Seven returned promptly at 1300 hours to Kathryn's office. As she stepped through the door at Kathryn's call, she saw her huddled on the floor amidst piles of padds and discarded coffee cups. She walked over as Kathryn rose and swept a loose tendril behind her ear.
"Seven, I'm sorry. I've got so much to do. I hate to cancel on you but…"
Seven grabbed Kathryn's arm and led her around her piles to the front of the desk. "No, we're going. If the Captain was here, he'd do the same thing."
Kathryn smiled as Seven grabbed her coat and dressed her in it. "I wish he was here, Seven. I wish he could see how much you've changed. I'm proud of you."
Seven glanced down as she straightened her coat and said, "I highly doubt that."
Kathryn frowned. "He'll come around Seven. I just scared him with my..."
"Death?" Seven stepped back. "I am sorry I played a part in that."
"You're already forgiven. So, where are you taking me?"
"You'll see." She steered Kathryn towards the door.
"Don't I even get a hint?"
"Patience is a virtue, correct?" Seven allowed Kathryn to walk out in front of her before she made sure the Admiral's office locked and sealed behind them.
Admiral Paris stopped them in the walkway and said, "I was just coming to find you. I wanted to make sure you were here."
"Of course, I'm here. Where else would I be?"
"You didn't respond to the directives this morning. It's not like you."
"Yes, I did. I did several outgoing messages this morning."
Admiral Paris smiled. "Did you hit send?"
Kathryn smiled back and said, "I know I've been swamped but I think I know how to empty my log entries. I'll go check."
Seven stepped in front of the door. "No."
"Seven, it will just take a minute," Kathryn said.
Seven addressed Admiral Paris and said, "Is it anything that can not wait until we return from our lunch?"
He shook his head. "No, it's all routine. Like I said, I was just checking to make sure you were still with us."
Kathryn frowned. "Great, another overprotective man."
"Another?"
"The Admiral and I are quite capable of taking care of ourselves," Seven said. "We do not need to be checked on."
Admiral Paris threw up his hands. "I did not wish to offend, ladies. I was only worried about you." He looked at Kathryn and said, "After your experience a few weeks ago, I promised your mother I'd look after you so it's not just us men."
Kathryn groaned. "Great. Look, I'm fine. Can I go to lunch now?"
Admiral Paris stepped aside. "Yes and, as a courtesy, I won't come and check on you again."
"Thank you, Admiral."
He winked at them and said, "Enjoy your lunch, ladies."