One Step at a Time
A short time after Seven and her Aunt parted ways, Janeway walked along one of the bridges on the base. She was glad to be back on Earth after seven long years in the Delta Quadrant but she hadn't expected to feel so empty. She almost missed al of the species they'd met and all of the valuable knowledge they'd gained. A small part of her had resigned itself to be in the Delta Quadrant for a very long time. She reached the end of the bridge and looked up at the large building that loomed before; Starfleet Medical. Command had decided that her performance at the meeting several days ago, she needed a check up. With a shake of her head, Kathryn made her way through the grounds and up to the building. The front doors slid open and she could smell that distinct smell of Sickbay. It was almost comforting.
"Captain," the Doctor called. She smiled and made her way over to him.
"Good morning, Doctor. How are you?"
"Quite well, thank you. I find myself fitting in famously with the other staff here. What are you doing here?"
"Starfleet Brass decided after my….command performance in front of the Admirals, I needed my head examined."
"Oh yes, I heard about that." Janeway just shook her head and took a seat on a bio bed. The Doctor picked up a medical tricorder and began to examine the Captain.
"Well you seem perfectly healthy. Just like you were the last time I examined you."
"I'm sure Starfleet will be glad to hear that. Now…I'd like to ask you something…your professional opinion."
"Certainly."
"You gave Seven social lessons, correct?"
"Well…yes. They seem to have taken effect quite nicely. She and Commander Chakotay have--" he began.
"Yes, I know about them, Doctor. I just want to know what you their chances of success are." The Doctor looked confused.
"Captain….I may only be a hologram but am I detecting a hint of jealousy?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm just curious."
"Well I suppose it all depends on how they feel about each other and if they are committed to the relationship. But again, I'm no expert. I'm after all just a hologram."
"You're far more than just a hologram, Doctor. Thank you. And…I'd like to keep our little discussion just between us."
"Understood." With that, Janeway got up and headed back out of the building. The Doctor watched her go with a mixture of confusion and concern on his face. That was not like the Captain at all. Perhaps he had missed something. He tried to shrug it off as he went back to organizing his supplies.
Seven was making her way back from meeting her Aunt for breakfast when she ran into B'Elanna and Miral.
"Hello, Seven."
"Good morning, Lieutenant."
"You can drop the formalities, Seven. We're not on Voyager anymore."
"Understood." She looked down at the baby in the stroller. The infant looked up at her with dark blue eyes and gave a gurgle.
"Would you like to walk with us?" Seven nodded and fell into step with B'Elanna.
"So what have you been up to since we got here?"
"I have procured quarters and met my father's sister."
"Sounds nice. Must be a big change having family so close by."
"Yes. And you?"
"Just trying to get the baby to sleep through the night. Grandpa has taken a liking to her. Hopefully he'll baby sit her from time to time so Tom and I can get some time alone."
"I was not aware Lieutenant Paris and his father were on good terms."
"They're working on it." They walked along in silence for a few paces before Seven looked up to see Chakotay walking towards them.
"Fancy meeting you here," he said, giving B'Elanna h half hug. He bent down to the stroller and ran a finger along the baby's cheek.
"She's gotten bigger since we got back."
"Don't remind me."
"How was breakfast?"
"Informative."
"Good. Hope you're not busy. There's something I want to show you."
"Have a good day…B'Elanna." B'Elanna smiled and patted Seven on the arm.
"You too." Chakotay slipped his hand into Seven's as they walked in the opposite direction. He raised an eyebrow at her.
"What?"
"B'Elanna?"
"She asked me to refer to her on less formal terms."
"You know, you should think about that."
"I do not know what you mean."
"You aren't Borg anymore. You haven't been for four years. Maybe it's time to drop the Borg designation."
"I will…consider it." He smiled and led her into a large domed building. He led her through a series of hallways to a secure area. He input a command code and the doors slid open. Seven cross the threshold and looked around. It looked somehow familiar.
"The astrometrics lab."
"It is…much larger than Voyager's."
"And it could be all yours if you want."
"I do not believe you hold enough authority in Starfleet to procure the facility for my use only."
"You're right. But I can get us in anytime you want."
"Thank you. That was very considerate of you."
"Just trying to make you feel more at home."
"Perhaps I can increase my time in the lab if I were to obtain a position here."
"It's a possibility."
"I've already put in a good word for you."
"Full of surprises."
They spent the better part of the early afternoon exploring the surrounding areas of the base. Chakotay even managed to make Seven smile and laugh a few times. They sat down on a bench shaded by a large maple tree. They watched officers and ensigns walk by on the path before them. It felt calming to just sit there together, not having anything else to worry about. Chakotay caught sight of a pair of birds sitting on the branch above them. He didn't notice that Seven had removed the clip from her hair until he felt some of it flutter against his neck from the light breeze. He looked at hr in surprise.
"One step at a time." He grinned.
"It's a good first step." He leaned over to kiss her but she pulled away. He fixed her with a concerned look.
"We are in a public area."
"So."
"It is not appropriate for this setting."
"We could always go somewhere else…more private."
"I believe you should go to Starfleet Medical."
"I'm fine. Just in love." She averted her gaze.
"Come on. It's getting too hot out here anyways."
He led her back to his quarters. And as soon as the door shut he pulled her to him in a tight embrace.
"Setting more appropriate?" he whispered in her ear.
"Yes." Her voice shook ever so slightly.