A/n: This chapter is dedicated to NikkiB1973 for writing a wonderful P/T one-shot called "First Kiss". Everyone should read it, it's so sweet! :)
Chakotay looked on in amusement as the Captain tapped her foot impatiently. "They're on their way Captain." He assured her quietly.
"I know." The Captain replied shortly, before sighing at her own irritation. "I just don't like being kept waiting. We could really use an ally and the Ledosians are looking like they could be…"
Chakotay's lips quirked upwards. "Unless they keep you waiting much longer, they will be." He told her wryly, turning to Ensign Danes at transporter control as Janeway laughed, "Have they given the signal to be beamed up yet Ensign?"
"No sir, apparently two members of the delegation are running a little late, but they've given assurances that they're almost ready." Danes answered quickly.
Janeway exhaled in relief. Although she'd learned over the years not to set her expectations too high when it came to initial diplomatic relations in the Delta Quadrant, where the helpful clout of the Federation was non-existent, she was allowing herself some hope with the Ledosians. They were said to be advanced and peaceful, a reputation which had proven correct so far, and were even offering the entire crew shore leave as well as opening trade negotiations and giving Seven an invite to their prestigious warp mechanics conference. Scientists and engineers from throughout the sector would be there, it would be a great chance to network, if Seven could cope… She shook her head slightly at her train of thought, she'd have to trust that Seven would be fine. Whatever had been going on with Voyager's ex-drone a few weeks ago in the holodeck seemed to have resolved itself, just as Chakotay had told her it would, and she'd decided to forgive the brief, but unsettling, blip in the younger woman's behaviour. Seven had even appeared to be excited, by her standards, at the thought of taking part. Janeway had to admit that it probably wouldn't do their standing with the Ledosians any harm if Seven amazed them with a few titbits of her Borg knowledge…
As if Janeway's thoughts had somehow called her, Seven just then joined them in Transporter Room 2, holding a large PADD. "You wished to see me Captain?" she said politely, her gaze sweeping quickly over the others waiting in the room, Chakotay and Tuvok, but she did not greet them.
"Yes Seven, I thought that since you're going to be our main representative by attending this conference, you'd better play a bigger role than usual in greeting them, let them get to know you." Janeway informed her with a smile.
Seven's brow furrowed uncertainly, "I'm not sure if "getting to know me" in a social setting will help them accept my warp theories Captain. It would take a great deal of explanation which I doubt would be appropriate dinner conversation…"
Janeway put her hand on Seven's arm to stop her. "Tonight is more about diplomacy and new friendship than scientific debate Seven. Being in a "social setting", as you say, will help trust develop and that's what's needed here. An alliance is more than just sharing information, it's about sharing a part of ourselves." She gave Seven an encouraging look, "I know this is the first time you've been asked to play a truly diplomatic role, but it'll be good for you and I'm sure you'll do well."
"Thank you Captain." Seven replied, keeping her voice to a modest murmur as she averted her gaze, trying to ignore the pressure she could feel building up around her. Of course, she was pleased that the Captain trusted her with such an important mission, but she couldn't help but feel unequal to it. She could discuss warp mechanics with ease, had planned out all of interesting aspects she was going to introduce to the conference, but diplomacy? Since part of her, her Borg identity, still couldn't fathom the purpose of it, how was she supposed to properly represent Voyager?
"Captain, I'm pretty sure the focus of the conference will be on engine schematics rather than treaties and Seven can handle that infinitely better than any regular old Starfleet diplomat." Chakotay remarked calmly, shooting Seven a reassuring smile. Despite feeling relieved at hearing the pride in the Captain's voice, he knew he had to rein in her expectations a bit as he watched Seven tense up under the weight of them, his heart giving an empathic twinge.
Seven felt warm gratitude radiate over her at Chakotay's words, some of the tension in her muscles easing before a chill of anxiety ruined her new calm, it unnerved her that he'd known exactly what she needed to hear. Was she really so transparent? Unconsciously she shifted back from him as she hurriedly handed her PADD to the Captain for inspection. "Here is my plan for the three days of the conference Captain, I hope you find it appropriate."
The Captain gave the data on the PADD a precursory glance, "You seem to have everything well organised Seven…" That was something of an understatement, Seven had taken the timetable of the conference, which was spread over three days, and had noted in detail everything she intended to do to fill every minute of those three days. "But do remember to have some fun too, just because you've been offered this opportunity doesn't mean you need to miss out on shore leave altogether."
Seven swallowed, obviously caught off guard by the Captain's advice, which she found more than a little contradictory. How was she supposed to be a respectable envoy for Voyager and yet have fun at the same time? "I will consider making room for fun Captain, and perhaps research some options." She finally answered stiffly.
"Ledosia is a beautiful world, I'm sure you'll come up with something to do, but I've found that spontaneous fun is much better than anything scheduled Seven." Chakotay advised her kindly, thinking back on their high-jinx in the Mess Hall that afternoon.
"I do not believe I am well suited to spontaneity Commander." Seven replied quickly without thinking, blood rushing to her cheeks as he gave her a small, knowing, grin and the memory of their meeting in the Mess Hall rushed back to her like a tidal wave. He was right, that had been spontaneous, embarrassingly so.
Janeway, mistaking the reason for Seven's embarrassment and thinking Chakotay was teasing the sheltered, workaholic ex-Borg unnecessarily, said comfortingly, "Don't worry Seven, I'm sure that the Ledosians coming here tonight can tell you about what they do in their free time. Maybe you can join them when you're down there?"
Seven didn't have time to respond before Ensign Danes spoke up from the transporter station. "I'm beaming up our guests now Captain."
Janeway nodded and within a few seconds a group of six Ledosians, five male and one female, arrived on the transporter pad. Janeway smiled at the most elaborately dressed male, the ambassador she'd been talking to for days by comm., and reached out for his hand, which he, after a small pause, took firmly, "Ambassador Weltin, welcome to Voyager. I hope you had a smooth first experience on our transporter."
"Oh, it was amazing, there's never been such a leap forward since warp…" Another man, standing well behind Weltin enthused in awe, his eyes, wide set on a thin, sallow face, already studying every aspect of the room intently. "How does it work exact…"
"Dr Mallon, please!" Weltin interrupted in exasperation, "Those kinds of questions can surely wait." Despite Weltin's diminutive, portly appearance, his voice dripped authority and Dr Mallon fell silent, although obviously irritated. "I apologise Captain." Weltin said, his tone now deceptively smooth, "Dr Mallon is the esteemed scientist in our group and he's therefore overwhelmed by all the technological might your ship displays, please forgive him."
Janeway gave Mallon an understanding smile and extended her arms out to the full group in welcome. "Oh there's no need Ambassador please, we'll be happy to give you a tour later, after our meal together. Our Morale Officer Mr Neelix, who's also our in-house chef, has been preparing for your arrival all day." She waved for Chakotay, Tuvok and Seven to step forward, "This is Commander Chakotay, our First Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Tuvok, our Head of Security and Tactical Officer, and Seven of Nine…"
While the five others in the group eyed Seven with either fear or repulsed fascination that made Chakotay grit his teeth, wondering how Seven could stand it so impassively, Dr Mallon strode up to her confidently. "I've already spoken to Miss Seven of Nine Captain, it was I who suggested she attend our conference."
"That is true Captain, Dr Mallon and I have already conversed." Seven confirmed, not adding, as she felt the Ledosian's eyes roaming over her, that she'd accepted the invite despite of his manner rather than because of it. She was suddenly glad she'd stuck with a clean biosuit rather than a wearing a dress as the Doctor had suggested, although she couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly about Mallon sparked the irrational feeling.
"Good, you already have something in common to talk about then." The Captain said warmly, "We'll continue the introductions as we make our way to the Mess Hall, shall we? Mr Neelix will be getting anxious."
Weltin gave a graceful nod, "Of course Captain."
Conversation began to flow as they slowly made their way, almost in processional form with the Captain and Weltin at the head of the group, towards the Mess Hall. Chakotay soon lost his concentration in the overload of introductions and small talk, but his ear soon zoned in on Seven's stoic voice as she continued to be cornered by the persistent Dr Mallon. "And you were part of Unimatrix One, where the drones are central to the Queen?" Mallon asked loudly.
Seven flinched as the five pairs of eyes of the other Ledosians focused in on her, the hallway almost falling silent. So much for the "blending in" the Doctor told me to attempt, she thought sarcastically as she answered, keeping her voice patient, "Yes, I was once a member of Unimatrix One, which serves the Queen more directly than others." She couldn't help but put emphasis on the "once" in that sentence, hoping he'd take the hint.
He didn't, most of what she'd said seemed to go flying over his bald head as he continued to stare at her in continued admiration. "I must say I'm shocked to see a former drone being so well-preserved! It's truly amazing. I'm sure I'd be able to convince the team running the conference to let you discuss your cybernetic implants…"
Seven coloured as his words elicited both impotent anger and shame. She took a deep breath, remembering the Captain's faith in her diplomatic skills, "I don't think that would be appropriate, neither would I be comfortable…"
Chakotay's voice, with a sharper edge to his deep, soft voice than usual, came from so close behind them that Seven jumped. "I'm sure that conference is planned months in advance Doctor Mallon, and I assure you that Seven is very good on warp mechanics."
Mallon was just about astute enough to hear the warning in the other man's voice and quickly disowned his previously cherished idea. "Of course she is Commander, I got a little carried away with enthusiasm that's all…" He laughed weakly, "I'm sure Miss Seven could supply us with enough knowledge to hold a number of conferences on any number of subjects." Thinking he had salvaged his dignity, he scurried off to rejoin his group for the time being.
"Sorry about that." Chakotay murmured to Seven as he automatically took Mallon's place walking at her side.
Seven thought she could sense that he wasn't sorry at all and that made her more uneasy than talking to Mallon ever had. Why did he keep intervening? There was no reason for him to feel obliged, perhaps he'd felt pity for her embarrassment? "No need Commander." She replied quickly, turning her attention back to the rest of the group as they all began to troop inside the Mess Hall.
Chakotay grimaced slightly, hearing a double meaning in her words as she turned away from him with an unreadable expression in her eyes. There had been no need for his words with Mallon as well as his apology, he'd probably offended her. He hadn't intended to butt in, far from it, but Mallon had crossed a line too far. The way the squat little man peered at Seven, as if he was trying to decide whether to lust after her or dissect her for her implants, had set his blood on a constant simmer since he'd laid eyes on the man and those insensitive comments about the Borg had caused his anger to boil over. He found that he didn't even regret putting the man, a foreign dignitary after all, in his place and that realisation made him sigh. Seven had dragged him into her concerns and he'd need to talk everything out with her if he was ever going to be free of them.
The Mess Hall however, was not the place for an intensely private conversation that particular night. All of the senior officers, including the Doctor although he couldn't eat, had a place with the Ledosian delegation at the main table, in reality several smaller tables pushed snugly together, the joins hidden by a tablecloth. The food, considerably toned down by Neelix after the fright Seven and Chakotay had given him to the benefit of the diners, was plentiful and synthehol and conversation flowed. Seven was one of the few that sat in near silence, with Mallon talking her ear off directly across from her and Chakotay having somehow ended up sitting next to her, she was too ill at ease for much conversation. Thankfully, Tom Paris' cheery voice floated over from where he sat with B'Elanna, addressing the Captain, "Captain, B'Elanna and her team finished the upgrades on the Delta Flyer today, I was hoping I could do some manoeuvres tomorrow."
"I'm happy with that, as long as the Ledosian Government is happy to allow you to test these upgrades in their space." The Captain replied, giving Ambassador Weltin an enquiring glance.
"I don't see why not Captain, as long as he complies with our flight laws." Weltin answered with a small smile at a jubilant Tom.
"Oh wait!" The Captain exclaimed, "Who is going to take Seven to the conference and back if you're busy Tom?"
Mallon laughed, "I'd certainly be honoured to collect Miss Seven in my own shuttle Captain, that would be the simplest solution."
Seven gulped in dread, three hours in the company of this man had made her certain that she'd didn't like him, how could she tolerate such a companion for three days? "Dr Mallon, I don't think…"
The Captain politely shook her head. "It's not Starfleet policy for a crewmember to go on an away mission alone Doctor. I think it would be better if we used one of our own shuttles for transport…"
Mallon blinked over at her balefully, "Surely you don't believe she'd be in any danger Captain?"
The Captain blanched a little, "Well…"
"I'll take her Captain." Chakotay said suddenly before he was fully aware of what he was agreeing to do, then swallowed as he realised. Could Seven handle three days with him, considering everything? Could he handle that?
The Captain latched onto the idea before he could think about retracting it. "I think that would be best, thank you for offering Commander."
"But Captain…" Mallon began to argue in such an ingratiating tone that to Chakotay's ears it sounded very much like nails on a blackboard, "I don't see why the Commander should have to give up his time when I've already offered to…"
"I said that I'm taking her." Chakotay said firmly, for a moment barely able to suppress a scary urge to bang his fist on the table. As he took in Mallon's defeated expression with satisfaction, he thought of the positives to this away mission. Yes, it would be awkward at first, but he'd definitely find some time to talk to her over the three days and hopefully she'd be more receptive to his apologies and explanations when she couldn't just run away from him, like on Voyager. Of course, even if none of that mattered, he doubted he ever would have wanted her to go with Mallon, Seven had already been kidnapped too many times before to take the risk.
The Captain cleared her throat as she shot Chakotay a strange look, mildly intrigued by his tone. "That settles that then, right Seven?"
"Yes Captain." Seven answered, perhaps a little too loudly as she tried to block out the roar of blood through her ears. Her chest hurt as her vision of a friendly, but distant, relationship with the Commander began to crumble. She was still vulnerable to him, that had been proved to her now, and she just couldn't afford to be! Yet, she couldn't find a way out, she was quite so desperate as to resort to taking up Mallon's offer. "Thank you for your help Commander." She murmured formally, not looking at him as she stood up abruptly, her chair flying out behind her. "If you would excuse me, I am late for my regeneration cycle." She said rapidly.
The Doctor, seeing her confusion, supported her. "Yes Captain, she's had a malfunction today, regeneration would do her some good."
The Captain gave Seven, who was appropriately pale, a worried look. "Of course you can be excused Seven." She agreed kindly.
Seven then left them with little else than a quick nod to the Captain, but as the others turned back to their meal, Chakotay's stomach was sinking in guilt. He'd made things worse between them once again.
A/n: Ugh, I think this chapter worked a lot better in my head than on the page, but I hope it's at least passable. PLEASE REVIEW! :D The next one will be better!