Home Sweet Home
Several hours later, Seven woke in Sickbay. The pain in her head had decreased significantly and she could focus on her surroundings without having to squint. The Doctor was bent over a computer console, his back to her. Before she could sit up, the doors opened and B'Elanna walked in carrying a vase full of flowers. Seven managed to prop herself up on her elbows to look at the Chief Engineer.
"Lieutenant," Seven greeted.
"The Captain told us you were recovering. I'm not sure how long you'll be here but I thought you'd like something to keep you company," B'Elanna stated, setting the flowers on the console next to the bed.
"They have no cognitive function. I do not see how they can as you say, 'keep me company'." B'Elanna just shook her head.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"Tired. It is unusual to no longer require regeneration."
"But that's a good thing. Isn't it what you wanted?" B'Elanna asked.
"Yes. I am grateful that the procedure was successful." Just then the Doctor walked over.
"I didn't see you come in, Lieutenant. How are you feeling today?"
"Fine. The baby finally slept most of the night," B'Elanna answered with a small smile.
"Good. Before we get to Earth I'd like to do one more check-up on her."
"I'm sure she'll love that," B'Elanna murmured sarcastically before walking out.
The Doctor turned his attention to Seven. She was running her fingertips over the heads of the flowers, a small smile creeping onto her lips. He said nothing for a moment, just observing her actions.
"You look like you're feeling better," he finally commented. Seven looked up at him and gave a nod.
"The pain has become manageable."
"Glad to hear it." Seven say anything more. Instead she pushed the blanket off of her body and made to stand up. The Doctor caught her by the arm and they exchanged glares.
"I wish to return to duty."
"You aren't leaving Sickbay until 20:00 hours. Your body hasn't fully recovered from the procedure yet."
"I am functioning adequately, Doctor. Now release me." Before the Doctor could say anything else, the doors opened and Chakotay walked in, carrying a tray of food.
"Am I interrupting something?" The Doctor let go of Seven's arm.
"Maybe she'll listen to you," he grumbled.
"What's going on?" Chakotay asked.
"I wish to return to duty. I am functionally adequ—" Seven began but Chakotay stopped her.
"Seven, there's nothing to do in astrometrics. We're almost to Earth. You really should rest. I'll stay with you if you like." She gave him a fleeting look before answering.
"I will comply. At this time I do not require additional medical attention. Doctor, please take yourself offline." The Doctor's eyes widened.
"I absolutely must object to that request, Seven. You're still my patient and I'm not going anywhere," he protested.
"Doc, it's fine. We'll reactivate you if there are any problems," the Commander assured the hologram. With an uneasy look the Doctor disappeared. Chakotay turned back to the Seven, tray still in hand.
"I thought you might be hungry," he said, setting the tray down.
"Thank you. That was kind." He just smiled, leaning in to kiss her. She let her arms wrap around his neck as he pulled her closer. They stood like that for a few moments more before he pulled away.
"Let's eat." Seven situated herself on the bed and allowed Chakotay to join her. They ate in silence. Chakotay watched her facial expressions change as she tried a bit of everything he'd brought. She caught him watching out of the corner of her eye and stopped.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing at all. You just look like you're enjoying yourself." Seven slowly nodded her head and winced.
"Do we need to reactivate the Doctor?"
"No." Chakotay looked worried as she reached up to rub the back of her head.
"Here let me take a look," he offered. She turned her back to him and he gently parted her hair.
"Looks like it's healing fine. You can barely see the incision."
"Then I will be able to leave prior to the Doctor's estimate of 20:00 hours." Chakotay wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Don't be in such a hurry to get out of here," he murmured. He kissed her neck and smiled as she leaned into his embrace. They sat like that for several minutes before his comm. badge echoed Tom's voice.
"Paris to Chakotay." Chakotay let out a sigh.
"Chakotay here. Go ahead, Tom."
"The Captain wanted to me inform you that we've just entered Earth's orbit."
"Acknowledged."
"You should report to the bridge," Seven suggested.
"Why don't you come with me?" he replied, standing up and extending his hand to her.
"You just said I should not be in a hurry to lave."
"Well…on this ship, it's not every day we reach Earth. Come on, what the Doctor doesn't now, won't hurt him." She took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Together they left Sickbay and boarded the nearest turbolift.
"Are you excited?" Chakotay asked. She raised her eyebrow at him quizzically.
"About reaching Earth."
"I do not believe I have experienced excitement since I was a child. I suppose I am…uncertain."
"You're nervous. I completely understand." The turbolift doors opened and they walked out onto the bridge. A large, welcoming image of Earth appeared on the view screen and everyone on the bridge seemed transfixed by it.
"Is the crew alright?" Seven whispered in Chakotay's ear.
"Yeah…it's just been…a really long time since they've seen home." Seven nodded. That feeling, she most certainly understood. As if snapped from a daze, Captain Janeway looked over her shoulder and waved the pair over.
"How are you doing, Seven?"
"I am much improved, Captain. Thank you."
"Wonderful. And just in time, too. We'll be docking with Starfleet in approximately half an hour," Janeway announced. Seven looked at the Captain and over at Chakotay.
"Perhaps I should use that time to disassemble the regeneration alcove in the Cargo Bay."
"I think it can wait until later," Chakotay told her.
"I do not wish to sit and do nothing. It is inefficient." With that, Seven headed for the nearest turbolift. Chakotay let out a sigh and raced after her.
"Seven, wait. I think you should go back to Sickbay and lay down."
"I do not wish to return to Sickbay. I have duties to perform." He reached out to grab her by the arm and stop her.
"No, you don't. You need to take some time for yourself. Learn to relax. Life isn't all about work," he said, moving to stand in front of her. She averted her gaze. He grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Starfleet would not approve of Borg technology aboard a starship."
"You're probably right but if you start dismantling it now, you and I both know, you won't stop until it is entirely finished and I don't want you getting too tired. Besides, I don't think the Doctor would approve." She finally looked him in the eye and nodded.
"I will comply with your request. On one condition."
"I'm listening."
"You assist me with the disassembly."
"Consider it done."