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Counselor Troi briskly strolled
into Admiral Ross's office angry over having to manipulate Seven of Nine in such
a way.
Her thoughts went back to their
initial conversation just the day before.
"A test?" Counselor Troi
repeated.
"Yes, we want to test the Borg's
loyalty. Besides, this will give us an idea as to how she thinks. How she
will react and respond to certain stimuli." Admiral Ross sat behind his desk
looking across at the Counselor, who was seated before him.
"I think that's been proven,
Admiral. Voyager's logs clearly show her loyalty to the crew."
"I don't doubt it." He said
somewhat sarcastically. "But, I want to see it for myself."
The Counselor narrowed her eyes,
"I don’t think this is a good idea?" she cautioned him.
"Why would you say that?" He
questioned.
"I'm concerned about her emotional
response to such a test." She clasped her hands together.
"It's only a holographic test,
similar to the psyche tests we give second year academy students." He said
dismissively waving a hand.
"I've met with Seven of Nine
briefly. I was warned before I met with her that she could be cold,
arrogant and rude, not to mention she has a reputed blatant disregard for
authority." Troi offered honestly. "However, when I actually met with her, I
found her to be very polite, if somewhat rigid. I could also sense she was
nervous, frightened and anxious at returning to Earth. On the outside,
people see her as arrogant and egotistical, but I believe she is not as secure
as she would have us believe. She is still emotionally undeveloped and I
believe we need to take care in how we handle her."
"Oh, come on. She's an adult,
she'll get over it, just like the rest of our students do." He shrugged.
"Besides, she has that Borg background to rely on. She will be
fine."
"Don't you think the Voyager crew
have been interrogated enough?" Troi responded annoyed.
Ross did not like being questioned
by a counselor despite her Lt. Rank. "It is a necessary precaution and not your
concern."
"As her Counselor, I am against
this decision for the record." She eyed him seriously.
"So, noted." He paused, "Never the
less, you have your orders."
The Counselor nodded, not too
happy that ordered her to administer it. "Understood." She stated coldly before
leaving him.
Ross stared at her distant and
piqued expression. "Well?" Ross inquired impatiently. "How did it go?" He asked
shaking her out of her musings as he leaned back in his leather chair waiting
for her report.
Counselor Troi stood hovering over
his desk with a dark look affixed to him. "Not good at all. I probably lost what
little trust she had in me."
"Yes, but did she pass." He
shrugged.
Troi assessed him emphatically
considering his agenda to selfish, but she could not sense any emotion from him
that would be deemed odd.
She sighed, "Yes, she
passed. She saved them both."
"What?!" He exclaimed
shocked.
"I said yes, and she was injured
in the process!" Troi was angered at the deception. "It is my recommendation
that she is no threat to Starfleet or Earth." She informed him curtly.
"Permission to be dismissed."
He nodded irritated.
Seven still wanted to see Icheb,
even after what happened, so she went unescorted to do just that. She was
determined to see the young man she had befriended on Voyager. So after
leaving the Counselor, she headed for his dorm, hoping she would receive no more
untimely interruptions or deceptions.
She arrived at his door and tapped
the chime for admittance. The door swished open revealing a smiling Icheb
with three other cadets in the background chatting.
"Seven!" He exclaimed, happy to
see her. His expression turned sorrowful as he took in the sight of her arm
strapped inside a white piece of cloth that ran upto and behind her
neck.
"Are you damaged?"
"I am fine." She smiled, not
wanting to give a length explanation. "A simple accident, nothing to concern
yourself with."
He seemed to accept her
explanation, but was hesitant. "Can I… still hug you?"
"Of course." He smirked. Icheb
hugged her mindful of her arm.
"I've missed you." He offered with
heartfelt honesty.
"I have missed you as well."
"Come, let me introduce you to my
classmates." He withdrew from the hug and motioned her to follow him. "This is
Tom, Brian and Selene… And this..." pointing to Seven proudly. "is my friend
from Voyager, Seven of Nine."
"Nice to meet you, ma'am." The
blonde, young man called Tom offered his hand, flinching slightly when he felt
the cool metal of her Borg enhanced hand on his. The other boy, Brian had
dark curly hair and a more inquisitive look on his face.
"Ma'am," Brian said nodding, hands
behind his back. However, his gaze, Seven noticed seemed to be directly
lower than her face, which perturbed Seven slightly. Tom had been staring as
well, but was more discreet about it than his friend.
Finally, the young girl, who
looked fitter and older than the boys introduced herself. She had straight, long
flowing auburn hair almost down to the middle of her back. It reminded Seven of
Kathryn.
"Hello, Seven." She shook Seven's
hand without flinching. "Icheb has told us all about you and all the adventures
he had on Voyager."
Seven was still new to the concept
of small talk and it made her uncomfortable, but she continued to try. "Yes, we
certainly did."
Sensing that Icheb would probably
what to talk to his friend in private, Selene looked to Tom and Brian. "Why
don't we give Icheb and Seven some time to catch up on old times, we can come
back later."
They dipped their heads in
agreement. Tom and Brian slapped him on the back, told him they would see him
later, and said goodbye to Seven as Selene gave Icheb a quick hug and kiss on
the cheek before she left also.
"Would you like something to drink
or eat?" He offered.
"I do not require liquids at this
time… Thank you." She responded. "How are your studies going?"
"Great! Of course, I had a good
teacher even before I decided to take classes." He joked and sat down on a
light, blue couch.
Seven was glad he was enjoying
himself and doing well. She was concerned that adapting to the change of
having so many humans around him would be difficult. "I am glad that you
are adapting well." She wished she had adapted so well to her
circumstances.
He noticed the slight variation in
her tone, something only an ex-Borg would pick up on. "Well, it wasn't easy at
first." He said honestly in a small attempt to reassure her that it wasn't that
easy. "Not everyone was very friendly to me and some were outright rude to
me because of my Borg background. But, I was told that could happen and
with the help of some of Counselor Troi and some others here, I was more
prepared emotionally to handle the adversity." He paused. "It took a lot of
patience on my part, but I was told to be polite and respectful."
"I am glad that you had some
assistance."
"I have also helped out some of
the cadets who were struggling in some of their courses." He told her. "That
helped me gain some appreciation."
She raised her implant brow, "I
see."
"So tell me how are the other's
doing? Have you seen Captain Janeway, Commander Chakotay, Tuvok?"
Seven circumvented the whole truth
telling him mostly about her visit to the Janeway ranch leaving out the more
sensitive issues.
Seven was grateful he did not have
a prosthesis like her hand. Icheb had not matured enough in the Borg maturation
chamber so when he emerged, he had no ability to assimilate.
Janeway decided to do something
constructive, so she went to work in the barn. It was a mess and all the farm
hands seem to do when they came over was to feed the horses.
Janeway was surprised her mother
kept the two horses. It was all that was left of the farm from so many years ago
when they had more animals.
Janeway didn't mind as she threw a
bundle of hay into a neat stack. She wanted to stay busy and not think
about her current problems. She told her mother and sister more than she
intended to, even though she didn't tell them who the object of her dreams
was.
Her inability to discern how to
deal with her emotional turmoil found her in the barn cleaning up. Nothing
like physical work to keep the mind off its worries.
The peeling paint gave her another
idea. The wood would be susceptible to rot from the weather with that much
exposed. Maybe she would paint it during the next few days, if she were free to
do so, she speculated ruefully.
As she baled another load of hay,
she stopped thinking she heard something. Hearing nothing more, she
continued throwing bundles of hay on top of each other to stack them
neatly.
"Kathryn?"
Janeway's heart skipped a
beat. She knew who it was and looked up to see her round the entrance to
the old barn.
"Your mother told me you were out
here." Seven walked closer. "I hope I am not intruding." She stated while
looking at Kathryn's attire. The older woman wore low boots, grey sweat pants
and a light blue T-shirt that was fast becoming soaked with perspiration. It
clung to her torso showing her subtle endowments. Seven tried not to stare, but
her curiosity was peaked beyond normal. She felt excited to see Kathryn despite
their grim professional circumstances.
"No, of course not. Is everything
all--" Her face went pale as she glimpsed Seven's right arm in a sling. "What
happened?!" She blurted out quickly going to her former protégé.
"It was an accident during the
tests." Seven recapped briefly what had happened and how she had responded to
the deception.
"Counselor Troi!?"
"She said she was following
orders."
Janeway shook her head and
developed a scowl on her face. "Damn!" She slammed her gloved fist into the side
of the barn startling Seven. She did it again and was about to strike it a third
time when Seven quickly put her mesh hand over Janeway's forestalling the
strike.
"Please…" Seven pleaded, her eyes
soft. "Do not injure yourself on my account."
Janeway gazed into Seven's eyes
and found more than she wanted to there. A softness that seemed to reach in and
caress her soul. She closed her eyes and lowered her head. "I'm sorry, it wasn't
supposed to be like this. Earth was supposed to be your haven not your
purgatory."
"This
is beyond your control. Ultimately they must decide what to do with
me. I can only hope my actions were worthy of you, despite what they
decide."
Kathryn
couldn’t believe it when she heard they had used her and Chakotay as bait in
their sick test of her loyalty. It was uncalled for, Seven had proven herself a
dozen time over. Why wasn't it enough?!
The
young blonde saw Janeway's ire increasing in her features again and she felt a
strong urge to calm the fiery auburn haired woman down, whom Seven cared so much
about.
Seven
moved her mesh hand to Kathryn's cheek, but hesitated for a moment thinking of
how Chakotay reacted. She fought the fear and continued gently stroking
Janeway's cheek with the palm of her hand. There was no reticence on Kathryn's
part at all, rather she accepted the caress easily.
Seven
was relieved at this undisputed acceptance of her Borgness and it filled her
heart with love and tenderness. Only Kathryn made Seven feel so special and…
human.
Looking
intently at Janeway, Seven watched her Captain's eyes turn bright, and deepen to
a sharp blue before they glazed over.
"Seven…
" Janeway spoke her name like a benediction, her mouth agape and her breathing
suddenly quickened.
Pinpricks of electrical energy suffused her body as she
watched Kathryn's dilated pupils focus solely into her own crystal blue
eyes.
Overwhelmed with sudden emotion and a deep need that
encouraged Seven to take a risk, she instinctively sought out the fine lips,
fully covering them with her own. She had not really considered the action. What
it meant or what it would change. She simply followed her instincts. Her body
wanted to do this and her mind excitedly went along with it.
Their
lips met lightly as they pressed together. Kathryn carefully tasted of Seven's
lips deepening the pressure slightly. She closed her eyes afraid the moment
would end.
Desire
rose in Janeway sharply and she found herself pressing harder in the contact.
She moved her right hand around Seven's neck to draw the blonde's head even
closer and she slipped her tongue passed Seven's now moist lips.
The
young woman moaned at the sensual contact. She had never felt so much.
Explosions went off in her body. A cascade of sensation flooded her. This is
what the research indicated intimacy should be like!
Their
tongues moved in unity setting free a fire of deeply repressed
passions.
Somehow, Janeway ended up pressed against Seven's body
leaning on the inside of the barn wall effectively pinning the larger woman. She
cradled the mouth before her with her own and enfolded the lips and tongue that
she laid claim to.
Her
hands slid down to Seven's biceps and squeezed instinctively, but it caused a
gasp of pain from Seven causing the younger woman to break the kiss and
wince.
Janeway
finally realized what she did and she wasn't referring to hurting Seven's arm.
"Oh god! I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that."
"My arm
is fine. I believe the medication is wearing off." Seven smiled
unperturbed.
The
respite gave Janeway a clearer head and she noted that Seven did not seem as
disturbed by what they had done as she was.
"Seven
do have any idea what we just did?"
"Is
that a rhetorical question?" Seven asked amused.
"NO!"
Seven
flinched and realized that Kathryn was not intentionally utilizing
humor.
"You
kissed me!"
"Yes
and you kissed me back." Seven stated pleased by the response.
"No!
This isn't what you think. This did NOT happen! Do you understand!" Janeway
vociferated loudly thinking of how she betrayed her best friend by making out
with his fiancée.
"Kathryn… " Seven spoke wounded by Kathryn's hostile
choice of words coupled with her ruffled tone. The young woman had thought
she had connected with Janeway in a way she had never before with anyone else.
An odd pain stabbed her chest area. For some reason, it felt worse than her
slightly throbbing arm.
Suddenly, Phoebe was in the doorway breathing heavily.
"There are Starfleet brass here looking for you two and they don't look
happy!"
Four
armed, tan uniformed officers appeared with Gretchen Janeway following closely
behind. "This isn't necessary, she was just visiting Kathryn!" She opposed
strongly.
The two
familiar guards walked up to Seven. "Ma'am, we're here to escort you back to
Starfleet Headquarters.
"Of
course," Seven complied, wondering why they sent four guards until two passed
her without evening looking at her.
They
had serious expressions on their faces as they stood before the
Captain.
"Captain Janeway?"
"Yes,"
Janeway had a sinking feeling when she saw so many of them.
"You
are under arrest. I suggest you come with us, ma'am."
She
held out her wrists knowing protocol. "Ma'am," he stated respectful of her rank
as he fastened two handcuffs.
Seven
grimaced and turned as she was being led out. "Kathryn?"
Her
mentor and friend for all those years, glanced at her painfully as she went by.
"I'm sorry Seven… I… " Janeway looked away. "Goodbye."
Seven
stormed into her shared quarters angry at having to watch Janeway be taken away
in cuffs. She was frantic to find Chakotay. The guards who had escorted her had
even kept their distance because they could feel the anger and coldness
permeating the air around the ex drone.
"Chakotay!" She called out receiving no
answer.
She sat
down on the sofa and contemplated her next move, but she had no idea where they
took the Captain and her escorts probably wouldn't let her go even if she asked
for permission.
Frustrated at her inability to take action, she swung
out her mesh hand smashing the standing light fixture which shattered,
splintering wood, glass and ceramic alike sending the fragments all over the
couch and the floor.
"Seven?" He called out hearing the noise. He came down
the stairs from the bedroom and noticed the mess. "What's happened?!"
"Captain Janeway has been arrested." She replied
angrily.
"What
for?"
"I do
not know and I am helpless at the moment to find out."
"Just
calm down. I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation." He looked at
the mess she made. "First thing tomorrow morning the guards have to take us to
Headquarters any way, they make their ruling tomorrow."
She
glared at him, "Yes," she almost hissed. "the ruling."
Feeling
suddenly tired, Seven realized she hadn't regenerated in almost three
days. "I must regenerate. I will return later."
One
guard escorted her up to Voyager, which was still being studied and assessed
before the decision to junk or refit it was made. The guard waited outside as
she regenerated. Four hours later she returned to the surface and tried to get
some sleep.
Seven
couldn't get any sleep that night and spent most of the morning hours staring at
the ceiling. She contemplated her former Captain and the intimate kiss they
shared. Strange how Seven did not feel guilty at doing that. The Captain
suggested she should have been, but it felt so right.
Looking
over at the sleeping form of Chakotay, Seven was convinced that she was not in
love him. But what about Janeway? Was there something in Seven's heart for her
former Captain and if the older woman went to prison how would she ever find
out.
Admiral
Paris called an emergency meeting with Admirals' Ross, Strickler and Necheyev
early the next morning. As soon as he heard of the arresting of Captain Janeway
he knew things had gone too far and were careening out of control. Each Admiral
had their own agenda and no one except himself was considering the best
interests of Voyager's crew.
They
were all seated, one at each end of the table when the meeting began.
"What
the hell's gotten into you?!" Admiral Paris spat out glaring at Ross as soon as
the aid closed the door to the room.
Ross
leaned back in his chair. "I wanted to make an impression on how we deal with
rogue's."
"That
explains handcuffing her at her parents' home in Indiana?!" Paris
shouted.
"It was
necessary to illustrate that she can't just do anything she pleases
anymore."
"Release her immediately."
"No, I
don't think so." Ross stated defiantly.
"We
agreed to come to a unanimous decision in two weeks regarding the Voyager crew
or they would be set free."
"I have
no quarrel with Voyager's Starfleet officers, or its crew."
"Oh, so
you do have a problem with Janeway, Seven of Nine and the
EMH?"
"The
EMH is a political issue that will be dealt with later by a committee that
understands the nature of Emergency Holographic technology. That is a sentience
issue and we're not qualified to judge him. In the interim he is free to go as
long as he doesn't go too far."
"I see,
Janeway and Seven?"
"That
depends on them." Ross declared.
"I am
willing to pardon the maquis." Necheyev offered calmly. "And I agree with Ross
regarding the EMH… for now."
"I
second that," Strickler agreed. "The maquis are no longer a threat. They have
adequately served under Captain Janeway for seven years."
Ross
turned piercing eyes on them. He wasn't happy with it, but agreed they were no
threat. "Agreed, all the maquis, the Voyager crew and the EMH are hereby free to
go."
"Well,
at least we're finally getting somewhere," Paris remarked. "That leaves us with
Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine."
They
looked at each studiously.
"I'm
not prepared to give the drone free reign." Necheyev stated.
"What
do you suggest, we lock her up?" Paris asked mockingly.
"If I
had my way…"
Paris
wasn't pleased by her honesty. "You can't be serious!
"I
realize her suggestion may seem harsh," Strickler conceded. "but we have to ask
if Seven poses a threat to the citizens of Earth. Is it real or imagined?"
Strickler glanced at Necheyev guessing that her reasons were slightly more
personal than political.
"And
Janeway is she a threat too?!"
"To
Starfleet protocol, yes!" Ross interjected and both Strickler and Necheyev
nodded in agreement. "but I am prepared to make a compromise."
"A
compromise?" Paris questioned.
Suddenly the heavy oak door to the room splintered in
hundreds of shards of wood.
The
instigator of the destruction was Seven of Nine sporting a mean grimace and dark
eyes as she walked into the room.
"Hey,
you can't go in there?!" An Ensign shouted from the hallway. He was following
Seven into the room, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the scowl on her
face.
Necheyev gasped, turning white, while Ross stood up
outraged by the rude intrusion, but secretly admired the display of power.
Strickler frowned, shocked at her lack of diplomacy.
Paris's
eyes widened stunned to see her acting that way.
She
took the time to glare at each one of them before asking a single question.
"What will it take to free Captain Janeway?"
A few
hours later, two security guards brought Janeway from the holding cell in the
underground level up to the twenty-second floor where she was dropped in front
of four Admirals.
Her
cuffs were removed and she sat crossing her legs in front of her preparing
mentally for the worst. She would not give them the satisfaction of her anger.
She would wait and see what she was accused of and go from there.
The
meeting turned out to be a complete surprise. Admiral Ross admonished her for
borrowing medical supplies from Voyager and warned her he wouldn't be as
understanding if she ever smuggled the EMH out again, but they pardoned her for
all her questionable command decisions and even the violation of the temporal
prime directive.
However, they did agree unanimously to put her on a
six-month probation after which time she could assume command of another
starship if she so chose to do so.
To her
complete astonishment, they had agreed to refit Voyager and not junk the well
traveled Starship. It would take approximately a year to overhaul it, but
Janeway couldn't think any other ship she would rather have.
They
informed her that a six month period on earth without any pressing command
duties would also give her time to adjust to the command structure again. She
frowned when she heard that.
Once
they were finished informing her of their decision and the stipulations,
regulations involved, they dismissed her.
"What
about Seven?" She asked before leaving.
"Don’t
worry, she's been taken care of." Necheyev answered coldly.
Chakotay paced the room of his apartment waiting for
Seven. He only hoped she had good news like he did, but somehow he didn't think
so.
He did
not want to admit it, but he was not in love with her. She was beautiful and
incredible sexy, but he had to be honest with himself. If he was truly attracted
to her he would have slept with her by now. He almost felt ashamed, but
the Borg part of her was difficult for him to accept.
The
problem now was that he had proposed to her and it would be more than
inappropriate to take it back. So what should he do? He thought about it
as the front door opened.
He
immediately went to the hallway to see her and noticed she was alone as she
closed the door.
"Where's your escort?"
"I no
longer require one."
He
assessed her mood as calm and reflective if not bright.
He
smiled. "That's excellent." He went over to hug her, but she did not reciprocate
the embrace.
"Is
something wrong?" he asked tentatively. "It's Kathryn isn't it?"
He
pulled back leaving his hands on her shoulders.
"No,
she has been let go and although she will be on a six month probation, Starfleet
will grant her another commission."
"What
about you? What did they say about you?" Chakotay grew serious. Dating her for
the past month showed him that she was more than her severe exterior revealed
despite her Borgness. Seven deserved to be free more than any of
them.
"I have
agreed to join Starfleet in exchange for my freedom."
Chakotay frowned dropping his hands to his sides and he
moved into the living area waiting for her to follow before
continuing.
"Did
they give you a choice?"
"Sort
of," she admitted. "I would have preferred joining Leah Brahms at the
Theoretically Propulsion Group, but I should be able to pass the required
courses at Starfleet Academy in less than a year. I already have most of the
knowledge having assimilated it." She managed a quirky smile for his benefit.
"How about you? What is your status?"
"All
maquis were given a full pardon. We can choose to join Starfleet or go our
own way."
Seven
sat down glimpsing the floor. "What will you do now?"
"I
haven't decided. I thought about teaching or maybe going back to my routes. Back
to my people." He rubbed his chin knowing the wilderness life was not something
Seven would be privy to.
"Listen
Seven…" Chakotay folded his hands on his lap. "There's something we need to
discuss."
Seven
became rigid, "Yes, I agree."
"You
do?"
"Yes, I
hope you are not angry with me, but… " She looked him straight in the eyes. "I
cannot marry you."
"Oh,"
he replied, not expecting her to go this route. However, it was more honorable
than what he was going to do so he went with it. "May I ask why?"
"Are
you in love with me?" Seven asked pointedly.
Chakotay's ears turned red and his eyes bulged but he
would not lie. Not now. "I care for you, I really do, but in love. I would have
to say no."
"That
is how I feel as well."
"I
understand," he nodded. "So you don't want to get married, but are you also
saying you want to end… this relationship?"
"I
believe it would be best for both of us," she stated quietly. "I apologize for
the inconvenience."
Chakotay got up and went to her. He put his hand on her
knee gently. "Seven, this was not an inconvenience. Sometimes it takes more than
one attempt to find the one you're going to settle down with. Just because
we didn't work our doesn't mean we can't be friends."
Seven
glanced up at him. That was logical. "That would be…
acceptable."
"Good!"
He stood up. "Now that is settled can I make you something to eat? I believe we
have some celebrating to do!"
"Actually, there is something I must do after I take a
sonic shower." Seven hoped to celebrate with someone else.
"Oh,"
he was surprised. "You're going out… alone?"
"Yes,"
she replied with a slight smile from the stairs already heading up to the
ensuite.
Janeway
strolled into her mother's house looking to share the good news despite a
feeling that something wasn't right. She got off too easy, it seemed.
"Mother?" she called out.
"Kathryn?!" Gretchen responded from the kitchen. Upon
seeing her daughter she took her in a big hug. "What happened!? We saw them take
you away, but they wouldn't tell us anything!"
Kathryn
rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "To be honest, I'm not sure."
Phoebe
came downstairs at hearing the commotion hoping her sister was home. She was
more than livid at Starfleet's unnecessary display of power.
She
found her mother and her sister sitting comfortably while conversing in the
living room.
"Sis?
Did they explain why they did that to you?" Phoebe put a hand on her
hip.
Janeway
explained what they had said, but she was the first to concede that it seemed
too easy and convenient to be let go just like that after being arrested.
She was suspicious.
"Six
months probation!" Phoebe roared.
"It's
not like I can do anything else until then. Voyager's refit won't be ready for
over a year."
"You
could take another ship," Gretchen offered.
"No,"
Janeway refused with conviction. "I want Voyager. It's kept me alive this long.
I have a rapport with my ship." She said smirking at the absurdity of
it.
They
all shared a laugh before a knock was heard at the door.
"I'll
get that!" Phoebe called out.
"You
expecting company?" Janeway asked her mother.
"No
dear, you?"
Janeway
shook her head no.
Phoebe
opened the door to reveal their visitor. "Seven! How are you? Come on in!"
Phoebe called out delighted to see the reserved woman again. Phoebe really liked
her and she had her suspicions that Seven really liked her older sister too. She
assumed the blonde was attracted to Kathryn in a sexual way, but she didn't know
for sure.
Gretchen saw a moment of fear pass over Kathryn's face
before she composed herself again. Could it be her?! Her mother
speculated.
"What
brings you here dear?" Gretchen asked taking her hands and leading her to the
couch. Janeway sat down across from Seven.
"I
wanted to know how the final day of debriefing went for Kathryn," she looked at
her former Captain wondering why Kathryn seemed so uncomfortable to Seven as the
younger woman sat across from her mentor.
"You
could have called." Kathryn complained succinctly staring at Seven's sling so
she didn't have to make eye contact. She didn't want Seven here. Not
after how they had last parted. She did not want to have to talk about it or
think about it. Chakotay wanted to marry her and that was that. Game
over.
Seven
actually came to visit, because she wanted to make sure they had kept their word
and let Kathryn go. "That is true, but I also wanted to exercise my new found
freedom. As you can see I have no escort." Seven managed a nervous smile, which
Janeway did not reciprocate. However, the Captain had noticed the lack of a
guard and would have been happy for Seven if not for her uneasy
jealousy.
"That's
wonderful Seven," Gretchen complimented her merrily. "So how are things with you
and Commander Chakotay?"
"Things
are going well," Seven gave one of her rare smiles. It was the truth even
though, she had broken up with him just a short while ago. Things were
well with her and she was ecstatic at the new path she wanted to take. She just
wasn't ready to divulge that information yet and not in front of Kathryn's
family.
"Kathryn," Seven spoke lightly. "What did they say at
your hearing?"
Janeway's eyes were hard as she looked at Seven. "I'm on
six months probation." She had noticed the wide smile when Chakotay's name was
mentioned.
Seven
glanced at Gretchen before returning her gaze on Kathryn. "You are not…
satisfied with this?" Seven became concerned.
"I
suppose, it's ok. As long as I behave myself for the next six months." The
acid in her voice was not palatable and Phoebe wanted to scowl at her sister for
the change in attitude.
Janeway
was feeling unrealistically hostile towards the younger woman and, despite
knowing it to be wrong, she could not help herself for some reason. She
concluded that she just did not want to be around Seven right now, finding it
difficult to be happy for the couple.
She
felt suddenly angry at the Admiral for forcing her to acknowledge her hidden
feelings for the young blonde. Feelings she would have to keep hidden forever.
It was unlikely in her current emotional turmoil that she would be able to
remain friends with Seven if she couldn't deal effectively with rolling
sentiment.
Gretchen was about to say something to her older sibling
when Janeway, noticing Seven's trepidation and stiffness, stood up abruptly not
being able to tolerate the situation anymore.
"I'm
rather tired, if you don't mind I'm going to retire early this evening." Kathryn
started for the stairs.
Seven
rose up quickly. "I need to speak with you regarding something important," The
blonde offered kindly, needing to speak with Kathryn alone to clarify things.
Janeway
hesitated on the stairwell, but did not look back. "It will have to wait," she
declined Seven's request before continuing up to her room.
Gretchen glanced at Phoebe not understanding what just
happened.
"You're
welcome to stay if you like." Gretchen offered. "We don't have company all that
often."
"No,"
Seven watched Janeway climb the stairs. "I should be going," she turned towards
the elder Janeway. "Thank you for your hospitality. I appreciate it."
"Of
course you're welcome here anytime."
Glancing up at where Janeway went again, Seven wondered
if that were true. Her heart skipped as the realization came over her.
What she thought had occurred in the barn had in fact did NOT and she was at a
lost at how to cope with it. The fact that Janeway had just rebuked her again
with no forthcoming explanation proved it conclusively.
"Perhaps," Seven acquiesced and proceeded to leave
quickly before her composure became less than perfect.
Phoebe
followed her outside watching her carefully. "Seven?"
"I must
leave," the tone was coupled with a thickness that gave Phoebe a sinking
feeling.
"Why do
I get the feeling there's more going on here."
"I do
not know," Seven got into the hovercar and ran the pre-ignition
sequence.
Phoebe
stared at her from the doorway. "Why do I get the feeling you're not coming
back!"
"I… "
Seven went through the pre-flight check.
"Seven?!" Phoebe yelled loudly. "I would be upset if you
did NOT visit me just because my sister is an ass." The younger Janeway didn't
understand why her sister had been so rude and dismissive to her friend and
colleague.
"Tell
Kathryn I… " Seven started but could not finish. She could not say it. Once it
was spoken there would be no taking it back.
"Tell
Kathryn what?" Phoebe pressed.
Seven
turned her red eyes and pained expression towards the younger Janeway. Phoebe
gasped at how upset the woman was.
"I must
go, please stand back."
Phoebe
did so and Seven took off without finishing her sentence.
"What's
gotten into you Kathryn?!" Gretchen demanded standing in the doorway to her room
until she noticed her daughter's back to her with her hands over her face. She
was sitting there leaning forward in a position that would suggest she was more
than upset.
"Kathryn?" her mother walked into the room.
"I
didn't mean it," she declared quietly removing her hands from her face.
Gretchen saw the redness in her daughter's eyes and the
tears that had fallen. The realization hit her suddenly.
"It's
her isn't it? She's the one."
Kathryn
bobbed her head up and down in affirmation.
"Why
were you being so rude to her dear?" Gretchen asked not understanding why her
daughter would treat someone she claimed to love so coldly.
"Because it's necessary. She's supposed to marry my
former first officer. There's no place for her here."
"Has
she accepted then?"
"I
don't know." Janeway admitted gruffly. "but if that rare smile is any
indication, she probably will."
Gretchen sat down next to her distraught daughter.
"You're jumping to conclusions because she smiled?" her mother asked perplexed
by that assessment.
"She
doesn't smile like that very often."
"She
could be happy to see you too, you know."
Janeway
shook her head in her grief unable to see any alternative reason. "She marries
him in the other timeline. Perhaps it's her destiny."
"Yes,
but you told me Admiral Janeway changed that timeline, which means… there's
still time to tell her how you feel in this timeline."
"It's
not right for me to interfere."
"That's
why you were afraid to talk to her alone wasn't it? You were afraid she was
going to tell you that she had decided to marry Chakotay."
The
hurt look and the puffiness around the red eyes that she turned to her mother
said it all.
"I
think you're giving up, unless you don't believe she has any feelings for you. I
can tell she does, just by looking at her."
"You
don't know that. She's probably just infatuated with the idea. She's so new to
all this." Janeway thought about the kiss they shared the other day and she
wondered if Seven could return her feelings or if she was just an
experiment.
"It's
wrong for you to assume what she feels and only she can tell you that. Do you
plan to sit by and mope over it for the rest of your life or go after what you
really want?"
Seven
landed the hovercar where she rented it near Starfleet Headquarters and beamed
up to Voyager. It was quiet and she didn't see anyone on her way to Cargo
Bay Two.
Staring
at the alcove, she decided to sit down on the dais instead of regenerating at
the moment. She was restless.
Her
mind churned. She did not understand Kathryn's behavior. She had kissed Kathryn
during a moment of weakness when a strong sensation of wanting and needing
overcame her. Janeway kissed her back in Seven's estimation and even
enjoyed the contact of their lips until they broke apart. Afterwards though,
Kathryn appeared to become ashamed and completely refuted the fact that it
happened just before she was arrested.
Then
Janeway had rebuked Seven again, making her feel unwelcome when she had stopped
by to check up on Kathryn's status with Starfleet.
Seven
stopped by their Indiana home for two reasons; to make sure the older woman was
all right, that she had indeed been set free and the charges dropped, but also
to speak to Janeway about what happened in the barn.
Seven
was elated yet confused. She had hoped Janeway would elaborate on what she
had said. 'This isn't what you think. This did NOT happen. Do you
understand?' her eidetic memory recanted in her mind.
Seven
did not know what to think. What exactly was 'this' that did not happen?
The kiss? What was Seven supposed to understand?
That
and the shock of the arrest challenged the normally self-controlled ex-Borg this
evening.
Her
mind drifted back to the morning after Janeway's arrest. She had interrupted the
Admirals' during their quiet meeting brusquely and asked them politely if
adamantly what she could do to right things.
She
made sacrifices, one severe, but the final results could have been worse.
Necheyev really did seem to want to put Seven behind bars, but reluctantly she
agreed to a subdermal tracking device, at Ross's and Strickler's insistence, so
they could monitor Seven's whereabouts at all times. This way she wouldn't need
an escort.
Ross
wanted the ex-Borg to join Starfleet Academy so down the road she could join
Starfleet Intelligence after she completed the program. He was also very
interested in Borg technology, which she had a vast knowledge of.
Ross
also wanted her to assist the Scientific Research division, on days she wasn't
at the academy to assist with research and development. He didn't give
specifics, but he didn't have to, Seven knew he was thinking along the lines of
militaristic weaponry.
Strickler wanted Seven to be a diplomatic for the Borg
to alleviate civilian fear and to demonstrate that there is hope after
assimilation. Since he was in charge of diplomatic operations in Starfleet
it made sense. He also wanted her in a militaristic fashion like Ross saying she
would have to agree to be called upon at any time to defend earth if attacked by
the Borg or anyone who threatened their way of life.
Seven
had done so on Voyager. That was no problem.
Strickler had said, "It is important to be diplomatic
in all instances, but equally important to have a strong military to back it up
in case a compromise is impossible."
Paris
was surprised by the suggestion, but agreed to it, if Seven had no quarrel with
it. He was in charge of scientific research within Starfleet operations and
could use the Borg's insights.
They
gave her a list of what she couldn't do; such as leave Earth without permission
or travel to another continent. There was also one other requirement that Seven
found hard to comply with, but she knew she would, despite her Captain's recent
harsh treatment towards her.
Admiral
Paris was truly not happy with that stipulation and he was surprised when Seven
had agreed to it, but it was her decision to make not his. He would give his
vote and make it unanimous if she wanted him to.
She had
to report for the procedure tomorrow at 10:30 am.
All the
Starfleet officers, the maquis, herself and the Captain were now free. She found
out the EMH was given his freedom too and they promised not to decompile his
program before a special committee could be created at a later date to determine
his sentience status. They were not quite ready to give him that privilege
yet.
Admiral
Paris came up to her at the end of the meeting after the others had
left.
"Are
you sure you want to join Starfleet?"
"Would
they have charged Captain Janeway if I had not?" She had questioned in response.
Something flashed in his eyes that perhaps she had hit
on something that was not commonly known.
"I
can't speak for the others, but I would not have. As far as I'm concerned she
did the best with what she had and she got her crew home. She should be
hailed a hero."
Before
leaving the room he spoke again to Seven's surprise.
"I hope
Janeway realizes how loyal you truly are. Not every officer or friend would
agree to all those stipulations." He smiled and patted her on the shoulder
before they left the office.
Was
Seven truly free? No, but at least
Kathryn Janeway was free and she would have a Starship again. Seven wasn't
completely manipulated though. She knew that she would need a Starfleet
commission or a rank to be able to serve with the Captain in the future and
although she would have rather studied at the Theoretically Propulsions Group,
she would be content to serve on a Starship with Captain Janeway
again.
Now
with the sudden coldness Janeway showed towards her, she wondered if that was
even a possibility.
Seven
wondered if she had lost her most cherished friendship because of her growing
emotions that she did not understand yet wanted to explore. She had broken up
with Chakotay to do just that. It seemed so right and yet it did not turn
out as positively as she had expected.
Here
she was moping on an almost empty starship, sitting on her dais considering all
these somber thoughts when she should be regenerating to regain her
strength.
A few
moments later, despite distant, tired, eyes, she did just that.
"How
did you know she would come around?" Strickler asked Ross, who was in his office
tiding up for the end of the day.
Ross
smiled, "By the way she passed her psyche test. It's obvious how much she cares
for Janeway, despite her arrogant attitude. From the logs I've read, she
was the most loyal individual on that ship." Ross replied. "In my opinion." He
added.
"Did
you order Janeway's arrest thinking Seven would give in?"
"No,
but it couldn't have worked out better. I was hoping for a compromise of sorts
and Necheyev's obvious disdain for the Borg helped immensely."
"Do you
honestly think she would have sent the Borg to prison if she didn't agree to the
tracking device?"
He
squinted his eyes speculating on it. "I'm not sure. I know Necheyev doesn't have
a personal issue with Annika Hansen, but as Seven of Nine… that's another story.
She has a serious disdain for anything Borg and I wouldn't be surprised if she
orders that Borg appendage to be dissected and studied more
thoroughly."
"That
seems harsh to do to the young woman." Strickler was disturbed by that
agreement, but went along with it.
"War
can be harsh. You can't blame Necheyev for that. She lost her husband at Wolf
359."
"I
know," Strickler answered. "but taking it out on a single ex-Borg drone who has
proven her loyalty to Voyager many times over…? Well, it seems wrong to
me."
Ross
glanced speculatively at Strickler. Seven's sacrifice was necessary for the
greater good of Earth and perhaps even the quadrant.
"It's
an unavoidable situation and a small price to pay for the future ability to
defend Earth."
"Yes…
from your perspective."
Ross
wasn't going to debate it. The deal was struck, he got what he wanted and so did
Necheyev. "Well, I'm finished here." he started to head out.
Admiral
Strickler touched him gently on the arm to forestall his departure from his
office.
"Would
you really have voted to court-martial Captain Janeway for the actions she took
in the Delta Quadrant?"
Ross
replied honestly. "No, she's too good a Captain despite being female, stubborn
and gung ho. We need her in command, she just needs time to… adjust to the
command structure again."
Strickler shook his head. "We'll I hope everything works
out."
"Oh it
will. I assure you."
After a
four hour regenerative cycle Seven beamed down to San Francisco. It was late,
almost midnight and the sky was clear and full of bright shining stars.
Seven imagined she would have appreciated it more with company. A certain
redhead, but the stars lacked any shine for her at this moment.
She
panicked momentarily when she realized she had nowhere to go for the night
before she realized that she could go back to the apartment she shared with
Chakotay in San Francisco if she wanted to. He had no problem with her
being there until she found her own place and settled, but she really wanted to
be alone. She needed to be alone so she decided to go for a walk.
As she
walked under the streetlights in no particular direction, she noticed how quiet
the streets were during the nocturnal cycle.
She
ended up in a park and sat down on a green painted park bench to gather her
thoughts. Occasionally, a jogger would run by almost surprised by her presence
there before continuing. She watched the individual as they went by
calculating the purpose of such an activity. Running produced an increase
in cardiovascular efficiency if done regularly and the muscles of the legs
benefited in endurance and strength. She was however, perplexed why the activity
would be done in the dark, but discarded the notion as irrelevant.
When
thoughts of Janeway crept into her mind, she continued on her way. She forgot
how long she walked. There were restaurants, bookstores and entertainment
facilities. The entertainment facilities were the only establishments that held
a plethora of people. Seven found herself oddly curious why this type of place
would gather so many people at this hour when the other places had
'closed' signs on the front. She proceeded to go inside to satiate that
interest.
The
first thing she noticed was the smell. The inside was smoky, acrid smelling and
hazy. She figured her optical implant was malfunctioning until she realized that
the cloudy atmosphere was caused by individuals who were smoking something long,
white and smoldering at the tip. This odd thing was sticking out between their
lips and Seven wondered why they would smoke such a noxious thing. It was
clearly unhealthy.
There
were equal amounts of men and women and many looked her way with an interesting
expression on their faces. Some even whistled and gave her leering looks, but
she had nothing special on, just her normal form fitting blue grey
biosuit.
Seven
considered the stares more lewd than the ones she used to receive on Voyager and
it made her slightly uncomfortable, but she was irritated at how her evening had
gone so far and was determined to discover the purpose of this restaurant.
As she
proceeded inside, people parted for her and occasionally she would have to say
'excuse me' in order to get through. There was a bar to her left, small
tables to her right, and straight ahead was a floor where people were mingling
closely together swaying to the sound of music. It had a fast beat to it, but
since the Borg discarded that information as irrelevant, she did not know the
name of the composer.
Finding
nothing of interest there, she decided to sit at the bar, on a padded stool. A
man in a white dress shirt with dark short-cropped hair waited on her. He
reminded Seven of Tom with his boyish good looks.
"What
can I get you ma'am?"
"I do
not know. I was wondering the purpose of this establishment."
He
blinked before smirking at her over the odd statement. "To relax and have fun, I
suppose."
Seven
considered that. "Yes, but why is it open so much later than other
establishments in this area?"
"This
is a bar, we're always open. This is where people come to cheer up and forget
the stress of their daily lives." The bartender could tell she rarely got out
despite how beautiful she was.
"To
cheer up?" Seven found that concept enlightening in her current mood.
"You
bet, let me get you a drink. You'll see what I mean. Do you have any
preferences?"
Seven
took a glance at the plethora of wine and liquor bottles on the far wall. "I am
unfamiliar with the selection. Perhaps you could choose for me."
He
grinned from ear to ear. "Certainly, I'll be right back."
He
grabbed a glass and a couple of bottles and mixed something colorful up for her
before bringing it back with a little umbrella attached to a small
stick.
Seven
removed the decoration before taking a sip. "This contains alcohol."
"Yes,
it's a tequila sunrise, but it tastes really good," the bartender said slightly
taken back. "Did you want something without alcohol?"
Seven
considered that briefly. "This will cheer me up?"
"Uh
huh."
"Then I
will… enjoy it." Seven had never wanted to indulge to this extent before, but
this was a good time as any, Hopefully it would help her forget the past two
weeks.
Janeway
had a quiet breakfast with her mother and sister in the early morning hours at
around 6:00.
She sat
at the kitchen table amidst looks from both as she sipped her orange juice and
sampled a bagel with cream cheese until she couldn't take the scrutiny
anymore.
"I
intend to talk with her today."
"I'm
glad." Her mother responded.
"She
was very upset when she left yesterday evening." Phoebe watched her sister's
guilty reaction to her statement.
Gretchen had not discussed the private conversation she
had with her older daughter, so the younger sibling didn't know Janeway was in
love with Seven.
However, Phoebe suspected that Seven had strong feelings
for Janeway. As to the identity of the mysterious crewman who Kathryn was in
love with, Phoebe she had no idea, but she suspected it was Chakotay because of
her behavior towards the young woman the evening before.
Kathryn
sighed rather deeply and slowly. "It was a misunderstanding."
"If you
say so," Phoebe wondered if Janeway realized how much the young naïve woman
cared. Phoebe didn't know what to do about helping Seven in light of her older
sister's denseness.
"What's
that supposed to mean?" Janeway asked agitated at her younger sister's tone.
"What
exactly do you intend to talk about?" Phoebe asked.
"That's
really none of your business, I think."
"True,
but I like Annika and I would hate for her to feel she can't visit
us just because you can't see what's right in front of you." Phoebe
challenged.
Janeway
lowered her fork to the plate quickly causing it to make a loud clinking sound.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
"She's
emotionally fragile, ok! So if you're not gonna say anything nice why don’t you
just stay away from her!"
"Phoebe… " Gretchen tried to interfere.
"No,
mother!" Phoebe exclaimed. "I know what I saw and she is just going to break her
heart!"
Janeway
swallowed standing swiftly. "What are you talking about!?"
"Nothing!" Phoebe shouted fed up and went upstairs to
the sanctity of her room.
"What
was that all about mother?" Janeway petitioned.
"I
believe your sister thinks you're going to hurt Seven."
"Why
would she think that? Didn't you tell her about our conversation last
night?"
"No, I
didn't get a chance." Gretchen sipped a Mocha expresso before continuing. "She
was out talking with Seven when I first approached you. She believes Seven was
emotionally distraught by your behavior because the young woman is in love
you."
Janeway's faces whitened visibly. "Love?! I… don't know
if she's ready for that… I don't know if you can call it that… but a kiss is a
start."
Her
mother's eyebrow rose sharply.
"The
other day… " The younger Janeway spoke sheepishly. "In the barn."
"Go
find her, Kathryn and find out one way or the other." Her mother
encouraged.
After
breakfast, Janeway went to her bedroom and hailed Chakotay asking for Seven's
whereabouts, but he didn’t knowing saying she hadn't come back the night before.
He thought she had stayed at the elder Janeway's residence, since she didn't
return in the early morning hours.
Janeway
asked if that was unusually and he said it wasn't because very often she went up
to Voyager to regenerate, but she usually came back after that to sleep for a
few hours.
Still
feeling a bit guilty over his failed marriage proposal, Chakotay didn't mention
anything to Kathryn about his new status with Seven, if she wasn't going to
bring it up.
He
finished saying, she could have visited her aunt and after ending the
communiqué, Janeway contacted Irene Hansen, but the nice older woman hadn't seen
her niece either.
Flustered from wanting to come clean regarding her
emotions, she decided to go to Voyager, where she could track Seven down using
her Borg components.
She
showered and dressed in her red command uniform and headed off to a transporter
station.
"What
do you mean we lost the trace?!" Ross spat to the Ensign. He had just arrived at
his office for the day around 07:50 when the young officer gave him the bad
news.
He
stood up from his desk and came around to the young man. "When?"
"About
6:52 am it stopped transmitting," he replied nervously.
"Why?"
he demanded.
"Well
from the signal degradation, I would say it started malfunctioning a few hours
before it stopped completely."
"Who
did you notify?"
"Uh, no
one, sir. It was 3 am. I figured it wasn't an emergency and could wait until
this morning."
"Thank
you, I'll handle it from here. You're dismissed." He was perturbed and the young
man quickly vanished.
He made
a quick call on his vid phone giving some men orders to find her before he
stormed down the hallway to Necheyev's office. He knew she'd be there always
getting an early start.
"Necheyev!" he voiced loudly upon entering her office
causing her to look at him with wide eyes.
"Did
you know that Borg disabled our tracer?!"
"What!?" Necheyev exclaimed. "Where is she
now?"
"I
don't know, but I've sent men out to track her. It's only a matter of
time."
Admiral
Necheyev pressed a key on her console and asked the secretary to give a message
to Admiral Strickler as soon as he arrived this morning. She turned her
attention back to Ross.
"Do you
think she's up to something?" Necheyev felt like a fool having believed that the
young woman was sincere and would comply with their agreement, but it appeared
she had lied and had no intention of giving up her ability to assimilate.
Ross
frowned, "Hard to say for sure, she is scheduled to have her assimilation
implant removed at 10:30 this morning by Dr. Harper."
"You
think she'll show up?"
"I
really don't know, but I doubt it. We should've locked her up, like you
suggested. She'll never cooperate or assist us." He said angrily.
Strickler entered her office after receiving the
message. "Everything ok, the secretary told me it was urgent."
"We
have a problem," Ross informed him.
Seven
of Nine stumbled down the street trying to assess what way to go to head back to
San Francisco. However, her sense of direction was off and she couldn't
get her bearings. She had passed out earlier only to wake up on a patch of
soft green grass. Somehow she had lost her sling and her right arm was sore. She
had reached for her combadge, before realizing that she had left it at
Chakotay's.
A
shuttlecraft landed fifty feet in front of her and four burly Starfleet officers
got out with serious faces. They quickly strolled up to her.
She
watched them stop in front of her as she struggled to walk forward before
halting. They were blocking her path.
"Seven
of Nine," a blonde Lt. addressed her. "Please come with us."
"For
what reason? I have agreed to all your stipulations. I am now free to do as I
please." She scowled at them.
"You've
broken your agreement and I have the authority to arrest you if necessary. Your
transceiver has stopped working. Therefore, we have orders to bring you
in."
"I'm
not going anywhere… except to my temporary apartment in San Francisco. If
you could point me in the correct direction. I'll be on my way."
"I'm
afraid I can't do that," he side stepped to block her way. He turned his face to
the side smelling the liquor on her breath.
"I
still have hours before I… have to be there…" Seven was becoming angry. "I do
not intend to go any earlier." Sighing, she glanced at her mesh covered left
hand, knowing it would be gone soon.
Then,
she started to move around him and he put a hand on her shoulder. His mistake as
a now angry blonde took his hand and bent his thumb back forcing him to his
knees. Another one rushed her grabbing her mesh hand in an attempt to assist his
comrade. She vaguely remembered seeing the other two come at her as she tossed
him onto a grass area. She thought she connected with an uncoordinated punch on
someone else's jaw. She barely felt something strike her chin as she threw
another one off her, but there were too many of them to fight with one
functional arm. Her right arm had no strength, refused to move much and still
ached badly.
Seven
saw a phaser being pulled out before darkness engulfed her already blurred
vision.
Janeway
walked into Starfleet inquiring about Seven's whereabouts assuming she was on
the upper floors in a meeting. She had just come from Voyager's
Astrometrics lab having discovered Seven to be here. To her complete
astonishment, Janeway found out that Seven was being held in the underground
level where Janeway was just the other day.
In
jail.
She
went down to that level and asked to see the young woman. A man went inside
coming out shortly after to say the young woman did not want to see
her.
Janeway
was befuddled, but she had to know what was going on.
"I
order you to bring me to her," Janeway gave him a stern look.
He
considered the order, noting her rank from her collar pips. "Very well, you have
that authority, but understand that she cannot and will not be released until
Admiral Ross okay's it." He stared back at her.
"I
understand, Lt."
He
brought her to Seven without another word. Having been in this facility
recently, Janeway knew how small the rooms were. Standing before the forcefield,
Janeway saw Seven lying down on the cot with her mesh hand over her eyes.
"Seven,
are you ok?"
Seven
removed her hand, only to squint viciously, the light hurt her eyes. She
haphazardly tried to sit up groaning all the way, struggling and almost falling
over much to Janeway's dismay.
"I told
the guard… that I did not… " She coughed. "want to see you."
Janeway
acknowledged that Seven was probably still a little upset at her from being
brushed off so casually, so her anger was justified.
However, Seven's appearance was awful. Her hair was
disheveled with bits of grass in it. Her face was dirty and her clothing had
stains of something on it plus more dirt. Janeway thought she saw a bruise on
the blonde's chin turning purple and a shallow cut above her right
eye.
The
young woman grabbed her head with one hand while using the wall to move closer
to Janeway. She finally slowly raised her head. "I have nothing to say to you."
She reiterated slowly in carefully measures tones so as to pronounce each word
correctly.
"What
happened to you!?" Janeway was astounded at her appearance.
Seven
winced. "I can hear you, Captain. There is no reason to shout."
"So
answer my question then," Janeway requested in a quieter tone, starting to have
a good idea what was wrong with the younger woman, but she couldn't quite fathom
why.
"I
needed to cheer myself up." She slurred. "He said it would."
"What?"
Janeway didn't think she heard correctly.
"A
tequila sunrise. A very smooth beverage. It gives you a warm feeling here." She
touched her belly. "Then I sampled a White Russian, a Bloody Mary, a Bicardi, a
Martini and I sampled some beer."
"Where?!" Kathryn narrowed her eyes. "Who?!"
"I…
don't remember exactly where, but I remember… Jake, a bartender. A very nice
individual. I think he liked me for a change." Seven looked sad for a moment.
"Most people don't like me, but he did not see me as Borg. It was...
refreshing."
"You
drank alcohol?"
"Yes."
Seven stated proudly. "I think I had… six… different beverages." She burped and
leaned against the wall for support, but the room starting spinning.
Janeway
shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't imagine what would have upset
the former Borg to do something she knew she couldn't handle such as drinking
alcohol. And why six servings?! That only compounded the
trouble.
"Why
did you drink? You know the effect that has on you." Janeway asked.
"That's
none of your concern." She grumbled.
"I'm
your friend Seven. I think it is." Janeway enforced that idea.
"Friends?" Seven questioned acerbically. "Is that what
you are to me? No, I have no friends in Starfleet. They are all liars! They do
not keep their words. I compromised… I sacrificed for those I care about and
what do I get. Betrayed! No, you are not my friend. All you care about is your
ship! Your command!"
"Seven
what exactly are you talking about?" Janeway was disturbed by Seven's statement
and couldn't imagine why the ex-Borg would say such things about her and
Starfleet.
It
occurred to Janeway that she hadn't treated Seven all that well the evening
before, but she also knew there had to more to Seven's pain than just that, but
as to what, she didn't have a clue.
"Seven,
I'm sorry about last night. I wasn't myself. It wasn't you I was angry with."
The redhead tried to explain, but the younger woman didn't hear her apology. The
blonde had already stumbled back to her cot to lie down. Her head was pounding
insistently in an attempt to fight its way out of her skull. The room was too
bright, Kathryn was too loud and she just wanted to lie down and tune out
everything.
Seven
started mumbling her mantra, the one thing that gave her courage in times of
great distress. "I am Seven of Nine… I am alone… but I will adapt." She murmured
over and over despondently covering her eyes with her arm trying to rest. A few
tears escaped her tired eyes.
"You're
not alone… " Janeway whispered heavy hearted, but she knew Seven would not be
listening. It was becoming too painful to listen to Seven, so Janeway
reluctantly took her leave to clear her head. This was rapidly becoming a
frustrating experience for her.
How
does one deal with an intoxicated ex-Borg drone who feels betrayed by everything
that is a part of Starfleet including her closest friends?
Somehow, Kathryn knew this was mostly her fault and
Seven probably blamed her for her difficulties. Janeway's harsh reaction to the
kiss; her rudeness the next day when Seven needed to speak to her about
something important... and she coldly told the young woman it would have to
wait. It was not how a true friend acted nor a person who was supposedly in
love.
My
jealousy got me into this and I have to fix it! If not for myself then for her!
Seven deserved that.
Janeway
was going to prove that she was NOT alone.
She
decided to make some calls hoping to get some assistance.
Captain
Janeway just finished her hail when four armed Ensigns went by her to Seven's
cell.
The
lead guard sighed deeply, "Seven of Nine, Admiral Ross will see you
now."
Seven
had dozed off and didn't therefore hear them.
He
motioned for two ensigns to go in and wake her. They assisted her easily
clutching her by the arms and lifting her up.
She
groaned, her right arm still ached and she was groggy, not able to put up much
of a fight even if she wanted to as they escorted her to their destination.
Janeway
followed them into the turbolift until they reached the Conference Room on the
twenty-second floor where all the meetings were held. She strolled in there not
caring if she wasn't invited.
"Captain Janeway, you are not invited to this meeting."
Ross told her as the two guards carefully positioned Seven on a chair. He
had heard that she was in the building and had an inkling she would be joining
them, so he wasn't caught completely off guard.
Janeway
sat down next to her in case she needed assistance. "I am now."
"Captain Janeway, need I remind you that you are on
probation. You wouldn't want to do anything to acerbate that or forfeit it would
you?"
Janeway's face hardened. "I am aware of the terms, but
I'm here on Seven's behalf. I want to know why she's been arrested."
"I
could have you escorted out of here."
"Yes,
but you won't because all four of you are guilty of manipulating this young
woman to some degree and I'm going find out exactly what you've done to make her
so upset that she would feel the need to become intoxicated." Janeway was taking
a serious risk assuming that Seven's difficulties wasn't only her fault. She
hoped she guessed right.
The
Admiral's looked at each other perplexed at the possibility, even Paris seemed
to back down as if he agreed with her assessment.
"And
why hasn't she been treated or cleaned up?!" Janeway added appalled at their
lack of consideration to Seven's well being.
The
disheveled Seven of Nine was still slumped in her chair with her head lowered
and eyes closed. She vaguely heard the conversation around her, trying to tune
out the loudness of it, in order to make her head feel better.
"I
figured I could get to her true motives this way, but…" Admiral Ross decided
reluctantly to let her stay. "maybe you can shed some light on why she deceived
us."
Strickler motioned for the ensigns to leave so the
meeting could begin.
As soon
as the door was closed, he began. "Seven of Nine!" Ross exclaimed loudly and she
opened her eyes with a start, after almost dozing off. She looked around
realizing her new location. She brought a hand to her temple.
"Explain why you disabled the transceiver?" Ross
questioned and Necheyev glared at the former drone with hardened eyes while
steepling her hands together.
"I
disabled… nothing," Seven replied slowly.
"You
deny having any motives to prevent us from tracking you after you agreed to our
terms?" Strickler asked.
Janeway's face became rigid, but she said
nothing.
"I…
prevented nothing."
"So you
expect me to believe it was a simple malfunction?" Ross inquired.
Seven
tried to think through the muddle of her currently confused mind and her
nanoprobes were helping, just too slowly. She felt reasonably better than just a
half-hour before, her speech was clearer and improving, but concentration was
still difficult.
"It is…
possible, that my nanoprobes rendered it useless."
Ross
narrowed his eyes, wondering if it could be that simple. "Why?"
"One of
their basic functions is to incapacitate foreign objects that could be deemed a
threat to the host organism." Seven spewed forth.
"Is
this why you sought out spirits?" Strickler asked.
"No,"
Seven forgot the Captain's presence momentarily. "I was prepared to comply as
long as my Captain was absolved of all her questionable command decisions made
while lost in the Delta Quadrant and received a starship of her choice… if she
requested one."
"You
were prepared to go through the process of removing your left implant hand?"
"Yes, I
was." Seven admitted painfully.
Janeway
grimaced realizing the extent of the manipulation. "I can't believe this! You
used my arrest and charges to coerce Seven into agreeing to this! How dare
you?!"
All
four Admiral's appeared slightly uncomfortable, but Ross explained tenaciously
that everything was agreed upon and the young woman fully understood what she
was getting involved in.
Janeway
was red faced and angry when the interruption came as a knock at the door. The
door opened after Ross shouted with annoyance to come in. Captain Picard,
Counselor Troi and Voyager's EMH all walked in.
"What
is the meaning of this?" Ross stood up. He felt he was losing control of the
meeting rapidly.
"I've
come to see to it that a certain ex-Borg is being treated fairly." The elder
starship Captain divulged.
Janeway
had a smirk on her face. She hoped they would help. How could he not? He
understood better than anyone what it meant to be Borg and Troi could help Seven
understand why she attempted to drown the pain she had in alcohol after the
meeting.
The
Doctor walked passed Picard to inject Seven with a hypospray, which would
counteract the effects of her intoxication, but Picard gently put his hand on
his shoulder.
"Not
yet," he ordered easily. Janeway wondered what he was up to.
Seven
looked up directly in his face, her eyes going wide with recognition. It was
him! It was the mere mention of his name that made the entire Borg
collective decide to choose her as a representative to Captain Janeway. If not
for Locutus' influence, the Borg collective would not have listened and Seven of
Nine, the tertiary adjunct of Unimatrix Zero, would not have been chosen to
speak for the Borg. Seven would never have had the opportunity to regain her
humanity or learn to care so deeply for Captain Janeway.
"Locutus," she whispered reverently. She owed this
individual more than respect.
Jean
Luc Picard flinched, "Stand up," he ordered curtly.
Seven
tried to stand quickly albeit feebly and Janeway assisted her until she was
steady. Seven linked her hands tightly behind her back at attention. Her eyes
were wide, her stature stiff and wobbly. She was also nervous. The
presence of Locutus was inspiring and also a testament to the recovery of a
human from the hands of the Borg. She had a lot in common with him.
Picard
moved closer. "That's right. I am Locutus… a Borg."
Shocked, Seven blanched before recovering her wits. "No,
you are not. Your link to the collective… has been severed… as has
mine."
"You
wish to rejoin the collective?"
Seven
frowned. "No," she responded tersely.
"I
order you to assimilate these humans." He demanded testing her. A few gasps were
heard around the room.
She
narrowed her blood shot eyes defiantly. "I will NOT comply."
"But
you are Borg!"
"No, I…
" Seven considered her words carefully with so many present. "I am a human who
was assimilated by the Borg. I ceased being Borg over four years
ago."
"Then I
will assimilate them." He stated. "Starting with Captain Janeway." He knew this
would bring about the response he desired based on his chat with Counselor
Troi.
If
Seven hadn't been recovering from alcohol intoxication she might have realized
that Picard couldn't assimilate anyone, but her mind was considerably muddled
and all she could think of was having to witness the transformation of her
Captain from human to Janeway a Borg.
The
visual horrified her so much that whatever reverence she had for Locutus went
out the window as soon as he threatened the perfection that was Captain Kathryn
Janeway.
"I will
KILL you if you attempt to do so." She stepped closer to him and he stepped back
quickly. Even a drunk ex-Borg was dangerous.
"That
will not be necessary!" Picard immediately responded, momentarily concerned. "I
do not have the ability to assimilate."
She
halted her progress, blinked, the truth dawning on her. "Why did you deceive
me?"
"To
prove to them," Picard glanced at the Admirals. "How distasteful that is to
you... and I think I made my point."
Troi
looked at Seven her betazoid senses picking up on the changes within the young
ex-drone. She kept her emotions well hidden. The thought of assimilating
someone or having to kill Picard was appalling to the young woman even in
defense of the woman she loved and it had disturbed her.
Picard
turned to Admiral Ross and Necheyev knowing their individual motives. "What more
do you require?"
"I need
her to join Starfleet Intelligence." Ross stated. "She would be an excellent
asset to combat the Borg threat." He leaned forward to press his point. "You
know as well as I do that the Borg will attack us again. It's just a
matter of time." He glared at Janeway. "Your stunt with destroying the transwarp
hub only slowed them down. It is necessary to acquire the knowledge that only
she has. Not to mention the first hand knowledge she has of Admiral Janeway's
armor and weaponry. We'd like to see to it that no enemy parties try to
acquire that information. Everything I've done here is to protect Earth from
that threat."
"What
are you talking about?" Both Picard and Janeway asked.
"Have
you ever heard of Section 31 or the Orion Syndicate?" he inquired looking
between the two Captain's.
"No,
I've been in the Delta Quadrant for the last seven years."
"I
have… but not much." Picard offered thinking of the Deep Space Nine
rumors.
The EMH
was listening so intently that he forgot to administer the hypospray. Finally,
The Doctor moved in and pressed the hypospray to Seven's neck. She tilted
her neck grateful for the respite. The haziness seemed to clear her mind and her
headache vanished. Her features almost looked like a scowl as she considered
this new information. She could process it now and respond
accordingly.
"Section 31, a secretive covert organization. A unit of
the Starfleet Intelligence division, established under the Starfleet
charter. They are responsible for searching out and identifying
extraordinary dangers to the Federation. They deal with such threats quietly and
with extralegal techniques." Seven paused. "They have home bases in Tallahassee,
Florida and Sacramento, California and a few dozen others scattered across your
world. I can give you exact locations, but I cannot guarantee they are still in
use."
Ross
could only stare wide-eyed.
"The
Orion Syndicate," Seven continued despite the many shocked faces and dropped
jaws. "An interstellar criminal organization. They have a base of operations on
Mars, in the Delmar sector and dozens of facilities on Earth with the main
branch residing in Houston, Texas. If it still exists."
"How
could you possibly know that!?" Ross shouted astounded.
"I am…
" she paused. "I was Borg." She corrected herself.
"Are
you with Section 31?" Janeway asked Ross putting a hand on her hip.
"Or the
Orion Syndicate?" Picard questioned suspiciously.
"No!"
Ross shouted amidst the accusing looks of the other Admirals. "I am
not!"
"Is
that why you took several hundred thousand nanoprobes, during my alleged
physicals?" Seven inquired.
Janeway's frowned increased. The EMH told that day after
he examined Seven, about the young woman's depleted nanoprobe count. He
suspected someone was extracting them, but they didn't know who until
now.
"I am
trying to mount a defense only. I was going to use some of them as bait to flush
some of those them out!" Admiral Ross' collar was becoming tight around his
neck.
"Do you
have any idea how dangerous having nanoprobes are?" Captain Janeway knew first
hand.
"They
should be destroyed." Picard was adamant. "For security reasons."
"Wait,"
Seven interrupted. "I realize that I was somewhat coerced into an agreement, but
it is theoretically possible that the Borg are still a threat to Earth.
Perhaps not right away, but in the future. If the nanoprobes are kept under
tight security and the knowledge kept internally to a minimal number of… trusted
individuals, the research from these could be beneficial in mounting a
defense."
Janeway
was proud of Seven. Despite, the fact that she was used, she had no problem with
seeing the greater picture for Earth's benefit and the entire Alpha Quadrant for
that matter.
"What
is it that you want, Seven? Do you want to be in Starfleet? It is a major
commitment." Picard asked her gently. "Or do you even want to remain on
earth?"
"I…"
Her eyes traveled to Janeway them back to Picard. "I am uncertain right now. The
last few hours have been… difficult."
He put
an arm on her shoulder, "I'm sure the Admirals' here won't mind if you take some
time to consider it." He glanced at them. "We wouldn't want the media to hear of
the manipulation of a young woman who was assimilated at the age of six." He
warned the Admirals' fully knowing that despite the evidence against them, they
still had the power to imprison all of them, even though the charges would not
stick once the truth came out.
Those
actions would not benefit anyone in the long term.
"And
you Admiral Necheyev," Picard spoke disdainfully. "What would your husband
think?"
"That's
enough, Picard!" Necheyev hissed angrily, but he was right. "You are more
responsible for what happened to him than she was," she informed him
disdainfully.
"That's
right and you let me retain my command. Should this woman now bare the brunt of
your revenge."
The
room became eerily quiet. Eyes gazed upon each other waiting almost tensely to
see if she would see reason.
Necheyev carefully considered the ex-Borg's words when
she was under pressure to assimilate them. The words could be manufactured, but
the emotion could not, in her opinion. She concluded that Seven of Nine was not
a current threat to Earth.
"You're
right, of course." She acceded affably. "But I cannot allow her to retain the
ability to assimilate, I request the removal of her hand."
"That's
an outrageous request!" Janeway spat outraged.
"And
completely unnecessary." Voyager's EMH spoke up. "If your goal is to prevent
Seven from being able to assimilate people into Borg drones, I can effectively
alter the programming of her nanoprobes thus denying her that particular
ability."
"What?!" Necheyev exclaimed. "Doctor