Precious Cargo

"No hostile aliens, no plasma storms or major injuries and we have more supplies than we've had this entire trip. Mark this on your calendar, folks!" Harry quipped. He and the rest of the away team sat at the briefing room table on Voyager with Captain Janeway. They had presented their findings and provided an overview of their supplies.

"It does seem to be a rarity out here," said Janeway with a smile. She sipped a fresh cup of coffee. She needed it, steeling herself for the next bit of news. "It seems our presence out here hasn't gone unnoticed. We received a communication from a Wysanti starship while you were gone. We've made arrangements to meet them."

"The Wysanti? Rebi and Azan's people?" Neelix's gaze strayed to Seven at the news. He wasn't the only one. Chakotay and Janeway looked at her with sympathy. She had turned pale, but didn't voice any objection. "How long until we reach them?"

"Two days. Seven—"

"I will advise Rebi and Azan if they have not already been told," said Seven.

"They haven't. We thought it would be best coming from you."

Seven nodded. "I will do so immediately."

"All right." Janeway glanced at them all. "Dismissed. And good work."

Eager to escape their pitying looks, Seven practically ran out of the briefing room. Footsteps behind her hurried to catch up.

"Seven, wait." It was Chakotay.

"Commander." She slowed, but didn't stop.

"Chakotay. Are you all right?"

"I am—"

"Emotionally, not physically."

"In that case, I am concerned." Though she knew it was highly unlikely the same situation would play out, she couldn't ignore what happened when they found Icheb's parents.

"They'll be all right. We'll do our best to make sure they find a proper home."

"I know."

"You've looked after them for awhile now. It'll be difficult to see them go if they do."

She sighed. "And yet it is appropriate. They should grow up with their own people and with the chance to be normal children."

"Do you want help telling them?"

Seven shook her head. Though she was grateful for the offer, she needed to do this alone. "I can manage. Thank you, Commander."

He watched her go, frowning at the return of her cool demeanor.

[Cargo Bay Two]

"We don't want to go." The twins said it in unison. Despite her own apprehension, Seven smiled. The four children stood around her in the cargo bay, all sporting various pouts and frowns.

"It is too soon for you to decide. You may enjoy seeing your people's culture, growing up as you would have if it not for the Borg."

"There is no point discussing what could have been when the present is what it is," said Azan.

"And the present is providing you a second chance to live with your own species in a home with proper guardians."

"You are a proper guardian." Rebi frowned. "You can't make us go."

"Don't you want us anymore?" Azan asked.

Seven knew better than to be pulled in by their emotional tricks, but she still felt her heart give a tug at their declarations. "My feelings in this case are irrelevant. I will only consider what is best for you."

Mezoti stepped up. "What if they are like Icheb's parents?"

Icheb flinched at that. "It is highly unlikely."

"We will ensure history does not repeat itself in this case. I will not force you to go, but we will explore their culture thoroughly. You can make your decision then."

Though they still frowned, the children nodded and allowed her to usher them to their regeneration units. As she watched them settle in, Seven's eyes fell on Mezoti. It occurred to her that if the Wysanti proved to be competent guardians, Mezoti might like to join the two boys. It wouldn't be the same as growing up with her own people, but she'd at least have the chance to be a child with the resources she required and she could be with two brothers. There was little more that could be hoped for.

And what about Icheb? Would he want to remain with his siblings in the quadrant he'd been born in? Surely, he wouldn't prefer to remain on Voyager with their impossible journey lying ahead of them for the next lifetime. What sort of life was that for him?

Despite telling the children she'd only consider their best interests, Seven found the likelihood that they would all soon be gone from her life left her feeling empty and cold. She'd never felt the interest to procreate that other humans did, but since having the children under her protection, she found it difficult to let them go.

[Astrometrics]

The next morning Seven found it more of a strain to part with the children than a relief, but she insisted they continue their lessons. Out of consideration for their feelings and her own, she did capitulate enough to cut their afternoon classes short so they could research Wysanti culture together.

Astrometrics wasn't empty when Seven entered it that morning. Commander Chakotay was waiting for her, which was definitely an unusual event.

"Good morning, Seven."

"Commander."

He sighed. "Chakotay. How are you doing? And before you respond, just know that I'm not leaving until you give me an honest answer."

She hesitated, weighing her options. It felt weak to explain her feelings to him, to admit that a small part of her didn't want to see the children united with their own people. She moved to a console and began working. "I'm fine."

"You must not think very much of me. I can see you're not fine."

"Then why did you ask when you already knew the answer?" she asked stiffly, refusing to look at him.

He breathed deep, reminding himself to remain calm, to remember she was lashing out because she was hurting. "Because I want you to talk to me, Seven. We need to be honest with each other. No matter what, I'll be here for you."

"Your concern is unnecessary. I am fine."

"Damnit, Seven!" He lost his temper. He wasn't proud of it, but he did. To have this tug-o-war with her just when he felt they were heading somewhere special in their budding relationship was too much. Taking hold of her upper arms in a firm, but gentle grip, he forced her to face him. Her eyes were wide, but unafraid and surprisingly unchallenging, tempering his outburst. "Can't you set your pride aside for one moment and see that I care about you?"

"They don't want to go." It slipped out before she could stop it.

"And you?" He held his breath as she stiffened, her whole body hesitant to answer. Still, he kept his grip, holding her close. All at once he felt her relax and he knew she'd made her decision.

"I don't want them to go either. It is selfish and against their best interests, but I have grown accustomed to their presence." Her eyes grew moist, but she refused to let any tears fall.

"You're not selfish, Seven." His hands, still on her arms, released their grip to rub up and down consolingly. "It's normal when you've bonded like you have."

"But it is better for them to return to their own species, to find a proper home."

"And that's why I know you're not selfish. You'll let them go, even encourage them if they resist because you want what's best for them."

Seven dipped her head, but couldn't argue with the truth.

"You've helped them so much already. This next bit will be difficult, but I'll be here to help you through it, so will the rest of your friends."

"I know." She gave him a tiny, tremulous smile. "Thank you."

"No worries. Just promise me something." He waited for her to nod. "Don't push me away. If something's bothering you, I want to hear about it. I can't always make it better, but I'd like the chance to try to help you through it."

Seven, who tried very much to pretend she was no more vulnerable than metal and stone, had a heart that was not in fact made of either. A tiny, hopeful smile lifted the edges of her lips. "I promise."

[Briefing Room]

The initial meeting with the Wysanti was extremely promising. Their starship was a government vessel and run very similarly to Starfleet. They even had a female counsellor, Hali, who served as the children's introduction to their people. Though she admitted to Janeway and Seven that reintroducing former Borg drones to their culture wasn't something she had any experience in, she made such a good impression on all parties that it hardly mattered. Besides, it wasn't as though it was a common situation.

"What about parents?" Rebi asked.

He, Azan, Mezoti, Icheb, Seven, and Hali sat around the table Voyager's briefing room. They had decided their first meeting should be where the children would be comfortable and be able to ask her as many questions as they wanted. Captain Janeway stood against the window, allowing the Wysanti counsellor take control of the conversation, her own presence merely supervisory.

"What about them?"

"We don't have any," said Azan as though Hali were simple. "Where are we going to stay?"

Hali, a mature brunette with kind features, smiled. "There are no such thing as parentless children in Wysanti culture. Someone will always come forward to love and raise a child. We are a community. Communities cooperate and work together so everyone can thrive."

"What if a child isn't a Wysanti?" asked Mezoti. She glanced at Seven to gage how this question would be received. Seven smiled as encouragingly as her clenching heart would allow and Mezoti relaxed.

"It doesn't matter. The same principle applies. We actually have two species on our home world. The rules are the same for both."

"Can we see your ship?" asked Azan.

Hali smiled. "Of course. We can go now if you like and if it's all right with Captain Janeway."

Janeway nodded with a smile.

"Excellent. Come along then. I'll give you a tour."

The group stood, Seven following mutely.

The ship wasn't terribly large, but it was advanced and served to impress the children as well as a starship could. Rebi and Azan were soon chasing each other down the corridors while Mezoti followed at Seven's side, holding her hand. She too became distracted, however, when they reached a small section containing the school room for the handful of children belonging to staff.

Seven watched Mezoti introduce herself to a group of children at a painting station. Her sigh was for herself. Rebi and Azan were already being interrogated by a trio of boys their own age. Icheb alone remained next to her, looking around with only mild interest.

"It's good, isn't it, Seven?" Janeway placed a hand on her shoulder as Seven nodded. "It'll be best for them."

"I agree."

"You do?" Her eyes flickered to Icheb, who was busy looking around, and back.

"Yes, I believe the Wysanti will be best able to care for them."

"Mezoti too if she chooses?"

Seven nodded. Inside she was not quite crying, but it was close. She had to remind herself that it was the best outcome they could ever have hoped for.

[Chakotay's Quarters]

Chakotay had just settled on his couch and wasn't expecting visitors so the buzz of his door was a surprise. He called for it to open and was doubly shocked to have Seven stride in. She hesitated just inside the doorway, appearing disoriented. He realized she hadn't been in his quarters before and his position wasn't particularly welcoming. He quickly stood and moved to her.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"No," he took her hand and led her to the couch where she sat somewhat stiffly. "I'm glad to see you. How was it today?"

"Difficult, but I believe the children will be well protected by the Wysanti."

"Good."

"I believe Mezoti will be joining Rebi and Azan." Though she had believed admitting this would bring only pain, to have it out in the open and admitted to someone she trusted made her feel calmer about the situation. It still hurt, but now she was able to accept the truth of it.

"Oh." He did his best to sound as though this was nothing extraordinary. "That's good for her. What about Icheb?"

"I am uncertain. It is clear the others would like him to remain with them, but he doesn't seem inclined to leave Voyager."

"It's going to be a big change not having those three onboard."

"Indeed. Neelix will no longer have to worry about his pastries being stolen."

"Don't be so sure. I think Chell's been the one sneaking those." He was gratified to see her smile at this. "Speaking of food, can I offer you anything?"

"I have already eaten dinner with the children," said Seven with a shake of her head. "However, if you would like to join us tomorrow, we are going to sample Wysanti cuisine."

Chakotay was disappointed for more than one reason to have to decline. "I can't. I already agreed to have dinner with the Captain."

"Another time then." Disappointed, but understanding of his predicament, she shrugged it off.

"I'm sorry." He really was.

"I understand." She did and felt no judgement, just mild disappointment he wouldn't be there to help her keep her emotions in check. "I should regenerate." Seven stood to go.

Chakotay followed her back to the door.

"If you would still like to see Montreal, I can arrange holodeck time for the day after tomorrow. The children will be having dinner with Neelix, Naomi and Ensign Wildman."

Chakotay smiled, relieved. "It's a date. And Seven, I'm glad you stopped by."

Returning his smile, she gave a brief nod. "I am too."

[Cargo Bay Two]

It turned out the distraction of their upcoming date was a blessing as the children advised her the next afternoon of their decision to go to the Wysanti home world. Icheb would be the only one staying on Voyager. Their choice had been made as they used the other starship's database to research their potential home. The presence of the other children had likewise swayed them. The promise of friends their own ages was too tempting for them to ignore.

Seven shared her last meal with the children in the mess, sampling the local dishes of their future home. They drew a few glances from the rest of the crew, but it was all friendly and in some cases the expressions were sympathetic. They all wished they could be home as quickly as the children and most understood Seven's plight more than she would have believed.

The next day passed quickly as well, time seeming to move faster the more Seven thought about the passage of time. There was the departure of the children to anticipate as well as her upcoming date. It was difficult to decide which event caused her more anxiety, but since she was becoming resigned to the children's departure, she was inclined to believe her upcoming date was causing a more emotional response. The formality of this one felt significant, but she wasn't sure why.

She saw the children off to their goodbye dinner in Ensign Wildman's quarters and then did what she always did when she was confused by human social conventions: research.

It took almost no time at all for Seven to find the dating conventions in Voyager's database and quickly grow alarmed. It turned out that the Doctor had compiled a vast amount of data, but only provided her with a fraction of what he'd found. She was glad for his discretion. From what she read, this could be considered their third date and the database suggested some form of physical intimacy was usually expected, but it didn't specify what the requirements were and the options were as endless as they were daunting.

Besides a short kiss with Axum, she hadn't been intimate with a man. Would she know what to do? Sure, she knew the biology of it, but not the emotion or timing. How would she know what Chakotay expected? Did he want or expect anything? It was impossible to guess and for once her research failed to provide a comprehensive answer. Added to how unknown his reaction would be, Seven felt the additional pressure of her own desire. She wanted something to happen, but lacked the experience to know what exactly or how to get it.

Her memory flashed to when she was new on Voyager and believed Ensign Kim wished to mate. She cringed and hoped anything that happened that night would not be that awkward. She'd learned a lot more about social interaction since then, but precious little about physical intimacy.

Square one. It was the best place to start. Seven quickly brought up all the research she could find on how to kiss, but was afraid this was one of those things where research could not replace experience. She was afraid to try researching any further.

Clothes. It was almost a last-minute consideration. Normally she would have deemed her usual wear sufficient and not care beyond that, but if the third date was considered significant, which all research suggested, then she doubted normal uniforms were recommended. The Doctor's social lessons crept into her mind and she recalled his insistence that she "dress for success."

A slight pain interrupted her thoughts. She grimaced, a hand raising to massage her forehead. The pain dissipated and she forgot about it as she sought an appropriate outfit.