DISCLAIMER: Star Trek Voyager and all of its crewmembers belong to Paramount, except when they hop into my universe, and get involved in all sorts of reprehensible and definitely non-canon behavior.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.

Before the Beginning
By Omega13

Chapter 7

"George, can you bring up the hammer." Janeway shouted down to the carpenter.

"Okay, give me a few minutes," he hollered up.

Sweat dripping down her brow, Janeway stopped and breathed in deeply. Wiping her face with the tail of her shirt, she took in the view. It had been three months since she had started working on the house. Advances in molecular manufacturing meant the production of ultra strong, ultra light building materials which facilitated rapid construction ensured that the tools that she was now utilizing died out in the early part of the 22^nd century.

Janeway surveyed the site, and had to admit it was incredible how far she and George had come using simple traditionalist tools. The design of the house had been pretty straight forward in her mind, but since her mother had enlisted Seven's help, the house had taken on a life of its own. Somehow over the months, Janeway's strategy of removing herself from Seven's life tactically wasn't going as smoothly as anticipated.

Janeway thought that the new bride would, with the demands of a husband, job, and planning for a family, have very little time for her. She had hoped Seven's involvement was just an initial show of enthusiasm as Phoebe's had been, and would wane after the designs were drafted. But the opposite seemed to be in play. Seven was involved – very involved in every aspect of the materializing house. So much so, that George now instinctively looked to her for instruction.

It seemed that the ex Borg's precise vision, detailed instructions and her desire to honor the architectural character and heritage of the traditionalist way appealed not only to the carpenter, but to Janeway's immediate family.

It was becoming clear, as the weeks progressed, that Janeway was falling into the role of nothing more than a hired hand, but after seven years in command, the position suited her just fine.

The redhead tipped her Stetson and looked around her. She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her shorts, and admired their work. She was pleased that the foundation was laid, the external and interior frameworks were up, and now they were working on the roof. As much as Janeway hated to admit it, her mother and Phoebe were correct. Seven's emerging vision was vastly superior to hers.

Reaching for some water, Janeway took a swig. Her eyes lighted when she saw Gretchen and Seven walk down the long path. She frowned when George dropped the hammer he was about to pass up to her and quickly walked out to meet them.

Janeway shook her head. It was clear she wasn't the only one smitten. A budding relationship was definitely happening between her mother and George. She smiled approvingly at her mother's appreciative look as George approached them.

Janeway's eyes absorbed Seven. The blonde looked divine out of her Starfleet uniform and in casual clothes. Her hair was hanging loose. She bit her bottom lip and watched Seven's hair wisp around her shoulders as she conversed with Gretchen.

Janeway swallowed, and tried to shake off the growing heat. She poured water over the back of her neck and rubbed it, then watched her mother and Seven approach. It was unexpected, how firmly a bond of friendship was forming between them. More and more, it appeared that Seven was adopting Gretchen's traditionalist lifestyle, particularly the cooking side. She thought back to a recent conversation with Phoebe, where they along with Seven had gone for a swim in the creek nearby.

Janeway laughed as she pulled herself out of the cool water. Making her way to the picnic spread, she sat and rested on her hands. Letting her head fall back, she soaked up the hot sun, loving the feel of it on her skin.

Phoebe stretched out on the grass beside her. "Do you want any more?"

Janeway shook her head. "I couldn't eat another thing." She looked at her sister. "Thank you."

Phoebe shook her head. "Thank Seven."

Janeway turned her head and watched Seven pull out of the water. Her eyes feasted as the blonde walked towards them. Unable to help herself, she sucked in her breath, fully appreciating the skimpy outfit that Phoebe had replicated when Seven explained she hadn't known that their picnic involved swimming.

Janeway knew she should disapprove. But right now, every sinew was focused on not letting her tongue hang out at the sight of Seven in the smallest outfit possible.

Seven's combadge beeped. Quickly, she covered the ground and reached for it.

Watching Seven, Janeway's fingers tingled. Ignoring the sensation, she flexed them.

Raising her ocular implant Seven looked at her combadge then at Janeway. "It's Chakotay," she said, answering it.

Janeway watched her walk away.

"What do you think of Mom and George's romance?"

Kathryn forced herself to look out at the beautiful landscape. The creek tinkled in her ears. "I'm delighted for Mom, Phoebe," she responded. Eyes involuntarily drawn back to Seven, she noted that her hair was wet and slicked back, and how the water on her skin sparkled in the sun. Unable to take her eyes off the sleek figure, she added quietly, "I couldn't be happier for her."

"Do you miss Dad?"

Surprised at the question, Kathryn looked at her sister. Seeing the vulnerability in her eyes, she whispered, "Yes."

"Do you think he's still with us?"

Kathryn's heart went out to Phoebe. She shrugged. Before her time in the Delta Quadrant, as a scientist, she was affixed to proof. After her tenure, and many profound experiences, she had come to realise that the more she thought she knew, the less she actually did. She offered the only answer she could. "I don't know, maybe." She smiled encouragingly. "I hope so."

Phoebe nodded. "Don't you think it's slightly odd that Seven doesn't discuss Chakotay much?"

"What do you mean?" Kathryn asked, her gaze returning to Seven.

Phoebe frowned. "I mean recently. Well, since you've started on the house. She doesn't talk about him much." She looked at Kathryn. "Maybe he's lost his shine."

Dragging her eyes from Seven, Kathryn focused on her sister. "Of course she talks about him."

"Whenever I ask after him, she usually gives cursory answers." Phoebe looked at Kathryn. "She spends a great deal of time here." She raised an eyebrow. "It doesn't seem that she wants to be around her new husband much." She shrugged. "Do you know that he is pushing for them to have a baby?"

Kathryn swallowed. She nodded.

Phoebe looked out across the creek. "I delivered a painting that Seven admired to their house, a few weeks ago. It was a gift." She shrugged. "No big deal." She frowned. "We hung it then she showed me round their place." She looked at Kathryn. "It's pretty top grade."

Kathryn nodded. "Starfleet is doing everything they can to keep Seven."

"Do you know that Chakotay has created a nursery?" she asked. "It's filled with baby things." She frowned. "And when Seven took me in there she seemed uncomfortable." She sighed. "Maybe she's not ready." She eyed Janeway. "Maybe she's waiting on a better offer."

Kathryn frowned. "Phoebe if Seven hasn't discussed it then neither should we." She eyed her sister. "Chakotay is a professor at the Daystrom Institute Archaeological Council. It is a prestigious post. He'll have to work extremely hard to prove himself. The first few terms in that kind of post are demanding, and it is expected that he will travel extensively."

Phoebe unclasped her hair and let it fall. She ran her hands through her shoulder length red hair. Kathryn was reminded of how much a woman her little sister truly had become.

"I see," Phoebe said unconvincingly. "Hubby's working away from home so much that of course Seven will want to spend all of her free time here." She eyed Kathryn. "with you."

Feeling uneasy at the direction of the conversation, Kathryn said slowly, "I don't think you should be focusing solely on Seven." Her eyes narrowed. "Since her split from Tom, B'Elanna also spends a lot of time here with Miral. They are great friends." She looked over at Seven, whose six foot frame sent thrills down her spine. "It is only natural that she would want to be," she tried to stop herself, "with her collective."

"With her collective," Phoebe said. She smiled wickedly. "Of course, she—"

Kathryn eyed her sister apprehensively and was surprised when she abruptly stopped. She watched Phoebe bite her bottom lip. Kathryn looked away and smiled inwardly, fully aware that her mother had warned her younger sister to stay out of her business.

Lying back, Kathryn closed her eyes.

After a few moments, Phoebe asked, "How's things going?"

Kathryn shrugged. "Not bad."

"How's things with Sekaya?"

Opening her eyes, Kathryn looked over at Phoebe, and frowned. "Why?"

Phoebe laughed. "I'm not prying." She held up her hands. "I'm interested that's all." She looked at Kathryn curiously. "Seriously, if I'm honest, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that you haven't had a sexual liaison in years."

Eyebrows shooting up, Kathryn eyed her sister. "How do you come to that conclusion?"

"No big reason," Phoebe's replied. Her eyebrow quirked and she drew in a breath. "Just a lot of little ones."

Kathryn frowned.

Phoebe shrugged then laughed. "Kathryn, I know you," she said as if she had the answer to every question. "You're a starship captain. Your first love is your ship." She looked at Seven who was deep in conversation. "Or it used to be."

Kathryn looked at her sharply. "What do you mean?"

Phoebe plucked out then chewed on a blade of grass. "Nothing," she responded. "Tell me. I really want to know how's it going with Sekaya?"

"We're friends, Pheebs," Kathryn replied frowning. "How do you expect it to be going?"

Chewing on the blade, Phoebe looked at Kathryn. "You don't look much like friends from where I'm sitting."

Kathryn pinched the bridge of her nose. "Pick another view then."

"Does Seven know that she's interested in you?"

"There's nothing for Seven to know," Kathryn said her tone firm.

Phoebe laughed. "Katie you might be able to strike fear in everyone with that austere voice of yours, but not me."

Exasperated, Kathryn looked over and eyed her younger sister. "It has nothing to do with Seven."

Phoebe frowned. She looked at Kathryn as if her head had just flipped open and her brain had fallen out. "Really?"

Kathryn held her breath, and waited for her younger sister to continue. When Phoebe focused on Seven, Janeway felt anger stir within her. "Phoebe," she said sitting up. "I have a lot on my mind at the moment, and right now you're innuendo is starting to grate on my nerves."

Phoebe pulled out more grass. "Okay, another change of subject. What are your plans once the house is complete?"

Kathryn folded her arms around her knees. "I'll return to duty."

"In what capacity?"

Kathryn chewed on her bottom lip. "Not sure." She looked at her sister. "Starfleet is pushing me to either accept an Admiralty or take command of the most technologically advanced ship designed for an extended mission."

"Deep space exploration?"

Kathryn nodded.

Phoebe let out a low whistle. "What a choice. What are you thinking?"

Kathryn looked up at the sky. "I'm not ready for an admin role." Her thoughts turned to Admiral Janeway and she grimaced. "Somehow, I don't think it will suit me."

"So, you'll be going out to deep space?"

Janeway placed a hand on her stomach, and felt it flutter, as she watched Seven. "Possibly."

"Does Seven know?"

Janeway rolled her eyes. "Phoebe," she said looking at the redhead. "No, she doesn't know, and why the hell should she?" she added losing patience with her younger sibling.

"I haven't made a decision about anything yet."

Phoebe stared at her sister. "Katie, I'm beginning to think you're losing your mind," she said. "Do you seriously think for one moment that you could take command of a ship and take it out to deep space without it having a serious, and I mean fucking serious impact on Seven?"

Janeway looked at her sister, and growled lightly. "I don't want to discuss this, Phoebe."

Phoebe bit her bottom lip. "I'm sorry, Kathryn. I can't keep quiet anymore." She looked at Seven. "It's her isn't it?"

"What?" Janeway asked sharply.

"It's Seven," Phoebe said nodding. "She's the one."

Picking up a glass of water, Janeway lifted it to her mouth. "What do you mean?" she asked before drinking from it.

"I mean you want her?"

Kathryn spat out the water. Agog, she stared at Phoebe.

"C'mon Katie. It's a good day for a confession," Phoebe said eyeing her sister. "You must be dying inside." She shook her head. "Tell me it's not true. Tell me you've had at least one fuck in the last eight years."

Dumbstruck, Kathryn stared at her younger sibling

"You haven't have you?" Phoebe looked at Seven. "Because the only person you want to do it with is her." She looked at Kathryn. "You want to hold those beautiful amazing breasts in your hands and fuck her senseless."

Stunned, Kathryn's mouth opened then closed then opened again.

"What?" Phoebe said. "You couldn't look more surprised if I'd just asked you to walk on water." She frowned. "Do you think I don't see the way you look at her?"

Dazed, Kathryn struggled to say something, but her throat closed up.

"Is it a slow burn, Kathryn?" Phoebe asked. "I know you're not the type to fall in love quickly." She looked Seven over. "I can see why she caught your attention."

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about," Kathryn eventually managed.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Phoebe shook her head. "Don't you want a little more out of this life?"

Eyes narrowing to slits, Kathryn wiped her mouth. "Everyone wants a little more, Phoebe."

Phoebe studied her. "Don't you know that your life will forever be on hold if you leave?" She shook her head. "Lucky for you I've just come out of a messy relationship." She stood. "And I don't want to dangle my feet in another." She gathered her stuff. "So, it's whatever you say big sister." She looked over at Seven before pointedly looking at Kathryn. "But I tell you now. If you do choose to go, you'd better have a serious think about what you might be leaving behind."

Brought back by the yapping of the red setter puppy, George had bought recently, Janeway decided to come off the roof, and greet the new arrivals, and the voraciously affectionate little pup that had wormed its way into her heart. As she moved toward the step ladder perched at the end of the framework, she caught her foot on the roof decking. Twisting to loosen her trapped boot, she lost her balance, and fell to the ground.

Janeway opened her eyes. She was in her room in her mother's house, flat on her back. Seven stood over her, frowning.

"Seven," she whispered. "What happened?"

"You took a fall. Twenty-two feet to be exact," Gretchen said looking over Seven's shoulder. "Seven ran her medical tricorder over you." She smiled in relief. "Fortunately, she carries a compact medikit with her," Gretchen said. "And as good planning would have it, as well as a medical tricorder, her medikit has a hypospray, a dermal regenerator along with a trauma kit." She looked at Seven with pride. "Fortunately, a shot of cordrazine and a quick scan with the dermal regenerator has sorted you out." She smiled. "Thankfully, there will be no lasting damage."

"No broken bones?" Janeway asked.

"No, Kathryn," Seven replied.

Janeway smiled up at Seven, and watched the tension around the young woman's eyes fade.

"No broken bones, but you'll be stiff for the next few days if we don't do something about it," Gretchen said. She held out a small bottle to Seven. "I suggest you give her a much needed back rub to ensure there's no lasting aches or pains."

Frowning, Seven gingerly took the bottle and examined it.

Gretchen bent over Janeway. "Come with me, Kathryn. We need to remove a few items of clothing."

Confused, Janeway raised her brow. "But," she said standing slowly with the aid of her mother. Her back creaked as she straightened. "I'm fine."

"No arguments, Kathryn," Gretchen said taking her arm. "It may be old practice, but a good back rub is exactly what you need, and I don't have time. I'm preparing tonight's evening meal." She smiled mischievously at her daughter as she maneuvered her into the bathroom. "You always loved a back rub when you were little. So, I'm sure you'll forgive me."

Seven opened the bottle of oil that Gretchen had given her, and holding it over Janeway's back, poured a generous amount down her spine. Placing the bottle on the bedside cabinet, she slowly climbed onto the bed and carefully positioned herself. Straddling Janeway's hips, she placed her hands close together at the base of Janeway's spine

"Seven," Janeway said over her shoulder. "You don't need to do this."

Ignoring her, Seven began stroking her back firmly and steadily.

To her dismay, Janeway nipples hardened immediately, and a strong visual image of Seven taking one of her fat ready nipples into her mouth and sucking on it filled her head. Janeway's groin tensed. Embarrassed, she coughed lightly then fidgeted.

"Remain still," Seven ordered.

To cover her discomfort Janeway said the first thing that came into her head, "How's Chakotay?"

Without pause, Seven ran her hands up Janeway's back, and replied as she distributed the pressure. "Chakotay is functioning within normal parameters."

Janeway's head snapped up. She threw Seven a sharp look over her shoulder.

Eyes sparkling, Seven nodded graciously. "He is fine, Kathryn."

Janeway lips twitched. Feeling her center of gravity return, she placed her head back on her hands and said sardonically, "Your humor is moving along remarkably fast these days."

Seven's strong fingers fanned out in a circular arc. "I have the Doctor to thank for that."

Desperate not to focus on those hands, Janeway asked throatily, "How so?"

"Lesson number six: Beguiling Banter."

Pressing her head into her hands, Janeway muffled her laughter.

Seven fingers embraced the side of Janeway's body, grazing slightly over the underside of her breasts as they glided over her back in sensual strokes. Janeway trembled. Inflamed, she sucked in her breath. Trying not to lose control, she exhaled then whispered, "And you, Seven," she asked breathily. "How are you?"

Kneading the tight muscles around Janeway's shoulders, Seven applied pressure strokes. The feel of Seven's probing fingers as she steadily pummeled her flesh was driving Janeway crazy. Heart racing and desperate for distraction, she repeated, "You?" her voice high. She coughed to clear her throat. "How are you?"

"Kathryn," Seven said, her fingertips, thumb pads and heels digging deep into the tight tension spots. "In order to benefit from this, you must be quiet."

Suitably chastised, Janeway tried to concentrate on anything else but what Seven was doing to her,

After a few minutes of agonizing pleasure, Janeway bit into her hand when Seven's weight moved lower. Seconds later, she felt the cover slip down past the base of her spine, and felt hands feather over the fleshy area of her buttocks.

Janeway whispered, "Seven, stop. Please."

Seven paused then removed her hands from Janeway's backside. Carefully, she lifted her weight and moved off of Janeway. "I am sorry…Kathryn," she whispered with a note of bewilderment. Slowly she positioned herself mid-way down the bed.

Flustered, Janeway quickly rose and turning pulled the cover that she had been laying on with her. She looked at Seven. \h\HHHHHHer eyes widened when she saw how flushed and vulnerable the younger woman looked. Janeway's breath caught, she is so beautiful. A sudden urge to abandon every principle she had ever lived by and pull Seven into her arms, rode over her. Pull yourself together, soldier, she chastised.

Eyes down and head low, Seven whispered, "I apologize, Kathryn."

"No, I'm the one who's sorry," Janeway responded clasping the cover to her breasts, and recognizing that there was no way that she could deny that what had just passed between them was anything but sexual, she sighed heavily. "I shouldn't have allowed this."

Confusion crossing her face, Seven bent her head further.

Aware that Seven had the sexual knowledge of tens of thousands of species, but in reality very limited experience, Janeway sat up. "Seven, its okay. I—"

Seven lifted her head and looked at Janeway. "You will remain my friend?" she asked a worried look crossing her face.

"Of course," Janeway replied. Hands gripping her cover, she added, "Of course, I'll remain your friend. Why would you think otherwise?"

Seven responded immediately, "When you discovered that the Doctor was encouraging me to explore romantic relationships with lesson plans relating to human romance you distanced yourself from me," she stated, eyes wide. "And over the course of the last five years there have been instances when I have displeased you." She looked at Janeway intently. "And you have removed your friendship to some degree."

Janeway was astounded. Was that how Seven saw it? That their friendship was a bargaining tool to be manipulated whenever Seven displeased her in some way? There was no doubt that there had been several incidents where she was forced to back off from Seven in order to hide her feelings. Oh God, how young, Janeway thought. How young and naïve she truly is!

Wanting to comfort her, Janeway reached out and took Seven's chin gently in the palm of her hand. "Seven," she whispered. "Please understand that your friendship is very important to me." The most important thing in the universe in fact, her inner voice chirped. "And under no circumstances will I ever allow anything to jeopardize it."

Seven pulled her chin out of Janeway's hand. "I am unsure," she responded, face downcast.

Aware that Seven was feeling vulnerable and wanting to reach out and connect with her, Janeway whispered, "Please believe me, Seven…Annika."

Seven drew in her breath, and looked at Janeway in surprise.

"Your friendship is invaluable to me," Janeway said, injecting every ounce of sincerity she could. She clasped the cover firmly, and slid across the bed toward the ex Borg. "It will never be threatened," she said reaching her. "And I—" Janeway stopped when Seven looked at her sharply. Befuddled, she frowned when Seven's nostrils flared.

Seven breathed in deeply. She looked at Janeway. "You are aroused."

Eyes widening, Janeway picked up on the faint scent of her arousal. Horrified, that her excitement was so evident, and aware that Seven's Borg enhanced olfactory senses had picked up on it easily, Janeway quickly drew her thighs together. Dumbstruck, she paled, opening her mouth only to close it slowly as pale blue eyes appraised her.

"Your skin temperature has increased as has your respiratory rhythm." The blonde said, studying Janeway closely. Moving her face to within a few inches of hers, Seven's eyes widened with interest. "And the blood flow to your ear lobes and lips has also increased."

Swallowing hard, Janeway closed her eyes briefly, and hoped that by some miracle the ground would open up and swallow her. Aware that the younger woman was waiting for an explanation, she blushed deeply.

Blinking several times, Janeway moved her head back, and tried to remember how the hell she gotten into this situation. Hot damn, her inner voice quipped. Does it matter?

Janeway bit down on her bottom lip. Not sure how appropriate this conversation was, but aware that the Seven was no longer under her command and carried the full status of friend, she cleared her throat then swallowed hard. She said slowly, "Seven." Her mind blanked. "Seven…I." She struggled for some sort of explanation. "Seven, she murmured, "It has been a long time."

"Explain?" Seven requested in her no-need-to-embellish way.

Fully aware that Seven was confused, and that it was necessary to share this, Janeway pinched her nose and thought that, right now, she would gladly trade another seven years in the Delta Quadrant for the klaxon sound of a red alert.

Leaning back slightly, Janeway gripped the cover to her breasts. "Seven what I mean is," her hand clasped then unclasped the cover, and her pulse began to throb in her neck. When Seven cocked her head and observed her, Janeway's blush deepened. "What I mean is that during my time in the Delta Quadrant," she closed her eyes. You fool, she told herself. How the hell did you let this happen? "I can't," she whispered. Opening her eyes, she made to slip off the bed.

"Kathryn," Seven said grasping Janeway's arm, stopping her. "Please."

Hesitating, Janeway looked into Seven's eyes then crumbled. "Seven, what is it that you want to know?"

Seven eyes widened. "I am uncertain," she responded looking at Janeway with confusion. "At first," she stated, "all I wished to do when I touched you was to provide some relief for your discomfort and relax you as Gretchen had instructed." Her eyes completely expressive, implored Janeway. "However, as I stimulated your skin," she frowned slightly. "I too became stimulated and there was a growing need," she pressed her Borg hand to her lower abdomen, "to provide pleasure." She looked at Janeway. "But, I am unsure," she added guiltily, "what type of pleasure I wished to provide?"

Let me help you, baby, Janeway inner voice piped up, wonderful, beautiful, magical pleasure is what you wanted to provide. A strong visual image of Seven bucking underneath her forced Janeway to close her eyes briefly and dislodge the very inappropriate image from her mind. Disturbed by the images, and feeling the beginnings of a headache, Janeway rubbed her forehead.

"Kathryn, are you all right?" Seven asked still holding her arm.

"Yes," Janeway replied trying to keep the tremor from her voice.

Dropping the hand that held Janeway's arm along with a bombshell question, Seven asked, "Did you engage in sexual activity with Michael Sullivan?"

Stunned, Janeway stared at Seven then reflexively shook her head. "No," she replied slowly, wondering how long that had been a burning question. "It never progressed that far."

Intrigue crossed Seven's face. "Clarify?"

Janeway's eyes widened. C'mon Katie! Her inner voice quipped. You've faced off every known threat there was in the Delta Quadrant to get your crew home. How difficult can this be?

"We did not…" Janeway's voice drifted off. Prude, her inner voice called out. C'mon tell her the truth. "We never made love," she finished quickly.

Seven's head snapped back. She looked at Janeway in astonishment. She raised her ocular implant. "That must have been difficult, Kathryn." Her eyes widened. "It has come to my attention that when one becomes an established human adult and engages in sexual activity then it is often such a pleasurable liaison that one will pursue it even if a romantic relationship or need for procreation does not necessarily follow."

Janeway fought the urge to ask, and in your case, Seven? Is it so pleasurable for you? Her heart clenched as it always did at the idea of Seven sharing anything intimate with Chakotay. Not wanting to think about it, she focused her mind on what type of conversations Seven had been engaging in recently, and more importantly with whom.

Seven confirmed the source. "B'Elanna," she stated matter-of-factly, "has confided on several occasions that she does not know how you continue to keep your sexual liaisons so discreet."

B'Elanna! Janeway frowned disapprovingly. Since splitting with Tom, B'Elanna had dated several times. Janeway was fully aware of how devastated her ex chief engineer was when she and Tom separated, and there was no doubt in her mind that, right now, whatever sexual activity B'Elanna was engaging in, it was clear that Seven was being kept fully up-to-date.

Appearing to warm to the subject, Seven continued, "In fact, she herself has stated on more than one occasion that she would like as she says to take a leaf from your book," Seven's blue eyes lighted with inquisitiveness. "Except of course the time you spent with the hologram Sullivan. "Seven lowered her eyes. "B'Elanna thought that was a lack of discretion on your part."

"Is that a fact," Janeway replied. She gritted teeth. Desperately wanting to drop the whole subject, but knowing that Seven needed to hear this, she swallowed then closing her eyes briefly said with forced patience, "It isn't that I have been discreet," she sucked in air. "It is in fact that I…" Feeling extremely uncomfortable and losing her nerve, Janeway looked away. Deciding that the best course of action was to be truthful but to keep the conversation as short as possible, she finished, "Is it enough for now to tell you that for me it is never just about sex. There must always be," Janeway's voice rose an octave when Seven moved her head closer and studied her face intently, "a strong emotional connection."

Eyes wide with new understanding, Seven nodded. Drawing back, she looked at Janeway. "And for the seven years in the Delta Quadrant?"

Janeway smiled faintly, and wondered if it was possible to be this exposed and miserable at the same time. "And for those seven years," she eventually offered with all seriousness, "my command was my only focus."

Seven pushed. "And since your return to Earth?"

Janeway realized, gloomily, that yes it was possible to be this exposed and miserable at the same time. She looked at the bedroom door, and wondered fleetingly if she would be able to make it out the door faster than Seven could bring her down.

"Kathryn?" Seven said expectantly.

Looking at the younger woman, Janeway realized that Seven was obviously having these type of conversations with B'Elanna, and would expect the same from her other 'close' friend. She chastised herself for ever placing herself in that category. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head, then exhaled and whispered, "No one."

Eyes wide with this revelation, Seven stared at Janeway. "Captain Janeway," she said using a formality that she slipped into on occasion, "B'Elanna will indeed be surprised to discover that you have not engaged in any sexual activity over the last eight years." Straight-backed, she gave Janeway a look that could only be described as smug. "And I will take great pleasure in informing her that not all women as she states colloquially need a good f—"

"Seven!" Janeway spluttered. Looking at the ex Borg with new eyes, she was suddenly aware that Seven's transition back to humanity was happening much faster than she realized. Reaching out, she grabbed the younger woman's arm and fought the urge to forbid her from discussing this with anyone. "I would appreciate," she said carefully, "that this and all other conversations we share are kept private." Seven looked crestfallen. "B'Elanna," Janeway added, "is not known for her tact." She patted Seven's arm and finished furtively, "as you are."

"Indeed," Seven remarked. A pleased look crossed her face. She nodded. "I concur." Her eyes took on an introspective look. "It is certainly a pastime of B'Elanna Torres to discuss intimate details of not only her own personal life, but that of close and associates, and friends."

Seven cocked her head as if understanding for the first time that B'Elanna's need to gossip meant that her own life would also be exposed and up for discussion. "In fact," she elaborated her brow furrowing, "she has a tendency to speak openly and pass comment on each individual she encounters."

I bet she does, Janeway thought, then blushed at the field day B'Elanna would have at the encounter that she had just shared with Seven.

Seven looked at Janeway curiously. "B'Elanna has more than once mentioned that she considers that you would indeed be a formidable lover."

Knowing exactly why B'Elanna thought that, Janeway sighed. She ran a hand through her dark red hair then pinched her nose. She thought back to the Fair Haven holodeck program, where she had altered Tom Paris's holocharacter Michael Sullivan from a simple, married man to an extremely virile, well-endowed and unattached man. Her lips twitched at how well-endowed. She had always suspected that Tom had shared with B'Elanna - and given her need to gossip - the entire ship, that when he accessed the Fair Haven program to repair it after a storm, he discovered that it wasn't only the intellectual abilities of Michael's matrix that were upgraded.

Janeway exhaled. Although she had never engaged in anything other than the romance of the relationship, she never quashed the rumors that Voyager's captain had been involved in an intense sexual relationship. She more than anyone understood the saying "as goes the captain so goes the ship". The gossip regarding her sexual prowess only seemed to enhance her status among the crew.

Janeway frowned, aware that no matter how hard she tried to convince herself to sleep with Michael, her intellectual barometer couldn't get over the 'small' fact that he was made of photons and force fields and could be altered at her whim. She remembered when she confessed to the Doctor that she had become romantically involved, and the response she gave him when he asked what had happened. "Oh you know the story, girl meets boy. Girl modifies boy's sub-routines." What she didn't tell him was that in the end, the only thing she allowed herself to indulge in was the simple pleasure of being 'romanced'.

"Kathryn, what would lead B'Elanna to think that you were sexually active with Jaffen also?"

Janeway inhaled deeply then rubbed her forehead. "Just a simple misunderstanding."

"Kathryn," Seven said hesitating for a moment. "What happened just now between us is—"

"A physical response," Janeway interrupted.

Seven looked at her for a long moment.

"It was just a physical response, Seven. Nothing more."

"Because you have not," Seven struggled, "had physical contact for such an extended period of time."

"Exactly, "Janeway replied huskily. "I don't need give you a physiology lesson, I'm sure," she said her voice suddenly clear and firm. "But the short of it is that it is perfectly normal for that kind of touch to evoke," she swallowed, "that kind of reaction."

Janeway knew her explanation was pushing it to the extreme, but what else could she do? Regardless of what she felt for Seven, even if she was racked and stretched, she would never admit her attraction - her love - to this woman.

"Oh," Seven responded with what seemed a note of disappointment.

Relieved that Seven seemed to be sold on her rationale, Janeway's next step was closure. "Seven, can we hold off discussing this until later? I'd like to get dressed." She stood and careful to ensure that the cover revealed nothing, wrapped it tightly. "That is, if you need to discuss it later?" She looked pointedly at the blonde making it clear that for her the matter was closed.

Seven looked at her steadily. Janeway could see that she was uncertain how to interpret their interaction. She watched Seven's mind turn over the logic of her argument that anyone would respond in that way to that type of physical contact, if they hadn't been touched in a long time. It was perfectly plausible that Janeway's reaction was, as she had said, nothing more than a physiological response. Just as well, the subtleties of lying were irrelevant to the Borg, Janeway thought, or she would be in deep trouble.

Seven whispered. "Of course." She stood and with a note of vulnerability added, "If you do not need me, I shall assist Gretchen with preparing the evening meal."

"Good idea," Janeway replied with forced lightness, knowing that her mother always encouraged Seven to dine with them when Chakotay was traveling. "She always loves it when you help her."

Seven nodded then quickly exited the room.

Alone, Janeway flopped on the bed. Hands covering her face, she whispered, "What have you done?" She had expected that by building a home, it would force her to separate from Seven, but instead, it was bringing them closer together.

Her body on fire and unable to focus, Janeway rolled off the bed and headed for the bathroom. There she reached into a cabinet and removed a neural blocker.

The outpouring of love and desire from Janeway the day that Seven swept on to the bridge, and took her position at the console, had never dulled, never diminished. From that day onward, Janeway was incapable of putting back what had been released. She had obviously coped before by never facing her true feelings. Instead she had used her command training and her fear, the same deep fear that had eventually forced her out of her bed after Justin and her father had died.

But now even her command training and fear could not be relied on. In order to control her spiraling desire around the younger woman, Janeway was forced to use a neural blocker when her need for the ex Borg grew too strong.

Filling the hypospray, Janeway placed it against her neck. Pressing it into her skin, she looked at her reflection. How long, she thought wearily. How long am I going to have to continue with this?

Feeling a slight buzz from the neural blocker then the familiar dulling of her arousal, Janeway stepped into the shower in preparation for the evening ahead.

Chapter 8

"Thank you for inviting me this weekend," Janeway said reaching for her wine glass. "Accompanying you to your ancestral home has been nothing short of spectacular, Sekaya."

Lifting her glass of chilled water, Sekaya smiled. "You're more than welcome, Kathryn," she said. Sipping her water, she looked at Janeway. "What have you enjoyed?"

"Everything." Janeway said. "This trip to central America will stay with me for a long time to come." She sipped her wine. "Hiking in the Yucatán jungle yesterday was worth the trip alone. But cave-diving today, was nothing short of exceptional."

Janeway thought back to how much she had enjoyed this weekend. The highlight was when Sekaya arranged for them to go cave-diving. The Yucatán Peninsula is the Earth's best cave-diving area. Resting entirely on limestone, the porous stone sucks up water like a sponge.

Before the dive, Sekaya explained to Janeway the significance of the caves. That the Maya, who inhabited the land for thousands of years, believed these openings to be the gateways to the underworld, and where the spirit beings dwelled. Shamans in the past explored the caves and underground rivers, but over time they had filled with water. As they prepared to dive, she told Janeway that they would find remnants of their drawings on the walls, as well as offerings of precious stones, animal and human bones in the caves.

Janeway loved diving, particularly cave-diving, and had done so frequently on Mars. Cave-diving was different from open water diving. In the ocean, you could always come up if there's a problem. In caves you couldn't. Usually, there was only one way in and one way out, and for that reason, the diver depended heavily and was required to trust fully their guide.

Sekaya, as it turned out, was a fantastic guide. She was familiar with the caves and laid down some of the lines with the directional markers that would guide them out.

Sitting at the kitchen counter, watching Sekaya cook, Janeway still found it difficult to put into words the experience this morning; overwhelming and breathtaking didn't adequately describe it. Swimming through the caves there were stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, bacon strips, and columns both massive and tiny. Eventually, they came to a place where the salt water mixed with the freshwater created a fog light effect. It was there that Janeway could see why, with such a trance-inducing place, the Maya believed their gods lived there.

Drinking her wine, Janeway smiled. She couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much or felt so exhilarated. Diving, today, was exactly what she had needed. The sense of awe in the magical aquatic world was so overwhelming. At some points she had almost forgotten to breathe. Feeling completely relaxed, and wanting to explore Sekaya's culture a little more, she said, "Once, Chakotay took me on a vision quest to help Voyager out of danger."

Preparing their evening meal, Sekaya looked sharply at Janeway then frowned. "Did he cut you to induce the vision?"

Janeway looked at her in surprise. "No, he used an akoonah to induce the vision."

Sekaya's brow rose. "He was being gentle."

Tonight, Sekaya had promised to cook a traditional meal known as pepian; a thick, spicy soup with tomatoes, onions, chilies, and ground pumpkin seeds. Tortillas and black beans were also being served with the meal.

"How so?" Janeway asked popping a black bean into her mouth.

"Usually, our people achieve visionary state through the practice of bloodletting. After fasting, we cut ourselves. Sometimes we pierce our tongues or," Sekaya said looking at Janeway, "our genitals."

Janeway choked on the bean.

"Are you all right?"

Janeway nodded. Swallowing, she picked up her glass, and gulped some wine. "Yes," she replied hoarsely. "I didn't realize bloodletting was still part of your tradition."

Sekaya nodded. "We bleed into a ceremonial bowl. Then let the blood burn, allowing the vision serpent to appear in the smoke. "

Coughing lightly, Janeway nodded. "I see."

"We believe," Sekaya said amusement crossing her eyes as she quirked an eyebrow. "That our gods gave their own blood during creation. As such, the favor must be returned."

"Indeed," Janeway replied draining her glass.

"Does it come as a shock?"

Janeway shook her head. "No, of course not," she replied. She was fully aware that although the Maya were remembered for their spiritual practice of human sacrifice and bloodletting, they were also a civilization who discovered the mathematical concept of zero, and whose astronomers mapped the heavens with pinpoint accuracy, more than fifteen hundred years ago.

Sekaya grinned.

Deciding to say what was on her mind Janeway refilled her glass and looked at Sekaya. She smiled wickedly. "Although I have to admit, I wonder what my reaction would have been if, during the ceremony, my first officer said he required a little of my blood and asked that I drop my pants."

Sekaya laughed. "I'm sure you would have allowed protocol to guide you, Kathryn."

Janeway looked at Sekaya in surprise, understanding that although they had only known each other for some months, already this woman had great insight into her. She swirled the wine in her glass contemplatively unsure of how she felt about sharing personal time with someone who, given her teachings, had cultivated skills well beyond her grasp. "Somehow," she said. "I think I should have remembered that bloodletting was still part of your culture."

Sekaya smiled. "Don't be surprised. As you know Native Americans encompass several hundred distinct cultures as different from each other as the Spanish, Germans or the English were of old. It is difficult to know each culture. I still can't believe that so many diverse cultures agreed to settle on Dorvan V," Pride crossing her eyes, she shrugged then looked at Janeway. "But they did."

Although educated as a scientist, Janeway was first and foremost a Starfleet command officer trained for battle. She knew that if it hadn't been for her time in the Delta Quadrant, where she was in contact with diverse and often sensitive cultures, she would never truly see or understand the depth or complexity of the woman who stood before her. She realized that it was only her long tenure that allowed her to truly comprehend individuals like Sekaya. "Yes, they did," she responded raising her glass. "And here you are."

Sekaya nodded and toasting Janeway's glass with her own looked into her eyes. "Yes, here I am."

Over the last five months, Janeway had devoted much of her time to building the house, and during that time, Sekaya had continued to work at Starfleet Headquarters. The ship nearing completion, Admiral Paris was now putting her under pressure to accept the command position aboard the USS Titan. The geographic proximity of Sekaya at Starfleet Headquarters meant they met up often, usually indulging in theater with evening meals. Although, Janeway was fully aware of what Sekaya wanted, the younger woman had never pushed, and for that she was grateful. This was the first time they had spent a few days together.

Janeway watched Sekaya's long, elegant fingers roll out the tortillas flats. Heat shot straight to her crotch. Unable to help herself, she wondered what the younger woman's touch would feel like against her naked skin. Sipping her wine, Janeway pushed the image out of her mind. There was no denying, even to herself now, that she was seriously attracted to Sekaya, and increasingly so. Who wouldn't be, her inner voice whispered as she watched Sekaya place the bread on a side plate, she was stunning.

But Janeway was hesitant. Right now, she didn't think she was ready to engage in anything more than a friendship. However, since her encounter with Seven, her sexual energy was off the grid. Unfortunately, the neural blocker was not designed to eliminate arousal as endorphins released into the system had to dissipate and be re-absorbed naturally.

This meant that her arousal was only ever dampened or more accurately delayed. The side effect, if it wasn't handled carefully, Janeway was warned by the Doctor when she requested the treatment aboard Voyager would be profound. Sexual attraction, he told her, was caused by the release of dopamine, norepineprine and phenylethylamine. Working in unison the three endorphins created a feeling of euphoria when aroused. If blocked for any length of time the outcome would result in an increasingly insatiable sexual appetite along with an increase in anxiety.

Janeway remembered the Doctor jutting his chin, and raising his brow when he told her that rubbing the ears of a Ferengi would begin to appeal to her if she didn't ensure some form of release soon after using the neural blocker. Fortunately, he had affirmed, release didn't always need be of a sexual nature. He explained that the tension and anxieties of getting the ship and crew home, along with the rigorous exercise regime she maintained and some self induced relief would sufficiently substitute.

Janeway recalled halting the conversation, when the Doctor picked up a PADD and ran through the inventory of the ship's extra curricular accouterments, showing her a display of 'gratification aids' that would sufficiently service her needs.

Janeway's attention was brought back when Sekaya's pink tongue peaked out as she focused on plating up the dish. Her inner voice quipped, but you're not on the ship now, are you? It almost drawled with a note of delight. It's clear from the signals that Sekaya is sending you she wants to take your friendship to a different level. Janeway almost grimaced, as she tried to push her inner voice away. No ship, no crew means no distractions, means no outlet, her inner voice continued. You're using the neural blocker too often. Now indulge before you explode.

A hot wave of desire rushed through Janeway. Burning up, she acknowledged finally that she wanted nothing more than to escalate their friendship into a sexual one, but she was uncertain. What would it mean? Her feelings for Seven were still so convoluted and so very much alive. To lead this woman on or to expect her to standby as she worked through her emotions was too much to ask, surely?

Holding two plates, Sekaya looked at Janeway and smiled. "I'm famished, let's eat."

Regardless, Janeway told herself as she picked up the side plates and made her way to the dining table, tonight she would rein in this increasingly explosive and exponential sexual desire. She smiled, aware that she was more than capable of doing so. She had packed a hypospray with at least six shots of neural blocker.

Settling on the sofa, after dinner, Sekaya turned toward Janeway and resting her silky, naked head on her palm said, "Tell me about your relationships, Kathryn?"

Janeway raised her brow, and wondered if, from the look in Sekaya's eyes, she should make her excuses and get the neural blocker right now. She resisted. The after-affects tended to leave her in a slight stupor. Aboard Voyager, she had always been careful when she used it. Only in her quarters when it was an absolute must. She smiled faintly as she recalled Seven's deep concern when she made an excuse to retire early, blaming her lethargy on the fall.

"I want to know everything about you, Kathryn Janeway."

Sekaya's sensual tone headed straight to Janeway's mid-section. She breathed in deeply when her nipples hardened. Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, she began to formulate an excuse for an early night, as she had the previous evening.

"Tell me," Sekaya whispered.

Feeling an overwhelming surge of wetness flow from between her thighs, Janeway spoke quickly. "Prior to the Delta Quadrant, I was involved, engaged, actually, to Mark Johnson." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "But he married a co-worker." She looked at Sekaya. "Who could blame him," Stiffly, she reached for her coffee cup. "There was a

high probability that he would never see me again."

"How did you feel when you discovered he had married?"

Her nipples taunt, Janeway stopped herself from gripping the cup. She drank her coffee slowly. Focus, she told herself. "Surprisingly, not that bad," she replied. Uncomfortable with the increasing moisture, she crossed her legs. "I think deep down I've always known that our relationship veered more towards friendship than," she hesitated, "passion." Her color deepened as she revealed. "Hobbes always needed companionship. For that reason, I wasn't surprised at all."

"You forgave him?"

Janeway didn't hesitate. "Yes."

"I was deeply in love once," Sekaya told Janeway. "To Astall. She belonged to the Haunni."

Janeway nodded, that much she did know.

"We were married."

Janeway looked at her in surprise. That she didn't.

"We wanted to keep the marriage as low key as possible. Inter-species coupling can be difficult." She frowned. "And it was made all the more difficult because of the sensitivity of her species and the spirituality of mine." She looked at Janeway. "We wanted to give the marriage a chance, but it was difficult." She smiled. "However, no matter what the difficulties, it was love and there was absolutely nothing we could do about it."

"What happened?"

"She was killed." Sekaya said, her eyes darkening. "We agreed that she would stay close to me. She didn't want to leave Starfleet, and I needed to be on Dorvan V. She was a soldier, admin didn't suit her. The only work available at the rank of lieutenant was commanding a crew to clear gravitic mines in the Beloti Sector in the DMZ."

Gaining more control over her libido, Janeway reached out for Sekaya's hand and squeezed it. "I'm sorry," she said knowing only to well how many lives had been taken clearing the mines left from years of terrorist attacks between the Cardassian and Federation colonists in the Demilitarized Zone.

"Thank you, Kathryn." Sekaya replied. "It has been a long time, years in fact, since I've felt even remotely interested in having another relationship." She looked at Janeway intently then bit her bottom lip. "That is it until now."

Janeway caught her breath. The look of smoldering need in Sekaya's eyes, she was sure could melt the hull of any Starfleet ship. She cleared her throat. Her nipples were starting to hurt. Wanting to end the evening quickly, she changed the subject to something neutral. "I'm interested in your tattoos. They are so different from Chakotay's. Tell me about them."

Sekaya lifted her glass of chilled water then focused on Janeway for a long moment, as if deciding whether or not to tell her.

As Janeway sipped her coffee, she realized that it might be forbidden for Sekaya to share this information. Waiting for a response, she noted not for the first time, the younger woman's shapely eyebrows and lengthy dark eyelashes. She briefly wondered what Sekaya would look like if her hair follicles were stimulated and allowed to grow. She envisaged a long, flowing dark mane. Janeway raised her brow and smiled inwardly, suddenly aware that Sekaya was such a beautiful woman, it made no difference.

"As a Shaman, I am a healer, a curandero," Sekaya finally said. She sipped some water.

"And, as you know, I practice with herbal medicine. But I also need powers to bargain with the unknown forces that govern human destiny." She paused and watched Janeway's reaction.

Janeway schooled her features, to show an impartial standpoint.

"As a K'ulahaw, a divine leader," Sekaya continued. "I am able to travel between the material and spiritual worlds by opening a portal using the itz of the sky." She put her glass down on the low table in front of them. "The tattoos on each temple," she said touching the side of her head, "are the paws of a huddling jaguar ready to pounce. My back carries its head and body, and my hips its hind legs."

Janeway's eyes widened at the strong visual image of a huddling, sleek black cat.

"This allows me to transform into an anthropomorphic jaguar and travel between the worlds."

"I see." Janeway said recognizing the design on Sekaya's temples clearly now as intricate paws. "Was it painful?"

"Very," Sekaya said. Leaning closer to Janeway, she added, "As a Shaman, I must endure the traditional methods with no anesthesia. The tauter outlines the design with ink then scratches the images into the skin."

"Janeway tried not to wince. "You must have suffered a great deal of pain."

Sekaya nodded. "I was chosen as a Shaman young. The selected artists were extremely skillful, but they use pointed rocks and turtle bones to create the designs. Because there was such intricacy and much pain, the work was done little by little. It was difficult. My body is carved liberally and symbolically, and it took many days and nights." She closed her eyes briefly. "In the heat and with the pain, it is inevitable that one will become sick as the work starts to fester, but to complain even a little would be seen as a sign of weakness."

Janeway's eyes shone with deep respect. She was in awe of the amazing courage it must have taken a very young Sekaya to withstand the onslaught of constant pain for days, and not make a sound even through her sickness. She recalled Chakotay telling her aboard Voyager that the gutsier a tribal member is when receiving their tattoos, the stronger their spirit is considered to be. He also confided over one of their regular evening meals, that when getting his tribal tattoo, had the tauter not stopped when he did, he would have cried out as he could no longer cope with the pain.

Surprised at her own inquisitiveness, Janeway ventured. "What other symbolic tattoos do you have?"

"A serpent."

Intrigued, Janeway looked at the dark eyed woman.

"Its tail circles my left breast, and its head descends and feeds in my genitals.

"Oh," Janeway responded then swallowed.

Holding Janeway's gaze, Sekaya added, "In search of rain water and new life."

Janeway's groin clenched almost painfully at the sensual image of this beautiful woman in bed, naked, with the full symbolism of her tattoos revealed.

Seduction hanging heavily in the air, Janeway closed her eyes and wondered what the hell to say or do next. I wonder if she's bald everywhere, her inner voice queried. Quickly, Janeway strangled her little voice before it drew a conclusion.

"Kathryn," Sekaya whispered.

Her breathing shallow, Janeway opened her eyes. Her desire going into over-drive she tried to rein it in by asking Sekaya a question that would bring her past into the present. "Have you had lovers since Astall?"

"Yes," Sekaya responded. Looking at Janeway, deep pain showed in her eyes. "But I am a woman, with sexual desires that need satisfying." She studied Janeway for a moment then frowned. "Is it not so for you?"

Good God, am I the only person I know who's having a little bit of trouble with celibacy? Janeway thought.

A light of understanding registered in Sekaya's eyes as she searched Janeway's face.

Suddenly flushed, but refusing not to meet Sekaya's gaze, Janeway said in way of explanation, "I had Voyager and the crew to think about."

"I see," Sekaya said quietly. Eyes shining with a new brightness, she looked at Janeway. "And now?" she asked gently, folding red hair behind Janeway's ear.

"Now?" Janeway replied hoarsely. She cleared her throat. "Now, I don't have a ship or crew to think about." She cringed, and hoped that it wasn't too apparent that she wanted to tear the clothes from Sekaya and taste every inch of that wonderful symbolic body of hers.

Sekaya smiled. "Good." She leaned in and kissed Janeway on the lips. "That is wonderful news," she whispered. She brushed her lips lightly against Janeway's. "I've wanted to kiss you for such a long time now," she said breathing into Janeway's mouth. "I've wanted you since I first saw you." She ran her tongue along the redhead's bottom lip. "Yesterday," she added. "When I took you to the Temple of Kulkulkan for the gathering of the spring equinox, I would have taken you on the steps of the temple if it hadn't been for the crowd."

Janeway groaned. Her mouth electrified, she pulsed everywhere. A deluge of emotions swept through her when Sekaya deepened the kiss. Frightened that she would unhinge and lose complete control, she pulled back. "Sekaya," she said thickly. "Please enough." She breathed in deeply. "Right now, I don't know what I can give you."

Sekaya looked at Janeway with a mixture of hunger and tenderness. "I'm not asking for anything other than to spend time with you. I don't want to own you, Kathryn." She lifted her brow. "Nothing is truly owned except the courage and conviction of one's heart." She half-smiled, and placing a hand seductively over Janeway's left breast added, "Listen to your heart, Kathryn."

Janeway shook her head. "It has been a long time." she replied. Removing Sekaya's hand, she stood. Her knees wobbled. Placing a hand on her abdomen, she steadied herself. "And right now, I feel like some gauche cadet." She frowned. "I lack practice." She closed her eyes briefly. "Serious practice," she whispered.

With resolve, Janeway turned toward the door that would lead to her room, and the neural blocker. "Particularly with women," she said moving toward the door. "I have no experience with women."

Sekaya stood. Moving gracefully, she stopped Janeway as the doors slid open to her room. "For that I am grateful, Kathryn." Taking Janeway's hand, she led her into her own bedroom. "Very grateful."

Chapter 9

"Katie, I'm not arguing with you anymore." Gretchen said. "I'm tired of trying to convince you that you're making the wrong decision." She shook her head. "I just wish that you would accept the Admiralty. At least that would mean you were here."

"Mom," Janeway said putting down her tools after fixing the corn planter. "I don't want to argue either." She grabbed a rag cloth and cleaned off the oil from her hands. "But I've accepted the position." She looked at her mother. "I'm going."

Gretchen held out her hands. "Katie, is there nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"It's where I belong, Mom."

"This is where you belong," Gretchen said coming closer. "I can't understand why you want to go back to an uncharted part of the galaxy. Not knowing what dangers your going to face, and for God knows how long."

Janeway teased. "To seek out new worlds and explore space. Boldly go etcetera," she smiled. "You know the rest."

"Stubborn." Gretchen shook her head. "Just like your father." She looked at her daughter intently. "After seven years in the wilderness, who in their right mind would choose to go back?"

"Mom, the ship is a starship captain's dream. It's a wonderful opportunity."

Gretchen shook her head. "That's not why, Katie. I know you."

Yes you do, Janeway thought. Relinquishing, she gave her mother some of the truth. "I am the most experienced captain Starfleet has for this type of mission. The Dominion War has—"

Her mother interrupted. "I know," she said with a note of pain, "wiped out so many." She frowned. "Starfleet has been putting pressure on you?" Her eyes narrowed. "Owen Paris has been putting pressure on you."

"I know what it's like out there." Janeway shrugged. "Who else would they send?"

"Someone else," Gretchen said. "Anyone else, but you." Reaching out, she squeezed Janeway's shoulder. "I couldn't bear it if you didn't come back, Katie." Her tone pleading, she added, "Don't put me through this a second time."

"I don't intend to get the crew or ship stranded this time, Mom."

Gretchen shook her head. "You can't predict anything in un-chartered space."

"Wormholes, spacial rifts, new technologies," Janeway offered to ease the worry in her mother's eyes. "If it comes to it, I'll find a way back, even if I have to get out and push."

Gretchen smiled a little then looked at her daughter. "This time around, you could have chosen to settle down, Katie."

Janeway blew out her breath.

"Does Seven know?"

Nodding, Janeway thought back to the last time she had seen Seven. Three weeks ago, to celebrate the completion of the house, she had thrown a party and many of her ex-crew from Voyager were among the guests. The party was trailing off when Chakotay approached to tell her that he couldn't locate Seven. After checking that she hadn't taken a shuttle or transported out, they cleared the house of the last of the guests, and split up to search the grounds and surrounding fields which over the months Seven had come to know well. Chakotay told her grudgingly that Seven hadn't quite been herself recently. Janeway didn't pursue it with him. Whatever their friendship had been aboard Voyager, it was clearly over now.

Janeway returned to her house that she had searched an hour earlier, and found Seven drunk, fully dressed and soaking in her newly finished luxurious and completely indulgent bath tub. She would have found it amusing had it not been for the stricken look on Seven's face.

Janeway was brought back when her mother pulled her into her arms. "Oh, Kathryn," she whispered, hugging her. "All those years in the Delta Quadrant," and still you're no wiser to how you feel." She stroked her hair. "You're running away."

Janeway pulled out of her mother's arms, and began putting the tools away. "It's time to go, Mom."

Slowly Gretchen nodded, and said as if resigned, "Phoebe is joining us for lunch tomorrow."

"Good," Janeway said. She didn't look up when the barn door clicked behind Gretchen.

Breathing in deeply, Janeway braced herself against the workbench and thought back to the last time she had seen Seven.

"Join me, Kathryn," Seven said waving a hand that held her drink. She took a drink then smacked her lips together. "It is tasty." She clicked her tongue. "Very tasty."

Janeway hid a smile at the uncharacteristic behavior, and watched the submerged sleek body in her bathtub as the hazy steam rose.

"Kathryn," Seven hiccupped. "I do not understand."

Trying to ignore the way the red summer dress clung to the blonde and to her breasts in particular, Janeway reached for a bath towel and replied carefully, gently, "Understand what?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Seven asked, sounding miserable.

Janeway took a breath and approached the tub. "Tell you what?"

"Why didn't you tell me that you have been appointed the commanding officer of the USS Titan?"

Janeway swallowed. She frowned. "That information is classified."

Seven arched her ocular implant. "Suffice to say, it is now no longer classified, Kathryn."

Janeway didn't pursue how Seven found out. From the look on her face, right now, it wasn't a burning issue. She held out the large, soft, white towel. "Let's get you out of there, and we can discuss it."

Seven sunk further into the bathtub. Her brow knitted together, and such a look of desolation crossed her eyes, it forced Janeway to catch her breath.

"I will not comply," Seven whispered. "It is irrelevant what you want." Soaking in the hot water, she eyed Janeway. "I am no longer under your command, Captain Kathryn Janeway." She took another drink, and smacked her lips again. "Like you, I can do as I please."

Knowing that she couldn't physically get Seven out of the tub, Janeway tried another tack. "Seven," she said folding her arms together. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you." She sat on the edge of the tub. "I was waiting for the right time."

"It appears that the right time, Kathryn," Seven said looking up at her, her eyes filled with hurt, and her tone unforgiving, "was overhearing Commander Vargas tell Admiral Paris that he was more than delighted to be your adjunct aboard the USS Titan for a three year tenure in the Beta Quadrant."

Janeway looked down at the younger woman and was stunned to see tears brimming. She closed her eyes briefly. Of course, she thought. Seven's Borg-enhanced hearing meant that not much would be out of earshot. Her heart hammered against her rib cage. In all the time she had known Seven she had never seen her display this type of emotion. Shaken to the core, she fought the urge to throw herself into the tub, and promise Seven anything.

Gritting her teeth, Janeway reined in her emotions and held onto her composure. Aware that the younger woman was drinking a concoction that she didn't recognize, she whispered, "I thought synthehol didn't agree with you?"

Seven squinted at Janeway. "Correct. I have consumed synthehol on two occasions." She hiccupped. "My Borg implants are not designed to process it." She drained her glass then held it out to Janeway. "That is why I am imbibing the real thing."

"Oh Seven," Janeway said taking the glass, knowing only too well that the younger woman would have a horrible time tomorrow. She smelled the glass. Flummoxed, she asked, "What was it?"

Chateau of D'Yquem mixed with Kentucky bourbon." She frowned. "Correction, it is more like an abundance of Kentucky bourbon." She hiccupped again. "I would like another."

Janeway placed the glass aside. "Can I explain?"

"You want to state your intention, now?" Seven said tears spilling. "How far did you intend to let this deception progress?" The hurt in Seven's eyes palpable, she added as her voice hitched, "Did you intend to tell me via a subspace relay transmitter once you were in deep space?"

Instinctively, Janeway leaned forward and wiped away the tears running down Seven's cheeks. "I'm sorry," she murmured, and wondered if Seven was aware she was crying. She stroked the younger woman's face. "So sorry."

Tears flowing, cheeks flushed, Seven sucked in air. Closing her eyes, her bottom lip began to quiver.

Rubbing her thumb across the starburst implant on Seven's cheek then along her jaw soothingly, Janeway fingers itched to journey down the long, beautiful lean neck, and beyond. She bit her bottom lip lightly, fully aware that she could never confess that a recent visit from B'Elanna almost broke her heart when she played the holo-imager showing her, Seven, Miral and Chakotay on a beach.

Sitting in her newly finished kitchen, Janeway watched Seven and Chakotay play in the sand with Miral. It hit her hard. So very hard, that this newly married couple would soon have their own family. Drinking coffee, she watched Chakotay's arm move around Seven's waist, as she held Miral on her hip, and it almost broke her.

Wandering around her house later that evening, Janeway realized that building the house was nothing more than a charade. Moving from room to room, she understood how misguided it all had been. Somehow she had built a home for a life that would never exist, and for a woman she could never have.

That night, sitting out on the front porch drinking whiskey and watching the evening sky, Janeway knew that to keep her sanity, she would have to get the hell out of Seven's life, but to do that she would need to convince the younger woman that her career was all that mattered, and that Seven didn't belong in her life anymore.

Opening her eyes, Seven asked uncertainly, "Do you not care for me?"

Involuntarily, Janeway's thumb moved up and caught Seven's quivering bottom lip. Unable to stop herself, she stroked it sensuously as she stared into brimming eyes. "Deeply," she whispered.

The touch electric, Seven's eyes widened, and Janeway's body responded. "I'm so very sorry, Seven," she said withdrawing her hand quickly. "Is it enough to say that I've handled this badly and that I owe you a full explanation?"

Eyes wide, Seven touched then stroked her bottom lip.

Janeway's groin contracted. She groaned inwardly. Don't do that, Seven, she thought. Please.

Seven closed her eyes again. As if relishing the touch, her fingers continued to stroke her bottom lip. "Proceed," she said quietly.

Janeway took a deep breath. Now is the time for closure, her inner voice explained. It's time to let her go. Time will heal her pain. In a few years, she will have a family and you will be nothing but a warm and distant memory.

Standing, Janeway pinched her nose and gave the performance of her life. Pacing, she told Seven that her career meant everything to her. She told her that she knew it was a character flaw, but all anyone needed to do was look at her track record, even her romantic relationships never stood a chance. Building the house, she told an increasingly crestfallen Seven, ultimately proved to her that she was a starship captain who missed being in uniform, having a crew and a ship to command. Space, she finally told a desolate Seven, was her true home.

When Chakotay arrived, Janeway wouldn't have been surprised if he had presented her with the much acclaimed and coveted Elithium Sphere award for her performance.

"Seven," he said making his way into the room quickly. "What is going on?"

"We're celebrating," Seven said standing. She wobbled slightly. "Kathryn has accepted a new appointment," she told him, her tone flat. "It appears," she added taking the towel that Janeway handed her. "That Kathryn has found what truly matters in her life," misery poured from her eyes, "being a Starfleet Captain." Her eyes never left Janeway, "She is the newly appointed commanding officer serving aboard the USS Titan." Seven breathed in deeply. "It is a prototype ship from the new generation of Prometheus-class ships driven from the technology introduced by Admiral Janeway aboard Voyager."

Taking the towel from Seven and wrapping it around her. Chakotay beamed. "Congratulations, Kathryn," he said helping his wife out of the tub. "I think you've made the right decision."

Janeway's eyes narrowed. I bet you do, you arrogant son of a bitch. "Thank you, Chakotay," she responded, her command mask falling. "I'm sure it is."

Leading an inebriated Seven towards the door, he looked over his shoulder. His cold eyes said it all. "Oh it is, Kathryn. It is."

Chapter 10

Residue oil completely removed from her hands, Janeway left her mother's farm house, and wearily headed home. Walking, she realized that today would be the last full day she would spend with her mother for some time. Approaching her house, she found it difficult to shake off the gnawing guilt of Gretchen's devastation at her decision to return to space.

At home, Janeway replicated a fat measure of whiskey. It was early evening. Drinking slowly, she studied the now familiar schematics of the USS Titan, where for the last three weeks she had practically been living aboard. She took pride in the fact that not only did she know every section intimately, but that her core crew was, at this moment, in intensive training familiarizing themselves with the ship and their duties in order to be ready and ship-shape for active duty in one month's time.

Janeway was now focused on the finishing stages of the ship's quality assessments at Utopia Planetia. She was pushing hard to ensure that there were no delays with departure. Thankfully, the engineers didn't take their duties lightly and were putting in the extra shifts. Although the engineers were familiar with many technologies, this ship was completely off their spatial grid. It combined Borg technology along with a new shielding system that incorporated all the advancements that Starfleet made in her counterpart's timeline such as auto-modulating, meta-phasic shielding, regenerative, multi-spatial technology, and ablative armor technology which would replicate a layer of armor over the surface of the ship when activated.

Janeway smiled ruefully, aware that with this ship, if required, she would kick some serious butt in the Beta Quadrant.

Deep in study, Janeway almost dropped her glass when the comm system alerted her that someone was at the door. Moving toward the front entrance, she recalled her mother and Seven wanting her to maintain as many traditional features as possible within her home, the archaic doorbell being one of them, but Janeway had refused. She had agreed that the façade of the house would be completely traditional, but she needed her comforts, and that meant modern conveniences.

Opening the door, Janeway said in surprise, "Seven!"

"Kathryn," the blonde replied inclining her head.

"Come in," Janeway said opening the screen door. "Please."

Seven stepped over the threshold.

Janeway moved through the house and returned to the spacious library where she was working. She had quickly come to love this room. The high ceiling to floor mahogany shelving housed one of her greatest passions – real books. The smell of her eclectic collection, some of which, and often most treasured, were broken-backed and jacketless, was achingly familiar, and something that she had dearly missed aboard Voyager. Her latest indulgence was the purchase of a series of memoirs from the American Civil War period, and novels dating from the mid 17th and early 18th centuries that included her favorite authors such as Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, and Emily Bronte. She made a mental note to pack a selection before her departure.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked noting that Seven seemed anxious, and aware that she should be concerned, but she was thrilled to see her. Since the night of her housewarming, Seven hadn't more than cursorily responded to any of her communications. Janeway couldn't blame her, she knew, she had hurt the younger woman deeply. The tension in Seven's eyes this evening made that clear.

"No thank you."

"How have you been?"

"Well."

"It is a pity you weren't here this morning, "B'Elanna stopped by with Miral," Janeway said. "It seems that she and Tom are in the throes of reconciliation."

"I am aware of that, Kathryn." Seven replied stiffly. She raised her ocular implant. "B'Elanna has already informed me that Tom Paris is filled with remorse regarding his recent behavior."

"Yes," Janeway replied, noting the lack of approval in Seven's tone. "You don't approve?"

"How can I approve, Kathryn," Seven said eyes narrowing as she looked at Janeway. "He abandoned her."

Janeway inclined her head. At a loss as to how to respond to what was clearly a pointed comment regarding her own departure soon, she retrieved her glass of whiskey.

"I am aware that the USS Titan is on schedule."

The ice chinked in her glass as Janeway swirled the whiskey. She nodded. Aware that she would be commanding a ship that would be cut off from Federation space, and if she were lucky might return in three years, if at all, she looked at the blonde and unable to bear the thought of an acrimonious parting, asked softly. "Have you forgiven me?"

The hurt in Seven's eyes suddenly shone through. She looked at Janeway for a long moment. "No," she replied, as she placed the PADD she was holding on the antique desk. She looked at the strewn PADDs Janeway had been reviewing earlier. "I apologize if my visit is inconvenient," she said curtly. "But I can assure you, Kathryn, it is necessary."

Feeling as if she had been slapped hard, but having to accept that it may take Seven some time to forgive her for what she thought was a betrayal of trust, Janeway felt an overwhelming wave of sadness wash over her. She sipped her whiskey. "How so?" she asked leaning against the edge of her desk.

"Tuvok visited my office this afternoon." Seven replied.

Seven had obviously come straight here after her shift, Janeway realized. She was still in uniform.

Fingers locking together behind her back, standing erect, Seven continued. "He told me that Admiral Janeway had requested that you view this after your return from the Delta Quadrant." Her head indicated toward the PADD she had placed on the desk.

Blinking, Janeway remembered the PADD that Tuvok had given her the night of Seven and Chakotay's dinner party. Unsure of the significance, she looked at the younger woman. "Yes," she replied. "Tuvok did give me a PADD that had a comm from Admiral Janeway."

Seven's face tensed. "Have you viewed it?"

Beginning to feel uneasy, Janeway straightened. "No," she replied. She wasn't sure even where it was, probably buried in a box in her house in San Francisco. "I haven't."

"Why?"

Janeway shrugged. She drank from her glass. "I have a lot going on at the moment, Seven," she replied. "I will view it at some point." Maybe sometime in the next millennium, her inner voice offered.

"Kathryn," Seven said. "Admiral Janeway expressly asked that you view this on your return from the Delta Quadrant." She looked at the PADD. "From what I understand, Tuvok has more than adequately conveyed to you the importance of her communication." Her ocular implant rose as she focused on Janeway. "Why do you resist?"

"Seven," Janeway replied unsure of whether to feel annoyed or still pleased at the visit. "I am aware that Tuvok wants me to view the Admiral's comm, but like I said I will view it in my own time."

Picking up the PADD and moving toward the library console, Seven lightly keyed in a few commands. Suddenly a holo-image of Admiral Janeway in all her finery seated behind her desk at Starfleet Headquarters sparkled into life on her viewscreen.

With her drink, Janeway moved to the low, soft sofa that was a blissful haven for her when she read. "Popcorn?" she asked sitting.

Clearly not amused, Seven looked at her. "Kathryn, this is important."

"How important?" Janeway asked stretching her arm out across the sofa. "We have returned from the Delta Quadrant sixteen years ahead of schedule with twenty-six years worth of future technology in our holsters." She lifted an elegant finger. "We committed a temporal incursion of the greatest magnitude." She felt the whiskey kick- in. "And there's no Federation Department of Temporal Investigations on our ass six hundred years from the future." She swirled the whiskey in her glass "Admiral Janeway is in the past," she murmured before draining it. "Where she belongs."

Seven touched the console and the Admiral sprang into life.

"Kathryn," the silver head woman said. Uncannily, her slate gray eyes looked directly at Janeway and bore holes into her. "I take it if you are watching this segment then Tuvok has been forced to use me as the last resort."

Janeway breathed in deeply. Please. Enough with the dramatics, she thought. Pushing herself out of her sofa, she headed for the replicator.

Seven froze the viewscreen.

"Refreshment?" Janeway asked over her shoulder.

Seven shook her head.

Janeway punched in a few commands and a fat whiskey materialized. Returning to the sofa, she sipped it.

Admiral Janeway's voice filled the room again. "I'm sorry I've had to do this, Katie. But you're stubborn." She smiled. "We're stubborn."

Not in the mood for the Admiral, Janeway sighed inwardly. If you say so, she thought.

"I asked Tuvok, to make a copy of the PADD he was to give to you, and view it if you still refused." Admiral Janeway said clasping her hands together. "Trust me, Katie. He has taken the appropriate action." She straightened. "As you know, I would never have done this lightly, but I'll be damned if I let you return to space without a fight."

Intrigued that she had been second-guessed, Janeway lifted her glass to her mouth and wondered what was coming next.

"How are you, Seven?"

Janeway's hand froze. The glass never touched her lips. The hairs on the back of her neck crackled.

Standing, her golden hair catching the deliberate muted light of the room, Seven glanced at Janeway. She raised her ocular implant, but apparently unable to hold back, responded to the viewscreen, "Well, Admiral."

The room closed in on Janeway when she suddenly realized that the Admiral might be about to cut off all her exits. Her heart began to hammer when a sudden feeling of dread filled her at what her counterpart's comm might hold. She might have second-guessed that she would return to space, Janeway reasoned, but she wouldn't confess. She stared at the viewscreen. She wouldn't dare. She's desperate, her inner voice alerted. You should never have underestimated her.

Grimacing, Janeway remembered her counterpart aboard Voyager ogling Seven. Then, her emotions were so raw at discovering Seven and Chakotay together in a smoldering clinch that to see an older version of herself hungry and in such need made her queasy. If she was honest, the craving she saw in the Admiral's eyes right now made her stomach turn.

The Admiral smiled. "I asked Tuvok to ensure that if all else failed that he bring you and Seven together to hear this." She added with a note of sorrow, "You forced my hand, Katie."

Janeway groaned. Putting her glass down on the low table in front of her, she leaned forward and placed her head in her hands. How could he, she thought. Figuratively, she shook her fist at the Admiral. Damn you. She whispered, "Stop it, Seven."

Seven looked at Janeway.

Admiral Janeway raised her chin. "Love is the sweetest of all downfalls, Katie. And as you are no doubt realizing," she added challengingly, almost menacingly. "I am prepared to go to any lengths."

"Now," Janeway said looking up sharply. "Stop it, now."

"Don't stop it, Seven," Admiral Janeway said.

Seven's head snapped back in surprise.

Janeway slammed the table with her fist. "Stop the comm," she shouted. "Now!"

Seven fingers flew across the console.

Admiral Janeway's image froze.

Standing, her chest heaving, Janeway glared at the viewscreen. "How dare you," she shouted. "How dare you salve your conscious in my timeline!"

"Kathryn," Seven said alarmed. "What is happening here?"

"What is happening," Janeway said pointing a finger at the suspended image. "Is that she is trying to make her wrongs, my rights."

Seven seemed perplexed. She studied Janeway for a long moment then said gently, "That is a logical course of action is it not?" She raised her brow. "After all, your counterpart spent many years planning every outcome. Surely she is best positioned to judge what wrongs should be put to right."

Gritting her teeth, Janeway replied, "Not on my watch, Seven." She stared at the Admiral. "On my watch, I'm the one in charge of my destiny."

Seven looked from the Admiral to Janeway. "Judging from what we have just seen," she said tilting her head. "I think you should reconsider your position."

"I want you to erase the comm."

"No."

Janeway breathed in deeply. "Seven, I know you don't understand why at this precise moment, but Admiral Janeway is dangerous." She looked at the blonde. "And for that reason, I am asking you to trust me and erase the comm."

Seven looked at Janeway steadily, and repeated, "No."

Janeway's eyes narrowed. "Seven, I am your," she stopped the words 'commanding officer' coming out of her mouth. "Friend." She moved to stand in front of the ex Borg. Breathing heavily, she looked at her. "Believe me when I tell you that it would be better for everyone if you erased it."

"Why is she dangerous?" Seven asked. "She gave her life to return your crew home. That does not seem the action of someone who intends to damage us?" Her eyes narrowed. "In fact, her actions demonstrated quite the contrary aboard Voyager. They show that she cared."

"What? Unlike me?" Janeway asked outraged. "Is that what you are trying to imply?"

"Not imply, Kathryn."

"Seven, erase it," Janeway said her anger rising.

Shaking her head, Seven eyed Janeway coldly. "No," she replied. Brow furrowing, she jutted out her chin. "Admiral Janeway has shown exceptional courage. She has gone to great lengths to ensure that her communication is heard. I will not erase it."

Janeway tried to push past Seven. "Then I will."

Seven seized Janeway's arms.

Chest heaving, Janeway sucked in air and glared at the blonde. "Erase it. Dammit!"

"Compose yourself, Kathryn," Seven said, holding Janeway. "We must view the comm."

Janeway looked at Seven darkly, inhaling deeply, she gritted her teeth. "No."

"Then I will view it on my own."

"No," Janeway repeated.

"Kathryn," Seven replied releasing the redhead. "I have already uploaded the data to ensure its safety, should something happen to the PADD."

Janeway's shoulders sank. The Admiral she knew would have been aware that once passed to Seven, given her cautionary nature, the information would be viewed somehow. She half smiled. She had been completely outwitted. Touché, she thought. Turning, she left the room and moved out to the porch.

Seven followed.

Years of desire, lust, need, want, frustration, anger, had been held in a box, tightly sealed and pushed away into the recesses of Janeway's mind and heart. To be glimpsed at briefly during her darkest moments, but if they were forced to be unveiled this evening in front of Seven, she knew they would rush out together, and the blonde would experience the worst of it. All those emotions would amalgamate into one – desperation, and she could never have that.

"Then go home and watch it, Seven," Janeway said looking out. The house, built on a high embankment, provided the most spectacular and panoramic views with its wrap-around porch. She loved this particular view of the meandering creek below, where wood ducks, green and great blue herons could be seen going about their daily routine. She breathed in deeply, and absorbed the natural beauty of the landscape.

"What could Admiral Janeway want to communicate to make you react this way, Kathryn?" Seven asked. She frowned then repeated her words slowly. "Love is the sweetest of all downfalls, Katie." Her brow lifted. "Are you in love?"

Sucking in her breath, Janeway wished that somehow she could throttle Admiral Janeway.

Seven frowned. She moved closer. "In love with whom?"

Janeway held her breath, as she looked at the blonde.

Seven's eyes narrowed. "Chakotay?"

Surprised, Janeway felt laughter bubble inside her. She looked at Seven and the laughter erupted. Soon, she found she couldn't stop. Swaying, she reached for the balustrade and clung to it as the laughter poured out.

"Please, Kathryn," Seven said eventually when Janeway didn't stop. "You're becoming hysterical."

The look of unease in Seven's eyes, forced Janeway to gulp in air and calm herself. "I'm sorry, Seven," she said straightening.

"What is so amusing?" Seven asked her face somber.

Janeway shook her head, and forced down another bout of laughter. "You wouldn't understand."

"Are you in love with Chakotay?" Seven asked frowning.

"No," Janeway responded seriously. She looked at the blonde. "I can promise you that I am not nor have I ever been in love with your husband."

Relief followed quickly by intrigue flashed across Seven's eyes. "Then who are you in love with?"

At a loss for words, her mouth suddenly dry, Janeway stared at Seven.

Waiting, Seven stared back. "Come," she said eventually holding out her hand. "I believe Admiral Janeway wants to answer that question."

Knowing that she could no longer hide Seven from the truth, Janeway took the blonde's hand and together they returned to the library.

Releasing Janeway's hand, Seven touched the console.

Feeling the loss of warmth immediately, Janeway rubbed her empty hand.

The Admiral stared out at them. "Seven," she said. "You are fully aware that in my timeline your counterpart died in the arms of her husband Chakotay."

Janeway nervously watched the blonde nod.

"In his arms, she confessed something." The Admiral shifted slightly in her chair. "In my timeline, your counterpart, shortly after she married, encouraged that we spend much of our leisure time, when we could, together." She raised her brow. "Often our discussions turned to the nature of love." She paused. "Unfortunately, I didn't fully understand why then. Mistakenly, I dismissed the discussions, assuming they were not anything of significance."

The Admiral's eyes suddenly filled with deep sorrow as she looked out at them. "Suffice to say, and you know why, Kathryn, I began putting distancing between us." Her voice grew huskier when she added, "It was an extreme miscalculation on my part." She cleared her throat. "Over time her behavior became unpredictable. She seemed increasingly frustrated and discontent and began asking to be assigned to more and more away missions." The Admiral breathed in deeply. "Looking back I see clearly that there was more than one occasion where she tried to tell me what was wrong and how her feelings had," she paused, "changed." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, Seven, so sorry for not listening." Her eyes sparkled. "Forgive me."

Engrossed, Seven responded. "I forgive you, Admiral."

Janeway caught her bottom lip and recalled the night that she and Chakotay went in search of Seven. He told her then that she had not been herself recently. Finding her drunk, soaking in her bathtub fully clothed was certainly uncharacteristic. Janeway wondered if there was any correlation with the timing of Seven's behavior and her counterpart's.

The Admiral straightened her dress tunic. "In his arms, dying, she told Chakotay that her feelings for him were as a result of a rush of emotions due to the removal of the cortical inhibitor. She informed him that she cared for him, but that she was not," she paused again, "in love with him."

Janeway swallowed convulsively. Stunned by the announcement, she looked at Seven and watched the younger woman's head snap back at the declaration. She was further surprised when Seven glanced at her then quickly averted her eyes.

"In his arms, she told him that there was a letter she had recently written which would explain everything." The Admiral's eyes glittered and tears brimmed. "She requested that he give it to me once he had read it." Tears fell and her voice dropped. The pain was clear. "I never did receive the letter," she told them. "Chakotay withheld it."

Seven's face hardened.

"My assumption, if you are both watching this, is that your Seven, Kathryn, married Chakotay." She shook her head, and wiping her tears away, added with a lifetime of regret, "Oh Katie, if only."

Janeway's brow furrowed.

"It wasn't until," The Amiral added with a note of irony, "Chakotay knew he was dying that he told me the truth and gave me the letter." She looked at her hands. They trembled slightly. Janeway knew that the Admiral would have been deeply moved at the alternate Seven's method of communication. She obviously knew her fondness for parchment and pen.

"In your timeline, Seven," the Admiral continued. "Once aboard Voyager, I intend to give Chakotay the letter that your counterpart wrote." She breathed in. "If you are watching this, then I can only assume he has done nothing with it."

Seven staggered slightly. She leaned back against the book shelves, and whispered, "He married me knowing that my feelings for him were nothing more than transitory."

"Seven," Janeway said. "She might not have delivered it. This was recorded in her own timeline."

Seven looked at Janeway and replied almost haughtily as she straightened, "This is Admiral Janeway we are talking about, Kathryn. Of course, she gave it to him."

The irony and sheer illogicality of such a statement coming from Seven forced Janeway to quirk an eyebrow.

"Seven," the Admiral said, emotions swamping her tone. "I read your letter. It was beautiful."

Seven gazed at the viewscreen. Her face softened.

"Chakotay is a complex man," the Admiral said. "Some would say difficult. His background spans two cultures, and he has one foot in each, belonging to both, yet to neither." She looked out at them. "His people believe that his nature is contrary." She sighed. "But he is a good man. You know that, Katie, better than anyone. He served well as your first officer." She frowned. "But because of his contrary nature, he had a difficult childhood and, as you both know, his father never forgave him for embracing 24^th Century technology nor for joining Starfleet. He saw it as a betrayal, and Chakotay carried that guilt with him to the end."

Watching the viewscreen, Janeway's eyes narrowed. Her stomach fluttered. Why the pep talk on Chakotay, she wondered.

The Admiral paused then inhaled deeply. "As you know, when the Cardassians began attacking his people, he left Starfleet and joined the Maquis." She raised her brow. "The reason I am telling you this is that Chakotay, in my timeline, at the end recognized how selfish he had been. He wasn't proud of who he had become." She paused. "When he joined the Maquis, his people were being annihilated. Although that is not the case now, fear can strike deep in a person's heart, and set off a chain of emotions that to an observer may appear irrational." She drew in her breath. "Seven," she said, her voice lowering, gentling.

Seven responded to the viewscreen. "Yes Admiral?"

"I want you to know that Chakotay in your timeline is doing what he misguidedly thinks is the right thing. He wants his people to survive. He wants to remove any future threat to them." She stopped, her eyes glittered again. "His way of ensuring that is through his bloodline, through his children."

"Breeding," Seven said. ""Breed children that would be part Borg." She stared at the Admiral. "He wants to create the most genetically and cybernetically enhanced human beings in existence."

"I know you will find it in your heart to forgive him, Seven, as I have." The Admiral whispered, "He knows not what he does." She cleared her throat.

Well, well, Janeway thought. Who would have thought that you would be willing to take the high moral ground, and ask for Chakotay to be forgiven?

"This," the Admiral continued as she looked around her office, "This is my life, Katie." She grasped her hands together and looked out at them. "Now, all I have left are my memories." She closed her eyes, and murmured, "Which only allow me to wallow in the ashes of what my life could have been?" Sadness seeped from her eyes when she opened them. "Don't let it be you, Katie." Her eyes implored. "A life filled with lost emotions. A life unfulfilled."

Janeway stared at the Admiral in surprise. Am I really that dramatic? she thought. She decided that she wouldn't pack any Gothic novels on this trip.

Eyes wide, Seven stepped closer to the viewscreen.

"Funny, how it's only when your heart is breaking that you wonder what good your life has been?" She shook her head then half smiled. "Sometimes, the loneliness is so acute when you realize that you have nothing." She exhaled then raised her brow. "This is your life, Katie. Let me die believing that you made the right choice. That you didn't let it pass you by."

Shocked, Janeway stared at the viewscreen. She nodded. Oh, you'll die alright, she thought. Her eyes narrowed. Once I cut those puppet strings you've been using to control me.

Her attention drawn to Seven, Janeway caught her breath. She watched an intimacy unfold as the blonde stared intently at the Admiral. Feeling queasy, she made her way back out to the porch.

Following Janeway some moments later, Seven stood behind her. "The communication has ended, Kathryn."

Janeway could feel Seven's eyes burn into her back. "I'm sure as far as the Admiral is concerned, that's a matter of opinion," she replied sarcastically.

Suddenly tired, Janeway stared out across the landscape, eyeing the wildflowers that she had loved her entire life, the twinleaf, hepatica, dutchman's breeches, bloodroot and anemones. Feeling numb, she turned to look at the blonde. "Aren't you angry?"

Seven looked at Janeway. "At what?" she replied. "At Admiral Janeway revealing my counterpart's emotional state?" she asked cautiously. "Or at Chakotay for exploiting me?"

Anger suddenly raging through her bloodstream, Janeway gritted her teeth, she replied,

"All of the above!" Placing a hand on her abdomen, she focused on calming down.

Seven moved closer. "No, I am not angry."

Janeway frowned. "But Seven, such deception?"

Seven nodded. "I am aware of that, however, Chakotay's plan has failed."

"Failed!" Janeway responded in disbelief. She placed her hands on her hips. "A Talaxian soufflé when it doesn't rise can be described as having failed." She glared at Seven. "Marrying under false pretences," she added angrily as she eyed the blonde, "deserves a worthier declaration than that!"

"If the Talaxian soufflé was made by Neelix," Seven responded dryly raising her ocular implant, "then failure would be inevitable."

"Why, since you're taking it so well," Janeway responded throwing up her arms. "I imagine you'll be discussing this minor blip with Chakotay tomorrow over breakfast in bed!"

"I can assure you that we will never engage in that activity again, Kathryn." Seven looked at Janeway, "The marriage is over. In truth it was over before it began."

The image of Seven tucked up in bed with Chakotay naked made Janeway want to vomit. She growled.

"Are you angry?"

"Yes, Seven," Janeway replied with a veracity that surprised her. "I'm very angry."

"Why?" Seven asked studying Janeway carefully.

"Why?" Janeway said in disbelief. She placed her hands on her head. "The subterfuge is why, Seven." Her eyes glowed. "Not happy with what she has already done my counterpart is again reaching into my timeline and manipulating it. Janeway gripped the balustrade and seethed. "My alternate self has allowed you to go through a sham of a marriage to a man that wants to breed a whole new generation of cybernetically enhanced children to future-proof his tribe." She held up her hands, and began pacing. "From the first day on the job, I swore I would never get caught up in this type of God-forsaken paradox. The future is the past, the past is the future." She pinched her nose. "It all gives me a headache." She stopped pacing.

Seven moved closer.

Janeway gritted her teeth. "God, I hate temporal mechanics," she said. "All of this could have been easily avoided had she simply told me. But no," she added her voice rising. "That would have been far too easy for our little strategist." Her eyes narrowed. "She required all the components; intrigue, drama, mystery." She laughed irreverently. "What the hell else would we expect her do with her time after she'd lost the woman she loved, and—"

Janeway stopped when Seven touched her arm.

"Kathryn."

"What!"

The calmness in Seven's eyes forced Janeway's anger to fade quickly. She turned and looked out. There was still some heat left in the evening sky.

"Had Admiral Janeway told you, would you have listened?"

Janeway nodded. "Of course," she replied almost sneering. "I would have listened had she told me about Chakotay."

"What would you have done?"

"I would have confronted Chakotay and told him that I knew about his master plan."

"Would you have told me?"

Janeway hesitated. "I would have told you what you needed to know."

"I see," Seven replied. "What if Chakotay denied everything, and threatened to expose the Admiral." She added carefully, "By making her feelings sound nefarious for my counterpart."

"I would have found a way." Janeway's temper rose again. "But I wasn't given the choice to tell him about the Admiral's feelings, was I?"

"My cortical inhibitor had just been removed," Seven said lifting her brow. "The range of emotions I was experiencing was new and extreme."

Janeway nodded, remembering Seven and Chakotay's hot embrace in what seemed now a lifetime ago.

"Admiral Janeway understood that timing would be vital if Chakotay chose to ignore the letter," Seven continued. "She recognized that there was always a possibility you would have forged a closer bond between Chakotay and I had you attempted to expose his true agenda or interfere in our relationship while aboard Voyager. The Admiral knew that my feelings were nothing more than adolescent for Chakotay and given the appropriate amount of time would dissipate."

The words 'adolescent' ricocheted around Janeway's brain. Focusing on the blonde, she breathed in deeply.

Seven looked at Janeway intently. "You said she lost the woman she loved?"

Blindsided, Janeway blinked. "Did I?"

"Yes," Seven replied watching Janeway. "However, nowhere in her comm did the Admiral mention that she loved."

Placing a hand on her abdomen, Janeway replied, "Didn't she?"

"No," Seven said softly. "She only apologized for not listening to my counterpart's attempt at expressing hers."

Oh boy, Janeway thought. "Are you sure?" she asked frowning.

"Yes."

The ground swayed. Janeway gripped the balustrade. The Admiral had deliberately avoided telling Seven how she felt, knowing that if she set the trap with that damned swan song at the end of her comm it would make Janeway angry enough to fall into it. Janeway wondered if she'd ever come out from under her counterpart's shadow. You really are a clever old dog, aren't you Admiral, she thought,

Hearing the water flow through the creek, Janeway turned to face it. She said quietly, "I think you should go home."

Several moments passed before Seven responded. "I could leave." The hairs on Janeway's neck prickled when Seven came up close behind her. "But for the last four years, three-hundred days, sixteen hours, thirteen minutes and four seconds, I have been home."

Pressing against the porch, Janeway whispered. "I can't."

"I believe in you, Kathryn," Seven said standing inches away from her.

"I can't."

"Please."

Janeway knees wobbled at Seven's plea. She braced herself against the wooden frame. She was terrified. She wanted Seven so much she knew that regardless of her training, she wouldn't be able to control herself; control her overwhelming desire, as she had that night with Sekaya.

Insides shaking, Janeway shook her head. She didn't want Seven to see her this way. She had been pumping doses of neural blocker into her system so regularly now that it had become routine. Her sexual appetite was unappeasable without it. But, aware that once aboard the USS Titan she wouldn't need it, she had, over the last three weeks, reduced the dosage. Right now, hormones raging, she wished she hadn't.

Trying to rein in her desire, hands shaking, Janeway's gripped the balustrade. That weekend with Sekaya, nothing happened. They didn't make love. In the bedroom, stripping her, Sekaya had asked Janeway what she wanted. Immediately, an image of Seven filled her lust clogged mind, and it stopped her dead in her tracks. Using every inch of resolve, and all her command training, she had pushed Sekaya away.

As a confused Sekaya stared up at her, Janeway knew that she couldn't allow this woman to get caught in the middle of her complex, murky world, and her need for release. She cared too much for her. Staring at the dark-eyed intriguing woman, Janeway knew she would never be able to give her what she deserved - her love or her heart - because they irrevocably and without doubt belonged to someone else. Making an excuse, she left Sekaya, and in her own room, pumped her system full of drugs.

Janeway knew she had hurt Sekaya, and confused her with her reaction, but ever since, she had ensured that their friendship remained strictly platonic.

Seven whispered her name.

Janeway's throat convulsed. She swallowed. She was explosive. Her fingers digging into the wood, she tried to hold on. She couldn't unleash what was burning inside her. Seven would have no experience of this. God, Janeway realized. Neither did she.

"How do I know what you feel for me isn't," she hesitated. "Adolescent?"

"You know," Seven responded, her breath whispering over Janeway's neck.

Janeway groaned. Her fingers screamed out in pain as they embedded into the wood. "Seven, please."

"Kathryn." Seven said pulling Janeway into her.

Janeway moaned

"Kathryn…I." Seven sighed

Somewhere it registered in Janeway's brain that Seven never sighed.

"I…wish I could find adequate words to tell you this is correct."

"Right," Janeway responded, trying to keep control. She gritted her teeth and pulled out of Seven's embrace. "You mean that this is right."

"Yes," Seven allowed. She frowned. "You do not like being vulnerable."

Janeway's eyes lighted. She looked out and down to the creek, and tried to find something to ground her. "No." She shook her head.

Seven arched her ocular implant. "This makes you vulnerable," she continued slowly as if analyzing her words.

Seven leaned in. Janeway felt her breasts press lightly into her back. She whispered in her ear, "I need you, Kathryn. This drone cannot survive without you."

Janeway's lungs emptied. She recalled Seven telling her aboard Voyager when she had made the decision to sever her from the collective that she couldn't survive without them. Now, she realized Seven was telling her something profound - that she couldn't survive without her.

Feeling light headed, Janeway inhaled deeply. Her groin throbbed. Her nipples prodded through her shirt like stakes when Seven's hot breath continued to caress her. Think, Katie girl. C'mon think! Janeway told herself. She almost swallowed her tongue when Seven pressed her breasts seductively into her back. Don't let go! Janeway told herself. For God's sake, don't let go!

"I can't Seven."

Seven moaned and Janeway shuddered. "I do not think your brain is the organ you should be paying cognizance to at this precise moment, Kathryn."

The ex Borg's hot breath lingered just long enough for her words to penetrate Janeway's psyche. She froze suddenly aware that her hips were thrusting into Seven.

"Seven," she whispered. "I can't." She swallowed. "I've been using a neural blocker for some time now."

Seven paused. "Neural blocker?"

Janeway nodded.

"Explain?"

"To inhibit my," Janeway closed her eyes, "sex drive."

When Seven's breath washed over Janeway's neck, her knees buckled. She held onto the balustrade for dear life.

"How long?"

"Long enough."

"Let me help you."

"I'm afraid that if you touch me, my response will be extreme." Janeway exhaled. Right now she was too raw to confess any more about the amount of sexual release she would require to stabilize her sex drive. She had heavily abused the neural blocker subsequently any sexual contact would be exceptionally intense and prolonged. "We can't," she said trying to pull away. She whispered, "I can't be sure that I will be able to control myself."

Seven leaned into Janeway. "I do not want you to have control, Kathryn." She whispered. "I adore you." She kissed the nape of her neck. "I want you."

Janeway's brain shorted. An irrepressible, mind-boggling hormone rush shot through her body. On fire, her face tight, pupils dilated, she turned to face the blonde with a half starved expression.

Seven stared at Janeway intently for a moment. "I love, Kathryn," she said. Placing her hands gently on the redhead's face, she whispered, "Please, let go."

The touch of Seven's mouth was electric. The shocked sensation of the moist lips and probing tongue drove Janeway to kiss back frantically. Unable to control herself, she pushed her hands into the blonde's hair, and ripped out the bun. Running her fingers through beautiful, lush locks, she kissed and explored the mouth that she hungered for to the core.

Letting out a low animal sound, Seven grabbed Janeway. Spinning around, she moved quickly.

Pushed up against the wall, Janeway found herself crushed between the softness of Seven's breasts, and the hard wooden exterior of her new home.

They kissed desperately, deeply, frantically, teeth gnashing.

Using her Borg hand, Seven quickly shredded Janeway's shirt. Encasing, her breasts with both hands, she moaned, "Kathryn," repeatedly into her mouth.

Kissing her hungrily, Janeway felt her shorts being tugged at then heard the material give way as Seven shredded them also. Surprised by the younger woman's show of aggression, but knowing at this moment it was exactly what she needed, she moaned as Seven worked her tongue into her mouth.

Pressed up against the wood, her hot, burning skin exposed to its roughness, Seven tore off Janeway's underwear and, as if savoring her, slowly caressed everywhere. "The desire to be with you," Seven whispered. "And the need inside me is incalculable." Sucking on Janeway's bottom lip, she moaned. "I want you so much, Kathryn. More than is possible."

"Yes," Janeway murmured. Completely naked, except for her boots, she let go of the last shred of control. Desperate to feel Seven's flesh, she ripped, pulled, then pushed the Starfleet top up over their chins, and over Seven's head. Her head swam at the realization that she was about touch those wonderful, beautiful, luscious full breasts that had tortured and teased her for so many long years. Finally, those full heavy perfect breasts would be in her hands. Releasing them from the bonds of incarceration, Janeway groaned as they fell free. Feeling their full weight, she caressed them adoringly before pinching each rock hard nipple.

Flushed, Seven moaned. Grabbing Janeway's hips, she pressed into her.

Her need incomprehensible, Janeway thought her head would blast off if she didn't find release. She pulled her mouth away. "I love you, Seven. Please help me!"

Their faces inches apart, Seven's eyes lost their haze as she focused on Janeway.

A lump formed in Janeway's throat. The look of unveiled, raw desperation for her words to be true forced her to confirm. "I love you so very much."

Closing her eyes, and exhaling, Seven rested her head gently against Janeway's.

The redhead groaned. "Please, Seven. I'm on fire!"

Seven's mouth quickly found Janeway's. As if starved, she suckled, licked, and nipped the soft skin, until Janeway opened her mouth fully and succumbed completely. Rapidly, her mind clouded with lust. Instantly every sensation was unbearable. Needing to come so bad she found herself frantically humping against the blonde.

Janeway moaned. "Please."

"Please what, Kathryn?" Seven whispered.

Desperately craving release with this woman, Janeway wanted to cry, scream ball up her fists and pound them on the floor. Instead, panting, she murmured, "Please."

"Tell me."

Janeway couldn't stop the words. "Fuck me."

Seven groaned.

Her orgasm hammering for release, Janeway hips refused to still. Helplessly, she watched Seven's nostrils flair at the shockingly strong aroma of her arousal. Janeway watched the younger woman's face harden, and something poured out of those blue eyes that she had never seen before: complete and absolute craving.

Janeway needed Seven's touch more than she needed to breathe. Dazedly, spreading her hands over Seven's shoulders, she grasped them, feeling the muscles underneath. She gritted her teeth. "Fuck me. Please!"

Somewhere, it registered in Janeway's psyche that Seven's entire body was shaking.

Not breaking eye contact, Seven's fingers moved down Janeway's stomach, through the thatch of tight curls, and slipped between Janeway's inner lips then thrust into her. Janeway almost shrieked with delight. That's my beautiful girl, she thought dazedly, as she pumped her hips and rode Seven's hand like her life depended on it. Give me exactly what I ask for.

Janeway's head and back thumped off the wood. The force and the tempo of Seven pushing into her deep, drove the air from her lungs. Looking down, she couldn't quite take in the sight of the copious amount of fluid running out of her, down Seven's hand and off her elbow.

The noise of Seven's fingers as they fucked her with long deep strokes sent Janeway over the edge. "Agggghhhhhh," she moaned when her inner muscles contracted as her orgasm advanced. Her eyes glazed then closed when her climax ripped through her. She felt Seven's arm wrapped around her waist and hold her up as the intensity of her orgasm took hold and almost caused her to black out.

Whimpering, Janeway's orgasm eventually faded, but it didn't diminish her need in the slightest. She pressed on. Hips rolling, inner muscles still contracting, she rode the blonde's fingers. "Don't stop," she whispered. "Please, Seven…Annika Don't stop."

Breathing hard, Seven whispered. "Tell me who you want?"

"You," Janeway responded, her mouth watering. "Only you?"

Thrusting into Janeway, Seven began grunting in rhythm.

When the come poured out of her and down her thighs as the second, third and fourth orgasm tore through her body, Janeway's mind shattered.

Seven slowed. Barely conscious of her surroundings, but desperately needing to stay filled, needing to keep this woman inside her, like she had needed nothing else in her life before, Janeway whispered, "Again."

Resting her head against Janeway's, breathing heavily, Seven gazed into heavy slate gray eyes and tried to catch her breath.

"Please," Janeway gasped, her body dripping with sweat.

Repositioning, Seven spread her feet. Keeping her fingers inside Janeway, she hitched her up then kissed her hungrily. "Put your legs around me," she said thickly, her face masked with lust.

Hurriedly, Janeway did as she was told, and wound her legs around the tall, sleek, half-naked ex Borg.

Pressing Janeway back against the wood, and supporting her weight easily, Seven looked deeply into her eyes and began thrusting. This time, her thumb slid over Janeway's clit.

Immediately, Janeway felt another outrageous orgasm build. "Oh, God," she panted. Nothing should feel this good, she thought through the haze, as she rocked her hips. She arched her back as the pressure built.

Leaning forward, Seven caught a nipple.

Groaning, Janeway's eyes rolled back.

Driving into her, Seven sucked the nipple then most of Janeway's breast into her mouth.

The air filled with the sounds and smells of their lovemaking, their groaning and incoherent babbling. Sweat dripped from Janeway to mingle with her juices on the floor beneath her. Swinging to meet the thrusts, Janeway gasped for air as another mind shattering orgasm took hold, followed by another then another, and another.

Seven eventually slowed. Reduced to a quivering mass, Janeway slumped against her. She knew Seven's fingers must be cramping by now, but until this woman swallowed her whole, she didn't think she would ever be satisfied. "Stay inside me," she whispered.

Not moving a muscle, Seven held her.

The edge had been lifted off her desire, but years of being in the desert without this woman meant it was far from sated. After a few moments, Janeway whispered. "I want to taste you." She lifted her head and stared into deep blue eyes. "Feel you come in my mouth."

Seven groaned. Her legs wobbled. She tried to hold onto Janeway, but couldn't.

Gently, Janeway slid out of the blonde's arms. Legs weak, she turned Seven around and pressed her against the wooden frame. "Let me taste you," she whispered.

Dropping to her knees, onto the dark stains of her own juice and sweat, Janeway slipped her hands into Seven's uniform pants and pulled them down slowly over her hips. She buried her head into Seven's saturated dark briefs, and breathed in deeply. Home, she thought hungrily as her nose pushed into the dampness. She smells like home.

Seven's head lolled back and fingers dug into the wall. "Kathryn," she whispered as Janeway slipped her underwear down.

Janeway held back a smile when Seven's legs almost slipped from under her when she nibbled lightly on her inner thigh.

Seven braced herself against the wall.

"Spread your legs for me."

Hurriedly, Seven kicked off her pants and briefs then slowly parted her thighs.

Hungrily, Janeway watched Seven trustingly splay her legs. Her eyebrows rose as the smattering of light blonde hair revealed delicate, fully open, engorged slick pink lips that were oh so very wet. Janeway swallowed when she saw that her clit was fully out from under its hood. Eyes widening, she watched Seven ooze. Feeling like a wolf about to attack its prey, she held back from licking her own lips. Moving closer, her mouth watering, she breathed in deeply. Her breath whispering over the short curls, she murmured, "Tell me who you want?"

Seven moaned.

"Tell me?"

"You," Seven strangled out.

"What else?"

"I." Seven swallowed. "I want you to fuck me…Kathryn."

Hearing the same anguish mixed with want and desperation that had wrung the same words from her earlier, Janeway groaned. Wishing that her arms were long enough to hold Seven's breasts, as she licked her all the way back to the Delta Quadrant, she said huskily, "Give me your hands."

Seven held out her hands, Janeway took them and kissed each upturned palm lovingly before entwining her fingers through them.

"Hurry," Seven said thickly.

Looking up at what was now, and had always been, the center of her universe, Janeway gave into the overriding lust thrumming within her. Her face descended into the heat.

The younger woman jerked then let out a shuddering moan when Janeway sucked her clit into her mouth. Her hands gripped Janeway's fingers, strangling them.

Janeway yelped.

Seven quickly dropped Janeway's hands and pressed hers into the wood. She shuddered. "Please."

Stretching out her fingers a few times to let the blood flow back, Janeway placed them on Seven's hips. This time, she let her tongue glide down then up Seven's open and engorged pink lips, and fought the urge to take the prize between them.

Seven cried out as Janeway sucked each lip clean. Slowly, she slipped her tongue into the folds and sucked every piece of flesh into her mouth, except her clit, until there was nothing left to taste.

"Kathryn," Seven whimpered, her hips thrusting.

Knowing that Seven was being driven crazy, Janeway's tongue pushed deep inside her, followed quickly by her fingers as she licked her way to her prize.

Seven's head snapped, and her body began to spasm.

Thrusting into Seven, Janeway sucked her clit fully into her mouth. And almost smiled when Seven's internal muscles tried to hold onto her fingers as they slid out Using the base of her tongue she allowed Seven to work it. Moaning, Seven's human hand slipped through Janeway's hair and held her head tight as she worked her clit over her tongue. Her other hand dug into the wooden frame as her hips bucked.

Her mouth full and fingers thrusting deep inside the tight confines of Seven, Janeway's eyes popped open when she heard a slow strangling cry. The sound of wood creaking then snapping reverberated around her as Seven thrust forward and a feral scream ripped from her mouth.

Gasping for breath, Janeway dropped to the wooden floor when Seven eventually released her. Breathing heavily, her mouth and cheeks coated, she looked down to see rivulets of the blonde's juices running down between her breasts. Wiping her mouth, she watched the tall frame slide down the woodwork.

Moving into Seven, Janeway felt strong arms fold around her. They held her for a long time.

"So that is what I was missing," Seven eventually murmured in Janeway's hair.

Pulling her head up, Janeway's mouth gaped when Seven laughed softly. Stunned, she stared at her. "I have never heard you laugh before."

Seven raised her ocular implant and looked at Janeway in surprise. "Nor have I."

Kissing her gently, lovingly, Janeway realized with a smile, that Seven's lips were softer than silk.

Eventually, Seven whispered. "This is our time," Kathryn." Slowly, she moved. Standing, she reached down and helped Janeway up. "This is where we begin."

"Begin?"

"Yes," Seven replied looking at Janeway possessively as she stood in front of her. "Together," she said. "This is where we begin our lives together." She raised her ocular implant and appraised the redhead's naked form.

"I couldn't agree more," Janeway replied, smiling.

"I recommend that we retire to bed, Kathryn."

Janeway raised her brow. "Would you now?" She added mischievously, "Shouldn't we discussing our being together?"

"Not tonight."

"I see," Janeway responded teasingly. "Why is that?"

Taking Janeway's hand, Seven answered as she moved quickly, graciously through the house to the main bedroom. "Tonight I want more." There, she pressed Janeway onto the bed, and covering her body with her own sleek frame, whispered hungrily into her mouth as the doors slid closed behind them, "So much more."

The End

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