Blinking through disbelieving eyes, Captain Janeway blinks twice more.
"We did it." A simple statement. Her voice husky with a note of surprise, and something else unrecognizable.
Behind her, Seven of nine stands frigid at the science station, next to her Chakotay is unaware of hurricane starting to spin inside the ex Borg.
"We're being Hailed." Both Women absently hear Harry Kim
"On screen" Janeway still cautious and not quite believing their circumstances. "Sorry to Surprise you." She almost whispers when Admiral Owen Paris And Lt. Reginald Barkley flash on the screen. The Admiral first looking to her, then to his son. A proud smile on his face.
"Next time we'll call ahead." She teases. A small smirk appearing on her lips, though it doesn't quite meet her eyes.
"Welcome back" is all Paris says. His face brighter than the sun.
"It's good to be back." Janeway says, wistfully wondering how true her statement actually was.
"How did you.."
It'll all be in my report, Sir." Janeway feels constriction in her chest.
"I look forward to it." Paris nods as the screen goes black.
The sound a crying baby comes over the com and Tom Paris' mouth falls open.
"I think there's someone here who wants to meet you, Mr. Paris" the doctor sing-songs to the whole bridge. Everyone smiles. Almost everyone.
Tom all but flies to the turbo lift. Janeway's toothy side grin following his exit. Her eyes catch a glimpse of Seven and Chakotay standing at the science station. There's that constriction again. Chakotay is beaming, but there is something in Sevens posture making Janeway immediately understand she needs space.
"Mr. Chakotay. The Con." She motions for him to take the Helm, and she bounces as he rushes to take Toms seat. Immediately his fingers flying over the keys.
Janeway turns fully to Seven and gives her a knowing nod. Walking towards the tall blonde she stops short and swiftly turns on her heals, taking a seat in her command chair.
Seven blinks nervously and take a ragged breath.
"Set a course… For home" Janeways voice is heaven. Her face sunken as the corners of her mouth tip downward. The full weight of what they've done, how they've accomplished it and an ever growing fear of something she couldn't quite grasp sat on her insides like a heavy rainstorm.
Voyagers view screen comes to life once again. A beaming Harry Kim wipes away tears as earth comes closer and closer.
"Mr. Tuvok, please open a ship wide com link." Janeway try's a small smile, looking over. Her right shoulder at her oldest friend.
With an almost imperceptible nod, she hears the chirp, indicating the line open.
"All Hands, this is your Captain. Prepare of disembark…" the instructions too formal for her liking. These people were more than a crew. More than Family even. They were a part of her now. Always would be. She'd stick her neck out for each and every one of them. Her mind flashes to Seven.
"It has been an absolute Honor. You've all gone beyond any expectation more times than I can count." Janeway took a small breath and looked over her left shoulder at Seven, who hadn't moved even a millimeter.
"I love you, all"
A bit more than a Captain should, or would ever say. But after 7 long years of working toward the same goal with almost 200 other people, she's earned the right to stretch the boundaries a bit.
Seven flicks her eyes to Janeway then back to the view screen. Watching Earth with tight lips.
"Dismissed." Janeways words barely audible over the con.
Turning back to face forward, she sees Chakotay Leap from his seat and almost run towards Seven. Grey eyes follow him till her is standing by Seven, grabbing her arm. He kisses her cheek and tugs gently to get her to follow him. His eyes grow questioning when he finds he is unable to move her even an inch.
"Seven, Come on!" His smile is eager as he tugs again.
Janeways palms start to go cold and sweaty. She's watching them through the corner of her eye.
"Seven what's wrong? We did it! We made it!" Seven pulls her arm from his grasp and turns to face him.
"I will not be leaving this ship just yet. And when I do, it will not be with you." Her voice shakes and the last statement comes out as a whisper. She knows only Chakotay, And the Captain can hear her.
"Seven," He starts, and reaches for her hand, surrounding her delicate fingers with his large paw of a hand. "I know its a lot, but I'll be with you the whole time."
"No." Seven tried to yank her hand away only to feel his tighten and jerk her towards him. "Let go, of my hand" her voice was menacingly low and primal. Her teeth showed as spoke, "Now."
Chakotay's eyes flashed with Rage. His high tightened again, causing Seven to flinch just slightly. "Let's go." He tried to whisper.
Tuvok watched as Janeway slowly stood and walked up the ramp to stand beside Seven. A look on her face he did not dare read.
"Let. Her. Go." Deep, and menacingly husky, Janeways voice broke through the torrent of palpable furry.
"Stay out of this, Kathryn!" He spat sardonically.
Janeways shoulders squared, as her chin raised. Her Captains mask falling hard into place.
"How dare you speak to me that way." Her eyes flashed with pain and anger. "What's wrong with you?!" Janeway put her hand on top of his hand which still had a vice grip on Sevens borg meshed fingers. He visibly softened and dropper them. Taking a step backs, his eyes fell to the floor.
"Apologies, Captain. I must be overwhelmed. I'll.. I'm sorry…" he looked up to meet Sevens eyes, which now were questioning. "I get it." He stated, turned, and walked with hunched shoulders to the turbo lift.
Harry Kim cleared his throat and nodded, joining Chakotay before the doors closed.
"Tuvok." Janeway called, still looking at the turbo lifts closed doors. "Would you mind finishing the docking protocols?"
"Of course, Captain." Tuvok descended the ramp to the Helm controls and began working. Janeway thanked him mentally for his discretion and calm.
There was a metallic clanging and a swish of air that could be heard throughout the ship. A clear and tangible indication that voyager had successfully docked at the space station and the airlocks were opened.
Janeway stood unmoving beside Seven of Nine. Their shoulders barely touching, but a warmth permeated their bodies. Only now realizing that when Chakotay let go of Seven, Janeways hand had falling on to Sevens. A petite hand gently sliding fingers between long, slenders ones. With a light squeeze, Janeway looks over, and up, at Seven who is still looking towards Chakotays exit.
"You have the bridge, Old friend." She almost coos. "And when you're finished, you have permission to disembark."
Tuvok nodded, turning his head towards the two women.
Was that a smile? Janeway thought as she watched him turn to continue his work.
"Come with me?" She whispered to Seven. Noting the complete lack of resistance, as Seven allowed herself to be pulled towards the Captains ready room.
The doors closed behind them with a quiet thud and Janeway realized the hand she was holding was trembling. Giving it a quick squeeze, she took Seven to the couch where they both sat immediately. Still holding hands. Janeway could tell she wasn't ready to let go. There were emotions whirling inside Seven and her eyes were almost pleading, but the struggle wasn't with those emotions.
With her inhibiter no longer keeping her from her emotions, they ran rampant. Unchecked and annoyingly raw. Seven felt her stomach lurch, clamping her free hand over her mouth to keep from loosing any stomach bile.
"Oh, Seven," Janeway breathed, "Talk to me." Seven looking at Janeways pleading eyes and felt a tear fall from her human eye. A graceful thumb wiped it away, quickly replaced by a warm palm, cupping her face with and elegant grace.
"I am still," blue eyes searching the room for the words she needed to express. "I am, not Sure," she tried again, "Captain! I do not know what I am feeling." She closed her eyes tight. "All I know, is I no longer wished to prolong my association with the Comander." Opening her eyes, she looked sharply at Janeway who was giving her undivided attention. "I do not Love him. I never will." She slumped, uncharacteristically, "I do not wish to begin this new… adventure… on a pretense."
Janeway lets her hand fall from the porcelain face and take sevens other hand, bringing them together on the couch between them. A sad smile tugging at her lips.
"It's ok, Seven, That is admirable." Her voice husky and emotional.
Seven gives her a curt nod as their eyes meet.
Letting out a sigh, Janeway continues, "I knew this would be very hard for you. Honestly you're handling it better than I thought you would." She chuckles, "Seven, would you accompany me off this ship?"
Seven tenses, but the warmth coming from her hands, still encased by the captains soothes her greatly. "That would be," She searches for the right word, "Acceptable."
Janeways grin is bright and genuine. Pulling them up off the couch, their hands reluctantly drop to their sides. "Wonderful."
" I am uncertain how to proceed." Sevens eyebrows knit together. "This is, as you say, uncharted territory." Her cheeks redden.
"That's ok Seven, I got you." Janeway tipped her head towards the door, motioning to seven to follow, which she did, quickly.
Passing through the bridge, they noticed it empty. Tuvok having finished, and left himself.
"Odd." Seven said as they walked towards the turbo lift.
"How's that, Seven?"
The doors slid open, and both women stepped inside, turning to face the bridge.
"I… feel… better."
The Captain shot her another toothy grin as the doors slid closed.
Facing Seven, Janeway tapped her on the shoulder. An invitation to face her also. Seven did so and was met by arms wrapping around her waist, and auburn hair pressed into her shoulder.
Shocked, Seven allowed instinct to rule and wrapped her arms around Janeways back and reveled in the sensation.
"I promise I wont abandon you." She heard muffled words in her shoulder. Janeway tightened her hug for a moment more before letting go and looking up at Seven as she stepped back.
"Do me a favor." The corner of her lip tilting up in. A crooked grin. "Once our feet step off this ship." Her pause caused Seven to mildly panic. "Call me, Kathryn."
Sevens lips curled into the brightest smile She'd ever seen on the normally stoic face. "As you wish."
The turbo lift slowed and opened onto the airlock ramp. For a moment, neither woman moved. Both acutely aware of the other.
"Well, here we go!" Janeway stared forward as they walked side by side. The corridor seemed to go on for miles, and yet at the same time, too short. The door opened to a crowded room of voyagers crew and starfleet brass and delegates welcoming them. "Oh, Hell."
Pushing Seven back into the corridor and closing the door, She tapped her combadge.
"Computer." A chirp of acknowledgment "Site to site transport to coordinates Janeway Alpha 8-4-7 Gamma." Seven raised her ocular implant in question.
"Affirmative, Captain." The computer replied.
"Engage."
The corridor around them fizzled and changed into a different one. This one more warm and aesthetically pleasing. A red door in front of them. A small 847 imprinted on it in white lettering.
"Where are we?" Seven asked feeling a little light headed.
"This." Janeway grinned, "Is my San Francisco Apartment."
A look of confusion crossed Sevens features promoting her to elaborate. "I didnt' think you'd feel very comfortable shaking hands with starfleet admirals 3 minutes after being flung through the galaxy and into a situation you weren't prepared for, especially after breaking up with Chakotay. So i tandsported us to my," she paused, feeling the full weight of where she was hit her like a freight train. "My home."
Seven looked at her softly and nodded with bright eyes. "A prudent action, Captain."
"No." Janeway chuckled again. A sound Seven was beginning to thoroughly enjoy. "It's Kathryn."
Seven inhaled deeply and tried to speak. Noting the lump now forming in her throat, the simple action seemed impossible. She chose instead to nod.
"OH, where are my manners." She bent down and Keyed in a code to which teh door obligingly opened. "Please, come in!"
Janeway was beaming as Seven walked past her and into the large open space. It was minimally decorated and refined. There was a large rustic arm chair in teh corner, surrounded by old paper back books. A matching couch on teh opposite wall full of over sized pillows and chord knit blankets. Further to the right was a small table with 4 chairs surrounding it, nothing extraordinary about it, then an actual kitchen.
"Sophisticated, and discerning." Seven quirked her implant again, this time in approval. "It is very… You." Seven turned around and watched The petite woman enter and nod her thanks.
A deep growl emanated from deep within Sevens belly. Embarrassed, she pressed her borg mesh hand to her stomach. Her eyes widening.
Kathryn out right laughed. An action Seven had never seen. An action that made her insides explode into all corners of the universe and at the same time held her in place with great warmth.
"I'll make you an omelet." Kathryn strode past her and into the kitchen, making quick work of two omelets, a coffee, and water for Seven.
"How is it this place is so clean and stocked on provisions" Seven asked, half her mouth full of Egg and onion.
"My sister." She said taking a sip of Coffee. Reveling in the black gold flowing over her tongue. "She always keeps things going for me. I had a feeling she'd have kept that up even after so long." A wistful expression ghosted grey eyes. "Seven years" she whispered. Her body began to slump and her shoulders shook.
Seven stopped chewing and quickly stood up, rounding the table to knelt down close to Kathryn. Placing her hand on a still uniform clad knee. The gesture was small, but the meaning behind it, boundless.
A series of chirps from the PADD on the desk in the corner draws their attention.
"Wonder what that could be." Kathryns brow furrowed, crossing the room she picked it up to read it. Seven watched as she read. Her face slowly adopting the Command Mask.
"Is everything alright, Kathryn?" Seven asked somewhat meeker than she'd intended.
Letting out a sigh, She dropped the PADD. "Yes." Her hand coming up to caress her temple. "I just have to meet with Admiral Paris in three days for a debriefing."
The PADD chirped again. Without picking it up, Kathryn touched it. Read it and touched it again to close it. Her face unreadable.
"What?" Seven asked, concerned.
"He requested your presence as well."
Seven paled. Kathryn waved her hand in the air staving off both of their inhibitions.
"I'll accompany you."
Kathryn smiled sleepily. The long day taking its tole on her psyche. Her muscled sore from tension and fatigue was wrapping it cloak around her.
"Oh! Do you have to regenerate?" She asked suddenly sobering. Blushing at having forgot the Ex Borg may need to return to the ship.
"No. I do not require regeneration solely for sustenance. I am able to consume nutrients and …Sleep. I will not have to regenerate for 5 days as long as i maintain a balanced diet and acceptable sleep schedule."
Kathryn raised her eyebrows and shook her head as she walked towards Seven, stopping only inches away.
"That's settled then." She grinned. "What size PJ's would you like?"
Seven took a step back. Their proximity effecting her concentration. "PJs?"
Kathryn just reached out and pulled her along with her towards the far wall where a door opened and revealed another room with a bed, dresser and sitting area.
"Pajamas. Seven. Sleep clothes."
Confused. Seven faltered on her feet. "I have only ever slept in my bio suit. It provides constant regulation of both my body temperature and vitals." Seven almost verbalized her refusal to wear Pajamas, then reconsidered. "However, i believe, Pajamas would be a nice change."
Kathryns expression turned from concern to full on joy. She reached over and pulled open a drawer. "Pick whichever you like."
Seven eyed the drawers contents from where she stood. Seeing a silky red fabric she smiled. "The red one will suffice." Her voice lilting.
Kathryn smirked and handed it to her. "You can change in there." Pointing to another door further into the room. "I'm going to make some calls and I'll be right back."
Seven nodded and Kathryn turned to return to the living space. 15 minutes passed and when she returned to the bedroom, Seven was sitting motionless on the sitting area opposite the bed.
"How do they feel?" She asked
Sevens face was twitchy. Her eyes flicking every which way. A sign she felt, trepidation.
"They feel. Wonderful." She eyed Kathryn before looking down and the floor.
"What is it, Seven?"
Seven just stared at the floor. Her hands white knuckling the cushion she was sitting on.
"I have, difficulty…" Seven tried, "I Do not Th…." She couldn't figure out how to explain her anxiety, "I don't like to sleep alone." She blurted out.
Kathryn crossed the room to sit beside her. Placing one hand on the small of sevens back, she began making a small circle. The smooth warmth soaking into her palm and causing her to feel light headed. "That's understandable, Seven. You may sleep in here. This bed is huge and there is plenty of room." Her hand stops the caress when Sevens eyes shoot up and lock onto hers like a tractor beam.
"Why are you helping me? Why do you not flee to your family like all the other voyager crew members? Why do you not join in their celebration? Do you pity me?" Sevens voice is raw and cracking with emotion. Janeways expression becomes tender and her eyes moisten.
"Well," she croaked, also full of emotion. "I am helping because I care for you, Seven. I am not fleeing to family, because I am already with Family…" the pause for effect having the desired outcome as Seven visibly relaxes. "I will join in celebrations when I am ready, as will you… and no, I do not pity you. I Cherish you, and our friendship. I want to be here for you and that's all there is to it."
Sevens emotions calm and she leans back. Facial muscles still twitching, but her eyes are soft.
"Thank you." Is all she can manage to utter. Her stomach flutters and her heart rate has sped up dramatically.
Kathryn brings her hand around to pat Sevens knee as she stands. "I'm going to change, I have something to ask you when i get back, don't go anywhere."
"Where would I go, Cap.. Kathryn." Her cheeks blush again, to her embarrassment.
Chuckling, Kathryn disappears into the room Seven had just Changed in. She's only gone 47.7 seconds before she appears again, wearing a silken blue nightgown which seven absently notes is the same color as her own eyes. Sevens gaze lingers and slowly follows the gentle curves of Kathryns body. The slinky fabric leaving little to the imagination.
"So." She breathes, plotting somewhat unceremoniously beside Seven, again. "We don't have to meet Admiral Paris for 3 days. All the crew has been granted leave for however long they want and that includes you."
Sevens posture stiffens, not surprising Kathryn.
"I do not have anywhere to go…"
Kathryn waves her hand, cutting short Sevens thought. She already knows what Seven is worried about.
"I wanted to ask you, if you'd come to Indiana with me." Her gravely voice husky and warm.
Seven blinks. Her teeth slowly coming into view as Seven smiles and nods.
Kathryn head spins as she lets out a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Why was i holding my breath. She absentmindedly ponders, shaking it off quickly.
"Which side would you like?" Kathryn asks, standing up. Barking out a laugh at Sevens clearly confused expression. "Of the bed." She clarified.
feeling silly, and for the 3rd time that day, blushing, Seven shook her head. "I have no preference." Swallowing the embarrassment like a sour wine.
"I'll take the left." Kathryn stretches out her hand for Seven to take it. Crossing the room, hands clasped, Kathryn pulls the sheets down and pulls on Sevens hand to get it. She does so, and Kathryn pulls the sheets over her, before moving around to the other side and climbing in herself. She pushes and punches her pillow more times than is necessary, possibly due to the fact Seven on Nine is in her bed. She stops suddenly. Collapses on to the pillow and buries her face, hot tears stinging her eyes. The reality, and weigh of what had transpired over the last 24 hours fully engulfing her. Weighing her down like a boulder and threatening to over take her completely. She faintly hears rustling and a her hair moves slightly. A hand. Sevens hand is on her head. Her fingers trailing down the auburn tresses in a soothing, achingly slow manner.
"You did it." Sevens voice is close. Her tone dripping with compassion, and understanding.
"When did you get so sweet, Dear Seven?" Kathryn smiled though her aching soul was exhausted.
"Stardate 45626.4" she stated in a mock Borg tone.
Kathryn coughed a little before she could turn her head and smile at Seven. Noting how close she actually was, her hand still stroking languidly and tangled in her hair.
"What is that date, exactly?"
"Thats the day i was liberated, Captain."
Kathryn's eyes stopped watering and she grinned as they closed. "Call me, Kathryn, Please."
Seven removed her hand so as not to wake Kathryn who was fast falling asleep.
"You will always be my Captain, Kathryn." She whispered, as sleep quickly claimed her consciousness, too.
——————————————————————
Sevens eyes had to adjust to daylight on Earth. Borg cube offered little if any light and the white grey Hugh of voyagers lights was nothing compared to the very bright sun now beating down on her and Kathryn as they made their way from the transport to the very large farm house looming over them.
"Big" was all Seven could verbalize.
"Yep." Kathryn raised her eyebrows, "I'd forgotten."
Standing at the bottom of the steps, Kathryn felt so small. It wasn't the size of the farmhouse or the expanse of fields around them. It was her childhood. It was the frailty of reality and the realization that any and all things treasured could be ripped from you at any moment. The sobering thoughts were overwhelming and trivial all at once. Lost in thought, Kathryn didn't even notice the woman approaching from the field to their right.
"Who is that?" Sevens voice, and a hand on her shoulder pulled Kathryn out of her reverie. Looking to the right, her voice caught in her throat. A Sob wracked her body and she fell to her knees. "Kathryn?!" Seven exclaimed and fell to her own knees, holding onto her Captains arm, unsure what to do.
"Hello, Katie." The stranger seemed to float as she spoke, coming to crouch in front of Kathryn.
"Mom!" Kathryn croaked as tears fell unbidden down her cheeks.
Seven looked at the women, only now noticing the striking resemblance. She was older but beautiful. Her hair was a silvery grey with dark undertones, cut in a feathery bob just below other shoulders. Her eyes the same grey as Kathryns filled with tears themselves as she reached forward and gathered her daughter in her arms. Rocking her until the sobs subsided enough they could sit back on their heels and look at each other.
"Who's this?" The older Janeway asked, glancing to Seven who was still kneeling beside them, an expression of awe and confusion on her face.
Blinking through dwindling tears, Kathryn turned her head to face Seven. "This is Seven of Nine. Well, Seven, she likes to be called." Kathryn reached over, giving Sevens hand a little squeeze before all three women stood.
"It is delightful to me…" Gretchens words faltered as she extended her hand and looked at the gorgeous blonde. "….eet you." Her voice trailed off as she stared at Sevens face. Seemingly lost in thought. Seven took her hand gently and shook it.
"The pleasure is mine." Seven replied, somewhat baffled at the myriad of emotions being directed at her.
"I am sorry dear, you look just like someone i used to know." She airily spoke, as if overwhelmed by memories. "My name is Gretchen." Dropping Sevens hand, she smiled brightly. "Gretchen Janeway, but please, call me mom. All Katies friends call me mom!"
Kathryns eyes rolled almost comically. Before catching Sevens gaze.
"Well, Katie, "Sevens voice adopting a teasing inflection, "should we go inside?"
Kathryn threw her head back in a deep, throaty laughter that tingled up Sevens spine and rested some where in her chest, warming her insides to molten lava.
Gretchen noted the reaction and decidedly pushed on, taking both women by their elbows and guiding them up the stairs. Eyeing Seven as they crossed through the large, and heavy wooden door into the living room. "What does Seven of Nine Mean?" She asked. Sobering the two younger women.
Sevens jaw clenched and unclenched while her back straightened. Her eye twitched with heightened apprehension.
"It's Ok, Seven, don't worry." She turned to her mother, calmly, "Seven of Nine, Tertiary adjunct of unimatrix zero one, was her Borg Designation before she was liberated by Voyager 4 years ago." Her tone was flat, as if she were reading from a manual. "She spent 18 years of her life as a drone, until we saved her." Kathryns eyes filled with compassion as she turned slightly to look at Seven. "She is a remarkable individual and you're going to love her, mom."
Sevens muscles relaxed slightly, until she looked up to see Gretchen had gone Pale. Her eyes unreadable.
"Mom!" Kathryns voice was raised and commanding.
"Sorry, Katie." She offered, "I've never, I mean, how?" Gretchen was stumbling over her words. "I am sorry. I don't mean to be rude" Her neck flushed in embarrassment, waving her hands in front of her face. "I was just taken by surprise, Dear." She spoke to Seven. "Can i get you anything to drink?"
Seven shook her head, but followed the two Janeways to the kitchen. Gretchen still visibly unnerved.
"My presence is making you uncomfortable." She stated from the doorway.
"No!" Gretchen almost shouted. "No, i am certainly not uncomfortable." She poured herself some coffee, and as if by automatic memory poured one for her daughter. "So, Seven was your designation. Did you have a name before you were assimilated?" Gretchen didn't look Seven in the eyes.
Kathryn watched her mother with warning eyes. Carefully allowing the questions, for now.
"I did," Seven was unnerved by Gretchens sudden interest in her. "My parents were scientists, obsessed with the Borg. They mistakenly believed they could protect themselves, and their 6 year old child." Seven was beginning to grow agitated, Thought not at Gretchen. "They took me with them," seven paused, "to study and learn about the Borg." Sevens breaths became ragged and deep, as always when she spoke of her parents. "They were in error." Her last words barely a whisper as Gretchens face, once's again, lost all color.
"I see," she stated, calmly setting her coffee down. "What was your name, before?"
"Annika." Sevens jaw jutted out. "Annika Hansen."
Gretchen opened her mouth to speak but thought better of it, glancing over at Kathryn who was sending Daggers her way.
"Seven," Kathryn offered, without looking at her, eyes fixed on her mother, "Would you like to go for a walk?" Her voice dropping low as she finally looked at Seven with compassion. "I'd like to show. You my favorite places around here."
Seven only nodded her affirmation.
"Lets change first." Kathryn handed her coffee mug to her mother who took it, apologetic eyes locking onto her daughters.
"We'll be back for Dinner, Mom." She called out over. Her shoulder as she ushered Seven up the stairs, disappearing down the long hallway.
"Annika…" Gretchen sighed.