This is a work of fiction. Characters belong to Paramount. This story contains a romantic relationship between female characters. If you don't like it, don't read it! I would welcome any reviews/comments. Enjoy!
That Groundhog Day Feeling – Chapter 3
Loop 4 continued
Music by Chopin played softly in the background, a delicate piano piece that reminded Janeway of autumn rain splashing in deep puddles. Sandrine's was half-full with off-duty crewmen, many of whom were unaware of the ship's predicament. The Captain had ordered that only senior staff were to be told of the time-loop situation on the advice of Tuvok, who as security chief thought it a "prudent measure". The reasoning was that certain crew members may use the opportunity as a carte blanche to do as they pleased with no fear of repercussion, provided they kept their antics from the Captain herself. As she had already intercepted Tom Paris as he roared through the corridors on an old motorcycle he had replicated, Janeway felt that it was a wise precaution.
Seven-of-Nine and Janeway were seated in a quiet corner of a holographic recreation of the quaint little Marseilles bar. Their meal finished, the two women sat in mutual silence, each deep in thought. Though neither of them knew it, both were thinking of the woman seated opposite.
"Have some wine, Seven. It's an Earth vintage that I've been saving for a special occasion." Janeway poured two glasses, the bottle clinking against the rims, and handed one to the blonde.
"Is this a special occasion, Captain?" asked Seven, watching Janeway as she swirled her glass thoughtfully before taking a delicate sip. Janeway smiled, her eyes appearing grey in the dim light.
"Doesn't matter. The beauty of it is, after this time loop, we can have it again," she replied, raising her glass in a wordless salute. "So, any thoughts on your next…date?" continued the Captain. She had almost said 'victim' but caught herself at the last moment, feeling that the former Borg probably wouldn't have appreciated the intended humour.
"I have reviewed the crew manifest and Starfleet records, with the Doctor's assistance. He…persuaded me that I had discounted some possibilities unnecessarily, for example high-ranking officers. He pointed out that, as I am not a member of Starfleet, there are no official restrictions on my dating any crew member, provided I obtain the Captain's approval."
"So, who've you got in mind?" Janeway enquired with a casual tone, though she felt anything but casual. During the away mission and the ongoing time loop saga she felt that she and Seven had become closer than ever before, spending most of their time together. It was unspoken, but both women felt that it was somehow unfair to socialise with the rest of the crew as they wouldn't remember anything that was said or done. The Captain had enjoyed this time more than she thought she would; Seven's companionship was definitely unique.
"- two possibilities, however both are females." Seven finished her sentence of which Janeway had missed a good portion whilst she had been daydreaming.
"Er, well – is that a problem?" said Janeway hastily, sipping more wine to cover her embarrassment at allowing her thoughts to wander. Few people on board could match Janeway's intellect; few challenged her and none as much as the younger woman in front of her. And very few made her heart jump when they entered a room, made her whole body tingle at the slightest contact. Shaking her head, she refocused on Seven's reply.
"I have observed that many human females prefer mates of the opposite sex. It would be futile to attempt a relationship."
"Most, perhaps, but people stopped thinking so rigidly centuries ago, Seven. Some females only date males, true, but for many people it's not about gender any longer, it's about the person inside. We've come a long way since the twentieth century, Seven."
"Was it unacceptable at that time to feel an attraction for a member of the same sex?" asked Seven curiously, and Janeway was surprised – she had assumed that Seven-of-Nine would already possess full knowledge of Earth's history since the Borg had assimilated numerous Starfleet and Federation vessels.
"Didn't the Borg assimilate this information, from the Enterprise amongst other sources?"
"Affirmative. However, such cultural and historical information is deemed irrelevant and discarded. The Borg require only useful data, mostly regarding technology, in order to attain perfection."
"Ah, of course. Well, then. You're right, but it wasn't only unacceptable, people were executed for it. Then, attitudes began to change, people spoke out and slowly, in many countries equality was established. But not everywhere; some societies refused to change. It was only after the third world war when humanity hit rock bottom that we realised how dangerous it was, how divisive and petty our prejudices were. Then came warp technology and first contact, a planetary society evolved based on fairness and peace, and we've never looked back."
"And what about you, Captain? Do you have a …preference?" Seven asked the question with the most matter-of-fact tone imaginable as only a former Borg could. Janeway looked away, fiddling with the stem of her glass. It was a very personal question, but she felt she owed her companion an answer.
"No, Seven. I'm one of those people I mentioned, the ones who care about what's inside; personality. I've dated my fair share of men and women – it doesn't matter at all to me."
Janeway paused, watching her friend as she considered her Captain's words. The conversation had taken a philosophical turn, and both women were caught in the moment. Seven took a drink of wine, placed her glass down deliberately the raised her eyes to meet Janeway's. It was at that moment that the older woman realised for certain what she had been refusing to acknowledge. She stood slowly and moved around the table, kneeling at the taller woman's side and reaching out to take Seven's warm hand in her own.
Everything else around them became a blur, the crew members, a few officers, the lights and sounds of the holographic bar. All Janeway was aware of was herself and Seven-of-Nine as she leaned forward and with the gentlest of touches kissed Seven on the lips. It was only a matter of seconds, but to Janeway it felt like a lifetime, a wonderful, dizzying eternity that would never end. With a slow, agonising movement the contact was broken, but Janeway remained where she was, oblivious to the now-silent, gawking audience that surrounded them.
"How about we call this our first date?" whispered Janeway. "You have the Captain's approval."
**********************
The door to the Captain's quarters emitted its familiar chirp, startling Janeway from a comfortable sleep in her favourite chair. Hastily she straightened herself and her uniform then retrieved 'The Complete Works of Shakespeare' from the floor.
"Come in," she called, knowing who it would be. She wasn't disappointed. "Commander, come on in. What can I do for you?"
Chakotay held up a PADD almost as a shield, and Janeway had to stop herself from chuckling. Her First Officer had turned red and was obviously not looking forward to the conversation he was about to have.
"Reports from all departments as requested, Captain," he announced, thrusting the PADD in Janeway's direction. Janeway took it and nonchalantly began to scroll through the data, making interested noises and pretending not to notice Chakotay clearing his throat no less than three times. Finally she looked up and did her best to keep a straight face.
"Was there something else, Commander?" she asked, her expression a picture of innocence. Chakotay addressed his feet when he answered.
"I, er, Captain, some people saw you with Seven on the holodeck. I wondered if – if you wanted to talk about it." He looked up and met Janeway's amused look.
"Talk about me kissing Seven, you mean? Alright then, let's talk about it. I'm all ears." Janeway leaned forward and cupped her chin in her hands, watching Chakotay as he exhaled slowly and sat down without invitation.
"What's going on, Kathryn? I mean, I know I won't remember any of this, but I thought we were friends, that we shared things. Are you and she…?"
Janeway laughed and rose to her feet. She needed coffee, and there were only a few minutes remaining until the next time loop began and she would wake up in sick bay yet again. She ordered a cup from the replicator and returned to her chair, where she faced Chakotay.
"I'm not sure. We've become…close, that much is certain. I think about her a lot, she's – she's an amazing person, Chakotay, when you get to know her. Warm, funny, so curious about humanity, what it means. I never intended, well, you know, but I got carried away. It's this damn time loop; it's messing with my mind, and presumably Seven's too."
"Kathryn, in a minute I won't remember anthing, but you will, and so will Seven. Promise me you'll take things slowly? You know I'll always be here if you want to talk."
"I promise, and thank you." The Captain stood once more and briefly rested her hand on her friend's broad shoulder. "See you in sick bay."