder and scanned Seven. She had a cut on her forehead where she had hit the table and her Borg systems were giving off erratic signals. B’Elanna hit her combadge, "Torres to the Doctor."

"B’Elanna, what happened?" 

"Seven fainted again. I am transporting her to you. I’ll bring Kathryn B’Elanna to the Sickbay."

"I’m ready." She could hear the frustration and concern in his voice.

B’Elanna stepped back from Seven and gave the order, "Computer, transport Seven of Nine to the Sickbay."

She watched as Seven shimmered out of sight. She hit her combadge again, "Torres to the Captain."

"Janeway here." 

"Captain, Seven fainted again. I have transported her to Sickbay and am on my way there now with KB. I thought you might want to meet us there."

"Thank you. I will. Janeway out."

B’Elanna walked into the bedroom and lifted the sleeping baby from her crib. "Come on, Kathryn B’Elanna. We have to go see your mother in the Sickbay." She walked toward the doors to the corridor and sighed, "Again."

**

When the turbolift opened, Kathryn Janeway was inside. B’Elanna joined her. The Captain asked, "What happened this time?"

"Same thing. She got upset over being watched all the time and down she went."

"Was she injured?"

"Cut on her forehead, probably a concussion. Wiped out the coffee table. No broken bones this time."

Kathryn Janeway shook her head. The turbolift stopped and the doors opened. They walked out together toward the Sickbay. Just before the doors, Janeway stopped and looked at B’Elanna. "Strong united front?"

"Absolutely." B’Elanna nodded her head.

"Okay. Let’s do it." 

They entered the Sickbay. The Doctor had just finished his scans and looked up at them. "Captain, B’Elanna." He turned to pick up his medical tricorder and started working on the cut on Seven’s forehead. "No real damage. She has a slight concussion and I will be able to fix her cut with the dermal regenerator as soon as I have repaired the brain tissue trauma." He looked up at the two women and sighed, "She was lucky this time."

"Doctor," the Captain’s voice was firm, "I think it is time we put a stop to this, don’t you?"

He put down the medical tricorder and picked up the dermal regenerator and continued his work. "I couldn’t agree with you more, Captain. We have done it her way long enough." He finished and picked up the hypospray, "Are you ready?"

Janeway nodded and the Doctor pressed the hypospray to Seven’s neck and administered the mild stimulant. Her eyes started to flutter open. It took a moment for her eyes to focus on the three faces around her. She looked from one to the other, then stared at the ceiling and sighed heavily.

"No." Her voice was firm. She sat up, facing down the three people in front of her. "I will not comply."

The Doctor moved to stand in front of her, "Seven, you do not have a choice. You cannot continue like this. You are putting yourself at risk and we…I will not allow this to continue."

Seven slid off the biobed and moved past the Doctor toward B’Elanna and Kathryn B’Elanna. Before she could reach them, her body froze and she started to pitch forward. The Doctor caught her and, lifting her, laid her back on the biobed. He quickly administered another stimulant. Even so, it took her a few minutes to come around. She looked at the Doctor and he could see how upset she was with herself. He took her hand and leaned down close to her face. 

"Seven, you no longer have a say in this. I am speaking to you as your doctor now, not as your husband."

She looked into his face and then to Janeway’s. She did not have to look at B’Elanna’s. She stared at the ceiling, knowing that arguing would not do any good.

"How long?" Her voice was choked.

"My best estimate is at least a week."

"A week?" Her voice expressed as much horror at his answer as her face. She struggled to sit up. "Doctor, please." She looked at him, her anguish obvious. She dropped her voice to speak to him privately, "Not a week. I am nursing her. She needs me. Not a week. Please."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. After a moment, he spoke softly in her ear, "Seven, we have discussed this. You know I can make certain she gets what she needs. I can take care of both of you." He released his hold on her, pulled away and took her hands in his, "If you do not do this, you might not be there to watch her grow up. Now, what is more important?"

She closed her eyes, then slowly nodded her head. He watched her pull herself together and, holding onto him, slide off the biobed. She looked at the baby in B’Elanna’s arms, working hard not to cry. B’Elanna brought the baby over to the Doctor who took her and held her for Seven to kiss her goodbye. 

"I am going to transport the three of you to the Cargo Bay." He watched as the Captain and B’Elanna moved to stand on either side of Seven to provide her support if needed. He send the command to the computer and watched them dematerialize from the Sickbay. He did not miss that Seven of Nine never took her eyes off of her baby.

**

They materialized in the Cargo Bay and the Captain and B’Elanna had to immediately reach for Seven to support her. They helped her to the Borg alcove where she sat on the edge.

"I only need a moment." Her voice was weak.

B’Elanna moved to set the controls and the Captain stayed near Seven. 

"We will take good care of Kathryn B’Elanna and the Doctor. You don’t need to worry about either one of them." The Captain’s voice was comforting. "You only need to take care of yourself."

She was surprised to see tears starting to slide down Seven’s face. "A week, Captain. I cannot bear the thought of being away from her for a week."

The Captain sat down next to her. "A week is better than a lifetime."

Seven looked at her through a haze of tears and nodded, "I know." She looked at the floor, "I have failed her."

"Oh, Seven," the Captain put her arm around her shoulders, "you have not failed her. You are not well. You can’t help that but you can do something about it. If you did not take care of yourself, then you would fail her. You are doing the right thing."

Seven sat with her eyes firmly locked on the floor. B’Elanna walked up to them, "The controls are set and the alcove is ready." Seven sighed and tried to stand. The Captain and B’Elanna had to help her to her feet and then to the alcove. While Captain Janeway supported Seven, B’Elanna reached to activate the alcove. Seven glanced briefly at each of them before she straightened and closed her eyes. The Captain continued to hold her hand until she was certain Seven was stable in her regeneration position. Then, she removed her hand and joined B’Elanna to view the scans.

"Looks like someone is going to have to keep a close eye on her while she regenerates." The Captain’s voice sounded concerned.

"I think you’re right. At least for the first few days." B’Elanna was having to make adjustments every few minutes. 

The Borg implants were erratic and had been so since the birth of the baby almost two months ago. Everyone thought they would eventually stabilize but they had not done so. Instead of improving, they were getting less and less stable. Long-term regeneration was the only solution but Seven had fought against it as long as she could. She had tried rest and increased consumption to compensate but nothing had worked. 

"I’ll take first watch," B’Elanna was concentrating on the scans. "Do you think you can arrange for someone to relieve me in about four hours? As closely as I am having to watch these scans, I think four hours is about all anyone is going to be able to last right now."

"I’ll draw up a schedule. We’ll make certain someone is with her at least for the first forty-eight hours. I’ll tell the Doctor what is happening. He may have to monitor her closer than he had planned."

"What about Kathryn B’Elanna?" B’Elanna didn’t even look up from the computer.

"I’ll talk to him about her also. I may have to draw up two schedules." She turned to walk out of the Cargo Bay. At the door, she turned to look back at Seven of Nine in her alcove and then at B’Elanna at the computer console. She watched them for a long moment. Then, she turned and left.

**

"I can’t decide who she looks like," Naomi was peering over the crib at the sleeping baby. "Sometimes I think she looks like the Doctor and sometimes she looks like Seven." She sighed and moved back from the crib, walking out of the bedroom with her mother. She went to sit in the rocking chair, rocking back and forth looking decidedly unhappy. Samantha Wildman watched her.

"Is there something you want to talk to me about, Naomi?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Samantha knew what was bothering Naomi. Ever since Seven had gotten pregnant and had so many problems, the time Naomi had been able to spend with her had been restricted. Samantha knew Naomi was missing her friend. She also knew Naomi was concerned that Seven would not have time at all for her now that the baby was here.

"You know, when Seven finishes her regeneration and is able to manage on her own, she will probably need someone around to help her with KB and KB will do better with a big sister. It seems to me you might be the best person for that job."

Naomi continued to rock but Samantha knew she was thinking. After a few minutes, she said, "I never had a big sister."

Samantha tried not to smile, "Oh, I don’t know about that."

Naomi looked at her confused, "What?"

"It seems to me Seven has been a kind of a big sister for you."

"Seven?"

"Yes, Seven."

Naomi was quiet. Then, she said, "I never thought about it before."

"So, wouldn’t it be nice to be to KB what Seven has been to you. Seems to me it would be a nice way of telling Seven thank you." Samantha was trying to keep the conversation light, acting as if she was more interested in folding the baby clothes in front of her.

Naomi slid out of the rocking chair and went to sit next to her mother on the sofa. She picked up a small shirt and folded it, slowly and precisely. Samantha noticed that she folded it exactly as she had seen Seven fold it. She realized how much Naomi emulated Seven. She wondered again why the close relationship between the two did not threaten her. 

They were very close or they had been before Seven had gotten pregnant. She suspected their relationship would change but she expected them to continue to be close. The pregnancy had taken so much out of Seven that she had had to restrict most of her social contacts with people. That had been especially difficult on Naomi. When she did try to visit. Seven had often been too tired. It had added up to an unhappy few months for Naomi.

Samantha had kept trying to tell Naomi that it would be different after the baby was born but it had actually gotten worse. Since the birth of the baby, Naomi had had even less contact with her. Naomi was scared something bad was going to happen to Seven but had expressed that fear as anger. It was so difficult for her to understand she was not being abandoned. 

Kathryn B’Elanna started to cry and Samantha got up and walked into the bedroom. Naomi continued folding the baby’s clothes. After a few minutes, Samantha brought the baby out and got a bottle ready for her.

"Naomi, would you like to feed her?"

Naomi looked at her with her eyes wide, "Really? I can feed her?"

Samantha nodded, "If you would like to."

"I would."

"Okay, sit in the rocking chair."

Naomi moved to sit in the rocking chair and Samantha placed the baby in her arms. "Now, support her head." She adjusted Naomi’s arm under the baby’s head, "Are you comfortable?"

"Yes." Naomi’s voice was tentative but excited.

"Here is the bottle," she put the bottle in Naomi’s hand and showed her how to hold it. She soon had Kathryn B’Elanna nursing the bottle. Naomi watched her intently, careful not to do anything to dislodge the bottle from the baby. Samantha thought she could already tell a difference in Naomi’s attitude toward the baby. She smiled to herself.

Naomi looked at the baby closely and, without looking up said, "I think she looks like Seven."

"I fed her." Naomi had moved to stand next to them.

"You did?" He acted impressed, "All by yourself?"

"All by myself." She responded, proudly. "Well, mother helped me some but I did most of it by myself."

"She sure did," Samantha Wildman put her hand on Naomi’s shoulder. "And she did a wonderful job."

"Good for you, Naomi," he gave Ensign Wildman a sly wink. The two of them had been worried about Naomi’s increasing despondence. It was good to see her reacting positively toward the baby. "I’ll bet KB enjoyed you feeding her as much as you did."

"Her name is Kathryn B’Elanna." Without even realizing it, Naomi’s voice took on Seven’s firm, clipped tone.

Neelix and Samantha exchanged amused glances. Samantha patted Naomi’s shoulder, "Come on. You need to go to your class and I have to report for duty."

They prepared to leave but, before they did, Naomi went to the baby and kissed her on the cheek, "Goodbye, Kathryn B’Elanna. I’ll bring a Flotter book the next time we keep you and read you a story."

They bid Neelix farewell and left. He stood a moment, smiling to himself. He was relieved that Naomi seemed to have a changed attitude about the baby. He turned to her, "I think you have won a convert, little girl. You must have magic charms." He picked the child up out of the carrier, moved to the rocking chair and settled himself. He started rocking. The baby looked up at him, her eyes seeming to focus on his face. He knew she was too young to actually do so but he had the eerie she was watching him. "You have eyes just like your mother." He chuckled and pulled her closer to him, "Let’s see if I can think of a story to tell you." He thought for a moment and began.

"Once upon a time, there was a princess named Kes. In her court was a healer and his name was the Doctor, just like your daddy’s name. Kes liked to spend time with the Doctor. He was a cold, unfeeling man but Kes knew that there was a warm and wonderful person in him. She just had to help him find himself.

"So, she tried to help him find his way. She spent time with him and talked to him about his feelings. The Doctor didn’t even know he had feelings but, with Kes’ help, he slowly started to change. He started to see himself as a person in just the same way she saw him. Her love for him helped him love himself.

"One day, Queen Janeway faced a dangerous enemy. She decided the only way to defeat this enemy was to join forces with another enemy so she approached this enemy with a flag of truce. The enemy sent a warrior to join the queen’s forces. Together, they won their battle and the queen and her people were safe. But in the battle, the warrior was lost from her people and the queen became responsible for her life. Soon, they realized the warrior could not live as a warrior apart from her people. So, she ordered the Doctor to work his healing power on her to restore her to the human she had once been. 

"While the Doctor worked on the warrior, the princess Kes was trying to leave the realm. She knew she had to leave for she was a person of a great and wonderful power. As hard as it was for the queen to do so, she realized she had to let her go. With a heavy heart, she allowed Kes to leave her realm and, in return, Kes used her great power to send the queen and her people out of the land of their enemies.

"Now the queen had a different problem. The warrior did not want to leave her people and she was angry. She was lonely and lost and afraid. The queen went to her and promised to help and protect her. The great love of Kes still touched the heart of the queen and the warrior felt that love and it gave the warrior the strength to finally agree to turn from her people and pledge her loyalty to the queen.

"So, the Doctor continued his work with the warrior and as a result, the warrior became a beautiful new princess and her name was Seven of Nine. But Seven of Nine did not know how to love for her people had blackened her heart. The queen worked very hard to teach Seven of Nine compassion and love but the darkness in Seven’s heart was so great, the queen was starting to despair of ever doing so. The Doctor looked on Seven with great kindness. He remembered the love Kes had given to him and how that love had been great enough to thaw his frozen heart. The gift from Kes was one he decided to give to Seven of Nine.

"He worked with the queen to teach Seven of Nine about kindness and compassion. It was not easy and many times they did not think they would be successful. 

"But underneath everything, the beautiful Seven of Nine was lonely. The Doctor wanted to reach through to the heart of the lonely princess but doing so proved to be extremely difficult. He was beginning to think he would never be able to reach her when something terrible happened. In a great explosion, the Doctor was hurt. It took another healer, B’Elanna the Great, to save the Doctor. Knowing she almost lost the Doctor caused the ice in Seven of Nine’s heart to melt and she went to the Doctor to profess her love. He was finally able to tell her that he loved her also.

"They loved each other very much but their lives were empty because they could not have a child. Then, the queen offered help to two great wizards who took the Doctor and Seven of Nine into their hearts. At their parting, they gave the Doctor and Seven of Nine a great gift – they were to have a child. Soon the realm was blessed with a new princess and her name was Kathryn B’Elanna. She was greatly loved by everyone in the realm and they all lived happily ever after."

She was still watching him, her eyes intense. He had the sense she had taken in every word he had said. Suddenly, he heard a voice from the door.

"B’Elanna the Great?" B’Elanna was leaning against the door. Neelix looked at her, eyes widening.

"B’Elanna! I didn’t know you were there." Neelix was embarrassed, "Uh, how much did you hear?"

"I’d say, oh, all of it." She walked in, chuckling. "It was a wonderful story, Neelix. I enjoyed it. Especially the ‘B’Elanna the Great’ part." She sat down on the sofa, "Maybe next time though, you can give me a bigger part. B’Elanna the Great really should have more than just a walk on role." 

"I’ll see what I can do." He leaned back against the chair and continued to rock. "How is Seven?"

"I don’t really know. I am on my way there now." She stretched her neck and rolled her right shoulder. "Yesterday was really difficult. I had first watch and I had to constantly monitor her." She sat staring at the baby in his arms.

"You look concerned, Lieutenant."

"It’s probably me worrying about nothing, Neelix." She gave him a small grin. "I just wasn’t expecting her to be so unstable. But, she was still upset about being separated from KB and that probably was affecting her. I imagine she will be powering up nicely when I get to the Cargo Bay." She put her hands on the sofa arm and pushed herself up, "Which is where I need to be going right this minute. Tom should be on watch and I need to relieve him." She walked over and looked down at the baby in Neelix’s arms. Then she gave Neelix a wink, "See you later."

He watched her walk out of the door and frowned. He had not found her visit very comforting.

**

She was surprised to see the Doctor in the Cargo Bay when she walked in. She looked around but Tom was no where to be found. "Good morning, Doctor. I thought Tom was taking this watch."

The Doctor did not even look at her but was watching the computer scans. "I sent him back to Sickbay. She was still too unstable and I decided I needed to be here with her."

She noticed how haggard he looked. She walked up to read the computer scans beside him. After watching them for a few minutes, she said, "This looks worse than yesterday. What’s happening, Doctor?"

"I wish I knew." He left her at the computer console and walked up into the alcove to stand next to Seven. He looked at her carefully before turning to face B’Elanna, "I hope I have not let her go too long. She should have undergone this long-term regeneration immediately after Kathryn B’Elanna was born."

"And you and what army was going to make her do that? Doctor, all of us thought her Borg implants would stabilize. We thought all she needed was time and for her to undergo normal regeneration. She did that. No one could have expected this." She wanted to go to him to comfort him but found herself having to stand at the console making almost constant adjustments to the energy flow. One second, it was too much and the next, too little. She realized she was starting to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. It was almost as if the implants were trying to short themselves out. "This probably isn’t the best time to ask this question, but do you have any ideas?"

He was still standing there, watching his wife, a worried expression on his face. "No, B’Elanna, I don’t have any ideas."

"Then I guess we keep doing what we are doing." Her voice was determined. 

And we hope for the best, she thought.

**

"Are you sure you can handle her?" Neelix’s concern was obvious in his voice.

Harry Kim just looked at him. "Yes. I am sure I can handle her. She isn’t the first baby I have taken care of. You don’t have to worry about her." He was walking around the living quarters with the baby in his arms and Neelix following them around. He turned and Neelix almost ran into them, "Neelix. The Captain assigned this watch to me. If you have a problem with me doing this, I suggest you discuss it with the Captain."

"Uh, no, Mr. Kim. I am sure you can do a good job." Neelix straightened out the blanket on the baby, "If you need me, just call and I’ll be glad to come back and help." He patted her and turned toward the door, "Really, all you have to do is call and I’ll transport right back here."

"Thank you, Neelix. I will but we will be fine." He saw Neelix head out the door, stop and turn back to them, opening his mouth to say something but Harry spoke first, "I’ll call if we need you."

Neelix closed his mouth, nodded and reluctantly left.

Harry smiled, "He doesn’t think I can take care of you. But we know better, don’t we?" He walked around the room, bouncing her and looking around. This was the first time he had been in these quarters. He noticed how functional and ordered they were. Just like Seven, he thought. He looked into the bedroom at the headboard. He had heard about it and saw that the beauty of it had not been exaggerated. He allowed himself a moment of sad reflection and turned away.

"You are one lucky little girl, KB. You have the best mother. And your father’s a pretty good guy, too." He smiled down at the baby who seemed to be watching him closely. "Even if he is a hologram." He laughed and crossed to sit in the rocking chair.

"You know, I had a crush on your mother once." He sighed, "Don’t you dare tell anyone, but I guess I still do. The first time I worked with her, she hit me over the head and knocked me out." He grinned at the memory. "But it wasn’t her fault. She thought she had to go home and I was in her way. It wasn’t long, though, before we learned to work together and I got to know her. Your mother is a special person, KB. She is strong and beautiful and smart. I think you will grow up to be just like her." He laid the baby lengthwise in his lap. "You have her eyes. I’ll tell you a secret about your mother. If you ever want to know what she is thinking, look into her eyes. She will stand in front of you with no expression on her face and her eyes will tell you everything. 

"They told me she did not feel for me what I felt for her. But if she had, you would not be here." He picked her up and lifted her to his shoulder, "I guess that says there is always something good to come from something sad." He ran his hand over the baby’s diapers and thought he felt some dampness. He checked closer, "Oh, dear. I think we have to change some diapers." He took her into the bedroom and laid her in the crib. He looked at the shelf above the crib and found everything he needed, neatly arranged. 

"Your mother certainly is efficient," he chuckled. He was pleased to find that the act of changing diapers was as easy as he remembered. "Just like riding a bike." He picked her up and held her close to him, smelling the power. He looked around the room and kissed her forehead. "In another life, KB, you might have been my child." He turned and walked back into the living area, settled back down into the rocker and sighed, "I think I would have enjoyed that."

**

Tom walked into the room to find Harry stretched on the couch with KB lying on his chest. They were both sleeping. Tom quietly moved around to grab the holo-imager the Doctor kept close by and took a couple of shots. Then, he leaned over and gently shook Harry’s arm. Harry’s eyes opened to see Tom with his finger to his lips, indicating he should be quiet. He glanced down at the sleeping baby and smiled at Tom.

"I guess we both dozed off."

"Yeah." Tom held up the holo-imager, "It made for a great shot."

"You didn’t! Seven will kill me if she sees that."

"I think Seven will love it." Tom stood up and went to sit in the chair. He was grinning at Harry, "You look like a natural there."

"You know, it feels good. Sort of makes me wish I had one of my own." Harry put his hand on the baby’s back and kissed the top of her head. "I think it’s neat having a baby on board." He yawned, "So, how is Seven?"

Tom frowned, "I don’t know, Harry. I was there earlier and both the Doctor and B’Elanna look worried. I don’t think things are going as well as they thought it would. I heard the Doctor say something about this possibly taking longer than they thought."

"You’re kidding." Harry was shocked. "Seven’s going to be okay, isn’t she?"

"I hope so," Tom looked at KB, a worried expression on his face, "but I don’t know for sure."

"What is the problem? Do you know?"

"Not really. All I know is her Borg implants are unstable and they are having to make constant adjustments to the energy flow in the alcove."

"That doesn’t sound good."

"No, it doesn’t."

Harry was quiet for a moment, "Tom, what happens if they can’t stabilize her?"

Tom shook his head, "I don’t know. And I really don’t want to think about it. From what I understand, Seven can’t survive without the implants." Another heavy silence fell between them. Then, Tom spoke again, "Seven was upset enough with a week of regeneration. She’s really going to be upset if it lasts more than a week."

"Babies change a lot in a week."

"I know. KB seems to change everyday." Tom sat deep in thought. Suddenly, he lifted his hand and looked at the holo-imager he was holding. "Hey, Harry. I’ve got a great idea. Let’s put together a scrapbook of KB for Seven. That way, she’ll know what went on while she was regenerating."

"That’s a great idea. Neelix and Naomi will help. I think that’s wonderful."

"We’ll even weigh and measure her everyday." Tom chuckled, "That way, Seven will know KB didn’t starve while she was regenerating."

"Speaking of which, it is time for her bottle which is what she is going to want when she wakes up. I have to go to work so I am going to have to leave that job to you." Harry slowly got off the couch, trying not to wake KB. He handed her to Tom who cuddled her in his arms. Harry reached for the holo-imager and took a few shots of Tom and the baby. "I’ll tell Neelix about the scrapbook. Then, he’ll really drive us crazy!" Harry waved goodbye and left for work.

"So, little girl, it is just you and me." Tom sat back and watched the face of the sleeping baby. "I can’t get over how much you look like your daddy. You know, if he were here, he would be watching me like a hawk. He’d be so scared I would drop you or something. But you don’t have to worry about that. Your Uncle Tom would never drop you." 

He moved from the chair to the rocker and settled himself in. "No, your Uncle Tom is going to take better care of you than that. Your daddy doesn’t have to worry about me taking care of you. I am going to there for you whenever you need me. You can count on me. 

Tom breathed deeply, "I’m going to tell you something but you can never repeat anything I say. I will swear I never said it!" He gave a wistful grin, "You have a neat father. I have known him ever since he was activated and I can honestly say, he is a good man. And he has become a good friend to me.

"He probably would not believe I said that. I am afraid I give your father a hard time. I can’t help myself. It is just so much fun. But I would never do anything to really hurt him. I promise you that, KB.

"I remember when your daddy fell in love with your mother. It was a long time before she realized she loved him." Tom rocked back and forth, eyes staring off at nothing, "He fell head over heals in love with your mother. I don’t think he ever thought she would return his love. I tried to get him to tell her but he wouldn’t. I thought he was wrong to do that but, looking back, I think it was the right thing for him to do. Your mother had to figure out she loved him on her own. You are one lucky little girl, KB. You are loved so much and you will always know that you were wanted. Your parents went through a lot to have you." He pulled the sleeping baby closer to him, continuing to rock her. He was thinking about Seven. He pressed his cheek to the top of the baby’s head and sighed.

**

Kathryn Janeway walked into the Cargo Bay, cup of coffee in hand. Her eyes were bleary and she was yawning. She walked to stand in front of the Borg alcove, looking up at Seven of Nine.

"It is the middle of the night, Captain." The voice was matter of fact.

She turned to look at the source of the voice, a small smile on her lips but sadness in her eyes. "I couldn’t sleep, Tuvok."

"You are worried."

She nodded.

He went back to watching the computer scans and making adjustments, "You have good reason."

That was not what she wanted to hear. She sighed and rubbed her forehead where a nagging headache was starting. She peered into a darkened corner of the Cargo Bay at the two cots, each with a sleeping figure. "How long have they been asleep?"

"Not long. Lieutenant Torres convinced the Doctor he had to rest his program and I managed to convince her she also had to sleep. Neither gave up easily."

"Still not going well?"

He shook his head, his face puzzled. "I have to admit I find this situation frustrating." His hands moved across the computer console, "Nothing we do seems to work."

Janeway glanced at the sleeping figures again and walked over to Tuvok, lowering her voice to speak to him, "What is your evaluation of her situation?"

Tuvok looked decidedly uncomfortable. "I am uncertain what to think, Captain. I do not have a medical degree and feel unqualified to give a diagnosis of any kind."

"I realize that, Tuvok. But I need to hear from someone who can give me an unbiased evaluation. I need for you to be honest with me, Tuvok." 

Her eyes drilled into his and he found he could not maintain her gaze. He broke eye contact and looked at the Doctor and B’Elanna asleep on their cots and then at Seven of Nine in her alcove. Then, he looked back at the Captain saying nothing.

She rubbed her forehead and groaned softly. Then, she turned and left the Cargo Bay.

"Kathryn B’Elanna. What in the world are we going to do? You mother is not doing well at all right now and if we cannot figure out what to do, I am afraid we are going to lose her. We have to come up with something. We cannot lose her. You need her too much. We need her too much." She looked away from the baby with tears in her eyes, the frustration starting to show on her face. She walked over to the bed to look out of the window, placing her hand on the headboard, unconsciously rubbing it. Suddenly, she stared at her hand on the headboard, a strange look coming over her face. She turned and bolted out of the living quarters.

She stopped in front of a door to another living quarter and asked the computer to announce her. Soon, a barely awake Harry Kim came to the door, pulling a robe around him. "Captain!" He was surprised to see she was really at his door. "What’s wrong. Am I needed?"

"Ensign, may I come in?"

"Of course, Captain." He stood aside and motioned her in. "Computer, lights on." She entered and he followed her. "Have a seat. Can I get you anything?"

Janeway smiled at Harry’s efforts. She knew she had awakened him out of a deep sleep. "Harry, I have something I need for you to do but I need for you not to tell anyone what you are doing."

He looked at her, eyes blinking, obviously struggling to follow her. "Of course, Captain."

She went to the replicator and ordered both two coffees. She walked back to Harry and handed him one. "Sit down, Harry." He accepted the coffee and sat on the chair behind him. She sat down on the opposite chair and started, "You are probably going to think I am absolutely crazy but I want to you put all of your efforts into trying to locate Kahkar Omarahn."

"What?"

"I know. It is a long shot but I want you to try. Harry, Seven is not doing well. Tuvok says nothing they do seems to work. Her problems are beyond the Doctor’s ability to help her. Maybe Kahkar can. We need to try to contact him."

Harry didn’t know what to say. The chances of finding the Eutarian science ship after almost ten months were almost nil. The look in his Captain’s eyes told him she knew this already. He nodded, "I’ll do my best, Captain."

"I know you will, Harry." She got up to leave, "And don’t tell anyone what you are doing. I don’t want to give anyone false hopes. Keep me informed." She left.

False hopes. He closed his eyes tightly. Then he took a deep breath and got up. He had work to do.

**

The Captain walked onto the bridge. Chakotay glanced at her before turning his attention back to the control panel to his right. Then he jerked his head back in the direction of his Captain.

"I see we have a visitor on the bridge."

Janeway smiled at him. "I ran into a scheduling problem with babysitters." She had KB in a special carrier, strapped to the front of her body. KB was awake, eyes alert and looking around her, sucking on her hands. "It was quiet so I didn’t think anyone would mind a visitor."

Chakotay grinned at her and leaned down to the baby, "Good morning, Kathryn B’Elanna. Welcome to the bridge." He stood up, brushing the hair back on her head, "She is a beautiful baby. How is her mother this morning?"

Janeway glanced around the bridge before lowering her voice to reply, "Not very good, I am afraid. The Doctor, B’Elanna and Tuvok were with her all night. She seems to be getting worse instead of better."

"Do they have any idea of what is happening."

"Not really. Although the Doctor has a theory."

When she did not continue, Chakotay asked, "Do you want to continue this discussion in your ready room?"

She nodded and walked off the bridge with Chakotay following. She walked up to the sofa in front of the viewing windows and stood, looking out at the expanse of space. "The Doctor thinks her body is rejecting her Borg implants."

"What?"

"He says he cannot tell for certain. The implants are giving off such erratic electrical signals they are interfering with his scans. But he thinks something about the pregnancy triggered a rejection episode."

"Can he do anything to stop it?"

"He’s trying but he hasn’t been able to figure anything out so far. 

Chakotay stepped up to stand next to the Captain. "What will happen to Seven if she rejects the implants? Can the Doctor do anything to replace them?"

"I don’t know. Right now, he is just trying to figure out how to stop the rejection. He thinks if they can do that, her body will stabilize and she will recover." She signed, "Chakotay, I am as worried for the Doctor right now as I am Seven."

"It is one thing for a doctor to lose a patient. It is another thing when that patient is his wife and the mother of his child."

Janeway nodded. "He is thinking he should have seen this earlier. He is blaming himself for not recognizing what was happening and taking steps to stop it." She turned and walked to her desk and sat down, cuddling the child strapped to the front of her. The baby was still sucking on her hand, watching the Captain’s face intently. "You know, Chakotay, I have never been around many babies so I don’t know what to expect from her, but KB certainly does seem to be alert to be so young."

"I think she is a bit unusual. I have never known a baby to be so quiet and content." Chakotay sat in the chair across from the Captain’s desk. "Do you think the Doctor could have stopped this rejection?"

"I don’t know, Chakotay. There is still so much about Borg physiology that we don’t know about. Personally, I suspect not but I don’t know that we will ever convince him of that."

She fell silent. Chakotay sat watching her as she watched the baby. Finally, he said, "I am scheduled to go off duty. Why don’t I take Kathryn B’Elanna?"

"You?"

"Don’t think I can handle her, Captain?" Chakotay’s eyes were laughing.

She looked at him, a smile appearing on her lips, "Not at all, Chakotay. Actually, I would imagine you can handle her just fine."

She rose and lifted KB from the carrier and handed her to Chakotay. She removed the carrier and handed it to him also. He nestled the baby into his arm, "I’ll take her back to her quarters. You can find me there until the next babysitter shows up." He turned to leave, "If you need me to come back to the bridge, just give me a call."

"Thank you." She looked at him for a moment, then called to him as he prepared to leave, "Commander." He looked at her expectantly. "You and KB make a pretty picture." And she caught the image on a holo-imager. "Another one for the scrapbook."

He grinned at her and left. She put the holo-imager back on the desk. No one could go anywhere with the baby without a holo-image being taken. The entire ship was involved in putting together the scrapbook for Seven. She knew Seven would love the book. She just hoped…. No, she thought, Seven will love the book.

**

He was enjoying the amused faces as he walked through the corridors with the baby held against his shoulder. "We are attracting attention, Kathryn B’Elanna." He approached the door to the living quarters, keyed in his access code and entered. He stood a moment, looking around. The room had a spartan, yet comfortable feeling. He noticed the piece of art on the side table and went to put his hand on it. He had heard about this piece and wanted to experience it himself. He closed his eyes, appreciating the flow of peace and comfort he received from it. He could tell why Seven liked it so much. It gave her a peace she could not find in herself. Although things had been different once she knew she was pregnant.

"You gave your mother a great sense of peace and comfort, Kathryn B’Elanna. And you made your father one of the happiest beings I have ever seen. You’ve added a lot of happiness to the people on this ship. I’d say you were a wonderful gift." He dropped the carrier the Captain had given him on the sofa and crossed to the rocker where he sat down. He put KB in the crook of his arm and started to rock. 

"You have even made Captain Janeway smile more. If your mother were well, this ship would be a very happy place." He looked down at the baby, noticing how she was watching him. "You know, when you get to be a little older, I will help you find your animal guide. I think there is something spiritual about you that will need guidance. I think you are a very special young lady."

The doors opened and Tom came in. "I was wondering who was taking care of KB." He snapped a quick holo-image of Chakotay rocking KB. 

Chakotay laughed at him. "I took over for the Captain. She ran a little short on babysitters this morning."

"I thought she was having more trouble scheduling all the people standing in line waiting for their chance."

Chakotay shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe she just wanted to spend some time with Kathryn B’Elanna herself. I probably shouldn’t have been so quick to offer to take KB from her

"If the Captain had not wanted you to take KB, she would not have handed her over. I wouldn’t worry about it." Tom noticed the baby starting to get restless, "She’s acting hungry. It must be time for her bottle."

"How can you tell?"

"That’s the way she acts when she gets hungry."

"I would have thought she would cry."

"She doesn’t cry much. She is a pretty quiet baby."

Chakotay was up and preparing her bottle. When it was warm, he sat back down in the rocker to feed her. As she nursed, she watched his face with a surprising intensity. Chakotay’s eyes narrowed. Then he looked up at Tom, "It will be very interesting watching her grow up. I have the feeling she will be a unique individual."

Tom just nodded, "I know exactly what you mean."

**

Harry was thinking. He looked back over the work he had done, looking for anything he might have missed or forgotten. Staring at the screen in Astrometrics, he let his eyes wander, hoping to see something he had not seen the last ten times he looked at it. He dropped his eyes to the console in front of him, hoping for some response to the message he had sent out on every frequency he could think of. He was looking for a grain of sand on the beach.

He had been at this for almost two full days sleeping for only a couple of hours. The Captain had been in and out, trying to help. She was not pushing him but he knew they were running out of time. 

As he had done many times over the last two days, he stepped away from the console and turned his back to the screen to allow him a few minutes to clear his mind. He looked around the Astrometrics Lab and took a minute to think about the work that he and Seven had done in this place. This was the product of their work and he was proud of what they had accomplished. This was the first place he had seen past the Borg to the person. He remembered when she had cut her hand and her shock that it did not regenerate immediately. For the first time, she realized she was human. She had seen herself as weak. He had seen her vulnerability. At that moment, he knew he loved her. 

He looked around him. He could not imagine this place without her. He did not want to.

He turned back to his work. He had to find Kahkar Omarahn.

There had to be something else he could try. He reached to bring up the list of frequencies he had tried when he saw an incoming message. His heart jumped into his throat. Quickly, he downloaded the message and replayed it. To his dismay, it was badly garbled. He knew it had come in from a great distance. He adjusted the computer and replayed the message. The message was still garbled but he thought he could make out some of the words. He listened, his eyes closed in concentration. Then he heard a word he thought he recognized. He replayed it, again and again, adjusting the computer each time. Finally, he caught one clear sentence and he screamed in triumph.

"Voyager, this is Kahkar Omarahn."

Body tense, breathing deeply, he worked to unscramble the rest of the message.

**

The Captain was working beside him. He had contacted her and she had come immediately. Finally, he looked at her and said, "I think we are ready."

She nodded and watched him open the channel they had been working on. "This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager calling Kahkar Omarahn."

They listened to the incoming static. Suddenly, Harry nodded, indicating a response was incoming.

"Hello, Captain Janeway. This is Kahkar Omarahn." They looked at each other, big smiles on their faces. Their smiles were replaced by looks of surprise when they heard the rest of the message. "Is Seven of Nine still alive?"

The Captain replied, her voice shocked and tense, "Yes. For right now. How did you know?"

"Later. I need for you to send me all of the data you have on her."

Janeway gave Harry a look but he had already started to download all of the information they had and ready it for transmission. He glanced at her for permission to send and, receiving it, transmitted the information.

"Captain, we have been pursuing your ship since the baby was born." The Captain and Harry Kim exchanged wide-eyed looks. "We are almost three weeks behind you. We need for you to reverse course. I am having the coordinates transmitted to you."

There were a thousand questions Kathryn Janeway wanted to ask but she bit them back. There would be time for answers later. She watched as the information came in and hit her combadge, "Commander, Ensign Kim is sending you course adjustments. Set our course to them immediately."

"Captain?"

"I’ll explain later, Chakotay. Just do it. Warp nine."

"Aye, Captain,"

"Captain Omarahn, we are adjusting to the coordinates you sent us." She paused, almost afraid to ask her next question. "Is there anything we can do in the meantime?"

It was quiet for a few minutes. Instinctively, Janeway knew he was studying the data Harry had just transmitted. "Yes, Captain, this is what you should do."

**

They were studying the scans. B’Elanna did not think she had ever seen the Doctor’s face so desperate. Even Tuvok looked worried. She was starting to get scared. Nothing was working. No matter how many adjustments they made to the alcove it was not enough. The regeneration was not working and the Seven’s Borg systems were destabilizing more each second. 

The Doctor looked at B’Elanna, "I don’t know what else to do for her."

She didn’t know what to say to him. They had tried everything they could think of and things were only going from bad to worse. 

Suddenly, the Cargo Bay doors swished open and Captain Janeway rushed in. "Doctor, we need to get Seven out of her alcove immediately."

The Doctor looked at her in amazement, "What?"

"Doctor, Kahkar Omarahn says we have to stop the regeneration. It’s killing her."

"Kahkar?" The Doctor was incredulous.

Something started to materialize in the Cargo Bay. The Doctor, B’Elanna and Tuvok looked at the Captain expectantly as the stasis unit solidified in front of them. "Kahkar said we should put her in stasis until we reach each other." The three people in front of her did not move. She realized they were in shock. She walked up to the Doctor, trying as best as she could to keep her voice calm, "We have been in touch with Kahkar. He says you have to stop the regeneration process and get Seven in a stasis unit. He said it will maintain her until our ships can rendezvous."

"We are going to rendezvous with Kahkar?"

She took him by the arms and forced him to look at her. "Doctor, we can discuss this later. Right now, you have to get Seven out of the alcove and into the stasis unit." When the Doctor continued to stare at her, she tried a different approach, "Doctor, get her out of the alcove now!"

He shook himself and walked to stand next to Seven in the alcove. He looked back at the Captain, then spoke to B’Elanna, "Would you turn off the alcove?" While B’Elanna turned off the power to the alcove, he held Seven, not knowing what to expect once the power to the alcove was terminated.

Her eyes opened and she looked at him, confused. She stood for a moment, then started to fall into him. He grabbed her and lifted her. He carried her to the stasis unit where Janeway and Tuvok helped him settle her into it. Her eyes watched the people around her, then she looked up at the Doctor.

He smiled at her, then leaned down close to talk to her, "Seven, we are going to put you in stasis. You are having trouble regenerating. Kahkar is coming to take care of you. He will be here soon. You don’t have to worry about anything. You are going to be okay."

All she could do was look at him. He saw the look and knew she believed him. She trusted what he told her. Her eyes followed him as he closed the unit. The Captain set the controls to maintain her on minimum life levels and checked with the Doctor before activating the unit. The Doctor watched as Seven’s eyes closed. Captain Janeway watched the screens for a full five minutes, finally satisfied that Seven was stable and then raised her head to talk to the three people standing, looking at her for an explanation.

"She should be okay now. Kahkar said this should maintain her until he can get here." She looked at the Doctor, an encouraging smile on her face, "He thinks he knows what happened and that he can do something about it."

She could see all of the questions on the face of the Doctor. "Doctor, I am afraid I cannot answer all of your questions. Actually, I know very few answers. All I know is that Kahkar’s ship and Voyager will rendezvous in about ten days. Kahkar thinks he can help Seven and his instructions were to get her out of the alcove and into stasis. That is all I know."

The Doctor put his hands on the glass of the stasis unit and stood looking intently at his wife.

The Doctor was rocking Kathryn B’Elanna and B’Elanna was stretched out on the couch. They were both staring at the stasis unit that had been installed in the living quarters. 

"I can’t believe the regeneration was killing her." B’Elanna’s voice was soft and sad. "Who would have ever thought the thing that kept her alive almost killed her."

The Doctor was silent. She looked at him when he did not respond. He was staring at the stasis unit, his eyes sad and a defeated look on his face. His hand was on Kathryn B’Elanna’s stomach, rubbing it softly.

"Doctor?"

He lowered his head, not able to look at her.

She got up and kneeled next to his chair, her hand on his arm, "Doctor, you did everything you knew to do for her. You should not be upset with yourself."

"But I failed her. I couldn’t save her. B’Elanna, I almost killed her."

"Doctor, you still don’t know what went wrong. How can you blame yourself? You did everything you could." She reached out, took his face in her hand and forced him to look at her. "Seven herself would tell you that you should not blame yourself."

"No," he laughed ironically, "she would say that guilt was irrelevant."

B’Elanna laughed, "You’re right. She would." She looked over her shoulder at Seven, lying in the stasis unit and then back at the Doctor, "And soon, she will."

**

"Harry, do you think this will work?"

"To be honest with you, I don’t have any idea." Harry was working the transport controls, "But Kahkar says it will. If he says it will, that is good enough for me."

"Okay," the Captain said, "do it."

"Voyager to Captain Omarahn. Ready to transport."

"We are transporting now."

Harry watched the computer indicate that the transport had begun. Soon, he and the Captain saw two figures begin to materialize in front of them. Harry worked quickly to stabilize the transport beams and Kahkar and Ketaria Omarahn solidified before them. The Captain stepped up to greet them.

"Welcome back to Voyager. It is good to see you again."

Kahkar helped his wife step down from the transporter platform and reached out his hand in greeting to Captain Janeway. "It is good to be back, Captain. Thank you, Ensign Kim, for your fine work on the transporter controls."

"Captain Janeway, it is so good to see you." Ketaria offered both her hands to the Captain. "I hope you will understand if I am anxious to see the baby."

Janeway laughed, "I can certainly understand that." She looked up at Kahkar, "And I hope you know that we are anxious to hear what you know about Seven." She turned to lead the way out of the transporter room and her guests followed. "We have installed her stasis unit in their living quarters to make it easier for the Doctor to care for both her and Kathryn B’Elanna."

"What a beautiful name," exclaimed Ketaria. "So they did name her after you. They told me they were thinking about doing that. Where did the B’Elanna come from?"

"B’Elanna Torres is our chief engineer. I think you probably met her when she helped with the repairs on your ship. After you see the baby and the Doctor, I would like for you to join me for dinner and I will fill you in on all of the details."

"We would like that, Captain," Ketaria said. "I’ll look forward to it. After I see the baby."

Janeway grinned at her. She understood Ketaria’s excitement but she could see the worry behind her eyes. She, too, was concerned about Seven.

They arrived at the door to the living quarters and the Captain had the computer announce her presence. The doors opened and she walked in, the Omarahns behind her. The Doctor was still rocking Kathryn B’Elanna, his eyes focused on the stasis unit. He did not even look at the people who entered the room. B’Elanna was sleeping on the couch. 

The Captain walked into his line of vision, "Doctor, you have company."

His eyes turned from Seven to the Captain, "What?"

"I said you have company." 

He turned his head, "Kahkar! Ketaria!" He rose from the chair, "I don’t believe this. How did you get here?"

They both embraced him and Ketaria immediately turned her attention to the baby in his arms.

"Oh, she is beautiful. Please, may I hold her?" He handed the baby to her and she took the baby over to the stasis unit to look at Seven. "She looks just like her mother." 

"Kahkar," the Doctor could not stand not knowing any longer, "What happened to Seven? Why did the regeneration not work?"

"I will have to examine her in order to know for certain, but I think the chemical changes her body went through during the pregnancy caused her Borg implants to reverse polarity."

The Doctor looked at him, somewhat confused, "What? I never got any indication of that on the scans I did."

"You wouldn’t. The exterior polarity of her implants remained the same. It was the internal polarity that reversed. You would not have been able to read that on any of your scans. The reversed polarity caused her body to reject the regeneration. As a result, her body then tried to reject the implants."

"But you think you can help her."

"Yes. We do. We have been studying the problem and think we have a solution. We will have to take her to our ship and she will have to undergo a couple of weeks of treatment but we think we can reverse the problem. First, though, I need to examine her to make certain."

"Of course." He turned to allow Kahkar to approach the stasis unit.

B’Elanna had been sleeping through most of the conversation and woke to see the room filled with people. She rose from the sofa, the movement catching Ketaria’s attention. She turned to the sleepy engineer and looked at her intently. Then, she quickly crossed to her, "You are B’Elanna."

B’Elanna squinted at her, "Yes." 

Ketaria reached out for her and B’Elanna took her hand. As soon as they touched, B’Elanna took in a quick breath. She looked at the hand she was holding, a confused expression on her face. Ketaria smiled warmly at her.

"It was you I touched."

B’Elanna looked at the woman in front of her, feeling a warmth and intimacy toward her. "What?"

"When Kathryn B’Elanna was born," Ketaria explained, "Seven was in trouble and I reached out to send someone to her. It was you."

B’Elanna continued to look at her, still not following exactly what she was saying. Ketaria glanced back at her husband and the Doctor who were starting to examine Seven. She turned to the Captain, "Perhaps we could go into the bedroom and give them the privacy and time they need with Seven," she looked back to B’Elanna, "and I will explain everything."

"Of course," Janeway led the way into the bedroom. Ketaria started to follow, then stopped and indicated the rocker, "Could we bring that with us?"

B’Elanna nodded and picked it up, carrying into the bedroom. Ketaria immediately settled herself into it, rocking the baby whose face was turned towards hers, eyes watching her. Ketaria put one hand on the baby’s stomach and closed her eyes in concentration. After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at the Captain and B’Elanna who had seated themselves on the bed, "She is a special child."

Kathryn Janeway responded, "We certainly think so."

Ketaria started rocking, "I can tell how anxious both of you are so let me begin. First, when Seven went into labor, I knew something was wrong. I cannot tell you how. It is something I have wondered about many times, but Seven and I shared a special connection from the beginning and I have to believe that connection told me she needed help. Kahkar helped me concentrate and I reached out to try and reach someone on Voyager. It was the only thing I could think of since I did not believe we had the time to reach you in any other way. I knew I had reached someone but I did not know who." She gave B’Elanna a huge smile, "It was you. I know it was you. I sent you to her."

B’Elanna was skeptical but she remembered her confusion that day and the feeling that she was being driven somewhere without knowing where. Ketaria continued, "I felt your anger and I pushed it. Then I felt your fear."

B’Elanna’s eyes widened at the memory, starting to believe what she was being told. "Yes." She looked to her Captain, "I remember pacing around engineering, angry. I didn’t know what was wrong. I knew I had to go somewhere but I didn’t know where and I didn’t know why. I just started walking. I ended up in a turbolift and then I was running to Seven’s living quarters. I never knew why. I never understood it." She looked at Ketaria in amazement, "How did you do that?"

"I wish I knew." Ketaria laughed softly, eyes on the baby in her arms, "Sometimes I don’t understand these things myself. I have just learned to accept them and be thankful for them."

The Captain leaned forward, "Ketaria, can you explain to us what has happened with Seven."

She continued to rock and Janeway could see she was ordering her thoughts. Finally, she looked up, "Kahkar thinks the changes her body went through during the pregnancy caused a severe chemical imbalance in her Borg implants."

"How could he know that?"

A sad look crossed her face, "I didn’t know it, but Kahkar continued to study the information he had gathered on Seven during the times he examined her." She noticed the expressions on the women in front of her and explained her comment, "Kahkar first examined Seven to see if he could remove the rest of her Borg implants."

"What?" Kathryn Janeway was shocked.

"Yes. Seven wanted very much to have them removed. She did not say that, but I knew that is what she wanted. Seven would very much like to be fully human again." She lowered her head to gaze at the baby in her arms. The Captain and B’Elanna exchanged surprised, yet sad glances. Ketaria looked up and continued, "But Kahkar told her the implants that remained were critical to her survival. She accepted that but I knew how much it hurt her. 

"Then, when he worked with them to give them Kathryn B’Elanna, Kahkar collected a vast amount of information from the examinations he did on Seven. She knew he was doing that and agreed. She told him she hoped the information he would gain from her would help him release someone else from the Borg one day. I didn’t know this, but Kahkar continued to do studies on her Borg implants, trying as best as he could to replicate the chemical changes her body would go though during the pregnancy. I noticed he was concerned about her during the months of her pregnancy but I did not know why." She laughed, "We have been married long enough that he has learned how to keep some of his thoughts and emotions shielded from me and I have learned to respect his privacy in matters where I know he does not want me to go. He did not want to worry me. Plus," she leaned back into the rocker, "I think he was starting to relax and feel comfortable that she was going to be all right.

"Then, I knew Seven was in a crisis and he helped me reach out to touch you. Kahkar immediately went to his lab afterward. He worked all night." She got a far-off look in her eyes, "The next morning, he woke me and told me we were changing course to find you immediately. He knew Seven was in danger and that if we did not find you, she would die."

"But we were thousands of light years apart," Janeway’s voice was tense, "how could you get so close to us so fast?"

"Kahkar is very resourceful," Ketaria said, proudly, "first we used a worm hole. Then, Kahkar brought a Borg transwarp coil on line."

"You had a transwarp coil?"

"Yes. We had managed to recover one and were studying it. He ordered it brought on line and here we are." 

"I don’t know how to thank you enough."

Ketaria had a pensive look on her face, "Kahkar would have done anything. He felt such guilt over what happened."

Janeway was surprised, "Guilt? Why?"

"Kahkar thought he should have done more to try to talk Seven out of getting pregnant. He felt that it would have been his fault had she died. He thought he got caught up in the excitement of the three of us and that clouded his professional responsibility toward her."

Janeway and B’Elanna sat quiet. Then, B’Elanna spoke, "I don’t think Kahkar could have talked Seven out of anything. She accepted the risk."

Ketaria nodded her head. "I know and I tried to tell him that. But he still felt guilty." Then, she brightened, "However, it was that guilt that drove him to find a solution to her problem."

At that moment, Kahkar appeared in the door, a broad smile on his face, "I have good news. We can help her. We only need to get her back to our ship." He walked over to his wife who handed the baby to him. He looked down at the face of the child in his arms, "Soon, young lady, your mother will be well and you will be back in her arms."

**

They were sitting in the living quarters, Ketaria in the rocking chair with Kathryn B’Elanna, the Captain and B’Elanna on the sofa, Kahkar sitting in the chair across from them and the Doctor with a chair pulled between Kahkar and Ketaria. Kahkar was explaining the procedure Seven would go through.

"We will treat her with a very concentrated electromagnetic impulse lasers to re-polarize her implants internally. We will do this on her nanoprobes also. Then, once we have all of her implants re-polarized internally, we will check to make certain that all the implants and nanoprobes are still accurately polarized externally. We will also be monitoring her biochemical system to make certain we do not have a chemical imbalance again. It will be an intense therapy but I have every reason to think it will be successful.

"This process will take at least two weeks. We will take her to our ship. It will be necessary to wait until our ships are close and we will take her aboard on a shuttle. It is not safe to transport her right now. I think it would be best if we keep her sedated and unconscious during this time."

The Doctor looked at him, "Kahkar, that means Seven will be separated from Kathryn B’Elanna for over a month. I am worried about her state of mind during recovery when she realizes they have been separated for so long."

Kahkar looked at him sympathetically, "I understand, Doctor, but we cannot risk upsetting her before the treatment is completed. Being upset exacerbates her chemical imbalance. It is important we keep her calm and sedated during this time."

Ketaria eyed her husband intently during the conversation. He looked at her, a cautious look appearing on his face. Ketaria stood and went to stand next to the stasis unit, placing her hand on it and concentrating. Kahkar watched her carefully. Then she opened her eyes and turned to look at her husband.

Kahkar sighed. "Ketaria, it is not a good idea."

"She needs her. And Kathryn B’Elanna needs her mother. We have another way."

"But it will take longer."

"But it will be a better way."

"I am afraid Seven will not be able to manage such a long period of restriction."

"Kahkar," she crossed to him, "I will be here to help her. I can keep her calm. She will do what we tell her if it means she is near Kathryn B’Elanna."

The Doctor was listening to the conversation intently. He was not certain exactly what they were discussing, but he quickly affirmed Ketaria’s comment, "Seven did everything right during her pregnancy. She did everything right during the days following the pregnancy. She will do everything right to recover. She is Borg, remember? She strives for perfection. You will not have to worry about her."

The Captain stood, "Kahkar, I can assure you, we will all be here to help you and to help Seven. She will recover faster here on Voyager."

"We saw her through the pregnancy and we will see her through this," B’Elanna’s voice was firm.

Kahkar looked from face to face, finishing with his wife. He sighed deeply, "Well, since we will not be taking Seven to our ship, I see no reason for us not to start transporting what we need here."

**

It took them a full four days to transport everything they needed to Voyager. They set up the equipment in the living quarters after the Doctor argued Seven would be more comfortable there. It was difficult to move in the small living area with all of the equipment but it was manageable. The Doctor was standing next to Seven’s stasis unit, watching the face of his wife. He glanced up at Ketaria, "It will be good to talk to her tomorrow."

Ketaria smiled at him wistfully, "You realize she will not be able to talk to you. She will be awake but she will not be able to communicate with you directly. I can facilitate communication between you."

"It will be enough for me."

"Doctor, have you prepared the rest of the crew? Do they realize what the next weeks will be like?"

He nodded. Kahkar had explained the process to him and he had made certain everyone who came into contact with Seven was aware of the details. "They are ready." He looked up from Seven, "They will handle this, Ketaria. You do not need to worry about the crew on Voyager."

She smiled at him, "I know I don’t, Doctor." She walked up to him, "What about you?"

Her question caught him by surprise, "Me?"

"Yes, you. Are you going to be all right with this?"

"Of course. I am a doctor. I can handle this."

"But she is your wife."

The Doctor blinked at her, "But I am a professional. I can…." His shoulders slumped and he sighed. "I am scared. And I am worried. I want to save her from what I know she will have to endure the next few weeks."

"Doctor, what she will go through will make her better. Seven will endure it. And I will be here to help her." She reached out to grab his arm, "I will be here for both of you."

The Captain and B’Elanna paced outside of the quarters as they waited for the doors to open. Ketaria was holding Kathryn B’Elanna, watching the two women pace. The Doctor and Kahkar had been in the quarters for the better part of two hours hooking Seven up to the equipment that had been transported over from the science ship. As soon as they finished, Kahkar had said they would awaken Seven and allow her to spend time with Kathryn B’Elanna. Ketaria knew Kahkar would want her near Seven when they woke her. She was standing, concentrating, trying to center herself and her energy. She knew the first few moments of Seven awakening would be intense. They had decided Seven would be calmer if she could see Kathryn B’Elanna when she awoke. She felt Kahkar approach and took a deep breath preparing for what was to come. When the doors opened, she turned and entered, followed by Janeway and B’Elanna. 

Seven was in a modified biobed, the head raised slightly. She had a breathing apparatus on her face, covering her mouth and nose, fitting just below her eyes. She was attached to a large machine by a number of tubes and intravenous lines. She was currently restrained in the bed. Ketaria knew Kahkar hoped the restraints would not be needed for long but he felt them necessary at first. He legs were covered by a large metallic platform. Ketaria knew this platform would slide up to cover her entire body during the actual therapy that would last for hours each day. 

Ketaria turned and handed the baby to the Captain. She could see the shock on the Captain’s face. As much as they had tried to prepare everyone, she knew the sight of Seven in the bed was still unnerving. She indicated the Captain should stand close to the bed so Seven would be able to see her baby as soon as she was awakened. Ketaria walked to the head of the bed and placed her hand on Seven’s shoulder, again closing her eyes in concentration. She opened her eyes and looked to Kahkar, nodding her head that she was ready.

Kahkar looked at the Doctor who stood on the opposite side of the bed from Ketaria and the Doctor administered a mild stimulant to waken her.

Her eyes opened slowly. She looked around the room, struggling to focus on the people around her. She saw Ketaria, her confusion obvious. Her eyes moved to see the Doctor and he could see the questions in her eyes. He watched Ketaria and knew she was working hard to calm Seven. Seven’s eyes continued to look around the room and stopped when she saw Kathryn Janeway with Kathryn B’Elanna in her arms.

Ketaria turned to the Captain, "She wants her child. Please bring the baby." Ketaria took the baby from the Captain and laid her on Seven’s chest. The Doctor noticed how Seven’s eyes immediately became more peaceful. 

Kahkar walked up to Seven and started to talk to her, "Hello, Seven. It is good to see you again. Ketaria and I are here to take care of you and we are going to help you get well. You just need to trust us and concentrate on getting well. We will take care of the rest. I will explain more to you later. Right now, I just need for you to stay calm and to be as still as possible. We will make certain that you get to spend time with Kathryn B’Elanna every day and one of us will be with you all the time. But the most important thing for you to remember is that you will get better."

Ketaria had her eyes closed during this time. Once Kahkar finished, she looked up at him, "She understands you. She will do as you say."

"Good. Seven, for right now, I just want you to enjoy being with the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Okay?"

Seven looked at him and blinked once. Ketaria laughed, "She says yes. Blinking once is yes." Seven blinked once again.

Kahkar chuckled, "The Doctor was absolutely right about you. You will be a very good patient."

Seven blinked once.

The Doctor leaned over her, kissing her on the forehead. "It is good to have you back. I have missed you."

She blinked.

"Are you comfortable?"

She blinked twice. The Doctor looked at Ketaria, "I assume that is no?"

Ketaria nodded, a smile on her face, "She says she was more comfortable as a Borg than right now."

The Doctor chuckled, "Well, it won’t last long."

Seven tried to look down at the baby on her chest and then to Ketaria.

Ketaria’s eyes softened, "No, Seven, you will not be able to hold her for a little while. You still should not move right now. But that will get better and, in the meantime, she can sleep on you just like she is doing now. We will work out something better later."

Seven blinked once. Then, she looked to Ketaria and a silent communication passed between them. Ketaria nodded to her but she did not share the conversation. She turned to the Captain and B’Elanna, "Seven would like to spend some time with the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Why don’t we move over here. Kahkar, you also." She led the way to the sitting area and the three of them followed. Ketaria continued to watch the family across the room. She put her hand on her husband’s arm, "This was the right thing to do, Kahkar."

**

The metal platform was extended to cover Seven’s entire body. Kahkar had administered a sedative to keep her calm. Still, Ketaria could feel Seven’s struggle during the treatment. She concentrated, trying to project a calming influence over her. Kahkar could see that his wife was starting to tire. The treatment had been going on for over four hours. 

He watched the indicators on his screen and nodded to the Doctor. "I think they have both had enough for today." He keyed in the commands and the humming that pervaded the room started to diminish and finally was silenced. Then, the platform that covered Seven’s body started to retract. 

The Doctor moved to be next to Seven so she would be able to see him as soon as the retracting platform allowed her to do so. Her eyes sought him immediately. She was trying to tell him that she was all right but he could tell how difficult the treatment had been for her. 

Ketaria moved to stand next to the Doctor. "She says it is as it must be to be in a coffin but she is adapting."

Seven blinked and she tried as best she could to smile at him with her eyes. He leaned over her and kissed her forehead.

"She wants Kathryn B’Elanna." She turned to Kahkar, "Is it safe to bring her in?"

They had decided the baby needed to be away from the living quarters during Seven’s treatment time. They thought it would be safer for her not to be near any of the equipment when it was activated. 

"I think it would be safe. Why don’t you have the Captain bring her in?"

The Doctor touched his combadge, "The Doctor to Captain Janeway."

"Janeway here."

"Seven would like to have Kathryn B’Elanna with her. Could you bring her?"

"Of course, I am on my way. Janeway out."

He smiled at her, "She will be here in a few minutes. Can I do anything for you?"

Seven blinked twice. The Doctor brushed her hair back, then ran the back of his hand down the side of her jaw, just below the breathing apparatus. He glanced back at Ketaria before asking, "Seven, are you in any pain?"

She just looked at him and did not blink. 

Ketaria moved to stand on the opposite side of the bed and placed her hands on Seven’s arm, careful not to touch any of the many tubes in and around her body. "Doctor, she is uncomfortable. But it is manageable."

The Doctor knew the procedure caused some pain, which was the main reason Kahkar wanted to keep her heavily sedated but even Seven had argued, through Ketaria, that she would be better with only a mild sedative. "If you need anything, you should let me know. We can manage the pain."

Seven blinked twice. He nodded.

The doors opened and the Captain walked in with Kathryn B’Elanna in the body carrier. "Good morning, all." The Captain’s voice filled the room. "We have had a wonderful morning on the bridge. Kathryn B’Elanna is going to make a great starship captain one day." She was laughing as she lifted the baby from her carrier and laid her on Seven’s chest. The baby stretched her hand to touch the side of her mother’s face not covered by the breathing apparatus and fell asleep immediately. Seven sighed and did the same.

**

Ketaria sensed someone at the door. She smiled, knowing who was it was. She moved to open it and held her finger to her lips at the small figure standing in the corridor.

"Seven is sleeping," she whispered, "but you may come in."

Naomi Wildman entered, hesitant. Ketaria could feel her fear and her determination. She reached down and took the small hand. "Come, I will take you to her." She held the hand tighter, "There is no reason to be afraid, Naomi. Seven is okay. Regardless of how she looks."

Naomi looked up at her, knowing she could trust this person. Never the less, she grasped the hand tighter as they approached the bed. She was surprised by what she saw. She looked up at Ketaria, her face growing more and more shocked as they got closer.

Ketaria felt her growing fear and stopped her short of the bed. "Naomi, she is not in pain. You must understand, Seven is okay." She knelt down to look at the small child, "Naomi, look at me. This is necessary to save her life. Seven knows this. This is acceptable to her."

Naomi looked at her, the words starting to sink in. "She is Borg. She will adapt." Her voice was slightly shaking.

"Yes." Ketaria laughed softly. "She is Borg. She is adapting. You do not have to worry. This is making her well."

Naomi breathed deeply and Ketaria could feel her fear subsiding but knew the child was still upset. "Come, let me explain everything to you. I think you will be interested in what we are doing." She held Naomi back from the bed and started to explain the machines around her.

"This is the electromagnetic pulse generator. It powers the lasers that we are using to re-polarize her implants. Right now, we are working to re-polarize them internally. Once that is done, we will start the process over again but then we will re-polarize them externally if necessary. In the meantime, this machine generates the air she breathes through the breathing apparatus she is wearing. It provides an enhanced source of oxygen that is medicated and chemically balanced. There is also a tube inside that is inserted down her throat. That tube allows us to make certain she is receiving proper nourishment. Through the intravenous tubes, we are flushing her blood of the chemical imbalance that caused part of her problems and treating her nanoprobes." The more Ketaria explained exactly what they were doing to Seven, the more interested Naomi became and the more her fear subsided. Instinctively, Ketaria knew Naomi would react to this approach positively.

"Would you like to go closer?"

Naomi hesitated, then nodded, slowly. Ketaria tightened her grip on the small hand and moved her slowly toward Seven. She was very concerned that the child would be frightened. But Naomi finally saw past the machines and the tubes to the face of her friend. Ketaria felt Naomi start to pull away from her grip and allowed their hands to separate, watching the child carefully. Naomi walked up to the bed and gazed at Seven’s face. Ketaria’s eyes narrowed in concentration. She could feel the bond Naomi felt with Seven and she started to relax. Suddenly, Seven sighed and her eyes opened. They opened and closed a few times as Seven drifted in and out of sleep. Finally, they opened for good and she moved them to look around the room. Ketaria saw them focus on her and then watched as they drifted toward the small figure standing uncertainly next to her bed. The eyes widened and looked quickly toward Ketaria for a moment before going back to Naomi.

"She is happy to see you," Ketaria told Naomi.

Naomi looked surprised. "Really?"

Seven looked at Ketaria again briefly, then moved her eyes back to Naomi.

"Yes. She has missed you. She is glad you are here."

Naomi looked at Ketaria. "How do you know that?"

Ketaria laughed, "Seven is telling me."

"What?"

"Naomi, I am telepathic. I know what people are thinking."

"Do you know what I am thinking?"

"I can. If I want to. But I try to respect people’s privacy and not read their minds."

"But you are reading Seven’s?"

"Sort of. Seven is sending me her thoughts so I can tell you what she wants me to tell you."

"She told you to tell me that she missed me?"

"Yes, she did."

Naomi looked to Seven. "You really missed me?"

Seven blinked.

Ketaria said, "One blink means yes."

Naomi’s eyes teared. "But I didn’t think you wanted me around anymore."

Seven’s eyes opened wide, then she quickly blinked twice, looking to Ketaria to translate.

"Naomi, two blinks means no. And Seven doesn’t want you to think she doesn’t want you around." Seven concentrated on Ketaria for a moment and then looked to Naomi. "Seven wants you to know she cares about you very much. You are very special to her." 

Tears ran down Naomi’s face, "Really?"

Seven blinked, her eyes looking at the child in front of her. A tear started to trickle down Seven’s cheek. Naomi reached and wiped it away, then leaned over and kissed Seven on the forehead. Seven’s eyes sought Ketaria’s again.

"She says thank you. And she wishes she could also kiss you."

Naomi gave her another kiss and said, "You will. Soon."

Seven blinked.

Naomi looked at the tubes around Seven’s body. She knew what Ketaria had told her but she had to ask, "Does it hurt?"

Once again, Seven’s eyes went to Ketaria for a long moment, then held Naomi’s as Ketaria related Seven’s thoughts, "She says it is not comfortable, but it does not hurt. She is adapting. She says it would help her if you came by to visit her. It would help her pass the time." Seven closed her eyes for a moment and Ketaria laughed, "She also says it would be fun to play some Kotis Kot if you can find the time."

"Absolutely," said a delighted Naomi. Then she leaned forward, "But I will only play one of you at a time."

**

Kahkar was reading the diagnostics from the day’s treatment and Ketaria was having a silent communication with Seven. The Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna were sleeping in the bedroom. 

Kahkar walked over to the biobed, "The news is good, Seven. You are progressing well. Actually, you are doing better than I thought you would." He looked at Ketaria, "Yes, my dear, I will say it. You were absolutely right. Treating Seven here was the right thing to do." He looked proudly at Seven, "You are a wonderful patient."

Ketaria laughed, "She says thank you but she is Borg and what else would you expect?"

"It is good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor." Kahkar laughed. He started to go back to his diagnostics when he stopped and turned to face Seven. "You have something you want to ask me." It was a statement.

Seven blinked. She knew Ketaria could not keep everything from her husband. She blinked at Ketaria, giving her permission to talk to Kahkar.

"She would like to nurse Kathryn B’Elanna."

Kahkar frowned and Seven watched him fearfully. He went back to look at the diagnostics and studied them for a long time. Seven knew he was giving her request careful consideration. Finally, he stepped back and said, "Seven, if you do that, I think it will probably extend your treatment by at least a week."

Seven looked away and gave his words careful consideration. Finally, she sighed and looked to Ketaria to give her the words to share with Kahkar but he stopped her. 

"Never mind. I already know what you are going to say." He smiled at her. "You two make quite a team. I should know by now not to argue with you."

**

Tuvok pushed the stroller through the corridors of the ship. He was aware of the smiles around him but chose to ignore them. Tom had replicated the stroller and it was a common sight to see someone pushing KB around Voyager in it. The Vulcan, however, attracted everyone’s attention. He knew Seven would have many holo-images of his stroll with KB.

He arrived at his quarters and pushed the stroller inside and up to the table in front of his sofa. He lit a candle in the center of the table and sat on the sofa, opposite the baby. She was watching his movement. He pushed the candle toward her and her eyes settled on the flame. He watched her as he moved the candle from side to side, her eyes following the flame. He raised an eyebrow then moved to lift her from the stroller.

"You are a remarkable child. As you grow, I will work with you to help you develop your inner self." He moved with her to look out of the window into space, "I suspect I may have something to learn from you." He looked at the child in his arms, the hint of a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "You are making me miss my own children."

The voice filled the room, "Ketaria to Commander Tuvok."

"Tuvok here."

"We have finished treatment for the day."

"I will bring Kathryn B’Elanna immediately."

"Thank you, Tuvok."

He took a moment, standing with the baby in his arms and allowing himself to reflect on his own family. Then, he sighed and squared his shoulders. "Melancholy is a manageable emotion. But," he looked into the face of the baby, "it is one even I allow myself from time to time."

He placed her in her stroller and pushed her out of the doors. When he reached Seven’s quarters, he had the computer announce his presence and the doors opened for him immediately. Seven was watching the doors intently, and he saw her eyes brighten when he pushed Kathryn B’Elanna in. He pushed the stroller toward her bed. 

Hello, Commander.

He raised his eyebrow in surprise. He had heard the greeting in his head. He responded with his mind. 

Hello, Seven, how are you doing?

I am doing much better. Thank you. 

Was your treatment tolerable today?

I am…adapting to it. It is still not a pleasant experience. But it is necessary in order for me to recover.

Seven, I must admit you have surprised me. I did not realize you were telepathic.

I do not believe that I am. I think this is a temporary situation brought about by my current incapacitation and Ketaria’s presence. 

It would not be unusual for some senses to take over when other senses are lost.

Yes. Since my mind is the only part of my body I have any control of right now, it makes sense that my mental capacity would strengthen.

Is that difficult for you?

My incapacitation?

Yes.

I will admit it is extremely difficult. Ketaria is helping me. Still, I find my current situation very frustrating. Kahkar has told me I must expend as little energy as possible so as not to endanger the balance between my body and my implants. Being so still all day is not easy. I prefer this, however, to being totally sedated. At least this allows me to be close to the Doctor and to Kathryn B’Elanna.

Is there anything I can do to help you?

Thank you, but I do not think there is anything you can do.

I could work with you on meditation techniques to make it easier for you.

That would be nice, Tuvok. I would like that. Thank you.

He noticed her eyes looked weak so he stepped closer to the bed and spoke, "Seven, you should not tire yourself out. Even telepathy requires energy. You must rest."

She blinked. He turned and lifted Kathryn B’Elanna from the stroller and laid her on her mother’s chest. The baby put her hand to her mouth and lay there. Seven looked up at Tuvok gratefully. She closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

Tuvok turned as Ketaria came in from the bedroom. She smiled at him. "I thought it would be good for the two of you to enjoy a private conversation."

"Thank you. Seven surprised me."

"Good. She wanted to surprise you. She has been practicing for a while." Ketaria went to sit on the sofa, inviting Tuvok to sit in the chair opposite her. "You are a very special person to her, Tuvok."

He glanced back at the biobed and then turned his attention back to Ketaria.

She continued, "I know how much you have helped her. She really appreciates what you have done for her."

"Hers has been a difficult struggle. Not many people would have been strong enough to successfully separate from the Borg, especially after being assimilated as a child and raised by the Borg. It would be difficult enough for someone who had an established identify but Seven has had to not only regain her humanity but find herself as a person. It has not always been an easy path." 

"She is a unique individual."

"I have often wondered who she would have been had she not been taken by the Borg."

"So does she."

Tuvok slightly started at her words and, after a moment, slowly nodded his head. Then, he turned to watch the figure sleeping on the biobed.

Harry Kim entered, almost reluctantly. He had been told that Seven’s appearance would be shocking. He had not been certain he wanted to see her but finally decided he should visit. Ketaria could sense his discomfort.

"Ensign Kim. She will be glad to see you. I must warn you, today’s was a very long treatment and she is exhausted. She may not be awake much longer."

"That’s fine. I just wanted to tell her hello."

"Come. I will facilitate the conversation with you. If that is acceptable?"

"Please." He followed Ketaria to Seven’s bedside.

"Hello, Seven." His voice broke as he spoke. The sight of her was more upsetting than he thought it would be. He tried to recover, embarrassed.

Seven’s eyes were surprised and she held his intently.

Ketaria spoke, "She says you should not be upset, Harry."

Harry looked sharply at Ketaria, "What did she say exactly?"

"She said, ‘Harry, do not be upset.’"

He looked at Seven, "You have never called me Harry before."

"She says it seemed an appropriate thing to do just now."

"Thank you. I think I like that. How are you doing today?"

"She is well. She is tired right now but is feeling better every day."

"I would like to tell you that you are looking great but I have to admit that I have seen you look better." He smiled at her.

Her eyes danced with delight. Ketaria laughed and relayed the message, "Seven thanks you for the joke and for your honesty. She imagines she looks a little horrid right now."

"No, Seven," Harry said quickly, "even trussed up like you are right now, you are still the most beautiful person I have ever seen." As soon as he realized what he said, his eyes went wide and he blushed deeply.

Seven’s eyes went to Ketaria and she nodded, "Seven thanks you for trying to make her feel better. She says you are a good friend."

Harry nodded, uncomfortable after his outburst. Seven saw the look on his face and sent a message to Ketaria.

"Seven would like for you to tell her what is going on in Astrometrics. She is missing her work."

Harry brightened, "Of course. I’ll be glad to."

Before he could start, Ketaria said, "If it is okay with you, Ensign Kim, I will take Kathryn B’Elanna and go for a walk. If you need me, simply call me." She looked down at Seven, "Will that be okay with you?"

Seven blinked once and Ketaria patted her arm and left to go get Kathryn B’Elanna. Seven looked back to Harry and he could tell she was waiting for him to start.

He started talking, telling her everything he could think of that had or was happening in the Astrometrics Lab. He could tell she was enjoying hearing about the work he was doing. He liked how intently she watched his face. Without realizing, he reached out to take her hand. He sat, holding it, continuing his one-sided conversation. Every once in a while, he would ask her a question with a simple yes or no answer that she could respond to but for the most part, he simply talked. Soon, he noticed her eyes were closed and he realized she was sleeping. Then, he noticed he was still holding her hand. He lifted it and held it with both of his and looked at her face, his tinged in sorrow.

"Seven?" He waited to see if she would open her eyes but she didn’t. He lifted her hand carefully to his lips and kissed it. Nothing. Then, he stood and kissed her softly on the forehead and sat back down. "I love you, Seven. I have from the beginning and I suspect I always will. But I am happy for you. I am glad you found someone you could love." He paused, his eyes tearing, "I just wish it could have been me."

He sat back, watching her sleep. In a little while, Ketaria came back with Kathryn B’Elanna. Harry stood immediately, "I need to report for duty."

"I know Seven appreciated your visit. And I thank you for sitting with her so I could take a little walk."

"My pleasure." He looked back at Seven, "I’ll go now." He lingered for a moment, then left.

Ketaria lifted Kathryn B’Elanna from the stroller and put her on her mother, whose eyes opened. She started communicating with Ketaria immediately.

Is Harry gone?

Yes.

I am afraid I fell asleep on him.

He knew you were tired.

Ketaria hesitated, shielding her thoughts from Seven but then decided to ask her question.

Did you know?

She could hear all of Seven’s thoughts but waited for Seven to respond to her.

No, I was unaware of his feelings.

He is in love with you.

I know.

Seven looked at the baby on her chest and then looked back to Ketaria.

What should I do?

You should do nothing. There is nothing you can do. You do not return his love.

Seven nodded her head slightly, her eyes sad. She looked at Ketaria.

Being able to know another’s thoughts is not always a good thing.

Ketaria laughed and reached to brush a stray strand of hair back from Seven’s face. "You are absolutely right about that." 

**

"Well, we have had a wonderful day in engineering," B’Elanna was carrying a very sleepy Kathryn B’Elanna. "I think she is ready for a long nap. I will just put her in her crib." She walked into the bedroom. 

Seven and Ketaria exchanged knowing looks and Ketaria nodded. Seven breathed deeply, working to center herself as Tuvok had been teaching her. 

Finally, B’Elanna came out of the bedroom, "She is changed and sound asleep." She laughed, "She is going to make a great Chief Engineer one day." She clasped her hands together, self-conscious, "Well, I have a lot of work to do so I had better get going." She moved toward the door, "I’ll see you later."

Ketaria called to her, "B’Elanna, Seven would like for you to visit a minute."

B’Elanna stopped, her back to them, but her hesitation obvious. She slowly turned, a forced smile on her face, "I’d like to visit, too, but I really do have a lot of work to do. Maybe later. Okay?"

Ketaria moved to the foot of the biobed, "Seven knows you are busy but she would really appreciate your taking a few minutes for her."

B’Elanna lowered her head, thinking. Finally, she looked up, "I guess I can manage a few minutes." She walked slowly to the bed, her eyes looking everywhere but at Seven. "So, how are you doing?"

"Seven says she is doing well. She wants to know how you are doing."

"Me? I’m doing great. Why would she ask about me?"

"Because she is concerned about you."

B’Elanna crossed her arms in front of her, "Now why would she be worried about me?"

"Why don’t you ask her that yourself?"

B’Elanna just looked at Ketaria and then cut her eyes away from the biobed. She lifted her head quickly and took a deep breath, "Look, I really do need to get back to work. I’ll come back for a visit later."

Ketaria reached for her arm but B’Elanna pulled away. Ketaria said, "B’Elanna, please. Seven wants you to look at her. She needs for you to know she is all right."

B’Elanna backed away, her head down and away from Seven, "I’m sorry. I can’t." B’Elanna’s voice started to crack, "I cannot look at her like that. I cannot stand to see her like that." She was backing toward the door, "Seven, I’m sorry. But I can’t." She almost ran out of the doors.

Ketaria moved back to Seven’s side and placed her hands on her shoulder, concentrating to calm her. "I am sorry, Seven."

I should not have insisted. She is not ready.

Seven was quiet and lay with her eyes closed. Then she opened them and looked up at Ketaria.

Do I look that bad?

I will not lie to you. You are not a very pretty site. But I don’t think your appearance alone is what is so upsetting to B’Elanna.

Do you know what is? Are you willing to tell me?

In the short time since Ketaria had been working with her, Seven had learned much about respecting the private thought of others. She did not want to ask more of Ketaria than she could share.

It is your confinement that bothers her more than your appearance.

My confinement?

Yes, the idea of having to endure what you are enduring is horrifying to her. You are living her worst nightmare.

I had no idea.

People often do not share their greatest fears with other people. Our private horrors are usually closely kept secrets.

Seven fell silent again. Ketaria gave her the privacy of her own thoughts.

I miss her.

She was silent again, then she continued.

We were not friends when I came on Voyager. We are still very much like oil and water.

Or fire and ice?

Yes. Seven laughed mentally. We are opposite ends of the spectrum. But she has become someone special to me. I would not be alive today if it were not for B’Elanna. And she loves Kathryn B’Elanna almost as much as I do. If something happens to me, I take great comfort in knowing that she will be there for Kathryn B’Elanna. 

Seven, she will have to work out her own demons and you will have to respect her need to do so.

I know. I am just sorry I am causing her pain.

Ketaria reached for Seven’s hand and held it tightly. 

**

The Doctor was sitting next to her. It was late and Kahkar and Ketaria were sleeping in the bedroom. Both were exhausted. Seven’s therapy was reaching a level that required a lot of work from both of them but Kahkar felt they had finally reached a mid-point in the therapy and was pleased with their success. The Doctor was holding her hand.

"I miss you."

Seven blinked once.

"I want you to know that this has only made me love you more. I would never have thought that possible, but it is true."

Seven blinked, one long blink.

He chuckled. "Tuvok tells me you are getting quite good at your telepathy."

She blinked.

He rubbed her hand and looked down at the bed, "I wish it were possible for us to communicate like that."

She watched him.

"One of the disadvantages of having a hologram for a husband, I guess." He laughed but she knew he did not think it was funny. He paused before continuing, "Do you ever think about that, Seven? Do you ever think that I am nothing but a computer program and photonic particles and force fields? That I am not even a real person?" He looked at his wife, "Does that ever bother you, Seven?"

She did not know what to do. His questions required more than just a blink of her eyes. Did she think about it? Yes, of course she did. It was their reality. Did she wish he were real? Yes, she had wished that. The same way she wished she were not Borg. But it was because he was a hologram and she was a Borg that they were together. However much she wished different lives for both of them, she was grateful for what brought them together. She did the only thing she knew to do. She tightened her grip on his hand and, as much as she could, pulled him to her.

"Seven, no. It’s all right. I understand what you are trying to tell me."

She continued to pull, working her fingers up his sleeve, trying to pull him closer to her.

"Seven, no."

She blinked once.

He shook his head at her.

She blinked once again.

"You need to lie still."

She started to struggle, grasping his arm.

"Seven, stop."

She blinked twice.

He could see the determination in her eyes. "Okay, Seven. Please stop. I know what you are telling me and I understand what you want. I don’t think it is a good idea."

She blinked.

He sighed. He knew she would not rest until he did what she wanted him to do. "You win. Now, you do not move. Let me handle this."

As carefully as he could, he moved the tubes and connections out of the way and gingerly sat on the side of the bed. Then, he slowly stretched himself out to lie beside her. He arranged her arms across her stomach, then lifted her head so he could put his arm underneath. Then, he pulled her to him. He felt her sigh deeply. 

"Is this what you wanted?"

She blinked.

"I love you."

She blinked.

"And you love me."

She squeezed her eyes tightly then opened them to look into his.

He never felt more real.

**

The Captain entered the living quarters, "Look at you!"

Seven smiled at her. The breathing apparatus was gone as were most of the tubes connecting her to the machines. The metal platform was still over her legs and would stay there until they were completely finished with her therapy. She was sitting, holding Kathryn B’Elanna. The Doctor was close by since he knew Seven was very weak and would not be able to hold the baby for long. 

"You look wonderful." The Captain was smiling from ear to ear. "It is so good to see you like this."

"It is good to be like this," Seven spoke in a barely audible whisper.

The Doctor stepped forward, "Her throat is irritated from the feeding tube. It will take a couple of days for her to get her voice back." He smiled at his wife, "But even a whisper is beautiful to me. Captain, do you have a few minutes?"

"Yes, actually, I do."

"Could I ask you to stay with Seven? I need to take care of a few things in Sickbay."

"Of course. I would love to."

He kissed Seven on the cheek, "I won’t be long." He walked toward the doors, "Oh, Captain, no matter what she tries to tell you, she is not to hold Kathryn B’Elanna for more than five more minutes."

"Yes, Doctor," the Captain replied, laughing. Seven gave her a sly look. The Captain pointed her finger at her, "No, Seven, resistance is futile!" She pulled a chair up to sit next to the biobed. "As much better as you look, I know you are looking forward to getting out of that bed." Seven nodded. "I don’t know how you managed almost a month of this therapy."

"It has not been easy." She spoke so softly that the Captain had to strain to hear her. "But I preferred this to being away from my family."

Kathryn Janeway’s eyes narrowed. That was the first time she had heard Seven refer to the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna in that manner. My family. She thought those were beautiful words. "Tell me, how do you feel?"

"I feel good. I am weak but I really feel good."

"When will you try the alcove?"

Seven frowned, "Sometime within the week. Kahkar says we will make that decision from day to day."

"Are you worried about regenerating?"

She closed her eyes and nodded her head, "Yes, Captain. We will not know for certain if the therapy worked until I am able to successfully regenerate. These," she indicated the tubes still connecting her to the machines, "are sustaining me now but I will have to be able to regenerate. I am Borg. My life depends on it." She fell silent and the Captain could tell she was exhausted.

"Here, I think it is time I take Kathryn B’Elanna." She rose and took the baby from Seven’s arms. She noticed that Seven did not offer any resistance. "I think this baby has seen more of Voyager lately than I have. From what I hear, she has been all over the ship."

Seven leaned her head back on the pillow and smiled, listening to the Captain’s voice. "Tom thinks she will be a wonderful pilot. Tuvok is convinced she will be a security officer. Chakotay thinks she has a great spiritual center. Harry says she will follow in your footsteps in Astrometrics and B’Elanna swears she will train her to take over as Chief Engineer. Personally, I think she will be a starship captain one-day. The one thing they all agree on is that she is a special child."

Seven looked at the Captain and blinked once.

She was on the biobed and they were rolling her through the corridors of Voyager. Kahkar had decided it was time to try the Borg alcove. The Doctor was walking beside her, gripping her hand. He knew she was frightened. Ketaria was walking on the other side, working hard to keep her calm. It was not an easy task.

The doors to the Cargo Bay opened and she could see her alcove. She was concentrating on the alcove so hard she failed to see the figure at the computer console. They rolled the biobed close to the alcove and she lay there, staring at it. She did not notice the figure move from behind the console.

"Hello, Seven."

She quickly turned her head and broke into a big smile, "B’Elanna. Thank you for being here."

"Do you think I am going to let anyone work the computer console but me today?"

"I would not want anyone but you doing it."

"Well, I am here to protect Kathryn B’Elanna’s interests."

Kahkar stepped forward, "Seven, are you ready?"

She closed her eyes, then opened them and looked at each person around her, finally looking at Kahkar and nodding her head. The Doctor stepped forward and pulled her blanket off, slipped one arm under her knees and put the other under her arm and behind her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her from the biobed and carried her to her alcove. B’Elanna was there when he put her down and she grabbed Seven’s arm to help stabilize her. Kahkar and Ketaria stayed back. Once B’Elanna was certain Seven was stable, she left her with the Doctor and went to the computer console. She looked at the Doctor who tilted his head toward Seven so she looked to Seven. 

Seven took a deep breath and squeezed the Doctor’s hands. She turned her head to him, lifting it. He leaned forward and they kissed. Then, Seven looked back at B’Elanna and nodded her head.

B’Elanna looked down at the console and initiated the commands. The alcove powered up and Seven closed her eyes, her body straightening. The Doctor held her hand until he felt her stabilize. He continued to stand beside her for a long moment, almost afraid to look in B’Elanna’s direction. He was still staring at her when he heard B’Elanna speak.

"Scans indicate the implants are accepting the regeneration."

He suddenly understood what it meant to go weak with relief. He glanced back at Kahkar who was grinning broadly. He noticed that Ketaria had tears running down her face. It was the first time he realized how frightened they had been. 

Kahkar walked over to stand next to B’Elanna so he could watch the scans himself. He crossed his arms and stood silent. "Very good. It is looking very good." He looked up at the Doctor, "We will let her regenerate for no more than four hours." He watched another few minutes, "B’Elanna, would like for me to take over?"

"No, thank you, Kahkar. I want to do this."

He nodded and moved back to stand next his wife. She looked at him with pride in her eyes and embraced him. The Doctor continued to stand next to Seven, not taking his eyes off of her and B’Elanna concentrated on the computer console in front of her.

Seven stood in her alcove, her eyes closed and regenerated.

**

They were back in their living quarters with Seven resting on the biobed. She had wanted to sit on the sofa and sleep in her own bed but she had lost the argument. Kahkar had hooked her up to the monitors and had reattached a few of the intravenous lines. When she had tried to protest, he had silenced her with a look.

There had been a steady stream of people in the living quarters ever since the word had gotten out that she had successfully regenerated. At one point, the crowd had actually spilled out into the hall. On her lap was the scrapbook the crew had made for her of Kathryn B’Elanna. She had looked at the book many times already and knew she would look through it many more times. It was a wonderful gift.

"I love this picture of the Captain and Kathryn B’Elanna on the bridge."

The Doctor looked at it, "Personally, I like the one of Tuvok pushing her in the stroller. Very un-Vulcan like, don’t you think?"

She laughed softly, "They are all wonderful pictures." She fell silent when she saw the one of Harry with Kathryn B’Elanna on his chest, both sleeping on the sofa. She lingered over it, then turned the page. 

Kahkar came over to her, "Seven, I think it is time for you to go to sleep. It has been a long day and I do not want you to over do. You are still in a critical phase of your recovery."

She nodded her head and handed the scrapbook to the Doctor. He looked at Kahkar, "I will sleep on the couch tonight. You and Ketaria should go ahead and sleep in the bedroom." He looked over at Seven, "I am going to bring the crib out here. I think the three of us should be together tonight."

Kahkar nodded his head in agreement. Then, he and the Doctor moved the crib close to Seven. Ketaria brought the baby over and laid her in her crib. Then, they said their goodnights and went into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Seven watched her baby sleep, then looked up at the Doctor and slid over in the biobed.

"Seven, I will be okay on the couch."

‘But I will not be okay here alone."

"I don’t think that will be comfortable with two us on it."

"Comfort is irrelevant."

He started to laugh, "There just is no arguing with you, is there?"

She shook her head.

He raised his head, "Computer, pajamas." His uniform was transformed into pajamas and he crawled onto the biobed with Seven. He pulled her head onto his shoulder and she settled herself closely to him. It was only a minute before she was sleep. He laid there, not wanting to sleep, not wanting to give up the feel of her in his arms.

**

Ketaria was on her side, her head on her hand, looking at her husband. "Did you tell them?"

"I said something to the Captain."

"What did she say?"

"She said she would be glad to have us traveling with Voyager for a while."

"What else did you tell her?"

"Just that we would be traveling to study a nebula between here and the Alpha Quadrant."

"So you didn’t really tell her."

"No, I did not."

"Are you going to say anything to the Doctor?"

"No. I don’t think so. Not right now, anyway."

"Don’t you think you should?"

He rolled over and looked at her, "Ketaria, there is nothing to tell. All I have is a nagging doubt. I have nothing to base anything on. I can be right but I can also be wrong. I hope I am wrong. I probably am wrong. My fear is most likely driven by the guilt I feel over what happened to Seven."

"Kahkar, what happened to Seven was not your fault. It could not have happened just as easily as it happened."

He looked at her, a smile crossing his lips. "I know that, Ketaria. But I still feel a certain amount of responsibility. If it had not been for my skills and knowledge, she would not have gotten pregnant to begin with."

"And because of your skills and knowledge, she is on the road to recovery. You have balanced the bad with the good. And they have a beautiful baby because of you."

He laughed and lay down, pulling her close to him, "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"That is my job as your wife." She sighed, "We will enjoy the next few months of our ship traveling with Voyager. We will learn from each other." She pushed up on her elbow and looked at her husband, "And nothing bad is going to happen to anyone."

"Well, we are going to make certain of that, aren’t we?"

"Yes, my dear husband, that we are."

**

She was walking down the corridors of Voyager. This was her first real outing and she was enjoying the freedom. She approached the doors and hesitated a moment before moving close enough to cause them to open. She took a deep breath and moved forward. The doors opened for her and she entered. She saw his back. He turned to see who had entered.

"Seven!"

"Hello, Harry."

"It is good to see you. You are looking great." He blushed. "I mean, you look well."

"Thank you. I am feeling well." She walked over and sat on the edge of the platform in front of the Astrometrics screen, looking around her. "It is good to be back in here. This used to be home to me."

"Before you moved into your new home."

She looked at him, "Yes."

He fiddled with the controls on the computer console. She could tell he wanted to ask her a question so she sat, quiet and waiting. 

"I, um, I heard you were able to talk with Tuvok telepathically."

It wasn’t really a question, but it was. 

"Yes. I was."

His concentration on the computer increased.

"Were you able to communicate like that with anyone else?"

"I was able to communicate with Ketaria."

"Of course. I remember. You talked to me through her when I visited."

"I know."

"Yes, of course you do." He was getting more nervous.

"Ensign Kim," her voice rang like her old voice and he looked up at her immediately. She caught herself, "Harry, you want to know if I was able to know your thoughts when you visited me."

"Are you reading my mind, Seven?" He was trying to make light of the situation to cover up his nervousness.

"No, I am not reading your mind." She smiled at him, then took a deep breath. "But I was able to when you visited me."

He closed his eyes in distress and put his hand to his forehead, partly to hide his face from her.

"I owe you an apology. I was learning to use my newfound skill, but I was not able to control it. I was not able to turn off the ability to know another’s thoughts. You might be interested to know that my ability to communicate telepathically is diminishing as I improve physically. Tuvok says I might be able to retain some ability if I worked at it but I am not certain I wish to." She looked at Harry Kim, "Knowing another’s thoughts can be painful."

Harry nodded, but he would not look at her. She felt his unease. She stood and went to him, "Harry, look at me."

He shook his head, lowering it as he did.

"You were a good friend to me when I came on board Voyager. I did not appreciate how kind you were. I did not know what it was to be human, to feel or to love. Had I been capable of those feelings, things might have been different between us. You are a good person, Harry Kim. I am honored to be loved by you. You should know, I feel something for you, also."

He looked up at her, an ironic smile on his face, "But what you feel for me is not love."

"It is not the same love I feel for the Doctor, but I think what I feel for you is a kind of love. Kathryn B’Elanna has helped me understand that there is more love than that which I share with the Doctor." She sighed softly, "Love is an overwhelming feeling and I am not always able to sort it out or explain it."

"Don’t worry about that, Seven. You are only being human when that happens."

She laughed. Then, she reached her hand up to his face, pulling it to her so she could kiss his cheek. 

"I must go. The Doctor is waiting on me."

"Well, you don’t want to keep your husband waiting."

"No, I do not." She started to walk out of the Astrometrics Lab. Then, she stopped and turned, "I will look forward to returning to work here with you soon."

"Me too, Seven."

She left. He watched her walk out and the doors close behind her. He sighed heavily, putting his hand to his cheek to touch the place where she had kissed him.

**

Seven stood over the crib, watching Kathryn B’Elanna sleep. 

"Are you going to stand there and watch her all night?"

"I think I could." She turned her head to him, smiling.

"Yes. I think you probably could." He chuckled softly, then patted the pillow beside him, "But I think it is time for you to come to bed."

She lingered for a second more, then turned from her baby and moved to the bed. The Doctor pulled back the covers for her and she stretched herself beside him. He reached up and activated the headboard and a soft hum filled the room. She looked at him, surprised.

"Kahkar’s orders," he explained. "It was the only way he agreed to allow you out of the biobed tonight."

"I did not know that."

"Yes. He was pretty specific. The headboard must be functioning."

"Any other orders I should know about?"

"Let’s see. Headboard. A good night’s rest. I get up with Kathryn B’Elanna." The Doctor was counting off the orders on his fingers. "I think that about covers it."

"Are you certain that is all?"

He raised his head, a knowing look on his face, "I think what you are asking comes under the heading of a good night’s rest." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, then hugged her tightly. "Now, you rest."

"Are you going to sleep?"

"Not right away."

"You are going to monitor me for a while."

"Yes, Seven, I am."

She lay there, feeling the warmth coming from him. The practical part of her mind knew he had adjusted his program to project the warmth for her comfort. She knew he was monitoring her heartbeat, her pulse, her respiration. She knew he was an emergency medical hologram; a computer program projecting photonic particles to appear human and using force fields to feel solid. But none of that mattered to her right now. 

She lifted herself up so she could look at him. "Doctor."

"What, Seven?" He was immediately concerned.

"You asked me if I ever thought about the fact that you are a computer program and not even a real person. You asked me if that ever bothered me." 

He looked at her and she could see the fear starting to appear in his eyes. "Yes, I did."

"I cannot lie to you. I have thought about that. It is our truth. We cannot escape it. We were brought together by that truth. But it does not bother me, Doctor. I think it bothered me in the beginning, before we were together, but it is not anything I even think about now. You are a real person to me. You are my husband and I am proud to stand beside you as your wife. I love you. That is what is important."

He looked into her face, his thoughts almost overwhelmed by relief and by his love for her. He took her face in his hands and pulled her to him, kissing her lips, then her face and then her lips again in a long, lingering kiss. He pulled her back down beside him and held her tightly. He did not say anything. He did not think he could.

"Are we still going to follow all of Kahkar’s orders tonight?"

"Yes, Seven, we are." His voice was emphatic. He gave a short laugh, "I don’t want to but we are going to."

She nestled in his arms, "Yes, Doctor." He heard humor in her voice. Then, he heard her sigh, "I love you."

He kissed the top of her head, "I love you very much, Seven."

"I know you do."

It took only a couple of breaths for her to be asleep. He listened to her breathing and felt the steady beat of her heart. He concentrated and heard Kathryn B’Elanna’s breathing. He let his senses monitor both of them, making certain that all was normal. 

She was right. This was their truth.

"Truth is good," he thought.

The End