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3 By Gun Brooke
Seven’s face was unreadable most of the time, but Janeway could clearly see the consternation, quickly covered up by Seven’s usual non-committal expression. “I know, it’s a bit unusual to have to request something so personal from a crewmember,” Janeway sighed, “but we saw no other alternative.” “What about Commander Chakotay?” Seven asked. “He should be the obvious choice as your spouse.” “He should. However, Chakotay is still a patient in sickbay and will remain that way for the next few days, perhaps weeks, unless the Doctor can fashion the right cure for…what ever is wrong.” “I see.” Seven still stood like a perfect statue. Still dressed in the coverall over her cat suit, she seemed more real, less ethereal, but this fact also sent Janeway’s heart hammering in her chest. “Why me?” “Eh…” Janeway found herself remarkably hesitant. Usually once she’d crossed a bridge and was clear on her own tactics, she acted with such aplomb. Now she could only pray that she didn’t actually blush. “Neelix seemed to think you and I would make the most convincing of couples.” Oh, Gods, that sounded lame. “He did.” It was apparently not a question. “Granted the fact that Mr. Neelix functions as our ambassador as well as moral officer, he is the one who makes it his business to categorize and scrutinize our social pattern, as well as our personal preferences.” Seven nodded thoughtfully. “Well. Yes. So, do I have your cooperation in this? We are required to go planet side early tomorrow morning and go through several ritual sequences of a personal nature. I just studied their manifest.” Janeway knew for sure that a blush was merely seconds away. ”I have sent it to your work station so that you can familiarize yourself with it as well. It’s encrypted to prevent any accidental download by someone else.” “I take it we are going to be thoroughly tested regarding our sincerity,” Seven said. “I will download all the data into my cortical implant so I can access it whenever we need it while on the planet.” “The Doctor has your nano probe hyposprays ready to go. He has regenerated enough to sustain you for six days. We should have negotiated for passage by then.” I hope. Janeway tried to not think what being alone with Seven during five nights would do to her system. Or her heart.” “Very well. I will go by sickbay and collect the hyposprays, Captain. Was there anything else?” “Yes.” Janeway walked up to Seven and gently cupped her shoulders. “This mission will take a toll on both of us, I’m sure. Not only is a lot at stake for the entire crew, but we’re going to become closer connected than ever before. Perhaps neither of us is prepared for the possible ramifications of that.” Seven’s face softened, and for a moment, her blue gaze became soft and almost cloudy. “We will prevail, Captain,” she murmured and stood perfectly still within Janeway’s grasp. “Yes, of course. Go and pack, Seven. I’ll see you 0700 hours in transporter room one.” “Yes, Captain.” Seven turned and walked toward the door. Just inside it, she turned her head over her shoulder. “Sleep well, Captain.” “Thank you, Seven. You too.”
To be continued
behind door 4 ...
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