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By Gun Brooke “There are times when I look at Seven, and see her struggle to come to terms with how we, as humans, function. Socially, mostly, but also the simplest task, as eating and digesting solid food, for instance, is not obvious to her. Sometimes her bewilderment is so painful to see, I curse the day I forced her to leave the collective. I feel often, that I’ve hurt her, just because I thought I knew what was right for her.” “So you pity her?” Barra asked. “No! No, never!” Janeway looked appalled. “She’s strong, and she’s met every challenge head on. Me included,” she added with a soft smile. “Seven does for me what no other crewmember does. She argues, in public even, and she’s not easily impressed. With her, I’m always on my toes, professionally, but also the most relaxed, when in private.” “All the time?” Seven held her breath as Janeway suddenly blushed profusely. “No, not always,” Janeway murmured. “She affects me. Often.” “How?” This time Seven asked the question, making Janeway’s head snap in her direction. “You know how. You have to.” “No. I do not. It is impossible to read your expression when you look at me sometimes. There are moments when I wish I could alter my state of unconsciousness when I am regenerating so I could better examine your expression when you watch me.” If it was possible to blush even more, Janeway did. “Oh, God.” There was no denial on her part, merely distaste directed at herself when she spoke. “I do not mind,” Seven said hastily. “In fact, I find it reassuring. To me, it feels as if you are watching over me.” “It may not be all that altruistic.” Janeway lifted their hands and brushed Seven’s against her cheek. “I take the opportunity to regard you while generating because it gives me opportunity to see you totally relaxed. Like you would look if you slept next to me.” Seven nodded. “Like last night?” “Yes.” Seven considered this. “So you would like for us to share a bed on more occasions.” Realizing what she had just revealed, Seven glanced quickly at Barra who shook her head. “I’m under no obligation to report any details conveyed here to the Lady Graynce,” Barra said. “For what it’s worth, it is pretty clear to me that you two have never gone through the entire lovemaking process. Your auras are still in the yellow-orange mode, with a lot of pent up energy, which can only be released if you finally give in to your emotions.” She turned to Seven. “Do you harbor any fears regarding the first time you make love to Kathryn?” Seven didn’t hesitate for a moment. “No. I do not. I have never thought it possible, so I have not had any reason to fear anything.” “I see.” Barra glanced at Janeway. “How about you, Kathryn. Any special fears or misgivings?” “Eh. Well. Yes, of course. The obvious ones. The crew finding out. The impact it would have on them….” She stopped talking as Barra waived a finger in the air. “No, no,” Barra said. “That’s the captain talking. “What does Kathryn feel?” Janeway pressed her lips together for a moment, and Seven began to think she would not answer. “That I might hurt her. Emotionally, mostly, but also physically. Seven is innocent. I’m not experienced with women. A bad combination.” Barra smiled broadly and cupped Janeway’s cheek. “Dear Kathryn,” she said tenderly. “That’s where you’re wrong. The fact that you are older, that Seven is innocent, and that so many emotions are involved provides for an amazing experience that will grow even more wondrous with time.” She patted the floor between them. “And right here, in this very room, is where you start learning.”
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