"Captain,
we're picking up a distress call."
"I'm
on my way." Janeway called into her combadge.
Strolling
onto the bridge from her Ready room, she noticed a vessel onscreen.
It was clearly damaged as she made her way to the lower section of the
bridge.
"Status?"
"Unknown,"
Chakotay replied. "We're still too far away to pick up their
their transmission."
"Any
interference from an outside source?" She asked glancing at him.
"None,"
Ensign Kim replied. "and we're hailing them on all subspace
frequencies."
"Try
the narrowing the band width. Tom, Warp six." She ordered taking
a seat in her command chair.
"Aye
Captain."
Within
a few minutes Voyager was close enough to the vessel to initiate a
communications link, but it was audio only.
"…Need
assistance… Warp core is offline… life support is failing.
Require immediate evac…" A male humanoid voice crackled through
the hazy connection.
"This
is Captain Kathryn Janeway, we acknowledge your situation and are
prepared to help."
There
was no response.
"Did
it get through?" she asked.
"The
communiqué is faint at best." Kim responded.
"Can
you get a lock?"
"Yes,
Captain."
"Transporter
room one, Ensign. Tuvok," she nodded to him and he followed her
to the turbolift.
Janeway,
Tuvok and a small security team entered the transporter room as the
alien was materializing on the dais pad.
He
was handsome for an alien, almost human looking. He had long
blonde hair and what looked like pointy ears, with a straight nose and
the deepest blue eyes, which reminded her of a certain astrometrics
officer.
He
had a brown leather type material for a uniform, with bands of silver
crisscrossing the chest area of the jacket. The outfit clung to his
figure making him quite attractive to gaze upon and very appealing,
even to her. She raised an eyebrow.
He
sported polished boots as he stepped down to greet his rescuer.
"You
are… Captain Jane…"
"Janeway,"
she finished.
"Thank
you, my ship's life support was almost non-existent."
"What
happened?"
"I
ran into some unruly neighbors, who didn't appreciate my passing
through their system. I'm afraid, I'm going to have to ask for
further assistance in repairing my ship."
"Of
course, follow me and we can discuss your needs."
Conference
Room:
Janeway
sat down in the chair at the lead of the table, while listening to
Phalon's story.
"So,
I just ran as fast as my ship could go. My weapons are limited and not
very powerful, but I can go up to Warp 9.5, which is fast for such a
small ship, so they couldn't keep up, but they did get a few shots
that singed my engines. I escaped, but I couldn't maintain such a
speed for long. I had to shut down my engines or they would have
overloaded."
"Do
you remember, who your attackers were?"
"No,
they never hailed me, just started firing, but my people have seen
their ships before. I believe their called the A'nari. An
exobiological phobic species. They don't like dealing with outsiders
and they make that very clear when they attack. It's really all I
know. My government tells us to avoid their space at all costs, but I
was running low on fuel, so I took a detour knowing it was a risk, but
I thought I could get through undetected if I was fast enough."
"Where
exactly were you heading?"
"My
home planet, Inegria. It's only 30 light years from here."
"Why
were you out here all alone? If you don't mind my asking."
"Not
at all. I am an explorer, Captain. Immensely curious about
what's around us, I've taken it upon myself to find out what's out
there. However, our government believes it is a waste of time,
therefore, getting larger ships and more experienced scientists is
impossible. I myself come from a wealthy family, so I joined a small
group and we built our own ships, small in nature, but very fast. This
allows us to explore our region with a reasonable amount of
safety."
"That's
very interesting and quite an undertaking. I commend your
courage."
"Thank
you, I only wish our government would pay more attention to the
wonders and dangers of our nearby space. I simply hope we are prepared
if the A'nari ever decided to attack our planet. I hope our ignorance
isn't our destruction."
Janeway
considered that somberly. She couldn't interfere. It wasn't her
place.
"I
regret I can't be of assistance with that, but I can get my engineers
to take a look at your ship and perhaps get it back into working order
so you can go home." She said lightly.
"That
would be very kind of you, Captain. I would be willing to pay you for
any parts or labor."
Janeway
raised her hand. "That won't be necessary. We don't have much use
for currency and it wouldn't do us much good out here in the Delta
Quadrant anyways."
Mystified,
he stared at her. "You don't use money?"
"Not
exactly, but it’s a long story. In the meantime, if you will assist
my Chief Engineer with your repairs."
"Yes,
of course... but I would be most curious to hear about this
non-currency system your society has developed."
Janeway
grinned at him nodding before leading him out of the room.
Seven
of Nine was working in Engineering when Phalon and the Captain
entered. Seven was pleased to see her Captain. She felt better
when the strong woman was in the vicinity. Seven did not
however, know who the stranger was and went back to her task, since
the Captain was obviously performing her diplomatic duties.
Phalon
appeared impressed with Voyager. "This is a wonderful feat of
engineering, Captain. You must have a very generous government."
"We're
part of an organization called Starfleet. Like you we're explorers
ourselves and this ship is a means to that end."
"Amazing…
" He said as they stopped before a deeply tanned woman with thick
ridges on her forehead and dark brown cropped hair.
The
Captain started talking with her subordinate and Phalon took the time
to survey the area. The air was crisp, clear and their engine room was
very clean, almost spotless considering the amount of equipment and
activity. They were a very disciplined crew and efficient.
There
were computer access points on both sides of the entrance and further
in standalone terminals stationed evenly apart before a cylinder
shaped warp core appeared in the center.
His
eyes followed the long structure until he saw the second level as
well. He scanned the room checking Janeway's crew as they worked.
They were a handsome species, he decided before his eyes froze as they
fell upon her. His intense orbs doing a slow descent of her
figure. She was oddly clad in a tight plum shaded lycra form
fitting suit of sorts and it hugged every part of her body, the
contours of her fine shape screaming to the male parts of him.
"Who
is she… " he breathed out mesmerized and caught the attention
of both officers. Each officer reacted differently inside.
Torres
raised an eye in disdain. Why does everyone have to look at her
like she's the most exquisite thing in the universe?! Is it the blonde
hair? The tight outfit? What? The cold bitchy attitude?!
Janeway
felt her heart palpitating against the insides of her chest. She
suddenly felt she should dislike Phalon, but squashed it aside
concentrating on diplomacy.
"I'm
sorry?"
"The
blonde woman?"
"That's
Seven of Nine, our astrometrics officer."
"Can
I meet her?"
Janeway
couldn't help but smirk. She did have that effect on people.
"Follow me."
Seven
wasn't paying attention when they approached as she was lost in
thought regarding a certain redhead, so she was startled when she
heard the familiar husky voice behind her.
"Seven?"
The
young woman turned around swiftly, "Captain." She greeted
almost nervously, before slamming her normally resigned posture down.
"This
is Phalon," she introduced. "We rescued him recently
and his vessel is in dire need of repair. I thought I should I
introduce you two, since you'll most likely be working together.
Seven
was momentarily caught off guard.
Janeway
clarified. "I would like you to assist B'Elanna in assessing the
extent of the damage."
"Yes,
I will comply." Seven seemed unsettled to Janeway. Did she
like this Phalon?
Phalon
was quite taken with Seven and studied her intently, if a bit
presumptuous. What bothered the Captain was Seven's gazing upon
Phalon's physique. His uniform, though not as form fitting or thin as
hers, clearly showed his endowments. Even Janeway had to admit
he was almost the exact opposite of her, being nicely muscled, but not
overly big, both had blonde hair, tall statures and he was certainly
as handsome as she was beautiful.
She
had raised her implanted eyebrow to his obvious scan of her body and
although she didn't mind it, she followed suit copying his actions,
considering it socially acceptable, appraising him until she noticed it.
She had not seen so much visible before on a male and it peeked her
curiosity.
Propriety
was not always Seven's strong point, but Janeway thought the young
woman could recognize when she was being ogled. This time she didn't
seem to mind and was ogling him back, much to Janeway's dismay.
Seven
and Phalon weren't exactly discreet about it and the silence was
getting to the Captain.
She
cleared her throat. "Well, I'll let you three get to your
repairs." She turned to B'Elanna. "You have my
authorization to use anyone you need."
"Yes,
Captain." B'Elanna said, making eye contact with her Captain. The
half-Klingon thought she saw a flash of emotion before it was gone,
but she couldn't identify it.
Seven
was disappointed the Captain was leaving, but she was intrigued by
this Phalon individual as Lt. Torres came over to get them started on
the repairs.
"The
Warp propulsion system seems intact." B'Elanna remarked as she
looked at the small warp core.
It
was about the size of the Delta Flyer and was quite a little ship. It
had three warp nacelles, which Starfleet stayed away from due to
problems creating a stable warp field bubble.
"This
is an exceptional design. I'm impressed." B'Elanna said
delighted.
"Yes,
it took us years to build. There were only twelve of us."
"I
can imagine." She said shaking her head.
"But
now we have four fully functioning ships." He added with pride.
"The
reactor injectors are functioning optimally," Seven announced,
disregarding their small talk as she scanned a section of the core.
"However, the plasma injectors are empty. I believe there
could be a rupture or blockage in the power transfer conduits."
"The
computer kept warning me about a plasma leak, but I didn't have time
to look for it." Phalon offered.
B'Elanna
thought about it. "Could you take a look at it for me?"
Torres asked Seven.
"Yes,
Lt." She complied, turning to Phalon. "Where can I access
those?"
"Let
me show you," he motioned for her to follow. He started climbing
a ladder on a nearby wall. "Unfortunately, due to expense and
limited materials, we couldn't really build proper access ports."
He explained reaching the top and removing the hatch to get to a small
crawl space.
"I'm
afraid, it's kind of tight in here. I hope you don't mind?"
"No
more so than Voyager's own jeffries tubes." She commented.
He
shrugged giving her a smile and she attempted a slight smile, which
was being watched by a third party.
He
climbed into the crawl space and assisted Seven inside. They crawled
for about five meters before he pointed to an array of wires and
conduits. Some were heavily damaged and others completely burned away.
"The
damage is extensive here. This will take days to repair." Seven
noted as she scanned it, but a simple visual told her that as well.
"I'm
sorry, I didn't mean to be such a burden."
She
eyed him. "It was not your fault. You were attacked."
"You're
right, but what are the odds that I would meet such a kind and
generous people out here?"
Seven
started to remove the damaged wires carefully. "It is… unlikely
that you would, but Captain Janeway is a compassionate leader.
It is her duty to assist those in need."
"Yes,
she is that. She's also caring, considerate, intelligent and she
is a very beautiful woman. That's a precious combination
anywhere. " He said watching Seven work.
Seven
halted in her extrications, for only the briefest of seconds, but
enough to be noticed by the young Phalon. Her ears turned slightly red
and her face expressed affection before sadness crept in and both were
gone.
"Did
I say something wrong?" Phalon asked, curiously.
"Not
all all."
He
looked at her quizzically. "Does it involve Captain Janeway?"
"Does
what involve Captain Janeway?"
"That
emotion that crossed your face." He said lightly.
Seven
was becoming tense with this conversation. "You are
mistaken." She said evenly.
"Perhaps,
but I have met my share of species and I know the signs." He
gently put his hand on her face, the lower cheek and chin and turned
it towards him.
"I
think you are attracted to her. Does she know?"
"What?"
She said stunned both at the question and the delicate touch. Usually
only Captain Janeway touched her and even she hadn't been lately.
"She
seems quite fond of you." He remarked quietly.
Seven
swallowed. For some reason she was aroused and her breathing had
increased. Their faces were only a half-foot apart because of the
tight confines of the tube.
Her
breath caught in her throat. She glanced a look at his lips caught
completely off guard by her feelings towards Janeway, but this
individual had an allure that was enticing.
"Are
you all right?"
"I…
do not know the answer to your question." She said, her voice
quivering.
"I
understand, but remember that you are beautiful. If she cannot or will
not see that… then it is her loss. I can't imagine anyone on this
crew not wanting to acquaint themselves with you."
More
sadness crossed her face. "You would be surprised."
She said regaining her composure.
He
let go of her chin. "Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm
stuck on Voyager for a few days. I have nothing better to do and it
might make you feel better talking to a neutral party."
"Thank
you, that is very generous of you."
"Ah,
think nothing of it. Who wouldn't be delighted to listen to the
problems of such a beautiful woman?"
Seven
felt the heat in her face rise at his comments, but went back to work
to finish quickly. For some odd reason she didn't trust herself
around him in such an enclosed space.
But
his words made her think. She is fond of me? How could he see that
after being onboard for only a few hours? Does she know what I feel?
Do I know what I feel? Could she reciprocate? How will I ever find out
if I stand a chance, if I do not ask?
It
was 19:00 hours that evening.
Seven
was nervous, but she needed to know. Her body felt conflicting
sensations, which led to an array of emotions. She felt a deep need to
clarify those and that brought her to the Captain's door.
"Hello
Seven, what brings you to my door?" Janeway was in a good mood in
Seven's opinion. She was very personable and always welcomed Seven's
discussions. She was in her blue tunic resting on the sofa sipping a
coffee when Seven had arrived. Seven felt that sensation again upon
seeing Janeway even in the subdued lighting. Seven's peripheral
vision easily saw the slight swells to the chest and the way the blue
shirt hugged her torso leading down to tuck into her uniform pants.
"There
is something I would like to ask you Captain. Something has come to my
attention and I need clarification."
Janeway
waved her hand, "I'll do my best."
She
linked her hands behind her back and sturdied her resolve. She would
be direct and to the point.
"Are
you in love with me Captain?" Seven said standing stoically only
two meters in front of her commanding officer.
Seven
heard some choking, then throat clearing and a sigh followed by a
sharp intake of breath.
Janeway
was grateful her quarters were dark at the moment, so she didn't have
to worry about her face betraying her aroused response to the inquiry.
"I'm
sorry Seven." Captain Janeway said succinctly, after she
recovered from the shock of the question.
Seven
took that as a definite 'No,' and surprisingly Seven felt a
tightness in her chest and a heavy weight bear down upon her
shoulders. This was discouragement, she thought. No,
it was more than that. It was deeper, threatening her completeness.
She suddenly needed to be alone to consider it.
"I
am…. sorry too." Seven said evenly, holding onto her borg
inflections at least until she left the older woman's presence.
"Why
did you ask?"
Seven
gave a nice pat answer. "I was curious, nothing more. I hope I
did not offend you Captain. It is sometimes difficult to know
what I should and shouldn't ask when I become fascinated about a
topic. I am sorry to have bothered you with something so
trivial. Good evening, Captain."
Stunned
at Seven's complete reversal in mood, Janeway went to speak, but
nothing came out and she watched with more than regret at the
retreating lithe form leaving her quarters.
Phalon
caught Seven strolling quickly down a corridor on deck 3. "Seven,
would you care to join me on your holodeck? It is a recreation of an
actual place on your home-world called Sandrine's."
"I
have been there before. It is unremarkable." Seven said coldly.
She had been heading for Cargo bay two, her sanctuary of sorts.
She had just left the Captain's quarters and wasn't in the mood for
company.
He
was taken aback. "What about companionship? Don't you have a need
for socializing, friendship?"
"To
what purpose?" Seven said letting her emotions dictate her
response.
He
interpreted her tension and became intentionally mellow. "Well,
I'm sorry to have bothered you. If you change your mind I will be
there for some time." He smiled brightly at her and she felt
momentarily guilty for treating him so rudely. It was not his fault.
She was angry at Janeway.
She
tilted her head and left him heading for her cargo bay.
She
entered the cargo bay and went right to the alcove. She stared
at it for a moment. Considering what it meant to be borg. She
reminisced on what it would have been like to be fully human and never
assimilated. It was futile to speculate. She was borg and
it could not be changed, even if she thought naively that being
completely human would have given her a greater opportunity to be
closer to the one she thought she loved. She was only kidding
herself. She was borg and humans did not love borg. They were
tolerated.
She
stepped into the alcove to let the regeneration sequence take her from
reality and away from her misery.
However,
thirty minutes into the sequence, her subconscious had a mind of its
own and the dream began. Her thoughts turned to a sensual redhead,
standing before her in a state of undress. The visual burning
into Seven caused her mouth to gape open unladylike at Kathryn's
physical beauty.
She
was still in the prime of her life if not considered young anymore.
Yet Seven considered her absolutely stunning. She harbored small
shapely breasts that led to a firm, but rounded stomach and thin
shapely thighs. She started walking towards Seven with a predatory
look in her eyes. Seven looked down, she was nude also!
Seven
could barely breath, she was so transfixed on the image before her.
Finally, Kathryn was before her, putting her index finger on Seven's
still parted mouth. She moved her finger along the young woman's
bottom lip, eliciting a sharp intake of breath.
Seven
was mesmerized, staring dumbfounded, her heart pounding to get out.
Kathryn's
face came closer, a mere inch from hers! Seven stared at the parted
mouth. Fine wine shaded lips breathed into her fuller lips. The breath
was hot as Janeway teased her, sucking on her lower lip. Seven eyes
became heavy lidded and closed.
Then
electrical fires engulfed all around her as a soft wet protrusion
entered her mouth to swirl around her own tongue.
Seven's
body responded rather involuntarily, her hand snaked out to curl
around Janeway's back to pull her closer. Seven pressed into the kiss
with lips moving intently to one another.
Janeway's
hands slid up her torso, rising along her stomach, moving up to grasp
her breasts. She squeezed rubbing the nipples and Seven broke the kiss
to gasp at the overwhelming sensations that coursed through her.
She felt! She wanted! Needed more!
Moving
her second arm around Janeway, she picked up the smaller woman and
leaned in against the blonde's larger taller frame as she struggled
with footing to get them to the nearby bedroom.
Janeway
was kissing her face, stroking her cheek and running her hands through
the blonde hair when they flopped backwards lopsided onto the bed.
Janeway giggled as she fell on top of Seven, their legs hanging off
the sides.
Their
position didn't stop the Captain from indulging. Groaning, she latched
onto a pink nipple and suckled the stiff areola into her mouth,
causing Seven to writhe in ecstasy.
A
hand slinked its way down Seven's chest, passed her stomach to caress
a thigh with an open palm before teasing the wet folds before her sex.
The
young woman trembled in expectation as Janeway entered her. Her senses
were on fire and her body was being assaulted by so much sensation
from Janeway's administrations. Concentration left her and
suddenly, she felt another protrusion added to the one already
thrusting luxuriously inside.
Seven
could not lie still, moaning out her pleasure as Janeway ravaged her
lower extremities in a controlled but eager way. The hand
oscillated inside Seven's moist tunnel. Involuntarily, she thrusted
her hip up to Janeway's plunging fingers.
There
was so much sensation and heat was everywhere, her heart thundered
deeply in her chest, her loins became engorged with blood. She
couldn't keep her eyes open, then explosions seemed to occur behind
her eyes encompassing her very being causing her to convulse oddly.
A feeling of euphoria overcame her as fluids spilled from down below
generously and she screamed.
REGENERATION
CYCLE INCOMPLETE!
Seven
stepped off the dais breathing hard with a decided ache going through
her loins.
What
happened? She had never had such a… a… sensual dream before
with… with her Captain?!
Why
would I dream of her now, like this after the Captain declared that
she did not love me!? What purpose would such a dream serve, except to
tease me with what I can never have? The dream seemed so real. I could
almost feel her and what was that sensation at the end?
Seven
put a weary hand to her head. Of all the times to dream of the
woman she loved, why now, when she needed to forget her!!
She
forced her mind to quiet down, gathering her composure and getting her
breathing and heart rate under control, she decided to join Phalon on
the holodeck. Maybe he would be a nice distraction, since
regenerating wasn't any better than being awake.
Holodeck
One, Sandrine's:
Seven
entered holodeck one and found him at the bar chatting with Chez
Sandrine herself, the female owner of the bistro in Marseilles,
France, except here she was only a holographic presentation of the
real individual.
Seven
strolled over to him, noticing Tom playing a table game known as pool
with Harry. Lt. Torres was there seated at a nearby table. She
had a hand supporting her head watching.
She
stopped behind him. "I apologize for my earlier
behavior." She said to get his attention.
Phalon
turned to greet the melodic voice he'd come to know so well.
"Nonsense,
you did nothing wrong. Besides I sensed you were upset by something,
but I will not intrude upon your privacy this time unless you wished
it."
His
joviality and non-threatening charm was endearing to Seven and put her
at ease, but a cautious glance at her fellow crewmates, suggested she
was uneasy talking about what was bothering her here.
"Have
a seat, Seven."
She
complied readily, but as she sat, she felt the seat move in a circular
way and she put a hand on the bar to steady herself. She wondered why
the seat functioned that way, but quickly disregarded it as trivial.
"I
am glad you changed your mind."
Seven
said nothing, just sat there considering why she had changed her mind.
She decided to study his face and features.
"I
hope I did not offend you when I called both you and your Captain
beautiful."
"No,
you did not." Seven said stiffly. Here was this topic again.
Phalon
saw the trepidation again. "If you wish to discuss what's on your
mind, I don't think they will be able to hear you from over
there."
"It
is difficult for me to discuss such things."
"May
I asked why?"
"It
has to do with my past."
"Your
past?" he questioned, considering. "That has to do
with those metal implants you wear, doesn't it?" he asked
compassionately. He had noticed how oddly functional they appeared to
be and wondered to their purpose. It was obviously not jewelry.
"Yes,"
Seven allowed, but she was agitated.
Phalon
gently put his hand over hers on the bar countertop to convey his
understanding. She did not flinch or removed her hand.
"You
don’t have to tell me if you don't want to, but I think it will help
you feel better and give you a certain amount of clarity if you tell
someone who is impartial." He gave her a gentle smile,
"Besides, I will not judge you or criticize you for anything you
have done in the past. There are things I am not proud of as
well."
Something
about him made Seven open up. Whether it was truly him or the fact
that he would be gone in a few days and no one would be none the
wiser, gave her a sense of security she needed in order to vent her
pent up emotions.
"I
was borg, before I became a member of Voyager's crew. I existed
as a part of billions of voices that spoke in harmony all sharing the
same purpose and goals."
He
listened carefully as she explained her time with the borg. It
was obvious to him that it bothered her lately to be an ex-drone and
she fought an internal battle with it.
"So
you see, something can be said for an emotionless drone with no
independent thoughts of any kind. It prevents complications and
it is… painless." She dropped her head. "What I would give
now to be thoughtless." She said painfully.
"You
don't mean that, Seven." He said firmly. "That's just a
defense mechanism designed to protect you because you're in so much
pain over--"
Seven
raised up her head to glare at him. "What were you going to
say?" She asked adamantly.
"I
shouldn't, it's not my place."
"I
wish to know." Seven said seriously.
"All
right, I'll say this. If your Captain cannot see how beautiful you are
both inside and outside, then she does not deserve you."
Seven
felt tears threaten to overwhelm her. Phalon reached over and hugged
her. She was in such turmoil she didn't really notice. Her
thoughts were of Janeway, but his cheeks were on her ear, warm and
inviting. She felt oddly protected and comforted, just like her
Captain used to do with the occasional touch.
The
erotic dream evaded her mind and the images came back, so when Phalon
moved back away from her, she gripped his face and directed it towards
her almost pulling him off his seat and onto her lap as she kissed him
hard.
His
body was pressed against hers, as she tasted him. He barely kept his
balance with the one-foot he had managed to get to the floor when she
grabbed him. He was more than shocked, but he melted into it
readily and wasn't going to miss such an opportunity that presented
itself so freely.
She
was still aroused from the dream and she sank into the kiss opening
her mouth to his to circle her tongue around seeking his. That's
how Janeway had done it in the dream. She pressed her mouth to his
avidly taking and receiving in the heated kiss totally forgetting
where she was.
"Oh
my god!" Tom exclaimed from across the bar. Harry and B'Elanna
looked and jaws dropped. Harry turned white, B'Elanna was more
composed, but beside herself and Tom looked away pretending to
concentrate on his pool shot. He kept glancing up, not being able to
help himself.
Seven
suddenly opened her eyes. This was not Janeway she was kissing.
The texture was all wrong. The skin was courser, almost roughly
bristled, the lips not as tender. Stop! Her mind shouted! She
pushed him away so suddenly that he fell back onto his stool and
almost toppled off it as it turned on him.
"This
is… inappropriate. I am in error!" She apologized running
from the holodeck.
"Well,
well, well," B'Elanna said amused. Now she had something to tease
the arrogant borg with. "Looks like Seven's attracted to
someone and doesn't know how to handle it."
Harry
frowned and Tom just looked at his wife dazed.
Phalon
was abashed because he was only trying to help, but he couldn't help
the grin that grew on his face. She was marvelous, he gave her
that. He had images of his own floating inside his mind of what he
could do to such a beautiful woman.
Rumors
spread quickly throughout the USS Voyager being such a small ship with
only a capacity of 150. So it was of no wonder that information good
or bad traveled so fast and to all ears, welcome or not.
Janeway
was sitting on the bridge going through the motions because nothing
was happening when it finally reached her ears.
Chakotay
came onto the bridge with a smirk on his face and took his seat,
checking sensors all the while chuckling to himself.
Janeway
stared at him. "Mind telling me what's so amusing
Commander?"
"You
wouldn't believe me."
"Try
me," she said with a grin, leaning towards him.
"Well,
apparently Tom, Harry and Torres witnessed your protégé kissing
Phalon in the holodeck while they were playing pool."
"My
protégé?"
"Seven!"
Chakotay reminded her enthusiastically.
Janeway's
gaze darkened. She became immediately serious. "What kind of
kiss?"
"I
don’t know, but I was told it was… involved."
Janeway
frowned. Jealousy reared its ugly head in her heart.
"Something
wrong?" Chakotay sensed his Captain was not pleased with this
news.
"I'm
concerned about Seven. She's not familiar with certain
overtures."
"Perhaps,
but I think she understands the nature of… you know… that."
Not
pleased, Janeway turned to him sharply, giving him the Look.
"She's still naïve and I want to make sure he's not taking
advantage of that. If you don’t mind, I'm going to check on
her. You have the bridge."
"Uh,
not all at, Captain." Chakotay stammered but she had already
left. He wondered what he said to upset her so much. He
knew they had a close bond, but she seemed to overreact, it was just a
kiss, well maybe an intense one, but didn't Seven deserve to loosen up
a bit.
He
shrugged it off as overprotective nonsense.
Janeway
entered Sandrine's and located Tom and company quickly.
"Can
I speak to you for a minute, Tom?"
"Uh,
sure." He excused himself from Harry and B'Elanna, but he
couldn't help but notice the stiff tone of his Captain and the lines
of tightness on her face.
After
they moved away to a more secluded section of the bar, Janeway started
plowing questions his way.
"What
exactly happened between Seven and Mr. Phalon?"
Tom
wasn't sure he should answer.
"Maybe
you should ask Seven."
"I
will, but now I'm asking you."
She
had her arms crossed and her brows were curled. "I just
want to make sure Seven's all right and that his… intentions are
honest ones."
"No
offense, Captain, but she kissed him, maybe you should ask her what
her intentions are. She seemed to know what she was doing."
Janeway's
gaze hardened and he immediately regretted what he said. "Still,
she may not understand the repercussions of such an act, Mr.
Paris."
"Yes,
ma'am," He agreed. "You should probably talk to Phalon
too." He suggested hoping to get away from that hard stare.
"I'll
do that, thank you." She said, but it was icy and sent a chill
down Tom's spine as he watched his Captain leave with a puzzled
expression on his face. He went to tell his friends waiting for
him at the pool table.
Janeway
entered the Cargo bay trying to get her nerves to calm down. She saw
Seven working at her console and taking a deep breath joined her.
"Hello
Seven."
"Captain,"
Seven stopped whatever it was she was doing.
Ok,
now that I have her attention what do I say?
"I
was wondering if you're all right." Janeway asked while
pretending interest in Seven's console readings.
"I
am fine, Captain."
"Are
you sure?"
"Yes,"
Seven's brow curled. "Is there some reason I wouldn't be?"
Janeway
could feel the tension in her shoulders, but she had come here to
check up on the young woman so she had to be honest.
"I…
heard what happened and I was just wondering if you were ok?"
Seven
still did not know what Janeway was referring to. "I don't
understand?"
"The
holodeck, weren't you at Sandrine's?"
A
slight shade of pink engulfed Seven's features, but her expression
remained stoic and almost hardened by Janeway's perceptions.
"I'm
fine."
"Well,
you let me know if he bothers you, ok?"
"He
is not bothering me." She said somewhat defensively, You are
bother me?! Seven's mind screamed inside her.
Janeway
peered into Seven's eyes at the reply.
"I'm
glad." Janeway said. The air inside the cargo bay got stuffy.
The auburn haired officer didn't know what else to say so she took a
chance hoping to hell she was wrong.
"Do
you have…. feelings for him, Seven?"
Seven
put her hands behind her back and stiffened. "I do not believe
that is any of your concern."
Janeway
looked away and studied some cargo containers. She didn't want the
younger woman to see the disheartened gaze in her eyes. It is
my fault. I pushed her away and made her believe a lie to hide the
truth. I didn't think she was ready. God! What if I'm wrong?!
"You're
right. I didn't mean to put you on the spot or make you angry."
"You
did not," The tone was still stiff.
"Well
I'm sure you would tell me if you were."
"Yes."
Came the clipped response.
"Carry
on." The Captain said and left swiftly for letting that go so
badly. She could've kicked herself for a fool.
Seven
was livid as she watched her Captain exit. Did Phalon talk to Captain
Janeway about her? She seemed unsettled and edgy. Of
course, there were other crewmen in Sandrine's when it happened, but
she did not think they would so readily go and tell their Captain
about a kiss on the holodeck. Even if it was socially impolite in a
public area, B'Elanna and Tom had been guilty of that on dozens of
occasions.
Satisfied
that it had to be Phalon, she inquired as to his whereabouts.
"Phalon
is located in the VIP quarters."
She
headed there immediately to demand an explanation.
"What
have you told Captain Janeway?" She demanded upon receiving the
ok to enter the guest quarters.
"What?!"
Phalon said astonished at the question before he even had a chance to
greet her.
"You
talked to the Captain about me, did you not?"
"No,
I didn't. Why would you think that I did?"
Seven
tilted her head. "She came to me and asked me if I was all right
and then asked if I had feelings for you."
"Really?"
He hadn't expected that kind of directness from Janeway, but it would
prove his suspicions accurately. "So are you all right? Do you
have… feelings for me?"
"Yes
and no."
"I
see."
"So…
you did not tell her?"
"I
did not talk to her at all, but what I don't understand is why you
didn't take the chance to tell her how you feel."
"I
could not." Seven said her anger at him dissipating.
"I'm
sorry about what happened, but it wasn't my fault. I have the distinct
feeling you don't kiss people very often. Your Captain probably
just overheard someone talking about it."
"Perhaps,"
Seven replied not happy about that idea.
"Do
you mind if I have a drink?
"No."
He
was about to make one when she had stormed in so vehemently. He
came back from the replicator with a glass full of pure synthehol.
Seven
was still standing there, her expression serious.
"Would
you like to sit down?"
She
studied him, he was very unassuming and not threatening. She decided
that perhaps she could learn from this experience. She sat down next
to him a few feet between them so she would not be tempted to kiss him
and rested her hands in her lap.
"I
wish to ask you a personal question."
"Go
ahead." He leaned back in the sofa.
"Did
you enjoy it?"
He
chuckled, "Was that your… first?"
"Not
exactly, I kissed a hologram once."
"Well,"
He smirked. "It was very nice, but if you don't mind my asking.
If you have no… feelings for me, why did you kiss me?"
She
looked down at her hands, "I am not entirely certain, but I
believe I was thinking of someone else at the time."
"I'm
sure you were." He said, holding his mirth inside and drinking
his beverage. "but don't worry, I'll take those worries
away."
She
looked at him quizzically, his tone holding a suggestive quality to
the words. She heard a hiss and began to get drowsy before she
flopped over unconscious onto his lap. He stroked her beautiful
hair, marveling at how lovely a creature she was, yet so naïve. He
would never have had a chance with her otherwise, he reasoned, her
heart belonged to Janeway, even if she couldn't acknowledge it to the
older woman.
Seven
opened her eyes to gaze upon a white ceiling above her. She
tried to move, but couldn't. She felt panic rise inside her, but
still could do nothing. Straining her eyes, she saw sheets and pillows
to the side. Seven was on a bed. How did she get there?! She
remembered visiting Phalon, but… had she left?
She
did not recall leaving. She tried to see if he was around, but
couldn't look very far. She was unable to move or speak. Fear
rose in her throat as she glimpsed her arms and hands. Where was her
biosuit? Was she undressed?! Normally that state would not bother her,
but with the inability to move she felt strangely vulnerable and
uneasy.
Then
he appeared in the doorway. Seven's hope was crushed as she saw the
look in his eyes. It was similar to Janeway's look from the
dream, lustful, predatory and hungry. Only from him it wasn't welcome.
"How
are you feeling?"
She
couldn't answer.
"Oh,
I forgot I blocked your speech centers. One moment." He moved
next to her and pressed a hypospray to her neck. Obviously her being
incapacitated was intentional. Whatever drug he had used, it did its
job effectively, just like he had planned. He must have removed
her clothing earlier and deposited her on the bed. Seven had a
sinking feeling that she knew exactly what the humanoid had planned
for her to her horror.
"Ok,
the muscles to your face and your vocal cords should work now."
She
tried to remain calm. Perhaps she could reason with him.
"Why
have you done this?"
"Isn't
it obvious? You need it. Your so repressed, Seven. You've had such a
pleasureless existence."
"You
expect me to believe this is for my benefit." She spat at him
angrily.
"Well,
partly, but I… I just have never seen such a wondrous creature
before." She watched his gaze linger down her body. Then
his cool hand touched her right arm and slid down to her human hand.
She
gasped. Apparently her body had sensation, just not mobility.
"You
can feel that. Good. I wouldn't want this to be pleasureless."
"What
are your intentions?!" She asked fearful.
He
moved on top of her, but she saw he was still fully clothed. He
threw one leg over her torso and rested gingerly on her stomach
straddling her.
"What
do you think?" He said leaning over to kiss her without her
consent. His lips met hers and he probed for entrance with his tongue,
but she bit his lip.
"No!"
"Damn!"
he slapped her across the face. "I'll numb your muscles again for
that!"
He
got off of her and headed for the ensuite to check his wound. She
considered screaming, but who would hear her before he gagged her
again with his drugs.
He
came back out and his cut was gone. He apparently had access to a
dermal regenerator.
He
folded his arms staring at her in disdain before a wide smile creased
his face. He removed his outer jacket to reveal a looser fitting
cotton type shirt. He started to remove his pants, which made Seven
very angry.
"I'll
kill you if you touch me."
He
froze and looked into her eyes discerning the validity of the threat
but fully realizing she couldn't make good on it at the moment.
Then
a chime occurred.
His
face changed into panic and he moved quickly pressing a hypospray to
Seven's neck before she could react. Not that anyone would've heard
her through the walls or the door, but he didn't want to risk it.
"Nooo!"
She started to say, but her voice trailed off into nothing and she was
completely helpless again.
"I'll
be right back." He kissed her on the cheek and fixed his pants
before heading into the main room.
Seven
heard the Captain's voice, but the fast acting drug prevented her from
forming any sounds or even moving her lips.
She
couldn't do anything. She couldn't pound on the bed with her hands or
bang her head against the wall. She could only lie there and wait
while listening.
"Phalon."
"Captain,"
he said politely. "What brings you here, I was just about to lie
down and get some rest."
"My
Chief Engineer says the damage to your vessel isn't as extreme as we
first thought and it should be ready by tomorrow morning."
Janeway was probably being a bit over protective in telling this to
him at 21:30, but since Seven had an interest in him, the sooner he
left the better.
"Thank
you, Captain. Your crew is extremely efficient. I'm sure it would've
taken me days to repair it myself."
"We
help whenever we can." Janeway said, but her tone turned pensive.
"There's something else I wanted to ask you and I hope you're not
offended, but I need to ask anyways."
"By
all means."
"I
heard what happened in the holodeck between you and Seven of
Nine." She said not asking a question yet, but letting him
explain if he chose to before she asked his intentions.
"That
was a misunderstanding I'm afraid. I was simply trying to console her
when she kissed me. She later apologized for it and left the bar.
I don't know why she felt the need to apologize, although unexpected,
I found it quiet enjoyable."
Janeway
tried hard to keep her face diplomatic, concentrating on his words not
the jealousy. "You consoled her? Was she upset about
something?"
"I
believe so, but she wouldn't elaborate on the specifics, but she told
me about her time with the borg and how she came onboard Voyager.
The resentment towards her from the crew and so forth."
"Resentment?
I didn't think she would still feel that way after all this time.
Did she mention any names?"
He
shook his head.
"I
would have liked to know if anyone was making things difficult for
her. They don't understand what she's been through and can be careless
with their words. I know it hasn't been easy for her… and I've
tried to help… "
Janeway
felt sorrowful at Seven's hardships.
"You
care for her very much, don't you?"
"Yes,
I care for all of my crew."
"But
it's different with her, isn't it. You're very protective of
her."
Janeway
crossed her arms. "I suppose I am, but she's been through a lot.
It's not easy adjusting to becoming human after 18 years in the
collective."
Phalon
said nothing and grabbed his unfinished synthehol glass, gulping the
rest of it.
"I'm
also her friend." And wish I was her lover despite my
Captaincy, she thought before shaking the sinful idea from her
head, but it did not go unnoticed.
"That
must be very difficult being her friend and her Captain. It's a good
thing you're not lovers." He said lightly as if in a joking
manner, but Janeway's whitish face suggested he had hit on something.
The sharp intake of breath from her told Phalon his hunch was right.
"I…
suppose you could… look at it that way."
"I
didn't mean to put you on the spot Captain, I was making a…
joke."
She
managed a smile then, "Of course. I suppose you are tired. Good
night, Phalon."
Seven
shouted in her mind what she could not verbalize. CAPTAIN!!
"Good
night Captain."
She
couldn't hear anymore. The conversation must have ended. No!
KATHRYN!! Please… Do not leave me….
But
the Captain couldn't hear and the swoosh of the door was heard before
Phalon appeared.
The
conversation took all but fifteen minutes.
"Well
good news!" he said standing in the doorway leaning on the frame.
"Apparently, my ship will be ready by tomorrow morning. All
I have to do is keep you sedated until them and I'll be long gone
before anybody suspects anything." He studied her long lithe form
marveling at its symmetry. "But I don't think you really meant
it, Seven. I don't think you really want to kill me." He reasoned
with himself.
"You're
just sexually repressed and you need to strike out. I understand that.
It's not like you can shout at your Captain, she'll just toss you in
the brig. So, I guess I can let it slide depending on how well you
satisfy me tonight."
The
idea was revolting to her to say the least and she felt ashamed, not
understanding why she would feel such an emotion.
This
act of intimacy was reserved for another… with another, if Seven
ever got the courage to try to speak with her again. This encounter
was all wrong and should not be happening.
This
was all she had left of her innocence, in her opinion. The borg had
taken everything else from her identity. Now this man wanted to take
her virginity. It was unacceptable.
"You're
so beautiful," he said five minutes later after he had loosened
his clothes up and jumped back on top of her. He ran his hands down
her arms.
Seven
considered that the oddest and most crazed thing she had ever heard
someone say to her. She did NOT feel beautiful at that moment.
She felt violated!
"If
I am so beautiful to you why are you doing this to me?"
He
looked at her then, gazing into her lovely face. "That is why I
am doing it! I am overcome by your beauty, your innocence. I promise I
will not hurt you. I will only give you pleasure."
"I
do NOT require your pleasure."
He
frowned, "Really? You seemed to enjoy it earlier… before you
backed out with that ridiculous excuse." He grimaced. "You
know you want it, why not give in and simply enjoy the
experience."
"I
do not want this experience with you."
He
smirked, "Oh, but you will want it, in awhile. You'll even beg me
for it and you'll enjoy it very much."
"You
will be punished for this. Captain Janeway will find out and she will
be very upset... to say the least."
"I'm
sure she would be, if only you knew… but it doesn't matter because
she's not going to find out and you know why? …Because you're not
going to say anything. You see, the entire crew thinks we're an
item. A couple of crew members saw us kissing in the holodeck I
believe."
"I
did not mean to do that."
"Ah,
but you instigated it and didn't break away immediately did you? That
was some kiss." He questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I
was not myself!"
"It
doesn't matter, the crew saw it and the drug in your system will be
inert and undetectable in a matter of hours. What exactly will
you tell your Captain? That I, raped a strong healthy ex-borg? She'll
simply think you regretted the repercussions of the act you
participated in willingly and that you're confused…" And
Janeway's own emotions will prevent her from even considering the
truth, Phalon thought.
"I'll
kill you!" She threatened again.
"Go
ahead and try! You know how your Captain will react to this, don't
you. Even for an act such as this, she won't kill me. So
do you think Captain Janeway would let you? I have no doubt you
can kill me if you got the chance. But hypothetically, if you were
successful, you would spend the rest of your life in the brig and it
wouldn't change that I'll always be your first. You'll never be
able to change that and you'll never know what it would have been like
to touch her for yourself. After that, she wouldn't even
consider you…"
Seven's
eyes would have burned holes into the alien's face if the intensity
factor could be counted. Then it turned into sadness and fear
that this was indeed going to happen. No one would rescue her. Tears
came down her cheek.
"Yes,
I'm aware of your intense infatuation with the Captain. It's
hard to miss. You can pretend I'm her if you wish. Either way, lie
back and enjoy the ride."
He
reached for her breasts caressing the sides slowly before he teased
her nipples with a finger tip.
"NO!"
Seven shouted. Why is my body behaving this way!? I am not
attracted to him. I am revolted by him!
"You
will enjoy this… " He said.
Seven
hissed out her frustration. Turning her head to the side, she clenched
her teeth together, praying for some kind of intervention. Her face
hardened into a mask of fury that she couldn't act on.
Captain
Janeway, took off her outer command red jacket leaving on only her
tunic as she started to relax after a long day on duty. Something was
bothering her though and she was restless over it. Should I
talk to Seven?
She
figured Seven would probably be regenerating and if she wasn't would
she really want to speak with her overprotective jealous Captain.
Oh
hell!
"Computer
location of Seven of Nine."
"Seven
of Nine's combadge is currently non-functional."
That
was odd.
"Computer,
location of borg bio-lifesigns."
"The
only Borg bio-signature located on Voyager is on Deck 3, VIP
Quarters."
Janeway's
head sharply came about to stare at the wall. On the other side of
that wall was the VIP quarters. They were adjacent to her and almost
exact in design. Phalon had been assigned recently to those
quarters.
Asking
the computer Seven's whereabouts had started as an innocent diversion
from her unease and it made her feel better when she knew where the
borg was. Then the Captain could picture the lovely young woman at her
post or know when she was regenerating, so she could visit
unannounced. Just now, she had simply considered talking to the
young woman.
She
had not meant to intrude on the young woman's privacy, but now that
she did it was too late to undo as the green-eyed monster reared its
ugly head in Janeway's heart.
A
darkness transcended over her gaze. The wall would have burst into
flames it if could.
Her
eyes narrowed viciously.
What
would Seven being doing in Phalon's quarters at
22:00?! And why would she disable her combadge unless…
Janeway
swallowed hard.
Unless
she didn’t want to be detected or disturbed!?
Janeway
paced her quarters frantically, unruly thoughts cascading over her.
At
first, she was shocked. She hadn't realized Seven was that far along
in her emotional development.
What
if I had said 'yes', would I be the lucky one right now? Oh God! I
can't believe I just thought that. So, what!? Look at what your
dealing with now because you refuse to admit it!
Shit!
Then came anger. At Seven for doing this, herself for allowing
it, her duty for preventing her. Fuck!
Jealousy!?
I'm jealous.
I
made her believe I didn't love her because I thought she wasn't ready.
Janeway put her hand on her hip. Well, if she's having sex, she's
certainly ready!!
Janeway
paced the room, like a caged lioness.
Images
and visuals cascaded over her mind tormenting her. She clenched
her fists together tightly. His hands on her skin, trailing down
to her thighs. She clenched her teeth as her breathing became erratic.
His lips on hers, his… Son of a…
The
thought of him touching her there was too much to bear. I
have to find her!
With
a growl emanating from deep within her throat, She threw on her
command jacket and stalked down the hallway.
There
was only one way out of this mess. Seven would have to lie.
She
would say that she killed him in the heat of the moment during a
rather hectic sexual encounter. That she lost control of her borg hand
and choked him to death. That was illogical to say the least, but she
had no other defense.
The
Captain was not in love with Seven so it would not hurt her too badly.
She would be disappointed in Seven and be forced to punished her, but
that would be it. Seven's future would be isolation and utter
loneliness. What other excuse could I use? Or should I say nothing
and refuse to cooperate?
Once
she had regained full use of her muscles, she had removed her body
from under Phalon's and dressed. She threw a sheet over his
body, not able to look at his semi-nude state without the feelings of
guilt and shame overcoming her.
She
affixed her re-enabled combadge to her biosuit, but she could not
bring herself to contact Tuvok or security or even sickbay. She
knew he was dead, but something inside her was terrified and would not
let her call anyone.
So
Seven sat on the bed completely confused and contemplating what she
should do.
Janeway
chimed for admittance to the VIP quarters, while fidgeting with her
hands. Just before she chimed she asked the computer again. Seven was
still there.
Upon
receiving no reply, Janeway smacked the chimer again. Seconds passed,
when her impatience got the best of her, she overrode the codes and
entered the room.
She
stormed into the main room and looked around. Finding no one, she
headed for the bedroom and stopped in her tracks as she walked through
the doorway.
Seven
of Nine was sitting on the bed staring at Phalon who looked very dead.
The
young woman did not acknowledge her presence, but she must have heard
the Captain enter.
"Seven?"
Janeway demanded. "What the hell happened here?!"
Seven
slowly stood up and looked at Janeway with as much composure as she
could. She would not cry for him, but the astonishment on her
Captain's face almost made her.
Seven
realized in horror what this truly looked liked. Phalon was on
his side in a state of half dress, his shirt untucked, his pants were
down at his knees and his underwear half off. Seven managed to cover
his member with a sheet as she couldn't stand to see it. It disgusted
her. The sheets were muffed up as well making it look like something
passionate happened earlier.
Janeway,
red faced and all, stalked up to the younger woman. "Answer me!
What happened here!?"
Seven
moved her jaw as if to speak then decided against it, giving her
Captain an indifferent glare.
"I
have to call security, Seven. This is your chance to tell me
what happened before Tuvok questions you."
"I
believe your duty is clear, Captain."
Janeway
did what she had to do. Her heart was breaking every step of the way.
After
Seven was deposited in the brig, the body transported to sickbay, the
Doctor ordered to autopsy it and give Seven a complete physical,
Janeway sat down with Tuvok and Chakotay.
"I
don’t understand, why would Seven do something like that?"
Chakotay asked truly shocked.
"Perhaps,
she lost control of her borg strength." Tuvok offered.
"You've
got to be kidding me!" Janeway said loudly. "What? During
sex?! Do you honestly think, she would be that careless."
Tuvok
only raised a brow, "I am merely stating the possible outcomes of
such an event."
Janeway
sighed. "Well, there's nothing we can do now without any
evidence. We have to wait on the Doctor's examination of Seven's
mental and physical condition and the autopsy. In the meantime,
Commander, I want you to take a team and have that room checked for
any speck of evidence. I want to know what happened in
there."
She
turned to Tuvok. "Tuvok, I want you to check the alien's shuttle
craft for anything unusual. Try and find the location of his home
planet."
She
paused her face grave. "I'll be in the brig."
Janeway
stood before the brig, watching Seven. She dismissed the young Ensign
guarding as soon as she arrived. This discussion was going to be
very personal. They needed to be alone.
The
young woman didn't look up when the Captain had entered. She was lying
down on the bed provided and staring at the ceiling.
"Hello
Seven."
"Captain."
The voice was passive.
"Has
the doctor seen you yet?"
"No,"
Seven replied. "Why?"
"He
needs to examine you. For any signs of abnormal mental or
physical trauma."
Seven
shot up to a sitting position clearly and met her superior officer's
gaze.
"Do
I look damaged to you?"
"Not
that I can see, but sometimes… damage can be internal or emotional.
That's much harder to diagnose."
Seven
wordlessly agreed with that assessment.
"Tell
me what happened Seven." Janeway asked politely.
Seven
did not speak.
"All
right, we're still investigating, but let me tell you what it looks
like from our point of view. At around 20:00, you entered his quarters
for whatever reasons. About one hour and thirty minutes later, I
myself visited those same VIP quarter around 09:30 hours. I talked to
Phalon for say twenty minutes."
"At
22:00, I inquired at to your whereabouts and I was told your combadge
was de-activated. I did a borg bio-lifesign search utilizing the
computer. You were obviously in the VIP quarters. We recently
found out that your combadge was de-activated at 08:30."
Janeway
paused gathering a breath. "This tells me you were there at 09:30
when I visited Phalon, however, I didn't see you. Were you in the
bedroom, the ensuite? You were there weren't you?"
Seven
lied back down on the bed and put her left arm over behind her head.
Janeway
paced the outer area of the brig. "No signs of struggle were
present on you. You are uninjured and based on what was seen
earlier of your behavior on the holodeck with regards to Mr. Phalon,
this leads me to only one possible conclusion."
Janeway
paused.
"Are
you really expecting me to believe that you went to his room to have
sex and then in the throes of passion crushed and snapped his
neck!" The words hurt to speak and caused an array of bad
images to creep into Janeway's mind. Could Seven kill in the
throes of ecstasy? Somebody please tell me it isn't so?!
"I
refuse to believe that."
"Very
well." Seven said. "I attempted to seduce him. He would not
comply, therefore I killed him. Does that satisfy your
curiosity." Seven stated.
"I
don't find this humorous one bit, Seven." Janeway said chilled.
"Do
you see me laughing, Captain?"
"I'm
not going to play this game with you? Tell me what really
happened."
"I
killed him."
"Why?"
"He
got on my… nerves."
"I
don’t buy it."
"I
did not like him."
"Honestly
Seven, even you could be more creative than that."
"I
apologize for disappointing you."
"Damn
you! That's not enough, I need an explanation!"
"I
cannot give you one."
"You
mean you won't."
Seven
was silent.
"Dammit
Seven. I have to convene a hearing because of this."
More
silence.
"This
could go to trial. By not cooperating, you acquiesce your guilt. One
of two things happened. Either you killed this alien by accident
or on purpose. Which is it?"
Janeway
listened somberly as the EMH explained what he had found.
"I
don't have much Captain, she wasn't very cooperative." He
complained.
"I
know," she waved him to continue.
"Seven's
hormonal count was high, which suggests she was aroused… but she did
not have sex with Phalon or anybody else. She is in fact,
still… uh… wholesome." He cleared his throat. "I
found no signs of any physical abuse or any foreign substances.
She is, 'fit as a fiddle'." He added with a giggle.
Janeway
was not amused.
"As
for her mental state," he continued more seriously.
"She said very little to me and mostly ignored me so I did a
brain scan, which did revealed something. She apparently is
suffering from a significantly elevated chemical imbalance in her
brain. It's not severe… yet, but it can be debilitating to the
barer. She's suffering from Situational depression."
"Usually
it's a state of mind that's triggered by a recent event, which is
traumatizing to the patient, but not lasting longer than three
months."
"How
do we help her?"
"Well,
therapy and medication are usually used, but she's not responding to
the first and the second is only a short term solution if the
underlying cause is not discovered, it could return, maybe leading to
clinical depression. It's hard to say as psychology is NOT my
strong point."
"Than
you, Doctor." She said and dismissed him.
They
held the trial in the conference room.
Since
Seven had refused to give her side of the story, and no mitigating
circumstances could be found to justify her actions, she was accused
of murder.
Janeway
asked for volunteers to defend Seven and Harry volunteered for the job
feeling sorry for the young woman he had a severe crush on years back.
Secretly, he still adored her, but knew she would never reciprocate.
In his heart, however, she would always have a place, as a special
friend of his and he'd be damned if he'd let her go down without a
fight, despite the fact that she wouldn't defend herself. He didn't
believe the evidence. He thought she was innocent, but couldn't
place his finger on it like so many of his other officers, especially
the Captain, who refused what the evidence so clearly showed.
Tuvok
was the prosecutor and as his duty, Harry knew he would be relentless
in achieving the truth and following regulations, which didn’t leave
much room for leniency.
Janeway
refused to be the Judge Advocate to make the ruling, citing she too
closely affected by her personal relationship with Seven.
She
handed the responsibility to Chakotay, who didn't want it either, but
agreed.
Both
sides gathered what little information they had to prepare their
cases, utilizing the EMH's medical reports, the data gathered from the
alien's shuttle craft and the room the crime took place in, but the
latter two held no real updates and both were forced to improvise.
Tuvok's
case was almost clear cut, since the young woman wasn't assisting her
council. Harry Kim gave Seven specific instructions on what to say and
how to respond to certain questions and she followed that advice
mostly until Tuvok's final question.
"Why
did you kill Phalon?"
At
first it looked like she wasn't going to answer, then she blurted it
out calm and cool. "It was necessary."
Even
Tuvok was surprised at her admittance, never the less, the case was
over now and he had won. She admitted her guilt and Chakotay's
face sunk as he called the room to order to give out the verdict much
to Janeway's chagrin.
"I'm
sorry, Seven." Chakotay stood up. "You have been found
guilty of murder. You are to remain in solitary confinement…
indefinitely… or until we reach earth, which ever comes first."
Despite,
Janeway's emotional reaction and the watery eyes, she dared a look at
Seven. A compassionate glare, which Seven met with piercing
intensity. Janeway shook her head and lip-synced the word 'why'.
Seven turned her face away, in shame as two guards escorted her out of
the room.
Tuvok
entered the Ready Room with a PADD containing efficiency reports when
his Captain blurted out a question.
"You
don't know do you?" Janeway asked Tuvok as she sat dejectedly
holding her face in her hands. She had been between her Ready Room and
her quarters for the last few days, despairing over her personal loss.
The love she thought someday, she would be able to show and give.
Even if Seven reciprocated, that wasn't a possible future now, despite
her damn Captaincy, regulations, or her fear.
"To
what are you referring to?"
"Never
mind." She meant the truth of her feelings, but she shouldn't be
sharing that with him. It was so difficult to focus, knowing she was
alone. She watched him as he spoke, and then put the PADD down for her
review. She would review it later.
Tuvok
did not leave however, and tilted his head at his Captain. Seeing her
distant gaze, he sensed that his Captain was unsettled and her
efficiency was being effected by the lack of focus on her duties of
late. He attempted to assist regardless on how much he did not enjoy
these types of conversations.
"Are
you referring to the situation with Seven of Nine?"
"Not
exactly," she said gazing at a PADD.
"Captain
I would be remiss in my duties, if I did not point out how distracted
you have been lately. However, Seven has disappointed all of us.
It is conceivable that you would be the most affected. After
all, you have a unique bond with her that we lack. Even from the
beginning, you have seen a potential in her that the Commander and
myself did not. This has the ability to cause emotional
difficulties."
"Emotional
difficulties… " She echoed quietly, but she still wasn't able
to read a single word on the PADD being so distracted.
"Captain,
it is not your fault." Tuvok said in support, noticing her
disquieted voice.
"I'm
aware of that."
"Then
what is bothering you, Captain?"
"We
just convicted her to a lifetime of solitude for the rest of her life.
She has difficulties with being alone as it is... now she has to deal
with complete isolation? Tell me that's fair."
"It
is not… fair. However, she made no attempt to defend herself and we
followed--"
"I
don't care about how we followed the rules, the regulations and
everything correctly. The fact remains, something doesn't add up and
she's going to pay a heavy price for it."
"Then
you do not believe she had sexual relations prior to killing
him."
"The
Doctor already confirmed that she wasn't touched… " Janeway
hesitated for a moment. "…there."
"But
he also concluded she had elevated hormonal levels, which indicated
she had engaged in the initial stages of the act."
Janeway
glared at him, jealousy and ire over his suggestion, in her eyes, but
she couldn't deny it, so she said nothing.
"I
am puzzled. We did everything possible for Seven, despite her lack of
cooperation. We investigated the case from every conceivable angle and
came to the only conclusion possible based on the available data, yet
you are not content with the results."
"I'm
in LOVE WITH HER!! Dammit!" Janeway finally admitted loudly to a
slightly raised dark brown brow. "How could I be content with the
results… "
"As
Captain you have no choice. Your duty is clear and--"
"Lt.
Commander, I don't NEED a lecture from you on protocols. I
accept my feelings and I accept my duty. What I don't accept is
NOT knowing WHY?"
"Indeed,
on that… we agree."
"Good!
Because I'm not finished yet. Tell Mr. Paris to turn the ship around.
We going to find this… Inegria home planet of Phalon's."
It
took a week before they found the planet. The people of the planet
seemed very apprehensive when the Captain had contacted them from
orbit.
She
settled for bringing a diplomat up to the ship as the Inegrians did
not want to risk widespread panic if they were seen on their planet.
They were not familiar with visitors or aliens species preferring to
keep their existence somewhat isolated rather than join the outer
universe. Janeway wondered briefly how they managed to do that in the
Delta Quadrant where instability reigned.
Anxious
for new leads, she quickly invited an alien named Chancellor Ardon.
He was a diplomat from the main continent and part of the ruling
government of the planet. She wasted no time in gathering
information from him.
"I'm
looking for information regarding an individual named Phalon, he's an
explorer--"
"Phalon!?"
the Chancellor said at the far end of the table.
"You
know him?"
"Know
him? He's the leader of those rich brats who think they can just do
anything they want and influence our society to fit their irrational
delusions about space travel."
"What
can you tell me about him?" Janeway asked ignoring Ardon's
complaints.
The
Chancellor looked from Tuvok to Chakotay and back to the Captain.
"Is he bothering you? Have his engines failed again?"
A
shadow crossed Janeway's face. "What do you mean again?"
"We
don't deal with aliens frequently, but ever since Phalon and his band
of would be explorers have launched their ships, we have been
receiving complaints and accusations regarding his behavior, but none
it has ever been substantiated."
"What
kind of accusations?" She bent forward in her chair intently.
"I'm
not at liberty to say. It’s a private affair between them and the
accused."
"I
need to know. Phalon is dead and one of my crew is apparently
responsible."
It
was his turn to be hard. "Are you telling me that one of your
people is responsible for the death of one of our citizens?"
Janeway
did not like the tone he had. His obvious dislike for Phalon and his
free band of explorers apparently did not exclude him from being
protected by that same government.
"I'm
afraid so."
"Then
I must inform you that you are obligated to hand over the criminal to
us so justice can be served."
"She
has already been tried and convicted in compliance with our laws and
traditions."
"Yes,
but she hasn't killed one of YOUR citizens."
Janeway
tapped her fingers lightly on the table. "I need to find out why.
I don't believe everything is as it appears. I need your help to fill
in the blanks."
"Fill
in what blanks? Does your crewman deny the act?"
"No."
Chancellor
Ardon sighed. "I don't see your dilemma, Captain."
"Our
Captain is merely trying to ascertain why our crewman who has shown no
such tendencies to violence would suddenly commit such an act."
Tuvok explained. "She refused our assistance to defend her,
an unlikely attitude even for her."
"Perhaps
she is guilty."
"NO!"
Janeway roared. "Something else occurred and I will not forsake
her until I find out the truth!"
Ardon
pursed his lips tightly together. "I take it you have no
intentions of handing her over to us?"
Janeway
sat back down, stapling her hands. "It's not that simple. I have
the prime directive to consider." She said quietly.
"That's
interesting, Captain. Despite the young man's rich heritage and
influence, our government does not have the ability to stop you if you
just decided to leave our system."
"Now
that I'm here speaking with you, I become liable if I disregard your
laws." She informed him. "Isn't there something, anything
you can tell me about this Phalon."
"Very
well. I can't tell you specifics, I'm forbidden by the regulations of
my government, but I can tell you he's a charmer and a womanizer. At
first appearances, very easy going and harmless but the complaints
we've received say he isn't always a gentlemen, perhaps going too far
in his quest for the perfect companionship."
"What
are you telling us?" Chakotay asked wide eyed.
"I
believe he manipulates people to get what he wants. How I don't
know."
"That's
not possible with our Seven of Nine. She is not easily fooled or
charmed. There must be something more?" Janeway pressed him.
Ardon
looked at her quizzically, her gaze strong.
"Please…
Chancellor. We need evidence."
"I'm
sorry… I can't."
She
closed her eyes, knowing he knew something, feeling the helplessness
wash over her, before another option presented itself to her, but it
was risky, not a guarantee and not protocol.
"Tuvok,
Chakotay." Janeway said. "Would you give us a moment
please?"
The
two officers glanced at each other surprised by the dismissal, but
complied readily.
Janeway
folded her hands together. "Does your government know how to
build a starship, Chancellor?"
"Yes,
but the materials are too heavy for lift off and expensive." He
said wondering what she was leading up to. "We have been
considering a new material, but it would takes years of testing to
determine if it would stand up to the rigors a starship would
need."
"If
I give you my word, that if Seven killed this man for any reason other
than self-defense, that I would hand her over to you and your people
and give you schematics on how to build starships utilizing cheaper
less dense materials. Would you… consider helping us?"
Janeway
knew she was dangerously close to breaking the prime directive.
"This woman is very special to me."
"I
see that." He said studying her carefully.
"Have
you… yourself ever been in love, Chancellor?"
"I
am happily married. Have been for over 12 years with three
children."
"Would
you not take an unethical risk on your wife's behalf, if it would save
her life?"
He
folded his arms, her countenance serious, but reflective.
"You're
an extremely good negotiator Captain. You know how to appeal to an
individual's sediments. I will not betray my people's law, but I can
tell you this. Search his ship thoroughly."
Janeway
was exasperated for something more concrete. "We already have! We
found nothing."
"Because
you didn't know where to look."
Janeway
met his eyes hopeful.
"I
can't tell you where or exactly what it is, because frankly I don't
know, but… look everywhere. Tear the entire ship apart."
"But
we don't know what we're looking for?!"
"You'll
know when you find it."
"Will
your government allow us to do that?"
"They
do not know that you have contacted us because of an incident
regarding Phalon. And once you have made your discovery, I would
be grateful if you disposed of the ship. May I have your word on
that?"
Janeway
was stumped. "Yes, of course, but don't you want your technology
back?"
"I
would prefer to put this embarrassing incident behind our people and
let them know he died in space."
"They'll
think the A'nari destroyed his vessel." Captain remarked stunned.
"Yes,
but I know he's guilty, even though I… we can't prove it... yet.
I have an idea how he's been doing it, but I can't bring that evidence
to light if you find it utilizing the information from my
assistance."
"We
already searched his ship. I hardly think your hint is influencing us
unduly."
"Perhaps,"
He paused. "You made me realize something, Captain."
"Oh,
what's that?" She said still confounded.
"Between
duty and honor, there is a greater responsibility to the truth.
We shouldn't let anything detour us from that. When laws and
regulations become absolute and harbor lies thus destroying lives, we
are all diminished. Eventually over time, it will ruin any
society."
Janeway
nodded in stunned silence.
He
bowed and got up to leave and reached the door before he added.
"I wish you and your… crewman a happy life."
Then
he left her to ponder his parting words.
Yes,
a happy life, would that be possible? Do I have the right to be…
happy? Could I be with her?
It
took one week before B'Elanna Torres found something that could be
considered the clue they were looking for. The ship was literally in
pieces.
Torres
found that Phalon's ship, although damaged from external weapons fire,
had more than adequate internal life support. She noticed the
ducts leading to the oxygen/carbon dioxide inverter were cut, not
obviously, but hastily and sloppily as if to disguise tampering or
sabotage. He had planned it.
B'Elanna
suddenly felt a pang of guilt for her jealous thoughts of Seven's
ability to attract people despite her aloof attitude.
When
Torres found the second piece of evidence, she felt truly sorry for
the young woman's current situation and she silently wished her well.
She would try to be nicer in the future, if she got the chance and
hoped this was the evidence they needed to absolve her of the crime.
B'Elanna saw her kissing Phalon, but still didn't believe the borg
would have murdered him without provocation.
She
had found the second clue upon dismantling the plasma conduits. A
small shielded space, inside where the normally hot plasma flowed,
contained a small hidden vial. She immediately brought it to the
Doctor who ran some tests. His discovery was extremely important
to the case and shed some serious doubts as to Phalon's credibility.
Janeway
discussed the results and possible explanations with Tuvok, Chakotay
and Kim, who represented Seven at the trial. The new evidence
was by no means absolute in determining that Seven was truly innocent
of any wrongdoing, but even Tuvok did not disagree about what such a
drug could be used for. It was more plausible that she was a
victim of a terrible event instead of the criminal.
They
agreed and it was decided. The verdict was rescinded and Seven was
immediately let go. Both Tuvok and Chakotay warned Janeway that Seven
might need assistance in understand this type of an attack. She said
she would take care of it.
Janeway
had no intentions of letting the woman get away without explaining her
version of it, but the auburn haired woman knew pressure or force of
any kind wouldn’t work with the stubborn woman.
She
would let Seven come to her.
Then
she would help the young woman deal with any emotional scars.
Seven
chimed for admittance to the Captain's quarters. She was certain a
mistake had been made.
She
saw the Captain replicating a beverage when she entered. Linking
her hands behind her back, she waited on the Captain's complete
attention.
"I
believe an error has been made, Captain."
"Oh?"
"Yes,
two security men came and released me, saying my sentence had been
rescinded. I fail to see how that is possible. Since I clearly killed
Phalon and was sentenced accordingly."
Janeway
took a drink of her hot coffee and sat down on the sofa easily.
"You're
right, you did kill him. But I know why Seven. Despite your obvious
lack of trust in me, I know." She eyed Seven filled with the
grief that only comes from being let down by a loved one.
Seven
disallowed Janeway's claim. "I do not know what you mean."
Janeway
rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. "With Tuvok and
Chakotay's assistance, we came to a fairly accurate conclusion of what
really happened." She set down her mug full of coffee and
brought her hands together on her lap. "You went to his
quarters upset and confused. Over what exactly I don't know. The
doctor said you had been depressed recently. Phalon had come on
to you while in this state and it intrigued you."
"Cap--"
Seven started.
"Let
me finish," Janeway raised a hand and her resolute tone brooked
no argument. "Then you may speak."
Seven
complied hesitantly, both disquieted and constrained.
"I
believe that you decided to take comfort from him and that you
intended to sleep with him when you went to the VIP quarters. Perhaps,
to fulfill your first act of intimacy or to help forget your pain.
Again, I don't know." She said her tone tight.
"We
couldn't figure out which one of you disabled your combadge or why,
but we do know when. I would guess that both of you were engaged
in the beginning stages of intimacy when somewhere along the line you
changed your mind and backed out. He wouldn't accept that so he
drugged you, making you completely helpless to whatever he
wanted."
Janeway
saw the fluttering of the eyes and the colored cheeks telling her she
was close to the truth with the last statement.
"We
discovered the drug in Phalon's ship. It was extremely well concealed.
The Doctor tested it and discovered its paralyzing properties.
He also tested your nanoprobes and discovered that they can absorb a
single dose of this drug in around an hour thus enabling you to
recover quicker than the average humanoid. You hid this from
Phalon as he was… was… "
Janeway
brought a hand to her mouth, sickened by the thought, but recovering
quickly to resume her vision of what happened.
"When
you realized you had full use of your left arm, the one with the
enhanced strength, the mesh hand, you choked him, which resulted in
his death. You defended yourself in the only way you could from
what we humans consider a… reprehensive act. I would've killed
myself him if I was there." She paused needing a drink of coffee
to warm her.
Finishing,
she put he mug back down, "I'm truly sorry for what happened
Seven, but you didn't handle it right."
"That
is not entirely accurate."
"I
beg your pardon?"
"I
did go to his quarters, but I was angry at him. I thought he told you
about what happened in Sandrine's on the holodeck. I was mistaken.
We talked, then he drugged me before I knew what was happening. When I
awoke, he make it very… clear what his intentions were."
Seven's
tone changed then and became small, frightened. "He
explained that… if I told you, you wouldn't believe me. That
the drug was untraceable and it would look like I wanted to be with
him."
Her
voice broke then, as she recalled the worst moments. "But the
worst of it was when I heard your voice, but could not call for you. I
heard both of you talking… about me and I was helpless…
useless..." Tears came down her cheeks.
Janeway
went to her then and hugged her tightly, "No, that's not true.
Never think that, it's just going to take some time to come to terms
with this, but you will Seven, I promise."
Seven
leaned into the embrace. "I am sorry Captain. I truly am, but I
made the only decision, I could. I would have rather kept my innocence
and spent the rest of my life in the brig than let him take the only
thing left I have to give." Seven couldn't meet the Captain's
look.
"What
would that be?" Janeway asked while condoling her.
"My
love."
"Your
love?!" Janeway was perplexed and pulled back to look at Seven.
"Yes."
"I
don’t understand."
"Yes,
you do, but you do not want to."
"What
are you trying to tell me Seven!" She removed her arms from the
embrace.
"You
already know. Never the less, it is only for you. No one else
may take that!" Seven exclaimed more tears coming.
What
is she talking about?! Oh my God?! Innocence? Left to give? Only for
you?
Janeway
felt like she had been slammed in the gut.
"Are
you in love with me?!" She asked looking intently into the ice
blue eyes.
Silence.
Seven's eyes moved away.
"I
need the truth. I need you to tell me what is in your heart.
Tell me regardless of how painful you think it might be to me or to
yourself. I promise you. I'll always be your friend regardless of what
you say." She finished resolutely, her voice gruff from emotion.
"I
thought I made that clear when I asked you if you loved me."
Seven replied submissively.
"Not
exactly." Janeway's own eyes flooded with moisture. She had
considered Seven's feelings as trivial because of the way the young
woman had simply blurted it out that evening. In response, the Captain
implied she didn't have feelings for the ex-drone.
The
Captain was hurt by Seven's subsequent reasoning on why she had asked
the pointed question. It was just research and curiosity, the
auburn haired officer had told herself. She had no real feelings for
her Captain.
But
what truly astonished the Captain, was why Seven felt she would never
love again or couldn't. As much as Janeway loved her, if she
never built up the courage to tell Seven how much she really meant to
her, who was she to demand that kind of sacrifice.
"Seven…
" Janeway said gruffly. "Even if I didn't love you…
I don't have the right to expect you to wait on me. You have to
live your life, despite how… painful certain decisions are... or can
be."
Seven,
responded by shuddering, in her grief, she did not hear the words
properly. She did not hear the 'if I didn't love you' and
assumed Janeway did not feel the same.
"So
I am supposed to adapt easily to these painful circumstances, after
having been human for only five years?!" Seven spat.
Janeway
closed her eyes. "That's not what I meant."
Taking
a deep breath, Seven absolved Janeway of any responsibility in their
misunderstanding. "I realize you do not reciprocate. I will
be discreet and tell no one of my feelings for you."
Janeway
laughed realizing Seven still didn't get it. "You're too late.
The whole crew will know before long."
Seven
blanched, startled. "I did not speak with them, how could they
know?!"
"Well,
I told Tuvok, so he knows and--"
Seven
frowned interrupting. "You told Tuvok about my feelings for you?!
Captain you just asked me to clarify my feelings. How could you advise
Tuvok about something you just found out?"
"I
told him about my feelings. I was also somewhat distracted when
I talked to Tom about you and Phalon… so he might suspect something,
which means B'Elanna will know, which means the whole ship will. And
then there's the way I talked to Chakotay when I found out you had
kissed Phalon." Janeway scowled at Seven for that kiss until she
saw Seven's confused features and relented.
"I’m
sorry darling. I didn't mean for that to happen." Janeway
smirked, waiting for Seven to catch up.
Darling?!
Seven swallowed, the face she made in her mystification was priceless
to Janeway. "Your… feelings? Everyone will know? Wh… What?
What will everyone know?!"
"That
I'm head over heals in love with you."
Seven
could only stare dumbfounded, mouth agape, with eyes wide completely
lost at how to respond.
Janeway
became worried and carefully put her hands on the blonde's shoulders.
"Please
say something."
"I…
"
"Yes…?
"
"You
love me??" A shy voice.
"Very
much."
"Why
did you not tell me, when I asked you?" She asked with an
interesting combination between brooding and miffed in her tone.
"I
was afraid. So I… lied to you. I'm sorry."
"Why
did you change your mind? Why now?"
"It
happened after you were sentenced. I realized I wouldn't be able to
spend time with you anymore. I felt incomplete and restless. I'm
afraid for a Starfleet Captain, I didn't handle any of it well. I was
jealous, angry and thought I had lost you." Janeway released
Seven and wrapped her arms around herself.
Seven
raised an implant. "You were… jealous?"
"Yes…
"
"Of
me and… Phalon?" Seven was actually testing Janeway, but asked
innocently.
Janeway
curled one side of her lip up, unhappily. "Yes, I didn't like you
kissing him and it drove me nuts to think you were sleeping with
him."
"You
were hurt by what you thought I did… here?" Seven pointed to
Janeway's chest where her heart would be.
Janeway
looked down at Seven's finger and instantly knew how much her
falsehood had hurt the younger woman.
"Yes,"
she said softly avoiding eye contact.
"So
we hurt each other," Seven's eyes became earnest. "We
were… both distrustful."
"Yes,"
Janeway conceded bringing a hand to her forehead. "You're
absolutely right and I don't want that to happen again. I can only
imagine what you felt. The shame that normally accompanies such an act
was probably why you didn't… couldn't come clean, but in the
future you must tell me everything, Seven. It's vital to any long-term
relationship and I will promise you to do the same."
Seven
was touched by the words. "I will comply, Captain."
"Kathryn…
Call me Kathryn."
"Kathryn."
Seven tested it.
Finally
feeling a calm overtake her that she hadn't felt in a long time, she
gripped Seven's left hand.
She
studied the mesh on it, the borg metal that adorned it and snaked up
Seven's forearm under the biosuit.
"You
don't know how beautiful you are despite this do you?"
The
blonde's jaw dropped, both shocked and pleased. "I… used
to think beauty was… irrelevant."
"I'm
not the only one. So many onboard Voyager see you as beautiful.
Even if they won't admit it outright to you. I'm sure that's what
Phalon saw." She traced a finger along the insides of Seven's
finger. The young woman found the odd contact alluring. It
sent tingles down her spine.
"I
was… naïve." Seven divulged.
"Were
you attracted to him?" Her commanding officer asked looking into
Seven's eyes indecisively with conflicting emotions.
Seven
eyed the Captain warily wondering what provoked such a question. Was
she still bothered by the incident? Seven herself was unsettled
about it.
"No,
I was merely intrigued at first. His clothing revealed more than
I had ever been subjected to before."
"Why'd
you kiss him then?"
"I…
I… didn't intend that?" Seven replied nervously.
"Oh?
So what happened? I was under the impression that you were the…
aggressor."
"I…
I was distracted that is all."
"From
what?"
"My
regeneration cycle ended abruptly. I was unsettled. I went to
join him at Sandrine's to distract myself."
"Why
did your cycle end prematurely? That rarely happens."
Seven's
eyes shifted uncomfortably and silence pervaded the room.
"Seven,
I thought we were going to honest with one another from now on."
She
met Janeway's eyes and nodded. "Very well. My cycle ended because
I had a dream."
"A
dream ended your cycle?" Janeway said not believing it was that
simple.
"Yes"
"What
kind of dream?"
Seven's
eyes widened. "A 'nice' dream."
"Seven…
" Janeway scolded for delaying.
Seven's
shoulders slumped. "I believe it would be described as…
erotic."
Now
Janeway's eyes widened and her face changed to a deep red. "You
know… maybe I shouldn't have asked." She waved her hand and
turned away releasing the mesh hand, but Seven stopped her sensing
this had the potential to hurt Kathryn making Seven's embarrassment
over it not enough for her to withhold the truth.
"It
was with you." She said softly.
Janeway
turned back to the ex-borg, her eyes questioning.
"I've
had dreams before of you of course, but this one was different.
You… never touched me that way before… " She explained the
rest of what had happened in the dream and her reasoning on why it led
to her to kiss Phalon.
The
Captain tried to hold it in, but by the time Seven finished, she
couldn't. Janeway burst out laughing. She clutched her aching stomach,
because she laughed so much. Tears came to her eyes. It was Seven's
turn to look astonished.
"You
are not… angry?"
"No,"
she said between giggles.
Seven
breathed in relieved. "I am glad."
"Me
too," she said still smirking her eyes looking deeply into
Seven's. "That was a pretty graphic dream considering you've
never been intimate before."
"Perhaps,
I was… inspired." Seven said with a twinkle in her eye and
Janeway blushed hard not figuring Seven could flirt, but she was
certain she just had in her own subtle way. Their eyes danced around
each other, the gazing becoming clouded with longing.
"Kathryn,
I wish to--"
Janeway
had already moved in to frame the precious mouth before her with her
own. Seven felt warm hands on her cheeks as fine lips touched hers
before pinpricks danced behind her eyes.
Seven
became mesmerized, just like the dream, melting into the succulent
taste of the woman she loved, never thinking that after what she had
done, she would be permitted this moment of unity.
They
stumbled backwards, by Kathryn's non-verbal impetus to steer them to
the sofa, clipping the glass table on the way, knocking over the
coffee mug, which fell onto the floor spilling the dark liquid on the
plush carpet.
The
stain was completely ignored by both women as they traveled ever
backwards until the back of the Captain's legs hit the edge of the
couch sending her falling back onto it and taking Seven along with
her.
The
couch was small, but didn't detour the two young lovers from engaging
in foreplay.
After
more passionate kissing and ardent necking, Seven spoke reverently.
"I
wish to make love to you, Kathryn."
"Please…
" was all the breathy redhead could say before tangling her
tongue with Seven's again.
Seven
began to take off the Captain's tunic, but quickly became frustrated
and ripped it down the middle exposing Kathryn's chest to reveal firm
breasts covered by a white laced bra. Janeway's eyes widened at
Seven's enthusiasm and desire for her.
Seven
dug her face in-between the two mounds savoring the scent and warmth
there. She felt the pins that held her austere bun in place
disappear as her hair was being let down by delicate slender hands.
Tugging
at the zipper on her biosuit, Kathryn nibbled on the small lithe neck
while peeling the suit ever so lower. Seven drew herself up onto her
arms as Janeway peeled it carefully down to her waist sensually
touching the skin as she did so.
Seven
trailed a moist tongue down the middle of her lover's chest, while she
lifted her slightly on the side to remove the offending bra.
Fed
up, both women sat up to finish ridding themselves of the clothing
that was fast becoming a severe hindrance to their goal.
But
once they were nude, the rush seemed to dissipate somewhat into a more
passionate embrace of love.
Kathryn
threw the cushions off the couch and tried to roll them over, but they
ended up side by side. Seven gripped Kathryn by the waist and pulled
her on top as she slid underneath the smaller woman.
Janeway
smiled brightly and latched onto the blonde's mouth. Her tongue darted
into the moist haven of Seven's mouth to play fretfully around.
Her caresses became immeasurable in her need to have the young woman.
She prodded her sex for careful entrance to Seven's world, the
penetration causing a cry, which Kathryn soothed with words of love,
while languidly slowing the motions to a gentle intrusion until she
adapted to it.
There
was blood and a certain satisfaction in being the one to claim this
beautiful woman. Janeway was the first and hopefully the only one to
be blessed with Seven's love.
Covering
a puckered nipple with her salivating mouth, Kathryn hungrily devoured
Seven's generous breasts, alternating between nipping, licking and
smothering them with her mouth.
"So
precious… " Janeway breathed between nipple stroking.
Arching
her back, Seven groaned. "Hmmm," the sensations new to her,
despite her extensive research.
Seven
rocked her own hips up as Janeway thrusted downward with the fervid
movement, all the while forcing herself to breath through the inferno
that her body was becoming.
"Kathryn…
" The word came out moaned.
Janeway
could feel Seven's heated flesh beneath her as her digit drove the
blonde wild. Seven seemed to squirm and jerk before tightening up. Her
heart pounded in her chest.
Seven's
climax rocked the sofa and jolted Janeway before spilling forth plenty
of juices all over Kathryn's hand, who in response drove her tongue in
deeply to tussle with Seven's.
The
liquid smacking of their mouths drove Seven to respond with dire need
to feel Kathryn inside and out even before her own pulsing sex had
finished its spasming.
"I
have wanted you… for so long… " Seven mumbled, pressing her
lips to her lover's neck.
Janeway
sensing exactly where Seven's right hand was heading lifted herself
onto her arms and bent her knees in anticipation. The redhead
was stimulated beyond belief at having been a participant and a
witness to Seven's first orgasm.
Kathryn's
eyes burned into Seven's telling her of her need. They were such
a deep blue, no grey present, shining with love and warmth.
The
blonde, fevered with passion, entered her lover from underneath. Seven
gasped at how erotic both her ebbing crescendo was coupled with the
sensation of being inside Kathryn. It was so warm and wet, the
two fingers slid so easily inside seeking that higher plane of being
where emotion and flesh combined as one for a short time giving the
illusion of a beautiful joining into one entity.
Janeway
roared out and threw her head back, her auburn hair flowing with the
sudden movement. She started moving her hips in rhythm.
Nipples
hanging down in her face, Seven decided the temptation was too much
and she captured a protruding bud enclosing all of it with a full
mouth scrumptiously.
The
breast was hers for the taking. Janeway was hers. Seven never felt so
powerful and yet so humbled by the experience of making love to this
woman.
While
suckling on the reddened mammary ducts, Seven's mind drifted to her
greatest fear. She did not know if she could satisfy Kathryn, but if
her lover's reaction so far to her performance was any indication,
Seven knew she was operating at peak efficiency and with precision.
She mercifully released the swollen breasts to kiss Kathryn's face,
delicately as she loved her both internally and externally. Thrusting
in another digit, Seven tenderly claimed the precious woman before
her.
"Yes!!!"
Janeway breathed out, driving their hips together roughly causing a
gasp from both. Janeway was so hot, her channel slick and full. The
veins in her neck bulged as pulsations swelled within.
As
Seven probed inside, the mechanics of the motions became secondary and
Seven could dwell on the feel of everything happening around her.
Seven had tasted Janeway's lip and breasts, smelled her arousal and
felt the exquisite flesh of Kathryn's from within.
Now
filled to bursting with emotion, she pressed her ears against
Janeway's chest, to hear the rapid heart beating furiously. "I
love you," she said the sound muffled by the side of Janeway's
breast. Seven felt, a tightening around her fingers and then lost
contact with Janeway's heartbeat as her lover jerked back and quaked
uncontrollably until she flopped back down onto Seven completely
spent.
Both
their thighs were wet with their efforts and Seven curled her long
arms around her beloved. She could feel Janeway's heart beating
hard against her breast, as it slowly calmed from their ardent session
of love.
"Oh
my… " All Kathryn could do was breath and gulp in air. Seven
moved a few damp strands of auburn hair off of Janeway's forehead and
face, then ran her hands through the full mane to experience the silky
texture of it before returning her arms in a loose but poignant
embrace of her beloved.
After
a few minutes, Janeway leaned up on her elbows enough to peer into
Seven's eyes. The return gaze was crystal clear and there was as
big a smile on Seven's lips as there was love in her eyes.
"Annika…
"
"Kathryn…
"
Janeway
opened her mouth slowly as she leaned in already extending her tongue
in preparation for an impassioned kiss with Seven. The young
woman followed her example and caught the soft muscle, to instigate
another heated tongue and lip embrace.
Both
women became lost in the touch, basking in the succulent taste of each
other, during the time-consuming long-drawn out kiss.
Here
lied two women, joined in the flesh at the moment, only by their love,
whom lived most of their lives separated by thousands of light-years
only to come together against all odds. Against these
infinitesimal odds, they formed a bond of love and devotion, despite
how different they were.
Simply
choosing to exist in this moment, to love one another as much as they
could, making their love known on a pink sofa, while speeding through
space, making impassioned love next to the bulkheads, under a clear
window that led to the twinkling stars.
End
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