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

She was staring at the alcove. This was the last place she wanted to be tonight, but the Doctor had been adamant that she needed to regenerate here again. The stress of everything that had gone on was wearing on her, and her erythrocytes were low again. They had almost gotten into a fight. It would have been their first.

Finally, he had taken her into his arms and simply held her for a long time. It allowed both of them to calm down.

"It is just that I do not want to be away from you tonight." She could not keep the tremor out of her voice.

"I know. I don’t want to be away from you either. But you need to take care of yourself. You know you will feel better if you regenerate. Besides," he tightened his arms around her, "it will help you deal with…the things going on." He pulled away to look at her, "I have already arranged for Dr. E’Nalto to stay with B’Elanna tonight so I can stay here with Kathryn B’Elanna." When she started to protest again, he had spoken her name in that special tone, and she had promised to comply.

Frowning, she almost left to go back to him. But, she had promised, and she always did what she had promised. Reluctantly, she stepped up and began her regeneration cycle.

He had been waiting for her. He touched the device on his neck, adjusting the controls. Making certain the security locks were on the door, he settled himself into the chair and turned out the lights in the room. He didn’t want any distractions. This would take all of his concentration and energy.

She could barely hear it, but, she knew someone was there. Her heart started beating faster. It had to be the queen. Desperately, she started working to bring herself out of her regeneration cycle. If she did so, maybe it would break the link. She was almost there when she heard a male voice. It stopped her, and she turned in her mind, trying to see who it was.

"Hello, Seven of Nine."

"Who are you?"

"That does not matter."

"What do you want."

"Isn’t that obvious?"

"No."

"You."

She was trying hard to see him, "Explain."

"I think you know without me explaining anything."

She paused, "How do you know?"

"I expected better questions from you, Seven of Nine." When she did not respond to him, he laughed, "Ah, your famous silent response. Actually, I like the way you do not waste words. It is…more efficient. I will look forward to working with you more closely once we reach Earth." He fell silent, and she waited on him to continue, "It will be nice to get to know you better."

"Do I know you now?"

"In a matter of speaking. However, once we reach Earth, we will have the opportunity to work together in a more…intimate environment than we do now."

His words made her grow cold inside. She continued to try to see him, but she just heard him laugh, "Do not waste your time trying to see me, Seven of Nine. Only my thoughts are in your mind, not me."

She sighed, "What do you want me to do?"

"Good. Compliance. I like that."

"Do I have another choice?"

"No, you do not. You know what is at risk."

She did not respond.

He laughed again, "You are a formidable opponent. But, just to make certain there is no misunderstanding, I am going to be specific. Yes, your daughter is at risk. So is the hologram. If you do not fight us, your daughter will be allowed to stay with the hologram, and they both will be safe."

"I will comply."

"I thought you would. And, just to make certain, there is more your cooperation will ensure."

She waited.

"The safety of your friends."

She frowned, "Explain."

"I believe that two of your closest friends were former Maquis."

She suddenly understood, "Yes."

"You cooperation guarantees their safety – and the safety of the other Maquis on the ship."

"I will comply."

"I know you will." There was a moment of silence, "Seven of Nine?"

"What?"

"There is something else I should tell you."

"And that is?"

"Your thoughts are mine, so do not try to tell anyone about this. If you do, B’Elanna Torres-Paris will die."

She felt her heart beating in her throat, "Explain!"

"I know your thoughts, Seven of Nine. I can hear what you are thinking." He paused, "B’Elanna Torres-Paris is extremely vulnerable right now."

It was not possible, she thought.

Immediately, he laughed, "Yes, it is possible, Seven of Nine. Let me see, the visit with your aunt unsettled you tonight. You actually felt hate for her when she called your relationship with the hologram unnatural."

"How…." She choked back her question.

"Your thoughts are my thoughts, Seven of Nine. I am tied to you through your implants."

She finally understood completely, "The Borg."

"Yes. I enjoy a unique alliance with the Borg."

"Are you Borg?"

"No, I am not. But I believe there is much to be gained by an alliance with the Borg. And they believe the same of an alliance with…certain humans on Earth. It will make for a glorious future for mankind and for the Borg. You will be an important part of that future."

"I will not com….." She stopped.

"No, you will comply. You do not have a choice, do you?"

She did not answer him.

He laughed, "You forget, Seven of Nine. I know your thoughts. You are right. You do not have a choice." There was silence, then he continued, "Have a good regeneration cycle, Seven of Nine. I am looking forward to working with you once we arrive on Earth." He paused, "You comply as promised and your child, the hologram and your friends will be safe. I give you my promise on that."

"Understood."

"Good. I will see you soon."

Then, he was gone.

She fought her way out of her regeneration cycle and rushed from her alcove. Stumbling, she fell from the platform and hit hard on the floor, her fear temporarily paralyzed her. Finally, she rolled onto her back, her body going limp. At least, now, the fear of the unknown was gone. She understood what she had to do. 

And they would be safe. Her family would be safe. That was all that was important to her now.

Kathryn B’Elanna stayed away, but she watched. She had seen and heard everything, but she could not understand it. All she knew was Mama had been afraid and scared. Now, she was sad.

He was a bad man.

"Kaykay do. Kathryn B’Elanna not do."

The thought made her mad, but Kaykay and Keta had told her that. Her bottom lip poked out slightly as she thought.

"Bala."

She turned and left, looking for Bala. Bala was not in her bed. Frowning, she went to sickbay. Bala was there, but she could not reach Bala’s mind. She watched Bala and Uncle Tom, then turned back to go to Mama. Mama was still on the floor, her arm over her eyes. She sat, watching her. She reached out to touch her mind, knowing Mama was looking at the darkness again.

Sighing, she frowned deeply, "Kaykay do. Kathryn B’Elanna not do. Tell Keta" But she could not go by herself. They had told her not to do that. And Bala could not go with her.

Frustrated, she sat, her anger building.

She walked into her empty living quarters. She had waited until she was certain the Doctor had left for work before she returned. Walking into the bathroom, she looked at herself in the mirror. The circles were deep and dark under her eyes. Rubbing at them with her hands, she undressed and entered the sonic shower. She stood, leaning her head against the wall of the shower, trying hard not to think about anything. 

Her thoughts were his thoughts.

Thirty minutes later, she stood in front of the mirror again, staring intently at her reflection. Her eyes drifted to the bottles Alta Ro’bara had left her, and she picked one up, reading the label. She searched through them, finally finding the one she was looking for. Slowly, she poured some of the contents onto a small sponge and awkwardly lifted it to her face. A few minutes later, she stood back and looked, satisfied that the contents has covered up the dark circles somewhat. 

Now, it was time to reclaim her daughter from Ensign Wildman. She had so little time left with her. She did not want to give up a minute of it. And she wanted to see the Doctor. She would not be separated from them a minute more than she had to be in the time they had left.

The Doctor opened the door for them, his face beaming.

"May we visit with B’Elanna?"

"And I thought you came to see me." His voice was kiddingly chiding.

She smiled at him, "Actually, seeing B’Elanna was an excuse. We really did come to see you."

"Right." He laughed, kissing her, then kissing her daughter, "Come on in. B’Elanna is awake, and Tom is enjoying a few moments with her while Miral has gone to get something to eat."

"Miral? Miral is here?"

"Oh, that’s right. You don’t know about that." He was walking her toward B’Elanna’s biobed, "Yes, she came last night."

Their conversation was cut short as they reached B’Elanna’s side, and both she and Tom turned to greet her.

"Hi, Seven," B’Elanna shifted to face her.

"You are looking well."

B’Elanna hesitated, looking carefully at Seven’s face, but said, "I am feeling much better today." She smiled, "No pains, no contractions. So far, it is a good day!"

"I understand your mother is here."

"Yes," B’Elanna was shaking her head in amazement, "and I think she actually likes Tom." She reached out to play with Kathryn B’Elanna’s hand, "Can you believe it?"

She heard Seven’s response, but her eyes were riveted on KB’s face. She knew immediately something was wrong. She cast a worried look at Tom. He saw it and picked up the conversation to distract attention from the two of them, "What can I say, it is my winning personality." Then, he laughed, "I also think it is because I am fathering a son. It says something about my manhood."

"Or luck," said the Doctor.

Seven smiled at them, then said to Tom, "I am glad Miral approves of you. It will make things easier for the two of you."

The Doctor quickly looked away from her to hide the sad look in his face. Picking up the tricorder Dr. E’Nalto had left, he turned back to his wife, "Seven, I would like to check you this morning."

"You checked me yesterday."

"And I would like to check you again."

She put her head down, trying to think of an argument. Then, she was aware that Tom had stood and was reaching for Kathryn B’Elanna, "Here, Seven. Let me take her so the Doctor can check you out."

Reluctantly, she allowed him to take her child and turned to the Doctor, already knowing he would be unhappy with what he would find. Still, she allowed him to lead her to another biobed and lay down on it for an exam.

Tom sat back down, placing KB on B’Elanna’s biobed. The child leaned over to B’Elanna and spoke softly, "See Keta."

"KB, I can’t go with you." She reached up to push back the child’s hair, "Bala is sick." Her voice was distraught, and Tom could tell she was getting upset. He looked at the two of them, quickly making up his mind.

He stood and lifted the child in his arms, "Doctor, Seven, would it be okay with you if I took Kathryn B’Elanna for a trip to Flotter’s Forest? I need to stretch my legs a bit."

Before Seven could say anything, the Doctor spoke, "Yes, Tom. I think she would enjoy it. Besides," he looked down unhappily at the tricorder in his hand, "I think we might be here a little while."

"Okay, we will see you soon." He leaned down to kiss B’Elanna, "See you later."

She grabbed his arm, "Tom, what are you going to do?"

"I’m not sure." He looked at the child in his arms, "I’m going to try to talk to her where we can’t be heard. Then, I’ll decide." He gave her a loving smile, "Trust me, okay?"

She didn’t have a choice. Sighing, she nodded her head and waved to KB as he took her out of the sickbay. Then, she concentrated on trying to stay calm.

He walked quickly to the turbolift and ordered it to the holodeck. A few minutes later, he was inside Flotter’s Forest. He had not brought Flotter online so he was able to move quickly into the Forest.

"Okay, sweetheart." He sat on the rock cropping, "What is going on?"

She looked at him, indecisive. Finally, she said, "Go see Keta."

"Can you tell me what you need to tell Keta?"

She screwed up her face, "Bad man."

"You saw the bad man?"

She frowned, frustrated with her lack of ability to communicate. Not knowing what to say, she repeated, "Go see Keta."

Tom watched her face, trying to decide what he should do. He could tell she was upset and afraid. And mad. He put his hand to his head, thinking. If she got mad enough, he was not certain she would remember what she had been taught. B’Elanna had been really concerned that KB would lose control. They had talked about what had been going on, and he was as frightened for Seven and KB as B’Elanna was. Finally, he leaned back against the rock and took a deep breath.

"KB, I will go with you to see Keta."

"See Keta?"

"Yes. Take me to see Keta."

"Bala go with Kathryn B’Elanna to see Keta."

He lifted her up level with his face, "KB, Aunt Bala sick. Uncle Tom will go with you to see Keta. Okay?"

He watched as she thought about what he had said. Then, he saw her face relax, "Go see Keta."

"Good." He put her in his lap so she was sitting with her back to him and wrapped his hands around her stomach. "Take me to see Keta, KB." He closed his eyes and tried to open his mind, remembering what B’Elanna had told him about her experiences. He was wondering if she was going to be able to take him when he was suddenly aware he was in a foggy, distorted place.

"KB? Are we in your special place?"

"Go see Keta."

He heard her voice, looked around and called her again, "KB?"

"Unca Tom." 

This time, he was able to focus on her voice, and finally found her in the fog. He noticed it was clearing slightly. When he was able to see her face, he knew she was concentrating hard to bring him with her. He tried to calm himself and settle into the place where they were to help her. It was not easy. He could not believe B’Elanna did this with the child. It was incredibly stressful.

"Go see Keta, KB."

She turned to lead him, and he noticed she was unsteady. He could tell this was very hard on her, but she would not stop. It seemed forever, but finally, he saw another figure coming toward them. He could not see the figure clearly, but he recognized the voice as soon as he heard it. As he expected, the voice was not happy.

"Tom! What have you done? Where is B’Elanna?"

He was working hard to see her, "Ketaria, I know this was not the smartest thing to do, but B’Elanna has had some problems and cannot come and something is terribly wrong."

"What?"

"I don’t know. KB can’t tell me."

She immediately turned her attention to the child, "Kathryn B’Elanna, open your mind to me."

Tom watched as the two stared at each other. He wasn’t surprised when he watched Ketaria lift her hands to her mouth, her expression shocked and pained. He saw her start to nod her head.

"We will come immediately, Kathryn B’Elanna. Do not worry and do not do anything." She made her voice as emphatic as she could. "Remember, Kahkar will do. Kathryn B’Elanna will not do. Do you remember that?"

Tom watched as she sighed heavily, and repeated Ketaria, reluctantly nodding her head as she did, "Kaykay do. Kathryn B’Elanna not do."

"That is right." She spoke slowly, "We will be there soon, Kathryn B’Elanna. You wait on us."

"Kaykay, Keta come."

"That’s right. And it is our secret. You will not tell anyone."

Kathryn B’Elanna put her finger to her lips, "Shhhh."

"Right," Ketaria mimicked her action, "Shhhh. It is a secret." She looked carefully at the child, realizing she was unsteady. She stood, looking at Tom and noticed that he, also was looking weak.

"Tom, I have to get you back. This is too much for the two of you. Come, I will help you return."

They turned without protest and started the journey back. Tom was struggling to keep the two of them in his sight. Still, he had to know what was going on, "Ketaria, can you tell me what is happening."

"No, Tom. Please trust me. It would not be safe for you to know right now. You have not had adequate training. You would not be able to protect yourself and your thoughts."

"Like you trained B’Elanna."

"Yes." She frowned, "Please, Tom, I need for you to concentrate, and I need for you to allow me to concentrate. It is difficult getting you both back to Voyager safely." 

He saw the strained look on her face, and then saw the same look on KB’s. He once again worked to calm himself and open his mind to them. He was aware of a fierce headache starting in the back of his head and working its way slowly toward the front. He gritted his teeth and held on.

Ketaria stayed with them until she was certain they were safely on Voyager and returning to awareness. She was very concerned for both of them. She knew Tom was in pain, and she suspected Kathryn B’Elanna was also. Once she knew they had returned to awareness, she turned shakily to return to her ship. It would be a long journey back. She could feel her own headache beginning.

Tom had to fight to keep from screaming. He was aware of small hands, clasped tightly to his face and a shaking body in his lap. He realized he was shaking also. And his head was aching. He forced his eyes open and saw KB, staring at him, tears pouring down her face. As soon as he returned fully to awareness, she collapsed in his arms, grabbing at her head and crying. He pulled her to him, suddenly aware that his world was getting darker. He tried hard to fight it, but the darkness finally overtook him.

Ketaria was fighting back to awareness. She gasped, struggling to get to her feet. It was imperative she get to Kahkar and tell him. Once she did that, she could give into the intense pain in her head. Suddenly, her legs gave out beneath her and she fell to her hands and knees. Fighting as hard as she could to rise again, she found herself pitching forward as she lost her battle to remain conscious.

Two hours later, Kahkar found her. He quickly gathered her in his arms and ran with her toward his lab, yelling for Eloca and Rowin as he did.

The Doctor, Dr. E’Nalto and Deanna Troi were standing around her biobed, none of the three looking very happy at the moment.

"And you regenerated last night?" Dr. E’Nalto was studying the diagnostic scan intently.

She did not look at them, "I…tried."

The eyes came up, "But you were not successful?"

She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head.

"Why not?" The older woman came around to look at her, her eyes concerned.

Seven shrugged, "I had…bad dreams."

"Seven," the Doctor reached out to take her hand, "why didn’t you tell me. I would have come to stay with you."

"I did not want…."

"…to bother me." The Doctor finished her sentence for you. He leaned over her, his eyes both worried and loving, "Will you never learn? You are not a bother to me."

Deanna saw Seven’s eyes return his loving look. Something was wrong. She knew something was wrong, but she could not tell what. Seven was guarding herself very carefully. That, in and of itself, was odd. She knew Seven was hiding something but she did not have an idea of what it was. Suddenly, she was aware that Dr. E’Nalto was speaking.

"Seven, I think you need to stay here today. We will monitor you and provide your body with additional supplements. Maybe later, we will have you regenerate in your alcove again." She stopped when she saw the look that crossed Seven’s eyes. Frowning, she continued, "In the meantime, I think we will let you visit with the Doctor for a few minutes. Counselor Troi and I will talk about what Mr. Green and Mr. Ro’bara should be told."

"I had appointments with both of them today."

"Well, those appointments are being cancelled. Doctor’s orders." She gave her a big smile.

"Mr. Ro’bara will not be happy. We were to make final preparations for Voyager’s arrival at the space station tomorrow."

"Seven," Deanna Troi walked up to her bed, "I think you can manage without any final preparations. She noticed the relieved look in Seven’s eyes, knowing that Seven did not enjoy the times she met with either gentleman. She did not blame her. It was obvious that neither man had Seven’s best interest at heart. Politics, she thought, disgustedly. Successful handling of Seven and her family would be positive for both men’s careers, and she knew that was what each was concerned about. Right now, she would use that to her advantage. Their desire that Seven be ready to meet the people of Earth meant they would willingly go along with a day’s rest for her in sickbay. 

"Thank you."

For the first time, Deanna saw a friendly look come into Seven’s eyes. "You are welcome. Now, rest." She turned and left with Dr. E’Nalto. They did not speak until the doors of the sickbay had closed behind them.

"They will not be very happy about this." Dr. E’Nalto glanced down the corridor.

"They will get over it," Deanna laughed.

Dr. E’Nalto was quiet for a moment, before asking, "Do you have any idea what is wrong?"

"No, she was very guarded."

"But it wasn’t bad dreams."

"I don’t think so."

"I am getting a very bad feeling about all of this."

"I know. I am also."

"How much time before we dock?"

"About twenty-four hours."

"I will keep Seven in the sickbay until then. Maybe you can visit her later."

"I’ll make a point of it."

"Good luck with Mr. Green and Mr. Ro’bara."

"I will manage. I have two doctors ordering her to rest."

"I just hope that is enough."

Laughing, they parted, but each knew how concerned the other was.

Tom gradually opened his eyes, blinking through his headache. He reached for the child curled up next to him, suddenly afraid. Relieved, he felt her stir, her hand coming up to rub the side of her head.

"Are you all right, KB?"

"Hurt." She was pointing to her head.

"I know. Me, too." He tried to sit up, but was overcome by dizziness. It took him a along few minutes to be able to raise his head. "Oh, I don’t think I want to go on that trip again."

KB was lying on her back, holding her head and kicking her feet. Tom knew she was still in a lot of pain. Her eyes were weak and her face pale. He gingerly pulled her to him.

"Say something to me, KB."

"See Mama."

"Okay. Let’s rest here a few minutes, and then we’ll go see your Mama." They were still a few minutes, then KB pulled herself up to lie on Tom’s chest, putting her hands to his face. "I’m okay, KB. You don’t have to worry about me."

"Keta come."

"Yes," he gave her a big smile, "you can relax sweetheart, Ketaria and Kahkar are coming. You don’t have to worry about anything. They will be here soon, and they will take care of your Mama."

She put her head down on his chest and fell asleep. He smiled at her. Putting his hand on her back, he took a deep breath. He would give himself a few more minutes, then he would take her back to sickbay and give B’Elanna the good news.

"Are we ready?"

"Yes, everything is ready."

"How much time before we dock."

"Less than two hours."

"And you are certain everything is ready."

"Yes, sir."

"Thank you. I will see you after we dock."

"Yes, sir."

"Andrew?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Thank you for everything. Your hard work is appreciated, and it will be recognized."

"Yes, sir. And thank you, sir."

Andrew left, and he turned his attention to the window, seeing the ships that were now accompanying Voyager toward the space station. They would dock there. B’Elanna Torres-Paris and her family would be quietly transported to the hospital facilities. Then, the crew would leave the ship. First, the Captain and Admiral Paris. Then, the senior staff and their families, followed by the rest of the crew with the families who had joined them.

Finally, Seven of Nine and her family would walk out. He knew they were the ones everyone was waiting to see. The people of Earth would see her. Yes, he would make certain the people of Earth saw Seven of Nine. 

He smiled. Soon, it would be the beginning. He could hardly wait.

Janeway watched as Voyager docked at the space station. She could see the thousands of smaller ships that flocked her starship. They had joined Voyager on her last leg home about six hours out and had accompanied them with lights flashing. 

"We are docked." Harry Kim’s voice rang out into the bridge, and he turned from the helm to beam his thanks to the Captain for allowing him to bring Voyager home.

She just looked at him, unable to speak. Finally, she spoke, "Power down engines." She turned slowly, looking at the faces of the people on the bridge with her. "We are home."

It was a sentence she had been afraid she would never have the opportunity to say. Now that she had, she realized she almost felt a sense of sadness. She was not sorry to be home, but this ship and these people had been her home and family for over seven years. And now, it was over.

She smiled at all of them, "Prepare to disembark."

They slowly left the bridge, one at a time. She greeted each of them, sometimes sharing a goodbye, but mostly sharing a private quiet moment. They had all spoken before, and the words had already been said. Finally, she turned to Admiral Paris, and he used his hand to invite her into the empty turbolift. She turned from him and walked slowly around the bridge one last time.

"Will she be mine again?"

"I don’t see how she could be anyone else’s."

She stood in the center of the bridge, not quite able to leave. She forced herself over to her chair and sat down, rubbing her hands over the arm rests.

"Don’t worry, old girl. I’ll be back."

Then, she stood and joined the Admiral. Together they left the bridge of Voyager.

She marched out, in step with Admiral Paris. Federation flags were flying and she could hear the band playing above the cheers of the people as they walked across the bridge. She stopped as she stepped onto the deck of the space station, looking down at her feet, now feeling that she had come home. Admiral Paris gave her a moment, then stepped up and gently placed his hand on her back.

"Captain, please." He spoke quietly.

She recovered her composure, "Of course, Admiral."

The walked toward the greeting line. Later, she would realize she did not remember the next few minutes as she made her way through the line, finally taking her place beside the Admiral as she prepared to watch her senior staff make their way from Voyager. The speeches would come after everyone was off the ship. She was grateful it would give her the time to recover her composure. Looking up, she saw Chakotay as he walked confidently onto the docking bridge. She raised her head with pride as she watched her senior staff move toward her.

Alta Ro’bara was nervously watching as the crew filed through the doors of Voyager and crossed the docking bridge. He turned to Seven and the Doctor.

"Okay. This is going to be beautiful. You are beautiful. The people of Earth are going to fall in love with you."

Seven and the Doctor exchanged glances, the Doctor’s eyes telling her he would be relieved when they were rid of this man. She tried to give him a smile. He could tell how worried she was.

He walked up to her, and whispered, "You are going to be fine. Just hold onto my hand, and it will be okay."

She nodded, grabbing tightly to his extended hand, "I love you."

Before he could respond, the frenetic man came up behind them, "No, no, no. I have told you, hold her human hand. It is more symbolic of your human connection. Now," he moved them to stand next to each other, Seven to the Doctor’s left, holding his left hand in her right one, with the Doctor holding their daughter in his right arm. Mr. Ro’bara stepped back and looked at them critically, "Perfect." He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the last of the crew step out on the docking bridge.

He took a deep breath and looked proudly at his charges, "It’s time." He moved behind them and gently pushed them in the back, "Go."

They started walking. Just before they reached the docking bridge, the Doctor stopped her, squeezing her hand. He leaned over and gave her a kiss, "I love you."

"And I love you." She briefly leaned her head against his, allowing his lips to brush the implant over her eye.

They stayed like that for a moment, then he said, "It’s time to go home, Seven. Our new life is waiting for us."

She slowly nodded her head, straightened herself and moved closer to him. Hand in hand, they stepped out onto the docking bridge and walked toward the space station entrance.