Six days later…

Chakotay had asked to take her to Stonehenge. "The sophistication of what they achieved with limited technology is fascinating," he said enthusiastically. She was initially doubtful, but as a monument to human accomplishment it sounded important, so she agreed to go. Besides, he mentioned that it had been used as an astronomical calendar, and this intrigued her.

In her research she had learned that ending a relationship such as theirs in any way but face to face was considered particularly rude and insulting, unless distance prohibited it. She had no desire to hurt Chakotay, nor to flagrantly violate social customs, even if she did not understand them. Therefore she had not cancelled their date.

They met at the transport station after a day of debriefing and informed the attendant of their destination. Mercifully, due to stern Starfleet admonitions, the unsolicited press attention the crew of Voyager was subject to was limited. Starfleet hadn't wanted the crew bombarded with questions before the administration had even decided what was classified. Seven was grateful for the relative privacy for personal reasons.

It was mid-morning in Britain. "How've you been?" he asked. They began to walk toward the site, as the transport station was behind a hill. Around Stonehenge itself technology was strictly limited.

"My debriefings have been extremely detailed. I have found time for little else. And you?"

"Pretty much the same. I think they could spend a year grilling us for every year we were in the Delta Quadrant."

"Their curiosity is understandable, but frustrating."

Chakotay nodded. "There it is." She studied the monument for a moment. "What do you think?" he prompted.

"It is a pity that it is not completely intact," she said. "It would be even more impressive." They continued walking, ignoring the stares that appearing anywhere on the planet inevitably generated. "If someone were to make this today, it would mean very little. However, considering the primitive technology available, it is…fascinating."

A forcefield protected Stonehenge from those who might wish to damage it, although Seven could not imagine why anyone would want to do that. It allowed them to get within a meter and a half of the great stones. She enjoyed spending time with Chakotay, and the monument was intriguing. There were a few dozen other visitors milling around who tended to stare at them but kept a respectful distance.

"We think they used thick rope to pull the stones along. The stones were pulled on a series of wooden rollers that generated less friction than the ground."

"This must have meant a great deal to the builders, if they expended that much time and energy."

He nodded in response. "I can see why."

Seven could see why as well. Standing in front of Stonehenge, she felt as though she were glimpsing into another world. She had seen numerous other worlds, and had the assimilated knowledge of many more. Yet this world was one that was long gone and left little else but its one enduring material legacy. Even more, this world was one to which she in a sense belonged – an ancient human world. It was a new feeling, and she did not entirely understand it.

"As can I," she acknowledged. "Although I am having difficulty finding words to explain this feeling."

He smiled knowingly. "We'll have to go see the pyramids of Giza. You'll be astounded by those too."

The remark jarred her. She was supposed to be ending their romantic relationship, not encouraging it. She was enjoying their date. Nonetheless, she had resolved that it would be their last. "Chakotay, we have to talk."

"It sounds serious."

"It is."

It was as if he ceased to be aware of the surroundings that had previously captured his attention. His full attention was now given to her. "I'm listening."

She ignored the emotions threatening her control and stated, "This relationship is no longer in our best interests."

He clearly did not agree. "What?"

"On Voyager circumstances were much different. Now that we have returned to Earth, I do not believe that a romantic relationship between us is a wise choice."

"You're doing it again," he sighed.

She did not know what he was referring to. "Doing what?"

"Trying to break up with me."

"No," she corrected. "'Trying' makes it sound as though I will not succeed."

The pain on Chakotay's face caused her stomach to clench and sorrow to shock her. "We've only been on Earth for a week, Seven. You haven't even given us a chance!"

He was pleading, but she had resolved that she would be strong. She would not fail. "I regret that you do not agree with my decision."

"Can we at least talk about this?" Tears welled up in his eyes, and the knowledge that she was the source of them was disturbing. Seven reminded herself that her actions would be beneficial to him over time.

She replied sadly, "There is nothing you can say that will change my mind."

"Is that what you thought last time, too?"

She would not acknowledge that last time she had acted for his benefit as well. She would not tell him things he did not need to know. "I'm sorry."

"Do me one last favor," he said. "Look at me."

Seven hardly ever shied from eye contact, but she found it difficult to look at Chakotay's eyes and remain calm. After a moment, she complied with his request. "Do you really want what we have to end?" he asked. Before she could answer, he amended, "Yes or no?"

"Yes," she replied, surprised at her ability to reply without hesitation, despite her internal turmoil and true desire to tell him no, she truly wished to remain in a romantic relationship with him.

He looked off through the semi-circle of stones sadly. "I guess there's nothing left to say then."

In truth there were many things left to say, but they were all better left unsaid. Even if Chakotay did not realize it, he loved Captain Janeway. Seven had a great deal of affection for Chakotay, but she knew ending their relationship was the right choice. It would allow him to explore his relationship with the captain, a woman to whom Seven was fiercely loyal despite their many differences of opinion. Furthermore, as a secondary consideration, she could not entirely reconcile herself to being any man's second choice, even Chakotay's.

He contradicted himself, finding more to say. "Seven, I never meant to push you into something you weren't ready for."

"You must not blame yourself. This is my choice."

He nodded slowly. "I guess I'll see you at the official functions."

"Yes." It took a moment, but her will overpowered her emotions. She turned toward the transport station. "I will see you, as Lieutenant Paris is fond of saying, 'around.'"

"See you around," he echoed so quietly she barely even heard it. With even strides she walked back to the transport station. She looked back before Stonehenge disappeared behind the hill, but a small crowd had arrived via shuttle, and she could no longer separate Chakotay from them.