9
By Gun Brooke Seven stood by the window in their room. The fireplace crackled softly behind her, and the setting sun should have caught her attention more than it did. She blamed her absentmindedness on the different exercises they had performed during the day. Only interspersed by one delicious meal after another, the captain and Seven had participated in what Janeway called “mushy stuff.” The mush had consisted of interviews, with each other, on personal issues. Seven did not dare tell Janeway that she actually enjoyed learning about Janeway’s childhood dreams, hopes and fears. Her only regret was that she had no such experiences to offer in return. Instead she told Janeway about how she tried to make up for her lost childhood by socializing with young Naomi Wildman. It had stunned Seven when Janeway’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out and said, “I’m so sorry, Seven.” “What are you sorry for, Kathryn?” Seven asked, non-plussed. “That I, or someone else, came to your rescue too late for you to have a childhood.” “It was not your fault.” Seven did not take her eyes off Janeway. “It was my parents’ lack of judgment, and overly developed ambition, that rendered me into the Borg collective.” “It still pains me. You deserved better.” “So did the millions of people the Borg assimilated.” Janeway raised their joined hands and held one of Seven’s to her cheek. “I know. But, nonetheless, they weren’t you.” Seven was about to ask what Janeway meant by this, when the Lady Graynce interrupted them, asking for a progress report. “Seven?” “Yes?” Seven didn’t turn around when Janeway entered the room. “I see you’re ready.” Janeway was obviously referring to the fact that Seven stood by the window, dressed only in a thin, short robe. She was naked underneath. “Yes,” Seven replied and turned around. She stared and could do very little to cover it up. “So are you.” “Yes, and I will tell you right now, I like it firm. How about you?” “I do not know. I have never done this before.” Janeway pursed her lips. “Really? I should’ve guessed. So, when the Lady Graynce gave us our “homework,” you had only a vague idea what she meant, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Seven took her familiar stance with her hands
clasped behind her back. “Though I have researched the topic, like
so many others, I have no hands on experience.”
To be continued
behind door 10 ...
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