What Comes After

by DAxilla

J/7 - Set after Voyagers return to the Alpha Quadrant. Janeway and Seven start corresponding with each other with some unexpected but joyful results. But before they can act, Seven goes missing. Later chapters follow the relationship as it develops.

4. A Very Special Woman Part 2

Chapter Six – Better Late Than Never

Phoebe leaned back in her chair at the dining room table and sipped her coffee quietly. She had been watching her sister run madly through the house for the last twenty minutes.

"Seven!" Kathryn shouted up the stairs. "Have you seen my insignia?"

"Where did you last have it, Kathryn?" The Borg called back.

"If I knew that I wouldn't be looking for it!" The older woman grumbled under her breath as she searched the cushions on the living room couch.

"Did you look in the barn?" Phoebe snickered, and then studied her coffee cup intently when she was hit with a level ten glare. "What do you need it for anyway? And why are you wearing your uniform?"

"Trust me, where we're going, it's more than necessary that I be flying my colors."

"Whatever." She set her coffee mug down and watched as her sister dumped out the contents of the end table drawers. "You know, maybe if you hadn't waited until a week before the wedding to go pick out the bands, you wouldn't be quite so stressed out."

Kathryn stopped and took a deep breath. "You have no idea the schedule Seven and I have been keeping at the base to finish up this project before I go on leave. It's not like I can just stop whatever I'm doing in the middle of the day and go running off to a jewelry store. Some of us have deadlines."

Phoebe snorted. "Whatever, Captain Procrastination."

"I AM AN ADMIRAL!" Kathryn snapped.

"Maybe," Phoebe shrugged. "But it doesn't sound as funny."

The older woman closed her eyes and counted to ten, trying not to think of all the ways she knew how to dispose of a body.

"Kathryn?" Seven walked down the stairs and smiled at her gently as she held out the insignia in her palm. "I found it caught within the zipper on a pair of my jeans."

Phoebe coughed loudly as her coffee went down the wrong way. With a strangled laughed she excused herself to go and find a towel.

Seven moved closer to Kathryn, quickly fastening the insignia onto her collar before smoothing her hands down the front of the jacket. Wordlessly, she leaned in and kissed her passionately, her hands wrapping around her back before sliding up to tangle in her hair.

When she released her several moments later, Kathryn whispered breathlessly, "What was that for?"

Seven raised one eyebrow. "Because I can."

Kathryn smiled at the wicked look on the younger woman's face. My, my, my… God, how I love this woman! "We'll be back in time for dinner."

"Acceptable."

"Come on, Phoebe! We don't want to keep your woman waiting!"

Seven walked them both to the door and watched as they climbed into the hover-car and drove away. She closed the door slowly and leaned against it for a moment before squaring her shoulders and striding purposefully into the kitchen.

Gretchen was finishing a cup of tea as she entered and smiled up at her as she came to stand before her. "Everything all right Annika?"

"Yes." Seven sat down across from her and looked directly into her eyes. "There is something that I wish to do for Kathryn and I believe that I will require your assistance to complete the task before the wedding."

"Of course, sweetheart." Gretchen squeezed her hand. "Anything you need, you know that. What can I do to help?"

Seven took a deep breath. "First, I require your permission…"

---

Phoebe fidgeted nervously with the buttons on her coat, causing Kathryn to laugh.

"Afraid she won't show or afraid she might?" The older woman snickered.

"Who said I was afraid of anything?"

"Well, you better decide quickly because here she comes."

Phoebe turned in the direction Kathryn was facing and felt her heart jump up into her throat. Tal Celes walked towards them wearing a pair of tight fitting black jeans that clung wickedly to her hips and a wool lined denim jacket. She had a knit scarf wrapped around her neck and her cheeks were rosy from the cold mid morning air.

When she reached them, she raised herself up on her tip toes and planted a brief kiss on Phoebe's cheek. "Hello you!" She smiled. "Hello, Admiral."

"It's Kathryn when we're nowhere near the base, Celes." Kathryn smiled and took the small overnight bag from the Bajoran, handing it to one of the transport attendants who would stow it until they returned later in the day.

"So where are we going?" Celes asked brightly.

"London."

Phoebe and Celes both looked at her in surprise. "London?"

"Yep. Glad you wore a warm coat!" She hustled them both onto the transporter pad and they were whisked away to their destination. When they arrived, they found a Starfleet hover-car waiting for them.

Phoebe sat back in her seat and watched the Bajoran with a smile on her face. "Never been here before?"

"Never had a reason." Celes grinned before turning her attention back to the scenery outside the hover-car windows.

After a short ride, they pulled up in front of an extremely old looking building. When they stepped outside into the cold air, Celes cuddled against Phoebe's side as she read the name carved into the marble above the huge entryway. "Asprey Holdings LTD." Her jaw went slack as she looked at the Admiral. "You don't fool around do you?"

"What do you mean?" Phoebe slid her arm around the smaller woman when she felt her shiver.

"Asprey has done jewelry for royalty and diplomats for centuries." Kathryn smiled.

They stepped inside the grand doorway to be greeted by an almost reverent silence. The interior of the building looked like a church with its stained glass windows and tall columns extending up to hundred foot ceilings. They waited quietly in the foyer for a few moments until a well manicured older gentleman dressed in a tailcoat approached them.

"Welcome to Asprey Holdings Limited." He said in clipped English tones. "May I have your title and name please?"

"Admiral Kathryn Janeway."

The man pulled a small device from the interior of his jacket and input the name. After a moment, he tucked the device away and bowed slightly. "Come this way please."

They followed him quietly through the beautiful building, all of them admiring the artwork around them until they were led through a series of doorways into a large room with a number of antique tables inside of it. Several similarly dressed individuals were working around them.

Their escort cleared his throat. "Announcing Admiral Kathryn Janeway and entourage."

Phoebe laughed softly. "I guess we're the entourage." She whispered to Celes.

An elegantly dressed gentleman approached them and held his hand out to Kathryn. "Admiral Janeway, what a pleasure it is to meet you. I am Sebastian Moore. I will be your attendant today. Please, have a seat at this station." When they had settled themselves around an exquisitely carved mahogany table, he sat across from them and smiled. "I should tell you that we do not normally indulge inquiries from anyone at Starfleet with less than a Fleet Admiral rank, but you, of course, are a very special case."

Kathryn returned the smile easily. "Well, I appreciate your assistance in this endeavor."

Sebastian nodded. "When you contacted me and told me of your upcoming nuptials and the particulars of the situation, I investigated our inventory thoroughly and I believe I have found something that will be perfect for you."

"Really?" She leaned forward. "I would love to see what you would recommend."

"I will return shortly." He stood and bowed.

Phoebe watched him walk away and then turned to her sister. "Damn, you get more play on our family name than Daddy did. All because you got lost in space?"

"I think it's more that she brought her people home, Phoebe." Celes smiled. "Hero's deserve this kind of attention."

Kathryn shifted uncomfortably under Celes' obvious adoration. "Well, whatever the reason, they let us in and that makes me happy."

Sebastian returned with a small velvet covered tray, roughly the size of a data PADD. He set it down carefully and then took his place across from them. "Starfleet is an interesting career choice." He said easily. "However, it does make for a challenge when it comes to choosing appropriate matrimonial bands. These are quite exceptional." He pulled the cover away to reveal four incredibly beautiful rings that were shaped in an oddly curving pattern. Two were brushed gold and the other two were obviously brushed platinum. Each was encrusted with a series of sparkling diamonds. "This is called the Eternium Band."

Kathryn studied them closely, thinking them gorgeous, but not really understanding why there were four of them. "Can you explain their origin and meaning?"

"Certainly." He smiled. "This band was originally produced by a now extinct race known as the Xirin. The Xirin believed that each person had a true 'kenn', what we would call a soul mate. The gold would represent one half of the couple and the platinum the other. When the nuptials occurred, a band of each color would be taken and 'completed'." He picked up one of the gold rings and one of the platinum rings and held them against each other at a slight angle. Gently he pressed them together and there was a soft click as the two bands connected, making a seamless single band of entwined colors. Even the diamonds joined perfectly, creating a stunning setting of crisscrossing gems that sparkled in the lights from overhead. "The Xirin were also a space faring race. Often, one of the couple was required to leave on a mission. When that occurred, they would separate their own ring and add the other half of their own band to that of the person being left at home." He picked up the other platinum band and gently connected it to the first two.

"That's incredible." Kathryn breathed as the rings went together seamlessly once again, creating an even more intricately entwined band.

"When the explorer returned, the bands were again separated to create the original two rings. And," Sebastian smiled softly. "When the years had passed, and one of the married couple had passed on, the last band was joined to the others to create the Eternium Band." He held them close together but did not snap them in place. "You must be careful to never place the last band until that event occurs however, for once all four bands are connected they form a permanent bond, one that can never be broken."

He separated the band back into the four original rings and laid them out on the tray. "Each of the rings is of the purest gold and platinum and each has a total weight of one carat in diamonds making the total diamond weight for the Eternium Band four carats."

Phoebe whistled softly under her breath and Kathryn nudged her with her foot.

"Each set of two comes in their own silk presentation box and Asprey Holdings will provide a specially crafted ring pillow for the day of the nuptials. I believe this to be the set best suited to your needs, however if you are not pleased with it, I can show you others."

"No need." Kathryn smiled softly, her eyes moist. "I think Annika is definitely the platinum don't you?"

Both Phoebe and Celes nodded silently.

"The price for this set-" Sebastian began.

"Is irrelevant." Kathryn smiled. "I'll take them."

"Very good. I will go and complete the documents for the sale."

When he had gone, Kathryn turned to find Phoebe looking at her thoughtfully.

"What?"

Her sister grinned. "There's hope for you yet, sis."

With the rings chosen and paid for, they found a quaint old pub up the street from the Asprey building to have lunch while they waited for the packaging to be completed. Kathryn, looking very pleased with herself, sat back in the booth and took a healthy swig of her ale as she watched the other two woman who sat across from her. She noticed that Celes looked completely at ease while her sister looked like she might jump and run at any moment. Interesting.

"So," Phoebe tapped the table with her fingertips, surreptitiously watching Celes out of the corner of her eye as she spoke to her sister. "Where are you planning on taking your betty for the honeymoon?"

Kathryn smiled. "Someplace exotic…"

"Risa?"

The Admiral frowned. "No, I don't think so. Seven has seen a lot of the galaxy, but what she hasn't seen a lot of is right here one Earth."

"What are you thinking?" Celes asked.

"Someplace warm, wet, and very, very… sexy…" A silly smile covered her face for a moment and then she blushed. Standing up she nodded slightly. "Excuse me for a moment."

They both watched her walk away before Celes turned a questioning glance at Phoebe.

"She's going to call Seven." Phoebe smirked. "She can't go for more than a couple of hours without hearing the woman's voice."

The Bajoran laughed softly. "You sound wistful." She took a sip of her merlot. "Or is it jealous?"

"Honestly? Maybe a little of both. I've had relationships, but nothing like what they have. I honestly think that Katie would give up Starfleet for Seven if she had to. I've never fallen for anyone that hard in my life."

One eyebrow rose as Celes looked at her evenly. "Not yet."

Phoebe swallowed and pulled idly at her collar. "What about you? Any red hot romances in your past?"

"I've had my share of good ones, and more than my share of bad ones. But if your asking if I've ever had anything like what I see between your sister and Seven? Then my answer is the same as yours. Not yet."

"What about men? Any of them in your past?"

"Nope, not a one."

Phoebe's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Then… how do you know…?"

Celes laughed out loud at the look on her face. "Sometimes you just know, Phoebe." She set her wine glass down and leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper so that the other woman had to lean in to hear her. "When I was in my teens, all my girlfriends talked about was the jocks on the sports teams, how big their muscles were, how strong their hands were… and all I could think was how much I wanted to feel smooth curves under my fingertips. How much I wanted soft skin and gentle hands and long, slow, deep kisses that went on for days. I would lie in my bed at night for hours fantasizing about what it would be like to take a woman in my arms, to taste her on my lips. I was sixteen when I finally did and I can tell you… there was never any question for me."

Phoebe stared at the Bajoran, her mouth dry and her pulse racing. It took her several moments to realize she wasn't breathing and that her heart was about to hammer its way out of her chest. She drew in a long shuddering breath and followed it with a swig of her ale, refusing to meet the smile in Celes' eyes.

Kathryn chose that moment to return to the table, a slight frown on her face.

"Couldn't reach her?" Phoebe was glad for the distraction.

"No. Couldn't get Mom on the comm system either. They must be out doing something."

Phoebe laughed. "It just drives you crazy doesn't it? Not knowing what they're up to."

Kathryn smiled. "Well, when Seven keeps a secret it usually hits me right between the eyes."

"Are you sure that's where it hits you?" Phoebe snickered.

The older woman's eyebrows rose, daring her sister to continue teasing her. The implied threat worked, Phoebe subsided instantly.

"So where to now?" Celes asked, completely unaware of the small battle that had just been fought.

"I need to pick up the package from Asprey and then we need to find a travel agent. I think we can do that back in Indiana though. I did promise Seven we'd be home in time for dinner."

"Well, we wouldn't want to be late then." Phoebe said innocently.

They collected their purchase and called for the hover-car to take them back to the transport station. Within the hour they were sitting in the very nice office of a local travel agent in Bloomington, looking through brochures of Earthbound destinations that were protected and therefore still lightly populated and very sunny and warm.

Kathryn found one that interested her greatly. Shoving the others aside, she opened it up fully on the table. "This is the one, what do you think?"

"Oh, wow." Celes smiled. "That looks like heaven." She glanced outside at the snow lined sidewalk. "Especially from where we're sitting."

Phoebe nodded at her choice. "Looks perfect to me, unless…"

"Unless what?" Kathryn looked at her in confusion.

"Can a Borg float?"

---

A fire was crackling merrily in the hearth when the three frost-covered shoppers returned to the farm. They stood in the foyer, stamping the snow off their boots as Kathryn called out, "Annika? Mom? We're home!"

"In the kitchen, dear." Her mother's voice came back."

"I swear that's their favorite room in the house." Kathryn smiled.

Hot cups of coffee and tea were pressed into their hands as they entered and after bestowing a quick kiss on Seven's lips, Kathryn slid onto a stool. "What did you two get up to today?"

"What do you mean?" Gretchen asked innocently.

"I called earlier and no one answered."

"Oh." Her mother smiled at Seven. "We just had some errands to run."

When it was obvious no further information was forthcoming, Kathryn sighed and settled for studying her bride-to-be carefully. Seven's color was high, her cheeks pink and rosy. The two of them must have gotten home just a few minutes before they did.

"So what's for dinner?" Phoebe asked, climbing onto her own stool.

"Pot roast." Her mother smiled. "It's been simmering all afternoon and should be ready in a few minutes. Hello, Celes." She greeted the Bajoran warmly. "Did you enjoy your day out with my girls?"

"Yes, I did Gretchen. They certainly know how to show a girl a good time."

Seven's eyebrow rose. "Indeed."

Kathryn reached out and took Seven's hand, squeezing it gently as she whispered, "I missed you today."

The Borg smiled softly, leaning in close to rest her face briefly against the Admiral's throat. "I missed you as well."

Celes watched the exchange with a small smile on her face. She noticed Phoebe looking at her and whispered, "I never, ever thought I would say this but, Seven and the Admiral are just so… cute."

Phoebe rolled her eyes. "I know, sickening isn't it?"

The Bajoran swatted her playfully on the arm.

"Can I interrupt you two long enough to ask you to set the table?" Gretchen interjected.

Phoebe slid off her stool. "Sure thing, Mom. C'mon Cel."

Dinner was casual and over very quickly as both Kathryn and Seven pleaded tiredness and retired early, ignoring Phoebe's snickers with good natured grace.

Gretchen made up a pot of tea and then took a cup to her own bedroom with a book she was reading, leaving Phoebe and Celes alone in the kitchen.

Celes smiled. "Did I see a swing on the back porch earlier?"

Phoebe's eyes widened. "Are you serious? It's freezing out there!"

"I love the cold air. Bring a blanket. We can keep each other warm and you can tell me tales of the farm."

"All right, but if you get frost bite don't go blaming me."

A deliciously wicked smirk played at the Bajoran's lips. "Is frost the only thing that bites around here?"

The comment sent chills running down Phoebe's spine, rooting her to the spot while her heart raced wildly. When she was finally able to bring it under control, she ran to the living room and grabbed a quilt off the couch, returning to the porch she found Celes standing at the rail, waiting for her.

"You're taller." The Bajoran pointed to the swing.

Phoebe sat at one end, laying her left leg and arm along the back of the seat. Celes quickly joined her, snuggling her back tightly against the taller woman's chest before covering them both with the blanket, tucking it in around them.

They both sat quietly for a few moments as their body heat merged and filled the little cocoon, then Celes sighed in satisfaction and laid her head back against Phoebe's shoulder.

The silence was comfortable and the warmth filled them both with a pleasant lassitude. Phoebe felt her eyelids just beginning to drop when another soft sigh came from the woman in front of her. "Penny for them." She whispered quietly.

The Bajoran sighed again. "I wish I had had the opportunity to get to know Seven when we were on Voyager. She is so different than how I perceived her then; than how we all perceived her. It just seemed like she was so aloof, like she didn't need or want to know any of us. Now I see that wasn't true. It must have been so hard for her."

Phoebe nodded. "I know. It frustrates me the way people see her either as an ice maiden, a Borg menace or a sex object. I mean, it wasn't her fault she was born looking like a pin up, or that she was taken by the Borg at such a young age. She truly was a product of her environment. It's unfortunate that more people don't take the time to see who she truly is inside the gorgeous exterior. She has such a wonderful sense of humor and a truly kind heart." She felt Celes stiffen slightly. "What's wrong?"

"It sounds like you might have a little bit of a crush going on there."

Phoebe laughed. "Hardly! Seven is great and I do adore her. I love that she's going to be my sister, but tall blondes are definitely not my type." She felt the body resting against hers relax slowly.

"So what is your type?"

She leaned forward slightly, catching the light, sweet scent of the smaller woman. She nuzzled her face into the delicate hair at the nape of her neck as she whispered, "Oh, I don't know. Sweet, gentle redheads with chocolate brown eyes, cute little noses and black velvet voices…"

"Meet many men that fit that bill?"

Phoebe blinked, startled. Shaking her head she laughed softly under her breath. "Why do I feel like I just got ambushed?"

Celes turned so that she could look into her eyes. "I wasn't trying to ambush you. I just wanted to make a point. Desire is fluid, Phoebe. Just like love." She slowly moved closer, giving Phoebe time to pull away. When she didn't, Celes pressed their mouths together softly, her tongue playing gently across Phoebe's lower lip.

The kiss was brief but powerful. Afterwards she turned away and nestled back into the taller woman's arms, pulling the blanket tighter around them both. Her right hand fell casually against Phoebe's leg where her fingers stroked softly against her thigh right above her knee.

Phoebe focused on her breathing, willing herself not to start shaking. After a while she lost herself in the feel of the heart beating steadily in the body pressed tightly against her own.

Slowly, Phoebe let her hands drop to the Bajoran's waist. For a few moments, she just let them rest there; then she began lightly stroking along the edge of Celes' sweater. Finally, she held her breath as she curled her fingers under the edge and ran her knuckles over smooth, warm skin.

The feel of it was incredible. Soft like silk, but firm with the lean muscles just beneath the surface. Stretching out her fingers, she slid both her hands around the Bajoran's stomach until they met and splayed across her abdomen. She was so entranced with the texture beneath her swirling fingertips that she didn't realize Celes was smiling up at her.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Phoebe blushed to the roots of her hair, stilling her hands immediately. "I'm sorry!" She stammered.

Celes covered Phoebe's hands with her own, preventing her from pulling them away. "Don't be. I'm not." She leaned back and placed a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth. "You have wonderful hands."

"Oh… uh…thank you?"

The Bajoran began to trace across the back of Phoebe's fingers, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. She swallowed hard, leaning back as the sensation sent chills down her spine that settled quite firmly between her legs. She had never responded so strongly to simply being touched before, not somewhere as innocuous as the back of her hand! What the hell is happening to me? She thought wildly. And whatever it is, please Lord do not let it stop.

Closing her eyes, Phoebe brought one hand to Celes' face, following the line of her jaw with a feather light touch before sliding over her cheek to trace her brow, down the bridge of her nose and across her lips, where the Bajoran kissed her fingertip.

"Why do I get the feeling you're painting me right now?" Celes asked softly.

"Because I am." Phoebe breathed. "You have the most exquisite features. Delicate… soft…" She put one finger under the Bajoran's chin and used it to turn her head so she could capture her lips with her own. The kiss was gentle at first, then the sweetness turned to passion as a fire began in her belly. Wrapping her fingers in Celes' hair, she pulled the smaller body against hers roughly, her tongue sliding inside to play wetly in the recesses of her mouth.

With a small sound of frustration, Celes pulled away. Sitting up, she moved to the edge of the swing. "It's late." Her eyes were slightly glossy and her breath was coming in small gasps. "I think we better turn in."

Phoebe nodded slowly. They both rose and went inside. Phoebe took her hand and walked with her upstairs, leading her to the guest room. They stood outside the door for several long moments as Celes studied her face intently. Finally, she smiled and nodded. "Goodnight, Phoebe." She kissed her briefly and went inside, shutting the door behind her.

---

Seven opened her eyes as the soft rays of dawn began to stream in through the window. Sighing happily, she turned to look at the sleeping face of the woman she adored more than any other person in existence.

Kathryn was sleeping on her back, her left hand possessively snuggled in between Seven's thighs.

Rolling onto her side, the Borg began to circle one of the older woman's nipples softly with her fingertips, watching in delight as it pebbled beneath her ministrations. Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and took the hardened nub between her lips, tasting it with her tongue as Kathryn moaned quietly in her sleep.

Moving slowly so as not to wake her, Seven slid down the much loved body until her cheek rested against the fragrant patch of hair between Kathryn's thighs. Parting her legs, she began to nuzzle into the cleft, her tongue seeking out the soft ridge of flesh that she knew would harden immediately beneath her touch. Light moisture bathed her chin as she found it and began to stroke it evenly; her hands wandering up to gently pull on the now completely stiffened nipples. She felt the body beneath her begin to writhe as soft sounds of pleasure floated down to her.

"Annika…?"

The sound of her name set her on fire and her tongue quickened, pressing harder as her lover fully awoke to wrap fingers wildly in her hair. Kathryn brought her legs up to settle them on her shoulders as her hips began to undulate against her.

"Oh.." The older woman cried out, not even trying to be quiet. "Oh god yes!"

Seven pulled her hand down and slid two fingers deeply inside of Kathryn, reveling in the velvet wetness that clamped tightly around them. Quickening her tempo to match the hips above her, she stroked the sweet spot inside of Kathryn that she knew would drive the older woman over the edge.

"Oh Annika, yes! More!"

Smiling, the Borg sucked deeply, flicking her tongue faster as the flesh in her mouth began to spasm. She felt Kathryn begin to buck wildly as her face was bathed in her essence.

"OH MY GOD! YES!" Kathryn's screamed as her body rose off the bed. It stiffened briefly and then fell back, trembling violently as the orgasm moved through her.

Seven withdrew and crawled back up beside her to kiss her deeply, sharing the taste on her tongue with the woman she adored. "Good morning."

"Hell yes it is." Kathryn chuckled. "You are incredible."

"Thank you." Seven smiled, rubbing her face wetly against her love's chin. "I believe your scent to be my favorite thing in the universe."

"I thought it was my hands."

The Borg moved back slightly, a thoughtful look on her face. "You are correct. I must amend my statement."

Laughing, Kathryn pulled her back down for another kiss. "What would you like to do today, love?"

"It is to be my choice?"

"Sure." The older woman stretched. "We will do whatever your little heart desires."

Seven smiled. "Then I desire to stay right here."

Kathryn's eyes widened. "In bed?"

"Yes."

"All day?"

"Yes."

She opened her mouth to protest and then closed it quickly; unable to think of a single reason why that was a bad idea. "All right." She smiled, her hands beginning to roam across the blonde's body. "After all, a promise is a promise."

---

In her bedroom Phoebe groaned and put a pillow over her head, trying to deafen herself to the sounds coming from her sister's room.

Again? She sighed. They're like fucking rabbits!

All night long she had listened to the sounds of lovemaking coming through the walls and now it was starting up all over again. She hadn't slept a wink. Of course, if she was going to be honest, a lot of that had to do with the woman in the bedroom on the other side of her own.

Without consciously willing it, a memory of Celes' face popped into her head. The chocolate brown eyes were sparkling and the mouth was quirked up in a little smirk that seemed to dare her to do something. Her mind started to complete the image, drawing from her rich imagination to add smooth, cream skinned shoulders for the red hair to spill across, followed by the soft swell of breasts tipped with rosy nipples. The chest tapered down to a slender waist that flared out again over supple hips and silken thighs with light reddish curls at the apex.

Losing herself in the fantasy, Phoebe's fingers began to wander down her own body, her palms lightly brushing over her nipples until they were swollen with need. She pinched them lightly, her hips rising off the bed as she imagined the Bajoran's mouth on them, biting them, flicking them with her tongue…

Phoebe's eyes flew open and she bolted upright, her hands flying off her body as though they were on fire. Breathing heavily, she sat there for several minutes trying to collect herself, trying to push the stubborn image from her mind but the fantasy simply would not let go.

Blushing slightly, she laid back down, one hand returning to her breast as the other skimmed over her stomach to slide between her legs. She gasped in surprise at the amount of moisture she found there. Her fingers quickly became slick with it and she brought some of it to her nipple, coating it before returning her fingers to the stiff ridge of her sex. Her fingers played over it knowingly as she imagined Celes' mouth on her. She imagined herself tangling her fingers in the long red hair to hold the woman where she needed her. Her hips began to move and her back arched as she felt the familiar pleasure wash through her. She could almost feel the other woman's warm breath against her thigh as she climaxed, hard.

"Celes!" She cried out softly, through clenched teeth, her head thrown back and her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Oh, god Celes…"

Slowly her body settled back against the mattress. She lay there for a moment, enjoying the pleasant aftershocks until there was a knock on her door.

"Shit!" Jumping up, she stubbed her toe against the end table and said something even more obscene under her breath. She cracked the door open slightly and peeked out to see the object of her fantasy staring back at her. "Uh…hi… I mean, good morning. What's up?"

Celes blinked. "Nothing. Are you ok?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I was on my way to the bathroom and I thought I heard you call my name."

Phoebe's cheeks turned bright pink. "Oh, yeah, I heard you walking by and I wanted to ask if you wanted to use the shower first. To shower… you know… because it's morning… before breakfast."

"Oh." Celes looked at her in confusion. "Yeah, that would be great if it's ok with you."

"Oh sure, go right ahead, no problem. I'll shower with you… I mean I'll shower AFTER you!" Phoebe knew she was babbling like an idiot and couldn't seem to stop. "Enjoy your shower. Bye."

The Bajoran stood for a moment and contemplated the closed door. Phoebe was acting strangely, but then, she had seen the Admiral act the same way around Seven, both on Voyager and since their return, so maybe that was a good sign.

Apparently the Janeway women were an odd bunch when it came to matters of the heart.

---

Chapter Seven – Turnabout Is Fair Play

Phoebe lay on her back, listening to the shower running in the bathroom, trying to will her mind not to envision Celes with her hair slicked back as water streamed down across her breasts. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to bring up images of her favorites works of art, only to find the nudes at the forefront of her memory.

Groaning, she rolled onto her side and buried her face in her pillow, wondering what part of her body the Bajoran was soaping up at that moment.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Frustrated, she threw the pillow across the room where it knocked over one of her field hockey trophies.

She didn't understand why this was happening now. She had known many attractive women, even been propositioned by them a time or two and while the offers had been flattering, they just hadn't been something she had wanted to pursue.

So what was so damn different about Celes?

Was it Seven? Was it seeing the happiness that Katie had found in her arms? Was it being able to look at that relationship as simply a relationship without trying to force it into a box that could be easily labeled or defined?

Maybe Celes was right. Desire was fluid. She had always been an open minded kind of girl. And she was the first to admit that her past forays into romantic relationships had been anything but stellar, which was why she usually ended up channeling all of her energy, even her frustrated sexual energy, into her art.

Picking up her sketchbook, she flipped through the pages until she came to her drawing of the Bajoran. She traced the lines of her face with her fingertips, remembering how it had felt to run them across the ridges along the bridge of her nose. There had been something… electric in that touch. Something… real… and it scared the hell out of her.

Suddenly she felt like she could understand her sister a little bit better. How she could have danced around Seven all those years they were lost together out in the Delta Quadrant. Hell she had only known Celes for a month and the woman had already upset the balance she had created for herself in her own life. How hard must it have been for Katie, with the object of her love and desire trapped on the same ship with her for three years? She suddenly realized that if Kathryn had given in, had let herself pursue Seven, everything else would have become secondary.

Her sister deserved more than her respect.

She deserved a fucking medal.

The shower shut off and Phoebe listened to the sounds of the other woman as she left the bathroom and went back to the guestroom. With a sigh, she pulled on her robe and ducked quickly through the hallway, hoping she wouldn't run into Celes again until she was fully dressed and much more under control.

It was almost two hours later when Phoebe finally came down the stairs tying her long hair into a loose pony tail with hands that were trembling slightly. As she neared the bottom, she heard her mother's voice emanating from the kitchen, followed by Celes' light, musical laughter. The sound caught her up short as she pictured the two of them sitting together, drinking coffee or tea, the way her mother had with Seven.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room. "Good morning." She said brightly.

"I think you mean good afternoon." Gretchen smiled at her as she climbed onto a stool. "Did you sleep well, dear?"

"Yeah." Phoebe glanced at Celes and wished she hadn't as she felt her cheeks flush. "Fine."

"Want some coffee?" The Bajoran stood and went to the stove.

"That'd be great, thanks." She took the offered cup with a smile. "What smells so great Mom?"

"Ask Celes." Gretchen nodded at the young woman. "She cooked."

"You did?"

Celes laughed. "You don't have to sound so surprised. Are you hungry?" When Phoebe nodded she filled a plate with Eggs Benedict and lean ham and potatoes, covering the whole thing with a light drizzle of hollandaise sauce. She brought the plate over. "Enjoy your shower?"

Phoebe glanced up at her like a deer caught in headlights. "Uhm…yeah."

As she slid the plate before her, the Bajoran leaned in close to whisper quietly, "I think you would have enjoyed your first offer more." She winked at her before turning away taking what little breath Phoebe had left with her.

Gretchen studied her youngest daughter over the rim of her tea cup, hiding a small smile behind a carefully timed sip. "You look flushed, dear. You were outside quite a while last night. You didn't catch a cold did you?"

Phoebe was mortified when her mother stood and placed a cool hand on her forehead. "I'm fine, Ma. Probably just ran the shower a little hotter than I should have."

Her mother looked at her keenly. "Whatever you say, honey."

"So, where are Katie and Seven?" She asked, trying to deflect the attention away from herself.

"They haven't come down yet." Celes waggled her eyebrows, making her laugh.

Phoebe took a bite of the food, her eyes closing in pleasure at the flavor. "This is fantastic! Where did you learn to cook?"

The Bajoran sat down next to her and picked up her coffee cup. "I have many hidden talents."

"Well," Gretchen took pity on her youngest. "What are you two going to be doing today?"

"I thought I would show her my studio then maybe take her out to the lake." She leaned back and peered out the window. "Looks pretty clear out there; we shouldn't get any unexpected snowfall."

"Maybe not, but you don't need to be trudging that far through the drifts either. You'll get soaked. Here." She tossed Phoebe a set of keys. "I had a repairman out to do a complete once over on the Sno-Cat. Its tuned up and gassed up."

"Thanks Mom."

"Sno-Cat?" Celes looked at Phoebe curiously.

"Don't worry, you'll love it." She finished up her breakfast and quickly washed her dishes, ignoring the astonished look on her mothers face. "Ready?"

Celes stood and threw her a cocky grin. "And willing."

She handed the Bajoran her jacket and they both went out into the snow.

---

Seven sighed in pleasure.

She was sitting with her back perfectly straight and her head tipped back as Kathryn gently drew a brush through her thick platinum locks. "That is… most exceptional."

Kathryn smiled. "I can't believe I've never done this for you before. I should be doing it every morning."

"I do not believe that Starfleet would accept the manipulation of my hair as a valid reason for tardiness, Kathryn." She groaned slightly in appreciation. "However, I am more than willing to allow this activity to occur on a regular basis."

"You know," The older woman leaned forward and buried her face in the silken strands. "Your hair used to drive me crazy."

Seven leaned back into the touch. "Elaborate."

"You always wore is so severely. Always up in that tight little bun. My fingers used to tingle when I would think about releasing it from its pins. I would fantasize about watching it tumble down around your shoulders, about how it would feel for you to trail it across my body."

The Borg's eyebrows rose. "Indeed?"

"Yes." Kathryn's voice was a husky whisper. "I knew it would be like silk in my hands…"

Seven reached back and caught her by the wrist. "This hand?" She slowly closed her lips around the Admiral's index finger, sliding the length of it into her mouth where her tongue played against it wetly. Then she nuzzled her nose and lips into the sensitive palm, her tongue flicking out to caress it gently.

"Yes…" The older woman closed her eyes as her body began to tingle. "You have no idea how hard it was to keep my hands off you that last year…"

"You were foolish, Kathryn." Seven turned in the embrace, pressing the smaller woman back into the bed with the weight of her body. "There is nothing I would not have allowed you to do to me, so long as you did it with these hands…"

The words trailed off as she brought their mouths together, their lips meeting hard, insistently, their tongue wrestling wetly.

Kathryn raised her knee, pressing her thigh firmly against Seven's intimate flesh as her hands slid around to cup her buttocks. She could hear the Borg's heart slamming hard in her chest and recognized the look of need that ran wild in her slightly glossy eyes. As she pulled forward with her hands, Seven arched back, giving her room to take one firm nipple between her teeth. She bit down on it, harder than she normally would, and was rewarded by a low growl that was ripped from the younger woman's throat.

Seven began to rock wildly against her, pressing her firmly against the bed as she slid up and back along the skin of her thigh, the hardened ridge of her sex skidding gloriously over the muscles that bunched under their exertion.

Kathryn watched her lover's face as all vestiges of the Borg fled from it. The cool collectedness was gone, as was the look of keen intellect. What was left was the flushed face of a gorgeous woman caught in the throws of passion. Her heart swelled as she realized that she was the only person who would ever see Seven this way. "Beautiful…" She whispered as the younger woman was gripped tightly by her orgasm. "God I love you."

Seven felt her heart expand with joy at the whispered words a moment before the intense pleasure took her over the edge. She hung there for a long moment, her eyes tightly shut, until her muscles finally gave out and fell limply to the bed.

They lay there quietly for several long moments as Kathryn's hands slid smoothly up and down her back, comforting her as she still shook from the force of her release.

"Every time… it is more." Seven whispered, tucking her face into the Admiral's shoulder. "Will it ever cease?"

Kathryn smiled and dropped a kiss into her hair. "I wouldn't know. I've never felt this way before. But something tells me, we're never going to have a problem with this part of our relationship. I can't imagine a time when I wouldn't want to touch you."

"MMm."

The older woman looked down, startled by the lack of eloquence in the reply and grinned when she saw the younger woman's eyes were closed. She had fallen asleep.

Smiling happily, she wrapped her arms around the beloved body pressed against hers and closed her own eyes. An afternoon nap sounded lovely.

---

Celes moved about the loft slowly, taking in the half finished pieces of art that adorned every spare inch of wall space. The barn was comfortably warm, heated below by an old wood burning stove that Phoebe had stoked into life as soon as they entered and from above by a standard heating unit. She had shed her jacket and gladly accepted a glass of blush wine from a small cooling unit the artist had hidden in a corner. "I'm surprised you don't have a replicator tucked away out here."

With a sly wink she shoved aside an old tool chest to reveal a unit half built into the wall. "It took me a week to get this thing in here and even longer to run the power lines. Mom was In San Francisco checking on Katie's townhouse at the time. I just couldn't handle having to travel an hour back and forth when I needed a certain color." She pushed the tool chest back into place. "But, I try not to use it except when I absolutely have to." She put a finger to her lips. "Don't tell anyone."

"It would be against Starfleet Regulations to withhold information from a superior officer." Celes laughed, remembering how they met. "But since I don't think mothers officially hold that rank, I could be persuaded to keep quiet about it."

She took her wine over to a couch that sat beneath one snow lined window. As she sat down, she noticed a colorful book lying in the center of a low slung table. "Visions." She read the title. There was no author listed. Flipping it over, she found a picture of the tall redhead on the back side. She was sitting on an artist's stool, holding one paintbrush in her mouth while she held another against the canvas. A dark gray smudge of paint adorned one cheek. Across the bottom of the photo it read 'Artist: Phoebe Janeway'. "This is your work?"

Phoebe flushed as she realized what the Bajoran was holding. "Yeah, some of it. Marie put that thing together after my very first showing."

"I get the feeling you refused to pose for the photo on the back." Celes laughed.

"I told them if they wanted a picture to take it, otherwise they could leave it off." She rubbed the back of her neck.

"Gee, I can't imagine why people think artists are difficult." She patted the cushion next to her, inviting Phoebe to join her. When she had settled next to her, she began to flip through the book, her attention immediately captured by the bold images portrayed in the redhead's artwork. There were a couple of still life pieces, and several images of spatial phenomena, but the pieces that grabbed her attention and really held it, were the nudes. They were drawn and painted in a style that seemed to tread a thin line between impressionism and realism. But more than that, their colors and lines seemed to almost vibrate with a sensual energy. A decidedly feminine sensual energy.

Silently, Celes continued to turn through the pages, a small smile gracing her features when she reached the end with the exact results she expected.

There was not a single image of a male model anywhere in Phoebe's work.

"Something amusing?"

Celes looked at the artist. "No, I am in awe." She wasn't lying exactly. She found her work extraordinary. She just wasn't going to bring up the decidedly female orientation of her visions. Gentle little nudges were one thing. She wasn't going to hit her over the head with a two by four. "Your work is exquisite, Phoebe."

A feeling of warmth settled into the taller woman's chest. "Thank you. I'm glad you like them."

"So, are you going to tell me what a Sno-Cat is?"

"Oh!" Phoebe tossed her the jacket she had abandoned earlier, an enthusiastic smile on her face. "Follow me."

They went down into the lower barn and through a door that led to an area that smelled of gasoline and motor oil. Phoebe flipped on the light switch then took her by the shoulders, turning her to face a large lump that was covered by a gray tarp. Grabbing the corner, the artist pulled it off with great flourish. "Voila!"

Celes looked at the contraption in confusion. It looked kind of like a hover bike, with its one long leather seat and handlebars, but instead of the air jets there were eight circular gears with large teeth that seemed to crisscross over each other. "What the hell is it?"

Phoebe laughed. "One of the last few remaining Sno-Cats. Dad had it for decades. This thing will travel across snow, slush, ice, pretty much anything that has to do with frozen or partially frozen water."

"Wouldn't a hover bike be easier to maintain?"

"That's what I said, until the first time I rode it." She handed Celes a set of goggles, a thick leather cap and two knit scarves from a cabinet nearby before she slid the outer door open, letting in the cold air. She pulled on her own gear and jumped onto the Sno-Cat, turning the key before jumping on starter to bring the machine roaring into life.

"It's loud!" Celes laughed as she climbed onto the seat behind Phoebe.

"Don't worry!" The artist called back. "Your ears will get too numb to notice!" She threw a reckless grin at the startled Bajoran. "Hold on tight!"

Celes didn't need to be told twice. She wrapped her arms around Phoebes waist, pulling herself up tightly against the taller woman's back.

The sled lurched forward, slowly at first until the gears found their purchase below the top layer of powder, and then the Sno-Cat took off like a bat out of hell. Glancing back, the Bajoran saw a huge plume of white being thrown up behind them as the snow was chewed up and spit out from beneath them.

"WOOO HOOO!" Phoebe cried out happily as they tore across the landscape. She could feel Celes' heart beating wildly against her back and heard the soft cries of delight that escaped from her throat as the machine went airborne over one of the higher snowdrifts. "Now this is something a hover-bike can't do!" She shouted over the wind. The Sno-Cat hit the edge of the frozen lake and the gears dropped down, flattening into a solid tread that hugged the ice, but did not cut into it. Phoebe felt them change and banked the Cat hard, delighting in the Bajoran's laughter as the vehicle slid sideways across the frozen lake top, spinning in lazy circles as it traveled. They rode out the drift until the Cat snugged up against the opposite bank and then she powered down the engine and slid her goggles down around her neck. "So? What did you think?"

"Oh my god, Phoebe, that was fabulous!" Celes leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. "Just let my heart catch up with us, I think it's over there someplace."

Phoebe laughed and helped her climb down and then rummaged around in the saddlebags on the back of the bike.

"What are you doing?" Celes asked.

"Looking for these." She held up her bounty triumphantly.

Celes' eyebrows furrowed as she looked at the objects in Phoebe's hands. They looked like long knives with one edge attached to a flat piece of plastic.

The artist grinned at her confusion. Setting the items down, she took her around the waist and lifted her so that she was sitting sideways on the Sno-Cat's seat. Celes watched her curiously as she took one of the blades and placed the plastic plate against the bottom of her boot. Small clamps popped out and locked down firmly on the sole. She then did the same to her other boot.

"Skates!" Celes grinned in delight.

Phoebe nodded and donned her own and they pushed off from the Sno-Cat, both of them trying to remember how to balance on the thin blades now attached to their feet.

Childhood lessons came back quickly though and soon they were skating figure eights around each other as a light snowfall began to dust over them.

They skated for another two hours until the snowfall had become so thick they could barely see each other, then they removed the blades and climbed back onto the Sno-Cat. With the weather quickly turning against them, Phoebe drove much more carefully, grateful for the warm interior of the barn as they pulled inside. They quickly closed up the barn doors and covered the bike before climbing the stairs up to the loft where Phoebe poured them each three fingers of whiskey to warm their insides.

"I've got something better than that." Gretchen smiled at them from the top of the stairs. "I saw you ride in and knew you would be chilled to the bone. So I brought you some soup, sandwiches, and some hot tea." She handed them two thermoses and a bag before turning to leave.

"Thanks, Ma." Phoebe smiled at her. "Do you want to join us, or are you eating with Katie and Seven?"

"Oh, no, those two still haven't come down." She shook her head with a small grin. "But I have a roast to get started. And trust me; they WILL be coming down for dinner."

Celes watched the older woman go before accepting a sandwich and a mug full of steaming hot chicken noodle soup. "Your mother is really something else."

"Yeah…she's a keeper."

---

Kathryn sighed happily as she opened her eyes, feeling the warm weight of Seven's limbs still pressing down on her. She glanced over at her love and was surprised to see bright azure eyes studying her intently. "Hey you. You're awake."

"Yes."

"What are you thinking about?"

Seven traced one Borg enhanced finger across her chest thoughtfully. "I was just considering my situation and how differently things may have occurred had you not found yourself lost in the Delta Quadrant." Tears filled her eyes and began to spill down her cheeks. "What might have happened to me if you had not…" Her voice broke and she buried her face in the older woman's neck.

"Shhh." Kathryn ran her fingers through the blonde hair and down her back in soothing strokes. "You don't have to think about those things, Annika. They don't matter anymore." She smiled reassuringly. "What you should be thinking about is what our future holds."

"I do not possess precognitive abilities."

"I know." She laughed softly. "But you can still imagine what we might have, what direction our lives might take."

"Elaborate."

"Well, for example, what if I remain stationed on Earth?"

"Then I would find work here to occupy my time."

"And if I did manage to get another ship?"

"Then I would follow you, wherever you might go."

"Starfleet might have a thing or two to say about that."

"Starfleet is irrelevant, Kathryn." The Borg stretched, arching her back and neck. "If need be, I will accept a commission to remain with you."

Kathryn felt a lump in her throat and swallowed. "And where would we live, here on Earth? Where would you like to have a home?"

"Where do you see us living?"

"I see us in a big old house with a music room where I can listen to you sing in your sweet, clear voice, and a modern kitchen, complete with every form of appliance since you seem to love that room so much."

"What else?"

"A large living room with a fireplace for us to snuggle in front of and a wooden deck where we can sit in the summer months and take in the sun."

"What else?"

"A bedroom with a king size bed for us to lounge in."

"What else?"

"A dog."

"A canine?" Seven arched one eyebrow.

"Yes." Kathryn smiled. "A house never seems like a home without a dog to greet you when you get there."

"I see. What else?"

"Have I forgotten something?" The older woman looked at her. "What do you see?"

"One more room." An almost shy look covered her features causing Kathryn to grin.

"What would be in that room?"

Seven took a deep breath. "A small bed... and toys."

Kathryn stopped breathing.

"A little girl?" The Borg looked at her, her eyes full of emotion. "With red hair and eyes like the Indiana sky after a snow storm."

"A child." The older woman said carefully. "You want to have a child… with me?"

"I wish to have our child, Kathryn." She tightened her embrace. "I find the love I have for you growing exponentially. It seems at times that there is more of it than we need, for just the two of us. The logical course of action would be to add a sub-unit to our collective. An additional member to share all of the love we have to give."

"All right. But what if I want a little girl with white blonde hair and bright blue eyes?"

"Then we shall have to have two."

Kathryn laughed. "You've been talking to mother."

"We have discussed it." Seven admitted. "She agrees with my hypothesis."

"She would. All right, a little girl." She took a deep breath. "What kind of time frame are we looking at here?"

The Borg laughed softly. "It does not need to be immediate, Kathryn. I wish for us to spend time together first. A year should be sufficient."

The older woman cleared her throat. "A year, hmm? All right, we'll discuss it in a year then. You won't let me forget will you?" She teased.

"I shall not." Seven renewed her interest in Kathryn's chest, her fingers swirling closer to the rosy nipples that hardened under her touch.

"Something tells me we're done talking for the moment."

The younger woman rolled them over so that Kathryn was on top of her. "You are correct."

Smiling, the Admiral closed her eyes as her lips were captured in a passionate kiss.

---

The last rays of sunlight were fading from the sky as Phoebe and Celes stepped through the back door and into the kitchen, the rich smell of pot roast teasing their senses as they hung their jackets up and accepted mugs of coffee from Gretchen.

"Any sign of the happy couple yet?" Phoebe asked.

"Nope." Gretchen rolled the last biscuit into shape and placed it into the pan to bake. "Why don't you girls set the table and then give them a thirty minute warning for dinner?"

They did as they were asked, and then Phoebe went to rouse the missing women while Celes went to the guest room to change into her dress whites so that Gretchen could see if they needed to adjust anything before the ceremony. When she came downstairs, Phoebe looked at her with open appreciation.

"You look good in a uniform." She whispered as she circled around her, trailing her hands across the smaller woman's shoulders.

Gretchen joined them and took several holo-images from different angles, explaining that she would be using them to create the outfit that Phoebe would be wearing when she served as the Matron of Honor. When she was done, she hugged Celes briefly. "You're perfect. Why don't you leave those here? No sense dragging them back and forth to the base when the wedding is only a week away."

Celes agreed and went back upstairs to change into her regular clothes.

Gretchen watched as her youngest daughter's eyes followed the Bajoran until she was out of sight.

"She's a lovely girl, Phoebe." She smiled.

"Yeah… yeah she is."

"What are you going to do about it?"

Phoebe sighed. "I'm still working on that one, Mom."

Gretchen laughed. "As different as you and Kathryn are, it still amazes me how much you are the same." Refusing to say anything more, she went back into the kitchen to pull the roast from the oven.

Forty five minutes later, Kathryn and Seven finally came downstairs. They both looked tremendously relaxed, their hair still damp from the shower they had taken together.

The five women sat down to dinner and talked easily as the night wore on.

"I want to hear about Phoebe when she was young." Celes pushed her empty plate away and picked up her wine glass. "Was she always an artist?"

"From the time she could hold a pencil she was drawing." Gretchen smiled at her youngest fondly. "She was taking advanced art theory when she was twelve in a class full of students five years older than she was."

"That must have been interesting." Celes mused.

"Oh, you don't know the half of it!" Kathryn laughed. "There was this one time, when the instructor assigned the students the task of completing a nude study over winter break."

Phoebe choked. "You are not going to tell this story!!"

"Oh yes I am!" Kathryn grinned. "The rest of the class came back from break with artistic renderings of museum nudes, but not my little sister."

"What did she do?" The Bajoran leaned forward, eager for the punch line.

"She did one of herself! She stood naked in front of the mirror in her bedroom for days!! The instructor was speechless from what I understand."

Phoebe groaned and dropped her head into her hands as Celes placed a comforting hand on the back of her neck.

"I still have that drawing somewhere around here." Gretchen added.

"Mom!"

"Really?" The Bajoran grinned. "I would love to see it!"

"Don't you dare!" Phoebe warned.

Kathryn pushed away from the table laughing. "Dinner was great Mom. If you ladies will excuse me, I have to send some communiqués to Starfleet before we turn in. I'll see you all later."

Gretchen stood and began to collect the dishes.

"Let me help with that." Celes offered.

When they had left the room, Phoebe eyed Seven, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "So, did you two have a good day?"

"It was most enjoyable." Seven replied.

"That's good. I thought maybe the two of you would be having a hard time with the abstinence thing."

"The 'abstinence thing'?"

"Oh," Phoebe feigned surprise. "I guess Kathryn didn't tell you about that tradition.

"Explain." Seven demanded.

"It's an old Terran tradition. The betrothed couple is supposed to remain chaste until after the ceremony. Apparently it's symbolic of the purity of their love."

The Borg looked thoughtful. "Are you certain? Kathryn did not mention it."

"Oh sure." Phoebe took a sip of her wine. "I'm sure if you check the database on Terran matrimonial traditions you'll be able to read all about it."

"I will do that." Seven stood and headed for the stairs. "Thank you, Phoebe."

"Anytime." The redhead watched her go and then began chuckling to herself.

"That was downright mean."

Phoebe glanced up and saw Celes standing in the doorway, her arms crossed as she looked at her in amusement.

"Hey, I had to get even."

The Bajoran sat down next to her. "So, do I get to see this self portrait of yours?"

"Maybe…" She heard her sister leave the den and head upstairs. "But not tonight. I think it's time we headed back to San Francisco."

---

Kathryn shut the bedroom door and smiled at Seven who was curled up under the blankets reading over a data PADD. "What's that?"

"Research."

"Ahh." She slowly stripped off her clothes and slid between the sheets. Snuggling her body up against the Borg's lanky curves she was surprised to find that she was wearing pajamas. "What's with the outfit?"

"It is appropriate."

"Ok," The older woman shrugged. "Why don't you put that PADD away and come hold me?"

Seven set the device on the bedside table and wrapped her arms around the smaller woman, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before whispering, "Goodnight, Kathryn."

"Goodnight?" The Admiral sat up and looked down at her in confusion. "You can't possibly be tired."

"I am not."

"You… don't want to make love?"

"My desire to make love with you is irrelevant. We cannot indulge in that activity at this time."

Kathryn blinked. "Ooookay. You want to explain that one to me?"

"It is my understanding that a betrothed couple should remain chaste until after the wedding ceremony, to prove the purity and depth of their love for each other. Is that not a Terran tradition? I have read about it."

"Well, yes it is an old Earth custom. I wasn't aware it was one we were recognizing."

"I find that it has merit."

"All right. If it's what you want." Frustrated, she lay back against her pillow. "What made you look up that particular tradition anyway?"

"We're heading out, Mom." Phoebe handed Celes her jacket and pulled on her own. "It's starting to look kind of nasty out there and I want to get Celes to the transport station before the snow really starts to fly."

Gretchen opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by a loud shout from upstairs.

"PHOEBE!!"

"Gotta go! I'll be staying at the gallery this week" She kissed her mom on the cheek quickly and pushed the Bajoran out the door.

Gretchen watched them go, confusion plain on her features. Her confusion only grew when Kathryn stormed into the kitchen tying her robe around her waist.

"Where is she?"

"Phoebe? She just left to take Celes back to town. What's going on?"

She explained what her little sister had done through clenched teeth and then waited patiently until her mother stopped laughing.

Patting her arm gently, Gretchen smiled at her. "Oh, come on dear. It's not that bad. It's only a week."

Kathryn sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Seven years, Mom."

Her mother tried hard not to start laughing again. "I know honey, but think how much better the honeymoon will be."

---

Phoebe and Celes spent the ride back to the transport station in silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts. When they finally reached their destination, Phoebe reached out and took her hand.

"Celes…" She began.

The Bajoran swallowed, a sad look crossing her features. "Is this the part where you tell me what great friends we'll be?"

Phoebe blinked in confusion. "What? No! Well, yes I'm sure we'll be great friends but this isn't a brush off." She smiled as the light came back into the smaller woman's eyes. "I just wanted to say that I had an incredible time this weekend, but I'm going to have to stay in Paris this week. I have to finish the last two pieces for the showing and I just can't do that here. I can't concentrate when I'm anywhere near you. Do you understand?"

"I do. And I'm flattered."

"Good." She leaned over and kissed her gently, pulling back before her barely restrained passion could break through. "I'll see you at the transport station in Paris, Friday at noon? I'll be the redhead in the tuxedo."

"I can't wait." Celes stole one more quick kiss and then jumped from the hover-car, disappearing into the swirling snow.

---

Chapter Eight – Elegant Ultimatums

Admiral Janeway stalked through the corridors of the Cathain on her way to engineering. It had been three days since she and Seven had last made love and the excess energy was driving her to distraction. Added to that was the fact that the MercDrive installation was nearly complete, meaning that the Admiral's council would soon be starting their deliberations as to who would be sitting in the Captain's chair, a decision that might be made while she was out on leave.

All in all, Kathryn's frustration was reaching a dangerous level.

She was surprised to find Engineering empty when she arrived, the work crews having moved on to other areas of the ship. Circling the warp core, she nearly tripped over a pair of long, shapely legs sticking out from beneath the dilithium chamber assembly.

"Seven? What are you doing down there?"

"I am attempting to complete the final conduit assembly but I am experiencing difficulty with the last coupling."

"What kind of difficulty?"

"I have found it hard to hold both ends of the conduit and turn the connector at the same time."

"What do you need?"

"A third hand?" Came the frustrated reply.

"Where is B'Elanna?"

"She has gone to the bridge to oversee the installation of the weapons failsafe. She has refused to assist me in any case."

"What? Why?"

There was a long pause. "B'Elanna has stated that I am far too 'bitchy' to be around at this time."

Ahh so the self imposed abstinence has affected even Borg efficiency!

Sighing, Kathryn dropped to the deck and worked her way up to where Seven was struggling with the coupling. "Where do you need me?"

"Place your hand here." She directed her to one end of the conduit hose.

The older woman had to squirm closer, half lying on top of the supine blonde to reach the offending mechanism. She held the hose steady as Seven began to turn the coupling, tightening it against the other end of the relay.

Kathryn closed her eyes as the Borg's scent washed over her. It was clean and sweet, slightly tangy with exertion and she could not stop her free hand from stroking the long line of her neck from her ear to her shoulder. Forgetting where she was for a moment, she let her fingers wander further, trailing them down the front of Seven's bio-suit to pass over the soft swells of her breasts.

"Kathryn." The Borg's voice was husky. "That is not conducive to completing our work."

"Why not?" She smirked. "You said you only needed one of my hands. The other is free to do what it wants."

Feeling decidedly wicked, she closed her fingers over an already firm nipple, reveling in the sharp intake of breath from the woman beneath her.

"We cannot…" Seven began.

"And we won't." Kathryn finished for her. "Not only is this an inappropriate place, but I always keep my promises. However, there is a big difference between making love and a little heavy petting."

With a growl, Seven released the coupling and grabbed her, pulling their bodies together roughly in the tight space. Her hands slid possessively down the small body to firmly cup her buttocks as Kathryn's teeth nipped playfully at her throat. The Borg's strong thigh slipped between her legs as she captured her lips, her tongue sliding inside her mouth to wrestle wetly with her own.

Kathryn indulged this behavior for several delicious moments and then pushed her away, crawling out from beneath the chamber to straighten her uniform. "Anything else I can help you with, dear?"

"No." Seven's voice was strained. "I have completed my repairs."

Smiling, the Admiral turned on her heel and headed out of Engineering. She ran into B'Elanna at the door.

"Admiral." The Klingon nodded at her. "I came down to see if your woman still needed any help."

"Oh she does." Kathryn smirked. "But I don't think there's anything you can do for her."

---

Phoebe stared at the painting in front of her, trying to envision an acceptable way to complete the multicolored nebula that swirled beautifully at her from the canvas.

It was based on one of the many images that Seven had supplied her with from the Astrometrics database on Voyager. The scene was gorgeous on its own, but she couldn't shake the feeling that it was lacking somehow.

With a sigh, she dropped her paintbrush and picked up the bottle of wine she had been nursing all day. Drinking directly from its neck, she cocked her head to one side and let her thoughts wander.

As expected, the first image to enter her mind was one of Celes, but it was quickly followed by Seven, and then Kathryn and each of the members of the senior staff that she had come to know since the ship's return. It suddenly occurred to her that Voyager had been so much more than a ship to its crew. It had been a home, a fortress and a savior all in one.

Humming to herself, she picked up her paintbrush again and started to work.

---

Kathryn Janeway stood outside of the Admiral's Council Chambers wondering which way this meeting was going to go. It was Thursday, the last day she would be at Starfleet Headquarters before taking her month leave for the wedding and honeymoon.

She had asked that this session be convened for a specific reason and while she knew her motives to be true and sound, it did little to quell the anxiety she felt rising up inside of her.

Finally, squaring her shoulders, she entered the room to find Admiral Paris, Admiral Neyechev, Admiral Stewart and a host of others seated around the semi-circular table. She stood at attention before them, only relaxing when Paris smiled at her fondly.

"You've done an excellent job on the Cathain, Admiral Janeway." He nodded. "We are very pleased with your work and the work of Seven of Nine."

"Yes," Neyechev bared her teeth in what passed for a smile. "Now all that remains is for us to assign her crew and for you to assist in their training."

"That is what I wished to discuss with you." Janeway lifted her chin. "I respectfully request a demotion back to Captain and that I be given command of another ship."

There was a moment of collective silence and then Neyechev responded. "No."

"I beg your pardon?"

"The answer is no." She repeated. "You are too valuable to us in your current position. We require your expertise in the training of not just the crew of the Cathain, but in that of all the officers who will soon be graduating from the academy. Your experience is too vast to waste on the command of a single vessel."

Janeway silently counted to ten as she reigned in her temper. "With all due respect, I do not belong behind a desk or behind a teaching podium. I belong on the bridge of a starship and you know that."

"Then perhaps you should have considered that before accepting your promotion. Our determination is final. We expect you to fulfill your obligations as Admiral upon your return from leave."

She took a deep breath. "All right, you have explained what you expect. Now let me make my position perfectly clear. I'm going on leave to be married. When I return in 28 days, I will either have my demotion and a new command, or you will have my resignation. Either way, I won't be wearing an Admiral's insignia any longer."

"You would do that?" Admiral Neyechev leaned forward in her chair. "Throw away your whole career?"

"This isn't the career I want, sitting behind a desk, pushing reports. I'll be honest, I want the Cathain. But beyond that, I want the stars. If I can't have them with Starfleet, I'm sure there are hundreds of private ventures out there that could use a seasoned Captain."

"Especially one with your name." Admiral Paris looked amused.

Janeway leaned her head to one side and smiled but did not respond to his remark. "I'll see you in 28 days."

---

Phoebe stood self consciously at the transport station in Paris, fidgeting under the constant scrutiny of passersby. Most of them were polite enough to look once and then go along their way, but every once in a while she got one that would quite literally stop and stare.

I guess I should take it as a compliment. She mused to herself. She was not one to normally fuss about her appearance, but she had taken an extraordinary amount of time on herself this afternoon. Her hair was brushed until the sunlight glinted off the deep red curls that flowed over her shoulders and down her back, accented by the two perfectly done braids on either side of her face. She was wearing a custom tailored black tuxedo with tails, the pants neatly taken in to show off her curves, the bow tie and cummerbund a deep crimson against the ivory of her shirt. She knew she looked pretty good, she just wished people wouldn't stare.

Ten second later she got her wish.

The platform went silent as another woman stepped into view that totally eclipsed her appearance.

Celes walked casually in her direction, a glow about her as she took in the look of awe on Phoebe's face.

The Bajoran was wearing a slinky black evening gown that had one thin strap holding it up over her shoulder. It cut deeply down across her full breasts, leaving her shoulders bare and ended just below her knees where it met the tops of high black lace up boots. Gloves stretched from her elbows to her fingertips where she clutched a small black purse. Her hair was a mass of sparkling red curls that were drawn up at the sides by glistening silver combs that caught the light no matter which way she moved.

"You look…" Phoebe swallowed. "Radiant."

Celes smiled. "Thank you. You look very debonair yourself." She placed her hand daintily on Phoebe's outstretched arm and allowed herself to be led to the hover-car waiting at the curb.

As they settled into the back seat, Phoebe angled her body so that she could continue to look at her.

"You're staring, hun."

"I can't help it." She knew she had a goofy smile on her face and didn't care. "I think you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"Sweet talker."

When they arrived at their destination, the taller woman jumped out of the craft eagerly, once again extending her arm to help the other woman from the conveyance. The members of the press who had gathered outside had a field day snapping holo-images as the two smiled and waved before they entered the building.

Arm in arm, they climbed the short flight of stairs to the second floor where Celes was handed a program before they entered the gallery.

"Duality: Beauty in Borg Space." She read with a smile, then a small laugh escaped her lips. "A new showing by Phoebe Beatrice Janeway? You're kidding? PB&J?"

"Yeah," The taller woman flushed. "I heard that all the time from Katie when we were kids. How do you know about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?"

"Tom Paris recommended them. He said it was his favorite comfort food." She ran her hand down the front of the taller woman's lapels. "It suits you. Dry on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside…"

Phoebe swallowed. "C'mon. I'll show you the exhibit."

The two women swept into the room to applause from the people already in attendance. Phoebe bowed slightly and then took Celes by the hand, leading her from one painting to the next. As they came to the second to last, she heard the smaller woman sigh in appreciation. "Oh, Phoebe, this is wonderful."

The artist smiled. It was the painting she had been having trouble with the night before. She had finally completed it by adding an image of Voyager in the swirling colors of the nebula and half hidden images of Kathryn, Seven, B'Elanna, Tom, Tuvok and Harry in the shadows of the clouds.

"Voyagers." Celes read the name. "It's lovely."

"Thank you."

"Is this the focal point? The one you're giving Seven and Janeway as a wedding gift?"

"Oh no." She took the Bajoran's hand, leading her to the center of the room. "That one is right there."

Celes looked at the charcoal study title Duality, her jaw slowly dropping at the intricate detail that Phoebe had put into her work. The lines were perfect, the representation impeccable. "It's…exquisite, Phoebe. Truly."

"Do you think they'll like it?"

"I think they'll adore it."

They spent the rest of the afternoon winding through the crowds with Phoebe stopping now and then to speak with admirers of her work. Finally, exhausted, they retired to the refreshment area where Marie caught up with them.

"Looks like we have a bidding war going on for Voyagers, my dear." The woman smiled broadly. "They've already hit six figures."

"That's wonderful, Phoebe!" Celes threw her arms around the taller woman and hugged her tightly.

"We do have one small problem though." Marie sighed.

"Problem?" Phoebe frowned. "What's going on?"

"There is a gentleman that is adamant about purchasing Duality."

"It's NFS, Marie."

"I know that, he just doesn't seem to want to take my word on that."

"All right." The artist sighed. "Where is he? I'll talk to him."

"He's standing right next to it."

They walked back towards the focal piece and Celes felt Phoebe tense beside her when they saw who was standing there.

"Hello, Phoebe." He nodded.

"Chakotay." The artist's voice was like ice. "What can I do for you?"

"I want to purchase this item."

"Well, as you can see from the little card at the bottom, Duality is NFS."

He smiled. "Everything has a price."

"Not everything." Celes interjected.

Chakotay looked at the Bajoran, a nasty smirk on his face as he took in her hand tucked snuggly within Phoebe's. "I guess deviant behavior runs in your family."

Celes took a step forward but Phoebe stopped her. "The only deviant I see here is you." The artist said quietly. "Duality is not for sale, at any price. And even if it were, I wouldn't sell it to you."

Without another word, she led the Bajoran away to speak to an art critic that had been trying to get her attention all day.

Frowning, Chakotay walked into the outer hall where he caught one of the ushers by the arm. "I would like to talk to the artist alone about one of her creations. What time is the showing over?"

"The showing ends at six." The young man said helpfully. "But she won't be available then, I'm afraid. The gallery will be closing down early to accommodate a private party."

"A private party?"

"Yes. I believe it is a bridal shower for the artist's sister. Excuse me, sir."

Chakotay watched him walk away, a small smile on his face.

---

Seven and Kathryn stepped off the transport pad at the Paris station to find a limousine waiting for them. With a smile of appreciation, the slid inside, their arms going around each other in the privacy of the back compartment as their lips met in a loving kiss.

"You look wonderful" Kathryn breathed. Her hands slid down the front of the shimmering red dress the Borg wore, delighting in the feel of the silk that clung to her like a second skin.

"As do you." Seven smiled. "Seeing you in a tuxedo has always had a most gratifying affect on me."

"I would say I am the one more grateful for the affect it has on you." Kathryn grinned. She kissed the Borg again, her barely restrained passion breaking through more than just a little.

"One more day." Seven promised.

"That is one day too long." The Admiral growled.

The car pulled up in front of the gallery and they stepped out, surprised to find members of the press still there, happy to snap holo-images of them as they made their way inside. On the second floor, they met up with Gretchen, Tom, B'Elanna, Sam, Naomi, Tuvok, his wife and the Doctor as they loitered outside the entrance.

"What are you all doing out here?" Kathryn smiled.

"They wouldn't let us in until you got here." Tom complained. "Apparently your wedding gift is in there and they want it to be a surprise for everyone."

"I see." The Admiral turned as she heard someone call her name and did a double take. Her sister walked towards them with Celes on her arm and she had to admit, the two looked incredible together.

"Phoebe, Celes." She nodded at both of them. "You two look lovely this evening."

"As do you." Celes smiled at the crowd. "All of you."

"So, everything is ready." Phoebe winked at her mother. "Come on in."

The gallery had been decorated with red and white streamers, platinum balloons tied to the tables around the corners of the room. There was a large buffet spread and an open bar set up, as well as a raised dais in the center of the room that held an object covered with a silver cloth.

"It is lovely, Phoebe." Seven smiled at her soon-to-be sister.

"I'm glad you like it." She raised her voice. "Everyone, please! Get yourself a glass of champagne and meet us in the center of the room!"

The senior staff, as well as the multitudes of other well wishers hurried to comply and within minutes they were gathered in a well mannered throng around the raised platform. Phoebe jumped up into the stage and held out her hand to pull Celes up beside her. Holding up her own glass of champagne, she smiled and addressed the crowd.

"We are here this evening, to celebrate the extraordinary good luck of my big sister in finding the one woman in the universe that could put up with her."

The crowd laughed softly.

"Katie," She smiled down at the Admiral. "I love you dearly and I cannot imagine anyone more fitting for you to share your life with than the incredible woman who is standing beside you at this very moment. Seeing the two of you together is enough to make anyone believe in true love."

Shouts of "Here, here!" broke out as the crowd drank in tribute to the happy couple.

"I know that the people in this room have had the opportunity to know what truly unique and special woman Annika Hansen is, but I thought it unfair that the rest of the world has not yet had that opportunity. As such, I present my wedding gift to the two of you. It is my tribute to you Seven, and to the love that allows us all to see you for who you truly are. I give you: Duality."

With great flourish, she pulled away the silver cloth, revealing the canvas beneath.

For a moment, the room was completely silent as they took in the image of Seven wearing blue jeans and a white button down shirt lounging sideways in an overstuffed chair. The Borg was barefoot and there was a look of infinite longing on her face, one so completely… human… that everyone in the room was moved to tears.

"Oh my god." Kathryn stepped closer. "Phoebe… that is… remarkable." Tears welled up in her eyes and slid quietly down her cheeks as Seven wrapped her arms around her from behind.

"I concur." The Borg nodded in appreciation. "You're work is flawless."

"So is the model." Celes held up her glass. "To the happy couple!"

Everyone in the room cheered and took a drink. The crowd started to break up, most of them filing past the piece of art for a closer look before heading off to the buffet table and the bar.

Kathryn silently pulled Phoebe down from the stage and wrapped her up in a hug. Not trusting herself to say anything, she cupped her sisters face in her hand and kissed her on the cheek before walking away with Seven at her side to help support her in her emotional state.

"I think that went well." Celes slid her hand up Phoebe's back."

"Me too." The artist smiled in satisfaction.

"Oh yes." A sarcastic voice said from behind them. "Three cheers for the happy couple."

They both turned to see Chakotay standing by the open doorway to the balcony. He had a glass of amber liquid in his hand and from the sound of his voice, it wasn't his first.

"I don't remember inviting you." Phoebe said darkly as she stepped up to him, her chin rising to study him with disdain.

"Hey, I was a member of Voyager's crew, too." He spat back. "I should be here."

"You forfeited whatever rights you had when you hit Seven." Phoebe growled.

Chakotay laughed. "So sanctimonious. You sound just like your sister." He took a large drink from his glass. "It isn't like Seven didn't already get even. I'm sure you heard about how she blindsided me after I risked my life to save her."

"You risked your life?" The artist said indignantly. "You're a joke!"

"I'm a joke?" He gestured towards Seven and Janeway. "Those two are the joke. The Federation hero and her pet Borg." He sneered. "Who wouldn't be worth a damn without all those implants. She certainly wouldn't have been able to get the drop on me!"

"So," Phoebe crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her head to one side. "What you're saying is that the only reason Seven managed to lay you out is because she has Borg enhancements?"

Chakotay nodded, turning to snort in their direction. "She's a freak…just like…" His words were cut short as he turned back towards Phoebe to find his face connecting with a solid right hook. The woman's fist was small, but there was a lot of anger behind it and the force pushed him backwards, directly into the foot Celes had planted in his path. Arms flailing wildly, Chakotay went over the balcony railing, landing with a satisfying thud in the rose bed ten feet below.

Phoebe ran to the railing, making sure the obnoxious man's chest was moving before she turned a delighted smile on the young Bajoran. Without thinking, she leaned forward and kissed Celes resoundingly, her eyes going wide when she heard a soft sigh and the lips beneath hers opened. She felt a tentative hand at the nape of her neck and gentle fingers brushing through the delicate hairs, making them tingle. They were kissing…. Right here…out in the open! For a moment, her brain tried to focus on all the reasons she had for not getting involved with Celes, but when the soft, pink tongue reached out and gently caressed her upper lip, all reason fled. She wrapped the smaller woman up in her arms, arching her back slightly as the kiss was passionately returned

The embrace went on for several delicious moments until they heard footsteps approaching. Pulling away, Phoebe turned to see Tom and Harry rushing over.

"What happened?" Tom looked from Phoebe to Celes, taking in the slightly flushed expressions with concern. "We heard a scream."

"Oh, that." Celes managed. "I believe Chakotay zigged when he should have zagged."

Harry and Tom both looked down over the railing, their concern turning to laughter when they saw their former First Officer trying unsuccessfully to extricate himself from several thorny rose bushes.

"C'mon, Tom." Harry shook his head. "We'd better get him out of there before he causes a scene."

Phoebe watched them go then took the smaller woman by the hand. "You were wonderful, thank you."

"I think I prefer your previous method of displaying gratitude." The Bajoran smiled and moved closer, closing the distance between them to place a gentle kiss on her lips.

Suddenly all the nervousness was gone. All the second guessing herself, all the worries about what was right or wrong for her just disappeared beneath Celes' velvet lips and the soft weight of the body in her arms.

"Whoa!" Kathryn stopped short just inside the doorway to the balcony. "So sorry to interrupt." She snickered. "I was just wondering where Tom and Harry rushed off to."

Phoebe glanced over the railing before throwing her sister a playful wink. "Oh, they just went to take out the trash."

---

Phoebe waved goodbye to the last of the partiers and then flopped tiredly into a chair. Her bow tie had long since been removed and her ivory shirt was unbuttoned almost down to her breasts. Smiling to herself, she grabbed a half-full bottle of champagne from a nearby table and drank directly from its neck before offering it to Celes, who slid gracefully into a chair beside her.

The Bajoran accepted the bottle, taking a long drink as she watched the taller woman's hand play idly with the laces on one of her boots before it slid up over her knee to lie possessively on her thigh. With a grin, she handed the bottle back. "Phoebe Beatrice Janeway, I do believe you're drunk."

"On life maybe," The artist smiled. "But not on champagne. I think the party went well, don't you?"

"I think so. Your sister seemed relieved that you hadn't ordered strippers for the occasion."

Phoebe snorted. "Don't think the thought hadn't occurred to me. Somehow though, something more sedate seemed called for. They really do adore each other. Don't need strippers to commemorate that fact."

"Agreed." Celes looked at the mess around them. "What now? We clean up?"

"Oh hell no! Marie has a crew for that. They'll be in an hour or so before dawn and the gallery will look good as new."

"So then… I guess I head back to the base."

Phoebe looked thoughtful for a moment. "Listen why don't you come out and stay at the farm again? Your dress whites are already there and the wedding is early in the afternoon. No sense in you going all the way to the base just to head out to Indiana in the morning."

"I didn't bring anything with me." Celes protested.

"I have a toothbrush you can borrow and something comfortable for you to change into." She saw that the Bajoran was wavering. "Come on, I'd really like it if you did."

"All right." She smiled. "But you get to cook for me in the morning."

"As long as you can live on coffee. That's about all I can make!" She took Celes by the hand and they strolled casually down to the hover-car that was still waiting for them by the curb. Within twenty minutes they had arrived at the transport station in Bloomington where Phoebe wrapped her tuxedo jacket around the Bajoran's shoulders for warmth before they stepped out into the cold Indiana night.

Celes was grateful for the added warmth as they climbed into the Janeway hovercraft as it took a good five minutes to get the heat moving through the conveyance. After that the ride was comfortable and the Bajoran spent the time spellbound by the winter covered fields that sped by outside the windows.

The farm was dark and quiet when they finally reached it, the only light on was coming from the kitchen and the two women made their way there silently to find Gretchen sipping a cup of tea.

"Hello, darling." Her mother stood and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Wonderful party. I was quite proud of you."

"Thanks Mom."

Gretchen looked startled for a moment when she saw Phoebe wasn't alone. "Celes! Hello dear!" She wrapped the smaller woman up in a warm hug. "I wasn't expecting to see you this evening."

"Oh," The Bajoran looked momentarily flustered. "If I'm causing an inconvenience-"

"Nonsense!" Gretchen smiled. "You are always welcome here. There's just one small problem."

Phoebe looked at her mother's mischievous smile curiously.

"Tom, B'Elanna and little Miral are in one guestroom and Sam and Naomi are in the other." Gretchen explained.

"No problem." Celes smiled. "I've slept on a couch before."

"Well, unfortunately Harry Kim is on the couch."

"Oh."

Gretchen tried hard not to laugh. "But Phoebe has a queen size bed so I am sure the two of you will do just fine." She patted the Bajoran on the arm. "If she starts to snore, just poke her in the ribs."

"Mom!" Phoebe complained.

"Goodnight, girls!"

They stood quietly in the kitchen for a few moments after the older woman had gone.

"You all right with this?" Celes asked quietly.

"Oh, sure." Phoebe nodded, swallowing. "Come on, let's turn in."

They climbed the stairs quietly so as not to wake up any of the sleeping guests. Once they were in her room, Phoebe closed the door softly and turned to look at Celes who was staring at the bed.

"Something wrong?" She asked.

"Just curious what side you sleep on."

"Oh." The taller woman blushed slightly. "Just pick the side you want, it's all the same to me."

"Ok, but I can't exactly sleep in this Phoebe. Didn't you promise me something comfortable to change into?"

"Right!" The artist rummaged through her drawers and came up with an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts. "Here you go."

Celes sat down on the bed and took off her boots then stood and presented her back to Phoebe. "Can you help me with this; the clasp is in the back."

"Sure." Phoebe's hands were shaking as unhooked the small gold fastener, wondering idly who helped the smaller woman get into the dress and finding herself surprised as the bolt of jealousy that shot through her. "There."

"Thank you." Celes let the dress slide down to reveal that she was wearing nothing underneath and Phoebe turned quickly away, hiding her flushed cheeks as she stripped down to the tank top and boxers she wore under her tuxedo. She waited while Celes slid between the sheets on the right side of the bed, then turned out the light and climbed in on her side.

She lay there for a few moments, counting silently to herself, willing herself to calm down, sure that the Bajoran could hear the pounding of her heart. She had just managed to get it to behave when Celes turned onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow to look at her.

"You sleep on this side don't you?"

Heart hammering even harder in her chest Phoebe whispered, "Why do you say that?"

"Because this pillow…" As she spoke she leaned in closer. "Is covered with the scent of your hair…"

"Oh?" She looked up at the beautiful face just inches from hers. "Is that a problem?"

"I'm not sure I'm going to be able to sleep."

"Why not?" Phoebe whispered, her lips a breath away from the Bajoran's.

"Because it's going to drive me insane."

The distance closed between them and their lips met in a soft kiss that deepened as Phoebe released the passion she had been holding in check since their kiss earlier that night. Her arms went around the smaller woman, crushing their bodies together as their tongues met and played wetly within their mouths.

"Phoebe…" Celes groaned, pulling away reluctantly. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." The artist growled. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

"Then by the Prophets, please… put your hands on me."

Phoebe slid her hands up under Celes' shirt, marveling at the feel of warm, smooth skin under her palms. Grabbing the garment with her fingers, she pulled it over Celes' head then followed it with her own before pulling the smaller body against hers once again.

Celes' breasts were soft against hers, except for the two hard points of her nipples that rubbed deliciously against her skin. Moaning softly, she brought her lips to the Bajoran's neck where she bit lightly against the pulse fluttering wildly beneath her skin.

"Yes!" Celes whispered, her hands stroking across the plains of Phoebe's back before sliding down to hook into the band of her shorts. Pushing gently, she slid the garment down the taller woman's legs where Phoebe kicked them off to get lost amidst the blankets.

The artist groaned loudly as small strong hands cupped her buttocks, using them to pull her closer. Dropping her head, she trailed kisses down Celes' chest and up over her breasts, stopping for a moment to take in the sight of her gently heaving chest, the swells capped beautifully by dusky rose colored peaks. With a sigh of pleasure, she took one in her mouth, her fingers finding the other as her tongue and teeth played over the hardened flesh. She felt Celes shiver against her, heard her quietly moaning her name and knew whatever she was doing, she was doing it right.

Celes buried her fingers in Phoebe's hair, holding her head against her chest as the woman lavished attention on her breasts. Her eyes closed in ecstasy as teeth grazed over the swollen nipples roughly before being replaced by the gentleness of tongue and lips. She hooked one of her legs over Phoebe's hips and pulled the artist to her, reveling in the smooth skin of the well muscled thigh until the fabric of her shorts came between them.

As if reading her mind, Phoebe's hand slid down her stomach and under the garment, pulling it off to toss it aside carelessly.

Freed, Celes rolled over on top of the taller woman, her legs falling open to straddle Phoebe's hips. The hair between their legs tangled sweetly together, the moisture mingling delicately as she slipped down to position herself on Phoebe's thigh.

Slowly, she began to rock, the hardened ridge of her sex bumping deliciously over the muscles beneath her. She heard Phoebe cry out at the contact and felt the long, slender fingers slide down between them to play wetly between her legs.

"Tell me what to do." Phoebe whispered breathlessly.

"Go inside." Celes commanded.

Phoebe obeyed, sliding two fingers into the velvet warmth and gasping in pleasure at the muscles that contracted around them. She raised her knee slightly and Celes began to ride her, pulling up and back before sliding back down.

Phoebe put her hand on the small of the Bajoran's back, using it raise herself so that she would not lose contact with the breasts she was adoring with her mouth. The fingers she had buried deeply within the smaller woman curled reflexively and hit a smooth, slick spot, causing Celes to throw her head back and cry out as her orgasm took shake within her.

Phoebe kept her eyes open, watching the ecstasy as it transformed Celes' face, watching the pleasure course through her as the muscles of her neck went taught with exertion, delighting in the salty taste that came with the light sheen of sweat that was coating them both.

Finally Celes body stiffened, going completely still as she cried it, "Oh Prophets, Yes Phoebe!" And then the small body fell forward, collapsing against her, melting into her until she could not tell where her body left off and Celes' began.

They lay that way for several long minutes, Phoebe gently kissing the top of the Bajoran's head as she whispered endearments to her. Slowly, she pulled her fingers from her body and brought them to her lips. The scent was intoxicating, light and musky, like the earth after it rained. Sliding them into her mouth, she whimpered in appreciation at the taste.

When she opened her eyes again she found the smaller woman smiling at her. "Hey you." Celes whispered. "You all right?"

"All right?" Phoebe laughed, hugging her tightly. "I'm fantastic! That was… incredible."

Desire rose, dark and deep in the eyes gazing into her own. "You ain't seen nothing yet."

Phoebe swallowed, her head slamming back into her pillow as Celes' mouth closed on one of her nipples. The Bajoran's tongue flicked over it rapidly, realizing that Phoebe would be almost painfully aroused and knowing she would not have much time to play.

Replacing her mouth with her fingertips, the smaller woman slid down the generously muscled torso, stopping here and there to lick and nibble at Phoebe's abs in her descent. She kissed the extended navel gently, surmising that, as an outtie, Phoebe would be very ticklish, before moving down further to nuzzle her lips through the red curls between her legs.

"Oh, god Celes…" Phoebe whispered.

Smiling, the Bajoran opened Phoebe's folds with her nose and reached out with her tongue, finding the bundle of nerves that was red and swollen with need. She felt those long glorious fingers tangle in her hair as she began to move her tongue over the ridge, bathing her face in Phoebe's essence as she suckled the small nub with her lips.

Phoebe's hips began to move under her ministrations, each stroke causing her to push further and further up off of the bed. Her mind was a whirl of chaos but even through all of it she recognized that nothing… no one… had ever made her feel the way Celes was making her feel right now with just her lips and the tip of her tongue.

Celes' fingers continued to pinch her nipples exquisitely as her mouth increased its tempo driving what was left of any rational thoughts from her mind. She closed her eyes tightly and saw the bight colors of her orgasm flash behind her eyelids as she cried out into the stillness, "OH DEAR GOD CELES!!" And then she began to shake as the wave crashed over her, but Celes did not stop. Over and over she brought the taller woman to orgasm until Phoebe thought she might pass out.

Finally, unable to bear anymore, she took Celes by the shoulders and pulled her up. The Bajoran came to rest on top of her, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss that tasted of herself.

"I love you." Phoebe whispered as she wrapped her arms around the smaller woman.

She felt Celes smile against her chest. "It's about time."

Phoebe laughed.

"I love you too, PB&J."

---

Chapter Nine – You Are Cordially Invited

Phoebe staggered downstairs and into the kitchen, yawning as she reached for a mug to pour herself a cup of coffee.

"Long night?"

She turned quickly, blinking to clear her vision and saw her sister, her mother, Seven, Tom, and B'Elanna sitting around the breakfast bar. Miral was sitting on her mother's lap, cheerfully covering her with oatmeal.

"Oh," Phoebe blushed. "Yeah, I guess so."

"You look a little flushed sis," Kathryn smirked. "What's up?"

"Huh? OH, nothing." Phoebe climbed onto a stool. "I guess I just drank a little too much last night."

"Uh huh." Kathryn took a sip of her coffee to hide her smile. She was about to say something else when her attention was grabbed by something behind her sister.

Phoebe turned to see Celes stumble into the kitchen. She was dressed in one of Phoebe's old field hockey jerseys and a pair of boxer briefs. Her hair was tousled and she had a very satisfied look on her face. Everyone at the table watched in amusement as the Bajoran poured herself a cup of coffee then walked up to Phoebe and dropped a kiss on her forehead.

"Morning PB&J."

B'Elanna looked at Kathryn, mouthing 'PB&J'?

Celes finally glanced at the rest of them. "Good morning."

Without another word, she turned and left the kitchen.

Phoebe's face was blushing so hard she thought she might burst into flames. Finally, she glanced at her sister to see the knowing look on her face. "What?"

Kathryn and B'Elanna grinned at each other before saying in unison, "Damn small house."

---

Kathryn Janeway stood in the small room that served as the Groom's Chamber at the church and fidgeted. Her dress whites, which she had always found more than comfortable, seemed to have shrunk somehow in the last hour or so and she was continually pulling on her collar, trying to free up the blood flow to her brain.

Calm down, Katie! She chastised herself. It's not like you weren't prepared for this. This is Seven… Annika… The woman you want to spend the rest of your life with!

But nothing helped. Her heart continued to race and she continually had to wipe her palms against her slacks to dry them.

Pacing around the small room, she was glad she had skipped breakfast. Her stomach was doing flips and threatening to toss out the coffee she had allowed herself as it was.

A brief knock interrupted her pacing and Tom entered the room. "Admiral?"

"Don't call me that on my wedding day!" She snapped.

Tom blinked in confusion and then grinned. "A little nervous?"

She dropped her head, grinning ruefully. "I'm sorry, Tom. Maybe just a little." She started to run her fingers through her hair and then stopped, having been warned by B'Elanna that she would suffer a fate worse than death if she messed it up. "Did you go through this when you got married?"

"You don't remember?"

"At the moment I can't remember my name!"

Tom laughed. "Ok, yes I was terrified. I was marrying a Klingon for God's sake!" He straightened Kathryn's insignia. "But I will tell you something else. I haven't regretted it for a moment."

Kathryn nodded. "You guys look really happy."

"You have no idea." He took her by the shoulders. "Getting married was the best thing I ever did, next to having Miral."

"You're happy being a daddy?"

"Oh yeah." His eyes got a little misty. "You haven't lived until this little person that means more than anything to you tucks her hand in yours and says 'I love you pawpaw'." He noticed a strange wistful look on Kathryn's face. "Are you two… considering…"

"Seven mentioned it." She smiled. "She wants a little girl with red hair and blue-gray eyes."

"I can't imagine anything better." Tom smiled and hugged her briefly. "You two would be incredible parents."

"Yes, well." She tugged on her jacket. "That's for later. For right now I would be content with getting through the wedding without passing out."

"You'll do fine."

The door opened again and Tuvok stepped inside. "It is time, Kathryn."

The Admiral paled and Tom felt her slump slightly against him. "Come on." He grinned. "Where's that command mask?"

"I must have left it in my sock drawer." She said absently.

"Tuvok, a little help here?"

The men stood on either side of her, offering their silent support as they left the room and strode down the center aisle of the church. The pews on either side were filled to overflowing with friends and family. Janeway thought she caught sight of Owen Paris but lost him quickly in the sea of smiling faces beaming up at her.

They reached the altar and she looked across from her to see B'Elanna and Celes looking resplendent in their dress whites. Beside them, Phoebe stood smiling, her hair pulled back in a French twist, a form fitting white tuxedo gracing her curves, complete with a white skirt that ended below the knee and showed off the long legs that ended in sandals tied up her calf. She tried to still be irked at her sister but when she took in the look of love and support on her face, all she could do was smile in gratitude.

Suddenly the organist began to play and Kathryn felt her heart kick up a notch. Turning with the rest of the wedding party, she faced the back of the church.

Naomi came down the aisle first, a small basket in her hands that she reached into, dropping rose petals behind her as the music swelled.

When Seven stepped into view, her arm tucked neatly into that of the Doctor, Kathryn thought she had surely died. All the sounds around her faded away as the blonde began to walk towards her.

She was divine.

It was the only word that would do her justice.

She looked like a goddess with her hair flowing down her back, caught up on the sides by golden combs to pull it back over her ears. The dress was a vision in white and Kathryn recognized it immediately. It was her mothers.

Lace wrapped around the long beautiful neck and covered the expanse of her chest before it was replaced by silk that flowed down her body like liquid. Silk covered her shoulders and arms as well and trailed behind her in a long train that whispered over the carpet like fairies wings.

A thin lace veil covered but did not hide the classic features of her face and she held a bouquet of white roses in hands that joined in front of her.

When she came to stop in front of Kathryn, she could feel love emanating from the azure blue eyes and all of the nervousness fled.

This woman was her destiny, pure and simple.

The Doctor stepped away and Phoebe took the bouquet from Seven, who turned and held her hands out to Kathryn.

The Admiral took them with a smile.

They turned slightly as the minister stepped up to the podium, but did not take their eyes off of each other.

"We are gathered here today," He began. "to witness the union of two very special women. Women who have done more than simply come to love each other, through their trials and tribulations, they have come to truly know and cherish each other, something which is very rare indeed. While I am honored to preside over this union, it is my understanding that Kathryn and Annika have written their own vows. They will speak them now."

Kathryn turned to face Seven fully. "Annika, I met you at a time in my life that was unlike any other. It seems fitting that you should also be a woman unlike any other. You reached a part of me that I did not know I even possessed, a part of me that I now give to you freely. You are my heart and soul, and I pledge to you that you will be the one thing I hold above all others for the rest of my life and beyond."

A small smiled graced the Borg's lips. "Kathryn, at one time I thought you small. I thought you insignificant. I did not wish to be like you. Since that time I have come to realize that being like you is the one thing I should strive for in my existence. That far from being small, you are the universe to me. You took a drone and gave her back her humanity. You gave me back my life, my hope… my heart. I am here today to offer you these things freely. To give myself and my life to you, to share myself with you for now, for ever and beyond."

Behind them they could hear the sounds of tears in the crowd but they only had eyes for each other as the minister began to speak again.

"Let anyone who would speak out against this union do so now, or forever hold their peace."

There was a weighted silence, but no one spoke.

Naomi stood and stepped forward, holding out the ring pillow carefully.

The minister spoke loudly and clearly. "Do you, Kathryn Elizabeth Janeway, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to honor and cherish for all of your days, through the rest of this life and into the eternity of the next?"

Kathryn picked up two of the bands and joined them together, taking Seven's Borg hand to slide it onto her ring finger. "Oh yes, I do."

He turned to the other woman. "And do you, Annika Hansen-Janeway, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to honor and cherish for all of your days, through the rest of this life and into the eternity of the next?"

Seven picked up the remaining bands and connected them, sliding them onto Kathryn's hand where the fit snugly against the engagement ring. "I do."

The minister smiled. "Then, by the power vested in me by the United Federation of Planets, I now pronounce you lawfully wed. You may both kiss the bride."

The church broke into applause as Kathryn raised the veil and the two of them leaned in close to share a brief, loving kiss. Then they turned and smiled at the congregation, waving at them as they made their way back down the aisle amidst the shower of streamers and confetti.

Outside the church, a large tent-like structure had been erected to hold the reception and the two of them stepped into its warm, striding up to the raised stage where the wedding party would be seated. Waiters passed through the arriving people, quickly filling glasses with champagne as guests found their tables.

Once they were seated, Seven turned to her wife, a concerned look on her face. "Kathryn-"

The Admiral held her hand up. "I know what you're worried about Annika and its ok. The minister might have gotten your name wrong but the marriage is still legal."

"He did not."

Kathryn blinked. "He did not what?"

"He did not 'get my name wrong'." She handed her a long envelope. "This is my wedding gift to you. I hope you find it pleasing."

Kathryn opened the envelope slowly, her eyes scanning the document before her as her jaw slowly dropped. "…legally binding name change…approved…Annika Hansen-Janeway." Her eyes filled with tears so quickly she could no longer see the paper before her. Sobbing, she wrapped her arms around the blonde and held on tightly.

"Kathryn?"

"Oh Annika, it's wonderful. You didn't have to do that."

"I wished to do it." The Borg said calmly as she wiped the tears from the beloved face. "You are a part of me. I wished for everyone to know it."

"How did you…" Janeway grinned. "Mother."

"Yes. She 'pulled some strings'."

"Remind me to thank her later."

The last of the guests had found their seats and Tom stood, tapping his spoon against his glass to get their attention.

Clearing his throat, her fair-haired helmsman smiled. "I'm sure you are all expecting the typical Best Man's toast, where I stand up here and make jokes at the groom's expense. And honestly, I was planning on doing that very thing." The crowd laughed. "But then, as I was sitting down to write this speech, I began to think back on all the time we shared together in the Delta Quadrant. We started out as a group of Fleet officers, Maquis traitors, and criminals and Captain Janeway managed to turn us all into a family. We had a few rough spots along the way, but through it all, we knew that she was there, taking care of us."

He turned to look at the couple. "Those of us that were closest to her, always wondered if she was ever going to find someone to take care of her. Being as dedicated as she was, we all thought it would take an army to break through that resolve. We were wrong. All it took was a single Borg drone."

"When Seven of Nine joined the crew, there were many who were concerned. But over the years, she proved that she was not only a valued crewmember and an incredible individual, she was also the only person who had ever gotten behind the command mask. Oh, the Captain made her wait until we got all the way back to the Alpha Quadrant, but that doesn't mean that we weren't all very aware of how they felt about each other." He laughed at their incredulous looks.

"Damn small ship." Paris grinned as Janeway flushed beet red.

He raised his glass. "To the two women in the universe that could never be more perfect for each other, all our love, all our joy, and all our best wishes for you, always." He took a drink as cheers went up around the hall. Finally he put his hands up in the air to quiet them down. "OH! And all you guys who bet on 'Never' in the pool? Meet me outside after the reception! We have some settling up to do!"

The crowd cheered and Tom sat back down as all of the women stood expectantly. Kathryn took Seven by the hand and led her to the front of the stage. Taking the bouquet from where it sat on the table, she placed it in Seven's hands and turned her around so that her back was to the room.

"Now throw it gently." She smiled.

Seven raised one eyebrow and tossed the flowers over her shoulder. Sounds of amusement rose up from the crowd and she turned to see Gretchen hugging the roses to her chest.

"Well," The woman smiled. "If Katie can find someone…"

The crowd laughed and the woman sat as the men gathered around the dance floor. Tom brought a chair over and Kathryn pushed Seven gently into it. Reaching carefully up under her dress, she hooked her fingers under the garter around Seven's left thigh, one eyebrow rising lecherously in the blonde's direction.

Standing, she pulled the garment back like a rubber band and let it fly. For a moment no one seemed to know where it went then B'Elanna started to laugh.

Over by the bar, Phoebe stood with her mouth open, the garter hanging loosely from her fingertips.

"Good luck, Celes." Kathryn winked at the Bajoran. "You've got your work cut out for you there."

The music started and Kathryn held her arm out to her bride, leading her down to the dance floor to begin their first dance as a married couple.

Four hours later, the wedding party led the happy couple outside where they found an old fashioned sleigh complete with two large reign deer hooked up to it. The driver tipped his top hat with a smile as Kathryn and Seven stepped into the conveyance.

"The Venture is ready and waiting for you at the base." Tom called over the wind. "Have a great time!"

"Oh don't worry!" Kathryn tucked a fur lined robe around Seven's legs. "We will."

They all stood and watched until the sled was out of sight and all that could be heard was the bells tinkling merrily in the distance. Then the party broke up. Many headed home, while others went back inside to finish off the evening in style.

Celes walked over to Phoebe who was sitting at a table in the corner, playing idly with the garter in her hands. "Penny for them." She smiled as she sat down.

"Oh, I was just thinking how lucky Katie and Seven are." She leaned forward and kissed the startled Bajoran passionately. "And how lucky I am too."

Celes ran her finger down Phoebe's cheek. "So I was thinking of staying over at the farm for a few more days. Think you can find me something comfortable to wear?"

"Oh yeah," Phoebe stood and took her hand. "I don't think that will be a problem at all."

---

Seven looked out the viewport of the Venture at the landscape below, her eyes going wide at the beauty beneath them. "Where are we, Kathryn?"

"Moorea." The older woman smiled. "You've been all over the galaxy, I figured you might like to see a little bit more of Earth." She buzzed the craft low over a series of huts that stretched out over the crystal clear water. "That one on the end is ours."

They beached the Venture nearby and turned their luggage over to the attendant who was waiting for them with a hover-car. Within minutes they were stepping into the charmingly appointed room. From the outside it may have looked primitive, but inside it was appointed with everything newlyweds could want, including and most importantly, a huge king sized bed.

Locking the door, Kathryn came up behind Seven and wrapped her arms around her, her lips brushing against the sensitive spot at the top of her spine.

The Borg laughed. "Do you not wish to unpack?"

"What I wish," The older woman growled. "Is for you to be wearing much less clothing as soon as possible."

"That is acceptable." Seven felt the zipper being released on the back of her gown and gracefully stepped out of it, kicking off her sandals as she reached for her wife.

"You're not wearing anything underneath!" Kathryn gasped, shocked.

"I am aware of that, Kathryn." The Borg began to remove her jacket. "You are not the only one who does not wish to waste time."

Laughing, Janeway pulled off her clothes and grabbed the lanky blonde, propelling them both onto the bed. Her lips captured the full red ones roughly as her passion exploded. Their tongues wrestled wetly as Seven ran her hands down Kathryn's back and over her buttocks, using the purchase to pull the smaller woman firmly onto her thigh.

"Not like that, not this time." Kathryn pleaded.

Smiling, Seven pulled her body upwards instead, drawing her over her chest until her knees settled on either side of her face. "Like this then?"

"Oh yes, Annika."

The Borg's hands reached up to capture her nipples as her lips and nose nuzzled into her folds, finding them already slick with moisture. "You have been thinking of this have you not?"

"All the way here." Kathryn groaned.

Losing herself in the texture and taste of her wife, Seven's tongue sought out and found the hard bundle of nerves that seemed to quiver beneath her touch. Lapping at it roughly, she was rewarded by whimpers of pleasure from above her as Kathryn's hips began to move, grinding her intimate flesh gently against the woman beneath her.

Pulling one hand away, Seven entered her firmly from behind, causing the older woman to cry out as the long fingers found the rhythm she needed to drive her into a passion induced frenzy. As the body above hers began to shake, she quickened her pace, not stopping when the first wave crashed through her, nor the second, only content to ease off her ministrations when a third orgasm left Kathryn week and weeping in her arms.

She held her as her breathing became more regular, listening quietly as the precious heart within her chest slowed its wild beating. She knew Kathryn would fall asleep, but that was acceptable. They had an entire month in which to make love.

Seven looked down at the face of the woman she adored more than anything and felt her heart swell painfully with knowledge that this was the one place in the universe that she truly belonged, safe in the arms of this one, small being.

---

Chapter Ten – 28 Days Later

Kathryn Janeway stepped out of the conference room, her heart beating loudly in her chest. She reached up idly and felt the empty edge of her collar. With a sigh, she glanced down at her uniform, wondering what it would be like to never wear it again.

She heard footsteps approaching and looked up into the bright azure eyes of her wife.

Seven stepped close to her, stopping well within her personal space. She studied the beloved face for a moment before a small smile curled the edges of her mouth. Raising her arm, she extended her hand.

With a smirk, Janeway reached up and dropped the four small bits of brass into her open palm.

The Borg took each one and reverently affixed them to the collar of her wife's uniform. When she was done, she stepped back and looked at her in appreciation.

"Captain Janeway." She whispered. "It is good to see you again."

Captain Kathryn Janeway of the U.S.S. Cathain smiled brightly. "It's good to be back."

The End

(No, not really. Part IV: Because I Can – The Further Exploits Of Janeway, The U.S.S. Cathain and The Crew That Boldly Kicked Ass Like Never Before!– Coming First Quarter 2008)