Chapter 110.
Authors Note at End.
(Leah POV)
"Thank you very much, Minister Seh'we'tal," I said.
I've been in depth diplomatic negotiations with minister Seh'we'tal for several days and was incredibly thankful that the negotiations had concluded and with Voyager for once getting a good deal out of it. The negotiations centered around a mining contract to allow Voyager's away team to mine Dilithium on the northern most continent of the ministers planet. Charmlone as well as some long awaited shore leave time.
"No Thank you Captain McCall," Minister Seh'we'tal hissed extending a clawed hand out to me. "Your medicines will do much to benefit our people,"
Before I even knew what was happening. Minister Seh'we'tal had carved several scales from his face and extended them for me to take from his open palm. Not willing to cause a Diplomatic incident over my own personal feelings. Which was kind of disgusted. I reached and took the scales.
"You honour me," I said. Before we went our different ways. As I headed out and to where 7 fell into step beside me. There wasn't an risks for security. But 7 insisted on coming with me. Even if she wasn't allowed in the conference room. I knew that 7's implants would let her monitor the situation in the conference room, Even if it did take 4 hours to go. As we made our way to the Beam out site. Nothing was said and nothing was heard other than the clacking of 7's hells on the wooden floor in the hallways. Just when we were approaching the beam out site.
"The negotiation were successful?" 7 said.
"Yes, We've got the mining grant. As soon as we get back on Voyager. I'll order B'Elanna and her teams to begin extraction. Chakotay to start the shore leave rotations and the Doctor to prepare the medicine for exchange," I said. "And you 7,"
"Captain?" 7 said.
"I noticed that you're scheduled to be off duty today. So why volunteer for this," I said.
"This species has encountered the Borg on several occasions, Yet have never been assimilated into the collective, I was curious as to how their assimilations had failed. The Borg viewed them similar to humans, Weal, inefficient and yet like Earth. Charmlone has not been Assimilated," 7 said.
"Well I can appreciate scientific curiosity 7, How would you feel about joining me for lunch?" I said.
"Lunch, Captain," 7 said.
"Yes, In my quarter? After we beam home," I said. As 7 nodded.
"I would appreciate it, I have not consumed nutritional supplements for the past 42 hours," 7 said.
"42 hours, 7 you're supposed to eat every day, The Doctor. Don't give me that look," I said as 7 ocular Implant skittered up her forehead.
"Voyager, 2 to beam up," I said. As it started to cycle. "Lunch now," As we were fully beamed up. But Something was wrong. It was Dark and The Transporter room were muffled. I could hear 7 yelling. But I could hear that 7 was concerned. Terrified even.
"Captain!" 7 said.
"Captain!" The transporter chief said.
But I wasn't moving and then I felt myself being lifted.
"WOW," I said.
"Captain," 7 said. Then I noticed that something was obstructing my view when it was removed and Light flooded into my eyes. As I went to move my hands to cover my eyes But they were covered in tiny green scales that weren't hands at all but claws.
"Captain," 7 said. As I turned to look and saw that I was a small lizard.
"Medical emergency transporter room 1," The transporter chief said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"7," I said. But my voice was the same.
"7," Doc said. As I heard him come over. "7 what's going on? Where's the Captain?" As the Doc ran his tricorder over me.
"Captain," Doc said.
"In the flesh sort a speak," I said.
"Doctor to Commander Chakotay," Doc said.
"Chakotay here," Chakotay said.
"There's been a transporter accident involving the Captain, I'm taking her and 7 to sickbay for treatment," Doc said.
"What's the Diagnosis?" Chakotay said.
"I'd rather you come to sickbay to discuss this," Doc said.
"You'll understand when you see it," doc said.
"Acknowledged, I'll meet you in Sickbay, Chakotay out," Doc said.
"7, 7!," Doc said.
"Doctor," 7 said.
"We're going to Sickbay, come on," Doc said as I felt us getting there as I was set down on a bio bed.
"Captain," Doc said.
"What the fuck happened?" I said.
"There was an accident with the transporter," Doc said.
"I figured that Doc. It's always a transporter accident. I swear I may end up taking a leaf out of Doc Pulaski's book and insist on Shuttles," I said.
It wasn't longer before I heard the doors open.
"Doctor," Chakotay said.
"Commander, The Captain beamed back from Charmlone like this," Doc said.
"She was human before we initiated the beam out," 7 said.
"She's completely reptilian," Doc said. After finishing his scans. "Her entire genetic structure has been altered to that of, Well A Chameleon,"
"Chameleon? Isn't that an old Earth lizard," Chakotay said.
"Yes it is, During the exchange of information between the Charmelons I found a good many similarities between them both, Aside from the obvious that make them bipedal and sentient. there was nothing on the planet that would react to the Captain's Physiology like this and even if there was, the transporter bio filters would have filtered them out," Doc said.
"Come one, surely there's some theory," I said.
"I can't even begin to imagine how or why your DNA merged with a Charmelon's during transport. You weren't in extended contact with them and the other away missions where you were there no adverse effects," Doc said.
"Chakotay check my left hand pocket on my uniform," I said.
"Captain," Chakotay said.
"Do it, Chakotay," I said.
As he finally went and done that.
"There's nothing here," Chakotay said.
"Minister Seh'we'tal gave me some of his scales at the conclusion of the negotiations, I put them in my left pocket before I met 7 in the hall," I said.
"I don't see how the Charmlone's scales could possibly do this to you during transport, Captain, Nevertheless, their absence must indicate involvement, I'll send a communique to the Medical centres of Charmlone requesting in depth biological analyses of their physiology immediately Captain. Until I can understand what actually happened. I don't dare try to reverse what's happened. As for your health, You're a perfectly healthy lizard, Thankfully unlike last time you've maintained your," Doc said.
"I thought we weren't going to bring that up again, Doc," I said.
"Er well no, Even if you got Chloe from it. Anyway. you're health, So you're fit to return to duty," Doc said.
"I don't know how the crew would take to having a lizard as their captain. Me turning into a girl yes, but this, No, This isn't to leave this room, I want nobody to know about this. To that effect, Chakotay, Voyager is yours until this gets sorted out. If it gets sorted out," I said.
"Understood," Chakotay said. Before he left. No doubt heading to B'Elanna to get her teams going and getting shore leave rotations set up. As the Doctor started to take skin, tissue and blood samples before discharging me. Told me to relax. As he left for his officer.
As I turned to look at 7.
"7," I said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"Is there something wrong," I said. As 7 gave me incredulous expression. As a chucked a bit. "Oh I suppose something is, but we'll work around it. Hopefully the Doc will have this sorted out in no time. But I do remember offering you lunch. Didn't I?"
"You did," 7 said.
"Well then," I said As I was about to get off. As I remembered. Next thing I know 7 lefted me up. As my hair which I saw was Red. Dark Red. over my face. Then 7 moved it out of the way. "I could really do with a uniform about now, Let's just head for my quarters,"
"What about Clara and Chloe," 7 said.
"I think they still will be with Naomi," I said.
As we lefted and headed for my quarters. As we went into my Quarters as 7 set me down on the table. When I look at her 7 is away over to the replicator.
"7, What are you doing," I said. As the replicated something. As 7 came back over to me with objects in her hand. "7,"
"You mentioned earlier you could do with a uniform. Using my optical array and cortical node, I took the necessary measurements to fashion you several clothing including your uniform," 7 said.
As I nodded at 7 who helped me put it on draping it over me and getting me to get my limbs into the sleeves and legs. As I finally managed to get the zip up on it. After some time. As I looked at her.
"Captain," 7 said.
"7, you're off duty today, Infact You're on the first shore leave rotation. shouldn't you be going and," I said.
"Captain, I would prefer to remain, unless you would prefer that I left," 7 said.
"No," I said. "I would love you to stay. I have no idea how I'm going to be able to get around my own quarters, And I'd like the company, Damned Transporters," I said.
"But you also have Clara and Chloe," 7 said.
"They like going to see Naomi, I can't stop them doing that because if this," I said.
"Agreed," 7 said.
"Any theories," I said.
"Only what you surmised before, that somehow during transport the scales you were given by Minister Seh'we'tal merged with your DNA to create your new form, Similar to a veiled chameleon from Earth. In regards to solving the problem, I Believe the Doctor and Lt Torres would be better suited to uncovering the solution." 7 said. "What is it like?"
"Being a lizard," I said. As 7 nodded. "It's one of the more interesting experiences I've had. Thankfully I'm not sleeping with my pilot and giving birth, which happened last time," I said.
"You would be give birth Captain you would lay clutches of eggs, About 70 at the time 3 or 4 times a year where upon male would fertilise them, Of course, that event would depend on the maturity of your body and whether the Charmelon's DNA is similar to Earth's Veiled Chameleon in this regard. I doubt that a Delta Quadrant species however would have that much similarity to that of a species on Earth. Of Course, even then we did not receive complete data on the Charmelon's reproductive cycle," 7 said.
"7!" I said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"Enough. This is giving me a headache, and while we're at it, why don't you start calling me Leah? We're in my quarters, of duty and I'm a lizard," I said.
"Yes, you are," 7 said.
"I heard you, just after transport," I said.
"I was worried for your safety, Captain," 7 said.
"Leah," I said.
"Leah," 7 said.
As my hair went on top of my head over my eyes. As I used my hand and flipped it back. It was never this bad after what happened at Unimatrix 1. Now I swear I looked like Ellie from the Last of us. "Well, I mentioned lunch before, yes,"
"You did," 7 said.
"Well, Let's have some lunch," I said but I knew what I was doing and had already jumped onto 7's lap and down to the floor. Landing on the Deck plating perfectly, Must still have my wolf reflexes. As I headed straight for the replicator but when I got there. "Shit," as I turned to see 7 still seated at her chair. "7,"
"My apologies, Captain," 7 said.
"Leah," I said.
"Yes, Leah," 7 said as she got up. As 7 walked over towards the replicator and I came to a stop in front of the console. "What would you like, Leah," As I climbed up her side and onto her shoulder as I edged close to 7's cheek.
"I'm not sure what my body now can eat," I said.
"My observations of the Charmelon's indicated that they were omnivore. Perhaps a light salad with no dressing would be adequate," 7 said.
"Yeah, Computer. 2 simple salads, no dressing, One serving small," I said. As the replicator did that as 7 picked up the 2 plates and went back over to the Table. As 7 was placing them down. I got down and onto the table. As I climbed up and started eating cucumber. But how long it took to chew without teeth. "Halfway through lunch. There was a com from Chakotay. Informing me that the shore leave rotations and that the away teams that had volunteered were now starting the extract of the Dilithium from the planets surface. "Acknowledged," I said. As the channel closed. I turned and see myself be looked at by 7. "7," I said.
"I apologize, captain I was wondering what would occur if this became permanent," 7 said.
"What do you mean," I said.
"What would occur if you were to remain like this, That the process was irreversible, Would you resume your duties as Captain of Voyager," 7 said.
"You've brought up an interesting point, I would yes, The only reason I'm not on duty right now is that It'll confuse the hell out of the crew. And I'm a little apprehensive of them seeing me like this, But if it's permanent then the crew will simply have to get used to having a lizard as their captain. Although the prospect of that is a bit daunting. I would need help to move around. I' not even big enough to get the sensor on the wall to open the door," I said.
"I would assist you in that event, captain," 7 said.
"You would would you? I appreciate that, This'll take a bit of getting used to," I said.
"You have adjusted very well, considering the circumstances," 7 said.
"Thanks for your vote of confidence 7, Even this too, I wouldn't have had the slightest clue where to being, It's so light, too, How'd you do it," I said as I was looking at my uniform. Which I was currently in.
"I specified the parameters of your size but instead of using the synthetic enhanced cotton. that is standard issue, It would be too heavy for you to wear so I instructed the computer to replicate the uniform in the same material as my bio suits. It is lighter and more comfortable," 7 said.
"It's very comfortable, I could get used to this," I said.
"I can instruct the replicators to alter the pattern of the starfleet uniform to use this mesh instead of the standard regulation clothing if you wish, captain," 7 said.
"Once I get back to normal I am," I said.
That was went Clara got home and saw me. To say she was shocked was an understatement. Thanks to 7. Who filled Clara into what happened. Ended up calling Sam, Asking her to look after Chloe for the night, That Clara will get her tomorrow. Sam agreed to it of course. As Clara come over to me.
"How are you really feeling Dad," Clara said.
"Small, Fine," I said. "Stay with Chloe tomorrow. She doesn't have to worry about this until we know if the Doctor can change me back or not,"
"You look cute. Dad, Even that hair of yours suits you," Clara said.
"Smart ass," I said.
XXX
When I woke up the next day. I saw Clara was sleeping next to me with her head on the table. As I saw 7 laying against the sofa. As I turned and gazed out into space and the view of the Charmlone Homeworld. Taking in the Light Purple hues of the ocean and the landmasses and Clouds whirling over head. As 7 hair was down out of it bun and flowed gloriously down her shoulders onto her blue biosuit.
"Beautiful," I said. At the sound of my voice. Clara woke up and 7 turned her head around to my voice. 7 heard me. But I noticed how I went very, very, very bright red.
"I'm going to head, Dad see you later," Clara said. Rubbing my back a bit before she headed out.
As I turned to see 7 looking down at me with a gentle pleasant smile on her face.
"What?" I said.
"You are bright Red, Leah," 7 said. Which was true enough as I looked at my hands. The Scales were now Deep Red. And rapidly growing to Crimson. As 7 looked on I jumped off 7's lap and made a bee line for the replicator.
"Coffee Black," I said and I found myself again not unable to get the replicated drink. "You have got to be kidding me,"
7 came over and took the coffee lowering herself into a kneeling position beside me. "Captain, I must inform you that coffee may have an adverse effect on your biology," As I just glared at her. 7 just raised her left eyebrow like Tuvok would before placing the coffee cup on the ground. As I climbed up and dove my head into the warm coffee. Drinking heartily. As I finished half of the cup having my fill as I inching back down. As I turned to see 7,
"We're going to need to program the computer with dimensions for my current body, I hate to waste so much coffee," I said.
A 7 picked it up and went over to the replicator and recycled it. As I Climbed up onto the sofa as7 joined me.
"7," I said.
"Yes Captain," 7 said.
"We need to talk," I said.
"We are, Captain," 7 said.
"Stop that, This condition I've found myself in. I'm going to need help," I said. "If this is permanent, I'm going to need someone that I can trust to help me. I'd Ask Chakotay or Tuvok. But I think I'd be a great deal more comfortable if it were you or Clara," I said.
"I will assist you in any way I can, Captain," 7 said.
"You will need to be by my side most of the time," I said. "You'll have a good many more shifts on the bridge and you won't be in Astrometrics as often,"
"That is problem easily solved, captain I can reconfigure a workstation on the Bridge and the Systems in Astrometrics to allow me to control and use the Astrometrics from the Bridge. I will not have the advantage of the holographic display, however I should still be able to complete my work," 7 said.
"I will need assistance getting to and from my quarters, As well as about my quarters It'd be must easier if you were to stay here, I've been insensitive in neglecting to assign you Quarters," I said.
"Space is limited on Voyager. I understand the only choice would have been to share quarters with another crewmember. Based upon the data I have accumulated on the crew, the only crewmembers that would accept my presence for an extended period of time, would be you, Naomi Wildman and Neelix. Suffice to say that I would rather remain in Cargo Bay 2. Neither Naomi's or Neelix's Quarters are large enough to sustain a Borg regeneration Alcove, and from what I know of you, Captain you've got Chloe and Clara with you. Doubtful that you would consider another roommate," 7 said.
"Actually 7, I was considering a roommate. 7 I can't get around my quarters like I used to. I can't reach my replicator, And I sure as hell am going to have difficulty with my normal routine. I need someone with me to help me in this at least. I can't as Chloe and Clara to give up everything just to help me around. I need someone to get me around and the people I trust most in doing this is you, 7," I said.
"You are asking me to move in with you, Is that not something which people in romantic partnerships do," 7 said.
"Friends move into together too, 7," I said.
"Oh," 7 said. "Acceptable,"
"Great, I'll get B'Elanna and you too can redesign my bedroom," I said.
"Redesign," 7 said.
"Why of course, It's not like I can sleep in that large bed anymore, We'll size it down so you can put it underneath and just lay down. No doubt you can still regenerate like that right," I said.
"It's possible, And what of your sleeping arrangements," 7 said.
"I'm sure we'll think of something 7, Don't worry, a bunch of tissues in a match box," I said as I laughed.
"Captain what if your condition is reversible, You would then have to expend valuable resources to return your quarters to how they currently are it is inefficient," 7 said.
"These quarters are yours now too, You have every right to be here as I do, plus that why you can see if it will work underneath the bed," I said.
"Acceptable," 7 said.
XXX
The Move into my quarters had been a simple and easy one. 7 had assisted B'Elanna in installing an alcove underneath the bed. After B'Elanna had managed to pick up her jaw from the floor upon seeing me and assisted in the it.
But Now I was in Sickbay as I was on top of 7's left shoulder, As the Doctor told me.
"I've run analysis on your DNA and cross referenced it with Minister Seh'we'tal DNA and your own from your last physical, it's not good, I cannot detect why you have turned into a lizard, The Minister's DNA doesn't contain any genetic markers that would potentially react with your own in Transport. All simulations I've ran using samples of his and your DNA transporting at the same time in the same confinement beam have all come back negative. On a Biological scale, there is no explainable reason why you have become what you are. It's my recommendation as you Chief Medical officer, that are fit to return to duty. And Should as soon as possible. The Sooner you reveal yourself to the crew the sooner they can get used to your new form," Doc said.
"You're telling me I'm going to be stuck like this?" I said.
"Unfortunately yes, 7, Ensign Kim and Lt Torres have completed many scans along side my investigation and the results haven't been encouraging," Doc said.
"All Scans of the planet surface and surrounding space including nearby stars and forms of radiation have returned negative for any adverse affects on your transport, captain," 7 said.
"Take me back to me Quarters. Thanks doc. I will return to duty tomorrow," I said. As we left sickbay and headed back to our quarters. As we entered our quarters, as I leave out a heaved and long groaning sigh and leaned against 7's neck. Moving carefully 7 sat down on the sofa and gently laid me onto a cushion.
"Captain," 7 said. As she gently pulled me from her shoulder and cupped me in her palms and then I felt against 7's chest. Eventually I finally took deep and shuddering breath.
"I'm sorry, 7," I said. "I'm the captain, this should be no harder than an encounter with a hostile species,"
"No Captain." 7 said. "When you severed me from the Collective and removed my implants, You changed my physiology from one that I had no experience with. It was a daunting experience. I don't regret it Leah. I can only imagine what you are feeling now, I am not one to condone faith. but this vessel requires you to believe that you will survive and make it through this. Even if you remain like this, Leah, You will still be the Captain of Voyager. You will still command her crew and you will still be my Captain, My Mentor and my friend,"
"Thanks 7 I needed that. I just feel so useless right now, So small," I said.
Then 7 moved us to the table and set me down as she went and got 2 serves of Chocolate Cake.
"Comfort food, Captain. When Naomi was sick she once requested I bring her chocolate cake, Citing that it would make her fell better. I inquired wit Lt Torres and she revealed that most females tended to eat chocolate and watch romance, holovids, when experiencing emotions of depression, anxiety and distress, She called it Comfort food," 7 said.
"That's very thoughtful 7 thanks," I said.
As I grabbed the cake and bring it up to my mouth as I started nibbling at it. Once I finally finished eating it. "You're right 7, I've kept this ship and this crew together through thick and thin for the past 6 years and I can do it again," I said.
"As a reptile," 7 said.
"As a reptile," I said. "I'm find it curious,"
"Captain," 7 said.
"I'm just thinking about my supposed spirit Animal. And that time Tom tired to breaking the Warp 10 barrier and we both transformed into lizards," I said.
"Do you believe there is some kind of connection, Captain," 7 said.
"One heck of a coincidence, probably, That was some good cake, though," I said.
"Indeed it was, Captain," 7 said. "I believe I am developing a sweet tooth as Ensign Wildman once referred to it as, On occasion Naomi and I played a game of Kadis Kot in her quarters as opposed to the Mess hall, Ensign Wildman would return from her duty shift and provide Cake. I very much like cake," As I saw her looked a little sheepish.
"There are other very sweet things you can eat, 7, But I'm glad you're embracing this part of your physiology. Just don't go overboard," I said as I saw 7 expressions suddenly turned as sour as it could. "You already have?"
"Once, The first night Ensign Wildman provided cake, I wanted more, So I instructed the computer to supply more cake and utilise the whole of my accumulated credit," 7 said.
"Holy Smoke, How much?" I said.
"373 Credits Captain," 7 said.
"I take it you ate all of them," I said.
"Yes captain," 7 said with a small blush.
"That must not have been too pleasant for you afterwards," I said.
"It wasn't," 7 said.
XXX
I was perched atop of 7's shoulder. As 7 was taking me to the mess hall to get me some coffee. Chakotay released a memo had circulated through the crew's fat duty roster that I had undergone a transformation and Chakotay endeavoured to reiterate that I was still the Captain despite the situation. But that didn't prepared the crew to see me a Green lizard clothed in command Red.
"7. 7," Naomi said,
"Naomi Wildman," 7 said.
"Good morning 7," Naomi said as she noticed me. "Oh my gosh 7 you got a pet,"
"Naomi," 7 said.
"You must have gotten it from the Planet, right," Naomi said.
"Naomi Wildman," 7 said.
"What type of lizard is it, It is a lizard right," Naomi said.
"This is hardly," 7 said.
"It looks so adorable, What'd you name it, 7," Naomi said.
"Her name, Naomi Wildman, Is Captain Leah McCall," 7 said as Naomi's and infect the mess halls silence. "There was an accident on the planet and the Captain is now in this form,"
"Hey Naomi," I said. As Naomi's eyes widened. "How have you been?"
"Well Captain, And you," Naomi said.
After a few minutes, I made my apologies. "Sorry Naomi. It's nice catching up with you, but I'll be late for my duty shift if I stay much longer,"
"I understand Captain, work must be done, correct," Naomi said.
"Yes, So does that mean I'll see my Captain's Assistant at 1300 hours," I said.
"You can Count on it, Captain," Naomi said.
Then was when we headed for the bridge. Feeling better after what had occurred in the mess hall. As we got to the Bridge. my Chair was quickly vacated by Chakotay and 7 held out her arm as I jumped down onto my chair. As 7 went to her Science station.
"Chakotay, what have we got," I said. As a silence that permeated the bridge. Until Chakotay coughed and the Crew returned to their duties.
"Nothing new Captain, Gamma shift report nothing of note. There was a slight fluctuation in the port nacelle, But B'Elanna assures me she has teams working on the problem," Chakotay said.
"Good to know," I said.
"We're holding position over Charmlone and there are 4 engineering teams on the surface mining Dilithium. Shore leave rotations are scheduled to begin at the end of Alpha Shift," Chakotay said.
"Good, That everything," I said.
XXX
After several hours. 7 and I went into my ready room. As soon as the Doors closed. "That wasn't uncomfortable in the slightest," I said sarcastically getting the hair out of my face.
"You will Acclimatise, captain," 7 said. As 7 let me jump down at my desk. Then 7 went over to the replicator. "Computer, Replicate one small coffee, Black hot. And one glass of water," As it was which 7 brought over.
"So how has today worked out for you," I said.
"Today has been productive. I have categorized the last 5 sectors of information in numerical order. Listed all phenomena within each sector and provided data upon those phenomena from our scans. I now have caught up on my work and will resume scanning the current sector of space," 7 said.
"You can sit down you know," I said.
"I prefer to Stand," 7 said.
"Of course you do, Sit," I said. "That's good to hear, 7 I'm glad you're on top of things," I said.
"You are not on top of things," 7 said.
"Personnel evaluations, As usual I've left them extremely late and they're due tomorrow, I know, I know what you're thinking," I said. "But I can't stand crew evals, honestly, How can I judge the effectiveness of my entire crew when we're stranded in the Delta Quadrant facing Death every day? It's difficult to look at our situation objectively and judge the crew when I know that they are all performing to the best of their abilities,"
"That is your sole reason," 7 said.
"I was recently turned into a lizard," I said.
"Acceptable now resume your work I have my own as well," 7 said as she nodded and got up and headed towards the upper level of the ready room. Leaving me to the crew evals.
"Computer, Access my Personal music Database. Play Skillet Music," I said.
As Skillet feel invincible Started playing.
XXX
"Will you be participating in shore leave, Captain," 7 said.
"I'm not sure, 7, I might stay here," I said.
"Is your decision to remain in your quarters for the remainder of shore leave related to the crews continued surprise of your current form?" 7 said.
"I keep forgetting how observant you've become 7," I said.
"I will endeavour to remind you next time, however given that I spend almost of my time in your present I am becoming increasingly sensitise to your emotions, want's, needs, body language," 7 said.
"You're empathising," I said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"7 how many times have I told you, When we're in my quarters, when we're in private, especially when we are bathing together, Please call me Leah," I said.
"473 times so far Captain," 7 said.
"has it really been that many," I said.
"Indeed and I am aware that you are attempting to divert my attention, will you join me for shore leave, Leah," 7 said.
"When did you start taking shore leave? As I remember it every other time we've gotten shore leave you've remained on Voyager," I said.
"Hey Dad," Clara said coming over to me.
"Hey Kiddo, Where Chloe," I said.
"Asleep, She wanted to see you first but she was too tired," Clara said.
"Holodeck again," I said.
"With Naomi," Clara said.
"How is she really taking this," I said.
"Slowly," Clara said. "But she wanted you still there,"
"Stay with her kiddo," I said.
"I will Dad, Night," Clara said.
"Night, Clara," I said.
"7," I said I really wanted to tell her I love her. "Thank you for helping me," I said.
"Oh my goodness, You little mushroom, you're a complete waste of tome and effort," I heard.
What. "Who's there," I said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"I'm telling you 7 I just heard someone," I said
"Yes she heard me, Long time no see, Leah," I knew that Voice.
"Q!" I shouted. As a flash happened and he showed up. The Next thing I knew 7 was out of the shower completely naked and grabbed Q by the scruff of his neck.
"Explain, Now," 7 said.
But unfortunate that the man was a omniscient being with no real physical presence other that the manifestation he created disappeared and re appear in the Basin with me. As I was still looking at 7. Before I remember about Q.
"What the hell are you doing here, Q!" I said.
"To correct a mistake," Q said. Cryptically. "I've been watching you flail about Leah And It's making me sick to the bottom of my proverbial Stomach. Time to glimpse what's on the way to pass, Leah, then you can look me in the eye and tell me you like it," As we both vanished leaving 7 behind.
As I opened my eyes again. I was clothed in a long Black robe. A matching Black hood obscuring my vision. I was sitting on top of Q shoulder looking over the beautiful view of the Mountain in full view of Beacon Hills.
"Why have you brought me here, Q?" I siad.
"To point out what's coming to pass," Q said. As I saw my old home. Where I grew up. It looked almost the same. The same house where Mum and I was living before any of this happened.
"What is this, Q?" I said.
"This is your home, Leah, I thought that much would have been obvious," Q said.
"Was it you, who took me from my time," I said.
"No, I'm afraid not, I knew fine well that you were Born in the 21st century. But how you got to the 24th is a mystery even for me," Q said.
Then I heard a low quiet wail which reached my ears and drew us to the kitchen. Sitting on top was a small being with tears streaming down green scaled cheeks. Hands pressed to an open mouth. As I looked. The other lizard had lightly greying auburn hair. It was the Starfleet uniform different from my own but still recognisable that convinced me that the lizard I was watching was me. Howling. I could even see the lizards eyes, they were red. Alpha Red. I never thought I could make a sound like that. It was liked a hollowed out the soul and echoed into the very bones, which even was haunting me forever.
"That is me," I said.
"You, in 8 years from now, Leah," Q said.
The Other me didn't look up, seemingly unaware of our existence as my cries echoed around the room. Slowly Q approached, I then saw the card on the counter. Peering over my other self shoulder. I read which had that me. Even Now I even put my hand over my mouth to stop the gasp I had as I read it.
Your presence if requested for the Funeral of Lt Commander 7 (Annika Hansen).
Loving colleague, Loving wife, loving Mother.
Brave until the end.
On the bottom I saw something was written in pen were some hurriedly scribbled words.
You were our Captain and you were her closest friend, Even after you pusher her away. It'd mean a lot of me, but more to her that you were at her funeral. Chakotay.
Then there was another flash and I was back looking up at the unmoved 7 from her place back in the basin. Q was no where to be seen. 7 eyes were still focused on me.
"Captain," 7 said.
I was lost for words. What I'd seen terrified me. I fought the Kazon, Malon, Vidiians, Borg, and I had been scared. But it wasn't the soul tearing horror that gripped her now. Only a few seconds had passed for 7 while for me a lifetime. 7 Dead. I had pushed her away.
"What happened, Captain," 7 said.
"Nothing, 7, Q being back to his old tricks," I said. "Hey, I'm done, you?"
As 7 nodded and helped me up and I got into a trowel As I was put down and dried off. I went and got into some clothes that were perfect suited to me for now. As I heard 7 rustling around, Probably getting dressed and I headed out and 7 picked me up and gentle placed me on the table.
"I am going to Astrometrics, If there is anything you need, hail me," 7 said. As she started going for the Door.
"7 Wait," I said. As 7 started to come back over. It was clear now. Q's remark. what he showed her. I pushed 7 away because I couldn't admit that I loved her. It was more than bearable. It was more when I saw the way 7 defended me. Against the Borg. I can't keep going like this.
"7 I need to. I need to tell you something," I said. "Remember when I told you I saw what happened in the Cargo bay before we went on that mission for the transwarp Coil. I should of said it then. 7 I love you, I love you so much, All this time. I've been too afraid. I didn't want to take advantage of you. I didn't want to lose myself to you, But. I've realized that I already have and all the reasons I had to deny it were just excuses. My every though is of you. When I wake. Seeing your face. When I sleep. I wanted to believe I would stay on a Borg ship for just anyone. But It wasn't. I guess I was worried how this would have damage our friendship. Just Know that I love you,"
As 7 was quiet. I was about to head and I heard.
"Leah," 7 said. As she scooped me up looking straight into my eyes. "I love you as well, My Leah,"
As We just held onto each other. It almost felt like an eternity.
"I'm sorry it took this long for me to finally tell you, And only now when I'm like well like this," I said.
"It does not matter what species you are, Leah," 7 said.
"I know. As vain as it is, Though, It matters to me, I like being in my own body, My own human body," I said as I noticed 7 getting close and then I felt her kiss me.
"About Bloody Time," I heard Q said. But he didn't appear. And then I got hugged in a bright light. When It was gone. I saw I was human again. Even if I was still Female. But I was human again.
Even of I was pissed at how Q decided to get this to happened But I had 7 now. And I wasn't going to let her go.
As I kissed her again. As then I felt like I was about to fall down. As 7 grabbed me and got me over to the bed. Before I passed out. I heard.
"7 to the Doctor, Get over to the Captain Quarters now," 7 said.
"On my way," Doc said.
As I passed out.
XXX
When I finally woke up. I was still in my quarters and I saw 7 next to me as was the Doctor.
"Welcome back," Doc said.
"What happened," I said.
"You passed out after Q return you to your human body," Doc said. "I had been running scans for the passed 10 minutes and from what I see. You are back to the way you were before that all happened, I recommend that you stay here tomorrow at least and I inform the Commander about you and 7 taking tomorrow off and what happen,"
"Thanks Doc," I said.
"Night Captain," Doc said. As he left.
As once the door opened and closed. 7 got in and laid down next to me. As I saw my Hair It was a dark as Ellie's hair now from the Last of us.
"Come here," I said as I pulled 7 towards me and snuggled into her. And I heard the Alcove underneath activate as I felt asleep.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
I also want to gave a Massive shout out to Captain Thrace. Who made a oneshot for Kathryn Janeway and 7. It was so perfect for the point before I do Pathfinder since It will be a short one.
This is to Captain Thrace. Man that was a brilliant Story / one shot you written. I loved to have that into my story. And it worked so well for the Cannon AU I am writing for this chapter and my entire story. I'm giving you all the credit for this one. Thank you so much for that beautiful chapter.
To Everyone else. Go and see his Guy story list. Follow and favourite him.
PEACE!