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

She straightened her tunic and squared her shoulders. As the figures in front of her solidified, she stepped forward, saluting.

"Welcome to Voyager."

Admiral Paris stepped down and returned her salute, then took her hands in his, "Captain Janeway…Kathryn. I can’t tell you…." He couldn’t finish.

She had to work to stop the tears again, unable to speak.

The Admiral recovered his voice, "Captain, this is Counselor Troi."

"Counselor Troi, it is good to meet you."

"Thank you, Captain. It is an honor to meet you."

"I thought it would be a good idea if we spent some time on the ship with you. Counselor Troi will be available to travel back with you to help your crew through their transition."

Nodding her approval, "Thank you, Admiral." She looked back to Counselor Troi, "It will be good to have you on the ship."

Troi nodded, but did not speak. Instead, the Admiral took advantage of the silence to do so, "Captain, I would like to see my son."

"Of course, Admiral." She used her hand to indicate the door, "He is in his living quarters with B’Elanna. The Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna are also there. The Doctor wanted to keep an eye on B’Elanna while we crossed the border." She smiled at the Admiral, "He is very protective of her."

"Good. That makes me feel better." He walked beside her with Deanna following closely. "So, I will get to meet my daughter-in-law and Kathryn B’Elanna."

She gave him a quick glance, "Yes."

They fell silent and soon found themselves approaching the quarters. Janeway could feel the Admiral growing more nervous as they got closer. The door opened, with Tom Paris standing in the doorway, waiting.

Admiral Paris looked at the figure of his son filling the doorway. He blinked and a tear rolled down his cheek. Tom stood, silent and uncertain, his eyes focused on his father. The elder Paris walked up to his son, reached out his arms and embraced him.

Kathryn Janeway stood back, aware that tears were once again streaming down her face.

Finally, the Admiral stepped away, "Tom, before you say anything, I just want to say to you," he raised his head to look at his son, "I love you son, and I am proud of you."

Tom’s face broke at his father’s words, and he bowed his head, lifting his hand to his mouth, fighting for control. He raised his head, "I love you, too, Dad. And I am glad to be home."

The Admiral patted his son on the shoulder, "I would like to meet my daughter-in-law."

Tom grinned at him, "She is in the bedroom. And she is anxious to meet you." He turned to lead them into the room, stopping when he saw Kathryn B’Elanna standing in the center of the room.

She was staring at the people who walked into the room. Then, her attention focused on Deanna Troi. She cocked her head slightly to the right, a smile slowly appeared on her face. They watched as she walked across the room to stand directly in front of Troi, looking up at her. Her eyes narrowed, then she lifted her arms to her, "Up."

Deanna Troi leaned over and lifted the child into her arms, and Kathryn B’Elanna reached to take her face between her hands. Giggling, she said, "Hi."

"Hello, Kathryn B’Elanna," said Troi, smiling in spite of herself. "You are a beautiful little girl." She looked quickly at the Admiral, "And quite special."

Tom grinned, reaching to brush back the child’s hair, ‘We think she’s special, don’t we, KB?" He used his head to indicate the bedroom, "Come on and meet B’Elanna."

They walked in to find the Doctor checking B’Elanna. He looked up when the group entered the room. Noticing the worried look on the Admiral’s face, he stood, allowing a smile to appear on his face, "Both she and the baby are in fine shape. I am just being overly cautious." He stepped back, giving B’Elanna a look of confidence as he did.

Tom moved to his wife’s side, "Dad, this is B’Elanna."

The Admiral approached the bed and reached for her hand, "B’Elanna, it is wonderful to finally meet you. May I?" He was pointing to a spot on the bed next to her.

"Of course, Admiral." She moved to make room for him.

He sat down, looking at the mound under the covers, "Admiral, huh? Maybe we could try Dad. Or Father Paris."

She gave him a shy smile, "I’ll try. It feels a little strange. But I’ll find something. However," she gave him a conspiratorial grin, "It won’t be Papa Paris."

"No?"

"No," she replied, "that’s Tom’s name."

He laughed, his expression full of the delight he was feeling. Captain Janeway saw the look and gave the Doctor a nod of her head. He moved around the room and followed her out of the bedroom, as did Counselor Troi.

"I thought they needed to be alone," she said, her voice still thick with emotion.

"You were right, Captain," Troi said, almost absentmindedly, her attention focused on the child in her arms.

Kathryn B’Elanna turned her head and pointed toward her father, "Dada." 

Troi looked up at the Doctor, "Hello, Doctor. It is good to see you again.."

"And you," he walked over to her, putting his hand on his daughter’s back.

As he moved closer, her eyes widened. She had been so focused on the child, she had not paid him any attention. Now that her attention was directed away from the child, she became aware of the feeling she was getting from him.

She could feel him. She could feel his emotions. "But, you are a hologram."

He gave her a puzzled look. She knew he was a hologram. Still, he answered, "Yes."

"But, I can feel your emotions."

He looked over at the Captain, a worried expression on his face.

"Counselor Troi," she started, her concern obvious in her voice, "I don’t know if you are aware…."

"I know, Captain. The Admiral has told me all about Kathryn B’Elanna."

"What?" The Doctor jerked his head toward her. "How could the Admiral know about Kathryn B’Elanna?"

Janeway put her hand on his arm, "Doctor, I told him everything. I was concerned that Seven and Kathryn B’Elanna would need protection when we returned to Earth. So I told him." She turned to Troi, "I assume he gave you a full report?"

"Yes," she replied, "I know…everything."

The Doctor reached to lift his child from Troi’s arms, holding her protectively in his arms. Troi felt his anxiety and stood to assure him, "Doctor, you have nothing to worry about. The Admiral is taking every precaution to protect your wife and your child. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. E’Nalto are coming with Lieutenant Barclay."

"Dr. Zimmerman is coming?"

"Yes, we should meet up with them in a couple of days. In the meantime, I will be responsible for watching over your family. The Admiral will fill you in on the details after they finish with their visit."

Before anyone could say anything, the door opened, and Seven walked in. Deanna Troi looked her over carefully, struck by her beauty and her bearing. She had seen pictures, but none of them did her justice.

She was tall and walked with an air of confidence that a picture could not convey. She walked up to her husband, standing close to him, but not taking her eyes off of Troi. Deanna could feel her reserve. She was suddenly aware of the child reaching for her mother.

"Mama. Mama. Take me."

Deanna Troi watched as the Doctor lifted their daughter towards her mother. She laughed, "I think she wants you."

"Yes. We have been separated too long over these last few months." She shifted her daughter in her arms, "I am Seven of Nine."

"Hello, Seven, I am Counselor Deanna Troi. It is nice to finally meet you."

Seven nodded, but did not speak. The Captain stepped forward, breaking the silence, "Why don’t I get everyone something to drink, and we’ll sit and visit while we are waiting for the Admiral, Tom and B’Elanna.

The Admiral pushed B’Elanna out of the bedroom. As soon as he saw them coming, the Doctor stood, his look concerned, "B’Elanna, you should be in bed!"

"Please, Doctor, I am feeling fine. I won’t stay up very long. Promise."

He looked at her, exasperated, "I bet you didn’t do this on Kahkar’s ship."

"That’s beside the point. I want to be out here for a little while."

"B’Elanna, I know you feel better," he was scanning her with his medical tricorder, "but you still need to be careful."

"Well, I know you are here to take care of me."

He gave her a look, then glanced over to Counselor Troi, "I might be the Chief Medical Officer on this ship, but I cannot get these three women to ever listen to me!"

They laughed, and Seven gave her husband an affectionate look, "I listen to you, Doctor." When he gave her a cocked eye, she added, with a shrug, "When I want to."

At that, even he broke into a laugh. Satisfied with the state of B’Elanna’s health, he moved to take his seat by his wife, grabbing her hand as he did. They exchanged glances, and Deanna Troi narrowed her eyes as she felt the love that flowed between the two of them. She turned her attention to the Admiral, allowing her surprise to show. She shook her head in amazement. The Admiral moved from behind B’Elanna’s chair and walked up to stand in front of Seven. She looked up at him, then stood to face him, shifting Kathryn B’Elanna into her left arm.

"Seven of Nine," he reached out his hand to her, "it is…a pleasure to meet you."

"Admiral." She slowly took his extended hand.

He was struck by the intensity of her eyes. Suddenly, realizing he was staring. He dropped her hand and took a step back. He allowed his eyes to move over her implants, noticing that she was fully aware of what he was doing. Obviously, she was accustomed to being examined by the people she met. Even he could feel how guarded she had become. 

In the silence, the Doctor stood, taking his wife’s arm, speaking to her softly, "Seven, they know."

He saw her eyes widen, and her body go stiff. Then, he watched as her eyes suddenly cut to the Captain. He expected her to speak, but she did not. Instead, he saw that the surprise in her eyes turned to resignation. For a reason he did not understand, that bothered him.

"Seven," Janeway stood and approached them, "I told Admiral Paris about you and Kathryn B’Elanna. I thought you might need protection, and I know he can provide it for you."

Janeway was standing to the side of the Admiral and could not see the quick glance he gave to Troi, but Seven did not miss it. She took a deep breath and raised her eyes up for only a moment before looking him directly in the face, "I imagine the Federation wants to examine me." She cut her eyes to her daughter, "And Kathryn B’Elanna. I will comply with everything they want me to do, as long as they leave my daughter alone."

He clasped his hands behind his back, aware that every eye in the room was focused on him. Tightening his lips, he stared into her face before he answered her, studying the expression on it. Somehow, she knew. She knew that the knowledge of her and her daughter’s genetic connection to the Borg made them both valuable commodities to the Federation. He also knew she would sacrifice herself for the sake of her daughter.

He gave her a level look, "Seven, I have not told the Federation anything."

"What?" 

He heard the Captain’s sharp exclamation, but he did not take his eyes from Seven’s face. He could tell she was trying to determine if he was telling her the truth, in addition to what he had just said meant. He almost laughed as he watched her try to hide the confusion in her eyes. Yes, he thought, the Federation will find her a formidable match. 

"Admiral?" Janeway’s voice again broke the silence of the room, "I don’t understand. Why haven’t you told the Federation?" She moved to face him, "Seven and Kathryn B’Elanna are still at risk from the Borg. Even though we are in the Alpha Quadrant, we aren’t that far away from them. And with Kathryn B’Elanna getting more powerful, we…." She cut off her words and dropped her head.

Seven turned to her immediately, "What, Captain?" When she did not get a response, she stepped closer, "What were you going to say, Captain?" Her voice was starting to rise, the tension in it apparent to everyone in the room. "Finish your sentence, Captain. With Kathryn B’Elanna getting more powerful, we what?"

Kathryn Janeway put her hands on her hips and looked up at the woman now in front of her, "Seven. The older Kathryn B’Elanna gets, the more powerful she becomes. She needs people who can…help her. She needs to be somewhere safe, where she cannot hurt herself or the people around her. The Federation can provide her with a safe environment. They will take care of all three of you."

B’Elanna Torres-Paris watched Seven’s eyes carefully. It was the first time since she had known Seven, that she saw her eyes look angry. She watched as Seven fought for control, the corners of her mouth twitching.

"I can care for Kathryn B’Elanna." Her voice was cold, but underlaced with a strong tenor of emotion.

"I know you can, Seven, but even you need help."

"I do not need the Federation taking her from me."

"They won’t." She reached out to touch Seven’s arm, "The Federation will only help you. Please, tell her, Admiral." When he did not speak, she turned her head to him, "Admiral, tell her. Please." When he stayed silent, she turned to look at him, her expression a little stunned, "Admiral?"

"Please," he put his hands up, palms out, trying to calm the tensions in the room, "I think you all need to sit down. Please." He focused his attention on Janeway, "Captain, that is an order." He turned to Seven and smiled, "Seven, that is a request."

They each took their seat, one almost waiting for the other to be the first to sit, but Seven finally broke the stare between them and sat on the sofa with her back held straight and Kathryn B’Elanna clasped tightly to her. The child grabbed her mother around the neck and stared at the Captain. Janeway found she had to avert her look from the child’s intense scrutiny. 

The Admiral turned from them to give himself time to think, catching his son’s face as he did. He could see the old distrust rising in Tom’s eyes and gave him a slight turn of his head. Without speaking, he tried to ask his son to trust him. Tom looked down at B’Elanna, his own eyes asking her for advice. B’Elanna looked around the room, at the Captain, at Seven, the Doctor and Troi, up at the Admiral and finally at Kathryn B’Elanna. The child turned her stare in B’Elanna’s direction. It felt as if they held that pose for hours, but B’Elanna knew it lasted for less than a second. Then, she turned her eyes to her husband, giving him a small smile and a nod of her head. His face twitched, but he looked up to his father, his confidence in him now apparent. The Admiral gave him a look of relief and thanks, then turned to speak.

"Seven, it was appropriate for the Captain to inform me of…the situation with you and your daughter. What she found out about the two of you had the potential to put this crew at risk, a crew for which she is responsible. I am her direct superior. Not to tell me would have been inappropriate. Had she not told me, it could have been considered a dereliction of duty. Know I will do everything in my power to protect you and your daughter.

"Captain, I understand your trust in the Federation. I hope it is not misplaced. But you need to realize we live in a different world than when you left the Alpha Quadrant over seven years ago. There are political battles being waged right now that put the Federation in an uncomfortable place and many of those battles involve the Borg. Seven and her daughter could be caught in the middle of that war, unless we are very careful.

"That is why I have chosen not to inform the Federation of them. At least, not as of this time. I felt it appropriate to wait and meet Seven and Kathryn B’Elanna before deciding what to do…and who to tell.

"I have Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. E’Nalto meeting us. Both have been apprised of the situation, and both have assured me they will maintain the confidence. Until we are certain of what we are dealing with, I think it best to keep the knowledge of Seven and Kathryn B’Elanna quiet."

"Admiral," Janeway was working to keep her voice level, "most of this crew knows about them to some degree. How are we going to keep them a secret from the Federation?"

"I don’t know the answer to that question, Captain. But, for right now, I want to give myself time to find out everything there is to know. I will make my decision as to what to do next based on what we find out." He turned to Seven, leaning down toward her slightly, "Seven, I can only ask you to trust me. I can’t make any promises about how things will turn out. I can only promise to try to do the best I can for you and your daughter." He sighed, then continued, "You need to understand there are factions on Earth who hate the Borg and factions who hold them up as models to be emulated. Both sides will turn to you, one to hold you up as an example of what should be hated and the other as an example of what should be honored. We have to be very careful, or you risk being a pawn of one side or the other.

"Your daughter looks fully human. That will provide her with some protection, at least at first. I am most interested in keeping the knowledge of her genetic connection to the Borg a secret as long as possible. People on this ship know you are mildly telepathic and that can explain your daughter’s." He paused, almost afraid to ask, "How many of the crew know about the Borg…enhancements to your DNA?"

Seven did not respond, deferring to the Captain to do so. Janeway spoke, almost reluctantly, "I have told the senior staff. I don’t know if they have told anyone else."

He frowned, his expression grim, "I will talk to them to find out. If the knowledge of the…if the crew knows, we will figure out how to deal with it. In the meantime," he turned to face Seven, "I would like for you to work with Counselor Troi for the next couple of days."

Seven shifted her eyes in Counselor Troi’s direction, her look cautious. Then, she allowed her eyes to move back to focus on the Admiral’s face, her expression heavily guarded. Lifting her head, she gave him the slightest of nods, her eyes slightly closing as she did.

He tried to hide the deep sense of relief he felt. "Captain, I would like to speak with your senior staff as soon as possible."

"Of course." She stood, "we will go to the meeting room, and I will call a meeting immediately."

"Thank you." He turned to Counselor Troi, "Deanna, I would like for you to spend some time with Seven, the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna." Then, he turned to his son, "And you, Tom. Would it be appropriate for an anxious father-in-law and future grandfather to order his son to make certain his wife is back in bed and resting?"

Tom grinned at him, "Yes, sir. I think that would be completely appropriate."

"Good." He reached down to take B’Elanna’s hand, "I will look forward to returning here later for an extended visit."

"I will look forward to that myself." She gave him a firm handshake and an approving look.

He smiled at her in thanks and followed Janeway’s lead out of the living quarters.

Tom pulled the covers around his wife’s body, helping her adjust the pillows behind her.

"Now, how does that feel?"

"It feels fine, Tom. Really, you don’t have to mother me. I am doing okay." 

"Good." He stretched himself out beside her, positioning his body close to hers. "Do you have any idea what that was all about?"

She didn’t answer him, but her body told him she did. He hesitated, suddenly uncertain if he really wanted to know. He was so close to home and, if he allowed himself to think about it, to the relationship he had always wanted with his father. 

B’Elanna turned her head to look into his eyes, trying to read them, trying to know what should and should not be said. She was his wife. She was his best friend. She was Starfleet and Federation. But she remembered the lessons of the Maquis. Even though they shared that as a part of their past, she knew he had chosen that path as a rebellion. She had taken it to heart. In his heart, she knew there would always be a loyalty to the Federation and to his father. She had never thought that would drive a wedge between them. Now, she had to wonder.

He saw the look in her eyes and sat, indecisive. Finally, he reached out, placing his hand on his wife’s stomach, feeling his son moving. B’Elanna’s eyes drifted down to look at his hand, then back to his eyes, her question unasked. He smiled at her and she gripped his hand, pressing it down on her belly.

He made his choice, and she saw it in his eyes.

The first thing Deanna Troi noticed when she walked into the living quarters was how simple and orderly it was. Even though there were toys around, nothing seemed out of place or unnecessary. She immediately felt this was a home, and it gave her a sense of comfort.

"May I get you something to drink?" The Doctor was nervous. She could feel it. She shook her head, still trying to come to terms with the fact that he was a hologram. He pointed to a chair, "Then, would you like to sit down?"

She nodded and moved to settle herself in the chair, noticing that Seven sat in the rocking chair across from her, her child securely placed in her lap. Kathryn B’Elanna’s eyes were fixed on Troi’s face. She realized she was uncomfortable. She was not accustomed to being the one who was examined. Her appreciation for the power and control of the child was growing, and she started to understand why she frightened Captain Janeway. It was not unusual that someone who did not understand such a power would be frightened by it. Feeling the need to learn more, she allowed her mind to open and felt it touched by the child immediately. She invited Kathryn B’Elanna to enter but knew the child would not do so yet. It would happen, but even she knew it was not yet time.

She felt the child pull back and heard her laugh. Then, she watched as Kathryn B’Elanna fell back against her mother’s body, her head tilted back to look up at her mother’s face.

"Dena." She pointed toward Troi. "Good, Dena."

Seven looked at the Counselor, giving her a smile, "It seems you have passed."

Deanna Troi laughed, "It also seems I have a new name." She looked Seven full in the face, "She is very powerful."

Seven’s eyes dropped, but she did not respond. The Doctor reached out, putting his hand on his wife’s leg, "Yes, she is very powerful. Ketaria has worked with her to help her control it. Kathryn B’Elanna seems to understand that she should be very careful. I don’t think most of the crew truly understands the extent of her abilities."

Deanna watched the Doctor carefully as he spoke. "She has changed your program?"

"Yes, we believe she has."

"Do you know how?"

He shook his head, "No, Kahkar is studying that now, hoping to determine how she has done it."

"I am sorry they are not joining us on the trip to Earth. I would like to have met them."

"Hopefully, you will get the chance. They are planning to travel to Earth after things have settled down."

"Good. I will look forward to meeting them." She sat back in her chair, trying to appear relaxed, "Tell me, Seven, what do you remember of your time with the Borg?"

The question surprised her, "I..I remember very little."

"As I understand, the Borg replaced your implants fairly recently."

"Yes."

"And, as a result, you do not remember your time with the Borg."

"No." Seven sighed, "And I remember very little of the rest of my life."

"Oh?"

"Most of my memories were destroyed when one of the implants self destructed."

"I was not aware of that." She watched Seven’s face carefully, "It is a miracle you are still alive."

"Her life was never in danger." The Doctor’s comment surprised her even more. She raised her eyebrows at him, and he continued, "The implant was very carefully placed. It was designed to only destroy her memories, not any organic tissue."

"Do you know why?"

He shook his head, "No, neither Kahkar nor I could ever determine why that was." He shrugged, "Who knows why the Borg do some of the things they do?"

Both the Doctor and Troi turned to look at Seven. She raised one eyebrow and returned their looks, "I assure you, I do not. At least, not any more."

They laughed, and Kathryn B’Elanna laughed with them. Troi was glad the mood in the room seemed to have lightened, and the Hansen family appeared more relaxed. She hoped it would make her next question less threatening.

"Seven, when we first sat down, I invited Kathryn B’Elanna to enter my thoughts, but she did not. Can she?"

"Yes," Seven nodded to her, and Troi was pleased the question did not seem to upset her. "We often go to a special place with her."

"We?"

"The Doctor and I."

"Really?"

"Yes. We used to do it with Ketaria’s help quite often. Lately, we have learned to do it by ourselves." Seven put her hand on her child’s head, "Would you like to go to our special place with us?"

She was taken aback at the suddenness of the offer. Still, she nodded quickly and Seven rose from her chair, going through the door on the left. The Doctor also stood, inviting Troi to follow his wife. As soon as she entered, she saw Seven sitting cross-legged on the floor of what was obviously the child’s bedroom. The Doctor moved to kneel on the floor, directly behind his wife, taking off his mobile emitter and placing it on the bed. 

"Please, Counselor," Seven pointed to the floor in front of her, "join us."

She lowered herself to the floor and crossed her legs. Seven slid closer to her, allowing their knees to touch and reached for her hands. Troi grasped her hands and watched as Seven lowered her head to kiss the top of her daughter’s head.

"Are you ready, Kathryn B’Elanna?"

Troi saw the child close her eyes and did the same. She felt as the child left awareness, and she followed. As soon as she could see, she swiveled her head, trying to locate the people around her. It did not take her long to see Kathryn B’Elanna, and she knew immediately that the child was making certain she was comfortable in this new place. Then, the Doctor and Seven became clearer.

"You brought her here. Very good, Kathryn B’Elanna." It was Seven’s voice.

"Dena okay now." The child was smiling up at her.

"Yes," Troi nodded at her, "I am okay now. Thank you, Kathryn B’Elanna."

The Doctor spoke to her, "It takes a little while to get used to it."

"Yes. It does." Troi looked around, "She is very good."

"She loves coming here with us."

"Is this how she interacts with your program, Doctor?"

"You will have to ask her that, Counselor."

Trying to hide the look of humor from her face, she looked down at the child at her feet, "How do you change your daddy’s program?"

Kathryn B’Elanna looked up with a frown on her face. Deanna Troi looked to her parents, laughing lightly, "Well, I guess she didn’t quite understand what…." Suddenly, she looked up at amazement as pieces of computer code started to swirl around her. Swallowing hard she looked at the Doctor.

He nodded, "Yes, I do believe that is me." He turned his head, "Everywhere you look."

Seven saw the expression on the face of their guest, "Would you like to return, Counselor?"

Troi lowered her head to look at the child who was clapping her hands and laughing at her feet. Slowly, she nodded her head. Kathryn B’Elanna stood up and led them back to awareness.

She felt Seven break her handhold. Then, she felt the soft touch of small hands on her face and opened her eyes to see Kathryn B’Elanna in front of her. The child gave her a smile, then patted her face. Once Deanna’s eyes were fully opened, Kathryn B’Elanna turned with her arms stretched out to her mother.

Troi stayed seated, giving herself a moment to think. Her eyes moved up and she caught Seven’s expression. Then, Seven lowered her head, but kept her eyes raised to Troi, her expression firm, and her commitment apparent.

Deanna Troi nodded her head indicating her understanding. And her promise of help.

It was late by the time Deanna Troi walked into the guest quarters where Admiral Paris was staying. She sat down in the chair, obviously exhausted. The Admiral crossed to her, carrying a cup of steaming hot liquid.

"Oh, hot chocolate! Thank you, sir." She sat up straight to take the cup from him. Blowing on it, she took a tentative sip, closing her eyes as she savored the sip. "This is a wonderful way to end the day." She looked up at him, "What did you find out in your meeting with the senior staff?"

"They are very loyal to Seven. She has earned their respect and their trust. None of them have said anything to the crew. Her secret is relatively safe."

"That is good news."

"Yes. I think we can depend on them."

"Did you have a good visit with your family tonight?"

"It was great," his face broke out into a broad grin. "B’Elanna is delightful. I don’t think Tom could have done any better for himself. She is good for him." He sat back in his chair, "And how did your visit go?"

"It was quite interesting."

"Do you have any idea of exactly what it is we are dealing with?"

"Kathryn B’Elanna is more powerful than we thought."

His head cocked to the side, his expression surprised, but he waited for her to continue.

"She is, however, much more controlled that I would have thought. She seems to have a heightened awareness of what she should and should not do. Ketaria Omarahn and Seven have done a wonderful job with her."

"But?"

"I have the sense she is very protective of her mother." She took a sip of her drink, "And her mother of her." He gave her time to continue, "Seven is comfortable with the idea of trying to keep her abilities a secret from the Federation, but she does not believe it can be done. Still, she seems to believe her daughter will be safe."

"You don’t understand that."

"No, I do not." She stared down into her drink, "What about you?"

"I don’t know what I think." 

She gave him a minute to gather his thoughts, then said, "The Doctor and Seven told me Kathryn B’Elanna is able to hide from scans."

He considered what she said, "What does that mean?"

"It means she will not scan as Borg. It means she cannot easily be identified as Borg."

"Unlike her mother."

"Unlike her mother."

"And since Seven is mildly telepathic, as I have already said, it explains Kathryn B’Elanna’s abilities."

"Yes, and she can control how much someone is able to find out about her. I know, I tried a few times."

"So, we should be able to ‘slip’ her past the Federation."

"I think it is possible."

"But not her mother."

"No," Deanna Troi took another sip of her hot chocolate, "and Seven wants it like that."

"She will attract attention away from her daughter."

"Yes, Admiral," Troi nodded slowly, "and that is exactly what she is counting on."