Madam Janeway & Her Bordello of Beauties
Chink. Chink.
Madam Janeway counted the pieces of metal, that served as payment for the evening's entertainment. Her lips barely moved to recite the numbers adding in her head, as each coin landed upon another. She sat in the parlor of her Bordello, leaning over a small table that balanced her elbow, the coins, and a small box that served as a makeshift bank. The folds of her dress slid across her lap as she shifted positions, trying to get comfortable. The pins in her hair seemed to stab her scalp, and her corset had almost robbed her of all her breath, reminding Janeway of how long she'd been up. She could even tell through the well-curtained facility that the sun greeted her hours ago. Even the girls were asleep by this point.
Business was slow.
That was her final thought as she locked the box in the safe down the hall.
She did her final walk-through of the home, before going to bed herself, making sure no client was receiving more service than he had paid for.
An artificial light seeping from B'Elanna Torres's room prompted Janeway to knock on her door.
"Come in," said B'Elanna softly.
Janeway opened her door, to find B'Elanna in bed, book in hand, with her lamp on.
"What are you still doing up?" asked B'Elanna.
"I was about to ask you the same thing," said Janeway, as she sat on the end of the bed.
"I just couldn't sleep." She held up her book. "So, I thought I'd read."
"Well, I'm not surprised. Business hasn't exactly been enough to, how do you say, wear you out?"
"This is true." B'Elanna then looked at her book.
"But, I take it that doesn't bother you as much as it bothers me." Janeway waited for B'Elanna to look back up at her. "I know how you feel about this job. And that's what it is, B'Elanna, a job."
"Yes, Madam, I know. But it's just hard for me to do everything that is asked of me, if you know what I mean."
"But, B'Elanna, these men have paid for those services, in advance. And I'm not one to give refunds. Duty calls."
"That's easy to say, when all you do is count money." B'Elanna looked back at her book.
"I see," said Janeway. "You think I do nothing more than send gentlemen your way. Well, I have you know, I have earned plenty of money for this place on my own. It's just now they would have to pay a high amount to receive my individual services."
"I know, I'm sorry," said B'Elanna, not looking up.
"No, I want to know how my girls feel. But you must remember, I didn't draft you. You signed up."
"But, Madam, what was my alternative," said B'Elanna looking Janeway in the eye. "Hiding out the rest of my life, trying to fight the life they were trying to conform me to?"
"Now that's the passion I love." Janeway patted B'Elanna's blanketed leg. "I take care of my girls. But you must also take care of me."
"Yes, Madam."
"Now, get to sleep. Hopefully today will bring more...variety."
Janeway smiled at B'Elanna as she stood and returned to the hallway.
"Off with the light," she said just as she began to shut the door.
B'Elanna had been with Janeway for just a few months, and was still as scared as a newborn at times. Janeway supposed B'Elanna would never get used to her role as courtesan. Janeway then realized, that may be a good thing.
But it was her latest addition to this collection of women that gave Janeway hope business would pick up. She noticed no light came from Seven of Nine's door as she passed it, knowing if anyone was most tired, it was Seven. She had the body only artists could dream up, and one Janeway herself had a hard time keeping away from. In her older years, Janeway found herself drawn to the young women she employed. Maybe that was because of all the men who had employed her, making her vision of them skewed.
But Seven's reluctance, unlike B'Elanna's, had nothing to do with her sense of duty. Seven was simply bored with the ones who had come calling. And even though, thought Janeway, that was easy to feel with some men, she would have to teach Seven not to reveal it to her clients. Seven didn't understand such deception in a world built upon false pretenses.
Janeway approached her quarters, to find light streaming from beneath her door. As she entered her room, she found her favorite pupil sitting in a chair next to her vanity table.
"Seven, what are you doing here?" asked Janeway.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Well, that might be the case, but why would that justify your breaking into my room?" Janeway began to take the pins from her hair, as she shut the door behind her.
"You said I could ask you anything at any time. I felt this time was as appropriate as any," said Seven with even emotion.
"And when you saw I was not here, I take it you decided to wait for me." Janeway pointed toward her brush next to Seven, indicating for the younger woman to hand it to her.
"You are normally here at this time," she said handing Janeway the brush. "I figured you would arrive shortly."
"Thank you," Janeway said as she took the brush. She began to work her now-fallen auburn hair in silence, and then said, "And just how do you know when I am in my room?
Seven looked at Janeway for a moment, and then said, "I assumed since we all are usually in bed alone at this time, the same would be said for you."
"Ah." Janeway continued to work her brush, as she sat on her bed. She noticed Seven's sleeping gown peeping through her open robe. The gown seemed to leave nothing to the imagination, concerning Seven's figure. Janeway looked away so as not to allow herself to think of that for very long.
"Now," began Janeway, "what is on your mind."
"You are."
Janeway nearly dropped her brush.
"I beg your pardon." She was looking at Seven through a section of hair that had fallen in her face during the near mishap.
"I wanted to know what made you choose this career." Seven's expression was unchanged.
"Oh," said Janeway as she brushed her hair back in place. "Why is this of concern to you?"
"Not a concern," said Seven. "Just a question."
"Well, I think this question could be answered some other time, don't you think, if at all. "
"Why not now?"
"Because, Seven, it's early in the day, I'd like to change these clothes and get some sleep. If my thoughts were what were important to people, I would be in another line of work."
"So, you won't answer my question," Seven said evenly.
"Not that one, no." She stood and stretched a little. "And, not any right now. It's time to go to sleep. Rest up, tonight we have a new group coming in." Janeway then motioned for Seven to get up and leave.
When Seven passed through the door she turned to her mentor and said, "Goodnight, Madam."
"Goodnight, Seven. See you later in the day." She nodded to Seven's figure in the hallway as she slowly shut the door.
As Janeway peeled her corset from her body she wondered why Seven asked such a personal question.
I wanted to know what made you choose this career.
Upon further reflection Janeway realized she had stopped asking that question to herself a long time ago. Maybe that's just what Seven was learning to do.
After donning a new nightgown and taking a few deep unrestrained breaths, Janeway climbed into bed. She thought again about that night's tally and decided tomorrow would be a better day.
~
"So, who is this new group?"
The voice rang out from the back of the women, gathered to hear their Madam speak. They were sitting on couches and chairs in the parlor, with some having to stand against the wall.
"I've been told," began Janeway, "that they are a group of sailors on leave. Apparently far from home."
"Ooh, military men," said one of the faces. "I like military men."
"How are they any different from other men?" inquired Seven, who was sitting on one of the couches.
"For one, they're in shape, usually," said the woman. "And, they have interesting stories to tell."
"You mean you actually listen to what they have to say?" said B'Elanna under her breath. She was sitting next to Seven.
"I heard that," said Janeway, raising her brow to B'Elanna. "Now, I'm not sure how many there will be," she said to the group, "so we'll have to adjust accordingly once they arrive. I'm hoping there will be enough for one-on-one, but if there are not enough, we may have to put more than one to a gentleman, and increase his rate. We need to make some money, ladies, so I'm asking you to give it your best tonight." She looked around the room, "Any questions."
"What if they get out of hand?" asked B'Elanna.
"Then, get word to me, and I'll take care of it. Understood?" She looked at everyone. "Very well then. Dress your best, and smiles, ladies, smiles. Doors open in an hour."
With that, the group dispersed, and everyone went to their separate rooms to get ready. Janeway noticed the hesitation in B'Elanna, and stopped her in the hallway.
"B'Elanna, can I speak to you for a moment?"
"Of course, Madam."
"What's it going to take, huh?" Janeway cupped B'Elanna's cheek. "What will it take for you to relax a little? You're going into this evening all wrong."
"I'm sorry, Madam. I'm not sure what's wrong with me." She looked at the floor.
Janeway lifted B'Elanna' face so her eyes met the Madam's and said, "Follow me."
They entered Janeway's room, and Janeway shut the door.
"I usually don't encourage this," she said as she began to rummage through a drawer in her dresser, "because I need you in control. But," she pulled something out and turned to face B'Elanna, "you look as though you need it tonight." She handed B'Elanna a flask.
As B'Elanna took it, she noticed how heavy it was. It was obviously full.
"But, Madam, I..."
"Take it. Use it. I need you to produce some happy customers tonight, understand?"
"Yes, Madam. I don't know what to say," said B'Elanna, still looking at the flask.
"Thank you. Or, don't worry. Even, I won't let you down. Those will do." Janeway then led B'Elanna toward the door. "But, please keep this to yourself. I don't want everyone in this place drunk."
"Of course." She looked at the Madam. "Thank you."
Janeway followed B'Elanna out, and before leaving her to her room, she said, "Oh, and B'Elanna."
B'Elanna stopped short of her door and answered, "Yes?"
"Smile," said Janeway.
~
It was just about an hour when the men were let in. About 50 men in all came calling that evening. Janeway paired them off with her girls, but saved Seven and B'Elanna until she found just the right ones for them. Seven was something special and deserved the same, and since B'Elanna was seemingly unstable that evening, Janeway was particularly choosy in her companion.
"Excuse, me, Madam," came a voice from behind.
"Yes?" answered Janeway, turning to find a tall, dark, and handsome gentleman behind her.
"I was wondering if your services were available this evening," said the man.
"I'm afraid not," she said, noticing an odd tattoo above his eye.
"What a shame," said the man with a grin. "Maybe I'll be able to convince you some other time." And with that, he walked away.
Janeway paused to watch him move aside toward a waiting area in the parlor, intrigued by his apparent charm and confidence. She then smiled upon her decision to team him up with Seven.
Next to him stood a younger Asian man with black hair, scoping the room and nodding at the ladies mingling around. But he seemed to change expressions when he saw B'Elanna, as if almost in a trance. Janeway watched him for a moment more, to find his eyes follow B'Elanna around the room.
She motioned for B'Elanna to come to her.
"What do you think of that man over there?" she said motioning toward the man.
"He's handsome enough," said B'Elanna, with the smell of alcohol on her breath.
"Well, he's obviously very fond of you. Why not go see if he suits your taste for tonight," urged Janeway. She decided to give B'Elanna a voice in her selection.
She watched the two carry on a conversation for a few minutes, and was pleased to see B'Elanna smile. The smile turned toward Janeway, and B'Elanna nodded to her Madam in agreement with the pairing. Janeway nodded in response, and set off to finish the arrangements for the night.
~
"So," said the man with the tattoo, as he entered Seven's room, "what's your name?"
"This is important?" Seven closed the door behind him.
The man began to laugh, "As a matter of fact, it is to me." He looked around the room, bringing his eyes back to Seven, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. "All right, let me begin. My name's Chakotay."
"Seven."
"Nice to meet you, Seven." Chakotay had not moved.
Seven noticed his reluctance.
"Is there anything in particular you require?" she asked.
Chakotay smiled and said, "It's been awhile since I've purchased these services."
"I'm sure it will all come back to you," said Seven, as she patted the bed beside her.
~
"This is a nice room," said the young man, as B'Elanna closed the door.
"Thanks," she said, and made her way to the window without looking at him. "It's a little warm, so I thought I might let in some fresh air, if you don't mind."
"No," he said, "I don't mind."
"So, sir," B'Elanna stood erect to face her companion for the evening. "What's your pleasure."
"Harry," stammered the man.
"Hairy," said B'Elanna. "Yes, I suppose it is, but..."
"No, no. Harry, it's my name. Harry, Harry Kim."
"Oh," said B'Elanna. "Harry, then." She noticed how nervous he was, which eased her tension a bit. "So, Harry, what's your pleasure?"
"Um," he hesitated and then moved toward the bed. He then rubbed his brow in thought, and then looked up at B'Elanna. "I'm sorry, but I'm just distracted by how beautiful you are."
"Oh, please," said B'Elanna, who walked toward him. "You've paid already, you've got me for the evening. The sweet talk is unnecessary."
"No," said Harry. "I know you must get this a lot, but you really are beautiful. I noticed that as soon as I saw you."
B'Elanna noticed his expression was serious, and simply said, "Thanks." She guessed he had never been to a place like this before.
"You're welcome," said Harry. "And to answer your question, whatever you enjoy most."
~
Janeway could already tell there was more money to go in the bank than the night before, which pleased her. Everyone was taken care of, and Janeway was left alone in the parlor. The creaks and moans chimed throughout the house in a revelry of sounds. But her mind wandered to Seven's room, where the young woman and the man with the tattoo were sure to be conducting their affairs by now. Janeway had become more particular in her selection of Seven's lovers, and wondered if that would evolve into choosing no one at all. Would she allow her own feelings to grow into action? Every evening she wondered how Seven was being treated, when she had a house full of women to worry about. This was ridiculous, she thought, as she stood to pace the hall.
Different noises came from each room, some louder than others, but the loudest was coming from the end of the hall. As Janeway approached the door, she saw it to be wide open, with one of her girls and a dark-skinned man tangled up on the bed. She leaned in to grab the handle, knowing they wouldn't notice her shutting the door, when she saw the man had pointed ears. He had a strained expression on his face, as if trying to hold back any excitement, but that was soon erased when his partner changed position. His eyes and mouth were now as wide open as the door had been, with all those hidden noises flooding from his throat. Janeway smiled and left them alone.
~
"Slower."
Chakotay was watching Seven undress as he laid on the bed. Seven realized men seem to enjoy this ritual, and knew the desired pace. She felt Chakotay was stalling.
"If I go any slower, it will be morning before I'm finished," said Seven plainly. "Is there a problem, Chakotay." She put an emphasis on his name, since he seemed intent on being on a first name basis.
"Oh, no. You are absolutely beautiful," he said, surprised she was challenging him.
"But you do not desire me," said Seven with no emotion.
"No, it isn't that. I just, well I..."
"Had picked someone else out for this evening."
"Actually, yes," said Chakotay.
"The Madam."
"How did you know?" asked Chakotay, a little embarrassed to be so readable to a prostitute.
"I saw you speaking with her when you came in. No one usually propositions the Madam."
Chakotay slid to the edge of the bed and looked at the floor.
"I suppose I can try and imitate her," said Seven, amused at the idea.
Chakotay looked up at Seven, "So she never takes on a client?"
Seven thought about it and said, "Not anymore." Then a thought crossed Seven's mind that made her grab her robe.
"What are you doing?" asked Chakotay.
"I have an idea. Do not remove yourself from this room." Seven then quietly walked into the hallway, shutting the door behind her.
~
"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time."
"That's pretty good," said Harry, who was lying next to her, fully clothed, on the bed.
"Some new poet named Longfellow," she said.
B'Elanna looked passed her book to the ceiling, and sat in thought for a moment. Harry looked over at her in silence, and watched what seem like a grin come to B'Elanna's face.
"I hope you don't mind my reading to you. You said whatever I enjoy most."
Harry looked back toward the ceiling and said, "I hope you don't mind that I'm going to tell my shipmates about our doing something totally different." He then smiled. "I can't believe how much I'm enjoying this. But I enjoy your company."
She smiled at him and returned to reading poetry.
~
Janeway had just entered her room, when a knock came on her door. Wondering who had left her companion so soon, she opened the door to find Seven in her robe.
"Seven?" Janeway looked her over. "Is something wrong? Has he harmed you?"
"No, Madam. But may I come in and speak with you?"
"Of course," said Janeway, a look of confusion on her face, as she allowed the shapely woman to pass her.
"I have an idea, and wanted to relay it to you."
"Shouldn't this be a conversation with your client? Where is he?"
"He's still in my room, but unable to perform."
Janeway looked at her. "Unable to perform?" She then smiled and walked toward her vanity. "I'm sure you'll be able to remedy that soon enough."
"That's why I am here. I need your help," said Seven, not moving her position in the middle of the room.
"And what is it you think I can do?" said Janeway, sitting on her stool.
"Join us."
Janeway sat in silence for a moment, as the words rolled in her mind before finally sinking in.
"Join you?" she finally said.
"Yes, come and join Chakotay and me in the act of intercourse."
Janeway closed her eyes at Seven's directness. "Chakotay, that's his name?" asked the Madam.
"Yes. I gather that is some sort of tribal tattoo he wears." She felt the need to give more information, since the Madam had not immediately answered her request.
Janeway opened her eyes and turned in her stool to face her vanity mirror.
"Seven, I will not participate." The prospect of being in there with Seven had made her flush.
"But he wants you."
"And how did you come to that conclusion," said Janeway as she began to powder her face.
"He told me so."
"He just came out and said it," asked Janeway, looking at Seven's reflection in the mirror.
"Actually, I guessed it, and he agreed."
"Well, I'm the Madam. And I will not get involved any more than to take his money." She looked at herself again, thinking only Seven could get away with asking this of her.
Seven tried to think of another argument, but knew better than to push the Madam any further.
But the Madam was already close to agreement, as she struggled with the thought of being intimate with Seven, even if it had to involve someone else. Upon realizing she could also make more money in the process, Janeway changed her decision.
Seven began to walk out when the Madam called her back.
"Tie him up."
"I beg your pardon?" said Seven.
"Tie him up. Tell him I'll join you, if he agrees to be bound." Janeway continued with her face, never looking at Seven. This way she could be with Seven, without having to be with the client as well.
Seven did as she was told.
~
"She's coming?" asked Chakotay.
"Yes, she will be here shortly, but you have to allow this," she began to tie him to a bedpost at the foot of the bed, with silk clothes she had just untied from her headboard.
"But, why?" he asked, watching her work. He had already stripped down to his underwear.
"Because that's the only way she'd come."
Chakotay began to speak in protest to his being unable to do anything, and then just shrugged and decided to see how things would turn out.
That's when he heard the door open.
He turned to see the Madam, in her own robe, close the door behind her. She then walked toward Chakotay, looking him over, and noticed the sailor wasn't as excited as he could be.
"So," said the Madam, as she paced behind Chakotay, "I understand my girl didn't do her job."
Seven suddenly looked up at the Madam, who raised her hand to the protest.
"No, ma'am, that's not true," said Chakotay, who turned his head in the direction of Janeway's voice.
"Then she is not pleasing to you," continued Janeway.
"She is a very beautiful woman," said the man.
"But, I see you do not appreciate her as you should," Janeway patted the front of his shorts.
"No, I..."
"Shall I show you how?" asked Janeway.
"Ma'am?" Chakotay's voice was a little higher than before.
"Shall I show you," she said as she leaned into his ear, "just how to appreciate Seven of Nine?"
"With me tied up?" asked Chakotay.
"So you won't go anywhere," said Janeway as she brushed her finger across his cheek. "But it will cost you."
"In my pants, on the floor," said Chakotay, as he nodded his head toward the pile of clothes near his feet.
"Perfect," said Janeway, as she retrieved the added funds for a threesome.
She looked at Seven, who was now allowing her robe to fall to the floor. Janeway's heart began to race, and she tried to command it with deep breaths. But the thought of being with Seven had become overwhelming, and she couldn't believe she was using this opportunity to play out her fantasy.
Janeway walked to where Seven stood, near the side of the bed. She could feel the heat coming off Seven's skin as she reached for her, cupping her head in her hands. She leaned in to kiss her tender lips, when she felt Seven's breath go ragged. The kiss was soft at first, but soon turned into deep yearnings as Seven's arms folded around Janeway's body, and the Madam's hands reached around Seven's head.
Seven then reached down to untie Janeway's robe, and with one fist behind the Madam's back, pulled it off and threw it to the floor. Janeway leaned into Seven, pushing both women fluidly onto the bed, where Janeway held her down while the deep kisses continued. Janeway could feel her heart pounding in her chest, as well as other places, as Seven rubbed her hands all over Janeway's back and hair.
Chakotay began to jiggle his ties, realizing Seven had really done a good job at confining him to this bedpost.
"Excuse me," he said, hoping to be untied. But no one responded.
The women were breathing heavier, and a few moans could be heard, as Seven rolled over partially on top of Janeway, turning her back to Chakotay. He now couldn't see their faces or their bodies.
"Excuse, me, ladies," he said. "Now I can't see. Hello." He then jiggled his bounds some more, but it was no use. Why were they ignoring him?
Then there was a loud crash somewhere in the house.
Janeway reluctantly pushed Seven off of her, and grabbed her robe as she rushed toward the hallway. As she picked up her robe, she noticed Chakotay was now very excited, and motioned for Seven to stay with him.
Janeway ran to where one of the ladies was standing in the hall, looking at the Madam and pointing into her room. Turning into the doorway, Janeway saw two of the sailors fighting, with the washbasin in pieces on the floor. There were small trails of blood, where the barefoot men were continuously cutting their feet on the shards of tile. They were unaware of these cuts, due to the alcohol they had consumed prior to coming here.
"Gentlemen!" yelled Janeway, knowing it would do no good. The argument was heated, but uncoordinated, since the men were falling more than fighting.
"They forgot which one of us they were supposed to be with," said the blonde woman, "and started to fight." A redhead woman was standing next to her, both with their robes on.
"They would have found a reason," Janeway said looking at the scuffle. "Men like to fight."
"Enough!" came a deep voice from behind Janeway. She turned to see Chakotay, oddly enough in Seven's robe, making his way through the now gathered crowd in the hall.
He made his way into the room, noticing the pieces on the floor. He too was barefoot, so he stopped short of the fight. He decided he would try to yell them apart.
After a moment it seemed to be working, as the men began to comprehend their commanding officer was in the room. Breathing heavy, the two sat on the ground where they had fallen, and looked up at Chakotay.
"Paris," said Chakotay, putting his hands on his hips. "I should have known."
"Nice robe," said the young man. "The color suits you."
"You and Ensign Taylor get dressed, and meet me in the parlor. Understood?"
The men looked at each other.
"Understood?!?" repeated Chakotay.
"Yes, sir," they recited, as they tried to get up.
Chakotay turned to find Janeway, and asked her if there were any bandages in the house. Noticing her anger, Chakotay said he'd get them out as soon as possible, he just wanted to dress their wounds.
She sent the blonde to retrieve clean sheets and some alcohol, and then addressed the crowd, commanding everyone to get back to their rooms. As everyone began to walk away, Janeway pointed into the room and told the redhead, "Clean this mess up."
~
"Madam Janeway, I am very sorry for what happened this evening."
Chakotay was sitting next to her on one of the couches in the parlor, both now fully dressed. He had just sent the two bandaged fighters to the porch, where he and some other soldiers were going to help them back to the ship. The rest of the men were staying behind to continue their evening.
"I assure you," he continued, "that I had no intention of allowing my men to get out of hand."
"Not all of them did," she said. "But it was enough to disrupt the evening, and damage my property."
"I understand. And I will pay for all the damages." He looked at the floor and then back up at this woman he found so attractive. "I hope we can come back. I can assure you it won't happen twice."
"Oh," said Janeway, "I know it won't happen twice." She noticed Chakotay looking away again and said, "You are allowed back, but Mr. Paris and Mr. Taylor are not."
Chakotay then seemed to grin, and said, "I understand. Thank you."
He stood and extended his hand to help the Madam to her feet. He then kissed her hand before letting it go.
"I am sorry our evening was interrupted," he said.
"Me too," she replied, still smelling Seven's perfume on her. "When you come back, we will find you a more," she smiled, "suitable partner."
He began to speak, but Janeway stopped him.
"Goodnight, Chakotay," she said.
"Goodnight, Madam," he said, and walked out the door.
She watched the men walk, or hobble, away through the curtain. She then turned and looked at the empty parlor, and decided to check on Seven, who never came out of her room to see the remnants of the fight.
~
Harry, who heard the crash and went to see what happened, had gotten permission from Chakotay to stay longer, as did most of his shipmates. Upon returning to what he thought was B'Elanna's room, he mistakenly opened the wrong door.
"Well, it seems there was a fight," he said, but was startled at the sound of a whip. He looked up to see Neelix, totally nude, leaned over with his hands on a dresser. A brunette woman, wearing only heels, had just given him another mark on his backside. She had apparently been whipping Neelix for awhile.
"Oh, god, I'm sorry," he mumbled as he turned to leave.
"You're welcome to join us," smiled the brunette, sawing the whip back and forth behind her neck.
"No," he said shutting the door, "that's ok. You two go ahead." He paused a moment, to take in what he just seen, and then continued to where he had intended to go.
"They were sent back to the ship," said Harry, upon returning to B'Elanna's room. His face was red.
"What happened?" asked B'Elanna, still lying fully clothed above the covers.
"They were drunk," he said matter-of-factly as he returned to his place next to her.
"How terrible," she grinned, looking back at her book, still feeling the effects of the alcohol she had consumed that evening. "But I meant what happened with you. Your blushing."
"Oh," said Harry, positioning himself on his back, "nothing. I just got a little warm, I guess." He turned to look at his companion and said, "Now, where were we?"
"Page 34," smiled B'Elanna, not believing him, but continued reading.
~
When a knock came to her door, Seven was sitting on the bed. That's where she had been since she and the Madam were interrupted. She just watched blankly as Chakotay grabbed her robe and hurried out, and then returned to dress, placing the robe on the bed, when Seven didn't respond to his offer to hand it to her.
It all started with that kiss.
Seven couldn't get the feel of the Madam out of her head. Instead of performing for Chakotay, Seven had done her best to hold the Madam as close to her as she could, which flooded a sensation through her body that she had not expected. Seven had never really touched Janeway, except to shake her hand upon her agreement to stay. And when propositioning her for the evening with Chakotay, she was simply doing it to satisfy her customer.
Of course, Seven did seem to pay attention to the Madam's routine, and knew where she was most of the time. And she had taken a special interest in what brought the Madam to this place, which she had yet to find out. But the thought of being with her had never crossed her mind until now, and that thought seemed to repeat itself unconsciously, like a broken record Seven didn't want to tap back into place.
There were a few more knocks, when Seven heard the Madam say her name. She stood to open the door, but stopped to look at herself in the mirror, rubbing her hair into place. She felt the need to retrieve her robe before opening the door.
"Seven," said Janeway, who remained in the hallway. "I just wanted to check on you."
"I'm fine, Madam," she said. After a slight hesitation, Seven adjusted her robe and said, "What was the error?"
"Oh," said Janeway, "I thought maybe Chakotay had told you." Janeway then leaned on the door frame. "A fight. Two men who couldn't keep their emotions and alcohol in check. Chakotay decided to take them back to the ship."
"Was anyone damaged?" asked Seven.
"The boys got a little cut up, but nothing serious. A washbasin had to be put to rest though," she smirked.
Seven said nothing. Janeway sensed an awkwardness between them and decided not to bring up what happened. She couldn't understand, since Seven had come to her, why Seven now seemed to have been made uncomfortable by the experience. To her disappointment, the Madam decided not to try anything like that again. It was back to business.
"Well, Seven," Janeway pushed herself from the door frame, "I suppose I need to send someone else your way."
"Of course," said Seven. "But I thought everyone was taken care of."
"I will go check." Janeway then walked away.
Seven shut the door, having resisted pulling the Madam into her room, to finish what they had started.
~ End Part One ~