For the Love of a Child
Part Four
"I can't believe him," B'Elanna thought. She was still fuming over what Paris had said just a few moments ago.
"Sure we're not fighting quite as much as we used to but that doesn't mean that anything is going on. Besides, I know the most about Seven's implants. If anything happened to her I would be the best person to fix it," B'Elanna rationalized.
~***~
Seven didn't move an inch after B'Elanna left. The only thought running through her mind was "Lieutenant Torres just kissed me."
After a few moments of just standing there Seven decided to get started on the rest of the day. She had realized that even with all the extra sleep she was getting she still had a large amount of free time.
"I should visit Naiomi Wildman." Seven thought after a moment. "I have not spoken with her since the away mission."
Seven tapped her comm. badge and hailed Naiomi Wildman.
"Seven of nine to Naiomi Wildman."
"Hey Seven, what's up?"
"I would like to know if you would like to spend the day with me."
"That would be great Seven. I don't have any lessons today." Naiomi said getting excited.
"Would you like to visit the holodeck?"
"Sure, I'll come over right now!"
"I will see you soon," Seven said as she closed the link.
"Perhaps this would be the best time to inform Naiomi of my pregnancy," Seven thought as she cleaned and out away the breakfast dishes.
Just as she finished she heard the door chime. She walked over to the door and greeted a very happy Naiomi Wildman.
"Hi Seven, what do you want to do?" Naiomi asked.
"I have something to tell you." Seven said finding it hard to put into words what was happening.
"Is it about why you're living with B'Elanna now?"
"Partly," Seven agreed. "Do you remember when I went on the away mission?"
"Yeah, you said that you would pick some flowers for me," Naiomi said. "But there was an accident when you beamed up."
"The accident happened during transport. One of Lieutenant Torres's eggs was transported into my womb, and my nanoprobes bonded it with one of my eggs. I am pregnant," Seven said looking at Naiomi for any type of reaction.
"That's great Seven," Naiomi said smiling. "I know that you're going to make a great mom," she added knowing that Seven would be afraid she might become the same kind of parent hers were.
"I am happy that you approve," Seven said sincerely.
"How long will it be until the baby is born?" Naiomi asked.
"The baby will be born in 26 days."
"Wow, how do you know the exact day the baby is going to be born?"
"My nanoprobes are constantly monitoring the fetus. I know everything that is happening when it is happening."
"Do you know if it's going to be a boy or a girl?"
"It will be a girl, both the lieutenant and I have X chromosomes. Only males have the necessary Y chromosome," Seven explained.
"This is so great," Naiomi said enthusiastically. "There's finally going to be someone closer to my age on the ship."
"Yes," Seven said smiling as well. "I can not wait until she is born."
"How about we play some Kadis Kot in the mess hall?" Naiomi asked.
~***~
Ever since B'Elanna walked into engineering she was like a woman possessed. She was in a foul mood and made sure that everyone knew it. Luckily for the rest of the staff she had decided to work by herself.
"Damn you Tom," B'Elanna thought. "Why the hell did we start going out in the first place? All you can think about is yourself."
B'Elanna looked down at the paperwork she was doing. Since she knew she wouldn't be able to get along with the rest of engineering staff she decided that she might as well get started on the paper work she had been putting off.
A knock at the door broke B'Elanna away from her thoughts, and she watched as none other than Tom Paris walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers.
"B'Elanna I know you're mad at me but please hear me out," Tom said as he made placed the flowers on her desk. "I was a jerk this morning, and I realize that now."
"Alright talk," B'Elanna said relenting.
"I guess I was just jealous about all the time you were spending with Seven. It felt like I was being replaced by her and lashed out at you."
"Seven is not going to replace you," B'Elanna said, her gaze softening. "She just needs to be taken care of right now."
"I know," Tom said with a sigh. "I just want to make sure you don't get hurt."
"What are you talking about?" B'Elanna asked confused.
"Seven is carrying your child B'Elanna. With your sense of honor she could probably get you to do anything she wanted."
"Seven wouldn't do that," B'Elanna said beginning to doubt her words a little. "Seven is way too direct for something like that."
"Look at the facts," Tom said picking up on B'Elanna's doubt. "She went from having no quarters to sharing the third largest on the ship, and now I hear she's staying with you for the entire pregnancy?"
"Well she has been making me feel a little guilty about not helping her with the pregnancy," B'Elanna admitted reluctantly.
"We can do something another night B'Elanna, but tonight I think you should have a talk with Seven," Tom said as he left the office.
~***~
Seven and Naiomi had spent most of the day together, playing Kadis Kot and catching up on what they had missed over the past few days.
"Seven have you thought about names for the baby yet?" Naiomi asked.
"I had not taken the time to consider this?" Seven said. "Is a choice of name significant?" she asked a little worried.
"Probably not until the baby is born, but my mom said she was thinking about my name for a few months before I was born," Naiomi stated.
"How did your mother choose your name?" Seven asked. "Is there a set procedure?"
"Well my mom named me after my grandmother, but some people pick a name that just sounds nice."
"I do not have any biological family to name my child after," Seven said disappointed.
"Well maybe you can make up a name." Naiomi offered.
"How do I 'make up' a name?" Seven asked.
"You just have to think about something you like, and then figure out a name that sounds like it."
"Thank you Naiomi, you have given me much to think about, but I must return to Lieutenant Torres's quarters."
"That's okay Seven. I should go home for dinner too."
~***~
B'Elanna was, to put it simply pissed as she made her way home. She had spent the whole day thinking about what Tom said, and had convinced herself that Seven was trying to take advantage of her.
She stormed in the door, but stopped abruptly when she saw Seven. The younger woman was coming out of the kitchen carrying two plates of fettuccini alfredo, and there was a bowl of salad on the table. It was B'Elanna's favorite food.
"Seven we need to talk," B'Elanna said still trying to stay angry.
"Of course Lieutenant," Seven said as she put a stasis field around the table.
"We need to set up some ground rules for you staying here."
"I will obey any rules that you set down Lieutenant."
"Look Seven I-" B'Elanna said stopping abruptly. "What did you say?"
"I will do what ever you ask of me Lieutenant," Seven said hoping that it would be enough to stop the ensuing argument.
'She's trying to manipulate me again' B'Elanna thought. "Why would you agree to follow orders now?"
"Because I am afraid of the alternative," Seven admitted reluctantly.
"What do you mean? What alternative?" B'Elanna asked, still worried that Seven was planning something.
"You have more power over me now than any other person in the universe, including the borg queen." Seven explained. "Besides my self, you know the most about my borg implants. If anything happened to my child you would be the only one on Voyager that could save her."
"You'd do all of this on the off chance that something would happen to the baby?" B'Elanna asked incredulously. "The chances of something bad happening are almost non-existent."
"It is not only that Lieutenant," Seven said sadly. "You still have the right to terminate my pregnancy. I will not be able to live with myself if something happens to this child Lieutenant."
"If you care about this baby so much then why are you always trying to make me feel guilty about not helping?" B'Elanna shouted, starting to get emotional herself.
"Please Lieutenant," Seven said sinking to her knees in front of B'Elanna. "I am begging you please do not take away my child," she said now openly weeping. "It was not my intention to make you feel guilty. Please, I will do whatever you ask of me."
The only thing running through B'Elanna's mind as she watched Seven begging on her hands and knees was 'I am such an asshole.'
"Seven I'm sorry, please stop crying," B'Elanna said as she kneeled down beside Seven and pulled the crying woman into her arms. "I was wrong. I promise nothing is going to happen to the baby. I will never terminate the pregnancy."
"I apologize Lieutenant," Seven said still crying. "I have become overly emotional since the pregnancy began. I will try to control myself."
As bad as B'Elanna felt about not helping Seven enough with the pregnancy, this was much worse. After everything that she had done, after al the things that she had accused Seven of doing, the younger woman was apologizing to her.
"Seven you don't have anything to be sorry for," she said as she rubbed her back soothingly. "I'm sorry. I should never have said any of the things that I did."
"I do not wish to upset you Lieutenant, please tell me the next time that I do something to upset you, and I will stop immediately," Seven said as she pulled away from B'Elanna's embrace.
"You didn't do anything wrong Seven," B'Elanna said as she let go of Seven reluctantly. "I was stupid to believe you could even think about manipulating someone."
"Why did you believe I would try to manipulate you?" Seven asked as she wiped away her tears.
"It was just something stupid that Tom said," B'Elanna said.
"Why does Tom Paris hate me?" Seven asked. "Did I do something to offend him?"
"What are you talking about Seven? Tom doesn't hate you.
"Since the time that Mr. Paris found out about my pregnancy he has been hostile towards me. I do not know what to do."
"He's just feeling jealous about all the time I'm spending with you. He sees you as some kind of threat to our relationship."
"I do not wish to interfere with you relationship with Mr. Paris. I will leave if you want me to."
"What? And go back to the cargo bay where just anyone can walk in whenever they want? I don't think so. Once Tom realizes he has nothing to worry about everything will be fine." B'Elanna promised.
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"That's another thing that's been bugging me Seven. Why are you always calling me Lieutenant?"
"It is your designation," Seven stated.
"No, that's my rank. My name is B'Elanna, and if you're going to be living here you should call me by my name."
"Does calling someone by their first name mean that they are friends?" Seven asked.
"It does Seven. I want us to be friends," B'Elanna said.
"I would also like that very much," Seven said smiling.
"Good. Let's enjoy our new friendship over dinner," B'Elanna said as she helped Seven to stand up.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you Seven. The Captain wants to talk to you. She said she was sorry about your argument. What was that about anyway?"
"She is jealous of the fact that you are the father of the baby. She wanted me to get rid of her because the baby was not hers."
"Do you want to start a relationship with her?" B'Elanna asked hoping for a little gossip.
"The Captain would not be a suitable choice for a mate. Her first priority will always be to Voyager. The baby and I would need someone that would be there when we needed them."
"I'll clean this up," B'Elanna offered. "Why don't you get some rest?"
"I will comply," Seven said as she moved towards the sofa.
"Oh no you don't Seven! I'll carry you to bed again if I have to," B'Elanna said as she rushed over and grabbed Seven's hand.
"Are you sure B'Elanna?" Seven asked. "Please tell me if I am inconveniencing you."
"It's not a problem Seven. Just go to bed," B'Elanna said as she ushered Seven into the bedroom.
B'Elanna finished cleaning up the plates and began to look over the engineering projects that needed to be completed.
Just as she began to look through the pads her comm. badge chirped.
"Paris to Torres."
"Torres here."
"Did you talk to Seven?"
"I was wrong about everything," B'Elanna said in a tired voice.
"What are you talking about? Did she try to manipulate you again?" Tom asked a little annoyed.
"She wasn't manipulating me Tom. I was manipulating her."
"What are you talking about? She was the one making you feel bad about not helping her?"
"She didn't mean to do that. I never promised her that I would let her keep the baby."
"What does that have anything to do with it?" Tom asked in a snotty voice.
"It has everything to do with it," B'Elanna said beginning to wonder about Tom intelligence. "She thought that I would terminate the pregnancy if she didn't do everything that I wanted."
"That's just crazy B'Elanna. You wouldn't do that. She must have been lying to you again."
"Don't you get it Tom?" B'Elanna hissed. "Seven was on her hands and knees begging me not to take away her baby. She said that I have more power over her than anyone else in the universe, including the borg queen."
"I still think she's just trying to make you feel guilty," Tom said stubbornly.
"Why don't you grow up Tom? And maybe start thinking about people other than yourself for once." B'Elanna said as she closed the link angrily.
To Be Continued.
Part Four
"I can't believe him," B'Elanna thought. She was still fuming over what Paris had said just a few moments ago.
"Sure we're not fighting quite as much as we used to but that doesn't mean that anything is going on. Besides, I know the most about Seven's implants. If anything happened to her I would be the best person to fix it," B'Elanna rationalized.
~***~
Seven didn't move an inch after B'Elanna left. The only thought running through her mind was "Lieutenant Torres just kissed me."
After a few moments of just standing there Seven decided to get started on the rest of the day. She had realized that even with all the extra sleep she was getting she still had a large amount of free time.
"I should visit Naiomi Wildman." Seven thought after a moment. "I have not spoken with her since the away mission."
Seven tapped her comm. badge and hailed Naiomi Wildman.
"Seven of nine to Naiomi Wildman."
"Hey Seven, what's up?"
"I would like to know if you would like to spend the day with me."
"That would be great Seven. I don't have any lessons today." Naiomi said getting excited.
"Would you like to visit the holodeck?"
"Sure, I'll come over right now!"
"I will see you soon," Seven said as she closed the link.
"Perhaps this would be the best time to inform Naiomi of my pregnancy," Seven thought as she cleaned and out away the breakfast dishes.
Just as she finished she heard the door chime. She walked over to the door and greeted a very happy Naiomi Wildman.
"Hi Seven, what do you want to do?" Naiomi asked.
"I have something to tell you." Seven said finding it hard to put into words what was happening.
"Is it about why you're living with B'Elanna now?"
"Partly," Seven agreed. "Do you remember when I went on the away mission?"
"Yeah, you said that you would pick some flowers for me," Naiomi said. "But there was an accident when you beamed up."
"The accident happened during transport. One of Lieutenant Torres's eggs was transported into my womb, and my nanoprobes bonded it with one of my eggs. I am pregnant," Seven said looking at Naiomi for any type of reaction.
"That's great Seven," Naiomi said smiling. "I know that you're going to make a great mom," she added knowing that Seven would be afraid she might become the same kind of parent hers were.
"I am happy that you approve," Seven said sincerely.
"How long will it be until the baby is born?" Naiomi asked.
"The baby will be born in 26 days."
"Wow, how do you know the exact day the baby is going to be born?"
"My nanoprobes are constantly monitoring the fetus. I know everything that is happening when it is happening."
"Do you know if it's going to be a boy or a girl?"
"It will be a girl, both the lieutenant and I have X chromosomes. Only males have the necessary Y chromosome," Seven explained.
"This is so great," Naiomi said enthusiastically. "There's finally going to be someone closer to my age on the ship."
"Yes," Seven said smiling as well. "I can not wait until she is born."
"How about we play some Kadis Kot in the mess hall?" Naiomi asked.
~***~
Ever since B'Elanna walked into engineering she was like a woman possessed. She was in a foul mood and made sure that everyone knew it. Luckily for the rest of the staff she had decided to work by herself.
"Damn you Tom," B'Elanna thought. "Why the hell did we start going out in the first place? All you can think about is yourself."
B'Elanna looked down at the paperwork she was doing. Since she knew she wouldn't be able to get along with the rest of engineering staff she decided that she might as well get started on the paper work she had been putting off.
A knock at the door broke B'Elanna away from her thoughts, and she watched as none other than Tom Paris walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers.
"B'Elanna I know you're mad at me but please hear me out," Tom said as he made placed the flowers on her desk. "I was a jerk this morning, and I realize that now."
"Alright talk," B'Elanna said relenting.
"I guess I was just jealous about all the time you were spending with Seven. It felt like I was being replaced by her and lashed out at you."
"Seven is not going to replace you," B'Elanna said, her gaze softening. "She just needs to be taken care of right now."
"I know," Tom said with a sigh. "I just want to make sure you don't get hurt."
"What are you talking about?" B'Elanna asked confused.
"Seven is carrying your child B'Elanna. With your sense of honor she could probably get you to do anything she wanted."
"Seven wouldn't do that," B'Elanna said beginning to doubt her words a little. "Seven is way too direct for something like that."
"Look at the facts," Tom said picking up on B'Elanna's doubt. "She went from having no quarters to sharing the third largest on the ship, and now I hear she's staying with you for the entire pregnancy?"
"Well she has been making me feel a little guilty about not helping her with the pregnancy," B'Elanna admitted reluctantly.
"We can do something another night B'Elanna, but tonight I think you should have a talk with Seven," Tom said as he left the office.
~***~
Seven and Naiomi had spent most of the day together, playing Kadis Kot and catching up on what they had missed over the past few days.
"Seven have you thought about names for the baby yet?" Naiomi asked.
"I had not taken the time to consider this?" Seven said. "Is a choice of name significant?" she asked a little worried.
"Probably not until the baby is born, but my mom said she was thinking about my name for a few months before I was born," Naiomi stated.
"How did your mother choose your name?" Seven asked. "Is there a set procedure?"
"Well my mom named me after my grandmother, but some people pick a name that just sounds nice."
"I do not have any biological family to name my child after," Seven said disappointed.
"Well maybe you can make up a name." Naiomi offered.
"How do I 'make up' a name?" Seven asked.
"You just have to think about something you like, and then figure out a name that sounds like it."
"Thank you Naiomi, you have given me much to think about, but I must return to Lieutenant Torres's quarters."
"That's okay Seven. I should go home for dinner too."
~***~
B'Elanna was, to put it simply pissed as she made her way home. She had spent the whole day thinking about what Tom said, and had convinced herself that Seven was trying to take advantage of her.
She stormed in the door, but stopped abruptly when she saw Seven. The younger woman was coming out of the kitchen carrying two plates of fettuccini alfredo, and there was a bowl of salad on the table. It was B'Elanna's favorite food.
"Seven we need to talk," B'Elanna said still trying to stay angry.
"Of course Lieutenant," Seven said as she put a stasis field around the table.
"We need to set up some ground rules for you staying here."
"I will obey any rules that you set down Lieutenant."
"Look Seven I-" B'Elanna said stopping abruptly. "What did you say?"
"I will do what ever you ask of me Lieutenant," Seven said hoping that it would be enough to stop the ensuing argument.
'She's trying to manipulate me again' B'Elanna thought. "Why would you agree to follow orders now?"
"Because I am afraid of the alternative," Seven admitted reluctantly.
"What do you mean? What alternative?" B'Elanna asked, still worried that Seven was planning something.
"You have more power over me now than any other person in the universe, including the borg queen." Seven explained. "Besides my self, you know the most about my borg implants. If anything happened to my child you would be the only one on Voyager that could save her."
"You'd do all of this on the off chance that something would happen to the baby?" B'Elanna asked incredulously. "The chances of something bad happening are almost non-existent."
"It is not only that Lieutenant," Seven said sadly. "You still have the right to terminate my pregnancy. I will not be able to live with myself if something happens to this child Lieutenant."
"If you care about this baby so much then why are you always trying to make me feel guilty about not helping?" B'Elanna shouted, starting to get emotional herself.
"Please Lieutenant," Seven said sinking to her knees in front of B'Elanna. "I am begging you please do not take away my child," she said now openly weeping. "It was not my intention to make you feel guilty. Please, I will do whatever you ask of me."
The only thing running through B'Elanna's mind as she watched Seven begging on her hands and knees was 'I am such an asshole.'
"Seven I'm sorry, please stop crying," B'Elanna said as she kneeled down beside Seven and pulled the crying woman into her arms. "I was wrong. I promise nothing is going to happen to the baby. I will never terminate the pregnancy."
"I apologize Lieutenant," Seven said still crying. "I have become overly emotional since the pregnancy began. I will try to control myself."
As bad as B'Elanna felt about not helping Seven enough with the pregnancy, this was much worse. After everything that she had done, after al the things that she had accused Seven of doing, the younger woman was apologizing to her.
"Seven you don't have anything to be sorry for," she said as she rubbed her back soothingly. "I'm sorry. I should never have said any of the things that I did."
"I do not wish to upset you Lieutenant, please tell me the next time that I do something to upset you, and I will stop immediately," Seven said as she pulled away from B'Elanna's embrace.
"You didn't do anything wrong Seven," B'Elanna said as she let go of Seven reluctantly. "I was stupid to believe you could even think about manipulating someone."
"Why did you believe I would try to manipulate you?" Seven asked as she wiped away her tears.
"It was just something stupid that Tom said," B'Elanna said.
"Why does Tom Paris hate me?" Seven asked. "Did I do something to offend him?"
"What are you talking about Seven? Tom doesn't hate you.
"Since the time that Mr. Paris found out about my pregnancy he has been hostile towards me. I do not know what to do."
"He's just feeling jealous about all the time I'm spending with you. He sees you as some kind of threat to our relationship."
"I do not wish to interfere with you relationship with Mr. Paris. I will leave if you want me to."
"What? And go back to the cargo bay where just anyone can walk in whenever they want? I don't think so. Once Tom realizes he has nothing to worry about everything will be fine." B'Elanna promised.
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"That's another thing that's been bugging me Seven. Why are you always calling me Lieutenant?"
"It is your designation," Seven stated.
"No, that's my rank. My name is B'Elanna, and if you're going to be living here you should call me by my name."
"Does calling someone by their first name mean that they are friends?" Seven asked.
"It does Seven. I want us to be friends," B'Elanna said.
"I would also like that very much," Seven said smiling.
"Good. Let's enjoy our new friendship over dinner," B'Elanna said as she helped Seven to stand up.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you Seven. The Captain wants to talk to you. She said she was sorry about your argument. What was that about anyway?"
"She is jealous of the fact that you are the father of the baby. She wanted me to get rid of her because the baby was not hers."
"Do you want to start a relationship with her?" B'Elanna asked hoping for a little gossip.
"The Captain would not be a suitable choice for a mate. Her first priority will always be to Voyager. The baby and I would need someone that would be there when we needed them."
"I'll clean this up," B'Elanna offered. "Why don't you get some rest?"
"I will comply," Seven said as she moved towards the sofa.
"Oh no you don't Seven! I'll carry you to bed again if I have to," B'Elanna said as she rushed over and grabbed Seven's hand.
"Are you sure B'Elanna?" Seven asked. "Please tell me if I am inconveniencing you."
"It's not a problem Seven. Just go to bed," B'Elanna said as she ushered Seven into the bedroom.
B'Elanna finished cleaning up the plates and began to look over the engineering projects that needed to be completed.
Just as she began to look through the pads her comm. badge chirped.
"Paris to Torres."
"Torres here."
"Did you talk to Seven?"
"I was wrong about everything," B'Elanna said in a tired voice.
"What are you talking about? Did she try to manipulate you again?" Tom asked a little annoyed.
"She wasn't manipulating me Tom. I was manipulating her."
"What are you talking about? She was the one making you feel bad about not helping her?"
"She didn't mean to do that. I never promised her that I would let her keep the baby."
"What does that have anything to do with it?" Tom asked in a snotty voice.
"It has everything to do with it," B'Elanna said beginning to wonder about Tom intelligence. "She thought that I would terminate the pregnancy if she didn't do everything that I wanted."
"That's just crazy B'Elanna. You wouldn't do that. She must have been lying to you again."
"Don't you get it Tom?" B'Elanna hissed. "Seven was on her hands and knees begging me not to take away her baby. She said that I have more power over her than anyone else in the universe, including the borg queen."
"I still think she's just trying to make you feel guilty," Tom said stubbornly.
"Why don't you grow up Tom? And maybe start thinking about people other than yourself for once." B'Elanna said as she closed the link angrily.
To Be Continued.