Deep Down

pt2

It's not a pyramid, its a triangle.

Star fleet escorted Voyager to one of the docking stations above Earth. Apparently they thought Voyager could get lost on the way. The ship glided down to the clamps and then stopped.

Chakotay turned just as Captain Janeway began to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen this is your captain speaking.

After 7 years we are finally home. I will be in touch with Star fleet momentary. If you are currently on duty your are dismissed to your quarters at this time. I expect to see you all at the party this evening even though I am not sure when it will be I am sure that someone will eventually tell me.

Kathryn begins to laugh, and then she looks at me.

I was just about to say something to her when Seven bounded down the stairs, and took a seat on my lap. I had never noticed it before, but Kathryn's eyes shed a tear.

"Nice work commander, I'm glad that you can land a spacecraft without crashing it. You have the bridge I will be in my ready room."

I wanted to say something to her but Seven waiving goodbye to the captain and she ran her fingers through my hair didn't seem like the appropriate time. Deep down inside myself, I kicked myself for letting this whole situation with Seven get so out of hand. I never wanted Seven, and to be perfectly frank, this "new" clingy Seven was more than I could stand.

"Seven I think we need to talk, privately. Can you meet me in my quarters in ten minutes?"

Seven nodded and proceeded to put her head on my chest. "I shall miss you." She popped off of me and headed toward the turbo-lift. I slowly turned around in my chair, and became aware of Harry's tongue that had fallen onto his station.

"Mr Kim you have the bridge until I get back."

Harry shook his head. "Thank you Commander."

I entered the turbo lift, and as the doors shut I recalled how many times I had been on the device.

As the door opened I started down the long hallway toward my quarters. I stood in front of my quarters for a little while before I went in. I really didn't know what I was going to say to Seven. In fact, in all the years that I had dated any women, they had always broken it off with me.

The door slid open.

Seven was seated on the couch waiting for me. I sat next to her and I sighed.

"Seven, I think that I have made a mistake. You see, when you asked to form a relationship together, I was rather flattered by the idea. I enjoyed being with you, and showing you new and in your words irrelevant things. But the truth, Seven is that compared to you, I'm an old man."

"Age is irrelevant."

"Seven, you deserve a fresh start with someone who is going through the same things that you are going through."

"I am confused, are there other Borg's that have become human on Earth?"

"No, I am quite sure that there are none."

Seven shook her head, looked at the table then back at me. "Commander I am confused, if there are no people like me on Earth, how can they be in my situation?"

I don't know what happened next. Perhaps I was just overwhelmed by the whole new situation that I found myself in. I certainly didn't want to hurt Seven, that had never been my intention. But what came out of my mouth next surprised even me.

"Seven, I love Kathryn."

Seven's eyes got wide. "So you wish to terminate our current relationship?"

"Yes, I'm sorry but I never wanted to hurt you."

"Pain is irrelevant. Consider our relationship terminated." Then she got up and walked out the door. I remained seated on the couch, still trying to figure out if I had dumped her or if she had dumped me. For the sake of my ego, I decided to go with the later.

I sighed and took a deep breath, and hit my com badge.

"Chakotay to Janeway."

"What can I do for you commander?"

"Is it possible that I could speak to you privately in a few minutes?"

There was a long pause. And I simply waited for her to answer.

I was just about to hit my Combadge again when I saw a blue transporter light behind me. I turned and there in front of me was Captain Janeway.

"So what is it commander?"

I looked at the floor, I was unable to look at her. I was ashamed to admit it but I needed those few minutes to figure out what exactly I was going to tell her. I wanted to tell her everything and make her understand the situation. But for once I was unsure about my next move.

" I just wanted to say congratulations for getting your crew home safely."

"Thank you commander. Was that everything?"

"Yes."

It was her turn to shake her head. "Are you sure?"

"Postive."

"In that case I will see you later, maybe at the party this evening?" I nodded just as she transporter back to the ready room.

A few seconds later, I finally got my head in the game, and realized what I had said to her. Feverishly I bounded down the hall and to the turbo-lift.

"Bridge!" I shouted at the controls. In all of my life I had never witnessed such a slow transport. Finally the door slid open. I ran down the stairs, and stood in front of her door. I took a deep breath and rang the chime.

"Come."

I took one more deep breath and stepped inside.

Kathryn was at her desk drinking a cup of coffee. "Commander what can I do for you?"

I took off my Maqui pips, and slid them across the table.

In the deepest voice I could muster I spoke. "Thats captain to you, captain."

She looked up at me.

I gave her a smile, and she returned it. "Yes, I guess you are right, captain."

I could hear her breath get caught in her throat.

I slowly walked around the desk toward her.

"Kathryn, I want to go to this party tonight with you."

TBC