Chapter 2
"Are you certain?" Gretchen asked quietly, staring intently at the image of Owen Paris on her comm screen. A small bundle gurgling happily in his arms. She could hear some people off screen talking, or fighting, she couldn't tell which. It didn't matter.
"Yes, I tried to get in touch with you before you saw her." The Admirals expression sympathetic. "It's her."
"And Katie doesn't know?"
Owen looked down at the wiggly babe in his arms as a blonde man bent down to retrieve her. Watching as it cooed in. A small smile crossing his lips.
"No, we didn't think it prudent to inform her. Since all mention of the Hansen's involvement with you husband had been expunged, we knew she wouldn't find out from even the classified information on their excursion." His face glum. "I have asked them both to my office for a meeting in 3 days. I will show them everything then. Everything."
Gretchen pursed her lips. "I won't say anything." She hammered him with a trademark Janeway glower that made his skin ice cold. "But you explain EVERYTHING, to them."
She paused. "Especially, An… Seven."
The Admiral merely nodded his understanding.
Closing the link, Gretchen sat back in her chair at the dinning room table. A shaky breath forcing its way past her still pursed lips.
"Mom?" She heard her daughters voice like a honey and whiskey melody in her ears. God, she'd missed that voice.
"Mmm?" Gretchens gaze took in the sight of Kathryn standing in the doorway now. She was wearing light beige loose fit linen slacks and a white button up cotton shirt. Her bare feet padding gently on the hard wood traditional floor as she slowly approached.
"You ok?" Kathryn was concerned.
"Oh, Yes." Her fingers tucking a strand of silvery hair behind her ear. "I'm so very happy to see you, Katie."
Kathryn knelt down beside her mothers chair. Her mothers hand coming to rest on top of her head and slowly smooth over it till her hand was resting on a dainty shoulder. A shoulder that had carried such weight over the last 7 years. Gretchen knew her daughter and knew exactly how it had been for her, lost, so far away, with all those people to look after. It hurt her heart tremendously. Though, none of that mattered, now. She was back, and brought a surprise along with her no less. It was clear her daughter had a deep bond with Annika, er, Seven. She'd have to watch that.
"I've missed you more than i could ever imagine expressing.." Kathryns eyes flicked around the room, searching. "Where IS Phoebs?"
Laughing, "of course it would take you an hour to realize your sister wasn't here."
Kathryn laughed but her interest was peeked. "Is she ok?"
"Oh she's more than ok! She's in Chicago for her art opening. She will be here tomorrow."
Kathryn beamed. "Great! And good for her!"
Gretchen motioned for Kathryn to stand so she could get up and put her coffee cup in the sink.
It was not long until small but strong arms encircled her waist and Kathryns head leaned against her shoulders. Though trapped, Gretchen allowed and relished in the feeling.
"Is this.. correct?"
The two women separated and turned to face the source of the question. Seven was standing in the door way, leaning against the frame trying to straighten her clothing that seemed determined to do exactly the opposite of what she wanted it to do.
"This his extremely inefficient." She snorted, "Why can i not wear my biosuit?" Her gentle whining made her appear childlike and completely innocent. Charming, even.
Laughing kindly, Kathryn broke free from her mother and stepped in close to Seven.
"Yes, but try this." Kathryn took the flowing blue fabric of her shirt and tucked it into the waist line of her washed out denim jeans. Loosely cuffed at the bottom, Seven was also barefoot, having noticed Kathryn exiting her childhood room with out them. Kathryn smiled inwardly.
"There, much better."
Stepping back to look at Seven, Her breath caught in her throat. Warmth filled her chest and she almost gasped at how beautiful Seven was. Her hair was down, not imprisoned by a taught French twist and her eyes seemed somehow, more human than ever.
Blushing under the scrutiny, Seven wiped a strand of hair out of her face and looked down.
"I am not used to this form of attire. It is not as functional as my biosuit."
"I know Seven," Kathryn took her hand, as she'd been doing so often lately. "Trust me, you'll be glad you are in these clothes. They'll be more comfortable for our walk."
Dipping her head in acknowledgment, more blonde locks fell in her eyes.
Gretchen observed the exchange with a growing understanding. Katie Loved Annika. Annika loved Katie. And neither of them knew it. Not yet, anyway. The knowledge that their world was going to be swirled and confusing in 3 days tugged at her heart. She knew it would be hard, but seeing them here, now, like this. She knew everything would be ok.
"You girls have fun and don't get into trouble."
Falling into old habits, Kathryn rolled her eyes and grunted. "Jeez, Mom, we'll be back in an hour or so." Kathryn ushers Seven hurriedly out the door frame, through the living room and onto the porch.
Seven skidded to a halt at the top of the stairs leading to the path below.
"I must insist on a slower pace, my feet are not protected." Seven held an arm out to Kathryn who looked down, remembering they were both barefoot.
"Oh, right. Sorry." Kathryn blinked to clear her mind.
"It is alright." Sevens blue eyes caught stormy grey ones. "Thank you." She uttered faintly. Her voice delicate in its uncertainty.
"For what?" Kathryn asked, mystified.
"You promised you'd take me to Indiana when we reached Earth." Seven started down the stairs. "You were the first person to make me a promise. So far, you are the only one to make good on that promise."
Kathryn Janeway was moved. Her only response, to follow Seven down the stair and along the path. "You're welcome." She finally choked out.
They walked in silence for a ways until Seven realized she was leading, and had no idea where she was going.
"Kathryn, perhaps you should lead?"
"I was wondering when you'd say something." Her laugh was contagious enough to lighten Sevens expression and raise her eye browns.
"Come this way!" Before Seven knew it she was being pulled down a steep embankment towards a small pond with a large tree close by. An archaic piece of wood hung by two pieces of rope swung freely beneath its grand branches.
"My father hung this swing." Kathryn ran her fingers over it. "It only looks rotted. Part of its charm, my Father would say."
"Swing?" The question came out more of a statement.
"Sit on it." Kathryn instructed gently.
Quirking her implant, Seven obliged. "Hold onto the ropes." Seven did so cautiously, as They did not look sanitary.
"What is the — OHHH!" Sevens shocked yelp scaring the small family of Ducks near by. She found herself hurtling through the air, then falling back gracefully before two small hands pushed her again, repeating the same result. Over and over, Seven felt the earth sway around her with a whimsical mirth. Her hair was flowing around her face and neck in a way that made her feel caressed. The air hugging her like a cloud. A strange noise pulled her from her assessment, only to realize the noise was coming from her. She was laughing. Borg do not laugh. She thought to herself. Ex-Borg she corrected herself. Deciding to allow the human fallacy, she owned her laugh with a passion. She let it wash over her and ease her nerves. There was freedom in the simple act, the likes of which Seven hadn't felt since she was child.
The Memory hit hard. A metaphorical splash of cold water in her face. Her father, pushing her on a swing, not unlike the one she was on. Back and fourth she'd glided, his strong arms capturing her before she could fly forward again. Tiny giggles erupting from her tiny body.
"Papa!" The tiny voice shattered her joy to a million pieces.
"Seven?!" Kathryns voice full of confusion and concern. "What is it? Did I hurt you?"
Seven had jumped off the swing, needing to break the memory connection. She landed on her hands and knees, shaking. Sitting down on the damp grass, she pulled her knees to her chest and buried her face in them.
"Seven, talk to me. Please." The sultry voice seemed to ground Seven to reality and she lifted her head to rest sideways so she could see Kathryn, kneeling beside her.
"Papa," she said sadly. "He used to push me."
A knowing expression drifting over Kathryns face. Leaning forward, wrapping her arms around the slight form quivering in front of her. Seven inhaled the scent of Coffee and Vanilla as she sank completely unbridled into the embrace.
Kathryn pulled back slightly, noticing Seven hadn't moved in quite some time.
"Seven," she whispered, "Are you alright?"
"Yes." Her voice unreadable but calm.
Lifting Seven to her feet with an ease she didn't know she possessed, Kathryn wrapped an arm around the slim waist and guided Seven up the steep hill and back onto the path, following it back the way they came.
"I must apologize, Kathryn. I feel… Foolish."
"These things are bound to happen." Kathryn tightened her grip. "No need to worry." She looked up at Seven and smiled. An exhausted but genuine smile was her reward.
"I bet there's some food on the table now. Hungry?"
Seven considered her needs. "Yes, i believe I 'could eat' as they say." Her playful expression lifting the heaviness of the mood with ease.
Kathryn laughed, laying her head on Sevens shoulder as they walked in companionable silence back to the Janeway Farmhouse.
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Kathryn Gasped gleefully. "A STRAWBERRY TART." Her voice dripping with enthusiasm.
"Mom! You haven't made these since i was 15!"
"No, i haven't." Gretchen waved off the statement.
Seven stared at the small puff of pinks and white foamy texture. Unsure of how to proceed, she'd never ingested this type of nutrient before. She poked at it with her fork and watched in shock as it wiggled. It reminded her of something Neelix once made out of gelatin and a meat by product ensign Kim had found in storage. The experience was, appalling to recollect.
"It is wiggly." Seven stated bluntly.
"Try it." Gretchen encouraged.
Sevens cautiously gathered some of it onto her fork and slowly placed it on her tongue, closing her mouth, she pulled fork out as her eyes grew wide. Her taste buds exploding and dancing in her mouth. Savoring the flavors as they swirled around, a low growl escaped her chest.
"Is it good?" Kathryn asked with an eloquent smirk
"Very!" Seven said shoving a heaping spoonful into her mouth.
"Mom! Why'd you stop making these, they're amazing. I'd forgotten."
"I guess i just lost a love for them." Gretchens tone was far away. Like she was recalling a memory long forgotten. "Well," she declared as she returned to the present "Its a special occasion and i figured they'd be appropriate." Her eyes lingering a little extra long on Seven.
Seven shoved another wad of strawberry goodness in her mouth before pushing her plate away. She finished chewing and rubbed her stomach. The very extremely human response to a fully belly made Kathryns face flush with pride. Seven noticed and sent her a questioning glance. Waving her hand, Kathryn mouthed, "I'll tell you later."
"This was so delicious mom, and i'm so full. I think i need to sleep this off before I explode." Kathryn stood and kissed her mom on the cheek. "Come one Seven, i'll walk you to the guest room."
Seven stiffened but stood and followed Kathryn to the stairs. Turning to Gretchen before she reached them, she spoke quietly. Almost meekly. "Thank you so much for your Kindness… Mom" Seven tried out the desired designation. It felt right so she smiled, and walked up the stairs.
"You're welcome, Little One." Gretchen replied to the empty dinning room.
At the top of the stairs, Seven had to squint in the darkness. Her Borg enhanced vision was of little help.
"Kathryn?" She called into the void.
"Over here" she heard the silky voice coming from two doors down and to the right.
"I know you don't like to sleep alone, but i think this will be acceptable." Kathryn continued making the bed as Seven entered, observing her surrounding. There was a small dresser and a desk on the wall to the left and a chair, clearly well used by the indention in the center.
The bed was on the right wall. It was a large room but not too large. A door in the wall to right, just at the foot of the bed was open, leading to the room she knew to be Kathryns.
"It is acceptable." Seven spoke anxiously.
"Finished!" Kathryn exclaimed, spinning around. "This door will stay open. I sleep just on the other side of this wall." She walked closer to Seven. "IF at any time you are uncomfortable, just come get me. Even if I'm asleep." Kathryns clasped her hands on Sevens bicep. "Promise me."
Seven nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I promise"
With one last squeeze, Kathryn let go of her arms and turned to go through the door separating the two rooms.
"Change your clothes and then knock. I'll open the door back up, ok?"
Seven nodded.
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Green haze and mist filled Kathryn Janeways vision as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Thousands of disembodied voices all talking at once. The air was cold with a hint of moisture and it smelled of acidic metal. As her awareness expanded, she realized she was on the bridge of the U.S.S Voyager. Alone. Except for the little girl standing beside her staring straight ahead. Intrigued even in her anxiety, she placed a hand on the child's shoulder. Cold to the touch, Captain Janeway rested her hand there. Why, she didn't quite know. Something inside her thought the warmth from her hand would somehow seep into the child. Her silken blonde hair taking on a green tint in the emerald glow. Her hand squeezed and the child turned her head up to look into her eye; no, her soul.
"We are Borg." The child mouthed the words that seemed to emanate from all around them. "Resistance is Futile."
To Captain Janeways horror, a small metallic starburst erupted just in front of the child's left ear. Her eyes went black and she screamed. The most gut wrenching, blood chilling scream she had ever heard.
Kathryn had had nightmares about the Borg before but this one was different. It seemed to be filled with information. But she had no idea where to begin analyzing as reality shot into her consciousness and she sat straight up in bed. Her covers falling to pool around her waist. Sweat dripped from her temple causing goosebumps in its wake.
"Kathryn! Are you alright?" Seven ran into the room "You were screaming."
The taller woman used her optical implant to heighten her vision in the darkened room, she could see Kathryn panting, her body visibly shaking.
"I'm Fine, Seven." She panted as she spoke. "Just a nightmare." Her attempt at nonchalance betrayed by the apprehension in her voice.
Seven stared at her a moment before bending down to lift the covers. "May I?" She questioned.
Kathryns only reply was to move over, allowing the lanky form to slide elegantly into the sheets beside her.
"I believe neither of us wishes to sleep alone." Sevens statement was true, though Kathryn wanted to protest. She thought about it for a moment before relaxing into Sevens shoulder. Surprised at the warmth and softness she found there. With her forehead rubbing the soft cotton of Sevens sleep wear, sleep quickly overcame her. Her next dreams were beautiful. A little blonde child, her silken hair flowing in the wind as she was pushed on a swing near a pond. A small family of Ducks quacking as they paddled along the ripples in the water.
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Kathryn was awoken by heavy foot falls on the stairs outside her room. Her door swung open as a very tall brunette ran in and leaped onto the bed.
"Katie bug!!!" Phoebe Janeway seemed to alway have a way of making herself larger than life. She beamed down at her sister, still trying to wipe sleep from her eyes.
"Get off me, you psycho" Kathryn jibbed playfully before pushing her sister off and onto the floor with a thud.
Kathryn felt tears starting to form in her eyes as she laughed at her sister on the floor, feigning hurt. Her heart clenched in her chest. She'd no idea how much she'd missed her little sister.
"Don't you love me, Katie Bug?" Phoebe jutted her bottom lip out in a mock pout.
Laughing sleeping, Kathryn swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, pulling Phoebe by the elbow as she did, engulfing her in a tight embrace.
"More than you'll ever know, Phoebs." Kathryn whispered and felt Phoebe Hug her even tighter, actually lifting the petite Starfleet Captain off her feet.
After a few moments, Phoebe relinquish her vice hold on her 'little' big sister and stepped back. Eyeing her suspiciously. "So," she began, sauntering towards the door she'd barged in moments earlier. "Who's the Hottie?"
Kathryn looked at her, perplexed.
"In the kitchen," Phoebe loudly whispered and pointed down.
Kathryn looked behind her at the bed, devoid of ex-Borg. Absently, she wondered when Seven had gotten up.
She chuckled to herself, Hottie, indeed! Shaking the thought from her mind, she quickly walked past Phoebe, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room with a yelp from the taller Janeway.
"Her name is Seven, and don't call her that."
Phoebe only laughed as she allowed Kathryn to tug her down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Good Morning, Kathryn," Seven immediately greeted them. "Here."
Seven handed Kathryn a steaming cup of black coffee and settled back into her stool at the island. Inhaling the cup of liquid gold, she couldn't stop the low hum as she took a long, luxurious sip. "How could i ever give this up." Her eyes closed as the warmth soothed her insides and erased any ounce of sleep still left in her body.
When she opened her eyes, she saw three sets of eyes locked on her. Each with their own expressions. Phoebe's hazel eyes were dancing with amusement, Gretchen's grey eyes, which matched her own, she saw enjoyment. Seven, however, her blue eyes glistening, were full of amazement.
"SO," she croaked out. "What shall we do today?" She asked her three gawkers.
Phoebe shrugged her shoulders and Gretchen spoke, "Why don't we go into town?"
Seven's expression flashed from Amazement to trepidation in a nanosecond. Her lips drained of color as she gripped her own cup of hot tea so tight, a small crack appeared on the side.
Kathryn locked her eyes on Seven and send a reassuring smile. Seven visibly relaxed and slumped slightly on her stool as Kathryn glided into the stool beside her, placing a small hand on Sevens bare knee. Looking down, Kathryn noticed Seven was wearing cut off jean shorts, and again barefoot. A small implant poking out from between a few toes. It was odd, how beautifully the metal seemed to accentuate her porcelain skin. Discreetly, Kathryn scanned up Sevens body out of the corner of her eye. She was wearing another cotton button up top, this one a deep red, on corner tucked into the front of her shorts, the first 3 buttons at the top left undone. The resulting airiness caused Kathryn to turn her head and stare unabashed at Sevens chest.
"Kathryn," Gretchen tried to drag her daughters attention away from the Blonde. "KATHRYN." Her voice only slightly more elevated.
"Hmm?" Kathryn's voice distant and distracted.
"I said, you might want to change, unless you'd like to walk around Bloomington in your sushi Pajamas." Gretchens voice wafted into Kathryns consciousness as she ripped her eyes from Seven.
Blushing, and without a word, she took a gigantic gulp of her coffee and handed her cup to Seven, who took it, confused.
"Be right back." She said as she flew off the stool and ran out of the kitchen.
Phoebe had been keenly watching the interplay and was fighting tooth and nail to refrain from teasing her sister who obviously needed teasing. However, she knew Kathryn needed time. She hadn't seen her sister in 7 years, but it was as if time hadn't passed at all. She chose to sip her own coffee, languidly. Her cup hiding the smirk on her lips. Looking over to her mother, who winked, knowingly. This will be fun. She thought to herself. Very fun.
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It was a long day of firsts for Seven. Her rollercoaster of anxiety causing deep exhaustion after only 3 hours or exploring downtown Bloomington. She'd had Ice cream, fought her way through crowds, eaten something called oyster, which she did not intend to ever experience again, and she'd been 'bumped into' several times by strangers. The sun was very hot on her implants and she suspected they were beginning to need attention from the over exertion. Feeling taxed and drained, she pulled Kathryn aside and whispered in her ear, her breath hot and tantalizing against the shell of her ear.
"I do not believe this excursion should be prolonged much longer."
A shiver made its way down Kathryns spine as she pulled back to look into Sevens eyes.
"Is everythi…" her voice halted at the sight of Sevens discomfort. "Right. Let's go." She tugged on Sevens elbow to where Phoebe and Gretchen stood watching a man play guitar.
"We're going back to the house, Mom"
Gretchen nodded and smiled at Seven. "Ok, we will stay a bit longer. You two rest." She also could see the wearing on Sevens features.
Feeling Seven tense again at the growing number of people gathering as evening fell, Kathryn quickly ushered them to the side of the street and grabbed Sevens hand.
"It's just a short walk to the Transporter Dias. We will be home in a few moments."
Seven let what Kathryn had said roll around in her mind. Home. She thought. I am home. For the first time in 72 hours, Seven realized she did feel at home. Because Captain Kathryn Janeway was her home. Seven realized her most forefront fear was being separated from the petite form dragging her through the throngs of strangers around them. She felt a heat in her belly she'd never felt before. It both calmed and frightened her. She knew she wasn't malfunctioning. She knew it was something, else. Something, primal. Ancient and comforting.
Five minutes had passed before they were walking up the large front steps to the Farmhouse.
"You ok?" Kathryn asked, not turning to look at Seven.
"I am functioning, but…" Seven trailed off, lost in her thoughts. A new sensation she did not particularly relish. It felt, unnerving, being unable to finish a thought. "I am weary."
Kathryn turned at the use of un-bork-like verbiage. "Weary?"
Seven thought for a moment before continuing. "I am unaccustomed to being in large groups of individuals, unable to mingle thoughts. On Voyager, it took me a while to get used to only 171 individuals. Todays excursion has me 'on edge', and my thought processes are slowed considerable front the taxation."
Kathryn Smiled sweetly. "How about a glass of wine to settle your nerves?"
"Synthehol impairs my …"
Kathryn cut her off with a finger pressed to the full lips, Comically twisting them slightly. Kathryn laughed at the sight.
"I know. This is traditional alcohol though, it isn't as strong. Although, it does cause more after effects than synthehol, so we will only have one glass, Ok?"
Seven nodded, Kathryns Finger still meshing her lips in a caricature like fashion.
Wordlessly, Kathryn dropped her hand and waved Seven to follow, which she did quite obligingly.
The fragile glass felt weightless in Sevens hand as Kathryn poured the rich colored red liquid into it.
"Hold it with this hand." Kathryn said, leisurely taking Sevens human hand in her own. It wasn't an insult and Seven didn't take it that way. She knew her Borg enhanced hand could easily crush the delicate glass.
Kathryn poured herself a glass and sat on the couch opposite from where Seven was standing.
"Have a seat, Seven." Kathryn tucked her knees up under self and sat on her feet. Seven had seen her do this many times in her ready room on Voyager. Mostly during times of stress when her Captaincy seemed too much to carry.
"Normally, i would decline," Seven started as she took two steps forward and in one fluid motion sat sideways on the couch, pulling the knee closest to Kathryn up on the couch and leaning into the soft cushions on the back support. "However, one must learn to adapt."
Kathryn watched wide eyed, Sevens cat likes movements causing her breath to catch momentarily.
"You're full of surprises lately, Seven." Kathryn laughed freely, holding up her glass.
Seven held hers up in reply. Nodding towards each other at the same time. A playful smirk on Kathryns lips. "To…" Kathryn searched for the right words.
"Journeys that never end." Seven finished for her.
Kathryn nodded in agreement and clinked their glasses together before bringing her glass to her lips and gulping down half the glass.
Seven followed suit, also taking in half the glass. Her body noticeably lax, and limp. Every nerve ending felt like it was on fire. She blinked a few times but her vision was blurring.
"Well that worked fast." Kathryn leaned forward and placed a hand on Sevens inner knee. "Feeling relaxed?" She asked, an impish grin on her face.
Seven merely nodded and downed the rest of the glass.
"Whoa! Easy." Kathryn took the glass from Seven and set it on the table beside the couch.
"Seven, I am so glad you are here." She said, leaning back again. "You've made the transition that much easier just being here. Being you. I appreciate your help so much." her eyes met Sevens questioning expression.
"It is you who have helped me, Kathryn. I do not believe i would have been able to function properly, had I stayed in association with the Commander." Her ocular implant twitched at the offensive memory. "His company was, disrespectful, invading, and …Rude." She finished quietly.
"I'm so sorry," Kathryn scooted closer. "I didn't know…" she paused, "I mean, I'd have stepped in if.." she didn't know where she was going with this train of thought. "Why didn't you come to me?"
Seven Shrugged, uncharacteristically. Her lips felt loose and she pursed them together. She was definitely feeling the effects of the alcohol.
"It began as an experiment." She let her head fall to rest on the cushions behind her head. Tendrils of blonde wisping about her neck and shoulders. "It progressed swiftly and was out of hand before I knew it." Her eyes closed before she continued. "I had planned to end it in a day or two, however our accelerated arrival indicated a deviation."
Kathryn lay her head on the cushion as well, looking at Seven with misty sad eyes.
"The thought of beginning this next part of my life with him," she opened her eyes to meet Kathryns, "and not you? …." Seven paused again. "Was unacceptable."
The weight, and meaning of Sevens words hung between them. Seven began to wonder if she'd said something wrong. Had the alcohol caused her to push Kathryn away?
"Sweet talker." Kathryn smiled brightly.
Sevens cheeks flooded with warmth and she knew she was blushing.
"We should get some sleep." Kathryn continued as she stood up. "We've got that meeting with Admiral Paris in the morning."
Seven stood with her and followed up the stairs and into Kathryns childhood bedroom. the door to her 'room' was open, and she went through it. Closing it behind her, she quickly changed into a new set of sleep clothes, and hurriedly opened the door back up before crawling into her bed.
"You don't have to sleep over there." Kathryns sultry voice caressed Sevens senses like a spring breeze.
Wordlessly, she got up and walked into Kathryns room. It was dark but she could see the smaller woman curled up on the side of the bed closest to the wall.
"You do not mind?" Seven asked hesitantly.
"I insist." Kathryn was falling asleep as Seven eased in between the sheets, laying on her back until she heard the evened out breathing beside her indicating Kathryn was asleep. Turning her back to the sleeping Captain, Seven pulled her knees to her chest as sleep drifted through her body. Before it completely overtook her, she whispered into the air, "Goodnight, Kit-Kat."
Somewhere between dreams, Kathryn heard the sweet voice a small child whispering, "Goodnight, Kit-Kat."