Kathryn stared at her, her gray eyes a storm of emotion. Seven stared back as her brain quickly analyzed the situation and she recalled all the information the Borg had ever assimilated regarding human sexuality and dominance, including information she had researched herself.
"Oh," was all Seven could say, knowing full well Borg did not say "oh".
"Computer, freeze program. ...I suppose the Borg don't understand the concept of a locked door, Seven?" Kathryn asked wryly.
"I needed to talk to you," Seven said, her eyes traveling from the lashes on the naked blonde to the whip in Kathryn's hand. Her stomach felt odd.
"About what?"
"...What?" Seven asked absently, eyes still on the whip as she tried to diagnose the feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"What did you need to see me about, Seven?"
"I do not remember."
"You have a photographic memory."
"I am...malfunctioning," she said.
Her mouth felt dry, her breasts ached, her abdomen felt warm and there was moisture between her legs.
I am aroused, she realized.
"Are you okay?" Kathryn asked, her voice softening slightly in concern.
"...Yes," Seven decided.
"Are you confused?"
"Yes and no," Seven answered slowly. "I have done extensive research on human sexuality. I understand some humans seek submissive partners and engage in various forms of copulation that stray beyond what society considers normal. You are in a position of power in your professional life, it seems logical that would bleed over into your private life. Alone in the Delta Quadrant you use the Holodeck to engage in your fantasies. No, I am not confused about this, captain."
"What then?" Kathryn asked.
"I am confused by my body's reactions to the sight of you with the whip," Seven answered simply.
Kathryn's eyes seemed to take on a darker shade of gray and she approached the former drone.
"Tell me what you're feeling, Seven," Kathryn said in a soft, commanding tone.
"M-my heart rate is increased," Seven stammered. Borg do not stutter. "My temperature has increased to-"
"Tell me what you feel, Seven."
"W-warm...nervous...confused...wet," she said and she saw Kathryn's pupils dilate slightly, her nostrils flare.
"Wet where?" she asked, her voice low.
"B-between my legs, Captain, I feel..."
"What, Seven?"
"I wish for you to touch me," she whispered, feeling not very Borg at all. This was irrelevant, sex was irrelevant, arousal was irrelevant...so why were her legs trembling as Kathryn reached out with one hand and touched her face.
"Touch you here?" Kathryn asked.
"N-no."
"Where then?" she asked, trailing her hand down Seven's neck, across her chest and the swell of her breasts. "Here?"
"Lower," Seven gasped, but Kathryn withdrew her hand.
"Seven, if we do this...you can tell no one. Ever. You must, until those Holodeck doors open, do as I say. Unquestioningly. Arguing will result in...punishment."
"I find those terms acceptable."
"Do not allow me to do anything that you do not want to do. Do not enter into this just because you think it will please me. You can stop this."
"Of course. I am Borg. You cannot force me to do anything."
"Can I hurt you?" Kathryn murmured, raising the hand that held the flogger to brush it lightly against Seven's cheek.
"My nanoprobes repair damage," she replied, feeling herself shiver.
"How quickly?" she asked curiously.
Seven glanced at the flogger before answering. It was dark red, made of replicated leather.
"I do not believe you can damage me with that, Captain," she said, quirking her ocular implant. "But you are welcome to try."