Disclaimer: Paramount owns all the people on Voyager. Gadj Inuquay is mine, not that he’s all that and a bag of chips, or anything. And I’m not making any money from any of this.

Rating/Codes: R for graphic depictions of sexual situations. J/M and J/7. Slash F/F.

Summary: During a diplomatic mission, Janeway’s relationship with an alien Ambassador makes her scrutinize her feelings for a certain Borg astrometrics officer.

Warning: Taboo Alert!!!! All the biggies are in here, folks. Janeway, true to her onscreen character, sleeps with a man. There’s violence. There’s near rape. One of my writer buddies told me not to post this story. I think all the taboo issues are done tastefully, however, and are there for a purpose—to tell the actual story. Oh, and if women loving each other is a taboo for you, don’t bother to read this story, because that’s the main theme.

Some Truths Refuse to Lie

by Ensign Mika

Gadj Inuquay, 1^st ambassador of Biro Prime, strode regally down the corridor, flanked by Lt. Commander Tuvok and a security detail on one side, and by his advisors and Captain Kathryn Janeway on the other. He was a tall, sleek humanoid, with large, almond shaped eyes that were golden. His skin was the color of wheat, with subtle shades of burnt umber at the joints, most of which were covered by the robes of his native culture.

Gadj’s raiment bore a resemblance to the garb of several 20^th Century Earth African cultures, with full pants and tunic, colorful sashes, and a brimless hat, all in royal purples, golds, and azure. He was quite the imposing figure, with flashing white teeth, tiny crow’s feet at the edges of his eyes denoting a humorous bent, and a powerful physique. Janeway was dwarfed by the towering ambassador, but felt no intimidation. Something in Gadj’s demeanor put her instantly at ease.

Voyager had assumed orbit around Biro Prime at the ambassador’s invitation. Biro Prime was replete with dilithium ore, and B’Elanna Torres was fairly drooling at the prospect of mining some of the precious substance. She had taken an away team to evaluate the deposits and to form a strategy for extracting the ore with the least disturbance to the ecosystem. Janeway, ever the diplomat, had agreed to host the trade negotiations aboard Voyager, and contingent upon a favorable evaluation by the away team, shore leave on Biro Prime would be granted to the crew.

"We received the data base link, and I must say, Ambassador, our people have a great deal in common. Your anthropological inquiry, as a culture, is very similar to the Federation’s objective to explore space and seek out new lifeforms. Your own space program is fascinating to me," she smiled cordially at the visitor.

"I have noted the similarities as well, Captain. The Council of Continents agreed that this would be a beneficial alliance to form between the Biro colonies and Voyager, and perhaps, one day, the Federation," he said hopefully. "At the very least, we will be able to share our knowledge of the various species in both the Alpha and Delta Quadrants," he smiled affably.

"We were very interested in learning more about this species you call the Borg," he added with a hint of concern in his voice.

"You are in luck, Ambassador, because not only have we encountered the Borg numerous times, we have several former drones on board who were severed from the collective, most notably, my Astrometrics Officer, Seven of Nine," Janeway offered. She noted that the tension that had invaded his features at the mention of the Borg seemed to dissipate with her words.

"I would very much like to meet this Seven of Nine," he agreed. "If what you say of the Borg in your data logs is accurate, she must be an extraordinary person to have survived being severed from the hive." His golden eyes sparkled with excitement. He was going to make first contact with a new species, in a manner of speaking, a human-Borg hybrid.

"Seven is unique," Janeway laughed liltingly, her blue grey eyes flashing with affection for her Borg friend. "I think you will like her very much. Although, I must warn you, Ambassador, Seven can be a little…abrupt. She is still adjusting to life outside the collective. And frankly, she finds human customs and standards a bit cumbersome, at times."

"I can imagine," the tall, handsome stranger smiled warmly at his host. "A collective mind would make most pleasantries unnecessary, and learning instantaneous. It must be quite a daunting task to have to learn things in the ordinary way." He took a moment to visually inspect the compact Captain, noting her pleasing curves and gentle laugh, and especially her auburn hair.

Janeway noted his intent gaze, and smiled affably. "Is there something you’d like to ask, Ambassador?" she politely inquired.

"Forgive me," he quickly averted his eyes. "It’s just your hair…"

Janeway’s hand darted over her tresses, her face alarmed. "I suppose it is a mess again…" she began, suddenly self-conscious. Try as she might, whatever style she chose for her auburn locks, they simply would not behave.

"Quite the contrary," he hastened to correct his error. "My people…well, the color of your hair does not exist on my world. There is a legend about a goddess, however, whose hair was just this color," his tone held a questioning sense of awe.

Janeway grinned with delight and chuckled softly. "I’m no goddess, Ambassador, I assure you." Demon, maybe, but not a goddess, Janeway mused. "Let’s start our tour in Engineering," she held her arm out, welcoming his party into the Engineering section.

Janeway took Gadj Inuquay and his entourage on a thorough tour of Voyager, including Engineering, Transporter Ops, the Bridge, the Mess Hall, Sickbay, Shipping & Receiving/Cargo Bays, Astrometrics, and Biometrics. Gadj was personable and friendly with the various crewmembers he met, and amazingly, seemed to recall every name and rank he heard. It was a skill that Janeway envied, as she found it one of the most tedious demands of acting as a diplomat, and a skill that the lack of could result in grave insult. Across cultures, quadrants, and dimensions, sentient beings attached significance to their names, or as Seven would say, their designations.

Even more surprising to Janeway, the Ambassador not only willingly tasted several of Neelix’ concoctions in the mess hall, he actually enjoyed them, and requested additional portions. He professed a great love of the Leola Root stew, which Janeway herself could hardly gag down, and then only to stave off starvation. Neelix’ buttons were nearly bursting with pride as the dignitary praised him for his culinary acumen. He obeisantly scurried to accommodate the Ambassador’s requests, which included a supply of fresh Leola root for the Ambassador’s personal use. Neelix readily and proudly agreed to share his various recipes, as Gadj indicated he loved to cook.

As they left the mess hall, Gadj turned to Janeway. "He is a Talaxian?"

"Yes, and a fine Ambassador, as well," Janeway pointed out the commonality between the two gentlemen.

"A handsome species," he noted. "Such interesting facial colorations. And the garments," he sighed enviously. "Such magnificence."

Janeway repressed a snort. No one would ever describe Neelix’ clothing as magnificent. Garish, perhaps; busy, gaudy, even putrid—but not magnificent. "Well, Ambassador, I’m certain he would be quite pleased to share his replicator patterns with you. And he would be overjoyed to think a stately personage such as yourself finds his clothing appealing." He’ll be insufferable, in fact.

____________

Gadj sat with Janeway in her ready room, hammering out the arrangements for trade negotiations. He was testing the temperature of the liquid refreshment the Captain had called "coffee", and found the taste and the temperature to his liking. "This is wonderful," he was bubbling with newfound joy. "We have a similar drink on the 3^rd continent of Biro, made from a bean that only grows in the arid high country there. Yours is much more flavorful, however," he grinned. "You must allow me to take you to one of our local restaurants and treat you to our version."

Kathryn raised her coffee cup. "An excellent idea. I can’t survive without my daily dose of caffeine."

"Caffeine?" Gadj quirked an eyebrow.

"A chemical component of coffee that acts as a mild stimulant."

"Ah, I understand. The beverage we drink has the same properties, and the coarseness or fineness of the ground bean determines the content of the stimulant chemical. I like mine ground very fine, which provides a good deal of stimulant."

Janeway smirked. "Ambassador, you and I are going to be great friends," she smiled broadly. "My name is Kathryn. You may call me that, if you wish."

He nodded agreeably. "And you may call me Gadj, Kathryn. Shall I ask my secondary aid to transport some of our beverage? We could compare."

"That would be fun," she smiled. "Computer, open a channel to Ambassador Gadj’s office."

"Channel open."

"This is Gadj. Please put Waryn on the comm link."

"Waryn here, Ambassador. How may I accommodate you?"

"Waryn, transport a container of fenx to the coordinates Captain Janeway is transmitting."

"Right away, Ambassador."

 

Gadj prepared the fenx in the traditional manner, and handed Janeway a mug. She tasted it tentatively, then murmured her approval. It was milder than coffee, and slightly sweet, but the stimulant properties were superior. She felt ‘wired’ after half a cup.

Janeway proposed a toast. "To new friends," she smiled warmly at the alien.

"New friends," he agreed.

_______________________

Gadj Inuquay fussed over the main dish of the dinner he was preparing. Kathryn had agreed to join him on Biro Prime for the evening meal, and had invited Seven, Tuvok, and B'Elanna to join them at Gadj’s insistence. He was anxious to meet the former Borg drone to learn all he could about the Borg, and as a member of a society that valued crosscultural exchange, he welcomed the opportunity to meet someone ‘unique’, as Kathryn had described her. Tuvok and B'Elanna were also requested since they represented two more unique species.

Tuvok hated social gatherings, although his discomfiture never showed in his glacial expression. His only consolation for missing his evening meditation was in knowing he could provide security for the Captain. He felt that she had lowered her guard entirely too soon with the Ambassador, and he intended to keep a close watch on Gadj.

B'Elanna would have been happy to attend, if only she didn’t have to wear the dress uniform. Although she had been told she looked stunning in dress whites, she despised the way the neckline swept to the shoulder, likening it to a straight jacket that choked the wearer. She also wasn’t thrilled that Tom Paris had been omitted from the dinner invitation, but she supposed he would not ordinarily be included unless they were to marry. B'Elanna was not about to go to that extreme just to have a dinner date.

Janeway had demanded that the Doctor produce a formal outfit for Seven of Nine, a biosuit that fit like the others, but with overgarments that made her look less naked. Seven assisted with the design, and luckily her taste superceded the Doctor’s lack thereof. The effect was charming. She wore her hair down, but clipped it in an ornate barrette at the back of her neck, which softened her overall appearance considerably. The biosuit was midnight blue, with an overblouse of white cotton that stood out in sharp relief against the blue. She wore the shirt cinched at the waist, the bottom flaired out around her hips over charcoal grey slacks that were pleated in the front, cuffed at the ankle. Kathryn and B'Elanna had equally pleased reactions to the Borg beauty, who as usual was oblivious to her own sensuality.

"Wow," B'Elanna murmured as Seven entered the transporter room.

"Wow, indeed," Janeway echoed unconsciously.

Seven arched an eyebrow. "Captain. Lieutenant," she said formally. "What is the meaning of ‘Wow’ when used in this manner?"

Janeway swallowed hard. "It means you look incredible."

"I look incredible? As in dishonest, or unbelievable?" Seven’s expression belied her understanding.

Janeway still stared at the young woman, her mouth suddenly dry. "No, Seven. You are beautiful," she amended, her voice not quite hiding the attraction she felt.

"Beauty is irrelevant," she retorted, but then smiled faintly with satisfaction. "However, I am glad you think I am beautiful," she added.

For a fleeting moment, ice blue eyes held darker blue grey eyes in their spell. Seven noted that Janeway’s pupils dilated and her breathing quickened almost imperceptibly.

"May I remind you that we are nearing the appointed time," Tuvok informed them impatiently. Seeing Janeway was still entranced with Seven of Nine, he used his best manners to unobtrusively nudge the Captain out of her reverie.

"Quite right, Tuvok," she snapped back to real time. "Let’s go."

________________

Gadj had several aids that attended to the needs of his dinner guests, leaving Gadj free to converse with his newfound friends. B'Elanna was surprised to see that he was particularly solicitous to the Captain, although it didn’t appear to be because she held command authority. It was definitely personal. B'Elanna had expected the dignitary to gravitate toward Seven of Nine, like almost every other breathing, living male they had ever encountered. But his attention remained firmly fixed upon Janeway. Gadj was not the least bit self conscious, and B'Elanna was sure that he was flirting with Janeway. Tuvok would never notice, and Seven probably wouldn’t either, which left B'Elanna with no means to confirm her observations.

The Voyager faction was impressed with the quality and quantity of the meal, and not for the first time since becoming lost in the Delta Quadrant, they were elated at the divergence from Neelix’ cooking and replicated repast. B'Elanna looked particularly happy, Janeway noted.

"Ambassador," she began.

"Ah, Kathryn, we agreed I am only Gadj," he corrected his guest.

"Gadj, then," she restated, "I’m afraid I may lose several members of my crew if I allow them to visit your world. The food and the company are both excellent, and an Intrepid class starship’s fare can’t compare with a homemade meal."

He smiled broadly, placing his hand over hers. "We would welcome anyone who wishes to stay, provided you approve any such desertions. I am gratified you enjoyed my cooking," he bowed humbly.

Janeway did not remove her hand from his, but was certainly conscious of the contact. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Your cooking? You made that incredible meal?"

He nodded. "A hobby of mine, if you will. My wife, Lopau, taught me to cook. We used to throw the most extravagant dinner parties for our visiting dignitaries from other continents and worlds," his eyes glowed with the pleasant memories. "Lopau was a master chef. I was very fortunate for having learned from her, and even more fortunate to have had such a partner. I regret that our union was so brief," he added softly.

Janeway’s expression became almost tender. "You’re no longer together?"

"She is no longer alive. She died in childbirth three years ago. I know, one would assume with the technological advances in the universe, no one would die from such a simple, everyday occurrence. But she was on a trip in an isolated area of the 5^th continent, a place that is primitive at best, and she went into premature labor several days from a medical facility. She hemorrhaged. Both she and my son were lost," he said matter-of-factly, not with the bitterness one would expect.

Janeway turned her hand beneath his, grasping his fingers. "I am sorry, Gadj. It is terrible to lose those we love, but to lose a child at the same time is unthinkable."

Gadj smiled sadly. "Thank you, Kathryn. Your compassion speaks well of your species. Enough despair and gloom, my guests. Shall we retire to the sitting circle and have an after-dinner drink?"

"I appreciate the offer," Seven of Nine began, extending her hand. "However, I agreed to assist Lieutenant Torres with the metallurgical analysis of the ore samples we took today."

B'Elanna sighed. "I’m afraid Seven is correct, Ambassador, although I would have gladly overlooked my duties awhile longer," she cast a scowl Seven’s way.

Tuvok nodded his thanks. "I must depart, as well. I am conducting security drills the last two hours of Beta shift. I thank you for an enjoyable evening, Ambassador." Tuvok had decided he trusted the Ambassador, and that a security escort was no longer needed.

"Captain, surely you will not abandon me?" his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"I’d love to stay Gadj. I’ll catch up with the rest of you later," she dismissed them.

"Captain, if you wish, I will have a member of security beam down to replace me?" Tuvok queried knowing she’d refuse.

"Not necessary, Tuvok," she waved him on.

_______________

Kathryn was delighted to spend time with an adult that didn’t need her direction, her consultation, her signature, or her stern and starched command image. She only had to worry about some mild diplomatic restraints with Gadj. He was quite entertaining, she decided. She made a point of advising him that like himself, her 1^st Officer was quite the student of Anthropology, and perhaps he would like to compare notes with Chakotay?

Gadj’s brow furrowed. "Chakotay. He looks at you differently than your other officers. He is your mate?" he assumed.

Janeway let out a peal of laughter. "Not in this lifetime," she laughed heartily. "He only looks at me like that because he hates to lose, not because he genuinely wants anything more of me, or our relationship."

Gadj relaxed visibly. "Then I would be happy to avail myself of the opportunity to meet with him and ‘compare notes’ as you phrased it, Kathryn." He grew silent, took her glass and refilled it with the alcoholic beverage they had been sharing. "You do not have a mate, Kathryn?"

She blushed slightly. "No. I was engaged to be married when Voyager was lost, and my fiancée, along with the rest of the Federation, believed we were all dead. He went on with his life. He’s married now."

Gadj took her hand, stroking the back of the delicate skin with his thumb. "I am sorry for your loss, Kathryn. That must have come as quite a shock."

"Not really. It’s been years, after all, and we’re still decades from home. I would hate to have to live with knowing Mark was waiting for me. I’ve come to see that we weren’t right for each other, anyway. It’s better for both of us this way," she sounded far away. She thought briefly of Mark Johnson, and just how wrong that marriage would have been for both of them.

"I’m glad you feel that way. Being far from home is bad enough, without having to miss a mate as well." He squeezed her hand, golden eyes sparkling with a hint of sympathy.

"Yes. I wallow in self-pity quite enough as it is," she castigated herself.

He laughed. "I find that hard to believe. You impress me as a rather strong willed woman, not the type given to self-pity." Then more quietly, "Am I wrong, Kathryn?"

"Yes and no. I’m headstrong, all right, but even a Starfleet Captain gets homesick. I’m very close to my mother and sister, and I feel lost sometimes, missing them." Kathryn felt a lump rise to her throat thinking of her family.

"Tell me, is the matriarch of your clan also strong willed and beautiful?" he smiled, squeezing her hand again.

"My mother is an amazing woman," Kathryn glossed over the compliment. "She was the center of our family, the anchor. My father was a Starfleet Admiral when he died, and he had spent most of my childhood as a Captain of a starship," she explained, swirling the liquid in her glass.

"Ah, a Captain just like you, Kathryn. You followed in his footsteps," he said approvingly.

"Yes, but Mother’s job was so much more difficult and important than Daddy’s. She had to keep the family intact, while Daddy was off on this or that planet, off negotiating with this people or that people. I suspect it was lonely for Mom, and for Daddy, it was like a big game, an overgrown boy with a starship toy," she chuckled fondly, remembering her father, who had been like a God to her. Until she grew up and realized the hero in her world had been her mother, all along.

"You speak like Lopau. She accused me often of pursuing boyish endeavors, took me to task over my intermittent flirtation with maturity," he admitted ruefully. "She was a formidable woman, and to her credit, I believe she finally was able to pester me into being the man she wanted. Unfortunately, she had just achieved making me tolerable when she passed away. She didn’t get to enjoy the fruits of her labor for very long," he laughed softly. "What about your sister? Is she as successful and pretty as you?"

Kathryn smirked. The man would not stop admiring her, it seemed. "Phoebe is a gifted artist, and has had a successful career painting. She is much prettier than I have ever been, and has a razor sharp wit," Janeway sighed wistfully. "I miss her terribly. She gave me hell on so many occasions, and the arguments were quite stimulating."

Gadj shook his head. "A diplomat who enjoys arguing? This concerns me, Kathryn. Will you find arguing with the Biro stimulating, as well?" His eyes were soft with humor, regarding his intriguing guest with pure wonder.

"I might," Kathryn smarted, eliciting a laugh from her host.

They sat up until almost dawn on Biro Prime, exchanging stories of alien encounters, scientific perspectives, and sharing their personal histories. Kathryn excused herself when it became apparent that if she didn’t make a concerted effort to leave, she would fall asleep on the Ambassador’s floor.

"I have had a lovely time, Gadj," Kathryn thanked him as she prepared to beam back to Voyager. "I will see you tomorrow at the bargaining table. Will you join me for dinner tomorrow after the negotiations close for the day?"

His face had grown sorrowful as she made to leave, but her invitation brought a brilliant smile. "I would be most honored, Kathryn," he bowed, kissing her hand. He accessed a comm panel inside his vestibule. "Waryn, Captain Janeway needs a security escort beyond the force field perimeter. Please meet us at my abode at once." He smiled faintly at his guest. "One must be careful when entertaining foreign diplomats. My government would never forgive me if any misfortune befell you while visiting Biro Prime."

A security escort arrived shortly, and three heavily armed guards awaited the Captain. "Kathryn," Gadj kissed her softly on the lips, "I will surely dream of you this night." He nodded to the security guards.

"Well then," she stammered, blushing, "goodnight, Gadj. Shall we?" she said to the lead security guard.

Gadj watched wistfully as the light went out of the room completely with her departure.

_______________

Seven of Nine pressed the chime outside the Captain’s ready room.

"Enter!" Janeway called.

"Captain," Seven said flatly, striding up to the desk. "Here is the report on the dilithium deposits, our proposed mining strategy, and our projected yield and impact on supplies."

Janeway took the PADD. "Good grief, Seven, did you stay up all night working on this?"

Seven stood ramrod erect, hands clasped behind her back. "Yes." She noted that the Captain was rather bleary eyed after having been out most of the night.

"But why? What’s the rush?" Janeway took a grateful gulp of hot coffee, willing herself to be alert.

"It seemed most—efficient," she replied coolly, not meeting the Captain’s gaze. "The sooner we conclude our business here, the sooner we will be on our way."

There was something wrong, Janeway could hear it in her tone; but she could not begin to guess what was bothering the young Borg. "Seven, sit down. You’re giving me a neck ache," she complained.

"I will comply." Seven sat stiffly in the chair, hands primly folded in her lap, eyes downcast.

Janeway regarded her intently, trying to discern the likely cause of her obvious preoccupation. "Is everything okay Seven?"

"I am functioning within normal parameters," she said in a monotone.

"Yes, I can see that, but something is bothering you," Janeway was concerned now. Seven was being evasive, and that never boded well.

"I—I was—worried Captain," she admitted, blushing.

Janeway moved around to the front of her desk, perching on the corner, peering down at Seven. "About what?" she asked kindly.

"About you," she honestly replied, then rushed to qualify the statement. "About leaving you alone without a security escort last night, I meant to say. I ordered the computer to notify me when you returned to Voyager, so that I could deliver the report," she blurted it out, "but you did not come back until almost sunrise on Biro Prime."

"You were concerned for my safety, after meeting the Ambassador and spending time with him?" she was surprised. Gadj seemed so gentle and harmless.

"I am always concerned for your safety, Captain. You take unnecessary risks, leave yourself vulnerable to harm, and you do not assume the proper skepticism when interacting with new cultures. I would be foolish if I were not concerned about your safety," she scolded, blue eyes cool as evening snow.

Janeway threw back her head and laughed. "That’s a bit harsh, Seven, don’t you think? How did I ever manage to stay alive for four decades before I had you to watch over me?" she asked sarcastically.

"I am not amused, Captain. Your safety is of paramount importance to me—to everyone on this vessel," she amended hastily. "It angers me that you are so flippant about it," she fixed the Captain with an icy glare. Then she was captured by those wonderful grey-blue eyes, held warmly by them, softened by their kindness, opened by their unrelenting forthrightness.

"You—are important to my existence, Captain. You are to this collective, and to this drone, as the Borg Queen was to the Borg. I do not function without your counsel and your guidance. I am not one alone any longer," she said with a tremor in her voice. "I do not wish to be one alone again," she admitted sadly, her concern genuine and immediate enough that Janeway was moved by it.

"Oh Seven," Janeway whispered fiercely, hugging her. "You are not alone, with or without me. Voyager is your collective now, your family. If I died tomorrow, you would go on, and you would not be alone."

Seven clutched the smaller woman to her tightly. "Do not speak of such things," she said sharply. Then with palpable fear she added "You cannot die. I forbid it."

Janeway was completely undone by the realization that Seven of Nine, former Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix Zero-One, alleged emotionless Ice Princess, was crying. Janeway held her, rubbing her back. "It’s okay, Seven, I’m not going anywhere," she promised, smoothing the bright golden hair, still clipped in the ornate barrette. "I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s okay."

At times like these, Janeway would have given up a pip for a ship’s counselor. The term separation anxiety sprang to mind, but Janeway couldn’t say exactly what the connection was. Small children experienced it when taken to day care or left with a babysitter. Seven had been assimilated by the Borg as a child, but it should have been long after the separation anxiety phase. Could she be feeling it this late in life? Good God, am I a mother figure to her?

"There is more," Seven sniffled, still clinging to the Captain. "B'Elanna Torres says that the Ambassador ‘has his eye on you and likes what he sees’. The demeanor exhibited by the Lieutenant when she made this statement suggests that you are in danger. I am concerned that you have agreed to spend time alone with this man, if you are not protected from whatever B'Elanna was trying to imply."

Janeway’s brow furrowed. She would have to have a word with the Chief of Engineering. She did not appreciate the crew gossiping about her private life or lack thereof. "Seven, B'Elanna did not mean to imply that I’m in any danger. She was trying to say, in a rather sordid manner, that the Ambassador finds me attractive, and was flirting with me last night."

Seven continued to hold onto the older woman, feeling very secure and at peace in her arms. "You are very attractive, Captain. What is flirting?"

Janeway wasn’t sure she could explain that one. "Flirting is a type of communication, I suppose. It’s a way of telling someone that you are interested in pursuing a relationship, usually of a sexual nature, without coming right out and saying so."

Seven relinquished her place in the Captain’s arms. "I do not understand."

Janeway sighed. "It’s not easy to describe. It’s very subtle. It can be a look, a touch, or verbal innuendo, it can be a statement that has more than one meaning. I’m not explaining this well, I know, Seven. I’m not sure how to make you understand it."

"If the Ambassador was flirting with you, that means he wants to copulate with you?" Seven’s face was clouding in anger as the implications of flirting started to sink in.

Janeway gentled her tone, seeing the indignant look materializing on Seven’s lovely face. "B'Elanna is wrong, Seven. She sees things that aren’t there because she apparently doesn’t have enough to do." I’ll take care of that problem, by God. "I don’t believe the Ambassador has any sexual intentions at all."

"You are certain?" Seven relaxed slightly.

"No, I’m not 100% sure, but even if B'Elanna is right, Seven, I’m a big girl. I can handle myself," Janeway tried to sooth Seven’s ruffled feathers.

"Captain, I do not mean to be rude, but you are approximately 75% smaller and weaker than the Ambassador. You cannot ‘handle yourself ’ against such a formidable opponent," the steely demeanor was back.

"I think you misunderstand, Seven. I do not mean I can physically defend myself against the Ambassador. I mean, if he did anything unwelcome, I would tell him to cease and desist. He is an honorable man. He would respect my decision," she reassured the hotheaded Borg.

Seven snorted in disbelief. "Captain, that is naïve. The Collective assimilated thousands of species, many of which have a history in which the male of the species forces himself sexually upon the female of the species. Human history is rife with such violent incidents. A mere word of protest is unlikely to deter a male who feels he is perfectly entitled to force you to copulate."

Janeway was amused, but didn’t show it. "Okay Seven. What do you suggest? Shall I carry a phaser if I go on a date?"

"Inefficient. I will escort you. If the Ambassador does anything untoward I will terminate him."

Janeway nearly choked. "You’ll what?!"

"I will use my Borg enhanced hand and I will snap his neck," she replied calmly.

"Seven! You cannot simply terminate someone for making a pass at me. Even if he raped me outright, you could not kill him for that."

"Oh, but I would," she snarled. "Sexual coercion is unacceptable. If he raped you, I would most certainly kill him. Slowly." Her eyes glittered with hatred.

Dear God, what can of worms have I opened now? She pinched the bridge of her nose, forestalling the raging headache that was building behind her eyes. "Seven, I appreciate your concern. However, you are under no circumstances to injure anyone on my behalf unless I am in imminent danger of losing my life. That is an order. Understood?"

Seven crossed her arms defiantly. "I will not stand idly by and let you be hurt."

"Seven of Nine! You will not challenge my authority in this matter. My personal life is not your concern. I will date whomever I please, and you will not interfere. Do I make myself clear?"

"You may order me to do whatever you wish Captain. However, I will not comply. My duty is to my Captain and her crew, and I will not allow the Ambassador or anyone else to harm you."

And with that, Seven of Nine exited the ready room in two strides, leaving a sleep deprived, bewildered Captain in her wake.

_________________________

B'Elanna Torres sat before an irate Captain Janeway, about to receive the worst dressing down of her career. Janeway’s glare had more destructive yield than a photon torpedo.

"Lieutenant, I had a rather troubling discussion with Seven of Nine this morning," Janeway began, leaning back in her chair, fingers steepled together thoughtfully. "She seems to be laboring under the delusion that Ambassador Inuquay has unseemly intentions toward me, and she has indicated that if he does anything untoward, she will kill him," Janeway leaned over her desk with both hands firmly planted on the surface, face inches from Torres’. "Do you happen to know where Seven would get such a ludicrous idea, Lieutenant?"

B'Elanna swallowed hard. Her butt cheeks were puckered so tightly, she was afraid she would tear the seat cushion she sat on. "Yes, Captain," she replied meekly. "That would be my fault, Captain."

"Yes, it would, Lieutenant. You know, B'Elanna, there are two things I really hate as a commanding officer. People speculating about my personal life, and officers who make my life complicated. You have managed both in one fell swoop." Her glare was at maximum yield.

"I apologize, Captain, I—"

"Stow it, Lieutenant. The next words from your mouth had better be ‘yes, Captain’. Nothing more, nothing less. Clear?"

"Yes Captain." B'Elanna was trying to swallow her nervousness. She could not recall ever seeing Janeway so pissed off.

"Good. Now, you will make it a priority to speak with Seven of Nine. You will explain to her that you were mistaken about the Ambassador’s intentions. You will explain to her why it is inappropriate to speculate about the Captain’s personal relationships. You will explain to her why she cannot assault the Ambassador or anyone else that takes a liking to me. And Lieutenant? If she fails to understand after you explain it, and she harms Gadj, I will throw your ass in the brig for contributing to the delinquency of an officer. Do I make myself clear, Lieutenant?"

"Yes Captain."

"Excellent. You will not have shore leave until this matter is settled. And I mean in no uncertain terms, it had better be settled, Lieutenant. I will not have your careless and insensitive remarks causing my officers pain and trouble. Seven was crying, for Christ’s sake, because she was convinced something awful had happened to me when I didn’t come home last night," Janeway ran her hand distractedly through her hair.

B'Elanna swallowed hard. "Permission to speak freely, Captain?"

Janeway wheeled on her. "I thought I made myself perfectly clear. You’ve been speaking freely whenever you damn well please, and that’s what got you into this mess, Lieutenant."

"Yes Captain," B'Elanna bit her lip. Damn, she needed to have this conversation with the Captain, but she was afraid to try again.

Seeing her consternation, Janeway folded her arms and sighed. "Permission granted, Lieutenant. Keep it brief."

"Captain, I think you’re missing something important here."

Janeway arched an eyebrow, still glaring at B'Elanna. "What would that be, Lieutenant?"

"The reason why Seven reacted so extremely, Ma’am."

"So now you dare to criticize my powers of perception?" Janeway’s face was filled with fury.

"Yes, Captain. Seven only reacted the way she did because—she—she…"

"OUT WITH IT, LIEUTENANT!" Janeway roared.

"SevenofNineisinlovewithyouCaptain," she spewed the words, and called upon her Klingon courage to keep from running away.

Janeway started to yell something back at Torres, but the words hit her, and the wind went out of her sails. "What did you say?" her voice was barely audible, and her face looked as if she’d been shot through the heart.

"I said Seven of Nine is in love with you, Captain."

"Are you serious?" Janeway’s jaw hung open in disbelief. B'Elanna nodded. "And you’re basing your statement on what, exactly?"

B'Elanna sighed. God, this woman could be so dense. "On the way she looks at you. On the way she gets a complete tone of reverence in her voice when she talks about you. On the fact that though she rarely talks, when she does, you always come up. On the fact that she has a severe distaste for every man you’ve ever had a passing interest in, including Ambassador Inuquay, Commander Chakotay, Kashyk, Captain Ransom…need I go on?"

Janeway regarded her Chief keenly. "Has she ever said as much?"

"She hasn’t come right out and said she’s in love with you. But I guarantee you, she is. I’d bet a week’s worth of replicator rations that if she had a notebook, she’d be writing ‘Kathryn’ in the margins." B'Elanna tried to humor the Captain a little.

"Are you sure?" Kathryn asked in a tiny voice.

B'Elanna nodded. "Yes Captain. It’s pretty obvious. I work with her every day. Tom and Harry have both mentioned it, too. If I had to guess, I’d say right now, her reaction is based less on concern for your welfare than on her own jealousy. When Gadj touched your hand at dinner last night, Seven literally wadded up her fork as if it were only made of tin foil. She spent the rest of the dinner trying to straighten it back out. I suspect had she not mangled the fork, she’d have mangled Gadj."

Janeway slumped down in her chair. "Shit," was all she could say.

Then finally, after giving herself a hypospray for the migraine that had settled behind her eyes, she closed her eyes, leaned back, and as her face went numb from the headache, said "Talk to her. Explain to her that Gadj’s attentions weren’t offensive to me. In fact, they were most welcome. And make her understand she cannot kill him for liking me. Dismissed."

________________

For once in her life, Janeway was actually looking forward to trade talks. It would allow her the solitude of her own thoughts, Seven of Nine would not be there, and Gadj would be across from her, where she could contemplate his handsome features and be assured Seven hadn’t executed him. Neelix, who was also attending, was so eager to impress the Captain that he would undoubtedly take thorough notes, and if the Captain’s mind wandered, well, it shouldn’t doom the negotiations.

In fact, Gadj seemed to be absently listening to the proposals, not taking any notes or reacting to anything. He stared at the PADD in front of him, or looked up at Kathryn occasionally, large golden eyes shining. Kathryn was very attracted to his energy, which was upbeat, kind, and she imagined, passionate. She remembered how his lips felt as he had kissed her hand, as he had kissed her lips, and realized they had been soft, sensual, but thin, like a man’s lips should be. Seven’s lips pouted in the most beguiling…damn, where did that come from?

Gadj grinned at her, catching her daydreaming. He cleared his throat, thanked the official for his report, and declared a recess. As the delegates rose to stretch their legs, he leaned across the table. "Kathryn, may I have a word with you?"

She smiled. "Certainly. Come this way," she ushered him into her ready room. "Can I get you something?"

"I would like another cup of your coffee, if it’s not too much to ask."

Kathryn replicated two cups. "Not at all, Ambassador—Gadj, I mean."

He gave her a radiant smile. "Thank you," he accepted the coffee. "I enjoyed myself immensely last night, Kathryn."

She sipped her drink. "Me too. I’m looking forward to tonight."

"Ah, who is on the guest list this evening?"

Kathryn shrugged. "Just you, unless there’s someone you’d like to bring."

"No, that’s quite all right. I’d be glad to have you to myself," he quickly declined to invite any of his staff.

"I’m flattered," Janeway admitted. "Let’s say dinner is at 1730 hours?"

"That would be fine."

"Now, what did you want to see me about?" she inquired, finishing her coffee.

"Just that—to tell you I enjoyed myself—your company." He regarded her with those enormous eyes, reached for her hand, and drew her into his arms. He dropped his face to hers, touching her lips against his own.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, her hand cradled the back of his head, toying with the strands of hair peeking from under his cap. His body seemed to envelop her in a spicy warm scent as he deepened their kiss, and she felt herself involuntarily groan. Beneath sheer fabric she could feel his muscles defined in clean angles, and moved closer to him, continuing to kiss him. Her body was reacting in ways she had almost forgotten in the six years stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and her response was so immediate and demanding, she thought about cancelling talks for the day. The Ambassador’s thoughts were completely in synch with her own.

"Kathryn," he whispered, breaking their embrace. "Let’s cancel further talks for the day," he suggested, kissing her throat, eliciting another involuntary sound from her. "I know that’s irresponsible. I don’t care."

"Neither do I," she agreed. She snatched a PADD from her desk. "This is the access code to my quarters. I’m going there now. Please apologize to the delegates, and advise them I’m not feeling well. After they agree to suspend talks for the day, meet me in my quarters." She leaned against him, arms around his neck again. "Don’t be long," she kissed him again.

____________________

Kathryn bustled around her quarters, trying to get ready for the arrival of the Ambassador. I must be losing my mind. I hardly know this man, yet here I am, sneaking away to sleep with him. Amazing what forced celibacy will do to a person. She dabbed cologne at her pulse points, ignoring the little voice that insistently confronted her, saying, And of course, Katie, it has absolutely nothing to do with the information Lt. Torres gave you…no connection to the fact that Seven of Nine is in love with you, or that your overwhelmingly positive reaction to that news scared the hell out of you. Nope. You don’t like women. Not one bit. And certainly not a former Borg drone, who is part of your crew. Gadj isn’t a Seven substitute, not at all. You adore men. You have never been attracted to women. Gadj is all man, over seven feet of masculine, animal sex appeal. Kathryn scowled at her reflection in the mirror, resolving to not think about Seven again that day. And immediately failed.

 

Gadj slipped into Kathryn’s quarters moments later, undetected . Kathryn met him at the door, wearing only a long, satin, emerald colored nightgown, which could pass for a dress, except it was a bit too thin for anything other than nightwear. He took her hands and looked her up and down. "You’re beautiful," he murmured, pulling her toward him, kissing her roughly. She let herself follow his lead, and his greed gave way to tenderness as he kissed her thoroughly, lingering over her bottom lip, sucking it ever so slightly. She trembled against his chest, aching all over for his touch, barely controlling her long denied need. He felt her quivering, scooped her into his arms, and carried her to the bedroom.

Moments later, they lay together naked, Kathryn straddling him and admiring his amazing body. He cupped her breasts in his hands, gazing at her hovering above him, using his thumbs to stroke her nipples. She rocked her hips over his abdominal muscles, easing back and taking him into her, not able to wait, needing to be filled with him. He arched up into her, her hips tiny handfuls to his large palms, and guided her until she was settled over the entire length and girth of him. She was panting now, and he moved her hips with his hands, powerful arms providing the impetus for the slight thrusting motion. Gadj knew his species was quite large compared to humans, and had to be careful not to injure Kathryn. If she found his penetration uncomfortable, she gave no indication, continuing to gasp in rhythm with his hands as they eased her up his length and back down until she was trembling, moaning uncontrollably, hands steadying herself above his shoulders. Just as she reached the edge of climax, Gadj slipped his finger beneath her folds and rubbed gently until she exploded, collapsing onto him, and he thrust once more and let go inside her. As her body went rigid with orgasm, an image flashed through her mind. Soft lips, blue eyes, golden hair, Seven! Her mind screamed the name, letting it echo in its recesses, as it had for many months whenever she had touched herself. She lay in his arms gasping, grateful for the release, but unable to deny that it was Seven’s face she had seen as she came.

________________

 

Gadj spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with Kathryn, only suspending their activity long enough to replicate food and go back to bed. Gadj had developed a voracious appetite making love to Kathryn, and she watched him eat, grinning. Gadj was grinning back through large bites of the chicken and rice dish Kathryn replicated.

When he had finished, he sighed in satisfaction. "Kathryn, I must apologize for my sexual greed, but my wife died some three years ago, and well…"

Kathryn touched his hand. "I was about to apologize to you for the same thing. Six years is a long time without companionship."

Gadj quirked an eyebrow. "Was it worth the wait?" he teased.

She laughed, still picking at her own plate. "Would I wait again? No. But it was very good," she complimented him.

"Ah, then I have remembered what to do. I was unsure of myself. Lopau was my first, and my last, until now. And I realize that our anatomical differences are somewhat challenging. I did not hurt you, Kathryn?"

"Not at all," she assured him. "It was a completely positive experience."

"What does it mean when you say ‘seven’?" he asked innocently.

"Excuse me?"

"At one point, you gasped and said ‘seven’," he explained patiently.

Kathryn’s heart lurched. Oh shit. Surely I didn’t say her name out loud. She hid her embarrassment well. "It is a number—perhaps I was counting the times you brought me pleasure," she purred, distracting him with a kiss.

He laughed deep in his chest. "I thought you were calling out to your astrometrics officer. Why does she have a number, instead of a name?"

Damn his perfect memory. "It is something the Borg do. They give numbers instead of names. It keeps things more orderly in a collective of billions of drones. Names would be too inefficient, as Seven of Nine would say. Her formal designation is Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix Zero-One. It identifies her and her relative position in the scheme of things," Kathryn explained. Her cheeks flushed as she thought of the curvaceous young Borg, and she was acutely aware that everytime she had reached orgasm with Gadj, it had been Seven she imagined touching her.

"That is an efficient means of keeping track of people. Curious," he thought about it. "Now that she is severed from the collective, why has she not assumed her human name?"

Kathryn toyed with the sheet. "I’m not sure. You’d have to ask her. She has a lovely name—Annika Hansen," Janeway sounded positively dreamy when she said it. "But she refuses to acknowledge who she was by taking back her name. I suppose that one test of the reclamation of her humanity will be when she accepts her name," Janeway replied pensively.

Gadj studied his lover carefully. "I seem to have hit a nerve," he noted wisely. "You have a deep emotional tie to this young woman. She troubles you, yet she excites and fascinates you. You are not sure of yourself, where she is concerned. Your strong will becomes less potent in her presence. Why is that, Kathryn?" he asked, gently drawing her into his arms and reclining against the pillows.

She leaned her head against his broad, muscular chest. "Seven has been through so much," her voice conveyed great sadness. "Assimilated at age six—can you imagine? The Borg took her and her parents in a split second. Her entire childhood was lost, and so was her family."

Gadj made a regretful sound. "That is criminal," he sympathized.

Kathryn smiled warmly at him. "She’s such an amazing woman, Gadj. The Borg are masters of adaptation, but they do it by consumption, absorption—that’s really what assimilation is. Seven had been part of a collective mind her whole life, and now she has only the quietude of her own mind. She has told me the silence is deafening, terrifying to her. Yet without the comfortable benefit of assimilation of knowledge, of consumption and absorption through a collective mind, Seven has continued to absorb and learn and grow, despite the terrifying aloneness she feels. It hasn’t been easy, mind you, but she hasn’t ever given up."

"Humans must be a resilient species," Gadj noted. "Your earth history speaks volumes of the ability of your kind to adapt. But Seven of Nine sounds like a truly remarkable young woman."

"On one hand, she is totally vulnerable, yet on the other, she is solid as duranium. In a phaser battle, in any scientific inquiry, at tactical, she is the one person I would choose to command. I find my crew cannot function without her input. We rely upon her more than even she realizes. And her intentions are impeccably pure," Kathryn bragged about her astrometrics officer and protégé.

She chuckled softly, "But she is not accustomed to a command structure, and she chafes within it at times. It has been so hard for her to accept that she is human—the Borg consider us absurdly imperfect and inferior, and she has had to deal with the humbling experience of being a member of that inferior species." Kathryn sighed faintly. "She comes off as arrogant to most of the crew, but she is actually quite charming. She has a sweetness about her, an innocence. She has the voice of an angel and the heart of a warrior."

Gadj smiled warmly. "You admire her a great deal."

"Yes, I do," Janeway realized the truth in that statement. "She has survived against insurmountable odds, and has acclimated herself to my crew with admirable results in a very short time. She knew nothing of pleasure, or knowledge for the fun of learning, or art, or how to play. Now she is a budding scholar of all manner of subjects, an accomplished painter, and best friends with Voyager’s only child. She is deadly on the velocity court, unbeatable at three-dimensional chess, pool, and darts, and is almost unbeatable at kadis-kot, except when she is letting Naomi win," Janeway described her astrometrics officer with fondness.

Gadj was no longer interested in hearing about Seven’s admirable qualities, but he liked Kathryn, and indulged her. "Children are often the best judge of character. If Naomi accepts Seven, that says a great deal for Seven."

"She is an enigma, a paradox. She is a grown woman, yet in many ways, she is still a child, especially when it comes to impulse control. I want to help her find her place on this ship, yet I want to protect her from the crew at the same time," Kathryn rationalized her preoccupation with the former drone.

He kissed the top of her head. "The crew dislikes her because she is different," he stated. "It is the same on my world. We have had visitors to Biro Prime who decided to remain planetside, but who were outcasts due to their distinctiveness. However, that dislike is ordinarily reserved for members of violent and bloodthirsty species. They usually come to Biro Prime looking for asylum, which they need for rejecting the ways of their people, only to find that they are stereotyped along with the other members of their species. It is truly tragic," he explained. "Outcast in either world. I am ashamed that my people are so narrow minded."

Kathryn felt her heart open to this compassionate man. "As am I. My crew is excellent in so many ways, yet the way they treat Seven disturbs me. I understand that many of them lost friends and family to the Borg, but Seven is being punished for her own misfortune of having been assimilated. It’s unfair, and based entirely on irrational fear. In fact, I should make a point of discussing it with the ones who are inordinately apprehensive about her."

Gadj nodded. "A sound decision, Kathryn. The Council of Continents should make similar inroads on Biro Prime. We have several Hirogen who live on the 4^th continent, and they have been victims of random attacks, vandalism, and harassment since the day they requested asylum. Their neighbors think they are spies for the Hirogen."

Kathryn snuggled into the circle of his arms, amazed by the difference in their sizes. She wondered if this was how Naomi Wildman felt when Seven of Nine hugged her—dwarfed, safe, swallowed up. Gadj felt her tighten her hold on him, and responded in kind. "It gives me hope," she continued, "that we’ve encountered a society like yours, and I have connected so easily with you. If something that improbable can happen, then maybe our own people can change."

"Perhaps," he agreed. "But if not, our connection has intrinsic value, and I would not trade it. This has been a wondrous experience, Kathryn. I wish it could last always."

Kathryn kissed his pectoral muscle beneath her cheek. "You are a very sweet man, Gadj. I am sure there are hundreds of females on your world who would be honored to be with you."

"Ah, you misunderstand our customs, then. My people are promised while they are children, and do not have a choice about their mate. Lopau is dead. I have no promised mate, and may only mate again if I agree to let the Council of Consorts place my name in a pool of sorts comprised of other widows. They would again select a mate for me. I could end up with someone barely of age, or a grandmother. When we are promised as children, we grow up knowing who we will marry, and the families make an effort to become friendly. Lopau and I were best friends growing up, and perfectly suited by the time we married. But anyone I could mate with now would be a stranger, and we would not have shared any common bond. The odds of that match being happy are very low. My own father was married after my mother died, and he is miserable with his new mate. They openly despise each other. But they may not dissolve the marriage. It is against the law. They are stuck with each other, so to speak."

"Oh, Gadj, that’s terrible. That poor man. So you will just remain single? You’re still a young man, how will you stand it?"

"I may have an alternative, although my choices would be very limited. The Council does not involve itself in marriages between widows and offworlders. I could take a Hirogen mate, a Devore mate, a Kazon mate—any nonnative species. But such unions are very rare. In fact, I don’t know any offworlders personally. Still, it is at least a possibility," he sighed. "If I thought I stood half a chance, I would try to convince you to stay on Biro Prime," he smiled sheepishly.

"Have you ever considered leaving Biro Prime?" she chose her words carefully, not wanting to imply that she thought he should, and not wanting to give the impression that she was inviting him aboard Voyager.

"It’s crossed my mind," he assented, "especially when I’ve just met an enticing offworlder," he teased. "But this is my home, and my family and friends are here. Where would I go? No, I think I’ll learn to deal with the loneliness and stay put. I’m not the type to gamble my future."

"No argument from me. I’d love to get home," she echoed the sentiment. "And I must be pretty upset about it, to excuse myself from negotiations as I did today. Gadj, this is totally out of character for me to duck my responsibilities. I guess I really needed a break. I hope you won’t be in any trouble."

He kissed her again. "I’m not in trouble. And you forget Kathryn, this was my idea."

"Mmmm," she murmured. "And a good idea it was, at that."

__________________

Seven of Nine was not taking the lecture B'Elanna had given her very well. She was moody, preoccupied, irritable, and depressed. She could not stop thinking about Gadj Inuquay and the Captain. She could not stop thinking about the Captain actually welcoming his attention, and what that implied. A whole day had passed since B'Elanna had broken the news to Seven, and still her mind could not let go of her despair.

She does not care for me, after all, Seven thought despondently. I would give my life for her, and I am nothing to her. An insignificant drone, just like I was with the Borg. She would rather be with Gadj Inuquay—a man she barely knows, who cannot begin to know her as I do. She would choose him over me. He may give her his body, but he will not give her his heart. She holds mine without knowing it, injures it without noticing, discards it without a second thought. And yet, I go right on loving her.

"Seven! What the hell do you think you’re doing?" B'Elanna grabbed her shoulder and yanked her back from the panel she was about to reach into, spinning her around. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" The Klingon’s dark eyes flared and her eyebrows nearly climbed off her brow ridges.

"Lieutenant?" she stared blankly at the Klingon.

"The safety protocols are not active on this panel, Seven. If you’d cut that cable, you’d be crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside," she hissed.

"I—"

"Weren’t paying attention, yeah, no kidding," Torres huffed. "The last thing I need is to have Captain Janeway all over my ass because her pet Borg got fried. Nanoprobes or not, you’d be dead, Seven. Now what is it that is making you act like a brainless ptaQ?" she was furious, but also concerned. When Seven hesitated, B'Elanna exploded. "My office, now Borg!"

Seven complied without a word of protest. B'Elanna knew then that this was very bad, indeed. Seven would ordinarily fight on principle alone. Today she was as docile as a Bajoran milk cow.

"Sit," B'Elanna barked. "Spill it."

"Spill what?" Seven was confused. Her emotional suffering was so plain on her face, even B'Elanna almost felt kindness for the troubled Borg.

"Spill your guts. Tell me what’s wrong with you," B'Elanna said, exasperated.

"I am functioning within acceptable parameters," she replied coolly. "However, I am—disturbed by our conversation yesterday. I am in pain. It is as if a weight is crushing my chest. I saw the Doctor, but he found no anomalies. I do not understand." Seven wrung her hands unconsciously, a sure indication of her distraction.

B'Elanna took a deep breath. "Seven, when the pain is most intense, what are you thinking about?" B'Elanna already knew, but she wanted the Borg to see it too.

"I almost collapsed in Astrometrics this morning. As the pain hit me, I was thinking of the Captain." Seven’s eyes flew open wide. "Oh, there it is again. Help me, B'Elanna Torres, I am damaged," she cried with alarm.

"Seven," B'Elanna gripped her arm, "you are not damaged. You are emotionally distraught. Tell me why," she gentled her tone.

Seven stared at her hands intently. "I love Captain Janeway, and she does not love me," she stated the facts. "I do not know what to do, B'Elanna Torres. I want to hide myself away, regenerate for weeks and not feel this agonizing ache that wells up in me every time I picture her face."

B'Elanna cleared her throat, contemplating. She had already got Janeway so upset, she was lucky not to be an Ensign again. But Seven needed advice, a little push in the right direction. If it landed her in the brig, well, so be it. "Have you told her how you feel about her Seven?"

"No. I am—afraid to." Seven gazed at B'Elanna with huge, haunting eyes, pale as the blue ice caps on Ketral.

B'Elanna touched Seven’s hair, stroking it. "I know you are. But if you don’t tell her, you haven’t got a chance. Listen, this thing with Gadj, it’s just her way of letting off a little steam. She has been very lonely, and it makes her sad, Seven. She is not the sort of officer who will allow herself to be involved with one of her crew, unless she is overwhelmingly persuaded and shown it will not interfere with her duties. You have to do the persuading. And you can’t blame her for responding to Gadj’s attentions, Seven. She’s human, after all."

"How should I attempt to persuade her?" Seven looked almost hopeful.

"You’re asking the wrong person about that. I don’t fare well in the art of gently convincing. I’m more the bat’leth and bravado type," she chuckled. "But the Captain is likely to respond to persistence, confidence and gentleness. She’d never admit it, but she’s a hopeless romantic at heart. You only have to look at the holodeck programs she runs to know that. I’d say you should start out with a little wining and dining, if you know what I mean," B'Elanna tapped her nose as she thought it through.

"Wining and dining?" Seven was perplexed. "Please explain."

__________________

Kathryn Janeway selected a cream colored sleeveless sheath from her closet, wanting to look nice, although she doubted she would be wearing the dress for very long. Gadj had spent less than an hour in her quarters with both of them clothed over the last three days. She headed for the door as the chime sounded, a lighthearted anticipation evident in her step. She expected Gadj to be at her door, but instead found Seven of Nine.

"Captain," she began with no vocal inflection. "Am I disturbing you?"

Kathryn smiled indulgently. "Not at all Seven. Come in. May I get you something to drink?"

"Yes, Captain," she agreed, much to Janeway’s surprise. Seven stood now as she had at the door, chest thrust forward, hands behind her back.

"What can I do for you, Seven?" Janeway busied herself at the replicator.

"I wish to apologize for my behavior earlier this week Captain. I was out of line in my remarks regarding the Ambassador. And I have no right to pry in your personal life. I am sorry if I upset you." She stunned the older woman by presenting her with a rose that she had kept hidden behind her back. "Please forgive me," she said quietly. "I overstepped my bounds, but I assure you, it was only because I care for you so much." She met the Captain’s eyes then, shyly, but with unmistakable tenderness in her expression.

Janeway accepted the rose, and without hesitation, stood on her tiptoes to kiss Seven’s cheek. "Thank you, Seven. I know your intentions were good. And I’m pleased to know you care for me," she added, gazing up into pale blue eyes and feeling an undeniable thrill as Seven’s breath grazed her lips.

Seven surveyed the woman before her. "You look—incredible," she said with awe.

Janeway remembered their earlier conversation. "I look incredible? As in dishonest or unbelievable?" Her eyes twinkled playfully.

"Unbelievably beautiful," Seven clarified, staring still. She reached to touch Janeway’s hair. "What did you do to make your hair look like this?" she wondered, mesmerized by the shimmering auburn highlights.

Janeway was startled by the touch, but did not protest. Seven’s caress felt right, somehow. "We’ll have to discuss beauty secrets another time, Annika. Right now, I have to get dinner ready. I'm expecting a guest."

Seven’s face became stone. "Ambassador Inuquay," she stated flatly. Janeway didn’t notice.

"Yes. Your apology is accepted, Seven. The flower was a thoughtful touch. Thank you." She smiled warmly at the young Borg, whose world had just collapsed in a shambles, escorting her toward the door. "Let’s play velocity on Saturday, okay?"

Seven nodded mutely. Then with great effort, she smiled, though her eyes betrayed her true feelings. "As you wish. Goodnight, Captain."

"Goodnight, Seven. Have a nice evening."

Luckily, Gadj Inuquay transported to her front door. If he had arrived by any other means, he would have met Seven in the turbolift, and would have unwittingly become her punching bag, instead of the turbolift wall which she was pummeling mercilessly.

________________

Seven of Nine spent the next hour in the holodeck, running one of B'Elanna Torres’ most strenuous exercise programs. She savagely slaughtered alien attacker after alien attacker, tempted to program one to look like the Ambassador so she could kill it a few times. B'Elanna had warned her about the Captain’s current liaison, but Seven hadn’t expected herself to react so negatively. After all, as B'Elanna had pointed out, she could hardly complain about the Captain’s romantic entanglement when Seven had never said anything about her feelings to the Captain. The mere notion that Seven’s cowardice had allowed the Captain to form a relationship with Gadj Inuquay drove her to the brink of rage. She closed her eyes against the pain as she pictured the Ambassador touching the Captain, and the Captain liking it.

Twenty dead aliens later, Seven slumped to the floor, flung the bat’leth aside, and cried. Becoming human was the most difficult thing she could imagine, and the most heartbreaking.

_________________

The next morning, Seven reported to B'Elanna on the status of her efforts to ‘wine and dine’ the Captain. The young Borg was feeling defeated after the initial attempt, and B'Elanna did what she could to bolster the drone’s resolve. She assured Seven that the Captain would forget Gadj as soon as Voyager broke orbit, and Seven wanted to believe her. She began extensive inquiry into the ship’s database, searching under ‘romance’, ‘intimacy’, ‘courtship’, and ‘love’. She devoted herself to the task as she would any, but with such a personal stake in the outcome, she was an unusually quick study.

Janeway stopped by her ready room before trade talks began for the day, just so she could have a quiet cup of coffee and check the daily reports from the various departments. She found a crystal bud vase on her desk, with a single red rose. She assumed it was from Gadj, smiling to herself. The small card in front of the vase suggested otherwise. It said "Looking forward to our velocity match Saturday." Janeway quirked an eyebrow. It could only be from Seven, as she was the Captain’s only velocity partner at the moment. She’s really trying to show me how sorry she is. I should probably make more of an effort to assure her I’m not angry with her.

Janeway fired off a quick note to the Astrometrics Officer.

Seven:

The rose was lovely, but unnecessary. I accepted your apology, and I am not angry with you any longer. You do not need to trouble yourself with further apologies. I too look forward to our match. I have reserved holodeck 2 for 1300 hours. See you then.

Capt. K. Janeway

Janeway hit the Send button and smiled to herself. She wondered what Seven would come up with for a major infraction, if such a minor one elicited this sort of special attention. With a slight pang of guilt, she realized she had hardly seen any of the crew since entering the Biro system. Her nights and spare moments had been commandeered by Gadj Inuquay. In fact, she was hoping to wrap up the negotiations early this afternoon, and if they succeeded in that, she was invited to Gadj’s abode planetside for her own version of shore leave. She tingled in anticipation, and congratulated herself that the last three times she had made love with Gadj, she had not been thinking about Seven of Nine as she climaxed; only Gadj, and what his body made hers feel.

She scanned the ship’s status reports. Now that’s odd. How did the turbo lift wall get damaged?

She sat back, feet on the desk, sipping her coffee. The thought of being celibate again terrified her, and she dreaded Voyager’s departure. She found herself doubting, for the first time, her ability to endure the journey home. After five days of sexual gluttony, the thought of another five years without companionship was intolerable. Deprivation had made her so needful, she had practically worn Gadj down to complete exhaustion. The poor man was getting no sleep, and while she was accustomed to functioning on a quick nap or a brief night of slumber, Gadj was showing the strain. This morning, he had only managed to take her once before they had to get up for the day.

Everytime she saw him, she decided to make him get some rest instead of driving him to sate her unending appetite, but she always gave up that altruistic notion when her body started to react to his generous hands and mouth. And even though she was becoming quite sore in places she’d forgotten existed, she couldn’t stop herself. She was like a starving person who is suddenly at a banquet, surrounded by more food than one could possibly eat, with only an hour to dine, and no doggie bag. She would have to stuff herself completely and get by on that as long as possible.

Before she knew it, she had dozed off at her desk, reclining in her chair. Her dream stayed in the same sexual vein as her waking thoughts, and she felt warmth engulf her folds, liquid and urgent. Her hands rested on her lover’s head, holding it in place, trapping that piercing pleasure against herself, tangling fingers in soft golden strands of hair. Her thumb brushed over the starburst implant on her lover’s cheek, and she arched her back to take Seven’s mouth more fully. As she opened her legs wider, she heard her name escape from Seven’s lips, "Kathryn," Seven moaned. "Kathryn."

"Captain? Captain!"

Janeway almost fell over backward in her chair as she snapped awake with a start. "What?" she darted her eyes around the room. Seven of Nine stood before her, a quizzical look on her face.

"You were sleeping," she intoned indifferently. "You will be late for the morning session. You need to freshen up, Captain." Seven came around the desk and helped the disoriented older woman up from her chair, walking her to the ensuite off the ready room.

Janeway saw in the mirror that she had actually drooled down her chin in the stolen moments of repose. She washed quickly, checking the chronometer. She had ten minutes to get to the table in the conference room. Thank God Seven showed up, or I’d have slept right through.

"I’m glad you came by, Seven," she reported as she entered the ready room. "I’m afraid I might have slept through the meeting unawares, had you not awakened me. What brings you here at the crack of dawn?"

Seven tilted her head to one side. "Captain, there is no dawn in space, and there is no crack in the space time continuum at the moment."

Janeway laughed. "You are so literal sometimes Seven," she scolded her.

"Very well, Captain. Who is Dawn, and why are you interested in her crack?"

Janeway stared in disbelief, then exploded in a laughing fit. She could not stop, wiping the tears from her eyes, holding her sides. "Seven, you are a treasure," she howled.

Seven was smiling broadly, pleased to have made the Captain laugh. The sound danced up her spine in delicious waves, and soon she was laughing too. Before long, the two women were giggling helplessly and leaning on each other for support.

"Where do you come up with these things?" Janeway regarded the young Borg adoringly. "Just when I think you’ll never quite master the subtleties of humor, you come up with some remark that is so out of character for you, but so damned funny," she settled her uniform, still chuckling. She couldn’t wait to tell Chakotay this one, she mused.

Seven leaned on her shoulder, smiling down at her. "It is a pleasure to hear you laugh, Captain. It brings me great joy." She gazed into those perfect grey blue orbs, feeling happier than she could ever remember. "I shall endeavor to make it happen more frequently," she added fondly, brushing her knuckles over Kathryn’s cheek absently. Then realizing what she was doing, she yanked her hand away as if she’d been bitten by a snake.

Janeway smiled gently at her reaction. She reached for her hand, placed it back against her face, and returned Seven’s gaze. "It’s all right, Seven," she said softly, wondering why she permitted it, indeed, why she wanted it, and astonished at her own tenderness. "We are alone, and your affection is—acceptable," she lapsed into Borgspeak, grinning, and leaned into Seven’s gentle touch.

"Captain," Seven said the word with reverence, almost in a whisper. "Would you have dinner with me this evening?"

"I would like that, Seven, but I have a prior engagement on Biro Prime. Another time, perhaps?"

Seven hid her disappointment, managed a faint smile. "Of course." Seven suspected that the Captain’s prior plans involved Gadj Inuquay, but she had promised B'Elanna she would not allow her imagination to run wild or her jealousy to jeopardize what she wanted. "You must leave for the meeting, Captain. I will walk with you."

___________________

The meeting, though short, challenged Janeway’s powers of concentration. Her thoughts turned, unbidden, to the visit Seven had paid her that morning. She absently touched her cheek where Seven had caressed her, remembering the flood of tenderness it had inspired in her. She thought about the sound of the young Borg’s laughter, something she had only heard once or twice before, and then not as relaxed and sincere as it was this morning. It gave Janeway a chill to think about the melodic richness of it. It played across her senses like fleeting kisses dancing across the nape of the neck.

She wasn’t just trying to reinforce her apology by sending that rose, Janeway realized. And she came by to ask me out for dinner. I think our little Borg is trying to woo me, it dawned on her with a jolt. Maybe B'Elanna isn’t crazy, after all. Maybe Seven does love me, as B'Elanna claims. I didn’t want to believe it, but there it is, plain and simple. Good thing I’m going to be gone for several days.

Although her fears prompted her to be relieved at the distance she would have from Seven of Nine, her heart felt curiously sad at the thought of not seeing her young Borg. Kathryn sighed wistfully right in the middle of a speech Gadj was making. Everyone in the room looked at her, and she was certain her thoughts of Seven were evident to them all. She blushed and hid behind her coffee mug.

___________________

Ambassador Inuquay’s 1^st Advisor, Waryn, escorted Captain Janeway on a brief tour of the city en route to Gadj’s dwelling. He pointed out landmarks and monuments as they went. Janeway was fascinated by the architecture of the city, and the gardens around the public buildings were lush and elaborate. They passed by a statue that made Janeway’s jaw drop.

"Waryn, can we stop here for a moment?" she asked.

"Of course. Is something wrong?" his large golden eyes narrowed with concern. If anything happened to this diminutive redhead, Gadj would kill him.

"That statue," she began, puzzled.

"Yes, one of many statues in the city placed to honor Ambassador Inuquay. He is a national hero."

"Gadj is a national hero?" she arched her eyebrows in disbelief.

"Indubitably, Captain. He has successfully negotiated treaties with many species, some very bloodthirsty and violent. He is so persuasive, he could probably achieve an alliance with any species—even the Borg."

Janeway stared appreciatively at the 12 foot likeness of Gadj. Why did it not surprise her that he had never bothered to mention that he was a cultural icon? How did Chakotay miss that fact in his summary report regarding the culture of Biro Prime? He is usually very thorough. He should have advised me I’ve been sleeping with a celebrity.

Waryn noted her pleased expression. "We also have a planet wide holiday in his honor," he added softly. "Gadj is a very important man, Captain. In fact, the time he has spent with you is the only instance in which he has forbid a security escort in the 15 years I’ve known him. He must have tremendous faith in your people to relax his safety protocols. There are many political extremists who would risk everything for a chance to assassinate the Ambassador."

"Why would anyone want to harm him?" Janeway felt a bolt of cold fear.

"His influence with the Council of Continents is enormous. There are many who feel our planetary government is wasteful with its resources, primarily in dealing with offworlders. They feel that we should concentrate on the Biro system planets, and not have contact with those outside our own system. They resent the focus being shifted from the native cultures. They have become increasingly vocal, and have escalated their protests from minor demonstrations to growing acts of terrorism. The Ambassador has been the target of several terrorist groups for a number of years. They would like to bring attention to their cause. Killing Gadj would do just that," he explained dispassionately. "That is why the Ambassador did not come to meet you today. He did not want to endanger you by exposing you to the terrorist elements."

Janeway frowned. "So he is isolated away in his home, and condemned to spend his time there alone, because of the restrictions on marriage."

Waryn nodded. "In a manner of speaking, yes. However, he could take a mate if he would submit his name to the Council of Consorts, but he refuses. Also he could take a mate who is an offworlder. However, Gadj is not one to pursue such things. He is far too busy. His association with you has been quite the surprise among the inner circle," he chuckled. "And I can’t remember seeing him this happy since before Lopau died."

"These political dissidents—what resources do they perceive as being squandered?"

"Research grant funding, mostly. We are an information hungry society. The dissidents are also known as ‘traditionalists’. They feel our funding should go to further our knowledge of the native cultures, not offworld cultures. If you are a traditionalist researcher, they say, it is nearly impossible to obtain funding for your work. The Council of Cultures is giving away all the ‘good’ grants to researchers studying offworld cultures, they say."

"In my culture, both types of research are equally respected and funded," Janeway said thoughtfully. "Your economy, according to the data you supplied us, is primarily fueled by the information industry. I’m curious about that."

"Ours is an economy based in many industries, Captain. The general populace is engaged in agricultural production, manufacturing, services, medicine—but the most revered occupations are those associated with information gathering. Anthropological research is to my people as entertainment and sports are to your people, according to your historical data. People are willing to pay exorbitant prices for lecture tickets, museum exhibits, and souvenirs. The better researchers are wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. The traditionalists’ research is not very popular with the masses, who are more interested in offworld cultures. Consequently, the traditionalists toil for meager compensation, or for none at all. Many cannot find work in their chosen fields, but they are purists, and refuse to compromise by taking on offworld research. They want the Government to regulate research funding more strictly, to redistribute the wealth, so to speak. Thus far, the Council of Cultures has done little to appease them, and with the current political atmosphere, they will continue to do little for the traditionalists."

Janeway shook her head. Imagine that! Academics who are as popular here as sports heroes are on earth. I wonder if the children here have posters of the popular researchers, wear t-shirts with the faces of the great scientists.

Just then, their vehicle passed by what Janeway could only assume was a strip mall of sorts, with multiple retail shops. One displayed a very prominent advertisement in the window with Gadj’s photo, and a caption she could not read. The Universal Translator in the comm badge worked on verbal language, not written, and only if she transmitted the words to Voyager could they put them through the translator. "Waryn, what does that banner of Gadj say?"

"It says ‘Now available: Gadj Inuquay’s Annual Address to the Council of Cultures’. Would you like to purchase a copy?"

"You mean they sell recordings of Anthropology lectures?"

"Oh yes, Captain. It is a booming industry. The Ambassador receives huge royalties from the sales. Gadj’s autograph on such an item would be worth my monthly salary."

Janeway hid her amusement. Chakotay could be the equivalent of the 7^th generation Michael Jordan on a world like Biro Prime. She would have to rib him about that. At least this world valued something with social relevance, unlike the culture of earth, where music stars, actors, and athletes still reigned. Janeway could understand the value of music and theater, but she stopped short of a true appreciation for sports. She enjoyed a good basketball game, but did not see why the great players were practically elevated to the status of deities.

"Well, here we are, Captain. And here is a security escort. I will no doubt see you at a later time."

"Thank you for the tour and the conversation, Waryn. I hope to see you soon," she smiled as she exited the vehicle. Her prior visit to Gadj’s abode had been at night, and the features of his dwelling had been obscured by darkness. In the daylight, she could see how truly extravagant it was. There were security detachments at every entrance, surveillance cameras at every window, and the entire property was fenced. Apparently, the terrorist threat was taken very seriously.

"Kathryn," Gadj bustled from the entrance of his home, hands extended. "Welcome to my abode," he kissed her cheek in greeting, retaining hold of one hand. "It is so good to see you in casual attire," he complimented her. "But then," he flirted, "it is good to see you in any attire." He flashed a blinding white smile at his guest. Then dropping his voice, he added "Or in no attire at all."

"Hello Gadj," she returned his smile. "Thank you for inviting me." Once they were inside the door and away from the prying eyes of the security force, they embraced warmly, passionately. "Oh my," Janeway whispered through repeated kisses. "That’s the best welcome from an alien dignitary I’ve ever had," she teased him, eyes twinkling up at him.

"I am so pleased you decided to accept my offer," he touched her face, enjoying the softness of her cheek. "I’ve grown quite fond of you," he added shyly.

"How could I refuse when I’ve kept you sleep deprived and malnourished for over a week, simply to satisfy my own—shall we say, curiosity?" she laughed deep in her chest.

"I don’t believe, Kathryn, what you have been satisfying is remotely related to curiosity," he retorted, kissing her again. "How rude of me. Come on in," he pulled her along the hallway. "Honestly, the things you do to my manners, Kathryn," he scolded. "Practically undressing you in the doorway."

Janeway squeezed his hand. "It wouldn’t be the first time we lost our clothes within seconds of saying hello," she said seductively. "And I wouldn’t consider it rude."

"Then by all means," he wrapped his arms around her, cupping her delicate behind in his huge hands, "let’s lose our clothes without delay."

 

Later that evening, while Gadj was preparing dinner, Janeway lay in his bed, watching the stars through the sky light. I thought I had this Seven thing under control, she said to herself, but there she was again, back in my thoughts while Gadj was my actual partner. Is it Gadj I find attractive, or just the physical pleasure he gives me, coupled with the opportunity to fantasize about Seven? No matter how many times Gadj and I sleep together, I am not sated, and my libido comes back screaming, demanding more. The only balm for that ache seems to be picturing Seven making me come as Gadj does the actual work. Is that fair to Gadj? Is it fair to Seven? Perhaps hunger is a better analogy—Gadj is like the meal you must have to survive, to slake your need. Seven is like an opulent banquet that you indulge in simply because it would be so enjoyable to sample everything, to savor each taste and texture. God I want her. How did that happen? And what do I do about it? I don’t think I will be able to resist once we leave Biro Prime, at least not if my recent behavior is any indication of my control.

Janeway’s expression softened, thinking of the buxom Astrometrics Officer. She was so protective when she thought Gadj was up to no good. So fierce. I believe she would have killed him if he had done anything—how did she put it? Untoward? Janeway chuckled at the memory of Seven’s calculated description of how she would dispatch Gadj should he overstep his boundaries.

She’s as ruthless in her protectiveness as she is devoted in her love. And it is clear she loves me, although in her own Borg way. But then, what other way would she know? I am probably the first person she can remember loving, unless she recalls more about her pre-Borg life than she lets on. And while I find it poignant to be her first romantic interest, flattering, in fact, I find it a huge responsibility, as well. I don’t know if I should nip it in the bud, or—hell, that’s a lie. I should nip it in the bud. But I don’t think I want to.

I’m pretty tired of being alone, and Seven is an amazing woman. I may be the only person on board who can really appreciate her, since I’m the only one who really knows her as a person, as opposed to a sex object. Not that I don’t find her attractive, too, but some of the men on board stare so intently at her breasts, I’m surprised their eyes don’t pop out. Even Chakotay, who hasn’t got a sexist bone in his body, talks to her breasts sometimes. God, I hope I’m not like that with her. I have had my moments where I was probably as bad as Harry Kim, but not many. After all, I’ve never really noticed women in that way, at least not until Seven. I sometimes think she’s just so much woman, that even I had to stand up and take notice. She’s so beautiful, and so vulnerable. Maybe getting to know her better isn’t such a terrible idea. I think I’ll take her up on the dinner invitation, at least. What harm can that do?

Gadj returned just then, carrying a tray of food. "Would you care to dress for dinner, and eat at the table, or shall I bring it in here?"

Janeway smiled. "You’ve already brought it in here. Might as well eat it in here, too."

"I was hoping you’d say that. I really didn’t want you to get dressed," he said flirtatiously.

"Now who’s insatiable," she smacked his behind. "I thought I’d pretty well worn you out."

"It’s a well devised act that you see before you. Honestly, I am exhausted, Kathryn," he admitted wryly. He scooped up a bite of a bright yellow substance. "Here. Try this."

Kathryn groaned with appreciation. It tasted like chocolate bananas. "That’s delicious," she purred, sucking the pudding-like goo from his fingers.

He sat slack jawed, watching her mouth engulf his fingers, immediately aroused. He inwardly cursed his tiredness, wishing he had the energy to do something about this incredible creature in his bed.

Kathryn noted his reluctance. "Gadj," she whispered, "I’m so sorry. I really have worn you out. I should go," she slipped out of the bed, reaching for her clothes.

Gadj’s face showed his dismay. "Please, don’t leave, Kathryn. I am tired, but that doesn’t mean we can’t spend the night together."

She shook her head. "You know if I stay here, we won’t sleep. We haven’t slept any other night we’ve spent together, though we’ve started out with the best intentions. I will come back though, first thing tomorrow. I’ll beam to the coordinates right outside your gate as soon as you’re ready to see me. All right?"

He grinned at her. "I suppose you’re right. I do need some rest, and I can’t seem to stop myself from being amorous whenever you’re around. I’ll call Waryn, and have him take you beyond the force field so you can beam out. But," he added, pulling her close for a kiss, "I will expect you for lunch, at the latest."

"Agreed," Kathryn returned his kiss. "Now let me get dressed, or I’ll end up staying again."

Waryn came to escort Kathryn, thankful that she was going to let the Ambassador rest. He was looking almost ill, Waryn thought, from his recent late nights. Still, Waryn couldn’t blame him. It was hell to lose one’s mate so young.

"Captain, good evening," Waryn greeted her. "Please, let me take you to the periphery of the force field, so your ship may beam you out," he offered her his arm, which she took. A security team followed them at a brief distance, at Gadj’s insistence. The gate was a short walk from the house, and although it was dark, the moon illuminated the property sufficiently for the aid and the Captain to make out the pavement and the objects along the path.

The Captain stepped outside the perimeter, tapped her comm badge, and hailed the ship for transport. Just as she was about to order the transporter chief to retrieve her, she was caught in a crossfire of phasers and disrupters. The security force moved to encircle her before she could be harmed, but before they could close ranks, they were taken out by enemy fire. A dark clad figure materialized out of the shadows, grabbed the Captain, and both disappeared into the night. Waryn lay just outside the gate, hand outstretched toward Kathryn, his eyes cold and lifeless, no longer golden. Alarms were going off all over the compound, and more guards came rushing to find dead colleagues, and no Captain.

Janeway’s last thought before she heard the hiss of a hypospray at her throat was that she wouldn’t get to surprise Seven for dinner tonight, after all.

_____________________

Seven of Nine saw the emergency communication come across the data stream, and noting it was from Gadj Inuquay, she quickly decrypted it, although it was not intended for her. She sensed that something was wrong, and her concern for the Captain immediately overrode any attention she might have paid to communications protocol. Before the skeleton crew on board could react, Seven had armed herself, dressed for the task, and transported to the periphery of the Ambassador’s property. She knew Chakotay would have a fit, but the Captain was missing, and while the senior officers and Security would be meeting to ‘discuss’ it, Seven was going to be doing something about it.

She met with the Ambassador and his advisors briefly, advised them to expect a rescue team from Voyager, and promptly set off to track the Captain and the captors. Seven followed the boot marks left by Janeway’s heels as she had been dragged into the darkness, her Borg enhanced vision discerning the trail with lightning fast clarity. She noted two sets of footprints on either side of the drag lines, and found where they abruptly stopped. She whipped open a tricorder, and found particle debris that indicated a hovercraft or shuttle had been there within the last hour or so, and that it had made it’s way North, then Northeast. Seven hailed the Ambassador’s team, relayed the coordinates, and requested a hovercraft. The Chief of Security and three members of the elite guard joined Seven shortly, heavily armed, and flying the requested hover craft. Meanwhile, Tuvok and a security detachment from Voyager were meeting with the Ambassador in his compound on Biro Prime. Gadj advised them that Seven of Nine was at least an hour ahead of their timetable, as was his own security force.

"Tuvok to Seven of Nine. Respond." His tone was icy.

"Seven of Nine here," she replied tersely.

"You are operating without the authority to do so, Seven. You will cut power to your engines and await my arrival. Understood?"

"Illogical, Commander. The Ambassador’s elite guard and Chief of Security are with me, we are following an ion trail that will soon dissipate, and speed is of the utmost importance."

"Are you disobeying my orders, Seven?"

"If your orders were not pure nonsense, Commander, I would be happy to comply," she spat. "Seven out."

Gadj’s Chief of Security, Dagnan Bey, gave Seven a startled look. "You appear to be in a good deal of trouble with your superiors," he commented, his large golden eyes showing his approval.

"Irrelevant," Seven replied sharply. "The salient issue is the Captain’s safe return. Nothing else matters."

Dagnan regarded her appraisingly. "Well, if they decide to throw you in the brig, perhaps you’d prefer to come work for me? I could use someone with your sort of dedication."

Seven imitated a smile. "Your offer is generous, but I will only stay if the Captain stays. If she returns to Voyager, I will also return, even if I spend the next sixty years in prison."

Dagnan shook his head. "Loyalty such as yours cannot be rewarded sufficiently. If you change your mind…"

"I am Borg. We do not change our minds," she ended the discussion.

Her comm badge chirped again. "Tuvok to Seven of Nine."

"What do you want, Commander?" she snapped.

"I only wish to dissuade you from your current course of action. Commander Chakotay is extremely displeased."

"Had you done your job, Commander, the Captain would not be in this predicament. Your error in judgment in not sending a security escort along with her was the cause of this. If Commander Chakotay is displeased, it should be with you, not I. I am just trying to clean up your mess. Do not persist in badgering me. Seven OUT!" she shouted irritably.

Tuvok’s eyebrow nearly crawled off his high forehead. Had he not agreed with Seven, he might have argued with her, but he knew there was validity to her accusations. He reported back to Chakotay that Seven was operating under his authority, having agreed to cooperate. He knew he should not bend the truth, but Chakotay tended to get bogged down in rules when clearly the proper course was one of action. Tuvok decided to try once more.

"Tuvok to Seven of Nine. I have advised Commander Chakotay that you are authorized to proceed. However, I would appreciate it if you could transmit your current coordinates, and your flight plan. I will meet you with a security team once you have pinpointed the location. Meanwhile, we will beam back to Voyager."

Seven of Nine smiled faintly. "Thank you Commander. That will be acceptable."

_______________

Janeway felt like she was underwater. She tasted blood, but couldn’t force her eyes open to inspect the source. The drug was wearing off, but her thoughts were elusive tendrils just beyond her grasp. She felt herself being lifted roughly from the ground, and deposited into a chair. Her head lolled forward, her muscles liquid and uncoordinated.

"Sit up," roared an angry voice. Janeway’s head snapped back as the owner of the voice struck her across the face. "You fucking offworlders!" he hit her again, closing her eye with the blow. "You’re Gadj Inuquay’s whore, aren’t you?" he snatched Janeway’s hair and brought her face within inches of his own. "Aren’t you!" he screamed.

Janeway tried to answer, but the drug prevented her from making coherent sounds. When she couldn’t reply, he threw her back down into the chair. "Weaklings, all of them," he hissed. "Why would anyone want to study them?"

He paced the length of the room several times, fuming. "Send the demand letter," he barked to his assistant. "Tell them they’ve got an hour."

The silent figure nodded and ascended the poorly illuminated stairs.

"You’re lucky I’m in a good mood, ‘Captain’," he told a half-conscious captive. "I really should kill you and send your remains to Inuquay. But I’m feeling merciful today," he snatched her hair again, pulling her head upright. "And you’re much more useful alive," he snarled.

Janeway tried to struggle back to consciousness, but the drug kept her in a haze. One eye was swollen shut, and the other defied her, refusing to allow what little light there was in. Just then her tormentor used his thumb to lift her eyelid. "Look at me when I talk to you, offworlder!" he yelled into her face.

Janeway gathered all of her reserves, channeling them to her vocal chords. "I…would…look at you…if I …could open…both…eyes…" she managed.

Rather than inflaming him, it caught him off guard. "Quite right," he agreed, turning away. He came back with a dermal regenerator, and carefully treated her injured face. He gave her a hypospray that would counteract the drug they used to abduct her.

Janeway was afraid now. His fractured emotions, one second rage, the next tenderness, told her he was extremely volatile, and she would not likely survive the next few hours if she wasn’t extremely careful. She’d been tortured before, so she knew what to expect in that regard. But she didn’t know what sort of lunatic this man was, and that frightened her.

"Forgive my manners," the black-clothed man muttered. "I haven’t introduced myself properly," he stated flatly. "I am Jang Inuquay. Gadj’s brother. Sorry we had to meet under such unfortunate circumstances. I had rather hoped to have a nice family dinner with the relatives, and see the look on dear mother’s face when her son, her best child, announced his intention to take an offworld mate," he sighed. "But instead, here we are."

"I’m Kathryn," she managed to swallow her surprise. "After getting to know Gadj, I’m sorry to meet you in this manner, as well. He seems to care a great deal about his family."

"Yes, unless it interferes with his oh-so-successful life," Jang shot back. "But that is not your fault. The only thing you are responsible for is having the questionable taste of falling in love with my brother."

Janeway hid her reaction. "I’m not in love with Gadj," she said softly, not certain he had heard her. He was almost finished with her medical care, and Janeway realized he had the same spicy scent as Gadj.

"You’re not?" his tone was accusatory. "Then why are you with him all the time?"

"We’ve been negotiating a trade agreement," she said without emotion. Better not give him any ammunition for that erratic temper.

"I’ll bet," he snorted. "My brother doesn’t negotiate with attractive females unless he fucks them first," his eyes glittered cold hatred. "I suppose he gave you that ‘oh-pity-me’ routine about Lopau, his dear departed wife, and how terribly lonely he is. Is that how he got you into bed?"

Janeway didn’t respond, although she wasn’t sure if it was because his words actually stung, or because she knew any answer would be the wrong one.

"I thought as much," Jang concluded with disgust. "It’s an old pattern with him. Ah, Captain, you really didn’t have any idea, did you?" he lifted her chin with his gloved fingers. "Poor Kathryn," he sympathized, seeing the hurt in her eyes. "He can be such a prick. But then, most women don’t care if he is a prick, as long as he has one. And as I’m sure you know, he has one," he grinned maliciously. "His prowess is legendary. Try not to take it so personally, Captain," he caressed her cheek. "There. Good as new. Has the pain subsided?"

Kathryn forced a smile. "Yes, thank you, Jang."

His eyes softened. Gratitude wasn’t something a prisoner usually offered him. "Are you hungry, or thirsty?" he asked politely.

Janeway genuinely smiled now. "Actually, yes. I was on my way back to Voyager to have dinner when your men—diverted me," she chose her words carefully.

He laughed with delight. "You are an admirable diplomat, Captain. Let me fetch something for you."

Well, one thing’s for sure. These Inuquay men are long on charm. I hope they’re longer on sanity than I suspect this one is. Damn. I am not going to make it in time for dinner with Seven. Maybe not at all. I can’t believe just as I was starting to realize how I feel, this happens. I’m going to die having never told her I love her…

Jang returned from a back room, carrying a bottle of water and some sort of stew. "It’s not Gadj’s cooking, I’m afraid, but it will stop the growling in your belly," he offered it to her smiling. "Oh, how rude of me. Let me unbind your hands. You won’t try to escape, now, will you?"

Janeway grinned. "Of course not. Who would want to escape such a charming host?" she laughed lightly, accepting the food and water. Then remembering her own manners, she added "Would you care to join me? I’ve always hated to eat alone."

He smiled like a teenager on his first date. "I would like that. I’ll be right back with some more for myself."

Janeway put a hand on his arm to stop him. "We can share, if you like," she offered coyly. The longer I keep him distracted, the longer Voyager has to find me. And I can tell he likes the idea of taking what he perceives to be his brother’s girlfriend.

Jang was definitely off balance now. "I—you—really?" Janeway nodded. His eyes darted around frantically. "Then let’s sit at the table properly. Sit still while I get these ankle restraints off of you."

A muffled voice came from the dark shadows in the room. "Jang, that is ill advised," the voice warned.

Jang’s head snapped toward the voice. "Leave us!" he growled. "Forgive my staff, Kathryn. They see everything as a breach of security."

Kathryn laughed genuinely. "I can’t imagine they’d be worried about me. I’m sure you could lift me with one arm."

He smiled. "You are rather tiny," he agreed.

"My Astrometrics Officer was worried about Gadj being a threat to me," she shared, "and pointed out that he is approximately 75% larger and stronger than I am. I assure you Jang, unarmed, I am no threat to you."

He reached out to help her up. "Then by all means, let’s have dinner."

______________

Seven of Nine and Dagnan Bey had pinpointed the terrorists’ location, which had a makeshift security shield around it. It took Seven about 30 seconds to disable it. Tuvok and the Voyager Security Team beamed down to join the rescue party. They were conferring regarding the plan of attack, and Gadj Inuquay’s staff was attempting to obtain maps of the building where the Captain was being held hostage. The data came streaming in, and a holographic image of the building projected for them. They swiftly determined the most likely area for holding captives, and focused their assault on that area. Smaller detachments would take the less likely entrances, and all would sweep through the building and converge on the central area. They would have to move soon, while they still had the cover of night.

_______________

Janeway had managed to keep Jang talking, and he seemed to be enjoying himself. She knew that with psychosis, Jang could change at any time, but she prayed for a stretch of relative sanity on his part. She pretended to agree with his denouncements of his brother, and appeared to be cooperative with his plans. He seemed to genuinely like her, although he berated her for her choice of sexual partners. Sibling rivalry. Janeway thought. Cain and Abel, all over again.

"Which of you is oldest?" Janeway feigned great interest.

"Gadj, of course. First born, first blessed, they say," he lay his hand over hers. "What about you, Kathryn? Any brothers or sisters?"

She hid her nervousness as he began to caress her hand. "One sister, younger than me. Her name is Phoebe."

"An interesting name," he noted, now stroking her forearm suggestively. Then abruptly, he stood up. "Dinner is over. Let’s go to my private quarters," he ordered her. The solicitous host was gone, and the captor was back.

Once inside the dark, desolate room, Jang grabbed Janeway’s shoulders and kissed her, bruising her lips. She tried to relax, but her instincts were to fight him. Before she could decide which was smarter, to go along with him or to fight, he had begun pawing at her clothes, which he finally shredded in frustration, leaving her bare breasted. There was none of Gadj’s skill or gentleness, only brutish haste and the need to conquer. He had her pinned on his bed, naked now, fumbling with his own pants. He finally freed himself of the constraining fabric, but before he could penetrate her, he lost control of himself and ejaculated. Unfortunately for Kathryn, his sexual inadequacies infuriated him, and he proceeded to beat her for making him lose control.

__________________

The Biroan authorities had finally arrived to lend assistance to the rescue mission. While waiting for them to assemble, Seven of Nine had recalibrated her tricorder to isolate the Captain’s biosignature. When the team stormed the building, Seven sprinted into the interior, activated her tricorder, and followed the electronic tracking device. The terrorists were decisively outnumbered, and several surrendered without a fight. Those who weren’t willing to surrender quickly found themselves in a violent shoot out. Seven hardly noticed the phaser fire around her, tracking the Captain’s biosignature, pausing here and there to check for possible opposition to her stealthy movements. She tracked the signature to a set of stairs that led into a cellar, muted the tricorder audio, and descended the stairs.

Jang Inuquay had just dropped Janeway’s limp, bloodied body onto his bed, standing over her, panting from the beating he had meted out. He hesitated, catching his breath, and rolled her over on her stomach. She had lost consciousness long ago and flopped over like a rag doll, her limbs twisting lifelessly, awkwardly. He grabbed her hips, kneeling behind her, and positioned her for penetration. Before he could enter her, however, a menacing growl filled the room, and a metallic hand closed around his windpipe, dragging him away from the captain, whose body flopped over again, face up. The last thing Jang Inuquay ever saw was a look of supreme pain on the face of Seven of Nine as she realized her Captain had been battered. Then there was only the sound of his windpipe shattering, and his lungs gurgling as they filled with blood.

Seven flung the carcass of the dead Biroan aside, kneeling beside the bed, checking the Captain’s vital signs. Tears ran down her cheeks as she surveyed the damage, and her ministrations to the Captain were as gentle as her actions against Jang had been harsh. She tore a strip of cloth from the bedding, fished a medkit from her assault jacket, and proceeded to clean and treat the wounds tenderly, washing away dried blood, mending abrasions with the dermal regenerator, and checking for broken bones. Satisfied that it was safe to transport the Captain, she hailed the ship, wrapped Jang’s blanket around the Captain’s fragile, naked body, and scooped her into strong Borg arms.

___________________

"I’m telling you, Commander, she hasn’t left the Captain for a second," the Doctor complained.

Chakotay sighed. "Is she in your way, really?"

"Well—no," he admitted. "But it’s highly irregular."

"If she’s not hurting anything, let her be," Chakotay said firmly. "She found the Captain, and I’m sure it shook her up pretty badly. If it comforts her to be here, don’t interfere."

"The Ambassador has been badgering me to let him beam to sickbay, as well," the Doctor advised the Commander.

Chakotay considered the request. "I will send him a reply. I don’t think Kathryn needs to be bothered by him right now." Chakotay didn’t realize he was acting out of jealousy, but to Seven, who could hear the conversation via her Borg enhanced hearing, his motives were irrelevant.

Seven listened to their discussion, but pretended not to notice. She hadn’t taken her eyes off the Captain for the better part of two hours. She sat on a high stool at bedside, daintily holding the Captain’s left hand in both of her own, watching as the Captain’s chest rose and fell in rhythm, perched upon the stool like a sentinel. She wasn’t about to let Janeway out of her sight, although the immediate threat had passed. She still felt there was danger, though she couldn’t say why.

After another hour, Janeway began to stir. Seven was up instantly, hovering over the Captain, stroking her face with the backs of her fingers. Janeway looked up into impossibly blue eyes, filled with concern, filled with devotion. "Seven?" she said hoarsely.

"Captain?" Seven suppressed a sob with her hand, which she pressed against her lips to prevent the emotional outburst from escaping.

"Seven," Janeway sighed, leaning into the Borg’s caress. "I can’t seem to keep you out of my dreams," she murmured, unaware that she was really with the lovely astrometrics officer. "It’s bad enough that you’re always on my mind when I’m awake," she chuckled, still thinking she was dreaming.

"You are on my mind all the time, also, Captain," Seven said quietly, kissing the Captain’s forehead. Then whispering, she added "I thought he had killed you, Kathryn. I was so frightened, and so sorry I never told you how much I love you."

"And I love you, Seven," she admitted. "I always have."

Seven of Nine felt her heart clench in her chest in a spasm of pure joy. Kathryn loved her. Glancing around the darkened sickbay, she realized they were alone, and kissed her beloved full on the lips, deeply, passionately. "Why did you not say so?" she asked after long moments.

Janeway gazed up at Seven, seeing eyes so full of love, she felt her chest tighten. Just then the Doctor materialized. "I see you’re finally awake, Captain," he stated the obvious. "Step aside, Seven, and let me scan the patient," he snapped with a harrumph.

Janeway sat up abruptly, realizing suddenly that she was not dreaming, and had been conscious for several minutes. Oh dear God, I told her I love her. And she KISSED me. And I loved it. And I do love her so very much. I won’t deny it now. I can’t take it back. Janeway fidgeted while the Doctor took his sweet time examining her.

"You appear to be recovered, Captain. However, I insist upon at least two days off duty. You are sleep deprived, dehydrated, and you have some rather—unusual signs of excessive activity."

Not wanting him to elaborate, Janeway waved him off. "Fine, Doctor, am I free to go?"

"Yes, you are. But if I catch you on the bridge in the next 48 hours…"

"Understood Doctor," she said, exasperated. Turning to the six foot tall blonde Borg at her bedside, she smiled faintly. "Would you walk me to my quarters, Seven?"

"Of course," Seven agreed.

They walked in silence to the Captain’s quarters, Seven feeling self-conscious, Janeway feeling nervous. "I was trying to get back to the ship when I was abducted," Janeway began. "I was planning on surprising you."

"You accomplished that, either way," Seven said dryly.

"No, I mean I was going to surprise you by coming back and asking you to dinner."

"I had already asked you to dinner," Seven pointed out. "You would have been coming back to accept the invitation."

Janeway fixed her with an arrogant glare. "Are you teasing me, Seven of Nine?"

Seven grinned sheepishly. "Borg do not tease, Captain."

"Supposedly they don’t lie, either," Janeway quipped, slipping her arm through Seven’s.

"Do you still wish to have dinner, Captain?" Seven sounded hopeful.

Janeway grinned. "You know, if I say yes, it will be my third attempt at dinner in the last 24 hours. Maybe three is a charm," she kidded.

"Then say yes, Captain. I would like you to think of this dinner date as charming," she smiled affectionately at the diminutive woman beside her.

"Now I know you’re flirting with me," Janeway chuckled. "I never thought Borg would flirt either."

"Captain, as you will recall, you were the one who explained flirting to me. If I am flirting with you now, it is your own fault," she accused, "not the Borg’s."

They stepped into the Captain’s dwelling, and not three feet past the door stopped to embrace each other. Seven kissed the Captain with searing desire, gathering her up into powerful arms. "Did you mean what you said," she whispered against Kathryn’s lips.

Kathryn held her breath. No ducking the question. "Yes, I did. I love you, Seven."

Seven rested her forehead against Kathryn’s, eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I have loved you for so long," she murmured, the longing evident in her tone. "I always believed love is –irrelevant. Consequently, I had no means of expressing it, no frame of reference for pursuing it. I wanted to tell you, needed to tell you, but I was too afraid." She kissed Kathryn softly once more, lingering over the silken lips, hungering for something unnamable.

"And now? Do you think love is irrelevant?" Kathryn inquired in a near whisper.

"No. In fact, I believe it is the single most relevant thing in the universe," Seven admitted quietly, shyly.

Kathryn lifted her face to kiss Seven then, searching her eyes as she tentatively brushed her lips over Seven’s fuller ones. "I think I finally agree that it is the most relevant thing in the universe," she whispered, kissing her beloved tenderly.

Seven returned the kiss, sweetly, gently. She lingered over every nuance, memorizing Kathryn’s breathing, her fragrance, the sensation of her delicate lips pressed against Seven’s. When they finally paused for air, Seven noted that Kathryn’s eyes were two full shades bluer than usual. Remembering B'Elanna’s tutelage, and her manners, Seven stepped back, and in a no-arguments-allowed tone, stated "I will replicate dinner for us. You must rehydrate and rest, as the Doctor pointed out."

Janeway grinned, wondering what sort of selection Seven would come up with. "That would be very nice, Seven. I’m going to take a shower and put on some clean clothes," she indicated the medical gown she wore, which had replaced her tattered, stained clothing after Jang’s assault.

"Take your time," Seven said warmly. "Is there anything you require?"

Kathryn looked at the Borg quizzically. She is trying to take care of me. God, how sweet. I must have frightened her terribly. "No, Seven, I have everything I need. Thank you."

"Very well. Dinner will be ready within half an hour," Seven informed her.

While Kathryn washed away the stench of Jang Inuquay, Seven of Nine did a quick database inquiry regarding Kathryn’s replicator records. It seemed she favored chicken dishes, pasta, rice, and occasionally salmon or beef. Pork was notably absent. Seven programmed the replicator to produce a creamy grilled chicken in pesto sauce, served over spinach and artichoke pasta, accompanied by green salad and garlic bread. She set the table, added lighted candles and muted the overhead lighting, selected soft instrumental music, and replicated a bottle of wine. She was careful to code in her own access to the replicator, so as not to deplete the Captain’s rations. Seven of Nine rarely used her own rations, other than a single one per day for a nutritional beverage that was efficient and loaded with supplements. She used yet another ration to make a site to site transport to her alcove, and back to the Captain’s quarters. She took the opportunity to change into the outfit she had worn to the Ambassador’s dinner part, which had made Kathryn call her ‘beautiful’.

Kathryn quietly checked her workstation in the bedroom after she finished her shower and prepared to dress. She answered Gadj’s multiple missives with one brief note of her own:

Gadj—

Thank you for your kind inquiries into my well being. I am doing fine, though I require rest and recuperation. I will try to contact you before Voyager leaves orbit, so that we may discuss what happened, and can exchange good-byes. I apologize for breaking my promise. I will be unable to return to your home this afternoon, or anytime during the crew’s shore leave. Not only do I have duties that I have neglected during our time together, I am under Doctor’s orders to rest, which you and I cannot seem to do together.

Thank you for a wonderful first contact experience.

Fondly,

Kathryn Janeway

CO, U.S.S. Voyager

I will tell him about Seven after I’ve spent some quality time with her. I am not running back to him. Courage, Kathryn. She loves you. You love her. Now stop telling yourself how it’s not possible, how it can’t work, and make it work. Find a way. Just let yourself love her. It’s not a crime. And it’s true to yourself, for once. I can hardly wait to see what she makes for dinner. No doubt some version of that god awful milkshake the Doctor devised for her.

Kathryn found she was nervous about selecting attire for this dinner date. Of course, Seven was still in her black away mission garb, so it really didn’t matter, but Kathryn wanted to look her best. She chose a pair of soft, faded jeans, remembering that Seven had complimented her in them once before. She wracked her brain trying to remember if Seven had ever mentioned liking a particular blouse, and actually recalled that Seven had admired a certain bright yellow cotton denim shirt, long sleeved. Kathryn dug it out of her closet, buttoned it only to the top of her breasts, and left the collar open. She dabbed cologne in the hollow of her throat, brushed out her hair, and slipped on a pair of old navy blue espadrilles without socks. She surveyed herself in the mirror, satisfied that on very little notice, she looked presentable.

She exited the bedroom, instantly smelled garlic and pesto and chicken, and was overwhelmed with the amount of effort Seven had put into what should have been a hasty meal. Her stomach growled in anticipation of the dinner that tantalized her nostrils. She came around the corner and stopped dead in her tracks. Seven of Nine was lighting candles, singing to the soundtrack in the background. Her voice was enchanting. And she was wearing the outfit Kathryn had insisted the Doctor replicate for her.

Seven glanced up and actually smiled. Janeway felt her heart clutch in her chest. Seven of Nine did not smile, ordinarily. Kathryn could not stop herself from murmuring "You are so lovely when you smile, Seven. You should do it more often. And your voice is so beautiful."

"Thank you, Captain," she approached her beloved, blushing. "Dinner is ready." She drew Kathryn’s arm through her own, and led her to the table, where she pulled out the Captain’s chair, and seated her properly.

"I think since we’re on a date, Seven, you should call me Kathryn," she chuckled at the Borg’s formality.

Seven smiled warmly at her. "As you wish, Kathryn. I did not wish to be presumptuous." Seven took her seat and served them both from the platter of pasta, then retrieved the wine that she had set to "breathe" on the counter. She poured them both generous amounts, though she rarely drank alcohol herself. "This is a beverage I found I like. I hope you approve," she said softly, watching Kathryn taste it.

"It’s excellent, Seven. I must say, you have truly gone out of your way for this event," Kathryn’s eyes twinkled at her young love.

Seven smiled faintly. "I have prepared for this date for the better part of year, now, Kathryn."

Kathryn took her hand across the table. "Why didn’t you ever tell me how you felt?"

"I thought you knew," Seven sighed. "I just assumed my feelings were obvious. I am so inadequate at hiding things from you, I felt you were aware I love you. When B'Elanna pointed out that I had no right to be jealous if I’d never spoken my heart, I realized that it was entirely possible you had no idea how I felt," she explained in a meek voice.

Kathryn squeezed her Borg enhanced hand gently. "I had no idea, Seven. Not until B'Elanna told me she believed you were in love with me. Honestly, it never even crossed my mind that you might be attracted to me. I’m sorry for being so obtuse," Kathryn’s apology hung in the air, her pulse pounding as Seven began to caress her hand.

"The past is irrelevant," Seven assured her. "What matters is how we choose to act upon this situation."

Kathryn smiled slowly at the gorgeous Borg. "I intend to act as if Gadj Inuquay never existed. I’m sorry you were jealous."

Seven shocked the Captain by chuckling. "I was very jealous, indeed. A rather ugly emotion, and very inefficient." She kissed Kathryn’s hand affectionately. "Are you certain you no longer wish to see the Ambassador?" She nodded at Kathryn’s plate, indicating she should eat more and talk less.

"Oh my," Kathryn enthused, "this is delicious, Seven. I am seriously impressed," she let the pasta roll around on her tongue, enthralled in the taste of the sauce. Then getting back to Seven’s question, she added "I’m quite certain. Gadj is a very kind, very sweet man. But he was just a means of distracting myself from the issue at hand, which is that I am very attracted to you. I—want to—be…" Kathryn hesitated. How much did Seven understand romantic relationships?

Seven peered intently at the Captain. "What Kathryn? What do you want to be?" She held her breath, waiting for Kathryn to elaborate.

"I want to be with you, Seven," she tried to make it clear, and felt sure she failed entirely.

"By this you mean—you wish to spend time together? Do you mean as we always have, or something else?" the Borg struggled to grasp Kathryn’s intent.

Kathryn smiled. "Something more, not something else," she elaborated. "I want to spend time with you, yes, but I want to be with you in more intimate ways."

"Ah, so you wish to be with me sexually," Seven nodded approvingly. "I want that, as well."

"You do?" Kathryn was startled at the Borg’s bluntness. "I didn’t realize you understood what that entails."

Seven finished her salad, chewing pensively. "I’m not sure I understand all that it entails, but I know I want to be closer to you, that I want to touch you. But Kathryn, I do not want to be abrupt or impatient. I want you to be clear about the pace of things. I know you have been through a great deal in the last 24 hours. For now, I am perfectly content to eat dinner with you. And I would truly appreciate it if I could stay here with you while you recover. I have no pressing duties, and I would be comforted to know you are safe. I could rest on your couch, and keep watch over you."

Kathryn swallowed hard. "I would like that, Seven. I am a little uneasy, I admit. I don’t remember much about the last few hours of my abduction, and I can’t say I am eager to remember it, either. Your company would be most welcome. Thank you for offering." She continued eating, though she was already full, simply because it was so tasty. "Seven…when you found me on Biro Prime—how was—that is, what condition did you find me in?"

Seven poured another glass of wine for her companion. "Are you certain you wish me to answer that, Kathryn?"

Kathryn nodded mutely.

Seven’s face dissolved into a compassionate expression, her bottom lip trembling. "You were in a deplorable condition," she began. "Bruised, beaten, bleeding, unconscious. Your captor was about to rape you," she shuddered with revulsion, her voice cracking on the word ‘rape’. "I was so conflicted, Kathryn. At the same time I was furious, yet overcome with grief and tenderness. I stopped him from assaulting you sexually, but I was too late to prevent the other injuries he caused you. And they were numerous," Seven revealed.

"What happened to him—to Jang?"

Seven looked at her plate, not meeting Kathryn’s eyes. "I killed him. Just as I said I would kill the Ambassador if he forced himself on you. I am sorry Captain, I could have prevented him from harming you in other ways, but the element of surprise was crucial to rescuing you," Seven was all too aware she had disobeyed the Captain’s order, "and I was just enraged. He had done such unforgivable things to you…" her voice broke then, and tears began to stream from her eyes. "I didn’t think…I just had to get him off of you…and the next thing I knew, I had killed him…"

Kathryn got up from the table, pulling Seven with her, reaching for her face with both hands. "It’s all right, Seven, you did what you deemed necessary. You saved my life. Although at the second you killed Jang, I was not in danger of losing my life, it is possible that had you not killed him, he would have hurt or killed us both. He was a huge, huge man."

Seven leaned her forehead against Kathryn’s. "I did not intend to disobey you, Kathryn. I merely went on blind instinct. And it prompted me to protect you in as efficient a manner as possible." Seven drew the smaller woman into her arms, cradling her head in her mesh encased hand, kissing her hair fondly, possessively.

Kathryn reached up to wipe Seven’s tears away with the soft back of her knuckles. "Thank you for getting to me in time, Seven. I was so—frightened," her voice faltered, and she clung to the towering Borg then. "I was so sure he was going to kill me, especially after he tried to…he tried to…"

Seven held her tightly. "It is all right, Kathryn, you are safe now," Seven reassured her. She kissed her forehead as Kathryn began to sob. Seven moved them to the couch, and stretched out on it with Kathryn lying against her, crying. Seven rubbed her back softly, letting her cry.

Kathryn snuggled into Seven’s arms, letting go of the fear and distress, crying for the first time in years. It felt so perfect to be able to share her emotions with someone who would not think less of her for having them. Seven loved her, she knew, and that made all the difference. Seven’s arms about her were firm and protective, and Kathryn listened to the steady heartbeat beneath her cheek as Seven massaged her back and caressed her hair. Eventually, Kathryn began to chuckle softly.

"What is funny?" Seven gazed lovingly at her partner.

Kathryn laughed harder. "I suppose it’s too ridiculous," she continued to laugh, "but just before Jang beat me senseless, I remember thinking ‘Damn, I’m going to miss that velocity match with Seven.’ I guess that means I’m far too competitive," she chastised herself.

Seven hugged her. "You cannot be serious. You were captive to a crazed terrorist, and you were thinking about playing velocity?"

Janeway nodded. "Mmmm hmmm," she yawned. "Or maybe it wasn’t the velocity I was worried about, so much as I was worried about missing a chance to see you."

Seven kissed her temple then, eyes closed, savoring the sensation and the swelling in her own chest. "You are exhausted, Kathryn. I know it is an odd time to go to bed, but you have been up all night, and we are well into Alpha shift. You must regain your strength. Come, let me ‘tuck you in’, as you have done for me countless times."

Seven eased them both upright, and pulled the weary Captain to her feet, leading her into the bedroom. She smiled at her beloved then, admiring her. "I hate to see you remove this garment," she fingered the collar of the bright yellow denim. "It is splendid on you," she complimented the auburn haired beauty in her arms.

"I’ll wear it again, I promise," Kathryn said through yet another yawn.

Seven opened her closet and handed her a pair of satin pajamas. "These should do nicely," she said more to herself than to Kathryn. Then in a tone that was positively maternal, she added "Now into the ensuite with you. And don’t forget to brush your teeth."

Kathryn smiled ear to ear. She decided just this once, she was going to enjoy being mothered. Besides, she was too tired to protest. Once she had readied herself for bed, Seven pulled the covers up to her neck, kissed her briefly, and bade her goodnight. Kathryn watched the shapely backside of her Borg retreating to the living room.

Less than a half an hour later, Seven looked up from a PADD she was studying, and saw Kathryn standing in the doorway of the bedroom, gazing at her. Seven sat upright instantly. "Kathryn, what is wrong?"

"I—I—can’t sleep," she admitted. "Would you please—I mean if it’s not too much to ask—" she could not bring herself to make the request.

Seven closed the distance between them in two efficient steps, taking Kathryn’s hand. "Come, let me hold you while you sleep." In her expedient Borg manner, she stripped down to her underwear, and climbed into bed, drawing Kathryn in beside her.

Kathryn sighed with satisfaction as they curled up in bed together. "Thank you, Seven, for not making me ask, and for being okay with this."

Seven lay on her back, holding the smaller woman in her arms. "In all things, Kathryn, first and foremost, I am your friend," Seven advised her, cradling her gently.

Kathryn kissed her cheek. "I am so lucky," she murmured, and drifted into a dreamless, deep sleep immediately.

_______________

Gadj Inuquay had had enough of the Voyager’s First Officer’s evasive tactics, and the message he had received from Kathryn had offended him in the extreme. He would not be brushed aside like some mere acquaintance after a summer romance. He would find a way to see Kathryn, if it took all his considerable resources. Being a man of power and influence, he was able to secure favors from other men of power and influence. As soon as he had seen to Waryn’s and Jang’s funeral arrangements, he located a black market specialist in terrorist techniques, and had himself transported to Voyager. His contact had guaranteed him that his transporter signal would be undetected, and as Gadj stood in the corridor outside the Captain’s quarters, he was satisfied that the contact had been correct. He remembered the access code to Kathryn’s quarters, and let himself in. The large doors hissed as they slid open and closed. The lighting was subdued compared to the bright lights in the exterior corridor, and it took his large golden eyes several seconds to adjust.

Seven of Nine had him by the throat before he could bring his eyes to focus on his surroundings. Her Borg strength terrified him as she lifted him two inches off the ground.

"You are not authorized to be here, Biroan," she spat. "State your purpose." Her eyes glittered with malice. In Seven’s mind, all Biroan’s were kidnapping rapists, and she was not about to let him near Kathryn.

Kathryn appeared in the living room.

"Kathryn," Gadj pleaded. "Call off your Borg," he sputtered, gasping for air.

Seven shook him by the throat. "How did you get in here?" she roared, struggling to restrain herself from snapping his neck.

"Seven," Kathryn said softly, knowing a command tone would only serve to make her defiant, "The Ambassador has the access code to my quarters. Please, darling, put him down." She carefully used the term of endearment to cut through Seven’s indignant reaction to Gadj’s intrusion.

Seven regarded him coldly for several seconds, then set him down reluctantly. "You will not make any sudden moves, Ambassador, or I will kill you," she threatened him.

Gadj smoothed his clothing with no small amount of irritation. "You will do no such thing, young woman. You are fortunate I have not allowed the Biroan authorities to arrest you yet."

Kathryn sidled up to Seven, slipped a restraining arm through hers, and pulled her back two steps from Gadj. "Arrest her for what?" Kathryn was astounded.

"For killing my brother," Gadj said without vocal inflection. "My people consider the use of deadly force unacceptable, and our laws are quite clear. Jang was not in the act of killing you when she murdered him."

Seven growled and lunged toward the Ambassador. "You’re brother was inches from raping my Captain," she snarled. "He had beaten her to a bloody pulp. He dwarfed me by a full foot, and outweighed me by 100 or more pounds. I used the necessary means to extricate my Captain from a life threatening scenario. Your security forces allowed her to be kidnapped in the first place. If not for your utter incompetence, your brother would be alive," she bit off her words with angry precision.

"Please," Kathryn interjected, "let’s not argue. Gadj, I did not authorized this visit. I am sorry for your losses, most notably, your faithful servant Waryn. But I am going to have to ask you to leave. I am not up to seeing dignitaries, at the moment."

Gadj’s eyes softened. "My Kathryn, you are fragile now. Let me take you to my abode, my servants will see to your every desire," he tried to take her hand.

Seven intercepted his limb, bending his hand backward, centimeters from snapping the bones in his wrist. "Kathryn, do you want this Biroan to touch you?" she asked with barely concealed rage.

"Seven," Kathryn whispered. "You must release him." Then to Gadj, she said "You must leave immediately. I am under medical restrictions to rest. I am not coming back to your abode, which I made perfectly clear in my letter to you. Gadj, please, forgive me for confusing you. I cannot justify my actions, but you must understand. I have a mate, now. I cannot be with you again."

"This Borg? This is your mate?" he scoffed.

Kathryn gazed up at Seven, eyes filled with pure adoration. "She is more than my mate, Gadj. She is my heart. She is my purpose. She is my friend."

Gadj smiled sadly. "As you wish. I had intended to ask you to stay on Biro Prime, and let Voyager go without you back to the Alpha Quadrant."

Kathryn gave his arm a sympathetic squeeze. "And now you know why I cannot accept."

Gadj tapped the badge he wore. "Dagnan Bey, this is Gadj Inuquay. I am ready to leave." He nodded at Kathryn. "I regret that you cannot stay with me, Kathryn. If you change your mind, I will be a comm link away," he kissed her cheek, and dematerialized in a shower of red particulate sparkles.

Kathryn held tightly to Seven’s waist. "You’re hearing is phenomenal, Seven. I never knew he had come in."

"I told you I would watch over you, Kathryn. Computer," she barked, "seal the entrance to the Captain’s quarters, Borg encryption code Theta, authorization Seven of Nine, Omega Four. And Computer, erect a warning alarm on these coordinates and link the alarm directly to security so that any transports to the Captain’s Quarters triggers an immediate dispatch of a fully armed squadron."

"Alarm and security seal in place," the computer replied.

"There. Now, shall we get back to sleep?" Seven didn’t wait for Kathryn to answer. She scooped her into her powerful arms and carried her to bed, depositing her safely beneath the sheets. "Computer, lights out."

_______________

Kathryn slept until early evening. She awoke in Seven’s embrace, glanced up at Seven propped against several pillows, and noted that she had actually fallen asleep. Kathryn smiled tenderly. She was not aware Seven had actually learned how to sleep, though the Doctor was trying to wean her from exclusively using the regeneration alcove. Kathryn snuggled closer into Seven’s body, enjoying the warmth, and a little aroused, though she quickly banished any sexual thoughts. Still, she was only human, and Seven was clad only in her underwear, which Kathryn could tell from a slight movement of her hand on Seven’s belly was the skimpiest pair of panties in the known quadrants. Her face rested just above Seven’s breasts, which were barely restrained by equally skimpy satin. She could see Seven’s nipples through the fabric, and had to squeeze her eyes shut to suppress the urge to kiss them through that slinky wisp of clothing.

I want to touch her. Oh god, what does she sound like when she is aroused? Has anyone ever touched her that way? I would love to be the first. I would love to find out everything about her, what pleases her, what excites her, what makes her cry out my name. Oh god, I’m in trouble.

I want her. I need to rest.

I want her. I have to take it easy.

I want her. She is too naïve. I have to curb my desires and bring her to hers slowly.

I want her. Damn it, Kathryn, get a grip. You’ve waited this long, you can wait a few more days.

Janeway’s mental war had insinuated itself into her body language, and Seven, though sleeping, felt the change in her beloved’s body, the tensing of her muscles and the increased heartbeat and respiration rate. Her own mind struggled back from dreams.

"Kathryn, what is wrong?" Seven queried in a muffled tone.

"Nothing is wrong, Seven. Why do you ask?" Kathryn froze against her intended lover, trying to remain calm.

"Something is most certainly wrong," Seven argued, turning onto her side and releasing Kathryn from her embrace. She faced the older woman, searching her eyes. "Your body temperature has just elevated by half a degree, your breathing is slightly labored, your heart is thundering in your chest, and every muscle in your body is tense. Are you frightened? I am right here, and I will protect you."

Kathryn bit her lip. Damn her Borg enhanced senses. Busted. "Actually, Seven, I was just…um…surprised that you are able to sleep."

"That should not cause you alarm. Was it not your wish that I become more human? Sleep is time consuming and inefficient, but it is the human means of regenerating. No, Kathryn, there is something else bothering you," Seven insisted, a slight curl at the edges of her lips. She regarded her Captain through knowing ice blue eyes.

Before Kathryn could make up another explanation, Seven lifted her chin with one curled finger and kissed her softly. Kathryn’s lips parted slightly beneath Seven’s and the most beguiling sound escaped Kathryn’s throat. Seven felt a surge of heat between her thighs, and moved over Kathryn, leaning on her arms as she deepened their kiss.

Kathryn’s hands played over the flat planes of Seven’s shoulders, over her lower back and the cold metallic implant there, then hesitated at her buttocks. Seven kissed her thoroughly, exploring her lips, nipping at them with her own. Kathryn sighed into Seven’s mouth, and the sound only served to heighten Seven’s desire. Seven tugged at Kathryn’s bottom lip with her teeth, which seemed to arouse the smaller woman. Seven smiled into their kiss, running her tongue over Kathryn’s upper lip in light, fleeting caresses that made Kathryn’s breath catch in her throat.

Kathryn tangled her hands in Seven’s long, flowing tresses, unclasping the barrette that held her hair neatly in place. Seven's hair fell around her shoulders, dangling onto Kathryn’s cheeks, cascading around their kisses. Kathryn opened her lips to Seven’s tongue, gently pulling it into her mouth, and felt her heart melt as Seven made a brief, abrupt moaning sound at the sensation of Kathryn sucking on her tongue. Seven might be new to this activity, but she was a quick study, Kathryn realized as the Borg moved over her, pressing a leg between her own.

Kathryn stopped thinking, and let her instincts take over. Her legs raised, ankles pressed up against her buttocks, and Seven gasped as Kathryn’s thigh slid between Seven’s. She was so startled by the sensation of Kathryn’s leg between her own, she stopped kissing her. Kathryn looked up into pale blue eyes that fixed her with a penetrating gaze, filled with arousal and need. Seven kissed her fiercely then, thrusting her tongue into Kathryn’s mouth, no longer tender, but passionate. Kathryn pulled Seven’s head back by her hair, firmly, but not roughly, and kissed the underside of Seven’s throat, brushing her lips over the hollow at that base of her neck, flicking her tongue over Seven’s pulse point, sighing in her ear, and finally biting her neck with the edge of careful teeth. Seven began to slowly rock her hips against Kathryn, not aware she was doing so, but needing the friction between their bodies.

Kathryn was trying to control herself, to make it loving and perfect, but her Borg’s lacey underwear and bare skin against her was too much for her to master control over. Her hands were suddenly fondling Seven’s nipples through the filmy brassiere, and Seven was moaning softly as Kathryn’s thumbs brought her lover’s nipples to hard knots. Kathryn moved beneath her, nudging her, and Seven understood it to mean she was to roll over, taking Kathryn with her. Kathryn stretched her full length against Seven then, kissing her hard and deeply, her own smaller hips pressed between Seven’s legs. As Kathryn moved against Seven, she felt Seven’s hands on her ass, squeezing her buttocks in time with the motion of her hips. Kathryn groaned into Seven’s mouth, the kneading sensation making her ache with want.

Kathryn kissed Seven’s eyelids, her cheeks, her nose, her chin, and finally, her soft throat, licking gently at her earlobe and feeling the gooseflesh raised on her arms and shoulders. Seven’s breaths became labored as Kathryn nipped and bit a path from her throat to her chest, nuzzling against the round curvature of her breasts which spilled over the top of her bra, and touched each nipple through the slinky fabric with the tip of her tongue. Seven watched with avid interest as her lover teased her, the experience somehow intensified by seeing it happen. Kathryn slipped the straps off Seven’s shoulders, kissing the newly exposed flesh, and Seven trembled beneath her.

Reaching beneath Seven’s back, Kathryn deftly unfastened her bra, and pulled the thin strip of cloth away from her generous breasts. Kathryn’s hands encircled the full mounds of flesh, thumbs glancing over the nipples, to be followed, each in turn, by Kathryn’s lips. Seven’s eyes closed involuntarily as Kathryn kissed the hard nubs, and a deep groan escaped her chest as Kathryn began to suckle. "Kathryn," Seven sighed, arching her back and pressing herself further into Kathryn’s mouth. Seven’s hands reached for Kathryn’s pajama top, pulling it off over her head. The instant their skin touched, Seven gasped at the newness of the sensation. She pulled Kathryn upward, forcing Kathryn’s mouth to leave her breasts, and drew her into a heated kiss.

She slid her hands beneath the waistband of Kathryn’s pajama bottoms, cupping her behind in large hands, easing the fabric over Kathryn’s slender hips, and down her thighs. Kathryn assisted by sliding them to her ankles and kicking them off completely. She lay naked atop Seven’s lanky frame, and smiled as she dropped her hand between Seven’s legs. She parted Seven’s thighs gradually, soft, sensuous strokes urging them to open, and rested her palm over the damp cotton crotch, feeling Seven’s mound beneath the fabric. With one finger, she began to stroke through the gathering moisture, capturing Seven’s gasps and sighs in her mouth as she teased her. She stole a solitary finger beneath the elastic band at Seven’s thigh, tracing the edge of her panties, hinting at touching Seven directly, but never quite doing so.

Seven’s frustration became the impetus for reversing their positions again, and as she flipped them over on the bed, pinning Janeway beneath her, she growled "You are toying with me, Kathryn." She kissed her hotly then, lips bruising the smaller ones pressed against hers, teeth brightly edged against Kathryn’s bottom lip. Kathryn stretched to reach Seven’s last article of clothing, and pushed the panties over her shapely buttocks, where she could reach no further. Seven removed them hastily, returning to Kathryn’s mouth, exploring the soft interior while her hands moved feverishly over her lover’s stomach and hips.

Kathryn writhed beneath Seven’s hands, needing more. Seven wrapped her hands around Kathryn’s breasts then, tore her mouth from Kathryn’s, and took a firm tip between her lips, tentatively licking the nipple. When Kathryn moaned, Seven nearly passed out. She enveloped Kathryn’s breast in her mouth then, sucking placidly while Kathryn panted her response. Seven’s research had finally proven useful as she moved her hand between Kathryn’s legs, finding soft curls and copious moisture. Kathryn groaned loudly as Seven began to smooth fingers over folds, her middle finger dipping into the source and retreating instantly. Seven continued her glancing touches, barely perceptible, but direct enough to make Kathryn whimper with need. When Seven gazed into blue grey eyes, Kathryn’s surrender was complete.

"Seven, please…" she begged. "Touch me," she moaned. "Please, now, touch me."

Seven smiled lovingly at the woman she had desired for months, kissed her softly, and entered her warm walls with two long fingers. Kathryn cried out as her hips rose from the bed to welcome the penetration. Seven’s sudden intake of breath told Kathryn that she was acutely aroused by the feeling of Kathryn’s depths. Seven’s fingers massaged the surrounding flesh delicately, teasing still. She slid her thumb over Kathryn’s hard bump, the fluid making the nub slick and slippery, and Kathryn’s fingers dug into Seven’s ass. Seven increased the pressure of her caress, watching in fascination as Kathryn’s body arched and undulated beneath her touch. When Seven reclaimed a nipple with her mouth, it was too much, and Kathryn’s body went rigid as she cried out, her legs shaking harshly, her climax sharp and sudden. She said only one word in her feverish cry: "Seven!"

As the shivers subsided gradually, Seven eased them to their sides, gathering Kathryn’s body against her own. She kissed Kathryn’s forehead and temple, smoothed her hands over her lover’s back, easing the tension from her muscles. Kathryn lifted her face to kiss her lover then, nipping and testing Seven’s lips with her tongue. Seven breathed deeply and kissed Kathryn passionately, her own arousal having been denied too long. Kathryn brushed her hands over Seven’s erect nipples, squeezing them between thumb and forefinger, eliciting a groan from her young, untried lover. She smiled into their kiss, eased Seven onto her back once more, and blanketed the Borg’s body with her own. She reached for Seven’s thighs parting them with insistent hands, and kissed a path from Seven’s mouth to her breasts, where she lingered tenderly, bringing Seven’s need to a sharp intensity. Seven began to moan incoherently as Kathryn’s tongue stroked against the taut surface of her nipples, and Kathryn struggled to slow down.

She slithered down the length of Seven’s tall frame, kissing wet trails along her abdominal implant, over her stomach muscles, and finally, kissing the wet thatch of golden curls and parting the folds with her tongue. Seven nearly launched herself off the bed beneath Kathryn’s mouth, her voice ragged with need, her body fully exposed to her lover’s explorations. Seven unconsciously brought her hand to rest atop Kathryn’s head, holding her firmly in place while Kathryn pleasured the young Borg with her lips and tongue. Seven tasted slightly salty, but very mildly so, and Kathryn sucked every inch of her delicate folds, licked every crevice and settled happily over Seven’s clitoris. Seven was sobbing into a pillow as Kathryn devoured her, and just as the young woman began to climax, Kathryn eased a finger into her virgin opening. Seven came in long, roiling waves that were so fierce, Kathryn could barely hold onto her hips. She babbled impassioned words of love, nonsensical and quiet as her climax tore through her in repetitive spasms.

Kathryn withdrew her finger carefully, crawled back up Seven’s body, and kissed away the tears that had poured from her eyes as she came. "I love you, Seven," Kathryn whispered against her full lips. Seven could only nod and continued to sob faintly as Kathryn soothed her. "I know, love, I know," Kathryn assured her, tickling her back as they clung to one another.

Seven’s tears subsided eventually, and she marveled at the wonder of lovemaking. "I do not understand, Kathryn," she finally said in muted tones. "I feel wonderful—better than I have ever felt—and yet I was compelled to cry. How can that be?"

Kathryn kissed her fondly. "Oh, Seven, it’s perfectly natural. You shared your most vulnerable side with me by letting me make love to you. Sometimes, the logical reaction to sharing that completely private part of yourself is to cry. It is a tremendous relief to let another human being see that side of you, to open yourself and trust that your partner will accept and protect what you show them. It is overwhelming at times to share that need with anyone. It not only makes you acknowledge that you have the need—it makes you realize you have to share it in order to get the need met."

Seven sighed with contentment. "Yes, that is precisely what I felt. That I could finally admit my need for you. And somehow, it was acceptable to need you in that manner. It is a great relief to know you love me, and to finally be able to say that I love you." Then kissing Kathryn’s temple, Seven asked "Is this what you had in mind when you said you want to ‘be with’ me?"

"Partly," Kathryn chuckled. "There’s more to it, but we have plenty of time to see where this goes."

"Where it goes?" Seven quirked an eyebrow. "I thought we were going to the Alpha Quadrant."

Kathryn gazed up into pale blue eyes that sparkled with humor. "You pretend not to understand most of the time, I think, when in fact, you’re the one toying with me."

Seven let out a peal of laughter that thrilled her lover to the bone. "We have seen where toying with me gets you. Where will toying with you get me?"

Kathryn pounced on Seven playfully. "Let’s find out."

___________

Gadj Inuquay was pleased that Kathryn had finally contacted him. He had labored over an elaborate luncheon for the Captain and was just finishing up by making a large pitcher of fenx when his new 1^st Advisor, Dagnan Bey, hailed him to advise that Kathryn and the security escort were at the walkway of his abode. Gadj felt a flutter of anticipation as he flung the door open, and saw Kathryn striding up the path.

"Kathryn," he grinned broadly, his golden eyes sparkling. "I am so glad you agreed to come." He flinched then, as Seven of Nine exited the hovercraft, her ice blue eyes fixated on Gadj. "I wasn’t aware this was to be a lunch for part of your crew," he began.

Kathryn smiled. "It’s not. Seven will be posted outside the door of your home. She insisted on coming along, and since the incident with the terrorists, I could see the logic in having a body guard. Besides," Janeway sighed faintly, "she would not hear any arguments to the contrary, and she does look so breathtaking in that black away mission garb—"

Gadj tried to hide his disappointment, and succeeded only marginally. "She is lovely," he begrudgingly admitted. "Come in," he took Kathryn’s hand and led her inside. "I don’t suppose, given the circumstances, it would be appropriate to kiss you hello?"

Kathryn smiled sadly at him. He really did deserve an explanation. She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Hello," she greeted him. "Let’s sit down and talk, shall we?"

Gadj swallowed hard, knowing he was about to hear things he did not want to hear, but gracious as ever, seated Kathryn at his table. He seated himself then, and his head waiter served lunch. After several silent moments, Gadj was satisfied that the food was acceptable, and began to eat as well.

"What happened, Kathryn?" he finally managed to ask. "You and I were inseparable, insatiable, and then suddenly out of the blue, you have a mate?"

Kathryn sipped her fenx, still grasping for the words to explain. "I am sorry Gadj," she replied weakly. Then more confidently, she began to describe her situation. "I am in a unique position, my friend. We are decades from home, and may never see the Alpha Quadrant again. I would never say that in front of my crew, but it’s a reality. All of us miss our families, our friends, our homeworlds. The loneliness, the despair, is sometimes simply unbearable," she confided. "You were so wonderful to me, and it was an unprecedented relief to have companionship. Not just sexually, but to have a companion who is not under my command, not under any obligation to me, and who does not need my guidance or input to function."

Gadj held her hand. "I am glad to have been such a relief, Kathryn."

Kathryn allowed him to keep her hand in his. "Gadj, I could never stay on Biro Prime. I have duties, responsibilities, and Voyager needs me. Chakotay is certainly qualified, but if the Captain abandons the ship, I’m afraid, the damage to morale would be irreparable. Staying was never an option."

"Then why did you refuse to spend with me what little time remained?"

Kathryn flinched. "Your brother tried twice to rape me, Gadj. I was having a hard time reconciling that traumatic experience with my ability to trust you. I know that is not fair, but Jang looked very much like you."

"So you turned to Seven for your pleasure instead. Because it was the easy thing to do."

His golden eyes were dull and sorrowful as he pushed the uneaten food around on his plate.

"No, Gadj, that’s not it at all," Kathryn insisted, sighing. "I am so sorry, I know this does not make sense to you. Being with you was the catalyst for me to look inside myself, to realize I have needs, both emotional and sexual, and that I can’t simply repress or deny them for the next several decades. And the more I allowed myself to accept that, to feel passion and to embrace companionship, the more I realized I would need to take a mate aboard Voyager. And my heart immediately demanded that the mate would be Seven of Nine."

Gadj smiled bitterly. "I suppose in the long run, for me, it does not matter. But I had so hoped to find a way to be with you," he admitted, letting go of her hand finally. "So, dear one, this woman is now your mate?"

"Not formally, but in my heart, yes. I have loved her a very long time. I just refused to acknowledge it or to allow myself to act upon it. But I have acted upon it now. And I cannot deny that it is right with Seven. For me, she is the ideal mate. She is my Lopau," Janeway explained.

Gadj nodded. "I wish you both the best, Kathryn. Would your lady love join us, if I asked properly? I am certain there is enough food for all of us, though I suspect Dagnan Bey will be terribly hurt if I exclude him from our party. He is hopelessly smitten with your Seven."

Kathryn chuckled. "Happens everywhere we go. Men just fall all over themselves when Seven is around. But Dagnan Bey would be sorely disappointed if he made overtures toward Seven. She can be, as I’ve said before, rather blunt. She would most likely fix him with a deadly glare and say ‘Dagnan Bey. I have no wish to copulate with you.’ And if he persisted, she’d probably physically ‘damage’ him," Kathryn laughed.

"Then we shall not invite Dagnan. However, I will be right back. I will attempt to persuade Seven of Nine to join us." Gadj smiled warmly at his guest. He had been so hopeful she would agree to marry him, but now he knew that had been a foolish dream.

Kathryn poured herself another cup of fenx, wondering what Seven would say. When the impossibly gorgeous astrometrics officer was suddenly beside her at the table, Kathryn’s whole face lit up. "Thank you for coming, darling," she said to her lover.

Seven quirked an eyebrow. Gadj was in the kitchen, out of earshot. "I am not coming at the moment, my love, but I hope to be soon," she exuded seductiveness.

Kathryn flushed from her breasts to her forehead, but took Seven’s newfound flirtatiousness in stride. "Oh you will be," Kathryn promised. "You will be."

____________

Commander Chakotay sat staring at Kathryn, dumbfounded. "Seven of Nine? Wait," he ruffled the scruffy spikes of hair on his head. "You mean Seven of Nine, our resident Borg? You're not pulling my leg, now, are you Kathryn?" he asked hopefully.

Kathryn’s face was grim. "No, Chakotay. This isn’t a prank. I’m involved with her. And very much in love."

Chakotay was stunned. "I had no idea. I thought—well, I assumed—oh, hell, I just figured you might stay on Biro Prime. And when you didn’t, well, I would never have thought—well, um, so you’re involved with her?"

Kathryn nodded. "Ever since the incident on Biro Prime."

Chakotay crossed his fingers in his lap. "I thought you and Gadj Inuquay—"

"It’s complicated, Commander. I really don’t want to discuss the details. I want to know two things. How do you think the crew will react, and do you think I should turn command of Voyager over to you?"

"Hell no!" he almost bolted out of his chair. "Kathryn, no, please. I don’t want to take your place, not voluntarily. If it were necessary, yes, I would do it. But not because you’re sleeping with one of your officers." Then realizing how crude that sounded, he apologized. "That didn’t come out the way I meant it to," he faltered, his tattoo crinkling with the furrowing of his brow.

"It’s okay. I know it’s a shock. It was a shock to me, too. But we’ll all adapt. I think. I hope we will, anyway, because I’m not going to hide my relationship with Seven."

Chakotay frowned. "Are you sure that wouldn’t be best? Discretion is, as they say, the better part of valor." His rugged features showed none of his personal disappointment, if he felt any, though he was clearly not overjoyed at the news.

Kathryn shook her head emphatically. "No, I won’t skulk around on my own ship, nor will I hurt Seven’s feelings by hiding what for both of us is a very positive, very celebratory thing. I know you think she’s an iceberg, Chakotay, everyone does; but she is really very sensitive, and hiding our love would be a very unkind slight to her."

Chakotay was astonished. "I’ve never heard you talk like this, Kathryn, and I haven’t seen you so protective of anyone since Kes. If I advised it, you’d really hand over command to me?" He wanted to be certain his Captain hadn’t lost her mind.

Kathryn chuckled softly. "I would—take it under advisement, Commander. Look, I figure, you’re my number one officer, I should be able to tell you anything. The fact is Chakotay, while I remain optimistic in front of the crew, I have my moments of doubt, my fears, my misgivings. I am painfully aware of the distance between Voyager and home. And I realized, after meeting Gadj, that I don’t want to be lonely any longer. I don’t have to be. Seven loves me, really loves me, Chakotay. I have never been so amazed in my life, or felt myself so fortunate. If we make it home tomorrow, and Starfleet wants my pips back, so be it. God knows they’ve got plenty of ammunition against me already, I might as well take the risk with Seven."

"I don’t suppose you’d appreciate it if I pointed out to you that Seven isn’t the only option on this ship," he said softly. "Kathryn, I have—"

"Don’t," she stopped him. "I can’t Chakotay. I’m sorry. I know how you feel about me, but I can’t. That whole incident with the Equinox changed things for me forever, changed my feelings for you. I’ve forgiven you, but I can’t seem to forget."

Chakotay hung his head. "I abandoned you when you needed my support most. I know that. I still think I was right not to let you kill Noah, but I should have approached you differently, found a way to speak my mind without undermining your command. I am deeply sorry for that Kathryn. Had I known it would destroy any future for us, I would have surely acted differently." His large hands gripped the arms of the chair until his knuckles were white. "I have to tell you, Kathryn—I love you. I have always loved you, since the day you damn near blasted my ship into oblivion. I didn’t know, after New Earth, how to tell you that my feelings hadn’t changed."

Kathryn smiled sadly. "I knew how you felt, Commander. Sadly, I just never felt that way about you. Oh, I was tempted, don’t get me wrong. But I would have been settling for you, not truly choosing you. I don’t want to injure you, or imply that what you’ve offered me is less than what I want or deserve. I am flattered, Chakotay, moved beyond words, that you love me. But I can’t return the feelings."

He sighed defeatedly. "I know. I can see in your eyes how much you love Seven. I’d give anything, everything to have your eyes light up that way when I walk into a room, but they never have." He leaned over the desk, both hands planted firmly on the desktop, and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations, Kathryn. I am happy for you both. In fact, let’s have a drink and toast your happiness," he added, rising and heading for the ready room replicator. He keyed in commands for two shots of whiskey and handed a glass to his Captain.

"To love. The only thing worth making the journey for," he raised his glass.

"To love," Kathryn agreed, tossing back the shot with a grimace. Kathryn stood up then and keyed in commands to obtain the rest of the bottle in a crystal decanter. She poured them each another drink. "To friendship. Where would any of us be without it?"

Chakotay smiled, hugged her, and clinked his glass against hers. "To Friendship. Most notably, our friendship." As he swallowed the liquid, feeling it burn to his gullet, Kathryn kissed his cheek fondly. He felt his throat tighten. He poured them another drink, and said "To Seven of Nine, bless her heart, the luckiest woman alive."

Kathryn only grinned as she polished off that drink. She started to feel the first symptoms of intoxication, a pleasant glow in her chest and a dullness in her brain.

The ready room chime sounded, and Kathryn called "Come!"

Lt. Commander Tuvok entered with a data PADD, but stopped short as he saw that the two officers who outranked him were drinking—before lunch. "Commander," he nodded to Chakotay, "Captain. Is it not a bit early for—" he sniffed the crystal container, "whiskey shots?"

Kathryn smiled. "Well old friend, I supposed there’s no point keeping a secret from you, so I might as well let you know. Chakotay and I are celebrating my newly discovered love."

"So you and Seven of Nine have finally decided to allow yourselves to stop circling around each other like two combatants, and have admitted your love to each other?" he asked without a trace of vocal inflection.

Kathryn’s face fell. "You knew?" Chakotay looked equally startled at the Vulcan’s keen insight. "Hell, Tuvok, I didn’t even know. How did you?"

Tuvok fought the urge to roll his eyes, an illogical practice, at best. "Captain, I have known you long enough that I recognize the signs that indicate when you are in love. Signs, I might add, that you never exhibited with Mark Johnson. However, with Seven of Nine, it has been evident for nearly a year that you are—what is that terribly illogical phrase humans use? Ah, yes, you are ‘head over heels’ in love." He bowed to Kathryn. "I would like to toast your good fortune, as well." He replicated himself a glass, and poured drinks for his companions. "To falling in love—though the expression makes absolutely no sense, and Vulcans do not fall into any emotion."

Kathryn laughed after tossing back the drink. "Tuvok, you are a mystery."

"Can you explain that expression to me, Captain? One’s head is normally above one’s heels, when one is standing upright. How then is being ‘head over heels in love’ any different than being upright? And how is it different than not being in love at all?" Tuvok quirked an eyebrow. "Shouldn’t it be ‘heels over head in love’?"

Chakotay clapped him on the back, feeling the alcohol. "Score one for Vulcan logic," he shouted.

Kathryn was laughing. "How about if we revise the saying from ‘head over heels’ to ‘ass over elbows in love’?"

Now Chakotay was howling.

Tuvok cocked his head to one side. "It does make more sense as a means of indicating one is thrown off balance by love, does it not?"

Kathryn guffawed, pouring more drinks. "Tell me, Commander Tuvok, does the Captain having a lover effect our security?"

"It is another variable to factor into our usual analysis, yes. Seven of Nine’s feelings for you, and yours for her, have already proven to adversely effect your respective judgement," he replied honestly.

Kathryn stopped laughing. "It has?"

Tuvok’s expression did not change. "At the risk of being redundant, yes, it has."

"Explain," Kathryn sounded suspiciously like Seven of Nine.

"You have put the entire ship at risk on more than one occasion to rescue Seven of Nine," Tuvok correctly pointed out. "And she recently defied my orders when mounting your rescue efforts. However, those incidents are history now, and there is no use—what do humans say? There is no use crying over burned milk."

Chakotay smirked. "Spilled milk, Tuvok."

Tuvok regarded him coolly. "Quite right." He nodded at them both. "Now, Sirs, if you will excuse me, I believe I will take command for the day, since neither of you is fit for duty. Captain, my sincerest wishes for your happiness with Seven of Nine. I suggest, since you are not able to fulfill your duties at the moment, that you relieve her of duty as well, and spend some time together. Although I suspect she will not be pleased to find you are drunk."

"Thank you Tuvok. You have the bridge. Chakotay, enjoy your time off. I’m going to find my sweetheart," Kathryn winked at the tattooed hulk of a man.

_____________

Kathryn visited the Doctor, who gave her a hypospray to counteract the alcohol she had unwisely imbibed. Then she went to her quarters, tidied them up and sent a comm message to Seven of Nine in astrometrics.

Seven:

I’m taking the rest of the day off. I’m logging you as ‘off duty’ as well. Join me in my quarters, please, at your earliest opportunity. I will prepare lunch for us. Wear something casual. Bring your velocity outfit and shoes, as I have reserved a court for us later tonight.

Love,

KJ

Kathryn busied herself replicating a special lunch of veal in capers and garlic cream sauce over whole wheat linguini, salad, and wine. She was especially glad that the technology allowed protein replication, and no actual animals were involved. She was astounded, having grown up in an agricultural park, that replicated meat could taste so much like genuine livestock. She placed the main dish under a stasis lid, set the table, and changed out of her uniform into a pair of baggy jeans and a Command School sweatshirt from the Academy. She shook her head as she realized just how old that shirt was.

Seven of Nine arrived promptly, as always, and presented her lover with a large bouquet of carnations, roses, greens, and baby’s breath. Kathryn was very surprised, and enormously pleased. She stretched up on her toes to kiss her Borg.

"What’s the occasion?" she asked softly, flowers in one hand, Seven’s face cupped gently in the other.

Seven rested her hands lightly upon Kathryn’s hips, smiling at her beloved. "No occasion. Is it not customary for one who is courting another to present them with such tokens of romantic intent?"

Kathryn laughed quietly. "Is that what you’re doing, Seven? Courting me?"

Seven kissed her enthusiastically, contemplating her response. "Yes, I believe so. Although since we are already sexually entangled, courting may not be the proper name for what I am attempting to do."

"Oh, I like the sound of that—‘sexually entangled’. I’d like to explore that a bit more," Kathryn flirted. "But precisely what is it that you are attempting to do?" Janeway was intrigued by the way Seven described it.

"I am attempting to make you smile that wonderful way that melts my heart," Seven returned, kissing Kathryn again. "And I am trying to endear myself to you so that you will want us to always be together," she continued. "I am trying to be the sort of lover and friend that will meet your needs as a partner."

Kathryn stepped back. "You’re succeeding beyond my wildest dreams, love," she said seriously. "Let me put these in water, so they will live a good long time, and then we can have lunch." Kathryn replicated a vase filled with water and nutrient solution for the flowers. She placed it proudly in the center of the table, poured the wine, and invited Seven to sit down.

Seven of Nine was still new at eating solid food, and found cuisine largely irrelevant, but there was something special about this meal, simply because Kathryn had prepared it. Seven found she truly enjoyed the tastes and textures of the foodstuffs, and began to associate certain flavors with particular moments in her conversations with Kathryn.

Later, over a glass of wine, the two lovers lounged on the couch, talking about the ship and the latest gossip. "Kathryn," Seven asked seriously, "have you considered the reaction among the crew if word of our involvement gets out?"

Kathryn swallowed a sip of wine, uncertain of the answer she wanted to give. Finally, she replied "I have given it an inordinate amount of thought, and have worried far too much about it. Seven," she took the young Borg’s hand, "I imagine there will be some unkind things said about you, and about me. I anticipate that there will be members of the crew who resent our relationship, and those who denounce it as improper," Janeway laid it out for her lover. "Frankly, as long as it doesn’t impede the chain of command, I don’t care what anyone thinks. I love you, and this is my ship. I’ll be damned if I let public opinion dictate my private life."

Seven leaned toward the Captain, touched her face lovingly, and kissed her gently. "I was going to tell you we don’t have to make it public, if you feel it is best to keep it quiet," Seven reasoned.

Kathryn was touched. "You’d do that for me?"

Seven looked startled. "Of course I would. Your command is your identity in great part, and I would no sooner allow that to be changed or threatened than I would allow a threat to your personal safety," Seven explained. "Why do you find that surprising?"

"I was worried that your feelings would be hurt if I tried to be less than open about our involvement," Janeway admitted. "It appears I underestimated your understanding of the situation. But Seven, I’ve already told Chakotay and Tuvok."

Seven grinned. "I have already told B'Elanna," she chuckled.

Janeway groaned. "Then the whole ship already knows," she giggled. Then tenderly, Kathryn drew Seven’s lips to her own. "And you know what, Seven? I don’t care who knows. I don’t care if the whole ship knows. The only reaction I’m concerned about is yours. And so far, it’s been a very positive reaction."

Seven kissed her suggestively, lingering over the fullness of Kathryn’s lips. "I believe I am reacting now, Captain," she teased. She felt her heart through her biosuit. "Yes, indeed, I am reacting quite positively."

Kathryn kissed her back, deeply, provocatively. "Hmmm…I think, perhaps we need to see what other reactions you might have to my overtures," Kathryn chuckled softly.

Seven immediately stood and led Kathryn toward the bedroom. "A fine suggestion, Captain. As a scientist, I expect your inquiry to very thorough."

Kathryn kissed Seven’s hand as they stood beside the bed, preparing to undress each other. "Oh, it will be very thorough, Seven. And I think it will be a very long term research project. Very long indeed."

END