A/N: First off, happy belated birthday, Madison Priestly.
Secondly, pronunciation. Most readers pronounce weird words they want they want. I'd like to clarify the pronunciation of one of many words because of its important to one of the main characters. If its mispronounced, it just doesn't sound cool. It's vital to be cool.
Ush'maul is said with a long u, as in oosh'maul. 'Nuf said. Enjoy.
Time Enough
Chapter 5: Familiarity
It was another twenty-four hours before the Captain had made it back to sickbay. She worked a triple shift preparing for the diplomatic mission with the Mencari. The database that the Mencari had given them had proved invaluable in the process.
In the turbolift, Janeway leaned back against the wall, tucking a cup of coffee against her chest between her folded arms. She snapped her eyes open when she felt someone standing beside her. She didn't remember the lift stopping, much less a woman actually stepping in. But when Janeway opened her eyes, a human crewmember was she found giving her body a definite perusal of interest.
Janeway swallowed hard and blushed. Gossip travels at faster-than-light speed in confined places, she thought. No doubt Janeway was now considered the alpha-lesbian, maybe even the trophy.
"Buenos dias," said a tall woman with dark almond eyes and full lips. Janeway smiled and nodded in greeting, in English.
Janeway became fascinated with the ceiling seam. Only the crew of the Utopia Planitia shipyards on Mars could flawlessly weld two sheets of duranium together. They looked like one solid plate. Craftsmanship, pure and simple.
As Janeway admired the craftsmanship of her ship, she racked her brain for the woman's name. Oh, yes. "How are you, Lt. Priestly?"
Madison was her first name and Ortiz her second name, Janeway thought, satisfied that she still made time to know her crew. Or in this case, know about her. After remembering her name, the woman's particular's came to mind: seven years out of Starfleet Academy. Commendations in science for discovery of new lifeforms on seemingly lifeless balls of dirt. Janeway raised her eyebrows slightly, impressed with Priestly credentials.
Priestly nodded politely. "Fine, thank you, Captain. How goes the preparation for the Mencari?"
Janeway's face suddenly revealed its fatigue. "We disembark at twelve-hundred hours tomorrow."
"I took the liberty of uploading observations about the Mencari to Lt. Mitchell's tricorder. It may come in handy."
"The gist of the report?" In a split second, Janeway's voice went from cordial to commanding.
"I pored over their database. The Mencari have pigment-filled cells in their skin that
expand and contract, according to ambient colors, or to mood. You know...anger, fear and pain."
"Hmm, I think I triggered their anger mood quite effectively this morning. What else?"
"This gives them effective camouflage."
"I was afraid you were going to say that," Janeway frowned.
"From the accounts I've seen in their literature and their social organizations, they are very loyal, Captain. Or should I say..." Priestly bowed, with a hand to heart, as she spoke, "E'tza Ush'maul Po'pol Vuh."
"What is that?" Janeway asked startled at Priestly's fluency in the Mencari language.
"Hmm, it's hard to translate...but let me try..." She tapped her chin as she looked up, vaguely wondering what the Captain had been observing in the duranium sheet. "It means 'resplendent...succulent..." Priestly blushed furiously at the ill-chosen word. "I was going to say succulent plant...." She said by way of explanation. Her blush deepened and even Janeway appeared to get red around the ears.
She raised her hand. "It's fine, Lieutenant. I don't want you to sprain yourself—"
"No, no, Captain. I know this word. I studied the ritual intently after some of the away team..." She looked away, trying to swallow a smile at the thought of the slimy blind eels and the muculent slugs. When she looked back at the Captain, Priestly's expression was pensive. "They explained the friendship ritual in depth and it was...intriguing."
The computer announced Janeway's deck. She stepped forward. "Yes, it was most definitely that. I better—"
"Please, Captain. One more minute. I know I've taken up far too much of your time. But I believe this is important information for you."
"All right," she said with an indulgent smile. Her weariness always gave in to her insatiable curiosity.
"It means 'resplendent cactus...Yes, that's it. 'Resplendent Cactus, protector...no, shield of the Sun People.'"
"Resplendent Cactus, shield of the Sun People?"
"Yes, that's accurate," she replied, pleased with herself.
"That's quite a title."
"It's your title among them, Captain."
"I beg your pardon?" Her voice cracked.
"The Mencari, from their own records, do not share the Ritual of Friendship with just anyone. You did them a great service and now you are 'Resplendent Cactus, shield of the Sun People."
Priestly was smiling brightly.
"What does it mean, Lieutenant?"
Instantly, her smile vanished. "I'm not...I'm not sure. I've only had a few days to review the records, Captain. It would be like the Mencari being able to read President of the Federation, but having no cultural knowledge to correctly understand its significance."
The Captain gave her an apologetic look. "It's fine work, Lieutenant. Please keep me posted on it. It's quite fascinating."
Just as the Captain stepped off the lift, she turned to the woman, finally remembering her specialty. "Madison," Janeway said, earning a brilliant smile from the young woman. "I thought your specialty was data analysis and synthesis."
"It is, Captain. But I dabble in languages on the side," Priestly shrugged. "It's a hobby."
Janeway nodded once. "I suppose it is just another form of analyses."
"Yes, that it is, Ush'maul."
Janeway gave her an amused expression. "That's just what I need," she said smoothly. "Another nickname." Then the Captain turned on her heels and headed for sickbay.
"But, Captain," Priestly said as the doors began to slide closed. "There's so much more, especially about their rituals."
"Later, Lieutenant," she said without turning back.
She came the sickbay entry, downing the tepid coffee as she stood at the door. "Oh, that's good."
Finally, the door hissed open, revealing a haggard looking Captain Janeway with a coffee mug hanging from her hand at an odd angle.
Janeway blinked around the darkened sickbay. The auxiliary lights were on and she saw a gleam off of the Doctor's baldhead, but there was no one else.
"Ah, Captain," he looked around as she neared her. "What's the matter?"
"I was expecting to see Dani and Seven."
"Oh, well. Dani was getting a little feisty. Seven contacted Ensign Kim and, after threatening him with assimilation, he found available quarters for them both."
"Oh, God," the Captain said quietly on the mention of the Borg pastime.
"Don't worry. Ensign Kim was not assimilated. And I'd say Seven and Dani made out quite well."
"Oh?"
"Yes, the only available suite was the VIP quarters on Deck 3."
The Captain's face fell quickly, turning into a frown. "Not the one across from the Captain's quarters?"
The Doctor resumed scrolling through some information on his padd, completely oblivious to her discomfort. "Yes, the very one," he intoned. Then he looked up and smiled. "How fortunate for all of you. Now you can keep up the illusion of togetherness."
The Captain's face turned rock hard at the Doctor's sarcasm. "It's for the child's sake, Doctor."
He gave her a wry look, punctuated with an arched eyebrow. "Well, whatever the case may be," he said. "There's something I think you should know. About Dani."
Captain Janeway waited for the typical biting witticism from the hologram. When none were forthcoming, worry lines etched themselves into her forehead. "That bad, huh?"
When he continued with his impeccable bedside manner, Janeway inhaled deeply. "Is it about that thing in her head?"
He looked up, as if thinking. "I can't answer that. But it is about some of the tests she completed."
"Today?"
The Doctor looked at Janeway strangely. "No, Captain. It was yesterday."
"Was it?" She scratched her head. "Time flies."
"I would like for you and Seven of Nine to come to office to discuss the test results. As soon as you are humanly able."
Captain Janeway wasn't about to tell the holographic doctor that she'd just pulled a triple shift and was now head to spend time with her daughter in lieu of sleeping. The last thing she needed was for a ray of light and puff of air and to pull rank on her.
"We'll make some time."
He nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me...." He walked to his office.
She looked around again and headed out the door toward Deck 3.
=/\=
The adrenaline boost Janeway got from that splash of coffee already exhausted itself. Standing outside the VIP quarters, Janeway cheered herself on. C'mon, Katie. You were more tired during the alliance with the Borg against Species 8472. This is nothing.
But still, the Captain could hear her double bed singing a lullaby to her. She steadied herself with a palm on the bulkhead and touched the keypad. After a chime announced her, the door slid open.
The VIP quarters were as spacious as the Captain's quarters, which were small compared to other classes of starships. Fleet engineers had to sacrifice comfort for a sleeker, faster ship. Trade-offs, she thought. The ship would get them home that much faster.
Janeway's serious expression gave way quickly to a bright smile. The ambient light was muted, the shadows revealing Seven and Dani together on the couch, half turned to the door.
"Hello, sweetheart," Janeway said affectionately to the girl. She looked less pale today, her mother thought. Even the dark circles around her eyes were less noticeable. Now if we could just fatten her up, Janeway thought. She noticed Dani was wearing electric blue pajamas with ruffles along the neckline and sleeves. It made her eyes sparkle.
Janeway crossed the room to sit on the edge of the coffee table directly in front of Dani. The Captain noticed a small black stuffed animal in the crook of Dani's arm. She patted the girl's knee. "You look great, Dani."
Only then did Janeway realize something was amiss. The girl hadn't smiled at her mother. Janeway berated herself for missing that detail. "What's wrong?"
"I thought you were mad at me."
Janeway's brow creased, as her brows pleated together. "Why would you think that?"
Dani brushed at an eye. "Because...." The girl looked over to Seven, her eyes pleading for her to explain it to the Captain. But she was greeted only with a wry lift of a brow. Dani frowned. "Because I went all Klingon on you and...." Dani shrugged and looked away uncomfortably. "I hadn't seen you since."
Janeway grimaced at the derogatory reference to Klingons, silently thanking her lucky stars that Lt. Torres was nowhere in the vicinity. A lesson in diversity would have to wait though.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," she said. "I was preparing for the Mencari visit."
At the mention of the Mencari, Dani's eyes widened and she appeared motionless.
Belatedly, Janeway realized that maybe she didn't know about it and she shouldn't have mentioned them. Damn. She looked at Seven.
"I spoke with her briefly about it, Cap...." Seven cleared her throat. She was not accustomed to operating "incognito" as B'Elanna Torres had called it. The Collective appeared in vast numbers, offered terms of surrender to entire planets and then assimilated them. The Borg did not skulk! "The child was alarmed."
Janeway mouthed a soundless "ah" and then looked back at Dani. "I'm not angry. You've been through quite an ordeal. Allowances will be made." She crossed a leg. "But not forever."
The child brightened, and took a bowl to offer Kathryn its contents. "Popcorn," she said around a mouthful. "Want some?"
"We were watching the...fireworks," Seven said, gesturing the window.
Janeway cast a gaze over her shoulder. She'd seen this view a trillion times.
"Can you stay with us a little?" Dani pleaded, almost like she could read Janeway like an open book.
Janeway favored Dani with a crooked smile. "Is there room for one more?"
Kathryn envisioned the child sitting in the middle. She could barely contain a frown when Dani moved to one side and patted the middle cushion. "I warmed it up."
She peered briefly at Seven, amusement brushed her eyes lightly. "Here I come." She leaned into Dani, offering a cold shoulder to Seven of Nine. Kathryn felt an arm drape along her back on the couch. It was a reasonable place to put a long arm, she thought.
The delightful sense of contentment surprised Janeway, as Dani snuggled into her. "Everyone comfortable?" Dani asked.
Kathryn felt the couch rumble when Seven adjusted herself. When she felt warm thighs against her tipped leg and what she thought was a breast poking her upper arm, Janeway shot a warning look over her shoulder.
"I am adequately arranged." Seven's voice was a teasing whisper in Janeway's ear.
"Relax, Cappie," Dani said with an exasperated sigh. "This ain't the bridge."
"Isn't" Kathryn and Seven said in unison.
Dani giggled, while burrowing a little more. After a few minutes, she finally felt Cappie settle in.
"So how was your day, Dani?"
"Awful until Mom got us this neat room."
Dani abruptly sat up. "You know...I'm confused."
"Why is that?" Seven asked, still pressed against Kathryn and enjoying every second of it.
"Why we just couldn't go home. You know, to the Captain's quarters."
Kathryn felt off-kilter. She never felt that way. Not in the most dire of circumstances, facing certain death. This was disorienting. A gurgle in her throat came across as dismay but Seven remained calm.
"Because Dani," Seven said matter-of-factly. "The Captain's quarters are under renovation. To make it larger."
Dani settled back in, satisfied with the answer. Dani began to stroke Cap's arm, as it lay near her lap.
"Am I finally getting a sister?"
Dismay may be my constant state, Janeway thought, not knowing what to say.
When neither spoke, Dani leaned forward to look at them both. She noted the distance between them and the frowns they both wore. "I guess not." Her voice was tinged with disappointment and she was quiet for some time.
Later, after relaxing again, the trio spoke about the different star constellations and how they differed from an Earth vantage. They discussed the new races they had encountered and promised to introduce her to Neelix. And they promised her a picnic in the holodeck as soon as things settled down.
Dani and Kathryn both shut their eyes minutes ago. When Dani jerked herself awake and asked if they could eat breakfast in the Mess Hall, Kathryn stood up, yawning and stretching.
It was such a casual, intimate gesture that Seven enjoyed seeing Kathryn so unguarded. She also admired the woman's form. When Kathryn caught the look of blatant appraisal, she shortened her yawn, declared it bedtime and ordered a six hundred hour wake up time.
Dani stood up, her blue pajamas twisted slightly. "G'night, Cap." Dani puckered her lips and waited for Kathryn to lean down some. When Kathryn began to offer her cheek, Seven gestured negatively behind the child. Then she tapped her own lips. Kathryn changed her trajectory, finding a chaste kiss from her daughter to be quite endearing.
"Silly Willy is going to bed, too," Dani said, holding up a stuffed black cat.
"Silly Willy?" Janeway's question was an uneven croak. Really, Katie, you are going to have to be ready for anything with Dani, she thought. This constant state of surprise just won't do.
"Yes, Captain," Seven replied quickly to head off any confusion. Janeway heard a note of warning in Seven's voice and understood its implications. "Silly Willy, her imaginary feline."
Dani wiggled the stuffed animal side to side. "He likes you, Cappie."
It was common knowledge that Janeway preferred canines, but if she had to live with a cat, an inanimate feline was superior to an actual one. She patted the black cat's head. "Nice kitty." Janeway dutifully kissed the animal between its ears. "G'night, Silly Willy."
Janeway then watched as Seven took the girl in her arms, whispering something that made Dani giggle. Seven lifted the child's chin, kissing her tenderly on the lips. Seven patted the cat, also kissing him between the ears, as she patted Dani's protective arm around him. Janeway was surprised with the warmth that surged up inside of her at the scene. Suddenly, she just had to leave.
"I will see you both tomorrow," Kathryn said.
Dani stopped at her bedroom door to watch Kathryn glide by Andy without so much as a look. When Kathryn reached the door, Dani called for her. "Aren't you going to kiss Mom good night?" She tipped her head, waiting for the reply.
Janeway got the uncanny sense that she was being tested. It was unnerving. "Oh, I just had my mind on the Mencari," she said, knowing it sounded like a weak excuse even to her ears.
With an amused expression, Seven sashayed her way to Kathryn, stopping when they were mere inches apart, while Dani watched them from the door of her room. The redhead gave a tremulous smile, while Seven placed the palm of her hand at Kathryn's cheek and slowly and delicately joined their lips together.
Janeway felt as if she were free-falling toward an irresistible force. It was a soaring freedom, of well-being she had never known. She knew it would be like this for them.
For Seven of Nine, the kiss felt like a thousand suns exploding, light and heat bursting into every pore. Then Seven registered the faintest mewling from the other woman's throat. She understood it as fulfillment and longing, the same emotions she also experienced.
When Seven pulled back, she noted that Kathryn's vital signs showed marked excitation equal to her own.
Kathryn slowly opened her eyes to see a clear look of desire. "That's not fair," she whispered.
"I am Borg." The corners of Seven's full lips were just curled.
Kathryn wanted to ask if her resistance was futile, but she knew the answer. Nor did she want to encourage Seven any more than her traitorous body had. "I'll see you later," she whispered again. She waved to Dani, who stood with her arms crossed and left the battlefield where she had endured her worst defeat.
=/\=
Janeway started her day with another defeat, a small but intense good morning kiss from Seven. The taller woman relished the explosions that reverberated inside of her. The Captain regretted the flutters elicited by the sensation of free-falling. With an unprecedented eight hours of good sleep, she managed to keep her overactive nerve endings from triggering moans of pleasure. But Seven's smug look afterward told Janeway she couldn't lie anymore about wanting her. She'd have to come up with another plan.
Breakfast proved to be an exercise in parental embarrassment. Dani had informed the entire crew of Janeway's nickname. She heard it in the Mess, in the corridors and even on the bridge. Lt. Paris took a particularly fiendish pleasure in calling her Cappie, despite a level ten Janeway glare that should have incinerated him on the spot.
Finally, the threesome arrived in sickbay to find an impatient Doctor. "Captain, I'm so glad you've found the time to join me."
Janeway ignored his sarcasm, but found it difficult to ignore her irritation at the Emergency Medical Hologram. "Are the reports ready?" The whip of her command voice had moved cadets and ensigns to tears. But the Doctor was heedless.
Instead, he handed Dani some simplified blueprints of Voyager and colors to occupy her as he spoke with her parents. When he tried to lead them away, Seven stopped next to the child, who had begun to color in the ship. The taller woman smoothed out the hair falling at the girl's neck as she carefully selected her next color. "Would it be acceptable to remain here working on your masterpiece while Cappie and I step into the Doctor's office?"
Dani looked up, clearly alarmed to be left alone.
Seven pointed to the Doctor's office. "We shall be no more than three-point-two meters from you, Dani. You will not be alone."
The girl's anxious blue eyes looked at the Doctor's empty office and then the sickbay entry.
Seven kneeled down beside the child's chair, rubbing her knee comfortingly. "There are no Mencari on board, Dani. Further, I will never allow them to harm you."
The girl's eyes pooled with moisture. She opened her mouth to speak, instead closing her eyes tightly. A single tear fell from each eye.
"I believe," Seven said soothingly, "you will earn an ice cream sundae for bravery beyond the call of duty."
Dani wiped her eyes with a sleeve. She sniffled, as she played with Seven's collar. "With hot chocolate and a brownie?"
Seven eyed her suspiciously. "The Doctor failed to warn us you were part Ferengi, Eridani."
Dani's brilliant smile softened Seven's expression. "Very well," Seven replied. "It is, shall we say, a deal."
"Hug on it?" Dani opened her arms wide.
"I will comply."
Janeway marveled at the little arms around Seven's neck. Janeway's heart wanted to burst because of Seven's kindness and sensitivity to their child. At that moment, she knew the feelings for the blonde were not merely sexual, but timeless and spiritual.
"Seven is very maternal," the Doctor noted.
"Yes, she is," the Captain agreed.
The Doctor stopped regarding the padd. "So are you, Captain Janeway."
The comment surprised her, bringing up a skeptical eyebrow. Before the Doctor could embarrass her further, the Captain caught Seven's cool, feline walk from the corner of her eye and she followed her into his office. They smiled softly at each other, as Seven sat beside her.
The Doctor sat, shifting uncomfortably. Without his usual sarcastic remark, the Captain was aware that he had more bad news about their daughter. Their daughter? Janeway realized that she'd accepted this new development so easily after only several days. Could it be she had wanted a family all along?
"At your request, Captain, I conducted a full range of tests, including psychological, intelligence and medical, etc. etc." He lifted an eyebrow. For the holographic person, that was a prelude to disquieting news.
Janeway focused over his shoulder at Dani, who had stopped coloring in favor of studying a tricorder at the table.
"Other than the issues we discussed earlier, her medical tests all returned normal. Psychologically, I would diagnose her with post traumatic stress disorder, after her harrowing sixth-month experience—"
"Doctor," Janeway said, focusing back at him. "Have you completed your report about how you found her and what she has said about her time with the Mencari?"
"No, I have not been able to complete it," he said testily. "I've been conducting these tests for the present, not the past. They are quite time-consuming."
"Dani has indeed consumed a large quantity of the Doctor's time," Seven added.
The Doctor nodded kindly, thanking Seven for her observations.
Once again, Janeway wished the EMH would growl a sardonic response, but he refrained. She returned her focus to Dani, who was laying pieces of the tricorder on the table in careful order.
"Yes, as I was saying, post traumatic stress disorder is highly treatable, but both of you –as her bonded parents – will be instrumental in restoring her psyche."
"And the intelligence test?" Seven's voice was dispassionate, but Janeway noted a tightness in her human hand, as it rested on the chair arm.
The Doctor pursed his thin lips, adopting a caring and considerate tone. "The tests show that Dani suffers from severe learning disabilities."
The Doctor remained quiet, letting Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine absorb the information. They were two highly intelligent women. It was only natural they would expect their offspring to display the same vaunted intellect.
Seven arched the Borg implant over her left eye. She had been surprised at the silence of the Captain, who only seemed to stare at the Doctor. "What learning disabilities are evidenced?" Seven finally asked, turning her attention to the hologram.
"Multi-sensory dyslexia, including math and reading, for starters."
"But that disability was eradicated," Janeway noted, her eyes focusing again on the EMH.
"Not in this case," he replied. "Since I am uncertain of the circumstances of her conception...." The last word brought a tension to the room he found difficult to identify. "I can only analyze what the tests reveal."
"What else, Doctor?" Janeway asked curtly.
"The IQ for an average seven-year-old is 100. She tested at 79."
"And that means what?" Janeway's voice was testy and sharp.
"She has below average intelligence." The Doctor registered the pain in their expressions.
Janeway glanced at Seven, who slowly met her gaze. The Captain did not realize she was looking for reassurance, until the Borg's hand clasped her own. She squeezed back, taking a deep breath before she resumed facing the results. Janeway hated to be out of control of a situation, but she saw no way to tame this. That is likely what Dani felt during her tenure with the....
Janeway's head snapped back to the EMH. "Doctor, could that thing in her head be affecting her cognitive skills?"
The Doctor nodded. "We are still testing it and unsure of what, if anything, it does."
"It must have a function," Seven said, matter-of-factly. "It would be inefficient to invest the resources to implant a device that served no purpose."
"As I said, I am looking at every avenue—"
"What about the Mencari themselves? Could they have damaged her prefrontal cortex in some way?"
"Brain scans do not indicate damage—"
"But the hypothesis is possible," Seven said more as a statement than a question.
"Yes, it is a possibility. I'm sure you've read about the intricacies of that part of the brain in your training at Starfleet Medical Academy," the Doctor sneered at the haughty Borg, who merely raised an eyebrow of indifference to him.
Janeway sat straight up. "What were the questions you asked?"
The Doctor handed her a padd. "The questions and answers are there."
Janeway reviewed the material, sparing part of her awareness for the EMH.
"There's more, I'm afraid," he said. Janeway continued to study the questions and answers, without looking up. Seven thought it a curious defense mechanism. "Preliminary indications are she may have Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and—"
The older woman let the padd fall to her lap, as she looked over the Doctor's shoulder. Understanding seemed to be dawning. "That's enough, Doctor." The Captain rose to her feet. "I would like a word with Seven. Alone, please."
The Doctor stood. "I'm sorry, Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine." Then he dematerialized.
The Captain ordered the computer to reduce the opacity of the Doctor's transparent walls. They could see out, but no one could see in. She stood up and stood near the window, giving her an unobstructed view of the girl.
"The IQ test is supposed to evaluate mathematical, verbal and analytical skills, along with attention span. Some of Dani's answers are...well, inconsistent."
"Captain," Seven said. "I am finding it difficult to assimilate this information about our...about Dani."
"I know what you mean," she said, her back to the Borg. "I'm having the same trouble."
"Regardless of the results, the data does not alter my sentiment toward Dani."
The Captain hugged herself with one arm, while resting an elbow on the other, the hand rubbing her prominent chin. "I agree, Seven," she said, watching the child intently. "Not even the devil himself could change it. But...."
Seven stood up, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Captain at the back of the office, overlooking Dani at the table. Seven followed Janeway's gaze, her eyes grew bright.
"While the Doctor was informing us of our child's intellectual...deficiencies, I watched her disassemble a tricorder and then reassemble it," the Captain said.
"Curious," Seven said. "Tests are only as valid as their input."
"Bingo," she said, whirling to look up at the blonde beauty standing next to her. She was never more thankful to have a partner than at this very moment, when it appeared that the odds were stacking up against someone they both cared about.
The Borg stopped mid-turn, bringing her face-to-face with Captain Janeway. She registered the tremulous, crooked smile. The interest in her blue-gray eyes. Seven mirrored the same feelings of admiration and affection. "Captain, I believe you enjoyed your goodnight kiss. Your good morning kiss, as well."
Janeway heard the hint of playfulness, something the Borg was not noted for. The nuance surprised her, as much as drawing her in. "Yes, Dani's gentle trust is overwhelming at times."
A look of confusion danced across Seven's beautiful face, finally replaced by amusement. "You are attempting to be comical."
Janeway's throaty chuckle sent a shudder through the younger woman, drawing the Captain's eyes down her torso. "I certainly try on occasion."
Seven could feel a warmth spread over her face, down her body. "I feel...."
Janeway's eyes caressed back up the gorgeous body in front of her. She laughed again to see Seven's face suffused in pink. "You're blushing, Seven."
"Blush. To redden from embarrassment or shame."
Janeway saw Seven consider her response, waiting patiently for the woman to understand her reaction. And for me to understand mine, she thought ruefully.
"I sensed blood rush to my head, which explains the redness. But I felt aroused."
Seven studied Kathryn's face. Fire and ice, but mostly ice. She had been throwing up hurdles to any relationship, and now this. It was disconcerting and Seven said as much.
"I know my secrets out, Seven," she said carefully, watching Seven's reaction. "I cannot deny the feelings I have for you."
"They are beyond friendship."
The Captain closed her eyes, nodding slightly. "Yes," she whispered.
"It is love then, just as I have come to understand my own."
Kathryn's eyes stared at Seven's mouth and then her eyes. "I can't say that." The other woman's apparent hurt squeezed her heart, but it would be dangerous to say otherwise. She had let her manner appear lustful. Let Seven think it is merely sexual, Kathryn thought.
A small smile spread Seven's lips and she leaned in close. Kathryn closed her eyes to revel in the scent of Seven. It was the lightest hint of a spicy bouquet of roses. It was not a timid aroma, but provocative and lingering. When she felt Seven's breath on her face, Kathryn pulled back abruptly. "I can't, Seven," she said a hint of pleading in her trembling voice. "We can't."
"Why can we not, Kathryn?" She was awash in disappointment for the second time.
Janeway was surprised that Seven would invite a purely sexual relationship. She had not anticipated that. "I'm your commanding officer, Seven of Nine. It simply isn't done."
"And you are Starfleet. You live your life according to its principals, no matter how illogical and inflexible."
Kathryn raised her eyebrows slightly. "You were listening to me in the briefing room."
"Indeed I was. Regretfully, it is you who did not heed me."
Kathryn turned around and scratched her temple. Seven expected this physical action to match her message. Finally, when she was halfway across the room, the Captain faced the woman again. "I'm glad you understand." Her gaze was remorseful.
"I only understand one thing, Kathryn. You freed me from the domination of the Borg but will not allow me to liberate you from the personal oppression of Starfleet ideals."
The shorter woman stared at her for a long moment. Seven had no way of knowing what lay beneath the wall Janeway had quickly and carefully reconstructed. She only knew of her own grief and frustration. Then as quickly as she had dropped her guard, Kathryn took up her mantle again.
Janeway looked back at Dani, who had now partially disassembled a padd. "It's high time we focused on important matters like the Mencari and saving our equipment from a certain inquisitive little hands. Then we will discuss the test with Elizabeth Eridani Janeway before we ask the Doctor reconfigure the exam."
The Captain stopped long enough to chance a detached glance at Seven. "Am I forgetting anything?"
"No, Captain. You are quite efficient."