Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek Voyager, I do however own this plot and the original characters.

Between the excitement of going back to Voyager, seeing her extended family again, and of course the excitement in general Naomi felt for Icheb, the young woman was having one hell of a time falling asleep.

That wasn't so strange for her though, and she had learned how to deal with the familiar sensation of sleeplessness for half a year already. It seemed like it was the usual way that the half Ktarian responded to anything Icheb. This time though, it was worse. Frustration over herself and the now familiar deep need to be with Icheb drove her crazy. Naomi lashed out in agitation, childishly hitting her fist against her bed, hoping idly that she didn't wake anyone with her fury. This just wasn't fair, having to keep apart from him. What now made it that much more difficult was the importance of the mission.

Icheb wasn't having an easy time of it either. The ex Borg lay there in bed that night, his mind swimming with worries and thrills. Icheb wondered how he was going to get on with the mission with Naomi working so closely with him there. She would be reporting almost directly to him and he would be monitoring her progress often. This would inevitably lead to them getting closer. He hadn't been thinking of that when he suggested she join the mission.

Icheb had been thinking about her ambitions and dreams, he hadn't realized how it would effect them. Thinking about it, his mind went back to earlier that night; he had almost slipped again... the need to hold her close and kiss those soft, delicate lips was overpowering. He knew that sooner or later his control over his mental processes around her would completely fail, he just hoped he didn't ruin the mission as a result!

The next morning, Naomi woke up as early as had become normal for her and set to get herself ready. By the time she was done fixing herself up and making last minute checks that she had everything in order, she had an hour to get to Stardock on time. Leaving a note for her roommates wishing them the best, she fled her apartment quickly, excitement over going back to her old ship overcoming her. Naomi nearly shifted from foot to foot with impatience as the shuttle docked in the space station. Once the doors opened and she left the hanger, she was surprised to find her parents waiting for her in the reception area.

"Mom, dad! What a surprise!" Naomi grinned, willingly letting herself get pulled into hugs and kisses by them.

"We heard from Icheb yesterday that you would be involved in an important mission! We're so proud of you!" Samantha gushed.

Naomi frowned sadly, having completely forgotten to let her own parents know, but thankful to Icheb that he at least had the intelligence to let them know. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier," she apologized guiltily.

"It's alright sweetheart, we understand how much of a whirlwind your first mission can be," Greskrendtregk smiled fondly. "Just so long as you don't let yourself get distracted by that boy," he warned her. He was aware that calling a superior officer a boy was bordering insubordination, but at the moment that boy was, in his eyes, a threat... at least for his 'little girl'.

"What?" Naomi blushed.

"Your mother told me about your difficulties. Don't be angry at her, sweetheart, she was just worried for you. You know you can talk to both of us about anything, right?" Greskrendtregk reminded her gently.

"Yes, dad, I know," Naomi sighed. It wasn't like she didn't trust her parents not to tell the world, but it was still a risk. She was glad that there weren't that many people there at Spacedock that early in the morning.

"That being said, again, don't let your feelings for him get in the way of your duty," he told her firmly.

"Dad, I'm not a child," Naomi growled under her breath.

Greskrendtregk held his hands up. "I know, calm down. Trust me though, I know how hard it can be to focus. There's a reason why Starfleet regulation frowns upon couples working directly with each other -in most cases."

"You don't have to worry, either of you. I take my involvement in this mission seriously. I won't let my feelings get in the way of my duties," Naomi assured them, hoping she wasn't making a liar of herself.

"Come on sweetie, the shuttle to Voyager is waiting," Samantha grinned.

"You're not going, are you?" Naomi asked sadly.

"No, we decided you needed to do this on your own," Samantha replied carefully. "Starfleet had offered most of the original crew of Voyager to join the mission, just in case something went wrong, the crew would be prepared to handle the Delta Quadrant again. I... I didn't have such an easy time of it though... I didn't want to..." Samantha trailed off, glancing over to her husband, who pulled her close to him and kissed her forehead tenderly.

"It's okay, mom, I completely understand," Naomi gently reassured her mother.

In the end, Naomi said her goodbyes to her parents once again, the nerves over the delicate mission returning. She knew that the Federation made enormous strives in improving the wormhole technology, knew that they were taking every precaution to avoid disaster... but it was still very new technology and very tricky. As far as she knew, Voyager was the first ship to have the wormhole tech installed directly onto it. The Enterprise was due to be outfitted with it as well if it worked. The risk of their enemies getting their hands on the technology was high, which was a reason why Voyager had been refitted to tactical cruiser.

Seeing the ship come into view made Naomi gape in surprise. She had expected it to look different, be more advanced, but she hadn't expected it to look so different, so... intimidating. It had the basic shape to it, though more triangular than before. It had been extended forward to look more like the a miniature Sovereign Class ship, housing extra shuttles and weapon ports.

The nacelles had enormous curved plates on each side, maybe for the newly upgraded sensors, though the swelling on the inward side of them suggested cannons of some sort. It had strange ridges all along it's the sides, looking a little like dragon scales, most likely where the enhanced ablative armor was deployed from. The tip of the ship was curved inward dramatically with a pulsing device between the gap, wires and gratings covering it. Naomi figured it was the wormhole device, but the sharp edges gave it the appearance of teeth.

All in all, the newly redesigned long-range tactical ship rightfully so looked like a machine of war. It might even be comparable in size and appearance to the formidable Avenger Battlecruiser, as both that class of ship and the refit Voyager are designed for battle rather than exploration. As she neared the expanded docking bay, Naomi had to wonder how many years it took Starfleet to refit the ship to this magnitude. She felt a pang of sadness despite how unbelievable it looked, not recognizing it as her old home.

Once she stepped out of the shuttle, Naomi had no time to adjust to the changes as she was immediately pulled into embraces from old friends. Naomi grinned, overjoyed as each former senior member of the original crew- who had accepted the mission -took their turns hugging, kissing, and congratulating her, welcoming her back home. It was more wonderful than Naomi had imagined it would be, desperately trying to keep herself together and not cry in front of them.

Naomi tried not to notice Icheb standing some ways back, Tuvok at his side. Icheb had a fond look in his eyes, a little smirk noticeable, and Tuvok had his own version of affection, both brows quirked up a fraction. It seemed even the Vulcan had difficulty controlling his emotions this time. Naomi had no idea she had made an impression on so many of them!

"Naomi, we never had a doubt you would make it back on Voyager one day," Harry grinned at her.

"Yeah! We all expected you to be the next captain, with how much you bugged the Admiral with being her assistant," B'elanna agreed, giving her old captain a knowing smile.

"And a wonderful assistant she made!" Kathryn gushed, pulling the girl in for another hug. "It's so good to have you here. Icheb would not stop boasting about your accomplishments," she smiled knowingly, as though seeing right through her and Icheb.

Naomi hoped she was imagining things. "Oh, well..." she tried not to fidget. Somehow, this all felt like she was being doted on by relatives. Although, in a very rational way, they were all family, after all. "Really I'm no different than any other ambitious Cadet," she said modestly.

"Nonesense!" Tom disagreed. "I bet you were the top of the academy, went beyond what was expected!"

"I just wanted to go back home," Naomi shrugged, still blushing in embarrassment. It was then she noticed their ranks and blinked in surprise. Kathryn was obviously an Admiral, but Tom was the new Commander, second officer to Icheb no doubt. Harry and B'elanna were Lieutenant Commanders, and if Naomi wasn't mistaken, Tuvok was as well. She had to wonder at that, why he hadn't been promoted to Commander before Tom.

"Naomi Wildman!" Naomi turned to see the Doctor approach and was once again pulled into another affectionate embrace. "I'm sorry I'm late!"

"It's okay, Doctor!" Naomi laughed, hugging the intrepid hologram tightly. "So do you have a name yet?" she asked after they pulled away.

"I decided to honor my creator. My name is Gregory Zimmerman, after Lewis' father."

"That's great, doctor!" Naomi grinned.

"Yes. As you can imagine, Lewis had some very colorful opinions on it," the Doctor rolled his eyes affectionately.

"I'm sure he had," Kathryn snorted, still feeling like the old scientist barely made an effort to remember her name last time she met him.

"So what now?" Naomi asked after a little bit, looking around at her family.

"Not everyone is arriving from Earth Spacedock, some from as far as Deep Space K-7. There are still a few more shuttles expected today, and then tomorrow afternoon, after everyone has settled, we can get the christening ceremony under way," Kathryn smiled, turning to take a bottle of champagne that B'elanna had been holding. "In the old days a bottle of champagne was used as an almost baptism for the ship. Of course, we won't be smashing it against the ship, but we will be enjoying it!"

They laughed and all of them made their way to the briefing section of the ready-room to talk more. As they entered it, Kathryn noticed Icheb hesitate a moment. "It's your ready-room now, Icheb," she reminded him gently.

The young Captain grimaced slightly. Undoubtedly still unsure of himself. "I know..." Icheb nodded, taking a calming breath and following her in.

The reunited crew all sat around the table, laughing and teasing each other, with the exception of their chief tactical officer, of course, who merely sat observing them calmly. Tuvok informed Naomi when she asked him how he had chosen to remain on Vulcan for a short time with his family and decided against the promotion in favor of someone more suited for the position, nodding to Tom. The younger man's eyes softened in appreciation, smiling happily at his once opposer. Kathryn explained that Chakotay was not there because he had duties as a Captain aboard the Intrepid and would serve a better role as support if the occasion arose. Seven accepted the mission but was temporary called away to the Enterprise to consult them on outfitting Borg technology for its own upgrade.

"I have a suggestion to make, if that's okay with the Admiral and the Captain?" Naomi said, her brow raising to Icheb.

"What's that?" Kathryn smiled.

"Since Neelix isn't here... I feel like I should try to fill in his shoes, since I was his goddaughter and all, I feel like it's up to me!" she half human began. "My suggestion is for a party in the holodeck for the crew, to set their minds at ease. People seem on edge, worried over something?"

"They're worried we'll get stranded in the Delta Quadrant again," B'elanna rolled her eyes.

"I think that's a fantastic idea!" Harry said excitedly.

"I agree," Kathryn nodded, smiling proudly at her. "I'm sure Neelix would be proud of your efforts to raise the moral on the ship. What do you say, Captain?" Kathryn's own brow lifted in question at the Brunali officer.

"I think it's an excellent idea," Icheb nodded, his eyes flicking to Naomi a second before turning to his team. "How does tonight at 19:00 hours sound, after everyone has a chance come aboard and relax?" Icheb heard equal sounds of approval.

Later that day, Naomi had made her way to Astrometrics, taking a little tour around the small room before she started to work there, re-familiarizing herself with it. It hadn't changed as much as she had worried it would, though the technology had gone through a major overhaul. Like most of the ship, from floor panels, walls, to lights and even the carpeting, everything had been enhanced.

Naomi had felt homesick for the way it had been before, but placing her hands on the wall, she closed her eyes and imagined herself on the same ship, just matured with age. Everyone changed the older they got right? They got bigger, stronger, looked different. Voyager was no different. Opening her eyes again, Naomi decided she could handle this, it may look different, but it was still her old ship.

Naomi was so lost in thought, so focused on testing the new features of the lab, that she had managed to spend several hours there without noticing. It wasn't until the doctor- Greg- had shown up, dressed in a sharp though old-fashion looking suit, that she realized it was time for the party. "Naomi," the doctor chided teasingly, "-you're going to miss your own party!"

"I lost track of time," Naomi shrugged with a little smile. When she hesitated, the doctor went over and sat by her on one of the lab seats.

"What's on your mind?" he asked curiously.

Among the doctor's improvements- that he had suggested, was a greater capacity for sympathy, in order for him to further tend to the needs of his patients. The doctor had been upgraded from a simple emergency doctor that had run continuously for seven years, to a tactical surgeon and counselor. Lewis Zimmerman had made the modifications with the doctor present. The two had bantered and argued vehemently throughout the process, further cementing their unconventional father/son bond.

"It's just," Naomi turned to give her old medical teacher her attention, "-I don't..." Naomi sighed. "I don't feel like I have what it takes to meet everyone's expectations on this mission... including my own."

"Naomi," the doctor tutted gently. "Naomi you need to have more faith in yourself. I'm sure Icheb had pleaded his case to Starfleet with a proper idea of your abilities! He's proven himself to be a brilliant man, holding very high standards for everyone, including himself. He wouldn't have fought for you to be here if he didn't believe you had what it takes," he told her.

Naomi remained silent, knowing in her heart that the doctor was right. Despite her fleeting worries that he had got her onto the mission with selfish desires in mind, she knew he was too serious about Starfleet and knew how much she struggled to be the best at her studies. "Maybe," Naomi relented with a small smile.

"You've always been destined to return here, Naomi. You're meant to do great things, if you weren't, the universe wouldn't have found a way to keep you here. Your entrance to this world was a miracle, as I'm sure you remember being told, and I am certain that you will leave a miraculous imprint right back on it." Naomi was so taken by the doctor's heartfelt words that she nearly toppled him over with a hug, making him squeeze her back and chuckle affectionately. "Now come on, we have a party to get to!" Naomi allowed the doctor to lead her by the arm like a gentleman to the holodeck.

Naomi paused at the entrance to the holodeck, marveling at how extravagant the party was. The program was designed to look like a gala from the late eighteen hundreds, elegant and fully stocked with the best decorations. "It was the doctor's idea," B'elanna said as she approached her and said doctor.

"I thought the style would be tasteful and fun," he shrugged cheerfully. "Never let it be said a hologram doesn't have class!" The doctor was certainly right, everyone there was decked out in appropriate attire, though Icheb had chosen to look like an old-fashion ship Captain, giving him a sort of pirate look. He looked stunning, to say the least. Fortunately he was engrossed in a conversation with Harry and hadn't noticed her. In her Starfleet uniform, Naomi felt completely out of place.

Apparently she wasn't the only one who thought so.

"Doctor," the half Klingon chided, "-you brought her here without letting her get changed first!"

"Oh dear, you're right. My apologies, Ms. Wildman," the doctor apologized.

"I'm not sure what to wear?" Naomi frowned thoughtfully. She hadn't studied as much ancient history, especially what people wore, during her schooling.

"Let's get you dressed, hm? It'd be my pleasure to help you pick a great dress!" B'elanna grinned, jumping at the chance to bond with the girl.

"But-"

"Come on!" B'elanna interrupted, not letting the younger woman make excuses and literally pushed at her out by the shoulders from the holodeck. While B'elanna and Naomi chose different styles and dresses, Naomi asked about Miral. B'elanna had smiled fondly and told her that her daughter was staying with 'uncle' Worf, who had taken an interest in the possibilities of the Kuvah'magh and the implication it could have for unity among Klingon clans. B'elanna had resisted at first, not liking the idea of her daughter being involved in such a potentially dangerous situation, but Miral had begged he, wanting to learn the Klingon ways. How could she refuse her? Besides, Ambassador Worf was a very honorable man and had experience with children, so in the end B'elanna agreed.

Their task complete, Naomi was finally satisfied with her dress. Arriving at the party in an elegant pearl white dress, with gold trimmings along the bottom and along the wide dip over her shoulders. Her shoulders, collarbone and a hint of the swell of her breasts were tastefully left to the air. She wore elbow high matching gloves and a frilled, elegant hat. She was dressed to kill. Naomi resisted blushing at the attention she was getting, instead holding herself high and with poise.

Icheb had been having a good time so far, mingling with who would be his crew for the duration of the mission, or for longer if his performance was satisfactory. He had just stepped to ask Kathryn what she thought of the gathering, when she inclined her head toward the center of the room. "Look at that," the former Captain mentioned, and Icheb turned. He had been prepared to see fascinating samples of historical ball-age attire, but he hadn't been prepared to be floored.

At the center of the room, dancing in wide arcs with Tom Paris, was Naomi Wildman, dressed like he would imagine a Queen of that age would dress. Regal, elegant, and completely breathtaking. His mouth dried and he kept himself very still, trying not to draw attention to himself while he shamelessly admired her. He stood riveted, watching her laugh at something Tom said and move with such grace that it was almost painful to him.

The feeling he was getting then was oddly familiar, from long ago. Jealousy. Though this time, he could not deny it and could not refuse to act on it. Since his arrival on the new Voyager, the old crew had been very welcoming, supportive, and even thrilled to have him lead them. He had reunited with his now first officer and had bonded well so far with the older man. Tom was a great man and a good friend, but right now, he was Icheb's rival.

"Excuse me, Kate," Icheb said, not noticing the Admiral's knowing smile as Kathryn watched him walk with a purpose directly toward the dancing couple.

"You're too much, Tom!" Naomi laughed. "I don't think I can get that kind of result from my... well, my guard," she grinned. Tom had proposed that Naomi make her supervisor think she was the the admiral's niece, that way she would have an easier time and wouldn't be watched like a hawk. "It'd be nice though, wouldn't it?" Naomi had caught a glimpse of her new supervisor when she had been walking the halls with the whole senior staff earlier.

"Oh, hey Icheb," Tom said, looking behind her. Naomi bit her lip, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Tom, good to see you," Icheb began patiently, though at the present moment not exactly agreeing with his choice of words.

"Something I can help you with?" Tom grinned, getting a good idea what the younger man wanted.

"If Naomi doesn't mind, may I 'cut in'?" Icheb finally said, holding himself straight and composed like a proper gentleman.

"It's up to the lady," Tom's brow rose as he peeked down at the blushing young woman. Oh-ho, interesting! This might actually be a fun mission!

"Of course," Naomi responded after releasing a breath. Tom released his dancing partner and made a show of bowing to them before turning and almost skipping to B'elanna. Naomi had yet to turn, still attempting to calm herself down.

"Naomi?" Icheb questioned, waiting patiently for the half Ktarian to turn to him. When she finally did, he wasn't surprised to see the blush on her fair cheeks. Icheb smiled reassuringly and offered he his hand. Naomi took it before she could think about it and hesitate. Icheb pulled her close, resting a hand on her waist, almost burning her, while the other held her hand slightly away from them. Naomi let her other hand rest on his strong shoulder and allowed him to whisk her across the dance floor without another word.

The beat of the music was low and soft, making the dancers sway in elegant symmetry. Icheb held Naomi close, their eyes fixed on each other as the world around them disappeared, much like it had the very first time they embraced in the class room. Not one word was needed between them, the gentle motions of the slow melody easing them into it, blending them together with spins and archs, bringing them closer each time. Their bodies moved as one, no boundaries between them this time, though they kept reserved, knowing if they moved closer they would lose themselves.

Icheb's hand slipped around Naomi's, enticing her to spin. Naomi grinned softly, twirling away, only to be brought back. The force brought her into him slightly, but she stepped away quickly, breathlessly. Icheb smiled softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly but kept his distance, intending on keeping them out of the radar from the attention he knew they were getting. He could care less what people thought of them at the moment however, too lost in his love for her to worry so much over it now. They would have to forcibly disable him and rip her from his arms to get him to let her go now.

Tom Paris stood next to B'elanna, having just finished relaying the interesting development to his lovely wife. "You think they like each other?" B'elanna asked, watching the dancing couple with her husband.

"Look at them," Tom suggested. "I can practically smell it on them."

"No need to be so crude," B'elanna rolled her eyes. "They do make a very cute couple though..." she agreed. "Their eyes haven't left each other since they started dancing."

"Yeah but do you notice how they're keeping each other at arms length?" Tom crossed his arms, smiling at the scene. He would deny is furiously of course, but Tom Paris was a bit of a romantic.

"Tom, it's a waltz, that's how it's supposed to be," B'elanna drawled fondly.

Tom shook his head and gestured toward them again. "Nah, not like that. Look closer."

B'elanna observed them better and saw what Tom was talking about. It looked like they were straining themselves; they danced with slow, long, purposeful gaits, a powerful passion plain to see, but kept a firm distance from each other. They gazed almost longingly at each other but said nothing. "Damn," the half Klingon muttered, impressed by the results of her analysis. When Icheb dipped Naomi gently, it was almost heartbreaking. It was clear that they trusted each other, despite the tension between them.

Tom and B'elanna were not the only ones to notice the intense chemistry between the young couple, but neither of them could tell that they were being admired, only having eyes for each other. After a few more dances, they paused and smiled delicately at each other. "Would you like a drink?" Icheb asked, mirroring what he had said many months ago. This time, Naomi smiled affectionately and nodded. "Come with me?" he asked, offering her his arm. Naomi grinned and took it, letting him lead her to the buffet table.

"That was beautiful. I never knew either of you were such wonderful dancers," Kathryn said where she stood with Tuvok at the end of the table. The Lieutenant Commander had been persuaded to attend the party and had agreed to come as a measure of security for the party. Kathryn had rolled her eyes but allowed him to call it whatever he wanted as long as he participated with the rest of the crew.

Naomi blushed once again, trying not to look over at Icheb. "Thank you, Kate," she said, accepting the glass of champagne from him. "This isn't alcohol, is it?" She suddenly asked, glancing down at her cup.

"It would be highly inappropriate for the majority of the ship's crew to become inebriated before an important mission, as well as a security risk if that were the case, Ms. Wildman," Tuvok mentioned with his usual calm, logical tone.

"Good," Naomi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Worried over getting a little tipsy?" Kathryn teased.

"I just don't want to be late or have a hangover for my first day of work, Sir," Naomi explained. What she didn't say was she couldn't afford to let herself lose control of her faculties and do something she and Icheb would regret. At least not without being able to remember it! That thought made her pause and inwardly shake her head. She turned then to Icheb, needing to take a break from his closeness and intensity. "Thank you, Icheb. I'd like to chat with some of the crew now, if that's okay."

"Of course. Thank you for dancing with me," he returned with an unreadable look before his lips lifted into a familiar little smile. "I should probably go back and 'mingle' with the crew as well," he told her. Kathryn watched the two with interest as they attempted to look disinterested in each other, attempted to fight from remaining together. They gave each other one last fleeting look before parting, purposefully going to oppose ends of the room.

"Hn," Tuvok vocalized his fascination.

"You noticed it to, huh?" Kathryn smiled.

"Indeed it is hard to miss," Tuvok's brow lifted before he returned to the security reports he had been working on.

Naomi had done all she could to avoid Icheb for the rest of the evening, having almost lost it when they had danced together earlier. She had spoken to each of the people who showed up at the party and most of those who took their turns as the room cycled through people. The holodeck was not big enough to house all five hundred plus crewmembers, after all. While Voyager was still small compared to most cruisers, it had still doubled in size.

Not just once did Naomi feel Icheb's resilient gaze on her throughout the night, could sense his closeness on more than one occasion. It was difficult, not going back to his inviting arms, but she had to make a show of not being completely in love with her Captain and superior officer. That night, Naomi had been having a pleasant dream. She dreamed of her old home, dreamed of her friends, and of her family... but it was when she began to dream of him that her sleep became unusually strained. Naomi twisted restlessly in her bed, her heart racing as she slept, whimpering as her dream intensified...

Naomi had been standing calmly in the center of the turbo-lift after the party, still in her fancy dress, ready to get to her mother's old room and settled in for bed. She had successfully avoided running into Icheb throughout the rest of the party and felt like she was home free, could finally get to her warm bed and relax.

Icheb had been unusually... tense, during the party. She had caught him staring at her more than one time, making her heart race with the heated look he would give her. She had expected him to look away when she noticed him, but he hadn't. Now it was over, and she had made her way out quickly, avoiding him as best as she could. She had just begun to feel relief, when the turbo-lift door opened and in stepped the object of her agony.

So much for avoiding him.

"Captain," Naomi said, trying to be playful. She had expected Icheb to smirk at her in his usual friendly way, but none of her expectations seemed to be coming to pass. Icheb only stared at her, his expression completely unidentifiable.

"Cadet," he finally responded, stepping to her side as the doors closed. The lift started then and Naomi swallowed hard, feeling completely uneasy by his monotone. She glanced over at him, but he stood stiffly next to her, showing no emotion, reminding her very much of what he once was. But then he broke the silence abruptly. "Computer, halt turbo-lift," Icheb said suddenly, turning to her.

The lift stopped and Naomi almost felt like she was in a plasma reactor. "Icheb? What's wrong?" she questioned, but then saw the look in his eyes change drastically, darkening again to an almost volcanic black.

"Absolutely nothing," Icheb responded, moving toward her until he was able to rest his palm against the bulkhead behind her. "I'm just tired of holding myself back," he said, his voice full of longing and promise.

Oh no.

"Icheb, you know we can't... we can't give in to our feelings," Naomi told him, trying to reason with him, unable to look at him anymore... not when he was looking at her with such passion.

Icheb's hand slid very gently across her cheek, taking her chin and coaxing her to look back at him. "Who says we can't?" he implored, almost begging her. "We're alone here, no one to bother us... let me show you how I feel," he stepped closer to her, his arm supporting him against the wall bending as he drew nearer.

Naomi placed a hand on his chest, halting his approach weakly. "...You know we won't be able to go back from this if we do anything about it, right?" she warned him. There was a noticeable tremble in her voice, but she was riveted by the smoldering in his eyes. Part of her knew she was giving in to him too quickly, but for the life of her she couldn't say no, couldn't stop him... and she really didn't want to either.

Icheb shook his head, "I don't care."

With that, he took her hand from his chest and closed the gap, completely invading her personal space. Naomi's breath hitched as he leaned into her, her mouth responding to his immediately as he crushed his lips to hers in an all-consuming kiss. Their suffocating need for each other ruled over them and they fell back against the wall.

Naomi shivered at the uncharacteristic aggression in his advances, breathlessly trying to keep up with him. She gasped in the kiss when Icheb lifted her up, sliding his hands over her legs as he pulled them around his hips. Icheb used her surprise to his advantage, sliding his tongue against hers seductively, their mouths eagerly searching, devouring each other.

Naomi was unaware of anything else for the moment, her only focus was the overwhelming heat of his body, pushing into hers, the unavoidable throbbing of need in her own, how he ground his hips erotically against hers, making it so much more profound. Icheb moaned low into their kiss and Naomi quivered against him, aching with heightened desire. Then she heard rustling, could feel his hands on her bare legs as he hiked up her dress up, sliding them over her slowly, and knew she couldn't deny him even if she wanted to.

Icheb moved, pushing her harder against the bulkhead, the thin barriers between them seemingly vanishing. Naomi was completely at his mercy and could feel his solid arousal against her as he pushed forward eagerly, reaching his intended target with the drive of a machine. Naomi's head fell back from the kiss, mouth dropped open in an inaudible cry of pleasure, digging her fingers into his shoulders desperately as she surrendered utterly to him.

And just like that, Naomi Wildman violently whipped up from bed with a strangled gasp, bracing herself on her bed, clenching her sheets in a vice grip.

Why was her mind torturing her so? Naomi felt a full body shudder overtake her. She could almost still feel him, rocking solidly into her, rhythmic, hypnotic, aching. 'Please...' she begged the heavens, not knowing what she really wanted at the moment, covering her face. It was almost too much to handle. She could definitely still feel the effects of the dream on her tortured body and moaned in despair. She had to concentrate on this mission! She couldn't afford to mess up tomorrow on her first day just because of some... stupid dream!

Naomi wiped the sweat from her brow and threw her tangled covers off of her, needing to get up, needing to clear her mind. Naomi tore through her room and groped the wall in the dark until she found the bathroom door. She went immediately to the faucet and splashed her face with water as cold as she could get it, thankful that at least it wasn't sonic. Naomi rested her palms on the counter, staring at the image of herself in the mirror; her 'twin' that stared back at her looked like hell.

The need for Icheb was enough to bring her to her knees, and she could do nothing about it, at least for the moment. Well... except for that, but then she'd never get back to sleep. Naomi ran her fingers through her now unruly red hair in agitation, frustrated beyond belief. She had to pull herself together, get a grip, force herself to sleep and get up early for her first day on the mission! This was important, damn it! Shuddering once again, she let her head drop in defeat, knowing she wouldn't get any sleep that night at all. Hopefully the next day would be mostly introductions and settling in to the first day... she could handle that with little to no sleep.

Part of her hoped, with not a little amount of frustrated spite, that Icheb was having just as much trouble as she was.

Naomi had no way of knowing just how much he was.

TBC...

End A/N: I make no apologies for my use of colorful descriptions; the story is rated M for a reason. If anyone wants to make fan-art for the new and improved Voyager, I'd be thrilled to see it! The dance scene was inspired by song "Lady Grinning Soul" by Lucia Micarelli. The turbo-lift dream sequence was influenced by "Shield & Sword" by Active Child. "Avenger Battlecruiser" property of CBS Studios Inc. idea used from Star Trek Online.

Shout-Outs

MissSarahG1: Thank you! In case you haven't noticed with this chapter, it's still going strong lol.