Seven watched the lights flicker in the turbo lift as it carried her up several stories to her apartment overlooking the city. It was late and she was tired. Completing two full time jobs on a daily basis was draining and the inevitable staff meeting had finally been called by Admiral Paris with Admiral Janeway's presence being mandatory. She suspected he had done it on purpose to lay eyes on the Admiral but it was a hurdle Seven knew she would have to jump eventually.

There was no way around it. Kathryn Janeway would be officially listed as missing possibly as soon as the next twenty four hours. Seven had a cover story planned. She needed to finalize the details to make sure it bought herself as much time as she could.

As she entered the apartment, she called for the lights and placed her coat and bag on the kitchen counter. She glanced at the computer and saw no messages. There never were any other than the occasional emergency hail from the Academy.

"Seven, welcome home."

Seven spun around and saw Chakotay smiling at her. He was dressed in casual attire and walked towards her. "I'm sorry. I let myself in. I didn't know how late you'd be."

"That's okay. When…how…I didn't know Voyager was expected home this soon."

"We were called back. The mission wasn't as dire as some at Starfleet Headquarters thought it might be. And I have important business to attend to here at home."

Seven frowned. "Yes, your wedding."

Chakotay nodded. "In the interest of peace and making the wedding happen, I wanted to personally invite you. I know you and Kathryn have maintained your relationship and she would want you there. And so do I."

"Really? I thought you two were having issues."

"I'm taking a big step here, Seven. Please don't ruin it with a sarcastic remark."

Seven lifted a brow and turned away. "So, where is your fiancée? I would have thought she would have extended the invitation herself."

Chakotay scratched his chin. "I haven't been able to reach her yet. I'm sure she's tied up at the offices."

"I know she's been extremely busy."

"Yes, well, I upset her before I left so I'm sure she dove right in."

Seven turned back around to face him. "She did."

Chakotay nodded. "I expected as much." He paused and said, "Look, I don't like what happened. In fact, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for…"

"Kathryn," Seven finished. "I can at least thank her for that."

Chakotay gave her a puzzled look. "What?"

Seven shook her head. "Nothing." Smiling she waved a hand at her small table and said, "Have you eaten? I could make us something."

Chakotay hesitated. "Okay. I know you haven't eaten either since you just got home and, to tell you the truth, I didn't stop on the way here either. Why not?"

"Good." Seven walked to replicator and order several selections. She was pleased as Chakotay made his way to the table and sat down. They managed small talk quite well and, by the end of the dinner, she had even made him laugh a few times.

"Thank you for coming," she said. "I don't normally have company here. I enjoyed this."

Chakotay clasped his hands on the table and said, "Do you invite anyone over?"

"No."

"That would help," he said. "I'm honored to be your first dinner guest but I shouldn't be your last."

Seven nodded. "Agreed. I'll think about who should be honored next."

Chakotay grinned. "You know, this is the Seven I miss. You have it in you to be an incredible woman. Hang onto her, Seven. She's pretty terrific when you let her out."

Seven flashed a smile at him. "Maybe I will. Would you like that?"

Chakotay looked at her for a moment before saying, "Yes, I would and I think others would do. You wouldn't eat alone very often if you did that. Like I said before, Seven, you should have a line out your front door. There can be if you allow it."

"By being me?"

"Yes, Seven, by being you."

Seven thought a moment and said, "Will you come back?"

Chakotay smiled. "Of course. Kathryn and I would be delighted to." He saw a flash of anger crossed her face and said, "Seven, what's the matter? Did I say something wrong?"

Seven's attention came back and she said, "Yes. I'll have to fix that."

"Fix what?"

"Computer," Seven said. "End Chakotay hologram and stand by for personality routine upgrades."