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Janeway/Seven Advent Calendar Story 2007
Janeway’s Odyssey
By Gun Brooke
13
Seven was at a loss for words. She opened her mouth, hoping something intelligible would magically appear, only to have to shut it again. Opting not to attempt to speak, and fail, a second time, she merely clenched her hands harder behind her back, waiting for Janeway to continue. “I can tell I’ve shocked you,” Janeway said, sounding rueful. “That was never my intention.” She took a step back. “It’s just that there were times when I was sure you felt the same way, even if your limited experience of course made it impossible for you to either understand it, or act upon it.” Finally Seven could speak again. “I see. What in my demeanor suggested that I reciprocated these feelings you claim you had?” “Oh, little things.” Janeway frowned. “And what do you mean, ‘claimed I had?’ You don’t believe me?” Her voice sank half an octave. “You think I struggle for four years to catch up with Voyager, to stand here and lie to you?” Janeway’s low growl sent shivers along Seven’s spine, which turned into tremors in her legs that she was sure must be visible. “I do not suggest anything of the sort. I merely think you may remember things differently. Perhaps your absence has distorted your memory of what really took place.” Seven shrugged. She had to keep calm, but it seemed impossible as Janeway’s words were tumbling in her head and causing havoc with her circulatory system. “Once I regained my memory, I remembered everything with crystal clarity.” Janeway sounded tired suddenly. “Every single crewman and officer…their…your faces are etched on my retina, forever imprinted on my heart. Those first months, once I knew who I was…I felt so betrayed, and it wasn’t until a friend and I investigated what caused my accident that I realized that you all must have thought I was dead. Literally vaporized.” “We did.” Seven swallowed hard at the memory. “It was…difficult.” “So you’ve missed me, then?” There was nothing pleading in Janeway’s voice, it seemed merely as a straight forward question. “Yes.” Seven loosened her grip of her own fingers and as of its own volition; her human hand extended and took one of Janeway’s, holding it gently. “When we thought you died, I failed you. I reacted in a way you would not be proud of, Captain.” _______________________________________________________________
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