***
The Automatic Construction Device lay in pieces on the ceramic trolley, a team of frustrated technicians hovering around it. It had been Anik's suggestion that they disassemble the device and note the function of each of its components so as to understand the whole. Mared had thought it seemed logical at the time.
"What was Professor Ingard thinking when he created this?" one of the senior technicians grumbled. "Not a single component matches anything I have ever seen before."
The room instantly went quiet, the middle-aged woman's eyes wide as she realised the possible implications of her words.
"Tera!" Mared spat, shaking his head. "Do your job and remain silent."
"I apologise, Doctor," Tera said immediately and returned to examining each item on the trolley, hoping her lapse would be forgotten.
A long period of silence followed as the team searched for inspiration. Occasionally a technician would reach forward with their tongs and rotate a component before returning to their study.
"This item resembles a control unit, possibly a new form of computational processor," Anik suggested, indicating the replicator relay. "Perhaps if we ran a series of charged theta particles through the circuitry, we would be able to monitor its passage through the unit with an optical scanner."
Mared paused to consider the suggestion. "What would that achieve?"
"It would perhaps reveal the sequence in which information was processed by the unit," Anik replied.
Several of her team members began to nod. "By varying the charge on the particles, we could compare the rate of movement and level of resistance in the circuitry," Dern added, already moving the scanning equipment closer.
"Good work, technician," Mared said gruffly, glad to have something to include in his analysis, however minor.
As the team readied themselves to proceed, Anik calculated the intensity which would be required to evaporate the tiny filaments inside without causing any noticeable damage to the casing.
***
Anik gathered in the decontamination room with her team mates as they removed their protective suits. Talk was animated as they discussed their small successes during the day. They had made considerable progress, having devised reasonable hypotheses for several of the component's functions, even managing to reconstruct the device with some degree of accuracy.
"A few of us were planning to stop by the market on the way home," Tera said, placing her suit on the hook beside Anik's.
Recognising the invitation, the blonde woman paused. "I already have plans this evening," she said reluctantly.
"That's too bad," Dern allowed, "Another time."
"Thank you for the invitation."
"You're welcome. You did really well in there," Tera continued. "I'll admit I had no idea where to go with that mess!"
Sympathetic laughter followed as other team members admitted their own inability to understand the unfamiliar equipment, favouring their newest addition with welcoming smiles. Anik basked in the camaraderie, feeling, for a moment, rather proud of her accomplishments.
A quick glance through the transparent barrier to the laboratory showed the final product of their day's labour. Remembering her deception, she flinched, the heavy feeling in her stomach erasing her smile, her guilt slowly rebuilding a wall around her.
***
Eryn sat on the edge of a low wall, her feet swinging back and forth. She kept her head low as if focused on the book she held while her eyes roamed the crowds. She had expected Anik to be here before now and hoped her absence did not indicate that there had been a problem at the facility.
They were overdue for their rendezvous and Eryn was apprehensive. The meeting had been arranged days earlier and their contact was an unknown. Although she was pleased with the progress of their assignment, she resented the restrictions they were forced to work with and intended to ask for further information from their superiors.
A blonde head moving gracefully through the crowd caught her attention, Eryn stood and replaced the book in her pack. Stepping onto the paved street of the marketplace she weaved her way towards the figure. Seeing the slight nod which said Anik had seen her, she veered off the road and headed towards a brightly-coloured tent to one side of the busy thoroughfare.
A dark-skinned man was selling teas he claimed came from across the ocean, a rare commodity since the fighting had erupted near the coast. Slowing her pace as she approached, to give her partner a chance to catch up, Eryn scanned the merchandise, ignoring the unsettling gaze of the tall man behind the counter.
Sensing the young woman close behind her, Eryn proceeded to the back of the tent, lifting the flap to the small room behind it. The dark-skinned gentleman nodded to her as she passed and, as she returned the greeting, Eryn committed his features to memory. Something about him unnerved her, his face seemed too controlled, his eyes were without emotion. Eryn decided he would be one to watch.
A stiffening of the form beside her drew her attention and she turned back to the tent. A young man with sandy blond hair sat at a low table. Noticing them at the doorway, he stood quickly and, stepping over the containers and crates which lay scattered on the floor, moved to meet them.
"Captain, Seven!" he said, as if in greeting.
The older woman narrowed her eyes at the names, they felt somehow familiar and she searched her tattered memory for their meaning. For one fleeting moment she thought she was close, before the image of a silver-blue figure slipped from her grasp.
Moving cautiously into the room, Eryn placed her hand on Anik's shoulder, indicating that she was to remain by the door. The clutter in the room made it difficult to scan. Any number of people or items could be concealed in the shadows.
"Good afternoon...," she started, waiting for the man to identify himself before continuing.
"Paris," he provided, motioning for her to take a seat on the long bench.
The tent flap opened again admitting the shopkeeper. Anik stepped back to allow him to pass, her eyes constantly in motion. Eryn tensed and remained standing, prepared to defend herself if needed but reluctant to move against people she hoped would prove to be allies.
"That will be all, Ensign," he said to Paris, his voice strangely melodic.
Without a word the young man left, leaving his associate alone with the two women.
"Eryn, my name is Tuvok." Removing a small circular device from the pouch at his belt he offered it towards her, stepping closer when Eryn remained still.
"May I?" he asked, holding the device in front of him so she could see it clearly.
"Go ahead," Eryn replied, accepting the need to trust.
"You are aware that your memories have been blocked?" he asked and waited for her acknowledgement. "I suggest you take a seat, you may experience some disorientation."
Moving the bench so she would remain facing the door, Eryn sat and held her hand out, requesting the device. Handing it to Eryn, Tuvok removed another from his pouch and motioned to Anik to take it from him.
"No," Eryn stated firmly, taking the second pad from him and shooting an insistent glare towards the young woman.
"Not yet. I'll let you know when, Tuvok," she said, an edge of steel to her voice.
"Very well," the stranger replied, obeying her command without hesitation.
***
Anik remained at the door, never once having considered accepting the device. She divided her attention between her comrade and the exit, prepared for any course of action. The noises from the marketplace were muted, yet there seemed to be no change in the mood of the crowd.
Eryn lowered herself to the seat, handing the device back to Tuvok, seemingly none the wiser for her examination. With an arch of his eyebrow he leaned forward and placed it gently on the side of her neck. Eryn twitched slightly as the device attached itself to her skin, the muscles in her arms bunching as she clearly forced herself to remain seated.
Anik watched from the doorway, concerned by the play of emotions across her partner's face. She felt her back stiffen and her fists clench when the stranger knelt and placed his hand on the older woman's shoulder.
"Captain?"
"It's all right, Tuvok."
The young woman heard Eryn speak, her voice different in some fundamental way that Anik could not decipher. She relaxed only when Eryn turned towards her and motioned her forward.
"Place it on the side of your neck," she advised, offering the disk and sliding along the bench to make room for her friend.
Hesitating only slightly, Anik did so. A wave of dizziness washed over her as the device secured itself to her skin. As the dizziness passed, a mass of voices and background noise assaulted her. Breathing deeply, she tried to hold on to the confusing information that flashed through her mind. And suddenly she knew.
Reactivating her cortical implant, Seven of Nine attempted to realign her systems, to bring order to the chaos that had become her mind.
"Report, Tuvok," A familiar voice said beside her.
"Voyager remains concealed in the asteroid belt, our presence has not been detected. Ensign Paris and myself have obscured the Delta Flyer behind a level five force-field outside the city boundary."
"Understood. I don't think Seven or I have attracted any undue attention." Janeway paused as if to consider the past few days from her new perspective. "The plant in the Minister's office?" she asked finally.
"Transmitting successfully. We have details of a possible meeting between Minister Jark and a representative from the Daihatchi laboratories tomorrow morning." Tuvok paused to allow his captain to process the new information. "It would be helpful if we knew what progress was being made at the laboratory."
"Seven?" the Captain asked.
"The replicator has been rendered inactive and a locator beacon concealed inside the primary matrix," she informed them. "I have been assigned to work in the micro-robotics department tomorrow, they are preparing to incorporate the programming from my nanoprobes into their systems. Professor Regarni seems impressed by my abilities."
Janeway grinned warmly, apparently not doubting for an instant that the professor was indeed impressed by her knowledge. Seven found herself looking away, the familiarity of the smile bringing memories and emotions she was unaccustomed to dealing with.
"Has military activity in the sector increased?" Janeway asked after a moment's silence.
"No, in fact border patrols seem to have decreased over the past few days."
"The Ila'Cor and Regal?" she enquired of the neighbouring planets.
"No change in activity. I do not believe they are aware of the Ketan's plans to attack," Tuvok replied gravely.
"Well, let's hope they won't do so with any assistance from us."
"Having worked with the Ketan technicians, I do not believe they have the scientific basis to understand much of the equipment that was taken from Voyager," Seven admitted.
"Let's hope not," the Captain returned. "Still, I will feel more secure when our technology is either rendered useless or returned to the ship. Have you been able to get a lock on the magnaton explosive?"
"Ensign Kim is still attempting to circumvent their shielding without being detected. Their surveillance systems are most impressive."
"Impressive!" Janeway scoffed, clearly annoyed by the implied compliment. "Any government that must rule by monitoring and regulating the daily activities of its people is far from impressive!"
"I agree, Captain. That does not, however, alter the fact that we will require additional time in order to bypass the shielding around the research facility."
"Keep trying, Tuvok. Retrieving the magnaton charge is a priority. In the mean time, we have our own operative on the inside," she said, turning to Seven. "How are you coping without regenerating?"
"My systems are all functioning within acceptable tolerances. However, a fresh supply of nanoprobes would be beneficial," she said with a glance at Tuvok.
To allow Seven of Nine to lend her expertise to the away-team, her nanoprobes had been altered to suppress the more visible Borg implants. It was a temporary measure at best and the tiny machines were now required to work even more efficiently than usual to maintain her health.
"The Doctor has kept a supply in stasis," Tuvok replied, passing a hypo-spray to the former drone. "With B'Elanna's assistance, he has managed to incorporate the DNA mask into their programming."
Seven's brow raised at the comment and as she released the modified Borg nanites into her bloodstream, she studied the changes her crew mates had effected, impressed by the results.
In order to disguise their human DNA from the Ketan's scans, the Doctor had devised a mask to camouflage the more uniquely Human and Borg DNA components. While he could not guarantee that it would stand up to close examination, basic ID scans and security checks would show them as Ketan natives.
"Captain?" Tuvok asked, waiting for her to tilt her neck and accept the injection required to disguise her own identity.
"When are you returning to Voyager?"
"Immediately. Unless you require our assistance, I do not believe it would be wise for the Delta Flyer to remain on the planet."
"I agree, the force outside the city seems to be getting more determined each day."
"A detachment of the Minister's guards was sent out this morning," Tuvok revealed.
"It seems the Minister is starting to pay attention to his citizen's protests," Janeway remarked.
"I think he is simply tired of the noise," Tuvok said wryly.
Obviously frustrated by the fact that the governing body on Rotali IV continued to ignore the well-being of its people, Janeway prepared herself to argue the point with her security officer.
Seeing the look on his captain's face, Tuvok interrupted. "Captain, this is not our fight."
"I know, Tuvok. I just feel a little closer to these people and this planet than I did three days ago."
The Vulcan remained silent, appearing to respect her feelings on the matter even if he was unable to understand them for himself.
"What now, Tuvok?"
"Mr Paris and I will remain at the market until sundown. I suggest you remain here until you regain your bearings."
"Thank you," Janeway turned to look at Seven, noticeably concerned by her silence. "That will be all, Tuvok."
"Good luck, Captain, Seven," he said, ducking under the tent flap and leaving the two women alone.
***
The room was silent for a moment as both women battled with doubts and fears they were unable or unwilling to share. Exhaling slowly, Kathryn turned on the bench to face the young woman beside her.
"You're awfully quiet, Seven. Is everything all right?" she asked. The haunted look in her crewmember's eyes threatening her own composure.
"Fine, Captain," she stated, her eyes on the doorway to the tent.
Janeway touched the side of her face, forcing her to meet her gaze. Silence surrounded them as their eyes met, so much like a memory from another life. Kathryn's stomach fluttered lightly at the intensity of the gaze. Finally, Seven looked away, a blush colouring her cheeks and throat.
Gently trailing her fingers along the line of the former Borg's jaw, Janeway urged her to look up. She studied the face that turned towards her, confusion evident in the pale blue eyes.
"Captain," Seven began, clearly fighting to regain her balance.
"Shhh, Anik," she whispered, feeling her throat constrict at the obvious effect those words had on her young companion.
When Kathryn reached out her hand, Seven took it, tracing the smooth knuckles with her fingertips. She would remember the feel of those hands on her skin for the remainder of her existence and found herself hating the circumstances that forced their deception.
She gently touched the skin at the base of Seven's throat, releasing the inhibitor and placing it on the table in front of them. Returning the gesture, Seven removed the metallic disk from her captain's neck. A small red welt was left in its place and the former Borg placed her fingers over the mark it had made, the cool of her touch soothing the throbbing sensation caused by the inhibitor's removal.
Smiling at the gesture, Kathryn covered the hand with her own and bought it to her lips. Brushing a kiss across her knuckles, she dropped their entwined hands to her lap.
Despite the uniqueness of their situation, she was determined not to sacrifice the bond that was developing between them. The look of confusion and despair that had turned blue eyes to grey tore at her heart and although she wished they had time to talk, Janeway forced herself not to fight the increasing waves of disorientation she felt as the memory implant embedded in her neo-cortex reasserted itself.
Her mind swirled with conflicting information, a million thoughts and memories converging. Amongst the mist, Janeway held onto one phrase.
"It's not a game, Seven," Kathryn said firmly, squeezing the hand she held in her own and wishing she never had to let go.
***
The Automatic Construction Device lay in pieces on the ceramic trolley, a team of frustrated technicians hovering around it. It had been Anik's suggestion that they disassemble the device and note the function of each of its components so as to understand the whole. Mared had thought it seemed logical at the time.
"What was Professor Ingard thinking when he created this?" one of the senior technicians grumbled. "Not a single component matches anything I have ever seen before."
The room instantly went quiet, the middle-aged woman's eyes wide as she realised the possible implications of her words.
"Tera!" Mared spat, shaking his head. "Do your job and remain silent."
"I apologise, Doctor," Tera said immediately and returned to examining each item on the trolley, hoping her lapse would be forgotten.
A long period of silence followed as the team searched for inspiration. Occasionally a technician would reach forward with their tongs and rotate a component before returning to their study.
"This item resembles a control unit, possibly a new form of computational processor," Anik suggested, indicating the replicator relay. "Perhaps if we ran a series of charged theta particles through the circuitry, we would be able to monitor its passage through the unit with an optical scanner."
Mared paused to consider the suggestion. "What would that achieve?"
"It would perhaps reveal the sequence in which information was processed by the unit," Anik replied.
Several of her team members began to nod. "By varying the charge on the particles, we could compare the rate of movement and level of resistance in the circuitry," Dern added, already moving the scanning equipment closer.
"Good work, technician," Mared said gruffly, glad to have something to include in his analysis, however minor.
As the team readied themselves to proceed, Anik calculated the intensity which would be required to evaporate the tiny filaments inside without causing any noticeable damage to the casing.
***
Anik gathered in the decontamination room with her team mates as they removed their protective suits. Talk was animated as they discussed their small successes during the day. They had made considerable progress, having devised reasonable hypotheses for several of the component's functions, even managing to reconstruct the device with some degree of accuracy.
"A few of us were planning to stop by the market on the way home," Tera said, placing her suit on the hook beside Anik's.
Recognising the invitation, the blonde woman paused. "I already have plans this evening," she said reluctantly.
"That's too bad," Dern allowed, "Another time."
"Thank you for the invitation."
"You're welcome. You did really well in there," Tera continued. "I'll admit I had no idea where to go with that mess!"
Sympathetic laughter followed as other team members admitted their own inability to understand the unfamiliar equipment, favouring their newest addition with welcoming smiles. Anik basked in the camaraderie, feeling, for a moment, rather proud of her accomplishments.
A quick glance through the transparent barrier to the laboratory showed the final product of their day's labour. Remembering her deception, she flinched, the heavy feeling in her stomach erasing her smile, her guilt slowly rebuilding a wall around her.
***
Eryn sat on the edge of a low wall, her feet swinging back and forth. She kept her head low as if focused on the book she held while her eyes roamed the crowds. She had expected Anik to be here before now and hoped her absence did not indicate that there had been a problem at the facility.
They were overdue for their rendezvous and Eryn was apprehensive. The meeting had been arranged days earlier and their contact was an unknown. Although she was pleased with the progress of their assignment, she resented the restrictions they were forced to work with and intended to ask for further information from their superiors.
A blonde head moving gracefully through the crowd caught her attention, Eryn stood and replaced the book in her pack. Stepping onto the paved street of the marketplace she weaved her way towards the figure. Seeing the slight nod which said Anik had seen her, she veered off the road and headed towards a brightly-coloured tent to one side of the busy thoroughfare.
A dark-skinned man was selling teas he claimed came from across the ocean, a rare commodity since the fighting had erupted near the coast. Slowing her pace as she approached, to give her partner a chance to catch up, Eryn scanned the merchandise, ignoring the unsettling gaze of the tall man behind the counter.
Sensing the young woman close behind her, Eryn proceeded to the back of the tent, lifting the flap to the small room behind it. The dark-skinned gentleman nodded to her as she passed and, as she returned the greeting, Eryn committed his features to memory. Something about him unnerved her, his face seemed too controlled, his eyes were without emotion. Eryn decided he would be one to watch.
A stiffening of the form beside her drew her attention and she turned back to the tent. A young man with sandy blond hair sat at a low table. Noticing them at the doorway, he stood quickly and, stepping over the containers and crates which lay scattered on the floor, moved to meet them.
"Captain, Seven!" he said, as if in greeting.
The older woman narrowed her eyes at the names, they felt somehow familiar and she searched her tattered memory for their meaning. For one fleeting moment she thought she was close, before the image of a silver-blue figure slipped from her grasp.
Moving cautiously into the room, Eryn placed her hand on Anik's shoulder, indicating that she was to remain by the door. The clutter in the room made it difficult to scan. Any number of people or items could be concealed in the shadows.
"Good afternoon...," she started, waiting for the man to identify himself before continuing.
"Paris," he provided, motioning for her to take a seat on the long bench.
The tent flap opened again admitting the shopkeeper. Anik stepped back to allow him to pass, her eyes constantly in motion. Eryn tensed and remained standing, prepared to defend herself if needed but reluctant to move against people she hoped would prove to be allies.
"That will be all, Ensign," he said to Paris, his voice strangely melodic.
Without a word the young man left, leaving his associate alone with the two women.
"Eryn, my name is Tuvok." Removing a small circular device from the pouch at his belt he offered it towards her, stepping closer when Eryn remained still.
"May I?" he asked, holding the device in front of him so she could see it clearly.
"Go ahead," Eryn replied, accepting the need to trust.
"You are aware that your memories have been blocked?" he asked and waited for her acknowledgement. "I suggest you take a seat, you may experience some disorientation."
Moving the bench so she would remain facing the door, Eryn sat and held her hand out, requesting the device. Handing it to Eryn, Tuvok removed another from his pouch and motioned to Anik to take it from him.
"No," Eryn stated firmly, taking the second pad from him and shooting an insistent glare towards the young woman.
"Not yet. I'll let you know when, Tuvok," she said, an edge of steel to her voice.
"Very well," the stranger replied, obeying her command without hesitation.
***
Anik remained at the door, never once having considered accepting the device. She divided her attention between her comrade and the exit, prepared for any course of action. The noises from the marketplace were muted, yet there seemed to be no change in the mood of the crowd.
Eryn lowered herself to the seat, handing the device back to Tuvok, seemingly none the wiser for her examination. With an arch of his eyebrow he leaned forward and placed it gently on the side of her neck. Eryn twitched slightly as the device attached itself to her skin, the muscles in her arms bunching as she clearly forced herself to remain seated.
Anik watched from the doorway, concerned by the play of emotions across her partner's face. She felt her back stiffen and her fists clench when the stranger knelt and placed his hand on the older woman's shoulder.
"Captain?"
"It's all right, Tuvok."
The young woman heard Eryn speak, her voice different in some fundamental way that Anik could not decipher. She relaxed only when Eryn turned towards her and motioned her forward.
"Place it on the side of your neck," she advised, offering the disk and sliding along the bench to make room for her friend.
Hesitating only slightly, Anik did so. A wave of dizziness washed over her as the device secured itself to her skin. As the dizziness passed, a mass of voices and background noise assaulted her. Breathing deeply, she tried to hold on to the confusing information that flashed through her mind. And suddenly she knew.
Reactivating her cortical implant, Seven of Nine attempted to realign her systems, to bring order to the chaos that had become her mind.
"Report, Tuvok," A familiar voice said beside her.
"Voyager remains concealed in the asteroid belt, our presence has not been detected. Ensign Paris and myself have obscured the Delta Flyer behind a level five force-field outside the city boundary."
"Understood. I don't think Seven or I have attracted any undue attention." Janeway paused as if to consider the past few days from her new perspective. "The plant in the Minister's office?" she asked finally.
"Transmitting successfully. We have details of a possible meeting between Minister Jark and a representative from the Daihatchi laboratories tomorrow morning." Tuvok paused to allow his captain to process the new information. "It would be helpful if we knew what progress was being made at the laboratory."
"Seven?" the Captain asked.
"The replicator has been rendered inactive and a locator beacon concealed inside the primary matrix," she informed them. "I have been assigned to work in the micro-robotics department tomorrow, they are preparing to incorporate the programming from my nanoprobes into their systems. Professor Regarni seems impressed by my abilities."
Janeway grinned warmly, apparently not doubting for an instant that the professor was indeed impressed by her knowledge. Seven found herself looking away, the familiarity of the smile bringing memories and emotions she was unaccustomed to dealing with.
"Has military activity in the sector increased?" Janeway asked after a moment's silence.
"No, in fact border patrols seem to have decreased over the past few days."
"The Ila'Cor and Regal?" she enquired of the neighbouring planets.
"No change in activity. I do not believe they are aware of the Ketan's plans to attack," Tuvok replied gravely.
"Well, let's hope they won't do so with any assistance from us."
"Having worked with the Ketan technicians, I do not believe they have the scientific basis to understand much of the equipment that was taken from Voyager," Seven admitted.
"Let's hope not," the Captain returned. "Still, I will feel more secure when our technology is either rendered useless or returned to the ship. Have you been able to get a lock on the magnaton explosive?"
"Ensign Kim is still attempting to circumvent their shielding without being detected. Their surveillance systems are most impressive."
"Impressive!" Janeway scoffed, clearly annoyed by the implied compliment. "Any government that must rule by monitoring and regulating the daily activities of its people is far from impressive!"
"I agree, Captain. That does not, however, alter the fact that we will require additional time in order to bypass the shielding around the research facility."
"Keep trying, Tuvok. Retrieving the magnaton charge is a priority. In the mean time, we have our own operative on the inside," she said, turning to Seven. "How are you coping without regenerating?"
"My systems are all functioning within acceptable tolerances. However, a fresh supply of nanoprobes would be beneficial," she said with a glance at Tuvok.
To allow Seven of Nine to lend her expertise to the away-team, her nanoprobes had been altered to suppress the more visible Borg implants. It was a temporary measure at best and the tiny machines were now required to work even more efficiently than usual to maintain her health.
"The Doctor has kept a supply in stasis," Tuvok replied, passing a hypo-spray to the former drone. "With B'Elanna's assistance, he has managed to incorporate the DNA mask into their programming."
Seven's brow raised at the comment and as she released the modified Borg nanites into her bloodstream, she studied the changes her crew mates had effected, impressed by the results.
In order to disguise their human DNA from the Ketan's scans, the Doctor had devised a mask to camouflage the more uniquely Human and Borg DNA components. While he could not guarantee that it would stand up to close examination, basic ID scans and security checks would show them as Ketan natives.
"Captain?" Tuvok asked, waiting for her to tilt her neck and accept the injection required to disguise her own identity.
"When are you returning to Voyager?"
"Immediately. Unless you require our assistance, I do not believe it would be wise for the Delta Flyer to remain on the planet."
"I agree, the force outside the city seems to be getting more determined each day."
"A detachment of the Minister's guards was sent out this morning," Tuvok revealed.
"It seems the Minister is starting to pay attention to his citizen's protests," Janeway remarked.
"I think he is simply tired of the noise," Tuvok said wryly.
Obviously frustrated by the fact that the governing body on Rotali IV continued to ignore the well-being of its people, Janeway prepared herself to argue the point with her security officer.
Seeing the look on his captain's face, Tuvok interrupted. "Captain, this is not our fight."
"I know, Tuvok. I just feel a little closer to these people and this planet than I did three days ago."
The Vulcan remained silent, appearing to respect her feelings on the matter even if he was unable to understand them for himself.
"What now, Tuvok?"
"Mr Paris and I will remain at the market until sundown. I suggest you remain here until you regain your bearings."
"Thank you," Janeway turned to look at Seven, noticeably concerned by her silence. "That will be all, Tuvok."
"Good luck, Captain, Seven," he said, ducking under the tent flap and leaving the two women alone.
***
The room was silent for a moment as both women battled with doubts and fears they were unable or unwilling to share. Exhaling slowly, Kathryn turned on the bench to face the young woman beside her.
"You're awfully quiet, Seven. Is everything all right?" she asked. The haunted look in her crewmember's eyes threatening her own composure.
"Fine, Captain," she stated, her eyes on the doorway to the tent.
Janeway touched the side of her face, forcing her to meet her gaze. Silence surrounded them as their eyes met, so much like a memory from another life. Kathryn's stomach fluttered lightly at the intensity of the gaze. Finally, Seven looked away, a blush colouring her cheeks and throat.
Gently trailing her fingers along the line of the former Borg's jaw, Janeway urged her to look up. She studied the face that turned towards her, confusion evident in the pale blue eyes.
"Captain," Seven began, clearly fighting to regain her balance.
"Shhh, Anik," she whispered, feeling her throat constrict at the obvious effect those words had on her young companion.
When Kathryn reached out her hand, Seven took it, tracing the smooth knuckles with her fingertips. She would remember the feel of those hands on her skin for the remainder of her existence and found herself hating the circumstances that forced their deception.
She gently touched the skin at the base of Seven's throat, releasing the inhibitor and placing it on the table in front of them. Returning the gesture, Seven removed the metallic disk from her captain's neck. A small red welt was left in its place and the former Borg placed her fingers over the mark it had made, the cool of her touch soothing the throbbing sensation caused by the inhibitor's removal.
Smiling at the gesture, Kathryn covered the hand with her own and bought it to her lips. Brushing a kiss across her knuckles, she dropped their entwined hands to her lap.
Despite the uniqueness of their situation, she was determined not to sacrifice the bond that was developing between them. The look of confusion and despair that had turned blue eyes to grey tore at her heart and although she wished they had time to talk, Janeway forced herself not to fight the increasing waves of disorientation she felt as the memory implant embedded in her neo-cortex reasserted itself.
Her mind swirled with conflicting information, a million thoughts and memories converging. Amongst the mist, Janeway held onto one phrase.
"It's not a game, Seven," Kathryn said firmly, squeezing the hand she held in her own and wishing she never had to let go.
***