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

He stood with his hands behind his back, eyes focused on the view outside his window, but he was not seeing anything. 

So close. They were so close.

In a matter of hours, he would be meeting her, face to face. They had promised him, but he had not believed it would happen this soon. 

She was their best hope for the future. She brought with her the gift of genetic opportunity. They would make the best of it. They would do what the Borg had not been able to do.

The Borg and their perfect plans. Look what had happened when they tried to do things their own way, trusting in their precious programming to accomplish the end result they wanted. He would try a more direct approach.

Still, it was a shame the way things had turned out with the child she currently had. That was the danger of not tightly controlling a situation. From everything he understood, the child was unusable. She would not serve their purpose. Her genetic make-up made any clones unpredictable. How was it they referred to her? "Imperfect." The whole idea was to create an enhanced, yet manageable warrior. One should never create a weapon that could rise up against the creator. Especially not when that creation would be so much more powerful than the creator.

Still, the child could be used as a bargaining tool with the mother. He did not know the drone, but he knew enough about her to know she would not willingly comply. Unless she thought it would save the life of her child. Or the life of her husband.

If that ‘husband’ of hers could actually be thought of as having a life.

He knew he had promised not to put the life of the child at risk. Still, how would it be known if he did? And if it were known, it would not be known until it was too late.

By the time they found out, he would have everything he needed. It would be best if she had another child. That child would have the DNA they needed, and they could clone that child. The results would give them beings that were one quarter Borg and visibly human. The perfect tools. And the perfect beginning.

But another child was not absolutely necessary. 

Yes, all of this would take time, but they had time on their side. The plan had never been designed to be implemented immediately. The only thing they had to be concerned about was her falling into the wrong hands. But he had the power of the Federation behind him. The other sides were misaligned groups with disjointed leadership. Plus, the other sides did not know her secret. And, by the time they found out, it would be too late. 

He heard a soft knock at his door and turned as it opened.

"Yes, Andrew?"

"I thought you would want to know we are within six hours of rendezvousing with Voyager and the Orion."

"Good. Thank you, Andrew."

He turned before his visitor even left the room, looking again at the view outside his window.

Six hours. Only six more hours.

She felt Mama finally drift off to sleep. Dada had been asleep for a long time, but not Mama. She had heard Mama walk around outside her door, even coming in one time to lean over her bed, but she had kept her eyes closed, hearing Mama’s thoughts, knowing Mama was sad. It took Mama a long time to go back to bed and go to sleep.

As soon as she felt it, Kathryn B’Elanna left awareness, going immediately to stand at the edge of Mama’s mind, waiting. Mama was staring into the dark place again. Kathryn B’Elanna slowly took a step closer, and Mama turned to look at her.

"You should be asleep, Kathryn B’Elanna."

"Mama stay."

Seven looked over her shoulder, then turned her head back to her daughter. She walked forward and lowered herself to the ground, sitting cross-legged in front of her child. She turned her head again slightly, but stopped before she could focus on the darkness behind her. Then, she raised her head and sighed before looking back at the determined face before her.

"Yes, Kathryn B’Elanna," her words were spoken slowly and tinged with pain and sorrow, "Mama stay. Mama will stay for as long as she can." She added, her voice a whisper, "For as long as they will let her stay."

Ketaria pulled her robes close to her body, watching her husband. He was standing in front of the observation window, staring out into space. She dropped her head and sighed softly. Finally, she walked up to stand beside him.

"Kahkar, you need to sleep."

He did not respond.

She tried again, "Please, come to bed. I will help you sleep tonight."

"I do not want to sleep."

"Kahkar, you are not doing them any good by putting yourself at risk."

He turned away from her and moved to sit on the sofa, stretching his legs out and leaning his head on the back of the sofa. She followed, sitting down to face him, her arm on the back of the sofa.

"I know you are worried, but you should not borrow bad times."

"I am not borrowing anything."

She put her hand on his arm, "You have done everything you can to ensure their safety."

"It was not enough."

"How can you know that?"

He looked at her, his eyes sad, "I do not know. It is an instinct." He dropped his head, "I just have a very bad feeling, Ketaria. Something is wrong. There were too many unknowns to ensure their protection, and there is something important that we do not know."

"Kahkar, there is much we do not know. We don’t even know for certain that there is anything wrong. Their homecoming might be a glorious event, and Seven and her family might find a happy home there."

He looked her hard in the eyes, "Tell me you believe that."

This time, she had to drop her eyes.

"I thought so." He put his hands to his face, "I wish there had been another option."

"What do you mean?"

"I wish there had been some other place we could have taken them."

"But the crew of Voyager wanted to go home."

"Yes, but I wish we could have taken Seven, the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna someplace else."

"I don’t think that was an option."

"I know." He laughed bitterly, "Seven didn’t want to disappoint anyone, especially not Captain Janeway."

"Kahkar!"

"I’m sorry." He shook his head, "That was unfair." He looked at his wife, his remorse and his grief full on his face, "I should not have said that. It’s just that…."

"I know, Kahkar." She moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I understand. But Kathryn truly believes the best thing for Seven is to get her to the safety of Earth. She trusts the Federation to take care of her and give her protection. You must remember, Kathryn knows the Federation. You don’t. You only know how much you love and are concerned for Seven. That makes you more cautious."

He leaned his head to touch hers, "You are right. And I sincerely hope Kathryn is also. I truly want Seven to find happiness and to be safe."

"You just do not think anyone can care for her like you can." She allowed a hint of humor to enter into her voice.

He gave her a glance, a smile slowly starting to creep onto his face, "They can’t."

She laughed, reaching up with her hand to pull his head tighter to her, "I do believe Seven is capable of taking care of herself."

"Are you telling me she does not need for me to be concerned for her?"

"No, I would never tell you that. You will always worry about her, even when you don’t need to. You have taken her to your heart as your daughter. You will always worry about her well being. It is only natural." She gave him a light kiss on his forehead, "And you must remember, Kahkar, you have taken every possible precaution. You have planned and prepared. I cannot think of another thing you could have done. Seven could not stay in the Delta Quadrant. Even though you worry about what will happen to her when she reached Earth, you know that the risk was even greater for her here."

He nodded, his eyes riveted on the space outside of the window, "Earth is the lesser of two evils, Ketaria. The lesser of two evils."

"Sir, may I introduce Captain Kathryn Janeway? Captain, this is Darrian Green, representative of the leadership of the Federation."

"Captain, it is an honor to meet you."

"And you, Mr. Green. Welcome to Voyager."

"Thank you." He looked around the transporter room, "I cannot quite believe that I am here. I am most anxious to hear about your journey."

"And I am anxious to tell you about it."

"Captain," Admiral Paris was indicating to the man standing to the right of Mr. Green, "this is Alta Ro’bara. He is a…public relations expert. He will be working with you and your crew to prepare for your arrival on Earth."

"Welcome to Voyager, Mr. Ro’bara." She gave him a warm smile.

He practically jumped off the transported platform and grabbed her hand, "Oh, Captain, this is so exciting! I can’t wait to meet your crew. This is so wonderful. I was so excited when they told me I would be in charge of managing the public relations of your return to Earth. May I say this is an honor. And an honor to meet you. I…."

"Mr. Ro’bara," Mr. Green had placed his arm on the enthusiastic man.

"What? Oh, yes," he blushed slightly, "Yes, sir. Sorry, Mr. Green, I…."

"Mr. Ro’bara." 

The younger man lowered his eyes and stepped back, now thoroughly chastised.

Admiral Paris gave Janeway the hint of a smile, then introduced the man standing directly behind Mr. Green, "And this is Lieutenant Barclay."

"Lieutenant," Janeway grabbed his hands and squeezed it tightly, "it is so good to finally meet you." She looked up at him and could not stop the tears that rose to her eyes, "We have so much to thank you for."

"No thanks necessary, Captain." He raised his eyes to look around the room, "Being here is thanks enough."

She gave herself a moment, "I hope we will be able to spend a little time visiting later."

"I shall look forward to it."

"Captain," Admiral Paris interrupted, "this is…."

"Dr. Zimmerman," she moved to offer her hand, "I recognized you immediately." She smiled at him, "There is a strong family resemblance."

It took him a minute, then his face broke into a smile, "Yes, I guess there is. I must admit, it is still a little difficult to believe I have a…a family."

"Yes, I imagine it is."

"I will also admit, I am looking forward to meeting my…daughter-in-law and…my grandchild." He was stumbling over the words.

"And they are eager to meet you."

"And," the Admiral stepped forward, "this is Dr. E’Nalto."

She looked at the woman who stepped out from behind Dr. Zimmerman. The woman was slightly gray and very distinguished looking. Janeway realized she liked this woman immediately.

"It is good to meet you, Dr. E’Nalto."

"And you, Captain."

"Captain," Admiral Paris turned to her, "I would like for us to meet for a little while. However," he turned to Dr. Zimmerman, "I suspect you would like to meet your family first."

Dr. Zimmerman gave the Admiral a grateful look, "Actually, yes, Admiral, I would."

"Captain, why don’t you take the group to your ready room, and I will accompany Dr. Zimmerman to the Doctor’s quarters."

"Of course, Admiral." She looked up at the group and invited them to follow her, "If you please."

The Admiral and Dr. Zimmerman stayed until the group left. Then, Admiral Paris turned, "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be."

"Are you sure I look okay?"

She reached up and pulled at the shoulders of his tunic, straightening it slightly. "You look fine." She glanced at him, but did not ask her question.

He smiled, knowing what she wanted to ask, but wouldn’t, "You look wonderful."

She gave him a relieved look, then turned to check Kathryn B’Elanna’s hair, fluffing it slightly with her hand. He watched as she checked herself in the mirror, raising her hand to the circles under her eyes. He frowned slightly, again wondering why she was not sleeping. He knew she was concerned about the trip to Earth. Hopefully, these new visitors would put her mind at ease. He reached for her and pulled her into a warm embrace, "He is going to love you. Just like I do."

She gave him a big smile. Before she could respond, the computer announced visitors at the door.

"He’s here!" 

He turned and left their bedroom, rushing for the door. When he reached it, he pulled up, straightened his clothes one more time, gathered himself, and then reached to activate the door.

"Admiral Paris. Dr. Zimmerman. Please come in."

He moved to allow them to enter, his eyes locked on the older, graying man with the Admiral.

"Doctor," Dr. Zimmerman held his hand out, "it is good to see you again."

The Doctor reached to take the hand, "It is wonderful to see you again. And to have you here."

They stood, hands clasped, neither quite willing to let go, but not certain what to do next. Finally, Admiral Paris cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the two men. "Perhaps you should introduce your family, Doctor."

"Oh," the Doctor fairly jumped, breaking his grip on Dr. Zimmerman’s hand, "yes. Of course." He turned, leading Dr. Zimmerman toward Seven who was holding Kathryn B’Elanna and standing just inside the living room.

"Dr. Zimmerman, this is my wife, Seven and our daughter, Kathryn B’Elanna. Seven, this is…my…father, Dr. Zimmerman." The Doctor stood beside his wife and child, looking at the man he considered his father, proud, excited and anxious. 

Dr. Zimmerman looked at the woman and child in front of him. He had seen pictures, but the pictures did not truly prepare him for how beautiful they were. Seven was almost as tall as he was, her skin flawless, her eyes a glorious, intense blue. She had always looked so stern in the pictures. But, here, with her standing in front of him, he could see the tenderness and vulnerability in her eyes. Even the implants on her face could not mask her beauty. And her child looked just like her. Except, although he wasn’t certain in what ways, she also looked like the Doctor. And, she looked like him. He saw himself in her immediately and fell absolutely in love.

Kathryn B’Elanna was looking back and forth between her father and the man standing beside him, a frown starting to appear on her face. Finally, she looked up at her mother and pointed to Dr. Zimmerman, "Dada?"

The adults broke into laughter immediately, and Admiral Paris took advantage of the opportunity to take his leave, "I need to join Captain Janeway. I will let you folks get to know each other." Without waiting on a reply, he turned and left.

Dr. Zimmerman was standing, his eyes still locked on the child in Seven’s arms. She watched him carefully, as if trying to make up her mind about him. Then, she slowly reached her arms out to him, her head shyly tucked into her mother’s neck.

Dr. Zimmerman looked up at Seven, almost surprised. Seven nodded to him and shifted so he could take the child. He tentatively reached for her, lifting her from her mother’s arms and self-consciously pulling her to him. As soon as he did, she reached out to touch his face, continuing to look back and forth between the man holding her and her father.

The Doctor reached to put his hand on her back, "Kathryn B’Elanna, this is your grandfather." He looked at Seven nervously, then addressed his daughter, "Can you say Grandpa?" She gave him a worried look, and he tried again, talking very slowly, "G..r..a..n..p..a..w."

She concentrated on Dr. Zimmerman’s face, still frowning. Then, she brightened, "Gwanpaw."

"Very good, Kathryn B’Elanna!" The Doctor was beaming.

"Gwanpaw." She patted his face.

He was stunned. He looked at her, then at the Doctor. He had never imagined this. As many times as he had imagined meeting the Doctor’s family, he had never thought it would feel like this. He had never thought it would be so fulfilling.

"Dr. Zimmerman."

He looked up, realizing Seven had spoken to him, "What?"

"Perhaps you would like to sit down."

He looked back at the child in his arms, nodding his head, "Yes. I think that would be a good thing."

"Please," she was pointing to the rocking chair, "sit here."

He had to make his body move, still not quite believing he was here, and that he was holding his grandchild.

"May I get you anything?"

"What?"

Seven tried again, "May I get you anything?"

"No. No, thank you. I am fine." He looked at the child in his lap who was staring intently at his face. He was aware that the Doctor and Seven had sat on the sofa, close together, with the Doctor taking Seven’s hand and holding it tightly. He could see how much the Doctor loved this woman. He could also see how much she loved the Doctor.

Then, he heard Kathryn B’Elanna speak, patting his face as she did, "Gwanpaw!"

He shook his head, looking at his son and his daughter-in-law. Then, he looked his granddaughter, "This is unbelievable."

"We will arrive on Earth in about twelve days. That should give us plenty of time to prepare the crew for the homecoming."

Alta Ro’bara was excitedly talking about the plans for Voyager’s arrival. The crew had to hide their smiles from him. His enthusiasm was almost overpowering. He moved back and forth, gesturing wildly as he talked about the arrival of the starship on Earth. 

Finally, Mr. Green stepped forward, stopping the younger man by physically blocking his path. "Mr. Ro’bara, there will be plenty of time to go over the plans for Voyager’s arrival. We have other issues we need to deal with."

The man looked up at the taller man in surprise, then worked to recover his composure, "Of course. Yes, sir." He looked at the people sitting around the conference table, "We’ll talk about the details later." He beamed broadly at them, "Suffice it to say, it will be a magnificent affair." He finished with a flourish of his hands and sat down with his dignity fully restored.

Mr. Green faced the group at the table, "Does anyone have any questions about anything we have discussed here today?" Not seeing any indication of questions, he continued, "I will meet with each of you over the next few day, and we will have the opportunity to speak privately. In the meantime, know we are planning to bring your family members to meet you. We thought it would be good for you to have a little quiet time with your families before you get to Earth."

Janeway watched the faces of her senior crew as they reacted to this last bit of news. Harry’s face lit up, even as his eyes widened in amazement. Tuvok did not visibly react, but she could tell that even he was excited about the prospect of seeing his family again. She looked at Chakotay, seeing the concern etched in his eyes. She knew why he was worried, and she shared his concern. There was still a topic that had not been discussed. She did not want to push it, but she knew they would have to address the question sooner or later. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to the man standing at the head of the table when she heard him call her name.

"Yes, Mr. Green."

"Captain, I think we have covered everything. Do you have anything to say."

"No, Mr. Green. I think you have covered everything adequately. With your permission, I will allow the crew to return to their duty stations." When Mr. Green nodded to her, she looked at her crew, "Dismissed."

They stood and filed out. Once they had left, Janeway waited a beat, then spoke, "Mr. Green, I have a question."

He gave her a knowing look, a smile slowly starting to show on his face. He took a breath, "Of course, Captain."

The Maquis?"

"Ah, yes, the Maquis. You have quite a number of former Maquis on your ship."

She did not respond, but held her place, her look firm.

"Captain, the laws are clear. They will have to answer for their crimes." He walked over to the table and took a chair. He could feel her waiting for his next words. He allowed himself the pleasure of making her wait a little. He put the tips of his fingers together and studied them for a long moment before continuing, "I think, however, a strong case can be made for leniency." He looked up at her, "Based, of course, on their valuable service on Voyager. I am certain you will be willing to speak strongly in their favor."

She found his manner irritating, but she refused to allow herself to be baited. Slowly, she pulled out the chair in front of her and joined him in sitting at the table, "That, Mr. Green, goes without saying. They will have my full support. And the support of all the non-Maquis members of Voyager."

Admiral Paris watched as the drama unfolded. He had wondered himself about the status of the Maquis – and of his son. He wanted to think that all of the former Maquis on this ship would receive full pardons, but even he was not certain in light of the current political climate. It was difficult to know how decisions would be made with the current leadership of the Federation. He had certainly learned not to second-guess them on anything anymore. It was with a deep sense of relief that he saw Darrian Green lean back in his chair and cross his legs in a relaxed manner.

"Captain, I am certain that a person of your reputation, especially after bringing your crew back safely from such a dangerous and long mission will have the full attention of the leadership. Your recommendations should carry a great weight."

Janeway heard the friendly tone of his voice and gave him an appreciative smile. She did not, however, miss the coldness of his eyes. This was a man who demanded great respect. And great care.

"Oh my goodness! This is going to be wonderful! You are a public relations dream!"

He was walking around her in circles, examining her carefully. She was trying to watch him as he moved quickly, his arms waving as he talked. 

"All we need is a little make-up under those eyes and…" he reached up to touch the implant over her eye. She instinctively blocked his hand with her left hand, jerking her head back slightly. He pulled back immediately, his look suddenly afraid.

The Doctor stepped up, "Seven does not like to be touched, Mr. Ro’bara."

"Of course," he backed up a step, but worked to recover his smile, "of course, I’m sorry. I should have realize." He started looking at her again, his eyes traveling completely down her body, then back up again. "And you have really had a child?"

She gave him a puzzled expression, "Yes, I have."

He nodded, then saw the look in the Doctor’s eyes and turned from them, his head moving from side to side, "And where is she?"

"She is with B’Elanna Torres-Paris," the Doctor moved between the man and his wife, "right now, she spends the day with her Aunt B’Elanna while Seven and I work."

"Right," he noticed how the Doctor had moved protectively in front of his wife. Frowning, he backed up a little more. "I will get the chance to meet her soon, won’t I?"

"Of course," the Doctor gave him an uneasy smile, still unsettled from the look he had seen in the man’s eyes, "She will be home tonight. We try to have dinner together every night."

"Oh, a family dinner." The man’s face brightened, "That would make a wonderful picture." His voice started to pick up, "The Hansen family at dinner. The people on Earth will love that!" His excitement returned, and he started pacing around the living room, his arms waving as he started to talk again, "We will get pictures of everything. Family dinner. Evening at home with the Hansen’s. The Hansen’s at work. Kathryn B’Elanna with her Aunt B’Elanna. I can see it now." He grabbed his hands, his face flush with excitement, "This is going to be wonderful!"

Kathryn B’Elanna and B’Elanna had left Voyager. B’Elanna looked around nervously, but Kathryn B’Elanna moved confidently.

"Come, Bala. Good, Bala."

B’Elanna relaxed and allowed herself to be led deeper into this special place. She peered forward, a figure starting to appear in the distance. She watched as Kathryn B’Elanna started walking faster, her arms waving to the approaching figure.

"Keta! Keta!" 

"Kathryn B’Elanna," Ketaria kneeled down, reaching out to touch the child’s mind. Then, she looked up, "B’Elanna, it is good to see you. I was not certain this would actually work."

"Neither was I. I have to tell you," B’Elanna allowed her eyes to wander nervously around, "I am not very comfortable."

"I understand. It is difficult enough just to go to a special place without traveling such a long distance. You are very brave to attempt this."

"Yes, well, I don’t think we had much of a choice."

Ketaria looked up at her, concerned, "Has something happened?"

"No. No, nothing has happened." She glanced around again, "At least not yet."

"But you believe something will."

She paused, "I…don’t really know."

Ketaria stood slowly, "Then you feel like something will."

B’Elanna took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, "Yes."

"Come. Let’s walk." Ketaria started to move, and B’Elanna and Kathryn B’Elanna moved with her. She gave B’Elanna time to relax, then asked, "How are you doing?"

"I am doing just fine."

"And the baby?"

"No problems. A few twinges, but nothing significant. The Doctor is pleased."

"Good. Have you met your father-in-law?"

"Yes, I have." B’Elanna gave her a big smile, "He is wonderful." She cut her eyes toward her companion, "He and Tom remind me a lot of each other, but I don’t think I can tell Tom that." She added, laughing, "At least not yet."

Ketaria laughed with her, "I am not surprised. It usually happens like that." She stopped laughing, then asked, "And Seven?"

"She appears fine."

"But?"

"But, she is not resting. She looks worse now than when you saw her last."

"Is Kathryn B’Elanna continuing to watch her at night?"

"Yes. She is telling me, just like you taught her. She even took me with her last night."

Ketaria stopped and looked at her in shock, "Were you with her at the time?"

"No," B’Elanna shook her head, "she was in her quarters, and I was in mine. She came to me in my sleep and wanted me to go with her."

"Oh my."

"I know."

"She is getting stronger."

"I think it is in reaction to what is going on. She is trying to protect her mother."

Ketaria sighed, "You are probably right." She started walking again, "So, what happened when you joined her last night."

"We watched Seven."

"And she watched the darkness?"

"Yes."

"Did she…move toward it?"

"No. She just stared at it all night

"Well, I guess that is an improvement." They walked silent, and Ketaria could feel that B’Elanna was beginning to feel more and more comfortable. Then, they stopped, and she turned toward them, "You should return now. We will visit again tomorrow. Be careful returning to awareness, B’Elanna."

"I will be. And Kathryn B’Elanna will take good care of me."

Ketaria kneeled down, "You take good care of your Aunt B’Elanna."

"Good, Bala." The child smiled back at her.

"I love you, sweetheart." She stood, facing B’Elanna, "Take care of yourself."

"I will. You do the same."

"Of course. Safe journey back."

She stood and watched as Kathryn B’Elanna led B’Elanna back to Voyager. Then, she began her own journey back to her ship. Kahkar would be anxious to hear about their first visit. And about Seven.