Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Star Trek content - This is written not for profit and just for fun.

Part 1

Relieved, cheerful, and excited chatter was the theme for the rest of the shift on the Bridge. There was one exception, Commander Chakotay who seemed distant somehow. This did not go unnoticed by Kathryn but she chose to put it down to the enormity of the recent events, for now at least.

As the next shift came on duty at 16:00hrs Chakotay stood from the helm, smiling a smile that did not quite meet his eyes, "Captain You know this means Mr Chell won't get the chance to delight us with his cooking."

Kathryn flashed a full smile in return, "Well I guess he'll have to add something fitting to the menu for tonight, I think a crew get together is in order, say 19:00hrs in the mess hall?"

"Sounds good, I'll speak to Chell." Chakotay headed to the turbolift.

"Wait Chakotay, let him know replicators are no longer on ration and enlist some help. I want everyone to enjoy this."

Chakotay nodded leaving the bridge.

Kathryn entered the Ready Room, grabbing a fresh coffee in hand she took the first sip as the comm link summoned her, "Bridge to Captain Janeway."

Quickly swallowing she answered, "Janeway here."

"Private message for you Captain from Admiral Paris."

"Put it through to my Ready Room." Kathryn could not help her grin as she walked over and sat by the communications screen on her desk, "On screen."

There sat alone was Owen Paris warmly smiling.

"Hello Admiral, or should I say Grandpa?!" Kathryn grinned a him.

"Kathryn..." Owen Paris shook his head still smiling before trying to look a little more composed. "When we have your report, it's going to take Star Fleet some time to digest it." Admiral Paris raised his eyebrows and Kathryn nodded in response.

"I have instructions for Voyager's docking, I'm sending you a copy now." Admiral Paris held a PADD and began to read. "The main points are that you are to dock at earth's space dock 48 hours from now. From there you and the crew are to remain on board until at least 08:00hrs the next day. During this time there will be a full sensor sweep of the vessel along with medical scans for quarantine purposes."

"I look forward to it." Kathryn said over her coffee mug.

The Admiral cleared his throat, "Once the quarantine scans are complete the crew will have two weeks leave." Owen Paris looked up from his PADD and said sincerely to the Captain, "I think you've earned it."

"Right now I feel I've earned it!" Kathryn chimed in.

Admiral Paris nodded and paused before saying, "After the leave the crew will report to Star Fleet for debriefing." Admiral Paris paused and looked up, "Kathryn there is another request for your crew on behalf of Star Fleet Command."

"Yes Sir?"

"Seven of Nine, they would like to request that she submit for debriefing along with the Marquis crew."

"Request, why request?" Kathryn frowned obviously perplexed.

"Yes Kathryn request. We can't just make them do it, they are not in Star Fleet, and if you think about it any say we have over them ends as soon as they disembark."

Kathryn looked down at her desk for just a moment to try and process the information. They all had been such an integral members of her crew she just never thought of their presence at the debrief as optional. Regaining her composure Kathryn looked back at the screen, "I will ask the crew Admiral and I will let you know Seven's response." Kathryn paused then added with a smile "Oh and Admiral, congratulations!"

"Thank you Captain" the Admiral smiled, "Paris out."

Kathryn downloaded the full orders sent from the Admiral on to a PADD and placed it on her desk.

As Kathryn finished her duties it began to dawn on her that a personal storm was brewing, one which she could not comprehend fully at the moment. Sighing she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes and running her hand through her hair. So much had happened and so fast it was all too much. An enormous weight had been lifted and after seven years they were finally back in the Alpha Quadrant. The pressure of command under what had been unusual circumstances was easing. However for some reason she could not fathom, this change in priorities was as frightening as it was a welcome relief.

The door chime broke Kathryn from her thoughts, "Come in."

Chakotay entered the Ready Room looking over at Kathryn, "You look beat."

"I feel it." Kathryn sat herself up, "What did Chell say?"

"He'll be ready for 19:00hrs, I've left him to it. His first, and last large catering event on Voyager."

"True, at least it won't matter if his food is as bad as his puns," Kathryn chuckled shaking her head. Standing she grabbed the PADD and her coffee from the desk. Moving towards Chakotay she Motioned for him to sit on the couch with her, making a mental note that she must ask her friend what was troubling him.

Both seated Kathryn began, "Admiral Paris has given us our orders." Kathryn passed Chakotay the PADD, she took a sip of her coffee while Chakotay looked through the details.

After digesting the text Chakotay looked up questioningly, "Two weeks leave before the debriefing?"

"Yes, it will give the crew a chance to catch up with family." Kathryn stood, coffee in one hand the other hand placed holding her back. Slightly agitated Kathryn began to pace, "We caught Star Fleet off guard Chakotay and you can bet they'll want the two weeks to prepare the debrief."

Chakotay nodded, "I'll inform the crew of Star Fleets orders and requests." Then he sighed looking down at the floor in thought before meeting Kathryn's eyes again, "Where will you go for your leave?"

"Home, see my Mother and Sister in Indiana. How about you and Seven, where will you stay?"

At the mention of Seven, Chakotay flinched answering directly, "We're not together."

Hearing this Kathryn stood still and frowned at Chakotay, "Why... I mean... What do you mean you're not together?"

"Seven said she wanted to alter the perimeters of our relationship. Basically she seemed scared I would be too emotionally hurt if she were injured or worse."

"Oh." Kathryn said looking at Chakotay but a million miles away in her head. Kathryn knew exactly why Seven had said what she did to Chakotay, and she now knew that the Admiral Janeway had also spoken to Seven. "What did you say to Seven?"

"I told her that I couldn't turn my emotions off like a switch and that no Admiral from the future could guarantee what was going to happen tomorrow." The raw emotion and slowly building anger was clear in Chakotay's voice as he continued he looked directly at Kathryn, "I decided to confront Admiral Janeway and do you know what she said Kathryn?"

Kathryn replied, "Well she told me about Seven's death and that you were never the same after."

At this Chakotay laughed bitterly and shook his head at Kathryn, who for her part started to feel worried, "Come on Kathryn you know what else she said about you..."

Getting annoyed with Chakotay's tone, Kathryn added frustration to her current storm of confusing emotions, snapping back at the Commander, "She said I was never the same either! What is your point Chakotay?" Kathryn stared at him and frowned, "Look I understand you're upset and as your friend I'm here for you, but I'm not sure I have the patience for wherever this is going."

"Just where is this going Kathryn?" Chakotay threw his hands in the air before pointing at her, "You tell me why Admiral Janeway was never the same after Seven's death?"

Kathryn began to pace again before pinching the bridge of her nose. Stopping in front of Chakotay she took a deep breath and fixed him with a glare. When she finally spoke it was in a low tone, "Do you want me to apologise for my future self, for something I haven't said, or for something I haven't done?"

"No I want you to be truthful to your present self and say the things you should!" Chakotay countered running his hand over is head and forcing himself to calm down. This conversation was not going anywhere and Chakotay knew well enough that if he pushed anymore in anger the Captain would pull rank and end the conversation completely.

Looking Kathryn in the eye he tried again, "Please Kathryn sit down." Chakotay motioned with his hand for her to sit next to him, "I do have a point here, I'm just hurt and not making it very well right now."

This change in tactics caught Kathryn off guard, she decided to concede sitting down without protest. Placing her coffee down on the coffee table she turned to face Chakotay. Her feelings of anxiety and fear rising, Kathryn struggled to analyze what was causing these emotions.

Chakotay looked straight into Kathryn's eyes and decided to take the direct approach, "Kathryn I believe that you are in love with Seven." Chakotay put his hand up to stall the protest that was about to be voiced. Chakotay could not help but smile despite his own turmoil at the utter look of shock on his formidable Captain's face.

Kathryn regrouped squaring in her seat before facing Chakotay again, "I admit I care for Seven very deeply. I have been her mentor, her friend..." She paused before continuing, "I made the decision to sever her from the Borg, Chakotay it stands to reason that I care deeply for Seven but I..."

"No Kathryn!" Chakotay interrupted, "Stop making excuses and admit it! You know you are in love with her, I have seen how you are with her. I, like you made all the excuses for why you are so close but it took Admiral Janeway, that wise woman, to put it all in perspective."

"I think I prefer interfering old woman" added Kathryn slightly petulantly. "I don't like having my life mapped out."

"Even if it is by your future self?" Chakotay pressed.

"Especially by my future self!" Kathryn bit back.

Chakotay pressed on, "Not so much mapping, more a fore gone conclusion. It's so obvious... Come on Kathryn be honest with yourself even if you won't be honest with me."

Janeway took a deep breath to start another denial. Raising her hand about to reinforce the point when she stopped herself, denial. There it was, denial!Kathryn's head began to spin, it was true, she was in love with Seven.

Kathryn stared at Chakotay, all anger in his eyes had gone replaced by hurt for his own situation and concern for her. Kathryn covered her mouth with her hand and to her horror she realised she was crying. "I'm so sorry Chakotay, I really didn't realise I was..."

"Even if you had would you have done anything about it?" Chakotay asked despite himself.

Kathryn shook her head and removed her hand from her mouth answering as honestly as she could, "In the Delta Quadrant, no I wouldn't."

Chakotay's tattooed brow furrowed, "Why not?"

Kathryn stared at her lap unsure of the reason herself for a moment. Clearing her throat and wiping a stray tear she looked back at Chakotay, "Not in the Delta quadrant because I would always have to be her Captain first and she deserved better than that, more than I could give..."

Kathryn took a deep breath before asking, "Chakotay what now?"

This last question caught the Commander off guard, so used to the Captain having a clear idea of what to do, "That's up to you Kathryn, and Seven of course."

Chakotay stood, Kathryn looked up at him full of concern, "What about you Chakotay?"

Chakotay gave a defeated nod of his head and a wan smile, "I know when I'm beat and when to bow out gracefully. Today has changed everything and if Seven wants to be with you I can't say I'm happy about it, but I won't stand in her way." With that Chakotay turned to leave.

"Chakotay," the Commander stopped and turned to look at Kathryn, her eyes full of remorse, "I am sorry Chakotay."

Chakotay, merely nodded to acknowledge that he heard the apology before promptly leaving.

Seven was in cargo bay 2, she was wondering if she had made the correct decision ending things with Chakotay. Now as things stood the time line had been changed, she would no longer die in three years time.

Everything was tipped on its head, she was in the Alpha Quadrant, heading for what the crew called home. The fear for Seven was she was already home, now in less than 2 days, according to the briefing from Commander Chakotay, they would be preparing to leave her home forever.

"Janeway to Seven of Nine," the Captain's voice interrupted Seven's thoughts.

"Seven here Captain."

"Seven, please report to my Ready Room. Star Fleet has a request I'd like to discuss with you."

"On my way Captain." Seven noticed a slight strain in the Captain's voice, most likely a human reaction to all that had happened recently Seven quickly deduced as she strode to the Captain's Ready Room.

"Come in Seven."

Seven entered and spotted Captain Janeway sat on the sofa, her tunic was removed and she was dressed in her more casual undershirt.

Straight away although the Captain appeared composed Seven's Borg enhanced sight noted the Captain's emotional state, "Captain you have been crying, explain?"

"Nothing gets past you does it?" Kathryn answered with a half smile.

"I noted the physical signs Captain, reddening around your eyes, your..."

Kathryn held up a hand to forestall Seven's analytical observations, "Please Seven sit down I need to discuss Star Fleet's request with you." Kathryn relayed the details to Seven who sat for a moment in contemplation before answering.

"Captain I assumed as a member of the crew I would be debriefed as a matter of course, to request my presence appears inefficient."

"I must admit Seven I made the same assumption." Kathryn shifted her position closer to Seven and looked her in the eye, "I see you as one of the crew and I just never thought about it. Basically Seven you are a free agent, it is your life, your choice what you do, and that includes choosing if you want to attend the debrief or not."

"Well as I was going to attend the debrief in any case, to not attend now would be pointless." There was a flatness in Seven's voice and Kathryn heard the feelings of rejection behind the words.

Kathryn knew she needed to broach the subject of the two weeks leave with Seven. She now knew that Seven was on her own without Chakotay, and no doubt terrified at the prospect of leaving Voyager without any support. Kathryn for her part was not sure she was ready for this conversation with Seven. She needed to think just what, and exactly how much she wanted to say to her.

Realising that Seven was waiting for her to speak she cleared her throat and took the plunge, "Seven I am aware that you are no longer in a relationship with Commander Chakotay."

"Yes I terminated our relationship after speaking with Admiral Janeway."

Seven was as direct as ever Kathryn thought, "You took that action because the Admiral informed you about Chakotay's response to your death?"

"Correct Captain."

Kathryn touched Seven's knee and looked into her eyes. She had so many emotions surging through her own mind she fought for control between what she knew was the right thing to say, and what she wanted to say. "Seven those events won't happen now, do you think you should reconsider your relationship with Chakotay?"

"Perhaps Captain, everything has changed now. I am unclear how to proceed."

The conversation was already moving in a direction Kathryn was unsure she could emotionally handle. Initially she just wanted to check that Seven had somewhere to go on leave, but now without thinking first she was discussing the one subject she personally wanted to avoid, whether that was the right thing to do or not. "Well Seven perhaps you should discuss your feelings with Commander Chakotay now you are in the Alpha Quadrant."

Seven nodded at the Captain and looked her straight in the eyes. Kathryn felt as if Seven was looking straight into her soul and suddenly felt exposed under the scrutiny. In an attempt to hide her own emotional turmoil from Seven she stood, faking the need to stretch. Turning away from the woman she now knew she was in love with, she hoped to be able to steer the conversation back to safer ground.

"Captain I have spoken to Chakotay just now."

Kathryn stopped mid stretch, still facing away from Seven she lowered her arms. Staring across the Ready Room, an awful icy fear gripped her stomach and she reminded herself to breath deeply. After a pause Kathryn quietly responded, fear blatantly obvious in her voice, "What exactly did he say?"

Seven did not move from her seat and sat staring at Kathryn's back. Seven processed the Captain's response and remembered one of the last times she had seen her this anxious was when her cortical node had failed. Seven recalled that the Captain had been desperate to save her at all cost, and appeared unable to accept what seemed at the time to be her inevitable demise.

Seven pulled herself back to the present and decided to respond fully to the question, "Chakotay told me that you are in love with me." As her words hit home she saw the Captain tense across her back, folding her arms defensively in front of her.

Deciding that she may as well continue now despite the Captain's obvious discomfort she added, "Chakotay informed me that Admiral Janeway had told him of how she was also never the same after my death."

Kathryn stood ramrod straight and incredibly tense. Feeling responsible for the Captain's upset Seven felt compelled to try and comfort her in some way. Standing Seven moved to stop behind Kathryn. Reaching out she placed her human hand onto her shoulder.

"Kathryn", Seven spoke softly and felt her relax at the sound of her given name, "Kathryn..." Seven repeated. Hearing the smaller woman sigh and then slump she knew she was breaking through the Captain's defenses. Seven turned Kathryn to face her, looking searchingly into her eyes. "Did you know that you were in love with me when we were in the Delta Quadrant, before the Admiral came on board?"

Seven continued to look at Kathryn intensely awaiting her response.

"I did not consciously realise it but with hindsight yes, I was in love with you then, and I am in love with you now." Kathryn croaked. Fearful of Seven's response she realised she was crying again which prompted Seven to hold both her arms in an attempt to calm her.

"Why did you not know this in the Delta Quadrant?" Quizzed Seven.

"Even if I had known I wouldn't have told you Seven." Kathryn paused searching Sevens face for a reaction while she found her next words, "I would have been afraid of rejection, but more than that I wouldn't have wanted to have an unequal relationship with you."

Seven looked confused, "Explain?"

Kathryn felt uncomfortable under the close scrutiny and with the intense emotions she was feeling, "I think I blocked my feelings for you in the Delta Quadrant because I would always be your Captain." Seven arched her eyebrow at this not understanding what she meant, but Kathryn continued unhindered. "Seven I'd always hold power over you while you are a member of my crew. I don't think I could have given you what you deserved, the ship would have to come first." Kathryn lifted her hand to run it through her hair dislodging one of Seven's hands from her arm.

Kathryn continued "Seven I have been your mentor, to have been together would have been a breach of that trust."

"I see, because you are my superior you do not think me a worthy partner?" Seven was clearly affronted.

"No Seven that's not what I meant." Kathryn stepped back placing a hand on her hip and stretching out the other hand to try and punctuate her point. "You have come on leaps and bounds in your social skills..."

"Yours however seem lacking today Kathryn," Seven snapped back loosing patience with the situation.

Kathryn was getting desperate, she was clearly offending Seven which was certainly not what she wanted to do, "Look Seven I realise this may be hard for you to believe but I see you as an equal. It's been a pleasure to mentor you, but I think that side of our relationship is coming to an end..."

"On the contrary Captain," Seven interrupted "the fact that I have no concept of what it is you are trying to tell me would indicate I still need your guidance. Clearly I have not developed sufficiently enough to understand your point, or this emotional setting!"

Kathryn stood dumbstruck. After a few moments she caught herself laughing shaking her head, "I really am making a total mess of this aren't I?"

"If you mean you have failed in your attempt to explain this situation to me the answer is yes."

Kathryn stepped back closer to Seven and motioned for her to sit. All her attempts at some sort of explanation had failed. Mostly this was because she did not fully understand all her emotions, or what to do next herself. Confident in the realisation that she had indeed failed thus far she settled on a total change of tack. Seven was nothing if not direct, Kathryn decided it was time to fight fire with fire, "Seven if I were to ask you to date me now what would you say?"

The direct questioning threw Seven off guard for a moment but she was still able to answer quickly, "Yes"

"Okay, why yes?"

"Yes because I am also in love with you." Seven met Kathryn's eyes with her own and in that moment all the confusion of the situation was erased as both saw the plain truth, not only in what had been said, but in the look each other shared.

Kathryn shifted to sit a little closer maintaining eye contact with Seven. Taking her hands in her own she asked "Chakotay, why him and not me?"

"Chakotay because I could see pursuing a relationship with you was futile in the Delta Quadrant for the reasons you have given."

Kathryn nodded her understanding pausing and taking a breath before continuing her line of questioning. "Now we are in the Alpha Quadrant is pursuing a relationship with me still futile?"

"I hope it is not, I would like to be with you." Seven let go of Kathryn's hands, moving one hand up into Kathryn's hair and bringing the other to rest on the top of her arm. Seven closed the distance completely between them, she could smell Kathryn's perfume, the slight smell of coffee on her breath. Nothing like her first kiss with Chakotay, she wanted to give Kathryn chance to stop this if she wanted.

Kathryn did not back away, every worry and concern evaporated as she realised the woman she loved was going to kiss her. Gently at first Seven brushed her lips over Kathryn's. Kathryn gasped and moved her own hand to cradle behind Seven's neck, pulling her in for another kiss.

The second kiss was as gentle as the first as Kathryn brushed her lips lightly over Seven's. Kathryn then rested her forehead against Seven's, both women just enjoying the closeness.

Kathryn was the first to move, brushing the back of her knuckles against Seven's cheek and looking her in the eyes, "I need to take things slowly Seven, this change in our relationship is a big thing for me, for both of us."

"Agreed." Seven smiled.

"I want you to get to know Kathryn Janeway better. I've been Captain constantly for seven years, now I'm not sure where that role ends and I begin. I'm just not sure I remember who I am away from Voyager or Star Fleet."

Seven smiled again at Kathryn, "I am also afraid Kathryn, Voyager is my home and I do not know how I will fit into life on Earth."

Kathryn smiled reassuringly at Seven resting one hand on her arm, the other continuing to caress her cheek. Kathryn remembered she wanted to ask Seven about her plans, "Seven where will you stay on your two weeks leave?"

"I will stay with my Aunt." Seven looked at Kathryn hoping for approval.

Kathryn smiled "That sounds perfect Seven, a chance for you to get to know each other again."

"I am apprehensive Kathryn."

Kathryn smiled laying a kiss on Seven's forehead before adding, "I'll let you into a secret, I'm apprehensive about seeing my family again too."

"Will you stay on the farm?"

"Yes, I spoke to my mother and sister just before I contacted you this evening." Kathryn paused, "You know Seven we'll still have means to keep in touch." Seven seemed to relax a little so Kathryn pressed on nervously, "Perhaps we could meet up during our two weeks off?"

"I would like that Kathryn, I will accompany you for a meal."

At this Kathryn gave a hearty chuckle and said in low sexy voice "Seven of Nine are you asking me on a date?"

"I believe that is appropriate in the circumstances Kathryn." Seven gave a full smile.

Suddenly realisation dawned on Kathryn, "Computer state time."

"The time is 18:31hrs."

Kathryn stood abruptly, "Come on Seven we have a party to get ready for in less than 30 minutes." Seven remained seated giving her a look which said she really did not to move.

"Come on Seven, I'm still your Captain and regardless of how much you hate social gatherings you are going too!" Kathryn held out her hand and pulled Seven to her feet.

"I can think of more efficient ways to spend time." Seven wrapped her arms around Kathryn's waist looking down into her eyes.

"Really?" Kathryn replied grinning before pulling Seven down for a kiss. The kiss was slow at first, but soon became passionate as Seven allowed Kathryn to deepen the kiss and making her moan.

Not wanting things to get too heated Kathryn reluctantly broke off the kiss, both women breathing hard. A smile formed on Kathryn's lips as she leapt back, after playfully slapping Seven on the behind, "Go get ready Seven, now." Kathryn drew out the word now with as much of her familiar command tone as she could muster in the circumstances.

Kathryn walked into the Mess Hall fashionably late. Harry Kim spotted the late arrival amongst the throng and called out, "Captain on deck!" The room erupted in spontaneous applause and Kathryn held up her hands laughing, a little embarrassed by the reaction of her crew.

Kathryn moved towards the Ensign, she shook her head at him smiling, "Thanks for that Harry."

"Sorry Captain, I couldn't resist. Drink?" Harry passed Kathryn a flute of synthehol champagne.

"Thanks Harry." Kathryn took a sip, "So I bet Mrs Kim is revealed she didn't need to move the sofa after all, and Voyager is still home safe?"

"Yeah, she has already planned an itinerary for my two weeks leave." Harry smiled shaking his head at the thought. Kathryn gave Harry's arm an understanding squeeze. Stood a few meters away she spotted Tuvok, "Excuse me Harry".

"Sure."

Kathryn moved over to her old friend, "A good turn out."

"Perhaps the shuttle bay would have been a more logical choice Captain."

Kathryn chuckled, "Now Tuvok where would be the fun in that? This is intimate and no dark corners for you or Seven to hide away in." Kathryn finished with a sweep of her had to take in the room.

"Indeed." Tuvok replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Besides not all the crew can be here." Kathryn countered.

"I believe Mr Chell has made provision for those crew members currently on shift to sample the menu."

"I'm pleased. Chell appears to have really done well." Kathryn put her free hand to her stomach, "You know I think I might sample some of the fare. Do you think I dare brave the Red Alert Chilli?" She asked Tuvok with raised eyebrows.

"I'm sure the Doctor can treat any ill effects."

Kathryn burst out laughing "I'm not sure you inspire my confidence old friend."

"As I am not sure that I was attempting to."

Kathryn shook her head smiling at Tuvok and headed towards the counter where the food was being served.

Mr Chell and his hastily recruited additional kitchen hands had done an excellent job. Even with the help of replicators Kathryn had to admit that Chell had excelled, there was a variety of foods to appeal to the whole crew. Red Alert Chilli had indeed made it on to the menu and Kathryn decided that she would take the risk.

"Mr Chell," Kathryn caught her crewman's attention.

"Captain," Chell greeted her cheerfully as he scurried along the servery to speak to her.

"You have done us proud Mr Chell."

"You're welcome Captain, it was a stretch but we made it..."

Kathryn spoke cutting Chell off remembering how verbose he could be, "Well I am very impressed. Excuse me, I'm going to try your chilli."

"A good choice Captain."

Kathryn had chilli and champagne in hand. She spotted Seven seated with Naomi and Samantha Wildman at a table across the room. Making a move she headed purposefully to join them when a body stepped back into her path. She promptly managed to decant her champagne down their back. Snapping her attention back she looked up and began to apologise, "I'm sorry I'll..." Kathryn broke off meeting Chakotay's full stare. Straight away she felt embarrassment rising, certainly she wished she had showered her drink over anyone but Chakotay given their current tensions.

What happened next took Kathryn by surprise. She must have met Chakotay's stare with a comical expression because he chuckled, "Didn't you like the Champagne?"

"Sorry Chakotay, we're not doing very well at the moment are we?" Kathryn looked at him full of embarrassment and remorse, "Come, let me get you a cloth." The two made their way over and into the kitchen servery where the Commander quickly sponged himself down.

Realising they were out of earshot Chakotay said, "You know I think I may call it a night. It's been one hell of day and I think I've done my duty showing my face."

"Chakotay I don't want to chase you off from the party." Kathryn put her hand reassuringly on to the Commander's shoulder.

"I know you don't..." Chakotay sighed, he looked deflated, "Seven told me the news when I arrived at the party." Kathryn removed her hand about to speak another apology, "Its okay Kathryn," Chakotay paused before he added, "well it's not, but I hope it will be."

"Too soon to be friends." Kathryn said as a statement of fact rather than a question.

"We can be civil to each other." Chakotay said feeling the hurt and anger beginning rise, he added "Good evening Kathryn."

Kathryn stood alone a moment in shock before she took a deep breath breath, fixed a smile on her face, and attempting again to join Seven.

Kathryn decided to go back for some champagne later when she had her hands free. Seven glanced over and spotted Kathryn approaching giving her a full smile which Kathryn returned. Reaching the table she asked Seven, "Mind if I take a seat?" Seven motioned to the empty chair next to her and Kathryn sat.

"I've had some chilli," Naomi piped up sat to the left of the Captain, "its hot Captain".

"Well I hope my chilli is still hot, I had to take a detour after spilling my champagne down Commander Chakotay's back." Kathryn added at the look of shock in Seven's face, "It was an accident."

Naomi piped up, "I always spill drinks, Mom gets mad with me. I'll get you another one Captain."

"Hang on Naomi the Captain might not want another drink." Samantha Wildman interrupted.

"No its fine Samantha." Kathryn smiled at the Ensign, "If my assistant would care to get me a drink it would be most welcome." As Naomi jumped up the Captain added with a wink, "But don't have a sip, I'll know." Which made Naomi giggle.

Just adults left at the table Samantha said, "Seven has told me your news Captain." Seven looked a little sheepish not quite sure how Kathryn would react.

Kathryn took a mouthful of the chilli, "This is not bad."

"It is offensive!" Seven said directly catching Kathryn and Samantha by surprise, causing them to fall about in giggles. Even Seven smiled after a moment of confusion as to why her statement of fact was so funny.

"Seven you are funny." Samantha managed stifling her giggles.

"Remind me Ensign Wildman never to eat the Captain's cooking as she designates this chilli as not bad."

Kathryn held her hand up, "Seven I can assure you there is no risk, I do not cook."

"A relief for all concerned." Seven quipped back earning a slap on the leg from the Captain who continued with her meal.

Naomi returned and proudly put the Captain's drink down by her now empty plate, "Here you go Captain."

Kathryn touched Naomi's back,"Thank you Naomi."

Samantha Wildman realised she was probably playing gooseberry and decided it was a good time to turn in, "Come on then Naomi, its past your bedtime."

"But I was..." Naomi tried to protest but was cut short by her mother.

"But nothing come on, bed!"

Begrudgingly Naomi frowned, "Okay." Following her mother Naomi suddenly stopped remembering, "Seven can we play Kardis-kot tomorrow, you promised..."

"Yes Naomi Wildman. I will see you after my duty shift as stated." Happy at that Naomi beamed and left the Mess Hall.

Moving her seat to sit closer to Kathryn Seven asked, "I was unsure if I should have disclosed the change in our relationship to Samantha Wildman?"

Kathryn smiled a reassuringly at Seven, "I'm not going to hide the fact we are together Seven although we need to be a little discreet with public displays of affection." Seven nodded. "B'Elanna will be disappointed she missed being the first to hear the gossip though. I must visit her and our new arrival tomorrow." Kathryn trailed off.

Seven changed the subject asking, "Will I have to regenerate using my portable unit during our leave Kathryn?"

"Yes, I'm sorry Seven," Kathryn took hold of one of Seven's hands looking into her eyes, "I felt it best if B'elanna helped you re-site the alcove, and with her current personal circumstances I'm not able to ask her to do it until after we return for the debriefing."

"I understand Kathryn."

"Anyway" Kathryn shifted in her seat and leaned towards Seven, "I have a bone to pick with you..." Seven arched her eyebrow in reply before Kathryn smiled continuing, "Yes, not two hours after we officially become an item you are making a date with a younger woman..." Kathryn chuckled at the puzzled expression on Seven's face and watched as the penny dropped.

Seven replied with her unique form of humor, "Actually you are incorrect Kathryn, it was Naomi who made the date 22.5hrs ago, before we were an item as you put it." Seven beamed earning her a chaste kiss on the lips from the Captain.

Noting that there was a lull in the room Kathryn quickly pulled back. Realising they were the focus of attention she stated to Seven in a low voice, "I think we've been spotted, the cat's out the bag..."

"They will adapt."

"They will have no choice," Kathryn replied shifting to stand looking down at Seven, "I think we've drawn enough attention for one night."

"I thought you wanted me to socialise this evening Captain?" Seven challenged with a smile.

"My company and Quarters for a nightcap, or the Mess Hall and the rest of the crew, the choice is yours?" Seven made no reply but simply stood and followed Kathryn from the Mess Hall.