Beta Battles
G. L. Dartt
Back in Confederation space, USS Millennium powered down from warp, sailing majestically into the Elthanian system at impulse speed. Captain Janeway rested her chin on her thumb and forefinger, staring idly at the viewscreen dominating the bridge. It revealed a magnified image of Hearthstone, the StarScouts Headquarters and premier space station in this region of space. Not far away, a large communications array maintained synchronous orbit with the station, its boxy Federation technology in stark contrast to the fairylike spires and structures constructed by the Elthanians.
Though Elthanians made up most of the membership of the StarScouts, Janeway knew the real power lay with the Soularri, a vaguely ursine species whose technological advantages kept them ahead of other more aggressive and volatile species. The fact that they were cute, standing about three feet tall with long golden hair and teddy bear-like features, led many to underestimate them. After having Minister Jiidan on board her vessel for several months as an observer, Janeway did not make the same mistake. She had learned that they could be as ruthless and implacable as any human…including a starship captain.
She glanced over at him now, seated at the auxiliary bridge station on the upper rim, just aft of ops where Lt. T’Shanik worked. Minister Jiidan’s only concession to garments was an emerald green loincloth and a matching vest that hung open over his small but muscular chest. His unclad feet were tipped with black claws, as were his dexterous hands, but the edged claws were retracted. It was unlikely she would ever see them exposed in anger given the jeweled belt about his waist that contained a multitude of weapons and devices, making any attempt on his person a short and unpleasant one for the attacker.
“You must be glad to be home, Minister,” she offered pleasantly.
“I have enjoyed our voyage immensely, Captain,” he responded evenly, ever the diplomat. “But yes, it will be good to be home again. I’ve missed my family.”
Jiidan had a mate and two little ones, Janeway knew, but he didn’t speak of them often. “We should be arriving at Hearthstone within the hour.”
“Captain, we’re being hailed. It’s the StarRunner.”
Tazna Jade’s flagship? Janeway looked over at her Vulcan operations officer, T’Shanik, whose dark head was bent intently over her board. “On screen.”
The image flickered from the dark reaches of space to the interior of a space ship. Intendant Tazna was willowy and tall, with large green eyes and silver hair. Dual antennae grew from the inner corner of each brow, following the line and wafting two inches in the air at her temples. Her features were narrow but attractive, and her smile was bright as she greeted the Federation starship.
“A pleasure to see you and your vessel again, Captain Janeway.”
Janeway suspected that the only thing Jade was glad of was the opportunity to see Seven again, but she merely dipped her head. “Intendant. Swift hunting to you.”
Tazna’s eyes flickered briefly at the Elthanian greeting that Janeway had learned from Jiidan. She’d even managed to say it without any sort of indication that she knew exactly what sort of ‘swift hunting’ the Elthanians had once enjoyed.
“I trust your mission was successful?”
“It was indeed. And yourself? I’m surprised to see we warrant an escort.”
“Nothing so grandiose, I’m afraid. It’s urgent that I speak with Minister Jiidan as soon as possible. If you could arrange to transport him to my vessel, I would be most grateful.”
Surprised, Janeway glanced over at Jiidan who was frowning as he regarded the screen. “I find Captain Janeway’s hospitality more than sufficient, Intendant.”
It wasn’t so much the words as the tone, bringing Tazna Jade to heel with a casual disregard that made Janeway bristle instinctively. Despite her dislike of being bested by Jade a time or two, she considered them to be equals, and to see her so publicly demeaned by Jiidan left a sour taste in her mouth. There had been times in her career when she had warranted a reprimand, but an efficient chain of command meant that it was delivered in person and out of sight of junior officers, let alone any alien contingent. It was simply a matter of never showing weakness. For Jiidan to have exposed his disdain for the Intendant so openly was considerably worrying.
Tazna’s only response, however, was a tightening around her eyes. Clearly, she was used to such treatment. “Minister, it is imperative that I speak with you as soon as possible.”
“Then I suggest you make the proper arrangements with Captain Janeway to visit her vessel at her convenience.” He slipped off his chair and walked off the bridge.
Janeway was horrified. “Intendant, if you would be so kind as to join me and my senior staff once we’re docked at Hearthstone, I would be honored,” she said quickly, trying to cover the moment as best as she could. “We’re having a small gathering to celebrate our safe return. I’m sure that the Minister will be attending.”
“That is most gracious of you, Captain.”
“At 1800 hours?”
Tazna looked less than pleased at having to wait so long, but not enough to object so Janeway presumed whatever it was she needed to speak with the minister about, it wasn’t dire. She nodded briefly and cut the transmission before meeting Ro’s gaze, the security chief turning her chair so that she could face her. The Bajoran ridge between her dark brows was crinkled, indicating her concern.
“Captain?”
“I’m not sure,” Janeway said slowly. “See what you can pick up on subspace chatter. Something’s going on, but I’ll be damned if I can figure it out from that exchange.” She glanced at Keira Kelly, her exec. “Commander, you have the bridge. Bring us into the station. I need to speak with the ambassador.”
“Aye, Captain.”
In the turbolift, Janeway checked on Jiidan’s location with the computer, discovering he had headed for the VIP guest quarters on deck three. As she instructed the turbolift to descend, she wondered if she was about to interfere in something she shouldn’t. The politics of other civilizations could be tricky, and it really wasn’t her place to stand up for Tazna Jade or even comment on Jiidan’s behavior. Still, as the Federation representative, she needed to know if whatever was going on between the Soularri and the Elthanians could affect the treaty in any way.
Her request for admittance was readily granted and as she entered Jiidan’s quarters, she felt a light sweat break out over her forehead. The temperature was higher here and the gravity a third again heavier than that of Earth’s, making each step a bit of an effort. When Jiidan motioned her toward a chair, she lowered herself into it gratefully, relieved to be off her feet, though she declined his offer of a drink.
“You wish to discuss something, Captain?” From his expression, Janeway didn’t believe he had any illusions about why she was there so she discarded a more diplomatic approach for a blunt one.
“Do you have a problem with the Intendant that I need to know about, Minister?”
Jiidan regarded her a moment and then seemed to sigh. “My behavior on the bridge was imprudent, Captain, but Tazna Jade and I have a history, and if she wishes to speak with me now, before I meet with the council, it’s because she wishes to promote her agenda. She does so at every opportunity.”
“What sort of agenda?” Janeway thought she could guess, but she wanted to hear it from him.
“She wants…she actually demands…that the Elthanians be given more of a role in the council and in Confederation policy.” Not even his best diplomatic manner could conceal that he found such demands unrealistic and even a little presumptuous.
“Aren’t you afraid that the other Elthanians might choose to take it by force rather than continue to go through channels as the Intendant does?”
Jiidan smiled and it wasn’t pleasant. “We still maintain our technological advantage, Captain. I fear that any such attempt would be futile.”
“You’re not the first to think resistance is futile, Minister,” she said mildly as she stood up. “In the meantime, I invited the Intendant to the celebration this evening. I hope you will attend and perhaps listen to her concerns?”
Jiidan regarded her steadily, and then nodded, albeit reluctantly. “It will not be anything I haven’t heard before, Captain Janeway. She takes advantage of my willingness to grant her any attention at all. I am one of the few Soularri who does.”
“Then don’t lose that advantage, Minister.”
Jiidan inclined his head. “Very well, Captain. I look forward to the party.” He paused before adding wistfully, “By any chance will Seven be catering?”
Janeway laughed. “Sorry, Minister. We’ll have to settle for what Paryk and the rest of the Nexus staff can provide.”
And they’ve done me proud, she thought a few hours later as she glanced over the buffet dinner set up in the Nexus. Various selections of rice and stir-fry dishes, spring rolls, wontons, and egg rolls offered a decidedly Oriental theme, as did the décor of her ship’s crew lounge. She picked up a small plate, filled it with a few egg rolls and carried it back to the large table where others of her senior staff and a few members of Tazna’s crew were already eating. As she sat down between Minister Jiidan and Commander Ro, she glanced up just in time to see Seven and Tazna Jade enter the room, talking animatedly to each other.
Jealousy, unexpectedly raw and powerful, blasted through her chest and curdled the pit of her stomach, though she hoped her features remained impassive. She must have given something away, however, because Seven immediately glanced over at her, nodded pleasantly to Tazna, and moved toward the buffet. Not because the captain's gaze intimidated her at all, Janeway knew, but because she was being considerate of a hurt that still lingered after the rough patch they had recently suffered.
Taking a slow breath, Janeway looked down at her plate and used her fork and knife to slice off a piece of egg roll. Chewing savagely, she could barely taste it as she tried to bring her wayward emotions back under control. When she looked up again, Seven was seated across from her and Tazna Jade had found a place beside her. A plate of rice covered with vegetables and sesame chicken rested near Janeway, and she met Seven’s eyes, nodding her thanks for bringing it over.
As for the rest of it, she would just have to grin and bear it, she decided. After all, only time would completely heal the wounds and restore the absolute faith in her spouse that she had once taken for granted.
“So, Intendant, were you able to speak with the Minister?” she asked, deliberately making her voice as pleasant as possible.
Tazna’s emerald eyes met hers gravely. “We were able to speak,” she said. From her tone, Janeway suspected it had not been a particularly productive conversation.
Seven flicked her eyebrow at her, and after a few seconds, Janeway realized that she had been privy to the conversation. It would simply be a matter of taking Seven aside to find out what was going on, but that would have to wait until after dinner. Until then, Janeway would have to swallow her impatience as she did the last of her egg roll.
“How long before you make the jump back to the Federation, Captain?”
Janeway put aside her empty plate and replaced it with the entrée Seven had so thoughtfully provided. “We’ve spent the past week preparing the ship for our return so there’s no need for any delay. Tomorrow morning we’ll retrieve the last of the Starfleet personnel from the communications array, and once we’re clear of the system, we’ll be activating the transwarp jump.”
“Do you anticipate returning here soon?”
Janeway thought she picked up a note of something behind the words, but Tazna’s features were blandly pleasant, nothing more. “I doubt our next mission will include the Beta Quadrant, but the Federation is very strongly considering future expeditions here for the new deep explorers coming off the line. It’s a real advantage to have a safe destination point while testing their transwarp drives.”
Tazna’s eyes grew lidded. “Then I wish you a good trip, Captain. Hopefully, there will be no delays in your departure.”
She turned to Dr. Pulaski who was seated on her left, joining the conversation the medical officer had been enjoying with Kes across the table, leaving Janeway to ponder all the layers she was sure lay beneath Tazna’s bland words.
It was imperative that she talk to Seven as soon as possible.
“So why didn’t you tell me this was a baby shower?”
Seven smiled faintly at B’Elanna. “This party has quickly evolved into many things: a chance for the Intendant to speak with Minister Jiidan, a gathering to celebrate the successful conclusion of our mission, and finally, the opportunity for some of the crew to celebrate the new addition to your family.”
“And it makes up for the crew not having any shore leave on Hearthstone,” Ro added as she scanned the Nexus, her dark eyes never still. Seven did not think she was even aware of her constant assessment of the crowd.
“Well, I’m never one to turn down free gifts,” B’Elanna said as she opened another brightly wrapped box. Once dinner had ended, she, Ro and Seven found a booth in the corner, out of the way of the rest of the party. Despite their inconspicuous location, quite a few members of the crew had stopped by to share their best wishes and, in some instances, a present for the expecting couple.
Seven lifted her eyebrow. “All gifts are, by their nature, ‘free’. Otherwise they would be purchases.”
B’Elanna shot her a look but didn’t respond. Instead, her attention was taken with the pink knitted sweater that she pulled out of the gift box. It was impossibly tiny, festooned with a plethora of ribbons and lace, and she regarded it without expression.
“Do you like it?” Seven asked with scientific dispassion, wondering when the traditional ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ would begin. Some of the other mothers-to-be in the showers Seven had attended on the ship over the past two years had cried when opening their gifts. B’Elanna, in contrast, looked as if it were a chore she simply had to get through. Seven was glad she had not planned anything more elaborate for her friend.
“It’s very nice,” B’Elanna said in a very noncommittal tone. “They’re all very nice.”
“Perhaps you should open the gift from Kathryn and me.”
“The best for last, is it?” She didn’t sound as if she meant it but after placing the sweater on the table with the other gifts, she took the package Seven slid over to her. It was rectangular and flat, and when B’Elanna shook it, it rattled slightly. With a bemused expression, she tore off the paper to reveal an ornate wooden box. Flipping open the lid, her eyes lit up perceptibly when she discovered a six-inch-long bat’leth resting on the black velvet lining. Its wickedly sharp blade gleamed with deadly menace in the muted illumination.
“Ooh,” B’Elanna squealed in delight. “Ahh. This is fantastic, Seven.”
“Are you kidding me?” Ro asked with a certain amount of alarm. She was no longer scanning the crowd. She was staring in dismay at the tiny weapon B’Elanna was waving around.
“What?”
“Lanna, it’s sharp as hell.”
“Ah, it’s never too early to teach them about weapon control,” B’Elanna assured her, checking the edge of the weapon with her thumb and blatantly pleased when a thin line of crimson immediately appeared on her skin. “It’s perfect, Seven. Thank you.”
“The captain picked this out?”
Seven flicked a glance at Ro. “Kathryn trusts me to select all the gifts we give as a couple.”
“Oh, my God.” The throaty tone sounded absolutely horrified and Seven looked over her shoulder to see the captain approaching, gaping at the small bat’leth that B’Elanna continued to admire. “Who on Earth gave you that?”
“You did,” Ro told her dryly.
Janeway stared at Seven. “That’s what you chose?”
“It is an appropriate gift for the offspring of warriors.”
“I love it, Captain.” B’Elanna beamed at her.
Janeway hesitated, and finally shook her head. “As long as you like it, B’Elanna. But I take no responsibility for what your child does with it.” She looked at Seven. “I need to speak with you a moment, please.”
“Of course, Kathryn.”
Janeway wrapped her fingers around Seven’s arm, guiding her to the concealing shadows of an alcove near the large viewports which normally looked out into the dark depths of space. Now they revealed the interior of one of Hearthstone’s docking ports where thick umbilicals connected the ship to the station, replenishing atmosphere and the basic organic food provisions that were used by the ship’s replicators.
After glancing around to make sure there wasn’t anyone nearby, Janeway looked up into Seven’s face, her eyes shading to gray. “What’s going on between Minister Jiidan and the Intendant?”
Seven resisted the urge to smile. She had wondered how long it would take for Janeway to seek her out regarding that topic. “Why do you believe anything is occurring between them?”
“Seven.”
Apparently, the captain was in no mood for dissembling. “Jade believes there is a faction within the StarScouts that is on the verge of rebelling against the Confederation Council.”
Janeway inhaled sharply, her eyes narrowing. “Jiidan’s response?”
“He did not appear to take it seriously. He indicated this was not the first time the Intendant warned of such action, and that all her previous warnings had been without substance.”
“Were you present for this conversation?”
“I was ten meters down the corridor, waiting for the Intendant to escort me to the party.”
“So, you were eavesdropping.”
“I do not need to share what I heard if you have a philosophical objection to information gathered in such a fashion.”
Janeway shot her a look and inhaled slowly. “Point taken. What else have you got?”
Seven considered it. “I have only impressions, Kathryn.”
“Your impressions are better than a lot of other’s facts, darling,” Janeway said warmly, patting her arm. “What is it?”
“It is my opinion that Jade was very serious about this warning. That she did not feel that it was without substance. It is possible that any former attempts at violent rebellion were forestalled by her actions, and she can no longer maintain the control over her people that she once held.”
“That’s a hell of an opinion.” Janeway looked at her. “Has she said something to you about it?”
“Nothing specific, but it is a tentative theory I have formulated from previous conversations with her, added to this new information I possess.”
“All right, see if you can pick up on anything else.”
Surprised, Seven stared at her. “You wish me to spend time with her?”
Janeway blinked, and her expression darkened. “I don’t like the idea,” she admitted, “but there’s something going on and it may affect the Federation’s interests in this area.” She looked away, mouth tight, a muscle jumping in her jaw. “With Jiidan having already transported to the station to be with his family, she’s our only source of information on this. Do what you can. I’ll try to find out something from her crew.”
Seven stared at her a few seconds longer, then leaned closer and brushed her lips over Janeway’s cheek. “Kathryn, there is no need for you to be jealous of Tazna Jade,” she murmured. “I have absolutely no romantic interest in her.”
“I know.” Janeway dipped her head sheepishly. “I’m sorry, darling. This jealousy of mine is completely irrational. I really don’t know where it comes from.”
“I believe it is not so much jealousy as it is fear, and my recent actions have exacerbated that fear. It is understandable, Kathryn.” Seven slipped her arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “And completely forgivable.”
Janeway allowed the embrace, and even went so far as to kiss her throat. “I love you, Seven of Mine.”
“One of One, I love you as well.”
“Be careful.”
Janeway gave her a final hug and moved back into the crowd. Seven stared after her for a moment, reminded again of how much she had upset her spouse’s equilibrium with her recent actions. It would take time before Janeway carried herself with that almost smug self-assurance she had once enjoyed. Swallowing a sigh, Seven plunged back into the crowd in search of Tazna Jade.
While Tazna appeared happy to spend time with Seven, she did not offer anything else despite Seven’s best efforts at being charming, which admittedly, was far short of her spouse’s adept command of the skill. Every time Seven brought up the political balance between the Elthanians and the Soularri, Jade smoothly changed the subject to Millennium’s mission and how the Federation operated. She finally excused herself from Seven’s presence, politely and graciously, but also leaving no doubt that she had wearied of her company. It was clear, Seven decided ruefully, as she watched Tazna move out on the dance floor with the ship’s EMH, that she no longer offered the same fascination for the Intendant that she had once enjoyed. Obviously, her revelation some months before that she and Janeway were mated, as opposed to merely being romantically involved, had completely destroyed Tazna’s interest. It made for a more honest footing upon which to build a friendship, but it offered little in the way for Seven to take advantage of the woman.
Feeling oddly dismayed at her reduction in status, though unsure why, Seven sought out the captain, finding her with Ro and B’Elanna. Janeway’s eyes held an inquiring look. Seven shook her head minutely to indicate she had not learned anything new and turned her attention to B’Elanna. The Klingon really did look excessively healthy, radiating a disproportionate hormonal balance. Seven wondered if that was the ‘glow’ pregnant women were purported to exhibit.
“Would you like a drink, darling?” Janeway slipped her arm around Seven's waist and squeezed lightly.
“A spring wine, if you would, Kathryn.”
B’Elanna nudged her spouse. “The same for you?”
Ro handed her a now empty glass. “Thank you.”
As Janeway and B’Elanna set off to brave the crowds surrounding the bar, Ro took a step closer to Seven. Her body language had altered slightly, becoming oddly aggressive, and Seven reacted instinctively, nanoprobes flooding her system, heightening awareness, speed and tactile strength, though she had no idea what was going on. Positioning her body so that her left side with the Borg manipulative implant was angled toward Ro, she regarded her quizzically.
“I’ve been going over the logs of our mission with the parasites,” Ro said in a low, tight voice. “When they swarmed out of the guest quarters, you treated B’Elanna pretty roughly.”
“I carefully calculated the force necessary to disable her.”
“Yes, like you did when you broke my jaw that time. You’re exceptionally powerful, Seven, and that can be dangerous, particularly when the captain is endangered.”
“I would never willingly hurt B’Elanna, and I would never wish to harm your child in any manner.”
“Nonetheless, neither holds the same priority for you that Janeway does.”
Seven could not deny the accuracy of that assessment, and finally, she understood from where Ro’s aggressive posture was originating. Ro took another step closer and Seven allowed it, though she did not lose any of her alertness as Ro continued to speak in that low, taut voice.
“I appreciate that you felt you had to do what you had to do to get to Janeway. But if you ever hurt either of them again, I will kill you.” Cold and implacable, the words were devoid of challenge or bravado. It was merely a statement of fact. In those dark eyes, Seven could see a resolve that equaled her own, and beyond that, a glimpse of what devastation would be wrought on the Bajoran should she ever lose either member of her family unit.
“You could make the attempt but it would fail.” Seven said it with a touch of regret, though she thoroughly believed it to be the most probable outcome of such an event. “You would die.”
Ro smiled without humor. “Only if you saw me coming.”
“No threat will deter me from protecting Kathryn in any way I can.”
“Oh, I realize that. I know exactly what I’m dealing with in you, Seven. Just know what you’re dealing with in me. I love B’Elanna and my daughter as much as you love the captain.”
Seven lowered her head in respectful acknowledgement. “Understood, Commander.”
At that moment, B’Elanna and Janeway joined them. The engineer slipped her arm around Ro’s waist and smiled brightly at Seven. “So, what are you two ladies being so serious about?”
“Commander Ro was merely outlining procedure should certain circumstances require it,” Seven said blandly as she accepted the glass Janeway handed to her.
“Well, enough shop talk for now,” Janeway said as she touched her drink to Seven’s champagne flute with a soft ‘clink’. “This is a party to celebrate our return to the Alpha Quadrant and the new addition to your family.”
“Of course, Kathryn,” Ro said, but her eyes met Seven’s squarely over her glass as they drank to the baby’s future.
“So, what were you and Seven gabbing about?”
Ro glanced up from the security report she was reviewing, frowning slightly. “When?”
“When the captain and I were getting your drinks.”
B’Elanna eased the tunic over her head, exposing an already bulging belly and Ro eyed it with a sort of proprietary wonder. The thought of their daughter, growing and developing even as she watched, safe in the womb of its mother, still awed her.
“Laren?”
Ro blinked and put the padd down on the coffee table, leaning back against the cushions of the sofa. “Sorry, love, what was it?”
Annoyed, B’Elanna tossed her tunic at her, draping it over Ro’s head and obscuring her vision. Unperturbed, the security chief pulled it off and threw it in the direction of the replicator and the rest of the discarded clothes piled in front of it. While Ro tended to favor Spartan surroundings, B’Elanna had a far more relaxed attitude toward the issue, which meant one of the many compromises Ro had accepted in their marriage resulted in an occasional display of clutter. B’Elanna would run the clothes through the cleaning cycle in the morning, when she did her uniform. Ro’s uniform for the next day was already folded neatly on the nightstand next to the bed, boots set neatly on the deck below, ready for donning at a moment’s notice.
“What were you and Seven talking about when Janeway and I were getting your drinks.” B’Elanna spoke in a slow, exaggerated tone, as if to a small child or someone who didn’t quite understand the language. Ro resisted the urge to smile.
“Nothing important,” she said. “We were just clarifying certain things between us should the situation ever require it.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning it’s between Seven and me and doesn’t require your input.” She spoke easily but firmly. B’Elanna regarded her a moment, obviously trying to decide whether she should pursue it or not. Ro took the opportunity to reach out for B'Elanna, grasping her lightly at the waist and pulling her to the sofa. Kissing the soft skin of B’Elanna’s abdomen, she rested her cheek against it, listening to the soft gurgles and swishes within and hoping to hear a heartbeat.
B’Elanna hesitated a moment longer and then wrapped her arms around her head, hugging her close to her. “Hear the little bugger?”
“No,” Ro said with a bit of a sigh. She was about to add that she wished she had Seven’s enhanced hearing abilities, but realized that might draw the conversation back to where she didn’t need to go, so she kissed her stomach again instead. “Ready for bed?”
“Yeah, about an hour ago.”
Ro drew back, looking up into B’Elanna’s dark eyes. It wasn’t like her to admit to weariness so easily. “You okay?”
B’Elanna shrugged. “I’m fine. Just want to curl up in your arms and sleep for a year. Honestly, most of the time I feel like I can power the ship itself, but when I crash, it’s major exhaustion.”
“Hormones.” Ro smiled.
“Hormones,” B’Elanna agreed ruefully.
Ro pushed B’Elanna back gently to give herself room to stand up. Then she wrapped her arms around her spouse and held her tightly, burying her face in the dark, wavy hair, cherishing the warmth and presence of her. “I adore your hormones.”
“Good thing, because I have plenty of ‘em.”
Amused, Ro hugged her again. “Come on to bed.”
Inside their small bedroom, Ro wearily stripped off the outfit she had worn to the party and placed it in the replicator where it was dissembled back into its component elements, the energy recycled into the ship’s stores. Between the sheets of her bed, she reached for B’Elanna, pulling her into a loving embrace in preparation for sleep. Brushing her lips over the high ridges of Klingon forehead, she was surprised when she felt B’Elanna’s hands start to trace gentle trails of sensation over her body.
“I thought you were tired.”
“I am. I want it slow and lazy tonight.”
Ro’s laugh was low and smoky. “I suppose I could manage that.”
She kissed along B'Elanna's temple and down to her mouth, tasting her lips and tongue with undemanding pleasure. Easing B’Elanna back onto the mattress, Ro nibbled lightly on her neck, stroking her full breasts with a light touch, teasing the fat nipples in a way she knew was as much maddening as it was enjoyable. B’Elanna groaned and tangled her fingers in Ro’s hair, pulling her head to her as they kissed again, deep, open kisses that grew more passionate, more demanding, with each passing second.
Reaching down between their bodies, Ro fondled the dual clitori she found, alternating back and forth between the upper, larger protrusion and the lower and more sensitive smaller clit. B’Elanna groaned and undulated against the caress, sliding her own hand down to touch Ro’s f’lar ridges. Quivering at the sensation, Ro pulled B’Elanna closer with her other arm and increased her tempo, trying to concentrate even as B’Elanna did her best to make it difficult. They knew each other so well, they could remain in sync as their desire rose. Feeling her peak rushing toward her, Ro forced herself to stay with her lover, forced herself to stay in rhythm, and knowing in that perfect moment when she climaxed that B’Elanna did as well. They held on to each other for a moment, and then had to move to their respective sides of the bed to cool off.
B’Elanna finally laughed. “That was slow and lazy?”
“Well, slower and lazier than what we normally do.”
“Good point.”
Ro chuckled and rolled over, cuddling against B’Elanna’s side, the greater heat of her skin welcome now as she settled into afterglow. Nestling her head on a strong shoulder, Ro placed her palm on the slow rise of B’Elanna’s stomach, feeling particularly connected to her. B’Elanna’s arm wrapped tight about her shoulders, holding her close.
“Can I ask you something?”
Ro blinked back sleep. “Always, love, you know that.”
“Are we re-upping for the ship’s next mission? I mean, I’ve sort of been assuming it and now I wonder if I shouldn’t be.”
“I guess we haven’t really talked about it, have we? Not the long-term aspects of raising a child. We’ve been more concerned with getting pregnant and having the child. But we should figure out what we want to do. What do you think about it?”
B’Elanna exhaled audibly, not quite a sigh. “I don’t know. Millennium’s as much my home as the house on Mars, but really, neither is permanent. That’s the nature of Starfleet. In fact, that’s been the nature of my whole life.”
After a moment's pause, Ro observed, “There’s some advantage in being a citizen of the Federation, rather than just looking to a planet or people. But there are advantages on the other side as well. What is it that we want for our daughter?”
Ro felt B’Elanna nuzzle her hair, her tone thoughtful as she spoke. “I grew up on a colony with a lot of other kids around. Dad was away most of the time…Starfleet again…but Mom really didn’t want him there anyway. And even though we lived there all the time, the only place I really felt at home was with my grandmother. It’s not where the place is, Laren, it’s where the love is.”
Ro absorbed that quietly. “I didn’t have much of a childhood on Bajor,” she said finally, “but while my father was still alive, I didn’t care, you know. Home was a little hovel where I could be with him.”
“So, is being on Millennium so different? This is where our friends are. This is where our jobs are. There’s no reason we can’t raise a healthy, happy child here.”
“No, there isn’t, but we have to acknowledge that there are also safer places to raise children, like Earth or Mars or even on Bajor. We have a great house at Utopia Planecia, and if we choose to accept groundside positions, we’d have full claim on it. It has a back yard and there are plenty of other children in the neighborhood.”
“Is that what you want, Laren?” B’Elanna kissed her temple.
“I want what you want, Lanna, and I want what’s best for our child. Millennium is one of the safer vessels for families, just as the Galaxy-class are, but it’s still a ship of the line, and its purpose is to explore unknown space. We’re probably heading for the Gamma Quadrant for our next mission and that means the Dominion at the very least. Just because they’ve been quiet for a while doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way.” Ro tapped her fingers on B’Elanna’s abdomen, producing a soft thrumming sound. “Maybe our child deserves better.”
“But even Earth was at risk during the Dominion War. No place is 100% safe. So why not have it be where we’re happy? Certainly, she’ll know if we’re not.”
“She will, won’t she?” Ro sighed a little. “Well, I admit, I’d hate to leave Janeway dealing with a new exec without me to back her up.”
B’Elanna made a soft sound of amusement. “And if you left, that would probably put Seven third in command.”
“There’s nothing wrong with the chief science officer being third in command on a science vessel.”
“Yes, but can you see Seven dealing with everything you deal with on top of your security duties? Dealing with a green-as-grass exec or whatever problem child Nechayev sends Janeway next?”
Ro smiled, imagining the scenario. “It would be a stressful mission.”
“Yes, it would.” B’Elanna’s lips brushed over Ro’s forehead. “You’ve become an integral part of this crew, Laren. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“Ironic, considering I never thought I’d be an integral part of anything.” Ro slid her arm across B’Elanna’s body and squeezed lightly. “Now I have so much-- you, our child, our friends…”
Ro so cherished these moments in bed, believing the quiet conversations and sharing of thoughts to be some of the best aspects of marriage. She had never had anyone in her life like B’Elanna, had never found a haven where she could be completely comfortable. She hoped she would never take it for granted.
“You going to sleep?”
“I was thinking about it,” Ro offered dryly. “Did you have something more in mind?”
“No, I just like talking with you,” B’Elanna said, her words reflecting Ro’s train of thought with unfailing accuracy. That was something Ro was also still getting used to, but greatly appreciated. “I guess having a baby forces us to examine every aspect of our lives.”
“And gives us the chance to realize just how much we have?” Ro smiled. “Well, this time tomorrow, we’ll be back in the Alpha Quadrant and I suspect we’ll have a decent shore leave this time. That means six months where we can evaluate living on Mars as opposed to raising a child on Millennium. By the time we need to decide, I’m sure we’ll have everything we need to know to make the right one.”
“I hope so.”
They lay in silence a moment until B’Elanna nudged her lightly. “Maybe I do have something more in mind.”
Ro laughed. “Hormones?”
B’Elanna rolled over on top of her, looking down in the dim illumination, a tender expression on his face. “Not hormones. I just love you, bangwI'.”
Profoundly touched by the sentiment, Ro felt tears sting the back of her eyes. “I love you, too.”
Feeling at home in a way that she never had before.
“So, what were you and Ro talking about so intently?”
Janeway glanced over at Seven who was propped up against her pillows as she perused a padd, working out some final details for her department before their jump in the morning. Disdaining nightclothes, she was a vision of gold and silver against the dark blue of Starfleet issued sheets. The bedding was bunched around her waist, leaving her full, heavy breasts on glorious display, their tips a rosy pink. Janeway felt a strong flash of desire shiver through her as she slipped out of her uniform tunic.
Seven lifted a brow, but did not look up from her padd. “When?”
“At the party, when B’Elanna and I returned with our drinks.”
“Must you know everything, Kathryn?”
Janeway considered that as she pulled her sweater off over her head. “Yes, darling, I believe I must.” After dropping the garment on the replicator tray, she put her insignia pips on the nightstand and unfastened her pants. Seven flicked her a look, a flash of blue eyes, and smiled briefly as she returned her attention to her padd.
“Ro merely informed me that if I ever hurt B’Elanna again, she would kill me.”
“What?” Janeway paused in the motion of taking off her trousers. “Are you serious?”
Seven shrugged minutely. “I appreciate her stance. It does not significantly differ from mine should you ever be harmed.”
“I don’t believe I care for my crew threatening each other.” Janeway frowned as she finished putting the rest of her clothes into the replicator where a touch of a button caused the uniform to dissolve briefly before reforming, clean and neatly folded. “It was bad enough when you and B’Elanna locked horns, but that was never really serious. Ro is always serious.”
“So am I, but this has nothing to do with ship’s business, Kathryn. It is a personal matter between Laren and myself.”
“It sounds like a damned pissing contest to me.”
Startled, Seven lifted her head and stared at the captain. “A ‘pissing contest’? I am unfamiliar with the meaning of the phrase. What is ‘pissing’?”
Janeway was already regretting her choice of words. “It’s a slang term for urination.”
“And humans conduct contests in this?” Seven looked thoroughly appalled.
“Not officially. I mean, I don’t think anyone actually has contests.” Janeway felt her head start to ache as she considered all the ramifications of trying to explain it. This was going to take a while, she could just feel it. “Well, maybe young males do.”
“And what is the purpose of such a contest?”
“I believe to see how far a stream of urine can reach,” Janeway said as she slipped into bed beside her spouse. “That’s not the point, Seven.”
“What is the prize for winning such an event?”
“Bragging rights, I suppose. Will you quit changing the subject?”
Seven blinked. “What is the subject, Kathryn?”
Since Seven was the one with the eidetic memory, Janeway knew the discussion had digressed badly if she couldn’t remember what they were talking about.
“Darling, please don’t threaten Ro, again. And I’ll speak to her about threatening you.”
“You will not,” Seven said firmly, “or I will cease telling you about such things.”
“But—” Janeway began.
“No.” Seven’s tone was even harder. “You will not speak to her, Kathryn. This does not concern you.”
“It certainly does.”
“No, it does not.”
Silence fell as they both considered their stance, recognizing that neither was about to retreat. Resuming the discussion, Janeway knew, would only lead to further argument. Seven rarely utilized that tone with her, but when she did, it was absolute. Was this worth pursuing?
She inhaled slowly. Seven and Ro were entitled to their own interaction with each other, regardless of how she might view it, and deep down, she didn’t believe for a minute that it would affect their professionalism or even their friendship. It really was a pissing contest in that sense, with both women able to categorize the threats separately from their feelings for each other. It wasn’t necessarily something that Janeway understood completely or felt comfortable with, but she accepted that both Seven and Ro could.
“All right, I won’t say anything,” she said after a moment.
“Acceptable.” But Seven’s tone was still a bit curt.
Janeway looked sideways at her, not turning her head. Seven appeared completely focused on her padd. Only a slight pinkness in her cheeks indicated her temper was still up. Janeway, who had anticipated other pursuits when coming to bed, regretted that she had wasted time on an argument, particularly one which she had no hope of winning. Reaching beneath the covers, she put her hand on Seven’s knee, rubbing it lightly in an apologetic fashion. Seven exhaled audibly, but she didn’t move away or request that Janeway remove her hand.
Encouraged, Janeway slowly continued the caress, moving in an aimless fashion which, nonetheless, crept inexorably up Seven’s thigh toward the junction of her legs. Thin strands of hair tickled the side of Janeway’s hand as she neared her destination, and she wondered how much farther she could go before provoking a reaction. And she wasn’t entirely sure what the reaction would be after their disagreement which, in some odd way, was exciting within itself.
But she was still startled when Seven abruptly tossed the padd onto the nightstand and turned to her aggressively, grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head as she pressed her down onto the bed. She had been doing that quite often lately, Janeway thought, and while it was generally thrilling, she was beginning to wonder what was motivating it.
God, Katie, does it really matter? she wondered as Seven kissed and nibbled her throat, looming over her with predatory interest. Why couldn’t she just lie back and enjoy it, especially since she knew that Seven would stop instantly if she made so much as a whimper of protest. Or perhaps that was why, she mused further, groaning as Seven’s mouth made a delicious trail down her chest and gently savaged her breasts. Perhaps Seven wanted her to object just so she could stop. Just so that she could prove to her that she would never go beyond what Janeway wanted or needed.
She jerked suddenly as Seven’s teeth worried her nipple with exquisite sharpness. “Whoa, easy on an old woman, darling.”
Seven looked up immediately, her brilliant eyes wide and concerned. “Did I hurt you, Kathryn?”
Janeway smiled. “Not at all, sweetheart, but just love me, tonight. You don’t have to conquer me.”
“I thought that was what you wanted considering your approach this evening.” But she released Janeway’s wrists and pulled her close in a loving embrace.
“Fair enough,” Janeway murmured as she nibbled along Seven’s jaw line. “I was teasing you, wasn’t I?”
“You were. And you are not old, Kathryn.”
“Old enough, but not so old that I can’t keep up with you, Sprite.”
“’Sprite?’ Is that a new endearment? What does it mean?”
Janeway laughed, charmed as always by that curiosity, so endlessly present and childlike in its intensity. “I’ll tell you later,” she whispered, caressing Seven’s breasts in a circular motion, loving how the tender points jabbed into her palms. Seven’s respiration increased measurably, responding to the sensation as she quivered against her. “In the meanwhile, why don’t you stop worrying about what I want and tell me what you want?”
“Kathryn, I want…”
“Yes, darling, tell me.”
“Use your mouth on me.” Seven cupped Janeway’s face in her hands and kissed her tenderly. “And take your time.”
“Count on it, love.”
Joyously, Janeway mouthed a lazy trail down Seven throat and chest, pausing to pay tribute to her breasts, brushing over the sharp points with the tip of her tongue. Seven moaned quietly and raked her fingers through Janeway’s hair, holding her in place. Janeway was more than glad to linger for as long as Seven wanted, tracing the fine line of areola and tasting the warmth of her body, worshiping her as she deserved.
Finally, urgently, Seven pushed her downward, her desire clear. Janeway smiled as she moved over the smooth muscles of her abdomen, drawing the flat of her tongue over the silky skin, pausing to tease Seven’s navel, causing her to squirm and utter a breathless, “Kathryn.”
Then ever downward, to the thin strands of her triangle that tickled her lips and cheeks, brushing through it to the sensitive flesh awaiting her, inhaling the heady perfume of her body with true enjoyment. Stroking with loving tenderness along the small ridge, she delved deeply into the wellspring of moisture, a flavor that lingered delightfully on her tongue. Using her palms to spread Seven’s thighs wider, Janeway settled in to grant her full attention to pleasuring her partner.
Seven’s fingertips pressed against Janeway’s temples, stroking the skin lightly. Janeway could practically plot the progression of Seven’s pleasure just from the pressure exerted on her skull, how it grew with each passing second until abruptly, the touch was gone. That, Janeway knew, meant her beloved had reached beyond the point in which she could control herself. There was a sudden screech of metal as Seven twisted the steel bar that had been welded to the headboard for just that purpose.
Smiling, Janeway increased the tempo, flicking steadily over the ridge while her index and ring finger gently entered Seven’s rear channel, pushing deep inside her. Finding a perfect rhythm, she thrust and stroked and nuzzled as Seven undulated helplessly beneath her. Then finally, she stiffened, a quivering instant of total perfection and a hoarse “Kathryn”, her release strong and complete, leaving her limp on the sheets.
Janeway bestowed a final few loving kisses on the moist flesh, then nibbled her way up the lean, lengthy body, resting her whole weight on her. Seven wrapped her arms around Janeway and held her tight, hands moving over her back. Janeway could feel Seven’s tongue move over her lips and into her mouth, tasting her own essence. She groaned and returned the kiss, feeling wonderfully aroused and happily anticipating what Seven would do to appease that arousal.
“Kathryn?”
“Yes, darling?”
“That was wonderful.”
“I’m glad, though you always seem to think so.”
“It is always wonderful.” Seven ran her hands over Janeway’s back, down to her buttocks that she squeezed provocatively. “Should I not comment on it?”
“No, it’s rather nice to know my efforts are appreciated.” Janeway kissed her again, a long, slow melting kiss, wanting her to know how much she loved her. “I hope you know you’re always appreciated, as well, even if I don’t always remember to tell you.”
“I do, Kathryn. You do not fail in your attentiveness to me.”
Carefully, Seven rolled them over until they were lying on their sides. Janeway drew back, looking into her eyes. Their quarters always maintained a certain level of illumination with running lights along the base of the walls. They were designed to facilitate movement in case of an emergency, or just in the event she need to take care of a midnight call of biology, but for now, they allowed her to see Seven’s face, the angular planes and smooth skin, the glint of implant framed by a mass of golden hair. Feeling a flood of emotion, tinged ever so slightly with a bittersweet measure of hurt to remind her how precious this relationship was, Janeway hugged Seven fiercely.
“I love you, Annika,” she whispered. “I love you so much.”
“My Kathryn,” Seven murmured in response, hugging her back as if she knew how much Janeway needed her contact in that moment. “Let me love you now. Let me show you how much I want you…how much I need you.”
“Yes, darling. Oh, yes.”
Lying in the darkness, Seven pulled Janeway closer, her body warm and soft against her own. She was still covered with sweat and her skin slid smoothly over Seven’s, her scent musky and redolent of satisfaction. Tenderly, Seven kissed her neck and ear, nibbling lightly on the lobe.
“Do you require more, Kathryn?”
Janeway made a cheerful but weary sound. “Oh, darling, no, I’m fine. Thank you for giving me such a lovely time.”
“You are welcome.”
Releasing her, Seven rolled onto her back, feeling the warmth of afterglow spread through her. Janeway snuggled up against her left side, tucked into the shelter of Seven’s left arm. This was perfection, Seven decided, one that she appreciated even more after almost losing it.
“Kathryn?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“What does ‘Sprite’ mean?”
“It’s an elf or fairy, a mythical, magical creature of endless youth.” Seven could hear the smile in Janeway’s tone as she explained.
Seven considered that, trying to assess which aspect of that explanation applied to her and realized that none of it did. Bemused, she squeezed Janeway lightly. “Endless youth implies immortality. I am not immortal.”
“No, but you’ll always be younger than me.” Janeway turned her head and kissed her collarbone. “And what you do to me is magical, my love.”
Ah, hyperbole. Seven comprehended that, if not the intent of Janeway’s comment, or her sudden term of endearment. And it did have an aesthetically pleasing sound to the ear. Some words did, she had discovered. “I like ‘Sprite’,” she said finally. “You may use it.”
Janeway started to laugh. “I probably won’t very often. It’s the sort of thing that has to fall into context, such as when our respective ages come up as a topic of conversation.”
“Ah.” Seven nodded thoughtfully.
“Is that your way of telling me you want some new endearments?”
“No, I enjoy all your endearments.” This was degenerating into a rather silly conversation, Seven decided, and while she enjoyed those on occasion, she wasn’t really in the mood this evening. “Do you suppose there is truly an Elthanian rebellion brewing?”
Janeway made a small sound of surprise at the abrupt change in subject, but she didn’t hesitate in her response. “If there is, the last thing we should do is become involved. Even if the Soularri requested it, we shouldn’t interfere with what is basically an internal matter. That, at least, is a much clearer decision than our encounter with the parasites.”
“But what if the Federation could mediate?”
“If the circumstances are right, then yes, I’m sure a few diplomats will be sent, but either way, it doesn’t concern us. We’re headed home tomorrow, and frankly, I’m looking forward to a few months of worrying about nothing more than where we’re going to have dinner.”
“Indeed.” Seven kissed her temple. “It will be good to see our family again.”
“It will,” Janeway agreed. She patted Seven lightly on the stomach. “Are you truly worried about the situation with the Confederation, darling?”
“There is much to admire about this civilization, and much to admire in both the Soularri and the Elthanians. It would be most tragic if they were unable to resolve their differences peacefully.”
“I agree, but it’s out of our hands, Annika. They’ll have to find their own way, just as we do in the Federation.” She snuggled closer, her body growing heavy against Seven’s. “Darling, is there anything else you need to talk about?”
“No, Kathryn. You may sleep.”
“Good night then, my darling.”
“Good night, Kathryn.” She smiled faintly as she heard Janeway’s breathing smooth out into slumber soon after.
But sleep was a more elusive quarry for her, and after a half hour had passed, Seven realized she would not find it by lying there. Easing away from Janeway, she slipped out of bed, padding naked across the deck toward the ensuite. After a quick shower, she dressed in a simple tunic and some trousers before leaving their quarters. She was not in the habit of taking late night strolls around the ship, as Janeway had so often on Voyager, but she did have the occasional need for a solitary walk to clear her mind. It still amazed her at times that she could crave solitude. One of the most difficult things about transitioning from Borg to Human had been losing the constant presence of voices, and yet, here she was only a few years later, roaming the late-night corridors of Millennium and able to appreciate their emptiness.
As she walked, she examined her feelings, just as Kes had suggested in one of their sessions. It was not as easy for Seven to analyze her emotions as it was to examine others, Kathryn’s for example. She supposed that was because she was, quite literally, too close to the situation to see it clearly. She wondered if that was why humans were so inconsistent. Did they continually act without knowing the truth of their feelings? Was that a behavioral pattern she was doomed to repeat in her quest to balance her humanity with her need to maintain her Borgness?
Idly, she realized her wandering had brought her to the deck containing the civilian lounge. Aware that Kathryn preferred this recreational area to the Nexus, she entered, curious about its appeal for her spouse. It was quiet, unlike the crew lounge that would be busy with officers coming off the beta shift and gamma shift personnel taking breaks. A large, white grand piano stood on a dais in the center of the room, while a small bar fronted the replicators. There was no bartender and the tables were smaller, designed for only one or two people. Nor was there a dance floor or a designated area to play pool and 3-D chess.
So why did Kathryn like it so much?
Bemused, Seven walked over to the replicator and programmed in an herbal tea. Carrying it over to a table, she sat down and sipped the soothing liquid with an eye on the other four people in the lounge. One of them worked in the astrometrics lab, but other than a polite nod in her direction to acknowledge her presence, he did not indicate any further interest. The other three were completely unfamiliar to her but they, like her officer, did nothing more than glance briefly at her and resume their conversations. Nor were they talking about her. Her enhanced Borg hearing easily determined that.
Perhaps there was an illusion maintained here that everyone held the same exact status, no more, no less. In that event, Seven thought she could see the appeal, particularly for her spouse whose burdens occasionally weighed heavy upon her shoulders.
Though it would not hold a full-time attraction, Seven decided wryly. For the most part, Janeway enjoyed being the captain and all that entailed, including the fact that people looked upon her to lead them.
The doors to the lounge hissed open and Seven glanced up to see Kes enter the lounge. She spotted Seven and immediately moved over to her table.
“May I join you?”
“Of course, Counselor.”
“Let me find something to drink and I’ll be right with you.”
Seven politely waited until the diminutive Ocampa had retrieved a glass of white wine and taken a seat at her table. As she watched her, she took note of the subtle lines that radiated from Kes’s blue eyes and around her mouth. For some reason, they were particularly visible under this illumination even though it was not harsh. There were even lighter strands of silver scattered profusely through the feathered blonde hair, and with an abrupt shock, Seven realized that Kes had aged to a point where she appeared older than Kathryn. Not that Kathryn was old, of course, but certainly Kes was far from the young woman Seven had met only a few years earlier. She knew Ocampa aged much quicker than most species, but she had believed Kes immune from that because of her enhanced mental abilities and the merging she had gone through with Sek, her holographic counterpart. Perhaps that respite from her Ocampa biology was no longer in effect.
She made a silent mental note to ask Janeway about it later.
“Are you unable to sleep, Seven?”
“I am unsure why. Perhaps because of our return to the Alpha Quadrant in the morning.”
Kes’s even gaze was infinitely compassionate. “I know you’re anxious to see your family again.”
“I have missed Gretchen and Phoebe a great deal, particularly since the incident with the Orion Syndicate.”
“That’s understandable, Seven. You’re worried about them, and until you see them in the flesh, it’ll prey on your mind.” She paused. “What of the rest of your family?”
“Icheb?”
Kes smiled. “I was primarily thinking of your mother.”
Seven felt an icy flicker lance through her, as it did every time her mother came to mind. Rescued from the Borg during their mission to the Delta Quadrant, Erin Hansen was currently in a care facility on Earth. Most of the time, Seven didn’t know how she should feel about her. On occasion, she hoped for a recovery so that she could build a sustained relationship with her. Other times, she felt resentful Erin even existed, and was suitably horrified at herself for feeling that way. Most of the time, she managed not to think about the situation at all.
“Is this a session?” It suddenly occurred to Seven that this may not be a coincidental meeting between them, that Kes's empathic powers may have drawn her to the civilian lounge this evening, brought here by the uneasy thoughts of her patient. If so, Seven wasn't sure if she should be disturbed by that, or oddly comforted.
Kes held up her hand apologetically. “No, of course not, Seven. I just thought you might want to discuss it.”
“I do not.” Seven realized she was being defensive, undoubtedly providing Kes with a large amount of fodder for their next session, but she could not seem to prevent it. With an effort, she took another swallow from her herbal tea and calmed herself. “Are you looking forward to returning to the Federation?”
Kes smiled a touch ruefully at the abrupt change in subject but she did not attempt to resurrect it. “Both lifestyles have their appeal,” she said instead. “The excitement of exploration does become wearing after a time and it’s good to be on leave. But nothing but recreational pursuits also becomes tedious after a few months. Fortunately, being a member of Captain Janeway’s crew grants the best of both worlds.”
“Is Tom looking forward to it?” Seven knew that the backup helmsman had not had a particularly good year, primarily because he had accepted a demotion and was forced to give way to Lt. Nog during any key ship maneuvers. It had been, according to B’Elanna’s cheerfully shared gossip, a bitter pill for Ensign Paris to swallow.
Kes usual bland expression tightened a bit. “I believe he is.”
Intrigued, Seven wondered if Tom’s professional difficulties had carried over into his personal life with Kes. They shared quarters on deck eight. “Where will you be staying while on Earth?”
“Tom’s parents have invited us to stay with them.” Kes didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about the idea.
“Admiral Paris?” Seven thought about what she knew of him and in particular, his prior relationship with Janeway. They had mended ties after a period of acrimony when Janeway turned down a promotion to admiralship. The few times Seven had met him, she found him less than impressive, but since Janeway had admired him, she had tried to discern admirable qualities in him as well. To date, she had failed utterly.
“His mother is adorable,” Kes went on, obviously aware that she had revealed her apathy. “His sisters have been very welcoming to me.”
Seven wondered what they thought of their brother being with someone who, before long, would look older than their mother. She wondered what the Admiral would think about it. Aware that Kathryn was occasionally conscious of the difference in their ages, she didn't believe it was quite the same situation that Kes and Tom appeared headed for. She wanted to ask the counselor about it, her curiosity piqued, but something inside her suggested that perhaps it was something better left alone. She certainly had a great deal to discuss with Kathryn once she returned to their quarters. Hopefully, the captain would not be too annoyed at being awakened for such a discussion. Perhaps if Seven prefaced it with a certain amount of lovemaking, Janeway would prove more amenable.
She was about to finish up her tea and proceed with her plan when the mug was jolted out of her hand and onto the table where it shattered. The hot, murky liquid splashed across the surface, spilling over the edge, but fortunately, missing Kes who had been tossed to the floor. Seven, better balanced, could brace herself and quickly reach down to help Kes to her feet. She looked around to make sure everyone else was all right. They were, though looking quite confused.
“What was that?” Kes asked breathlessly.
“An explosion of some kind,” Seven said grimly. Around her, the lights lowered and took on a yellow hue.
“On the ship?”
“No,” Seven said with certainty, “from the station.”
She was needed on the bridge. As she took a step toward the door, the ship was jolted once more and this time Seven was unable to keep her feet. As she fell, there came a blow from behind her, something hard and heavy striking the back of her head. The last thing she heard before everything went dark was Kes’s scream.
Ro dashed for the turbolift, hauling her tunic on over her sweater. Shaken out of a sound sleep, she had hit the deck running as all good security officers must, yanking on clothes and boots, and plunging through the door before B’Elanna had even managed to fall out of bed. A curt instruction to the nearest turbolift, aided by a security code, sped it on its way, depositing her on the bridge ahead of everyone else on the alpha shift other than the captain. The lighting had a slightly jaundiced hue, indicating a Yellow Alert was established.
She exchanged a look with Janeway as she strode past the command chair on her way to the tactical station, deposing M’Reek from the chair and taking over the controls. “Status?”
“There have been explosions on the station.” M’Reek spoke quickly and quietly, updating his superior. “The captain’s trying to pull us out of here.”
Ro shot a glance over at the helm where Tom Paris was frantically working the board. “Captain, everyone else has the same idea,” he said tightly. “Ships are launching everywhere.”
Janeway, looking impossibly calm and serene in her command chair, lifted her chin. “Then try not to run into anyone on our way out, Ensign.”
Behind her, Ro heard the turbolift open and the footsteps of two more crewmembers entering the bridge.
“Captain?” Kelly essentially jumped off the top level, ignoring the stair as she descended into the lower level where her station, empty and waiting, was located.
“Some kind of conflict is occurring on Hearthstone,” Janeway told her first officer shortly. “Since it doesn’t really concern us, I believe it would be prudent to move up our scheduled departure.”
“Captain, we’re still connected to station. I’m unable to contact anyone to disengage the umbilicals.” T’Shanik’s cool voice issued from directly across the bridge, and Ro looked over to see the young Vulcan woman concentrating intently on the controls she had just commandeered from the gamma shift officer.
“Commander Ro?” Janeway looked expectantly at her as Ro glanced over her shoulder.
“I don’t know if I can, Captain,” Ro responded shortly. She supposed it was a mark of how long she had served Janeway that she knew what she wanted without needing it spelled out. “I don’t really have a shot with the ship’s phasers. It’s far too close. I’ll have to send out a team to cut them away manually.”
“Or we just pull them out at the roots like everyone else is doing,” Tom suggested acidly.
“I’d rather not cause any more damage to the station than I have to,” Janeway objected with a frown.
Another explosion abruptly jolted the ship, sending a quiver through the deck plates and causing more than a few status lights on the displays to change from green to red.
“More damage than what they’re doing to us?” Kelly yelped.
“Take us out, Mr. Paris.” Janeway sounded a bit resigned as she leaned back in her chair, gripping the armrests tightly. “Full thrusters.”
Ro settled deeper into her seat, hanging onto the sides of her console as Paris backed the ship out its docking port. On the viewscreen, tubes carrying atmosphere and power to the ship parted in a shower of sparks and escaping gases, while further explosions sent flames across the dock. There was another jolt, smaller this time, and then the ship was free, turning away from the station in a slow, majestic arc. Debris littered the space around them, and other vessels, much smaller than Millennium, navigated wildly in their attempt to flee the station and avoid the heavy bulk of the Federation starship. Paris apparently decided it was up to them to get out of his way, and he continued the turn away from the station, ignoring the untamed gyrations of the traders around them.
“Damage report.”
“Structural damage on decks ten, eleven and twelve,” T’Shanik reported coolly. “Two of the turbolifts are nonfunctional.” She paused. “Lt. Nog tenders his regrets. He’s trapped on deck thirteen, unable to get out section five, crew quarters.”
That explained it. Ro had wondered why he hadn’t relieved Paris, though to be perfectly honest, if sudden maneuvers were needed, she felt a little better with him at the helm than Nog. She also briefly wondered why Seven had yet to appear. Perhaps she was working out of her lab.
“Twelve Forward has been compromised, Captain.” Ro frowned at the data streaming across her board. “Three of the viewports were shattered by one of the umbilicals. Forcefields have been erected and repairs crews have been dispatched.”
“Casualties?” Janeway’s voice was tight.
“Six from the Nexus have been transferred to sickbay, none serious.”
Ro didn’t hear a sigh of relief but she knew Janeway would be feeling it. “Any indication of what exactly is going on?”
“I’ve been monitoring internal communications on the station,” T’Shanik offered. “It’s a coup.”
There was a pause. “Explain.”
“Apparently, a faction of the Elthanian StarScouts has taken over the station. Fighting between them and station personnel has spilled out over all levels. We, and the other vessels docked to the station, are merely collateral damage.”
“What’s the status of the uprising?”
Something caught Ro’s eye and her fingers flew over the board, bringing the shields up to maximum and arming the phaser banks in anticipation of Janeway’s orders. “I gather the rebels won, Captain. The station is powering up its weapons. We’re being tracked by their targeting array.”
“Raise shields! Go to red alert!” Janeway did not raise her voice, but it did become more penetrating and more authoritative. Ro greatly envied that ability.
Around them, the illumination darkened and took on a red glow from the emergency lights running along the rim of the ceiling. Ro drew up the schematics of the station. “Targeting their weapon systems, Captain.”
“Captain, we’re being hailed,” T’Shanik said in the next instant.
“By the station?”
“No, by the StarRunner.”
Ro shot a quick glance over her shoulder. “Captain, their targeting scans continue to track us, but they’re not firing yet.”
“Stand by, Commander. Mr. Paris, evasive maneuvers, just in case. T’Shanik, on screen.”
What a ridiculous way to run a battle, Ro thought, disgruntled. Fingers poised over the phaser controls, she lifted her head to watch the viewscreen. It shifted from a view of cluttered space to the interior of a StarScout vessel and the elfin features of Intendant Jade.
“Captain, you will not fire on our space station.”
“I can only grant that request if your people offer us the same courtesy,” Janeway responded testily.
“We are currently positioning ourselves between you and the station and will intercept any accidental fire that comes your way.
“Accidental?” Ro muttered incredulously, too low for anyone else to hear.
“This is an internal matter and you must not interfere.”
“Agreed,” Janeway said shortly. “Millennium out.” The viewscreen flickered back to the space. While the brief conversation was going on, Tom had maneuvered Millennium further away from the station and they could see the sleek StarScout ship easing past them to intercept any attempts at aggression from the station.
“Stand down weapons.”
Ro hesitated, not because she intended to disobey but simply because her adrenalin was up and she needed a second to adjust so that she wouldn’t accidentally fire off a shot. “Aye, Captain.”
“Helm, take us out beyond the fifth planet and maintain position there. I want to see how this turns out.”
“Captain, the station is firing on the StarRunner.” T’Shanik’s matter of fact tone belied the drama taking place on the viewscreen.
“So, it is,” Janeway said. “How interesting.” A glance back revealed her leaning forward in her chair, watching the viewscreen intently.
Ro, who hadn’t powered down the phaser banks, pinpointed her targeting array on the station, nerves humming through her body like a racehorse at the starting gate. She so wanted to shoot something. Nothing showed outwardly, though. She was far too experienced for that.
“Damage?”
“The StarRunner’s shields are holding. The station lacks the weaponry necessary to penetrate them.” Ro was not surprised. Most space stations were not designed for attack. Their strength lay in their defensive capabilities.
“Captain!” Kelly’s voice held a mix of outrage and dismay. “The station is targeting the communications array. They’re firing.”
The crew looked on in horror as deadly beams of light lanced out from the station and struck the Federation satellite, penetrating their meager shields and cutting through the metal hull like a hurricane-driven straw through a tree trunk. Gases and debris puffed out from where the structure had been holed.
“Power up weapons. Take us back in, Mr. Paris. Commander, target their weapons. Fire at will.”
Finally, Ro thought gleefully. “Aye, Captain,” she said calmly.
The ship quivered slightly as the she unleashed her full phaser banks, twin beams that came together at a point on the station’s forward weapons array. A ripple of light appeared as the station’s shields held, dissipating the force and spreading it over the shields in a display of rainbow colors. Immediately, Ro switched over board control to the photon torpedo banks, initiating tube loading. “Phasers are ineffective. Loading torpedoes.” She hesitated ever so briefly, giving Janeway the chance to give or belay the order.
“Fire.”
Ro input the necessary sequence. “Torpedoes away.”
Everyone on the bridge looked up at the viewscreen, watching as two mini comets streaked through space toward the station. Just before they hit, Ro fired the phasers again on a rotating phase modulation, trying to match that of the shields and failing that, then at least weaken them in that area. It must have worked because the torpedoes penetrated the shields and impacted on the station itself. There was a flash of light, tiny at this distance but indicative of a huge explosion on the station. Ro exhaled evenly and loaded two more torpedoes, but as she expected, that had been sufficient.
“Hold fire.”
At the same time, Ro became aware that T’Shanik was repeating herself for the third time.
“Captain, we’re being hailed by the StarRunner.”
“On screen.” There was a touch of dryness in Janeway’s voice.
Tazna Jade appeared, her features twisted in anger. “I ordered you to stand down.”
“You hold no authority over me, Intendant,” Janeway said acerbically. Ro wondered how long the captain had wanted to say that. “And even if you did, I will not allow any of my crew to be endangered. As long as the Federation has interests in this area, I am duty bound to protect them.”
“We’ll protect your communications array.”
“You’re barely protecting yourself.” Janeway’s voice was laced with scorn. “Intendant, we’re not running from this fight, so you might as well find a way to incorporate us into you planning. What exactly is going on and what can we do to help?”
Tazna hesitated, varied emotions warring for domination in her face before she finally inclined her head. “Very well.” Her voice grated. “A faction of the StarScouts has commandeered the station.”
“That much we’re aware of.”
“They’ve taken Speaker Jiidan and the rest of the Soularri contingent hostage.”
Intrigued, Ro glanced back at Janeway who was leaning forward in her chair, fingertips pressed together, her stormy gray gaze intent. “How many are we talking about?”
“His family had come to the station to greet him. In addition, there were six administrative ministers and ten members of their support staff.”
“Twenty hostages, then, including two younglings. The insurgent’s demands?”
“The usual, Captain.”
Janeway smiled without humor. “I’m not as familiar with your political situation as I’d like to be, Intendant. We need to talk face to face, rather than through a medium which likely is being monitored by the station.”
“Understood. Shall I come over there, or will you come here?”
“I’ll come to you. I’ll see you shortly.”
Ro would have raised plenty of objections to the captain’s decision except that she had just received a damage and injury report from her assistant security chief. After leaving the bridge, M’Reek had headed directly to the most damaged part of the ship to assist the engineering teams digging through mangled decks. He had just updated her on what he had found in the civilian lounge. Swallowing hard, Ro turned in her seat and looked at the captain who was turning over the conn to Kelly in preparation of transporting over to the StarRunner.
“Captain? I need to speak with you privately.”
Impatiently, Janeway strode briskly into her ready room. “Commander, you’re not going to change my mind on this. We must rescue those hostages. In the meantime, Kelly is positioning Millennium to retrieve our personnel off the communications array. If the rebels want to blow it up after that, they’re more than welcome to it.”
“It’s not about Hearthstone, Captain.”
At Ro’s flat tone, Janeway turned, frowning. “What is it?”
“Seven’s on her way to sickbay. She was injured during our exodus from the station.”
Janeway had wondered about Seven when the initial explosion on the station jolted her from slumber, waking to find the bed empty and no sign of her in their quarters. She would have even been profoundly worried about it had she been able to spare a second between hauling on her uniform and rushing to the bridge to handle the situation. She supposed a part of her had simply assumed Seven had gone to her lab, which was her prerogative as chief science officer. Certainly, she could conduct her duties during a red alert there as easily as she could on the bridge, and in fact, had access to better resources. She only went to the bridge because Janeway preferred her presence there during any kind of action.
Swallowing back the bile in her throat, torn between her instincts as a woman and her responsibilities as captain, Janeway gestured toward the turbolift. “I’m on my way to sickbay, Commander. Prepare an away team to accompany me to the StarRunner. I’ll meet you in the transporter room in ten minutes.”
Ro looked as if she wanted to argue about it, but all she did was incline her head briefly. “Aye, Captain.”
Taking the turbolift directly from her ready room, Janeway input a command code that sent it careening dangerously through the ship toward sickbay, bypassing some of the safety protocols. The sudden stop as it arrived almost took her off her feet and she stumbled through the doors that hissed open only a millisecond before she plowed into them. Chaos reigned in the medical center but despite its appearance, she knew it was organized chaos. Glancing around, she noted that Pulaski, the Doctor and two of the junior medical officers were at the far end, surrounded by a bluish forcefield which indicated they were operating. Heart in her throat, Janeway weaved her way unerringly through the triage toward them, stopping just short of the barrier. Neither patient was Seven, and the reprieve flooded through her like the dawn’s light after a dark and stormy night.
“Captain.”
She turned and saw Kes across the room, standing next to a biobed. Seven was pale, her blond hair spread over the pillow, dark shadows staining the skin beneath her eyes, looking small and vulnerable on the narrow cushion. Her heart aching as if something with claws was tugging at it, Janeway moved to Seven’s side, looking down into the drawn face. Seven didn’t stir and Janeway lifted her eyes to meet the level gaze of her ship’s counselor. Kes’s features were haggard, a large bruise discoloring one cheek.
“What happened?” Janeway’s voice sounded unnaturally calm to her ears, indicating none of the considerable consternation she was feeling.
“It was the second explosion,” Kes explained. “The ceiling above the civilian lounge collapsed and she was struck by a support as she fell. The doctors say she has a concussion.”
“A concussion?” Seven’s skull was reinforced with Borg metal and a cranial implant that protected her brain. For her to suffer such an injury, the blow of the structural beam must have been immense. “How bad?”
Kes hesitated and then apparently decided to answer honestly without any sugar coating. “Had she been fully human, her skull would have been crushed. But Kathryn, her nanoprobes have already begun the healing process. It should only be a few hours more. She’ll be fine.”
Janeway closed her eyes briefly, but then, aware of the passage of time, forced herself to refocus. Leaning over Seven, she brushed her lips lightly over her forehead. “I’m sorry, darling,” she whispered. “I can’t stay. Just get better and I’ll see you as soon as I can.”
There was no response, but there did seem to be more color in her cheeks, and once again, Janeway knew she had the Borg to thank for her beloved’s life. Perhaps she should have retained her own nanoprobes, just as Seven had wanted. Certainly, it granted her a peace of mind that Seven simply did not enjoy when their positions were reversed and Janeway was the one who was injured.
“Counselor,” Janeway said formally, “will you stay with her? I doubt very much that I’ll be back before she wakes.”
“I will.”
From a nearby table, she picked up a padd and spent a moment inputting data, and then handed it to the ship’s counselor. “Please give her this when she wakes.”
“Consider it done.” Kes’s eyes were soft pools of compassionate understanding. “Try not to worry, Captain.”
Janeway knew that was impossible, worry would be a constant companion in the upcoming hours, but it wasn’t anything she could change. She offered one final look at Seven, imprinting the face on her mind, before entering the turbolift and instructing it to carry her to transporter room one. Ro was already there, waiting with T’Shanik and Nog. She was carrying a phaser rifle. Janeway lifted a brow at it and at Ro’s choices for the away team but she didn’t say anything as they mounted the transporter dais and nodded at the officer behind the control panel. The Confederation did not possess transporter technology, though that was supposed to be on the table for future negotiations. Now Janeway was beginning to wonder if there were going to be any future negotiations at all.
“Energize.”
The StarRunner greeting room was a spacious lounge, complete with chairs and a rounded table. The colors were tan and green, offering a cool, relaxed atmosphere. Though plush, the chairs were slightly narrow, meant to fit the more slender forms of the Elthanians. Tazna was already seated at the head of the table.
“Speak,” She instructed once Janeway and her team had taken their seats.
“It’s obvious that this has moved beyond your ability to control it.” Janeway spoke quickly but with authority. “An objective third party could mediate a settlement between the insurgents and the authorities.”
“You being the objective third party, I suppose.” Tazna shook her head, her face troubled. “They don’t trust you, Captain. The Federation is seen as being very much on the side of the Soularri, particularly after hosting Jiidan on your vessel for the past several months.”
“I hardly had any choice in allowing him to accompany me,” Janeway reminded her. “Intendant, surely you know this incident will not make things better for your people.”
“I do, but sometimes when diplomacy appears to be achieving little, the young feel compelled to extremes to enact change. The trouble is now that they’ve committed to this path, I’m afraid more lives will be lost before it’s settled.”
“Then we have to find a way to prevent that.” Janeway leaned forward, linking her hands on the table. “Our transporter technology gives us an edge. Let’s come up with a way to rescue the hostages, but we’ll leave the station in insurgent hands. Then the talking can begin. I’m sure that the Elthanians don’t want to fire on their own people, and I believe the Soularri are smart enough to know they wouldn’t be obeyed if they gave such an order.”
“What of the other people on the station, those who aren’t Elthanian?” Ro asked suddenly.
Janeway glanced at her and then back at Tazna. The Elthanian had a wry expression on her narrow face. “There are key personnel in station administration who have been transferring any non-Elthanian personnel out of there for the past year. The vessels that were vacating the station were those traders and merchants not astute enough to see which way the breeze was blowing. The more savvy of their ilk left our space weeks ago.”
“So, you know this has been coming.” Ro stared at her keenly.
“I had my suspicions.”
“And you didn’t report them to the Soularri?”
Tazna’s mouth twisted painfully. “None of them would listen. You must understand, Commander, the Soularri have become complacent, in fact, arrogant in their superiority over the past few decades. Very few will even acknowledge there could be a problem between our peoples, and of those who did, the only one who might have made a difference wasn’t available.”
“Because he was on Millennium,” Janeway said flatly. “Yet, he didn’t believe you when you told him at the party last night what was going on.”
“I didn’t have the time to convince him, Captain. It always takes several conversations to convince the Soularri they aren’t in control of a situation. And I had very little actual evidence other than rumor and an awareness of how angry certain elements of my people have become.”
So Jiidan was a proponent of the Elthanians? Janeway had never received that impression while he was on her ship, and she was dismayed that she hadn’t dug further when she had the chance. Too many distractions over the past few months, she reminded herself, and felt a muscle jump in her jaw. “Was he sent with Millennium to remove him from the picture?”
Tazna met her gaze squarely. “The Soularri government could not remove him from the council, Captain,” she admitted. “That was the best alternative they could come up with. He’s been too willing to see the Elthanian side, though frankly, my people wanted him gone just as much. They didn’t need him to alert the council as to what was coming.”
“What is coming, Intendant?”
“Elthania is about to declare its independence, Captain. Now that StarScout Headquarters has been secured, they’ll start calling in all ships which are loyal to their Firsts. And there are significantly more of those vessels in the fleet than those that look to the Confederacy.”
“It appears that the Elthanians have the tactical advantage in this situation,” T’Shanik offered coolly.
“So, it would appear but it won’t last,” Tazna said flatly. “That’s what the freedom fighters don’t understand. The Soularri will outfit those remaining StarScout vessels with upgraded weaponry and defensive capabilities. I’m convinced they have far superior technology than that provided to the StarScouts before now. It matters little if a thousand warriors have spears if the hundred they oppose possess lasers.”
Ro blinked. “Are those the numbers we’re talking about?”
“Not quite so significant, Commander. I believe the Elthanians can call on approximately five hundred StarScout vessels. There are eight hundred vessels currently listed on the registry. There are also certain allies who will join the Elthanians in their struggle to supplant the Soularri as the power in the Confederation. They will commit planetary militias to supplement the StarScout naval force.”
“Does that naval force include you and the StarRunner?” Janeway looked hard at her.
Tazna inhaled slowly. “If this situation is unable to be moderated, Captain, then I stand with my people. They know that despite my moderate views and desire for a peaceful outcome of our differences with the Soularri, I will fight if necessary.”
“Did they know that when they were shooting at you?” Ro asked blandly.
“Or was that just for show?” Janeway asked suddenly, before Tazna could answer. She was painfully aware of the last time she had dealt with Tazna, and the way she had been shamelessly manipulated to make sure the Federation array was constructed in the Elthanian system. “Are you here to convince us to play moderator, Intendant?”
Tazna smiled without humor. “Don’t you trust me, Captain?”
“Not any farther than I can throw you,” Janeway replied, baring her teeth in an answering smile.
Tazna inclined her head. “Fair enough, but I assure you, I desperately want a peaceful resolution to this. So far, the casualty list has been limited to the Soularri Special Guard protecting the delegation. But if we continue along this path, war is inevitable. Millions will die.”
“And just exactly what would a peaceful solution consist of?”
“I believe that if the Soularri will allow an Elthanian presence on the council, even if it’s only one or two representatives, beyond that of the token StarScout Intendant, then my people will feel that we finally have a true voice in how we’re governed. In return, the hostages will be released unharmed and the vessels of the StarScouts will be not be called upon to make a fateful choice in their loyalties.”
“And what would make them agree to that?”
“I told you that Jiidan’s family traveled here to greet him on his return. Are you unaware of who his mate is?”
Janeway lifted her head. “He mentioned she was also on the council.”
“She is the Head of the council, Captain. She is also the heir apparent to the ruling family of Soularri.”
Janeway felt pain thread along her temples as her jaw clenched. That was just perfect. “And how high a regard does the Soularri hold their royal family?”
“Very high, Captain. If she makes a promise to the Elthanians, then her word will be law.”
“Even under duress?”
“I would hope that it would not be under duress. Rescuing the hostages will accomplish that.”
“Not if they wish to retaliate once they’re safe on-board Millennium.” She had no intentions of transferring the hostages from one group of Elthanians to another with a murky agenda. Tazna merely shrugged minutely.
“Then perhaps your negotiating skills will prove to be useful, after all, Captain Janeway.”
Head throbbing, Seven opened her eyes, blinking painfully in the stark illumination of sickbay. A quick assessment revealed that all her limbs were intact and other than the lingering ache in her cranium, she had recovered from whatever had happened to her. With an effort, she tried to remember and could only come up with a memory of speaking with Kes in the civilian lounge.
“Seven!” From across the room where she had been conferring with Dr. Pulaski, Kes hurried over, a concerned expression on her face. “How are you feeling?”
“I am functional,” Seven said shortly as she eased upright into a sitting position. A quick glance around the medical center revealed no sign of the captain. “Where is Kathryn?”
Kes hesitated briefly, and immediately Seven focused on her with the precision of a tracking array. “She’s on the StarRunner with the Intendant. They’re conferring on the best way to handle the situation.”
Seven absorbed that. “And what is the situation?”
Quickly, Kes filled her in on what had happened on the station and why Janeway had felt the need to go off with Ro and an away team to the StarRunner. “She gave me this to give to you,” she added, handing her the padd.
Seven looked at it blankly, then back at the counselor, absorbing what she had been told. She didn’t agree with Janeway’s choice of action, of course, but her inattentiveness had resulted in incapacitation at a key moment, therefore, she lacked any influence in the matter. Her first impulse was to transport over to Tazna’s ship, but with Ro also off the ship, Seven was left as second in command and forced to function as first officer to Commander Kelly. Appalled and disgusted at her weakness, she swung her legs off the biobed and attempted to stand.
“Seven, take it easy.” Pulaski’s formidable tones echoed through the sickbay as she strode briskly toward her. “You have a concussion.”
“I am required on the bridge, Doctor,” Seven said coolly as she submitted to the scan by Pulaski’s tricorder. “I believe my nanoprobes have repaired any injuries.”
Pulaski didn’t look happy, but she nodded. “I guess they have,” she agreed grumpily. “But one of these days, Seven, they’re not going to haul your ashes out of the fire.”
“If I were ashes, there would be nothing of significance to remove from a fire,” she responded, perplexed.
Pulaski exhaled audibly as Kes bent her head to hide her smile. “I meant that your Borg implants aren’t always going to save you.”
“That is understood, Doctor. However, they have saved me this time and it is imperative that I resume my duties.”
“Fine, get out of here, then. God, you’re worse than Kathryn.”
Seven decided that did not require a response and took the opportunity to leave before the doctor changed her mind. In the turbolift, she wondered how Janeway was interacting with Tazna. She did not think they would make a particularly efficient team, but she also knew Janeway was more than capable of setting aside any personal animosity if circumstances warranted it. She supposed Tazna had to be the same or she would not have risen so far in the StarScout hierarchy.
Realizing she still held the padd in her hand, she activated it, expecting one of Janeway’s incredibly romantic messages that she was prone to deliver while unable to be with her. She was surprised to find that while a little of it was romantic, most of it was not. Intrigued, Seven stepped onto the bridge where B’Elanna was covering the first officer station. The relief on her face when she turned and saw Seven was almost amusing. She wasted no time in vacating the post.
“About time you got here,” she muttered as she passed Seven on the way to the turbolift, intent on returning to her beloved engines.
“I have an excuse,” Seven told her sincerely.
She saw a flash of white, sharp edged teeth break into a smile before the turbolift doors hissed shut. Descending to the lower level of the bridge, Seven took over the board and finished bringing herself up to date. She lifted a brow as she realized how Millennium had been positioned.
“We are docked with the communications array?”
“Not that close,” Tom Paris replied before Kelly could. “But as long as both our shields were raised, we couldn’t transport any personnel.”
“Ah.” Seven realized where this was going now. “You have extended our shields around the array.”
“Not only to facilitate the transport, but to further protect the array,” Kelly told her. “Their shields aren’t worth spit if the station decides to start firing on it again. Fortunately, there weren’t any casualties when the station fired on them the first time. When they saw all the ships deserting the station like rats, Lt. Mendez and her people went to red alert, jumped into their space suits and holed up in the safest part of the array.” Seven turned her chair to look back at the first officer. “The astrometric lab,” Kelly added at her inquisitive look. “It’s heavily shielded from gamma and subspace radiation. It’s also in the direct center of the array.”
“Of course.” Curiosity satisfied, Seven turned back to her board. “What of the away team?”
“No word, yet.”
Seven glanced around the bridge. M’Reek was back at the tactical station, and Lt. Wildman had taken over Seven’s science post. Beta shift officers held the rest of the stations, all intent on their duties as the viewscreen maintained a view of Hearthstone. She felt a flicker of anxiety now that they had settled into a holding pattern, waiting for some response, either from the station or the StarRunner. What was Janeway up to, and how much trouble was she planning to involve herself in?
“Lt. Hansen?” Seven didn’t immediately respond to the appellation, so involved was she in her thoughts. “Seven of Nine?” Startled, Seven turned. Kelly was regarding her intently. “Are you all right?”
“I am functional.” Seven felt her cheeks heat. “I apologize, Commander. I am not as familiar with my Starfleet name as I am with my Borg designation. What is it?”
“Would you speculate on how the captain might proceed in this matter?”
Surprised, but pleased at being asked, Seven considered it carefully. It was not yet time to share the information from the padd but she could begin to lay the groundwork. “It is difficult to formulate a theory based on such limited information, Commander. It is uncertain what role the Intendant is playing in this. If she is attempting to resolve the situation peacefully as possible, then she will be assisting in every way she can. If not—”
“If not?” Kelly looked surprised. “Is there some reason to believe she wouldn’t be?”
“These are her people, Commander. And while she wishes to enact change in the political structure of her society through peaceful methods, she still desires that change as much as any of those on the station.”
Kelly looked discomforted at the revelation. “The captain is aware of this?”
“The captain will never entirely trust Tazna Jade.” Seven wondered why she found it amusing to say such a thing. Some strange quirk of Human humor she had acquired somewhere, she supposed. “The captain will take that into account, as will Commander Ro. Starfleet’s single advantage in this situation is our transporter technology. We will be able to remove the hostages easily once any defensive shielding has been removed.”
“But removing the defensive shielding is the key.” Kelly nodded thoughtfully, eyes lidded as she stared at the viewscreen. “That’s exactly what they’re working on now.”
“The Intendant will be able to provide data on how the insurgents will proceed.”
“Commander?” Both Seven and Kelly turned their attention to M’Reek who frowned as he studied his board. “We have another ship entering the system. Warp signature indicates it’s StarScout and large.” He input some commands. “It’s the SilverStar.”
“The ship that greeted us upon our arrival in the Beta Quadrant,” Seven identified immediately. She turned to Kelly. “They may be hostile.”
Kelly nodded. The ship had maintained red alert and there was no need to give an order to power up weapons. She leaned forward in her chair, looking particularly attentive. “Mr. Paris, withdraw shields and prepare for evasive maneuvers.”
“We’re abandoning the array?” Lt. Wildman lifted her brows.
“All our people are off it. All that remains on board are Elthanian personnel. If that ship wants to fire on them, I’m afraid it’s their problem.”
“Commander, the SilverStar is powering weapons.” M’Reek’s voice lifted a little, either in excitement or simply anticipation.
“Evasive maneuvers, Mr. Paris.”
“Aye, Commander.”
“Commander, we’re being hailed by the StarRunner, it’s the captain.”
“Janeway to Millennium. Commander Kelly, defensive posture on the approaching ship.” There was a pause. “If necessary, abandon the array.”
Kelly acquired a wry expression. “Understood, Captain. Already on it. Millennium out.”
Seven made a mental note to tell the captain that Kelly had anticipated her order and that when it came to tactical maneuvers, she was Janeway’s equal, even if the rest of her command abilities were still lacking. In the meantime, she hoped that Kathryn would be able to refrain from offering advice and commands from her current position. Kelly had the conn and it was entirely her responsibility to handle the situation.
“Commander, SilverStar is firing.” There was a minor quiver through the ship. “Shields are holding.”
“Full phasers, M’Reek,” Kelly barked. “Target propulsion and weapons. Fire at will.”
On the viewscreen, fiery trails of blue and gold lanced across space, impacting on the defensive shielding of both vessels. Paris handled the ship with a light touch, keeping it between the StarScout cruiser and the array, all the while evading the worst of the fire. M’Reek kept up a steady bombardment from his phaser banks, trying to concentrate on a specific area at any given time. When the StarScout bolstered its shields in that spot, he would instantly shift to another, usually the weakest part of their shields. It was a favorite tactic of Ro Laren and it was apparent she had instilled it in all her team as well.
“Ready torpedoes.”
Seven knew that photon torpedoes were not a favored weapon in a situation like this because they, unlike phasers, tended to remain lethal even if they missed the target. Phasers did as well, of course, but they never shifted in their line of fire. Photon torpedoes continued on their way for at least another ten minutes before an internal command rendered them inoperative, and all the while, they continued to seek a secondary target with their limited navigational systems. In space, that was not usually a problem because the distances involved were so immense. In a star system that also contained a major space station, a communications array, local traffic, various satellites and two inhabited planets, there was a very real possibility of what was deemed ‘collateral damage’. Seven knew that included any unfortunate in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was unsure that Janeway would have resorted to them with M’Reek on tactical rather than Ro, but on the other hand, neither Janeway nor Ro was there.
“Fire.”
“Torpedoes away.”
On screen, the bridge crew watched as two of the four torpedoes launched impacted on the SilverStar, making it shudder. Minor explosions were detected, visible by the expulsion of gas and debris in two separate spots. Hastily, the StarScout peeled off its approach and began evasive maneuvers of its own. Seven made sure she acknowledged the fact that those minor puffs of gas meant that the ship’s atmosphere had been vented and any crewmember in the area was undoubtedly dead. It did not necessarily cause her any distress, but she knew that Kathryn would have taken note and mourned the necessity of it.
Seven tracked the remaining two torpedoes that had missed the SilverStar. One headed harmlessly out into space. The other… “Commander, one of our torpedoes has struck Hearthstone. There is damage on several docking ports.”
A glance over Seven’s shoulder revealed that her comment did not unduly disturb Kelly. She merely nodded her head. “Maintain pursuit of enemy vessel, Mr. Paris. M’Reek, keep them interested, but don’t be overly serious about it. We just want them occupied while the captain conducts her business on Hearthstone.”
“Aye, Commander.”
As Seven refocused her attention to her console, she hoped that none of the hostages had been near the damaged docking ports. Otherwise, Janeway would find it to be a very short-lived rescue operation.
“She’s playing us, Captain.” Ro regarded Janeway gravely once Tazna left them alone in the conference room, ostensibly to confer with other members of her crew, but rather to give the Millennium’s contingent a chance to talk over what they had learned.
“Oh, I’m aware of that, Commander,” Janeway said bitterly. “The problem is, I can’t see any other choice but to do exactly what she wants. The Soularri delegation are hostages, and if a settlement of some kind isn’t reached, then I have no doubt war will be the next step for the Confederation.”
“We could just leave. It is an internal matter, after all.”
Nog made a small sound of protest at Ro’s plainly stated words, undoubtedly at the proposed loss of profit for the Federation, but didn’t speak beyond that. T’Shanik’s raised brow indicated her objection to the idea. But neither junior officer appeared willing to interrupt the conversation between the captain and her security chief.
“Don’t think I haven’t considered that, but the Federation really wants this treaty with the Confederation. They know that the Soularri have technology beyond what they’ve shown, and if we can call on allies a quadrant away, particularly if the Borg or the Dominion threatens again, then we must take that opportunity. At the very least, it offers an escape route should anything ever happen to the Federation.”
Ro stared at her, rocked. “I hadn’t…thought about that.”
“Very few people have,” Janeway said dryly. “The Dominion War, and before that, the Borg incursions into the Alpha Quadrant, shook up the Federation and Starfleet Headquarters considerably. They started thinking long-term disaster strategy and this is part of it. But the Confederation doesn’t offer much of an option if they’re immersed in a civil war.” She tapped her fingers restlessly on the table. “In the short term, we need to do what we can to maintain the lines of communication between the Soularri and the Elthanians. The Federation can send more diplomats and negotiators later.”
“So, we save the hostages.” Ro glanced at the door that Tazna had used earlier, frowning as she thought. “If this is some sort of setup, can we expect an easy ‘rescue’?”
Janeway shook her head. “Somehow I doubt it. We need to proceed as if this is exactly as it appears to be, as much for our own safety as for that of the hostages. Tazna Jade doesn’t figure into it other than a possible wild card.”
The door opened silently and Ro smiled grimly, glad she had kept an eye on it. A quick, warning glance at the captain forestalled what else she was about to say. Alert to Ro’s expression, Janeway turned immediately to face Tazna who had returned with two members of her crew.
“Will you help us, Captain?” Tazna came right to the point.
“We will,” Janeway said, with little inflection in her voice. “We’ll need complete schematics for the station, and what you can give us on any potentially exploitable areas. We also need to know where exactly the hostages are being held. We want to get in and out as quickly as possible.”
“I understand.” She was about to say more when there was a small chirp from the communications device on her belt. Tazna activated it by pressing the glowing light. “Go ahead.”
“Intendant, a vessel has just entered the system. It’s the SilverStar.”
“Breeden Welf’s ship.” Tazna frowned and glanced at Janeway. “He’s a loyalist, Captain, and will unquestionably stand with the freedom fighters.”
Watching Janeway’s face, Ro detected a flash of not quite fear, but certainly unease. She wondered how much of it was for her vessel, and how much it was for Seven left behind and helpless in sickbay.
The captain touched the communicator on her chest. “Janeway to Millennium. Commander Kelly, defensive posture on the approaching ship.” She paused. “If necessary, abandon the array.”
“Understood, Captain. Already on it. Millennium out.”
Ro knew no matter how much Janeway hated the situation, she wouldn’t hesitate to accede to the reality of it. There was another hail from Tazna’s people.
“Intendant, the SilverStar is engaging the Millennium.”
“Understood.” Tazna fixed a look on Janeway. “Captain, we’re running out of time. Perhaps we should use this distraction to our advantage.”
To her credit, Janeway didn’t waver, though Ro was sure a part of her was being torn up inside at not knowing what exactly was going on with her ship. “Agreed. Find us the plans for Hearthstone.”
As Tazna moved over to the table where she brought up the station schematics, Janeway drew Ro aside. “Commander, there may be fighting. Your away team?”
“Nog can handle himself,” Ro told her in the same quiet tone, too low for anyone other than the two of them to hear. “He’s been in battle before, but best of all, he knows when it’s time to look for a more profitable position. I trust him completely. He’s also good at knowing when something isn’t quite what it seems. I believe we need that while dealing with Tazna.”
“And T’Shanik?”
Ro smiled thinly. “She’ll be invaluable at pointing out any tiny flaws in the plan, Captain. We all need Vulcan logic in moments like these, even if she doesn’t have the experience to which we are accustomed.”
Janeway, probably thinking of the same Vulcan with decades of experience to whom Ro was referring, issued a sigh of agreement. “Very well, Commander. But let’s make it quick. If more ships appear in this system, we’ll have to withdraw completely and let the Confederation sort out this mess on its own.”
They moved over to the table and looked down on the smooth, translucent surface that was now displaying detailed images of the space station. Ro lifted a brow as the view shifted slightly, showing updated information as it happened.
“There’s new damage to the station’s starboard docking ports,” Tazna said professionally. “One of Millennium’s missiles went astray during their battle with the SilverStar. The station has lost all power through that section and there are indications that most of the shielding on the starboard side is down as well.”
“That’s where we’ll go in,” Ro decided instantly. “Where’s the probable location of the hostages?”
“The hostages are being held here,” Tazna responded, pointing to a spot near the center of the station.
Ro looked aslant at her. “You know that for sure?”
“Yes. When I was trying to mediate the situation, I was informed this was where they were being held, unharmed. It’s the Soularri level so they’ll even be comfortable during their captivity. Its environmental controls are set to their standards.”
“And the insurgents told you this before or after they fired on you?” Janeway asked mildly.
Ro felt her lips twitch, but she swallowed back her smile. The skin around Tazna’s eyes tightened slightly, but her voice remained completely calm. “Before, Captain. They did not begin firing on me until I demanded the hostages be turned over to me. I may have mentioned that the Federation would have a stake in this as well.”
“That’s when they targeted the array,” T’Shanik noted. A thin eyebrow lifted. “It made us a factor in this battle whereas prior to that, Starfleet property was being ignored.”
Ro exchanged a glance with Janeway and made a mental note not to let Tazna get behind her at any point during the upcoming operation. With friends like that, who needed enemies?
“Will they be expecting you to attempt to free the hostages?”
“Unlikely, but they will expect it of you.”
Janeway looked thoughtful for a moment. “Then we’ll have to leave. They’ll accept that, particularly now that we have all the Starfleet personnel off the communications array.” She tapped her communicator. “Janeway to Millennium.”
“Kelly here, Captain. We continue to engage the SilverStar, though in pursuit mode only.”
“Break off your pursuit, Commander. I need you back here. We’re beaming off Tazna’s vessel. Prepare for an immediate return to the Alpha Quadrant.”
“Captain?”
“You have your orders, Commander.” Janeway injected a certain inflection into her voice. “When you arrive, please have Lenara Kahn beam over eight of the transporter boosting units that Erin and Magnus Hansen designed for use on the Borg cube. We don’t want our transport interfered with by the station. Is that clear?”
There was an unusually long pause. Ro hoped to hell that M’Reek was offering his take on what the captain was attempting. But as it turned out, Kelly was receiving better advice.
“Aye, Captain, the units will be transported immediately upon our arrival. Lt. Hansen is preparing what you need now.”
In one fell swoop, Kelly not only was able to acknowledge her awareness of the captain’s plan, but to let her know Seven was up and functioning normally, something Janeway desperately needed to hear. Her eyes were a bright blue when she glanced at Ro and smiled faintly.
“Captain Janeway?” Tazna was regarding her with concern. Janeway merely offered her a bit of a cheeky grin. “Trust me, Intendant.”
Tazna looked as if that were the absolute last thing she wanted to do, but with a visible effort, she dipped her head in a stiff nod. No one spoke in the moments that followed except for Nog and T’Shanik who were having a quiet and apparently private conversation in the corner. From appearances, Ro decided that Nog was explaining exactly what was going on for the Vulcan, who seemed somewhat perplexed.
“Intendant, Millennium has returned to the system.” A call came in for Tazna at the same time Kelly contacted Janeway.
“Captain, prepare to receive your equipment.”
On the table, eight armbands and three transporter boosters materialized with a hum and a bubble of sparkles. Ro already had her tricorder out and was scanning the biomasking units, programming them to activate on a single command. At her gesture, Janeway, Nog and T’Shanik moved forward and took the indicated armbands, strapping them around the upper part of their arms. After Ro had fastened hers, she placed the other four, each marked with the individual names of the away team, in a rough circle on the deck.
Janeway tapped her communicator. “Millennium, prepare to beam us up on my mark. Once we’re on board, set course for our jump coordinates, warp factor five.”
“Understood, Captain.”
Janeway looked at her and Ro input the last of the necessary commands. “On three, Captain. One, two, three.” She activated all the armbands.
“Energize.”
After the four bands dematerialized, there was a confused pause before her people let Tazna know Millennium had just vacated the system at warp five with the SilverStar trailing behind to make sure they were really leaving. The expression of complete befuddlement on Tazna’s face offered some amusement for Ro and undoubtedly, knowing her captain as she did, provided more than a certain satisfaction for Janeway.
“Captain?”
Janeway smiled. “I wonder if the station noticed that four more Elthanians appeared on your vessel at the same time ‘we’ beamed back to our ship?”
“Unlikely, Captain,” T’Shanik interjected. “The station would be monitoring Starfleet signals. As far as they are concerned, one Human, one Vulcan, one Ferengi and one Bajoran beamed off StarRunner and reappeared on Millennium.”
Tazna frowned, looking around at them all, and then stared at the armband on Janeway’s arm. “It disguises your bio signature,” she concluded after a few seconds consideration.
“Originally as Borg, but Seven was able to reset them to what we needed. Now, the next step is finding a way to beam onto the station without the insurgents noticing.”
“How will you utilize the technology? Your ship is no longer in range.”
Ro took note that Tazna was cognizant of transporter limitations. She must have been studying all the Federation technology intensely in the past year. Janeway reached over and picked up one of the booster rods, setting it up on the deck.
“We’ll be using these,” she explained as she worked. “Once they’re set up, they can provide an emergency transporter but unfortunately, it’s limited to site-to-site. Wherever we beam in, those are the coordinates from which we’ll have to transport back.” She picked up another rod and placed it at an angle to the first one while Ro looked after the third rod, creating a triangle. She offered a significant look to Tazna.
“So, you’d better pick a particularly secure spot on the station for us to get those hostages out, Intendant.”
Janeway wished there was some way she could speak with Seven but it was impossible. Not that it was the first time their duties had separated them, but it never grew easier, no matter how long they’d been together. She supposed it was enough to know Seven was well enough to resume her duties. She hoped the personal message she left on Seven's padd would suffice.
“Captain, are you ready?”
Janeway nodded briefly and took her place with the others waiting to beam over to Hearthstone. Ideally, Tazna Jade should have remained on the ship to keep the insurgents busy while Janeway and company infiltrated the station, but she insisted on coming along. Fortunately, a member of her crew was very familiar with one of the leaders in the rebel group, yet was loyal to Tazna in wanting a peaceful resolution to their conflict with the Soularri. She would try to convince him and the rebel leaders to take a more moderate view, while Millennium’s away team, along with Tazna and two of her best warriors, would rescue the hostages.
At least, that was the theory. Whether it worked out that way remained to be seen.
Janeway touched the butt of her phaser briefly as she felt the transport initiate. This was different from normal ship beam outs, the boosters leaving her with a slightly displaced feeling once she materialized. It took her a few seconds to realize she had arrived.
Swallowing hard, she glanced at Ro. “Scans?”
Ro, studying her tricorder, shook her head. “Nothing, Captain. There’s no indication that our transport has been detected.”
“Excellent.” She glanced at Tazna. “Intendant, you’re the most familiar with this layout. Take the point. The rest of you, look lively and take care. This place looks like it’s about to fall apart around our ears.”
If Tazna Jade objected to Janeway taking command, she didn’t say anything. Instead, she lifted her rifle…a slender weapon that appeared as if dropping it would make it shatter into pieces but as deadly as any Starfleet had encountered…and started off down the dark and scorched remains of a corridor. Around them, twisted metal and hanging wires provided a dangerous obstacle course, forcing them not only to watch where they stepped, but also make sure they didn’t hit their heads. They had beamed as far into the damaged section as possible without being detected, away from the destroyed docking ring and close to the central Soularri level. The sensors in this section of the station were either destroyed or transmitting faulty readings thanks to the stray torpedo from Millennium. Janeway believed the entire graduating class of Starfleet Academy could wander around in the bowels of the station without anyone being the wiser. That would change once they reached the undamaged part of Hearthstone where the sensors were still active.
Atmosphere was present but it was not being recycled, filled with arid fumes and smoke that hung motionless and stung the eyes. Fortunately, they had foreseen this and the Elthanians had provided the away team with re-breathers. Janeway gratefully sucked air through hers. It didn’t taste particularly fresh, but it was free of anything that would damage her throat and lungs. She presumed they had more to outfit the Soularri. If not, they would be carrying the fuzzy little beings on their backs as they made their escape.
The temperature was exceedingly low in this section, heat leeching through the damaged bulkheads. She shivered as she carefully picked her way through the debris, noting frost on some of the walls. T’Shanik had been assigned to keep a close eye on the structural damage around them. If any spot appeared particularly weak and subject to rupture. Janeway wanted would have some time to avoid it and take cover before they were sucked into the outer docking ring and the unforgiving vacuum of space.
As she followed Nog through the narrow passageways, Janeway observed the two Elthanians in the lead, Tazna and her custodian, Noran Drel. He was a completely different male than the catlike creature, Rynard, who had served on StarRunner during Janeway’s initial meeting with the Confederation. In fact, Janeway realized she should have noticed that all the other species that had served with Tazna when she was only a First were no longer present, including her Healer, the reptilian Marin.
It had not escaped her attention that Ro had positioned the away team so that the captain was in the middle. T’Shanik was right behind her, then Tazna’s other associate, Soudar Caz, before Ro brought up the rear. Janeway supposed she should have expected it, but it still made her feel a little confined, and chafing at the necessity of it.
Tazna suddenly paused up ahead and Janeway shouldered past Nog and Noran to see what was happening. It was their first body. The mangled remains of an Elthanian lay against one wall. A little further on, the tiny body of a Soularri guard lay crumpled. It was hard not to feel a pang for the royal soldier who appeared so tiny and helpless…until one realized the mortal wounds on the Elthanian had resulted from the claws of the Soularri who had physically tore him apart before succumbing to the laser wound in his chest. Both species were deadly, Janeway reminded herself, and unless they could find some common ground between them, this was going to get a lot worse before it got better.
“Here,” Tazna said shortly, gesturing toward a ladder that ran up the bulkhead and disappeared into the murky reaches of the upper level. “This leads to the Soularri Sector. There will be working sensors here. If they see this large a party moving around, it’ll cause suspicion. Perhaps you should remain here.”
“We have it covered.” Janeway nodded at her team and adjusted her bio-unit so that she no longer appeared as an Elthanian. Now the device completely masked her bio-signature to the sensors.
Tazna glanced at her scanning device and then back at Janeway. “Why didn’t you program that into your masking units in the first place?” Her tone was slightly accusatory.
“Because it steadily degrades the signature patterns, causing the units to fail after three hours,” Janeway explained shortly. Nor would it help if one of the rebels laid eyes on them, but until either happened, she and her crew were essentially invisible.
“Hunting mode,” Tazna told her officers who nodded somberly.
Does that mean we get to eat anyone we meet? It was on the tip of Janeway’s tongue. She really, really wanted to say it, but finally she decided discretion was the better part of valor and kept her mouth shut. She did exchange a glance with Ro, and from the glint of amusement in her eyes, Janeway knew the Bajoran had a pretty good idea of what she was thinking.
“Let’s go,” she said instead.
As she climbed the ladder into the next level, Janeway felt anticipation increase her heartbeat. Forcing herself to breathe evenly, she tried to damp down her burgeoning anticipation, knowing she had to be cool for whatever happened. Caz offered his hand as she reached the top, and she gracefully allowed him to boost her onto the deck. Glancing around at her surroundings, she squinted a little. It was much brighter here and there was already a hint of humidity in the air. She tucked away her re-breather and drew her phaser. T’Shanik and Nog quickly followed suit, while Ro swung around the phaser rifle she had been carrying on her back.
Creeping along the corridor, Janeway could feel the heat beginning to rise. A step through a door nearly wrenched her knee as the gravity increased. Belatedly she noticed the sign on the wall. It was in Elthanian but undoubtedly said; “Now Entering Soularri Sector”. She shot a sour look at Tazna. She could have used a little warning.
However, Tazna was holding her hand up, indicating that they needed to stop. They had been moving without speaking as it was, but now they froze in place, damping down all sound. Tazna peered cautiously around the corner and held up two fingers, presumably to indicate there were two guards.
She looked over at Ro, pointed at her and at Noran, gesturing in unmistakable sign language that they were to tackle the guards. Janeway realized that by putting Tazna on point, she had abdicated her command of the situation and once more she felt manipulated. It wasn’t any wonder Tazna hadn’t objected. A subordinate would have looked to her for orders. Tazna, who naturally took charge as all commanding officers did, probably didn’t even think of it.
Janeway exhaled silently and swallowed back her irritation. What was important was the mission, not who commanded it. They had to work together to bring this off successfully. If that meant an occasional friction where one of the commanding officers had to give way, then Janeway could do it. To her gratification, Ro did look at her for permission before she made a move to join Noran.
A brief nod and then both officers were slipping around the corner with a speed that left Janeway a little breathless. There were a few seconds of silence, a couple of muffled thumps, and then Tazna was moving swiftly around the corner. Janeway was about to join her when a hand on her arm stopped her.
“Lieutenant?”
Nog’s craggy features were grave. “Too easy, Captain,” he muttered quietly. “The hostages are their main assets, and you don’t protect assets so lightly. My ears are tingling. I don’t like this at all.”
Janeway stared at him and then nodded. “Keep alert. At the first sign of trouble, we pull out.”
“Aye, Captain,” he said, but he still looked troubled as he followed her around the corner.
Ro was working at the door as the three Elthanians kept watch. Tazna glanced at Janeway with an inquiring expression, as if wondering why it had taken so long for the rest of the away team to join them. The captain didn’t enlighten her, instead looking at Ro who had just managed to pry off the panel.
“Alarms?”
“Plenty,” Ro responded shortly. “I’m taking care of them, Captain.”
Janeway shot a nervous glance down the corridor. It took several, interminable minutes before the door finally and unexpectedly hissed open. Immediately, Tazna, Caz and Noran dashed through, weapons at the ready. Janeway exhaled in exasperation as she made her team take a moment to regroup before they cautiously brought up the rear.
Inside, it was like stepping onto a planetary surface, or a holodeck. Greenery festooned every square inch of the immense room, completely hiding the metal of the space station and giving every impression of a clearing deep in a primeval forest. A small stream even wandered through the large boulders and bushes, which provided a great deal of cover for the inhabitants. Something that was realized by the preceding Elthanians only when they had been captured.
Amused, Janeway looked at Tazna and her people who were wrapped up in mesh netting, completely immobilized. They were surrounded by small forms that bristled with makeshift weapons, obviously scavenged from what they had on hand in their crew quarters. Teddy bear like faces turned to regard the newcomers suspiciously before one stepped forward, waving the others off.
“Captain Janeway!”
At Jiidan’s greeting, the rest lowered their weapons except for the five standing over the ensnared Elthanians.
“Believe it or not, Minister, we’re here to rescue you,” Janeway told him. “Along with the Intendant and her crew. We don’t have much time if we want to transport you to Millennium.”
Showing his mettle, Jiidan didn’t hesitate or waste time asking questions. At his gesture, Tazna and the others were released while the rest gathered together. That included two little cubs who peeked out from behind the legs of a female dressed rather ornately in emerald robes. Their cuteness factor was unbelievable and Janeway gritted the back of her teeth. How was one supposed to take these people seriously during times of political strife? She supposed that was what other species in the Confederation found so difficult before the Soularri’s superior technology convinced them otherwise.
“Let’s go,” she said, motioning them toward the door.
Flashes of laser fire aimed at the ceiling drove them back, and as Janeway took cover with Ro, she frowned at the group of Elthanians who had taken command of their only exit. “Hmm, I wonder what took them so long.”
A voice echoed through the garden. “Captain Janeway, please do not resist. We do not want to harm you. We only want the Federation to assist in our struggle against a tyranny.”
“How did they know we were here?” Ro’s dark eyes were hard as she peered over the boulder.
“I suspect the rebels knew our every move the moment it was made, Laren.”
There was a motion from the left and Janeway looked away from Ro’s puzzled face to see Tazna duck through the greenery to join them.
Her expression was almost, but not quite contrite. Janeway thought it was rather a weak effort. “I’m sorry, Captain. There’s no way for us to return to the beam out coordinates. We have no choice. We must surrender and hopefully you’ll be able to convince the Federation to negotiate on our behalf.”
“Oh, I don’t think so.” Janeway tapped her communicator twice and smiled rather smugly at Tazna’s bemused expression. “I always have a contingency plan, Intendant.”
Seven of Nine manned the first officer station and restrained herself from ripping it from its mount. She positively hated having to sit passively on the bridge while her spouse roamed around playing Starfleet heroine on an enemy space station.
After making a grand show of vacating the Elthanian system at warp five and finally shaking off the SilverStar with a small transwarp jump of a couple of lightyears, Millennium had made a gradual circle back. Once it entered the system, it instituted silent running. The ship didn’t possess a cloaking device like those loaned to Starfleet by the Romulans during the Dominion War, but even temporary access to the technology had taught Federation engineers a trick or two about ship camouflage. Newer vessels were equipped with extreme modifications to the deflector dish that enabled a ship to disguise its signature as an asteroid. It meant dropping all shields, setting scans to passive mode and lowering power levels to the very minimum of life support…extremely risky at the best of times…but it could be done. It also meant turning off the warp drive, leaving them with impulse engines only as they drifted in the shadow of a moon orbiting the fifth planet. Kelly hadn’t wanted to do it, but the orders on the padd Janeway left with Seven offered her no choice.
So far, the SilverStar, which had returned to prowl about Hearthstone, offered no indication it had noticed Millennium’s presence. Seven thought the Confederation ship was offering a bold display considering their weapon array had been disabled by the photon torpedo that had hit them in their earlier battle. For that matter, StarRunner didn’t seem aware of them either.
“There’s the signal!”
M’Reek’s words galvanized the crew and immediately orders started raining down on them as the illumination brightened from the very dim silent running to the brighter, but more garish crimson of red alert status. “Full power, shields up, weapons locked. Helm, full impulse. Take us into orbit with the station.”
“Commander, the StarRunner is moving to intercept.”
“Tell them to stand down. This is part of the rescue mission.”
There was a brief pause. “No response, Commander. They’re powering up weapons.”
Kelly made a face, a mix of surprise and grudging admiration, undoubtedly at Janeway’s anticipation of this move. “Activate the self-destruct in the transporter booster rods.”
Seven transmitted the order, and the vessel headed towards them abruptly shook as an unexpected explosion ripped through its interior. Seven wondered if she might have set the strength of the hidden devices in the rods a little high. The StarRunner didn’t so much alter course as stagger drunkenly across Millennium’s path and out the other side, trailing debris and smoke from it upper saucer.
Grandly, Millennium continued its path past the drifting StarRunner and the weaponless SilverStar. The latter made a move to intercept before a warning shot across its bow kept it in place. Once in range of the station, Ops locked on to the captain’s communicator and beamed up everyone in her immediate area, depositing them on one of the large cargo hold platforms in Millennium’s belly where a security team was waiting to disarm them all.
Seven was already headed to the turbolift as Kelly immediately ordered the ship out of the system with a heading for the Raelien Republic and its concealing nebula. She arrived in the cargo bay in time to witness Tazna and Janeway facing off. The shorter stature of Janeway indicated no give before the much taller and imposing Elthanian, her face shoved pugnaciously into Tazna’s. Seven thought she looked more than a little like B’Elanna in that moment. Perhaps she had retained certain body language from the time she and the Klingon had switched bodies. Certainly, had she sported a bat’leth, it would be stuck under Tazna’s chin with the edge on her throat. Seven wondered if she should attempt a mediation.
“You betrayed us.” Tazna’s fists were clenched.
Janeway laughed without humor. “You mean, before you had a chance to betray us, Intendant? You should be careful about trying to manipulate the Federation into becoming involved with your business. Because when we do, it’s always going to be on our terms and not yours.”
A female Soularri interrupted this rapidly deteriorating conversation. She was unfamiliar to Seven, though she suspected this was Jiidan’s mate, J’tal. “Captain Janeway, I insist you return us to Soularri space immediately.”
Janeway took a step back from Tazna and immediately composed her features into a more accommodating expression. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but that won’t be possible. Your people must come to terms with what happened here. Unless it’s settled here and now, it will only become worse before it gets better.” She knelt so that she was at eye level with the princess. “You have spent the last few decades administering the Elthanians as a benevolent parent watching over children who have done wrong. The problem is, they grew up without you noticing and, like all children, it’s time to allow them their own path. If you’re fortunate, they’ll find it with you, but I can assure you, they’re more than willing to find it without you. Is that what you really want?”
J’tal looked extremely troubled. “So much has happened—” she began.
“I agree, and that’s why you need a day or two to process this and not make any fatal decisions. That goes for the Elthanians, as well. I’m sure they need time to reflect and understand what this means. We’ll be remaining here for the next few days, and when it’s time, I hope that you will grant me leave to mediate any talks that occur between your people.”
J’Tal glanced at Jiidan, and at his nod, turned her attention back to Janeway. “We will consider it, Captain.”
“My crew will escort you to guest quarters. Please inform me if you require anything else to make your stay here more comfortable.”
Janeway motioned at Ro who herded the Soularri from the cargo bay, leaving Tazna, the rebel leaders and the rest of the Elthanians regarding her suspiciously. “I suppose you will escort us to your prison facilities, Captain,” Tazna said sourly.
“On the contrary, Intendant, your quarters are already prepared. I trust you understand why they’re located some distance from the Soularri.”
“And my ship?”
“I understand repairs are being undertaken by the remaining station personnel,” Janeway said pleasantly. “In the meantime, I need to speak with my superiors. Swift hunting to you, Intendant.”
Janeway nodded briefly and strode briskly for the door. As she passed Seven, she shot her a look that was both resignation, in that this was not the time for them to reunite, and entreaty that Seven would understand. Seven did and attempted to convey that understanding with the most tender expression she could manage under the circumstances. It must have worked because Janeway’s step abruptly lightened, her shoulders squared and Seven could see a small smile suddenly break out over the full mouth before the cargo bay doors clanged shut.
Seven looked back at the Elthanians. “This way, if you please,” she said politely.
She was unsurprised when Tazna fell into step with her as they left Millennium’s loading area and headed for the guest quarters.
Tazna glanced ruefully at her. “I did not anticipate the course of action your mate chose. Apparently, I have not learned enough about you.”
Seven smiled faintly. “Humans have a saying, Intendant. ‘Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me’. I can assure you that Kathryn rarely allows herself to be fooled a second time.”
“I’ll remember that, particularly in the upcoming days.”
“I am certain that you will,” Seven agreed as she handed the group over to Kes who was much better at settling guests into their quarters than she was.
In the empty corridor, she hesitated, unsure where to head next. Janeway would undoubtedly be busy for the rest of the day, preparing a communications packet for Starfleet Headquarters. With the communications array damaged, they would have to resort to methods used in their first mission when small probes were shot through a slipstream conduit to exit in Federation space. How long it would take for a passing ship to pick up the navigational beacon was unknown. Of course, if it was targeted at the jump coordinates that Millennium was initially supposed to make on this day, there would probably be someone already headed in that direction, dispatched when Starfleet noticed the absence of their deep explorer.
She would need to prepare the probe, readying it for the rigors of slipstream transport. She headed for her astrometrics lab, and after setting her team to work on assembling the outer casing, she retired to her office to go over the various schematics for the navigational and propulsion systems. There were several variations of each, and during their first year in the Delta Quadrant she had mixed and matched them liberally to create the most efficient probe. She had yet to find the perfect blend of programming, and a part of her was pleased at the opportunity to try again.
Of course, there would be no communications array in the Gamma Quadrant. Assuming that would be their next mission, she would have other opportunities to develop perfect probes, but for now, it was an efficient way to pass the time until she was able to be with Janeway again.
The rest of the afternoon went by quickly as she and her scientists constructed the probe, and it was well into the beta shift before she was satisfied with its construction. Leaving her night shift to finish up the final details, she left the lab and headed for her quarters, disappointed to find them empty. A check with the ship’s computer revealed that Janeway was in the conference room, undoubtedly with representatives from both contingents. The captain would be anxious to lay a foundation for future negotiations and initiate a dialogue between both Elthanians and Soularri that would last until the Federation could send more diplomats. Until then, Seven and the rest of Millennium could expect the mission to be extended for as long as necessary. She was anxious to return home, which was ironic considering her initial antipathy toward the Federation during their seven-year journey on Voyager. However, she completely understood why Janeway had to complete this task to her own satisfaction.
Feeling a bit weary, Seven undid the bun at the back of her neck, allowing her hair to fall freely about her shoulders. Shaking her head to spread it out, she undid her tunic and laid it carefully over the back of the chair. As she stared through the viewports into the dark expanse of space and the leading edge of the Raelien nebula, she allowed her mind to drift over the past year, contemplating both the good and bad, and all the things she had learned about herself and her beloved spouse.
Closing her eyes, Seven crossed her arms over her chest, almost in a hug, allowing the various emotions and memories to wash over her. Despite their recent differences, she had never loved Janeway more, nor could she remember wanting and needing her as much as she did now. To have taken that for granted, to have handled it so carelessly, without thought or regard for the consequences her actions could and did have, made tears sting the back of her eyes. She blinked them back and regulated her respiration, seeking to regain her normal calmness. It was so easy for her to impose her will on her physical reactions, able to make minute adjustments to nanoprobe specifications and production with merely a thought, but her Human self…her soul, as it were…remained so strange to her, such unknown territory.
She counted herself fortunate that she did not have to chart those waters alone, that there would always be someone at her side. A smile touched the corners of her mouth, and a lightness of being spread through her knowing that soon, she would be with Kathryn, to bask in her humanity with all its flaws and appreciate it more for that imperfection. Her body responded instinctively, anticipation increasing her heart rate and sending a rush of desire though her that hardened her nipples against her sweater and caused moisture to dampen her undergarments. She trusted that Janeway would be equally anxious to make up for their time apart with a physical display of their love. After all, missions that entailed a certain amount of danger, combined with the perfect opportunity to not only defeat her enemies but possibly embarrass them as well, left the captain feeling quite amorous.
If not, Seven suspected it would take very little effort to convince her that she should be.
When Janeway finally reached her quarters that evening, Seven was already there, standing in quiet contemplation before the viewports that looked out onto the space station. Her hair had been let down from its customary conservative style, and her tunic was draped over the nearest chair, leaving her clad in the blue, form-fitting sweater. She turned as Janeway entered, and her ice blue eyes warmed perceptibly at the sight of the captain. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. Quickly, Janeway crossed the space between them and fell into her embrace, feeling the strong, slender arms encircle her, holding her tight. It was like entering a circle of warmth from a welcoming fireplace on a cold winter’s day. Tucked up under her chin, Janeway buried her face into Seven’s throat, inhaling the sheer wonderfulness of her with every breath.
“I am gratified you are well, Kathryn,” Seven murmured into Janeway’s hair.
“Oh, God, I’m glad you’re all right, too.” Janeway hugged her tightly, wanting nothing more than to stay like this for an eternity. “You scared me this morning.”
“Not as much as you frightened me,” Seven responded. “You were not there when I regained consciousness.” She paused, her hands rubbing lightly on Janeway’s back. “I am unused to that.”
“I wanted so much to be there for you. It just wasn’t possible.”
“I know, Kathryn.” Seven kissed her ear, and then lower, on the soft skin where jaw met lobe. “I wanted very much to be with you on the away mission. If I had not been so unwise as to be injured…”
Janeway laughed softly. “Darling, I doubt very much you had much control over it.” She snuggled closer, trying to mold herself against Seven’s body, needing as much physical contact as possible. “I’m just grateful it’s all over and we’re together again.”
Seven continued to work her way along Janeway’s jaw with feather light touches that finally reached her mouth. Janeway moaned softly as they kissed, feeling liquid desire pool in the pit of her stomach and at the juncture of her legs. It wasn’t just wanting Seven, she knew, but also a reaction to the day and needing to reaffirm her existence with the one she loved. She was always extremely aroused after such a mission and knew Seven would attend to those needs enthusiastically.
So Janeway was unsurprised, but still deeply thrilled, when Seven swept her up into her arms and carried her toward the bedroom. Arms wrapped tight about Seven’s neck, tracing a line along her jaw and throat with her lips, she didn’t want to let her go as she was lowered to the bed. Instead, she pulled Seven down on top of her, needing to feel her weight upon her, to feel covered and protected by her. Quickly, between passionate kisses and caresses, they removed each other’s uniforms, the tunics and sweaters and trousers tossed negligently on the deck, until they were both gloriously naked and clinging together.
Janeway wrapped her legs around Seven’s hips, feeling the rasp of golden triangle along her tender flesh, sending chills of pleasure through her. She wanted to be ravished, taken, and she reached above her head, touching a control that opened the headboard compartment containing their ‘toys’.
“Darling, would you?” she breathed in Seven’s ear as she located the Wonder Wand 9000® by feel alone and drew it from concealment. A Ferengi-designed sexual aid, it was a remote-controlled device that could accurately mimic the male genitalia of over one hundred alien species, as well as being fully adaptable in size, shape and color, though the couple generally maintained the Earth standard settings. It had been awhile since they had used it while making love…mostly because the last time they had been so rudely interrupted, creating certain logistical problems for Seven…but for tonight, it was exactly what Janeway wanted and needed.
Breathing heavily, Seven drew away, kneeling upright so that she could attach the penile probe to her groin, the opening at its base fitting tightly over her clitoris and transmitting sensation directly to her tiny bundle of nerves from the finely aligned sensors along its length. While she did that, Janeway retrieved the remote control and strapped it to her wrist, inputting the settings for sensitivity and fine-tuning the settings for actual length and thickness. From a small jar, she scooped out a generous amount of lubricant and sat up. Reaching out to Seven, she proceeded to massage the lubricant all over the shaft of the wonder wand, leaving it gleaming in the low illumination. Janeway smiled as she fondled it, and by extension, her lover, watching as Seven quivered at the sensation.
“Feel good?”
Seven, who was resting her hands lightly on Janeway’s shoulders for support, swallowed hard and nodded. “You always program the sensitivity too high.”
Janeway nipped at her chin playfully. “You always complain but I notice that you never try to reset it.”
“How can I when you maintain control over the remote?” Seven ran her hand down Janeway’s back and squeezed her buttock. “Did we not concur that I would wear it from now on?”
“I don’t remember agreeing to that.”
Seven, undoubtedly aware that she could not win such an argument, responded with a passionate kiss as she pressed Janeway backward onto the bed, covering her with her body. Knee urging Janeway’s legs apart, Seven positioned herself between her thighs. Dipping her head, she closed her lips over Janeway’s right nipple, tongue dancing lightly over the tender skin. Pleasure shot through Janeway like an electric current and her head went back, a cry parting her lips.
“Oh, Annika.”
Janeway could feel the edge of Seven’s teeth as she smiled before proceeding to intensify her touch, sucking lightly on the throbbing protrusion. Tangling her fingers in the long blonde hair, Janeway pulled her head tighter to her chest as Seven moved over to the other breast, granting it the same loving attention. The ache between Janeway’s legs was almost painful at this point and she moaned loudly.
“Darling, please.”
Seven lifted slightly and reached down between them to guide the head of the penile probe into Janeway, rubbing up and down the valley of her wetness with lazy intent before finally poising at her opening. Janeway lifted her hips and there was a delicious moment of entry, slow and sensual, and then Seven was inside, thrusting deeply, her gaze intent on Janeway’s face. Wrapping her legs around her hips, Janeway held Seven in place, tightening her muscles around the intrusion and milking the extended length of Seven’s clit, watching closely to see how it affected her.
“Kathryn!” Seven’s eyes went wide, bright and brilliant in the night.
Janeway smiled and continued to vigorously work the internal muscles of her channel, feeling her own excitement build at the exquisite sensation. Seven’s head fell forward helplessly onto Janeway’s chest and she pushed herself even deeper, her pubic hair grinding against Janeway’s with delicate roughness.
“Kathryn,” she whispered after several delicious moments had passed, voice ragged with need, “please, I must…I must be in motion.”
Janeway released her grip on Seven’s hips. “Oh, God, love, yes.”
Seven began to move within her, slow, deliciously thorough thrusts that massaged every inch of Janeway’s inner self, particularly that special spot deep inside. She rose to meet her, hips rising in counterpoint to Seven’s, the point of impact imparting its own special pleasure. It wasn’t long before they were both unable to speak coherently, restricted to groans and whimpers and little grunts of pleasure. Janeway felt herself cast adrift as she was lifted ever higher and she clawed at Seven desperately. Orgasm wasn’t so much a summit as it was a sustained plateau that her lover kept her at for some time. When Seven finally gained her own gratification, Janeway could only cling to her weakly as both women tried to maintain the ecstasy for as long as possible.
“Oh, Kathryn.” A final shudder left Seven boneless on Janeway, barely able to keep the better part of her weight off her with her elbows.
“Darling.” Weakly, Janeway stroked her hair, wondering if this would be the moment her pounding heart would finally batter its way out of her chest.
Lying together, regaining their strength, it took several minutes before Seven could gently withdraw. Removing the wand, she placed it in the cleansing compartment on the other side of the headboard. Feebly, Janeway took off the remote and tossed it over her head in the general direction of the ‘toy box’, not even looking to make sure it reached its destination. When Seven’s body settled beside her own, Janeway wrapped herself around the lanky frame and held on as if she were drowning, wanting nothing more than to remain in that moment forever.
Seven nuzzled her ear. “Did you enjoy it, Kathryn?”
Janeway laughed quietly. “What, my thrashing about like a fish out of water didn’t give you a clue?”
“Perhaps a small indication,” Seven allowed, humor lacing her tone. She paused. “I particularly enjoyed that exercise in the beginning when you would not allow me to move.”
“I thought you might. That’s why I did it.”
“Will you do so again in the future?”
“Whenever you like, sweetheart.”
They relaxed a little bit more, shifting to a position more conducive to sleep, with Seven rolling over onto her back and Janeway snuggled up against her side, head on her shoulder. Seven cuddled her, reaching with her left, mesh-covered manipulative implant to carefully entwine her fingers with Janeway’s, their linked hands resting on her stomach. “May I ask you a question, Kathryn?”
Janeway felt a small flicker of trepidation. Requesting permission usually meant the question would be a difficult one. “Of course, darling.”
“Were you able to work with Tazna Jade efficiently while rescuing the hostages?”
Janeway let out a bark of laughter before she could stop it. “I don’t know that I would call it efficient. It was certainly interesting. I’m beginning to think I don’t play well with others, at least, not others who think they rank me.”
“I assumed you were aware of that considering your interaction with Dr. Pulaski over the past few years.”
“Good point.” She tightened her grip on Seven’s hand and guided it down to the apex of her thighs.
“Kathryn?” Seven sounded surprised but pleased. “I believed you ready for sleep.”
“I thought I was, too, but now I just want you to touch me for a while. Is that all right?”
“Perfectly acceptable,” Seven whispered, easing her hand between Janeway’s legs, the metal caps on her fingertips cool against the hot skin. Janeway shivered pleasurably,
“Lightly, darling.”
“Of course, my Kathryn. Like this?” With barely perceptible pressure, Seven rubbed her middle finger along the length of Janeway’s ridge, still sensitive after their earlier bout of lovemaking.
“Perfect,” Janeway breathed, delighting in the wonderful sensations.
“Do you wish me to intensify this?”
“Uh…” Janeway had to think a moment before she understood what Seven meant, finding it hard to concentrate with such lovely sensations rippling through her. “You mean that vibrating thing…no, love, that would be too much.”
“Very well.”
Seven kissed her, mouth lingering on Janeway’s lips, the tip of her tongue emerging to trace a delicate line. Janeway made a blissful sound and spread her legs further apart, her hips beginning to undulate as Seven continued to caress her with tender regard. Her fingertip was incredibly adept as it moved back and forth over the bundle of nerves, slowly increasing the frequency and pressure until every delicate stroke blasted through Janeway like a powerful current. Before long, she was shaking with yet another orgasm, the pleasure simply too much to resist.
“God, darling.”
“Adequate?”
“Beyond adequate. Magnificent.” Janeway reached down and touched Seven, the moisture bathing her hand. “And you?”
“I will let you know once you have finished.”
Janeway laughed wickedly. “I bet you let me know a lot sooner than that.”
Epilogue
Kelly stepped into the ready room, glancing around until she spotted the captain on the upper level. Seated on the sofa, a mug of coffee in her hand as she studied a padd, Kelly marveled that she could have ever considered Kathryn Janeway a staid, by-the-book commanding officer. After the last week or so of plunging into the middle of a potential civil war, upsetting both sides and then forcing them to come to an agreement over a negotiating table, Kelly wondered if she’d ever be one-fourth that daring…or one-eighth that much of a captain.
“Is the ship ready, Number One?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said as she passed over her report and took a seat in the chair offset to the sofa. “We’ll be activating the transwarp at 0800.”
“And you’ll be taking your medication?”
Kelly felt her cheeks heat but she didn’t look away from Janeway’s amused gaze. “Assuming you take yours, Captain.”
Janeway’s smile widened. “Even if I had contemplated such a possibility, your experience has granted me full warning against ever making the attempt.” She set her mug down. “Though I do wish they’d come up with a way to avoid it.”
“I understand they’re working on an inoculation,” Kelly offered. “Maybe by the time Millennium is ready for her next mission, it’ll be available.”
“One can only hope.” Janeway settled back against the cushions, her bluish-gray eyes assessing Kelly with benevolent compassion. “You realize that Admiral Nechayev has plans for you that do not include staying with Millennium.”
Kelly exhaled slowly. “I know she has plans, but I’ll be damned if I know what they are. Though if my next assignment is as…educational…as this was, I’ll be all the better for it.”
“That’s probably the best way to approach it,” Janeway allowed with a nod. “You should know, Keira, were that not the case, I’d have absolutely no problem with you serving another year as my exec.”
Surprised and overwhelmed at the sentiment, Kelly could only gape stupidly at her. “Thank you, sir…I mean, Captain.”
Janeway laughed. “Well, at least you didn’t salute.”
“No, Captain.” Kelly agreed. She rose to her feet. “If that’s everything, ma’am, I think I’ll turn in. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
“That it is, albeit ten days later than we originally planned.”
“Good night, Captain.”
“Good night, Number One.”
The End