DISCLAIMER: Star Trek, Star Trek Voyager, and Characters, are property of Paramount. I am not making a profit on this story.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the sequel to my story YOUR LOVE IS AN OASIS. I would suggest you read that story first to get some background information on how B'Elanna and Seven got together. In addition, it would help you understand some of the teasing and puns concerning wifely duty, cooking, doing dishes, chicken and iguanas. The events in the episode of MUSE, in Season 6 of Voyager are mentioned. In my story, Voyager never ran across the Borg Children. Voyager makes it back home earlier than seven years: More near six and a half years. PG17 for some four-letter words, descriptions of consenting sex between women, unwanted sexual advances toward one of the main characters (NO RAPE), violence, but not in the extreme, and some villains get killed.
STORY INFO: The following story has some Romulan words and phrases: Romulus: Ch'Rihan or sometimes seen as ch'Rihan. Romulan People: Rihannsu. Mnhei'sahe, "the ruling passion," This centers around honor, duty, courtesy and strength. Air, Water, Fire and Earth. Rihannsu identify themselves with the Four Elements.
Sela is encountered in Star Trek: The Next Generation. She is the daughter of an alternate time line Tasha Yar and a Romulan official. This version of Yar went back in time to serve on the Enterprise-C, which was captured by Romulans. (See The Next Generation episode of "Yesterday's Enterprise") Yar agreed to become the concubine of a Romulan official only to save the others. This union led to the conception of Sela, around 2345. Yar attempted to escape with her daughter in 2349, but Sela did not want to go and revealed the plot. Yar was discovered and executed. Sela grew up to become a Tal Shiar officer. Sela's first appearance was in the episode "The Minds Eye", and later in the episodes "Redemption, Part II" and "Unification. I and II"
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.

Dark Rose
By Cygirl1

Part Two

Seven stood in the lush surroundings facing the small table set with a variety of dishes and decorated with numerous candles. The lighting was muted and Seven surmised with a sinking feeling that this was a romantic setting. She noted that this was also a dinner for two as there where only two dining couches. Besides her and the two guards, there were two other species present, an Andorian and the other human. They stood to the side by a serving bar, dressed identically in simple cream smocks, their heads bowed slightly, seeming to focus on the floor. Seven surmised that they were servants, or slaves. It was known that many Romulans took enemy captives as slaves and concubines. Sela's own mother had been a captive and kept as a concubine.

She heard a door open on her left and General Sela entered. Seven noted that she was dressed similarly to herself but her tunic was black and belted with a red sash with gold trousers and soft black boots. Sela's expression had been what Seven thought of as anticipation but quickly changed to a scowl when she stopped two meters away.

She barked out. "Why have you not worn what I requested you to wear?" She looked from Seven to Ulan Glaria. The young Ulan swallowed hard. "I did as you ordered General."

Sela returned her gaze to Seven. Seven noted the fury in the eyes and decided it was prudent to answer. "I wished to wear this garment instead."

Sela put her hands on her hips and snorted. Her voice harsh. "You wished? My wishes come first. What you wish is of no consequence. Where are the items located that I ORDERED you wear?"

"I placed them back in the package and placed them on my bed."

Sela looked at Ensign Glaria and ordered. "Go to her quarters and retrieve the package and bring it to me."

Glaria saluted and hurriedly exited. It would take her only a few moments to retrieve the items as Seven's quarters where only four doors down from the General.

Sela turned her back to Seven, went to the side bar, and poured herself a glass of sapphire blue liquid. She turned back around and, looking at Seven, smiled and took a slow sip, continuing to stare at her over the rim of her glass, her eyes slowly raking her body and then focusing on her face.

This continued until Ensign Glaria entered and handled the bag to Sela.

Nodding she looked at the two guards and ordered. "You two to your post." They saluted and quickly exited. She next looked at the two servants. "Out." Both nodded in deference and quickly went through a side door. Sela next focused on Seven and her eyes became dangerously bright and intense. She motioned at the outfit Seven wore with her right hand. "Take those off."

Seven looked at her in shock, her breathing stilled.

Sela's smile disappeared and her eyes hardened to blue ice. "Here. Now. Take them off."

Seven swallowed and stood straight in her old customary Borg pose, her hands clasped behind her back. "I will not comply."

Sela tapped a small jewel on her tunic, apparently a communications device. "Centurion Lodar, I have need of your services. Bring the Federation Officer, Kim to my suite, at once."

Seven looked sharply at Sela, assessing her with her cold Borg stare and in a decidedly Borg voice stated. "State your intentions."

This caused Sela to laugh and then she paused and narrowed her eyes looking Seven over slowly, taking her measure. "My lovely Annika, how forceful and commanding you are, how…very refreshing and should I say, stimulating. Your very voice and bearing tell me you are a woman who loves to take the lead. Tell me, do you command that little half-breed wife of yours. When you make love to her, do you take her and bend her to your will. She is part Klivam (Romulan derogatory word for Klingon) and it is known that they are passionate and often violent lovers. But you, you are Borg. You are strong and arrogant. You were groomed by the Borg Queen herself to succeed her and rule. Tell me Annika does your little half-breed beg you to take her and make her come?"

Seven was both appalled and angered. She ground her back teeth and it took all her will power not to leap on Sela and throttle her. She noted now that Sela's respiration had increased and she could gage with her Borg implant a slight increase in temperature. Seven knew that Sela was aroused. "You are…disgusting."

Sela swallowed the remains in her glass and smirked, "Disgusting. Am I now?"

A chime at the door interrupted them. "Enter"

A heavyset older Romulan entered, followed by Harry Kim, dressed in a lounging robe and barefoot. A look of fear on his features. He was flanked by four guards, two on each side of him."

"Now, Annika, see what results you have reaped by disobeying my command."

She nodded to the Centurion who smiled in glee and then nodded at the guards. One stepped behind Harry and held his forearm around the lieutenant's neck. The other two held his arms on each side. The Centurion quickly and with much force punched him in the stomach. Harry would have bent over except for the Guards holding him up. The Centurion forcefully smashed Harry's face with his fist with a resounding crunch. Splattering blood from his nose and mouth.

Seven made a move towards her friend but the fourth guard held a weapon on her. Sela quickly stated. "Move and I will kill him and no amount of begging or pleading by you will stop me."

Seven screamed. "I will do as you say."

Sela stated. "Enough Lodar. Take him to the infirmary for treatment then return him to his quarters."

Lodar saluted and the guards dragged a dazed and bleeding Harry out of the double doors that shut behind them.

Seven trembled slightly, her nanoprobes working hard to keep her from vomiting. True, as a Borg Drone, she had witnessed pain and suffering of those she assimilated and even the removal of limbs on those still to be assimilated. But now, her humanity had found its way back to her. What she now witnessed sickened her. Harry was a friend and she had caused him to experience pain.

Sela poured herself another drink and tuned to her raising her eyebrow enquiringly. "I'm waiting."

Seven pulled the tunic up and over her head and let it fall to the floor. She would not look at Sela. She next removed her soft boots, let the trousers pool around her feet, and stepped out of them. She stood straight and stiff clad only in a soft chemise and underwear.

"Take off the rest."

Seven glanced quickly at Sela, closed her eyes, took her chemise off, and let it drop to the floor. She next slid the simple pair of white briefs down her calves until they pooled at her feet and stepped out of them. She stood, embarrassed and ashamed. There was a time that nudity would not have mattered, now she knew the social taboos and the erotic nuances that nudity entailed. Only for her be'nal would she display herself like this willingly.

She heard the soft approach of steps and opened her eyes quickly. Sela stood only a few feet away now, raking her body with hot eyes. She walked around to Seven's back and Seven felt quick hands pull the pins from her hair and heard them tinkle on the marble flooring where they fell. She felt a hand run through her hair and felt the soft gold mass fall about her shoulders and down her back. She felt the heat radiate from the general and heard a slow drawn in breath through the nose as if she were being scented. She felt a warm exhalation of breath below her right ear, which caused her to shiver involuntarily, feeling the goose bumps skitter across her neck and back. There was a soft caress at one and then the other implant below her shoulder blades, the ones used to draw power during regeneration. Fingers stroked down her spine to the small of her back and over the tops of her hips. She detected steps as Sela continued around and a gentle stroke on the implant in her right arm.

Sela stood back in front of her, looked at her breasts, and then shifted her gaze lower. She did not touch Seven, returning her gaze to Seven's eyes, her breathing quick, indicating arousal. Her voice was soft and at a lower decibel when she spoke. "You are the Shalora Jewel that the Imperial Symbol of our first Empress holds in her beak. There is no jewel that is more beautiful. It was made from a star by Idonana, the power that embodies the four Elements. She gave the jewel to our first Empress as a token of her great love. Perhaps you are a gift to me from Idonana herself to show that she loves me. For I am the one who will bring the Empire back to its former glory."

She stared for a few seconds longer and abruptly handed the bag to Seven. "Dress." Seven took the bag, donned the panties, and slid the ice blue sheath over her torso smoothing it down her thighs. She stepped into the soft slippers and bent to retrieve the pins where they had fallen on the floor. She took the pins and smoothed back her hair but was stopped. "Leave it down."

Seven, finished now, looked at Sela. She knew she had to be careful here. "What are your intentions?"

Sela momentarily looked confused at the question and then smiled and replied. "You want to know if I will require any sexual favors from you, do you not?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Let me say this and you must never repeat it or I will make you sorry. I have never forced my attentions on a woman nor required her to please me unless it so pleases her. I require certain things in a sexual encounter that may surprise you Annika. I am a general, a leader, and billions obey my commands. I decide the fate of thousands of worlds. I can destroy a city, or a planet with a word and none dare disobey me. If it was my desire, I could have any man or woman I want, even the spouses and lovers of my officers. None would say a word or even dare look displeased about it. That is not what I want or desire. I do not want to lead in matters of passion or desire. I want to be led, to be taken. I need to be taken. Made to lose all thought of who and what I am. I need to know that it is not Sela the General but Sela the woman who is desired and sparks desire and passion. Do you understand Annika?"

"I…do not know. However, I do not desire you or want you. I belong to another. All that I have and all that I am is hers. I will not and cannot give you what you want. Even if you were to order me, I would only be able to go through the motions. They would be devoid of meaning with no passion or love. Hollow. The only emotion they would evoke in me would be loathing and hate. "

Sela smiled. "Oh my exquisite jewel. In time you will give me what I desire, what I crave. You will do this willingly and of your own accord. Deny it all you want, but I will be yours and your taking of me will bind you to me. You were created to rule and to take what you want. This is part of your nature as the successor to the Queen. You are relentless in your pursuit of your desires. Yes, desires. These Borg drones are but mere automatons, but the Queen, she is more, much more than an emotionless automaton. She feeds on power. She feels pride and satisfaction at what she has accomplished. Even love and possessiveness. Her pursuit of you tells me that. You, my lovely Annika, you were fashioned by her hand and infused with her desires. I can give you what you truly crave and want. Power over billions, power over the universe. Even the mighty Borg Queen will bow before you when you finally stand by my side. I will surrender to your passion and you will have your fill of me and still want more. I will be your addiction Annika. Our union will shake the very foundations of the universe and reverberate over all four Quadrants." She saw Seven's obstinate and confused look, then forcefully said. "Do not dare deny it for I have the control now." She smiled and said. "Let us to the table and dine. I want to hear of the Borg and who better to tell me but a former Borg princess."

Seven said nothing but reflected on Sela's words, finding them disturbing and obviously coming from a delusional and unbalanced mind. The part of her thought process that was still Borg analyzed Sela's statements and found them illogical. 'She is flawed, weak, damaged. She shall be terminated.'

B'Elanna exited the small but adequate quarters she had been assigned on Efok's ship. In the nine days that they had left Admiral Telir's ship, they had come across six freighters, none bearing any news of foreign ships or anything out of the ordinary with the Tal Shiar.

She was getting a whole lot frustrated and to boot, plenty fed up entertaining freighter captains every other night. Efok's ship, "Tat, be qual' or 'Free Spirits' in Federation, was more than what she seemed. Granted she had a cargo bay full of rare and not so rare wines and other spirits, but she also sported state of the art warp engines capable of sustained speeds of 8.9 warp and short burst of 9.78 warp as well as a cloaking device. This was all masked by state of the art Romulan devices and if the ship were scanned, she would have ordinary industrial warp engines capable of reaching only warp 7.

Efok had a nasty, hulking, vampire looking engineer, who she later learned was a Reman, a native of Remus, Romulus' sister planet. He gave her the creeps but Tom seemed to get along well with him, swapping stories and boasting of their romantic conquests. B'Elanna had told Tom that he had better not mention that they had once been more than friends. Or she would divest him of his manhood, he would be employed on Risa as a joy boy, and he could employ his tongue that he loved to wag, on pleasuring female Hortas and giving oral umox to Ferengi. This must have worked, as there was no indication from Brod that Tom was telling him anything.

She was however, glad that Tom was with her. He encouraged her to keep up hope and she often went to him when she needed to talk. He told her he was honestly happy for her and Seven and that he had never seen her so content. He conceded that he was at first jealous of them but after seeing them together he knew they were right for each other. He even apologized for making the bet that none on Voyager would have her. B'Elanna thought he was sorry that he had lost his entire stash of ration tickets, but she did make him promise that he would never bet on her or Seven or anything to do with their relationship ever again.

Efok entertained many clients aboard his vessel and it had small but tidy guest rooms and a large opulent dining and entertainment area, with tables, chairs and couches. It was dining at the couches she hated, especially as she had to share one with Efok. She had to feel his fat belly against her back and his breath on her neck during most meals as she reclined in front of him. The first time she had to dine this way, he would nuzzle her neck and attempt to kiss her cheek. She had viciously reached back and grabbed his genitals squeezing hard until she heard him groan in pain. After that, he was more subdued in his actions but still sickened her with his display of 'my sweet and my dears'. He had to have a special couch that was a little larger than most due to his rotund size. She supposed she should be grateful he had a fat belly, as she would kill him if she had felt a particular part of his anatomy poking her throughout the meal.

Tonight would be different though. They were coming to a planet that boasted a busy spaceport and Efok was invited to a banquet that would be crawling with not only Captains of various vessels but dignitaries from other planets and colonies. Tom and Brod would be busy taking a little tour among the bars and taverns scattered about. Brod had told Tom that much could be gained from the crews of freighters, especially when plied with spirits. He had grinned, looking more menacing with his sharp teeth bared and stated, "The right amount of fermented juice, and they will confess to bonking their brother's wife."

B'Elanna was relieved that the banquet did not provide a couch big enough for both her and Efok and she had one all to herself.

So far, the talk was boring. She had no interest in the price of grain on Dosoil. And almost screamed when they went on and on about how difficult it was to clean out a cargo hold after transporting farm animals.

She picked a small nut from her plate and while no one was looking, tossed it at Efok on the next couch. It hit him on the side of his head and he turned and looked at her, she motioned with her face and eyes to get the topic going on to other subjects.

He quickly changed the conversation at a pause. "You know, I heard something a week or so ago from a freighter Captain heading towards the Ocelor system, he said something about the ah…authorities in this area looking for information on a ship that may have contained pirates and were operating in and around the Brasling system. I for one am heading that way and sure don't want to run into any pirates."

A slightly tipsy freight company owner by the name of Granor laughed. "Pirates. Not on your life. It was smugglers and they have been caught. I know that for a fact."

B'Elanna perked up at this and Efok inquired. "Oh, and how is that Granor, was it perhaps one of your ah…ships that got caught?" Everyone laughed at this as it was well known many freighter captains and owners of freight lines dabbled in smuggling.

Granor hrumphed. "I read the report from the captain of my ship the 'Blue Nova'. He states that when they left the Nolido system that a small vessel apparently left with them and was concealed in their Ion exhaust. You know, to disguise their exhaust trail. Well in sector 28, two warships stopped them. The commander ordered them to go and stated no charges would be levied against them, as he was sure they did not know that they had company. He was told not to scan the vessel and to keep on his way. Well, he did as he was told, you know them being Tal Shiar and all. He states he did get a visual of it on his screen and it was a small craft, about the size of a shuttle. Looked like it couldn't carry much and only big enough for 2-4 people. He had never seen that type of shuttle before and the strange thing is it had symbols on the side that were not Romulan or any that he was familiar with. Any way, he states that it wasn't much later when these two warships passed him, not even cloaked and headed toward Geggis Supreme. Probably the poor crew is dead by now, or wishing they were."

Everyone shook his or her head in pity and one guest said. "A person can't even do a little harmless bartering these days without it being a capital offense."

A short time later Efok begged tiredness, and amongst much guffawing from the others that he wanted to leave the banquet to be with his pretty wife, he and B'Elanna returned to the ship.

B'Elanna paced up in down the small conference room. Seated at the oblong table were Tom, Brod, and Efok. "It's them. I know it is. The fucking Tal Shiar has them. Gods we got to get them out."

Efok looked sober. "Listen D'len, Granted I don't know all there is to know about your crewmates, but I do know you used some kind of device to get from the Delta Quadrant to the Alpha Quadrant and some kind of Borg technology was used. That fact alone is very valuable to General Sela. She will keep them alive if they have information. She is not one to torture or kill. That is, if they cooperate. Besides, they are Federation citizens and serve Starfleet. She could use them in the future as a bargaining tool. There is a good chance that both are alive.

"I know her, well about as well as anyone could know one such as her. I have sold my goods to her and also 'sold' certain information to her that she was able to use against her enemies on Romulus."

B'Elanna growled and grabbed Efok by his collar. "You fucking PetaQ. You're a double agent. Gods you probably sold us out to her and are just delivering the goods."

Brod immediately broke B'Elanna's hold and Tom tried to hold her back.

Efok coughed to clear his throat and still clutching at his neck squashed out a squeaky voice. "I play the role of spy for Sela. Admiral Telir and certain members of the Senate go along with this. I feed her information that does prove correct, but not to the detriment of the Empire. She pays me quite handsomely. So far, what I have told her has resulted in what she thinks of as gains for herself. Actually, they are, but very small ones. Ones that are really of no consequence. This has built her trust of me.

"She will invite me to dine with her and certain officers and their spouses and lovers as she always does. I always have a good amount of spirits set aside for her as well as delicacies that cannot be found in the Empire. Like all people in her position, she likes to impress her officers with a lavish banquet and it gives her a chance to reward certain officers with a public display of promotions and awards. I provide the entertainment so to speak by regaling them with gossip I have obtained on my travels. The spirits will flow and tongues will wag, and this is at the reception before the banquet, when officers socialize, gossip and tell jokes. I tell you just play your role as my pretty wife and you will know the whereabouts of your friends."

B'Elanna ceased her struggling and closed her eyes for a second to compose herself. "OK. That sounds like the easy part. How do we get them out?"

Efok smiled. "I have the schematics to the building. I know where her brig is and the location of her quarters as well as where most of her troops are located."

B'Elanna snorted. "Oh and these places aren't guarded and we are just going to walk right in and shut down the whole place. Hmm. If it were that easy why hasn't the Empire just waltzed right in and done it before?"

Efok laughed and winked at B'Elanna. "My dear wife, that's just what the Empire is doing now, isn't it."

"Ok. So we waltz in the joint and somehow get by security and I somehow find my wife and Harry and we somehow escape. We would have more luck looting the Ferengi Great Vault. We have two prisoners we have to free. I bet they aren't walking freely down the halls. Every door in that place will lock down and every move we make will be monitored. That place would be like stirring an ant hill with a stick, soldiers pouring out of every nook and cranny."

"I won't lie. It will be hard but not impossible. I have a device that will shut down any thing that operates by a plasma or electrical impulse for 26 minutes within a three mile perimeter. Not a phaser, weapon, door lock, transporter or containment field will work during that time. No messages will be able to pass to orbiting warships, nor will they be able to contact the compound.

Tom exclaimed. "Wow, I would like to see that."

Efok smirked. "You can see it and I will show you how to activate it, but I'm not giving you the specs on how it works. Top secret and Admiral Telir would execute me if the Federation or anyone else got their hands on it."

B'Elanna interjected. "Wait a minute. If it shuts down all electrical and plasmic impulse, what about Seven's Borg implants and how the hell is our ship going to escape?"

"A dampening field. This ship has one and I have several small personal fields. I'm sure you will be able to get one to your wife."

"Provided I am allowed anywhere near her."

"Leave that to me my dear. There will be an opportunity. I'll see to that."

B'Elanna sighed. "That will be the easy part. But what about the rest, what's the plan."

"Seize the opportunity when it presents itself of course. Plans will be made according to what we discover. Plans made too far in advance are prone to failure."

Tom said. "In other words, play it by ear?"

Efok looked stumped for a moment then brightened. "Yes, ears, eyes. Utilize them all. When the opportunity is right we act. We will formulate a password. When it is broadcast, the field will be activated and the ship ready to depart."

B'Elanna laughed ruefully. "You know, I thought I left my Maquis days behind. We always had a plan to back up a plan. When both failed, we used to 'play it by ear'. It was those times when we had our greatest success…and some of our biggest flops. Hell, after dealing with Cardies, this might just work."

She looked at Efok through slit eyes, "But, there is something about this whole thing that is bothering me. Secret weapons, spies. No. Something isn't right. The Romulans are getting more out of this than the good will of the Federation and the possibility of a transwarp drive falling into the wrong hands. What is it?"

Efok looked sheepishly at B'Elanna and said. "Sela"

Janeway rubbed her temple with her left hand and held a cup of Phoebe's coffee in her right. Ever since the hearings wrapped up earlier that morning, she had been working on a major tension headache. That wasn't what set it off though. It was the offer of the rank of Admiral that did it. For a grueling nine days of closed-door hearings, in front of dour faced admirals with accusatory tones of questioning, she had no idea that this would be the outcome.

"So, Kathryn, do you get to use any of that long leave time you accrued in almost seven years away from home?" Phoebe asked.

Janeway was seated in the living room of her childhood home with Gretchen, Phoebe and Vlara, having just arrived home less than an hour earlier and informed her family of the promotion. She looked pointedly at Phoebe, who had been using her apartment in her absence. "I plan on taking two weeks off to get situated in San Francisco. Phoebe, not that I want to kick you out as you are welcome to stay in the guest room, but I would appreciate you removing your canvases and art supplies." The smell of turpentine and oil made her feel light headed. "Gods, you've turned it into an art studio."

"Hey, no problem, I'll have it cleaned out by the end of this week. Vlara can help me." She turned and smiled at the younger woman. They had just the night before returned from a trip to Paris and Europe.

Vlara had visited her half brother for a couple of days and Phoebe had taken her shopping in Paris, London and Rome. Vlara had been quiet about her visit to her brother. Only saying it went well but giving no indication that they would contact each other in the future. She had also communicated with her other two siblings serving with Starfleet and sent them the communiqués from her father, who was their father too.

Phoebe had talked to Janeway twice during the week long trip and had informed her that Vlara seemed to be 'depressed'. Her cure for depression or the funks as she called them was simple, go shopping. She firmly believed in shop therapy to pull one out of the funks.

Janeway had conversed with Vlara on two occasions, cheered when the young woman excitedly told her of the shops and clothing she had purchased. She had thought that Phoebe had truly found a soul mate. This immediately made her falter, when she wondered if there could be some chemistry other than shopping between Phoebe and Vlara. This disturbed her for some reason. Whom was she fooling? She knew the reason. She herself was attracted to the young Romulan. And given their recent interactions, she guessed Vlara was attracted to her.

But things just couldn't work out for a romantic relationship between them. Janeway had her upcoming change in rank and Starfleet to take up her time and Vlara would not stay in the Federation but be returning to the Romulan Empire soon. Granted, Vlara had not set a date, but it seemed her purpose in coming was done. In addition, Janeway was not prepared to have a broken heart when the young woman went home. A long distance relationship between the two was out of the question. Different quadrants and different factions. Factions that at the best of times were wary allies and at the worst had the capacity to destroy each other.

Janeway was pulled out of her reverie by Vlara. "Kathryn, have you heard any news from my mother, I mean, Admiral Telir, on your missing crew?"

Janeway sighed. "Just a communiqué stating all was proceeding according to plan. That was over a week ago. Admiral Paris is keeping me informed of any news on that front. Damn. I wish I could do something more than just wait."

Gretchen saw the worried look on her first daughter's face. "Well, you know the old saying, no news is good news. From what you told me of your officers involved, they can accomplish the impossible."

Janeway snorted. "The impossible and then some. I am worried about them. But I also know they can take care of themselves and get out of sticky situations as they have done in the past."

Gretchen changed the subject. "So, have you set a date for the official ceremony to celebrate your new rank?"

"No mom. I'm going to delay that until I have my lost lambs back home. Officially, I am admiral and when I come back from vacation will start my new role as such." It was Janeway who changed the subject. Smiling she turned to Vlara. "So, Vlara, tell me about all the sights you saw and what are your impressions of earth so far."

For the next hour, both Vlara and Phoebe filled her in on all the sights and things they had purchased.

Janeway went out onto the front porch in the evening twilight. She saw Vlara sitting in the swing, pushing it back and forth with her foot. "May I join you?"

The young woman smiled and offered her a seat. "Of course."

Janeway settled herself next to Vlara. She could feel the warmth from the slightly higher body temperature radiating from the body next to her and smell a light scent of some delicate perfume, reminiscent of lilacs and vanilla. "It's about time for the fireflies to be out and about." A lone whistle pierced the night. "That's a whip-poor-will, a native bird of this area. They hunt insects in the evening and dusk."

"It is close by. Listen, I hear another. Is that its mate?"

"Could be. I'm not an authority on the mating habits of birds." Nor on Romulans, she thought. No Katie, don't go there. "You haven't said much about your visit with your brother and his family. I don't want to pry but you seem a little down when ever they are mentioned."

Vlara sighed. "It was cordial but…how do I say this…cold. Do not mistake me. He was pleasant as were my two sisters when I conversed over Starfleet communications with them. I would like to thank you for arranging that."

Janeway patted her hand. "No problem, I was glad to help." Janeway stilled to see if the young woman would continue. After a moment she did.

"My brother has two children, my nieces. One nine and the other five, in your years. The youngest asked me why I made her grandfather a slave. Her mother immediately tried to hush her. I told her that he was not a slave, that he was my father. She asked why we did not let him return to the Federation. What could I say? He was not a prisoner of war." She looked at Janeway. "He was a slave. Granted that he had certain freedoms given to him by my mother, the fact remains, he was 'owned, by my mother. He was not allowed to return to the Federation, to his home and family. He was never charged with crimes against the Rihannsu Empire. There are many in the Empire who no longer believes that a civilized nation should own a slave or hold an innocent person from those that we consider enemies as servants or concubines with no rights or recourse to freeing themselves. Even my mother feels it is wrong. She took my father as he would have been executed otherwise."

Vlara laughed. "My father told her this was not so. My mother was taken by his fair hair and blue eyes. He and mother would argue good naturedly about this many times. If she could have done so, she would have freed him, and as much as it would have hurt, she would have let him go, even back to earth. Rihannsu law does not recognize emancipation. Once a slave, always a slave."

"Many Rihannsu continue to cling to the old ways. They see change as a threat to what it means to be Rihannsu. I believe without growth and change in the direction of peaceful coexistence with others; we will perish as a nation. "

Janeway thought for a moment. "I see. Are you a follower of Ambassador Spock?" She saw the closed looked on Vlara's face and added. "What ever you tell me, I will not repeat. I give you my word."

Vlara looked at her closely then. "Yes. It would mean my discharge from service in the Senate as well as disgrace for my family and possible censure of my mother. But yes, yes I am a follower of Ambassador Spock as is my mother. If we do not embrace our sister and subscribe to her path of working in harmony with those that are not Rihannsu, we will eventually find ourselves outnumbered and we ourselves will be conquered. We must forge alliances with the Federation and others. We must learn to trust and treat those that are not Rihannsu with trust. Rihannsu are very loyal to each other. We give our word to each other and it is held as a sacred bond. To break our word is a disgrace to the whole family. However, we do not keep our word to outsiders. They are to be duped, fooled and taken advantage of. But rest assured. If I or any other Rihannsu should say to you. On my honor, I speak the truth or on my honor I will keep this bond between us, believe it. For honor or as we call it, mnhei'sahe, is the highest virtue among my people. My mother has sworn this oath to you. She will help you get your people back. This is a very Vulcan thing she has done, to keep her word with foreigners. This is one of the many tenets that Ambassador Spock teaches."

Janeway thought for a moment. "Yet, his beliefs have already put a wedge in the Romulan governing body has it not?"

"You are talking about the schisms within the Tal Shiar and some in the Senate. It is not so much about Ambassador Spock's teaching as it is General Sela's ambition that has caused this divide."

"General Sela. Her mother served aboard the Enterprise along with your father."

"Yes. Her mother was a concubine for an Admiral, who later became a General for the Tal Shiar. Sela followed in his footsteps. It was his ambition and now Sela's, that Ch'Rihan should expand its border past the Neutral Zone and into Klingon space itself. It is rumored that she helped to orchestrate a coup on Qo'noS. The Tal Shiar thought to weaken the Klingon Empire and set up a puppet ruler. Who would be answerable to Ch'Rihan or should I say, the Tal Shiar. Her plot failed and then the Dominion War came into play and all efforts were diverted to protecting Ch'Rihan against a greater threat." She paused for a minute and continued. "It is thought that she is the one to order a preemptive strike into the Gamma quadrant as a way to get rid of her rivals in the Tal Shiar and to weaken the Senate."

"Why would she do that, I mean I can understand her getting rid of rivals, but this was a blow to Romulus."

Vlara snorted and chuckled. "A blow to us, yes, but not so to Sela. She has long thought that Ch'Rihan should maintain its course as an Empire built on conquest. I should rephrase that and say, she is of the mind that Ch'Rihan should return to its distant past and aggressively conquer other worlds, confront the Klingons, and provoke the Federation into war. Now with those opposed to her plans gone, she has mutinied against the Senate and has taken what Tal Shiar believes in her ways, with her, to build an army that she hopes to use to conquer Ch'Rihan and then the Universe."

Janeway drew back. "Is she insane?"

"Yes Kathryn, she is, and there lies the danger. She is not only mad but has an army in which she is sole leader. Many do not believe she has restoring the Empire to its former glory as her goal. Many believe she wishes to restore the monarchy and to become Empress as in the old days."

"Do you believe this?"

"I am not sure. I do know she must be stopped. I do know she must not get her hands on technology that would increase her chances of carrying out her goals, what ever they truly are."

"Ah I see. And it complicates matters that Sela may well have in captivity one of the most brilliant minds in the galaxy that contains not only Borg technology but also a method to travel great distances in seconds. And I thought your mother was helping us retrieve my crew as a favor for me helping you. And will she be willing to give me my crewmembers when they are found? Or will the Empire use them to gain the same information?"

Janeway could not make out the features plainly in the dusk, but heard the hurt in the voice. "Kathryn, I will not pretend that my mother did not have other motives. Her best interest is in preserving the Empire. It is her sworn duty. A duty you yourself as an officer are familiar with. You yourself or I should say the Federation is benefiting from this. You are getting your crew and something that the Federation has wanted for centuries. Open communications with Ch'Rihan and on good terms. You know this will lead to that goal. You agreed to help me because it was in the best interest for the Federation."

Janeway was about to protest and Vlara held her hands out palm first to forestall her and continued. "You are a honorable and kind person Kathryn and would have more than likely helped me anyway. Tell me Kathryn. Was it not in your thoughts that by helping me you would help the Federation? You know my mother is the highest ranking military officer in the Empire. Her cousin is the Praetor and she is related to half the senate. She has their ears and they listen to her. However, my mother is an honorable person and she would have helped you find your crew for no other reason than it is the right thing to do. She has promised on her mnhei'sahe to help. This I do know. This I tell you in confidence. She has not told the Senate that one of your crew is the scientist who is most connected with the creation of the transwarp coil. When found, she will not probe their minds for information. The Empire is at a crossroads. One to peace and prosperity the other to destruction and possible annihilation. There are those in power who secretly believe in Sela's goals. To have the transwarp device would send us down the road to ruin. We would believe we are invincible. The short-term gain is not worth it. You will get your crew back, unharmed by her."

Janeway sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Vlara was right. When she agreed to help her, there was the thought of helping the Federation fulfill centuries' long goal of bettering relations with Romulus. She quickly changed the subject. "When do you plan to return to Romulus?" She realized that that could have sounded like she wanted the young woman to leave. This was far from the truth.

"Have I worn out my stay already? I suppose I have carried out my father's wishes and nothing is holding me here. Could you arrange for me to return, say in a couple of weeks? Phoebe wants me to attend a gallery showing and also show me more of earth."

Tell her to stay. You want her to stay. You want her. "I was hoping you would stay longer, as long as you like. You after all are a Federation citizen through your father. I have plenty of room at my apartment and your company would be appreciated. Besides, mom would be glad for you to stay here. I think she would miss you and your recipe sessions if you left."

"I would like to stay for awhile. For some reason, I am not as homesick as I thought I would be. On Ch'Rihan, there is a saying that all those of Rihannsu blood wither if too long gone from her and the spirits soar when home. It is strange, but I do not feel that way. I am here on this fair planet and my spirit soars. The sun and her light seems right, the air, and sea, the soil smells right. It is if all four elements on your planet call to me. I feel somehow as if I belong. Perhaps your earth speaks to me through my human side, perhaps in a strange way, I am home."

Janeway smiled her own spirits soaring. "Then perhaps I should say welcome home."

Seven walked beside Harry down the winding flag stone path. This was the sixth time she and Harry had been allowed to have face-to-face contact in the more than four weeks since their capture.

The morning sun had yet to melt the thin mist that veiled the small pond and lower lying areas in the well tended garden. As always, they were accompanied by their assigned 'assistants' who kept about 10 paces behind them.

Seven had been explaining to him the problem she was having integrating the Borg parts that Sela had been able to provide her, into the transwarp core she was instructing the Romulan scientists on how to construct."

"Gee, Seven, that is just bad luck that those parts were defective." he replied sheepishly and with a slight smirk on his face. "So, how long is it going to take them to find some good ones?"

Seven's voice had no emotion and was evenly modulated. "It is uncertain. Perhaps two weeks. I am not privy to the methods used in obtaining such parts. It is however, unimportant how the parts are obtained. Only that they be undamaged. Even with the parts, there is no guarantee that the device will be functional. The age of the Borg components may determine if the device functions at optimum levels."

Harry could read between the lines and determine that Seven would insure that the device would malfunction. Fortunately, for him, he had very little knowledge on constructing the device and the Borg components. His knowledge was in the construction of the reflectors needed to increase the width of the transwarp bubble. He had told them all he knew, knowing that it would be a simple thing for the Tal Shiar scientist to figure out once they had a workable device.

The computer system on the Flyer had very little information pertaining to the transwarp coil, and for good reason. Shuttle craft were vulnerable, due to size and speed, for being captured by hostile forces, and anything of importance was never, as a rule, contained in the computers. Besides, Seven was a walking computer herself, anything there was to know on the transwarp coil was stored in her cortical node. He supposed, no hoped, that the Tal Shiar were not cognizant of that fact or Seven could find her life and health at jeopardy.

They had been well treated so far, except for the beating he took when brought before General Sela and Seven. Seven had later apologized and stated it was her fault as Sela wanted her to reveal certain information but she had refused.

Harry had a strong feeling that he was being used as a tool to force Seven into cooperating with the General.

"You doing anything now that you have to wait for the parts needed. I mean anything on the transwarp system."

"No. General Sela has her team analyzing the varying Borg shields and weapons array on the Delta Flyer. She states that her scientist have enough information from the Borg vessels they have to 'piece together' any information that they need to determine how it works. She states it will keep her team sharp if they are required to use their minds occasionally. I believe she was being facetious."

"Hmm. You still dine with her every night?"

"No."

Harry waited for Seven to elaborate. When it was not forthcoming, said. "Oh. Ok." He couldn't help but wonder if Sela was requesting more from Seven than just a companion for Dinner. He inwardly cringed at thinking General Sela would require Seven's presence for more prurient pursuits. He didn't know what he would do if that were the case. He knew what he would like to do, but that was out of the question. He would die before he could carry it out. Seven was strong and could take care of herself. He had had occasion to see her use her Borg enhanced strength. What bothered him was suspecting that Seven would do these things to protect him. What lengths would she go to? He didn't want to know.

His thoughts were interrupted by his guards, telling him their time was up. He smiled at Seven. "Give me a call. I have a great Romulan card game we can play over the computer with each other. Even I got a chance of beating you in this one."

"Chance? It is a game that depends on random choices and events?"

"Well, pretty much so. How else am I going to win a game against you? Any game that uses logic you win."

Seven cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps they have a game similar to Kadis Kot. That is a game of both chance and skill. Naomi Wildman wins at least 42 percent of the games we have played."

Harry replied dryly. 'Gee Seven. Well if Naomi can do that well, I guess I have a chance to beat you."

Seven smirked and replied "Perhaps."

Seven slowly sipped her drink as she listened to yet another diatribe against the failings of the Romulan Empire in living up to its destiny, which was eventually rule the whole universe. In the month since she had been a 'guest' of the General, she was required to dine nightly with her, save for two nights a week, in which Sela stated she needed to conduct meetings and other business.

Tonight Seven wore a midnight blue gown with long gossamer sleeves and panel above the low cut bodice. The skirt was full and fell to just below her knees. The dress was shot with silver threads and she wore silver slippers.

After that first night at dinner, when Sela showed her displeasure at Seven's thwarting of her stated wishes, she had dressed in what ever Sela required. She had to admit that most of the choices, since that first dinner, were not vulgar. She would gladly wear them under other circumstances, those being if B'Elanna had picked them out for her. She would then wear them proudly and be pleased that B'Elanna would look at her with desire and pleasure.

Instead, she had to wear them for Sela and it displeased her to have Sela rake her eyes over her as if she were some prized possession. She was sure that Sela considered her as such. She was relieved that only looks were directed her way. She did not know if she could tolerate demands for physical involvement. She shuddered, thinking of Sela's hands near her. Sela had touched her body only once and that was at their first dinner together, however she had touched her hair twice by taking it down from the customary twist. That first dinner together and then their second dinner together. After that, She had taken to leaving her hair down for dinner, not wanting to invite the General to touch her. B'Elanna was the only one that she would willingly, and with pleasure, allow to let her hair down.

B'Elanna. Her bang'wl, her be'nal. She wondered how long it would be for B'Elanna to find her. She thought once again of being in her arms of feeling her heat next to her when she slept and felt a lump in her throat.

"Do I bore you my lovely Annika? You sighed. I must be boring you. Or perhaps you sigh because you miss that little half-breed wife of yours. Hmmm. We have talked of many things, the Borg, the Delta quadrant, even your Captain Janeway. We have not really discussed that little wife of yours. I wish to hear about her. Why you picked such an inferior species as a Klivam to be your mate."

Seven glared at her.

"Oh excuse me. Only half Klivam. Is it true what they say about Klivam females? They scratch and bite in bed and lovemaking is a battle. Have I somehow misread you Annika? Is it the Klivam who conquers you instead of you conquering her and bending her to your will? Tell me of her Annika?"

"I will not dishonor her by discussing what is private and between us."

Sela smirked and said. "Oh? Why, you have already told me Annika. Told me that you wish to breathe in her very breath as it sustains you. The taste of her mouth a rare nectar that intoxicates you. That you give her all that you are…

Seven flung herself off her couch and went around the small table. "Where is it Sela? It is mine and does not belong to you."

Sela remained reclined on the couch smiling and replied. "Oh. You would tell me what to do, Annika? Your little ship and all that is on it is mine. Even you, Annika. You're mine. You just haven't accepted it yet. You know, that little padd was the cause of my having to discipline some of my scientists. They were so intent on the computers and engines that they failed to do a thorough search of your cabin until a week ago. There in plain view, or should I say, beneath the pillow on your cot, was this little gem. Instead of giving it to me, they opened it up. I threatened to cut the tongue out of the scientists who read it and tell what they have read. They assure me they have already forgotten what was in it."

Sela stood up and reached under the cushion she had been reclining on and retrieved the padd. "Ah, here it is. If you want it Annika, feel free to take it from me."

She held it out with one hand and as Seven reached for it she put it behind her back. "Take it from me Annika. If it is so important, take it from me."

Seven stepped up to within a foot of Sela and reached around her back for the padd. Sela backed up until her thigh was pressed against the couch, still clutching the padd behind her. Seven tried to reach around her again. This caused her to press against Sela's front. Seven felt Sela's breast against hers and she heard Sela moan and felt the heat from her body.

Seven immediately realized the mistake she made. She was giving Sela what she wanted. Seven stepped back as if burned, and put her hands behind her back in her Borg stance, the stance she used when upset or angered. She replied in her Borg Voice. "It is of no consequence. I do not need words on a padd to tell my be'nal how I feel when I once again see her."

Sela snorted. "My lovely Annika. You will never see her. She is not coming for you. Nor is your Captain Janeway or Starfleet. Your little Klivam has forgotten about you. It was one thing for her to…fuck you when 40,000 light years from home. It is another thing to have a Borg as a spouse now that she is home with her family and friends. You, my dear Annika, would shame her. She would be sleeping with the enemy. No, dear. She will not come for you. You were just someone to fuck for a while."

Seven's nostrils flared with her attempt to control her anger. "You lie. She is honorable. We took The Oath. She would not dishonor me or The Oath."

"You think I lie. Believe me. I would know if she or Starfleet were looking for you. I have my people in places to know. I have one of my operatives here now. There has not been a whisper in Romulan Space of a lost Federation ship. Romulus knows of even a stray meteor that crosses into their space. And there has been no reports of Federation or any other ships crossing the Neutral Zone. You don't believe me. Ask him yourself. He will be at a dinner I am having for my senior staff tomorrow night. You will be there. Ask him yourself."

"It proves nothing if he does not know. I know and that is all that matters."

"We shall see. I expect you to treat me with civility tomorrow night. I know that you are not an actor and I don't expect you to fawn over me."

"You are correct. I am not an actor. You cannot force me to pretend that I have any feelings for you except contempt. I will however treat you civilly."

"You also will be treated with civility by me and my officers. I have passed along the word that you are to be referred to as Lady Annika. You are more than just a slave or servant. As for your acting abilities, I do believe my lovely Borg Princess, that in time you will not have to act. Time is on my side and you are here with me for all time."

Seven's implant over her eye quirked upwards and her voice was at its most Borg. "Then you do not understand the concept of Time."

Sela laughed. "Enough. I believe I will be envied by all of my officers. Your distance and aloofness will tantalize them and they will envy me. They already wonder what we do all these nights together. I must say, you would not be pleased that it is talked about whenever two or more of my officers get together. Not pleased at all that it is speculated that you are indeed 'pleasing me' in the most delightful way."

"They are delusional."

"No they're not. They have no delusions, illusions maybe. You are in my quarters almost every night, dressed and looking so beguiling. Your stay here is long enough for dinner and ah…desert. They are just misinterpreting the data."

"This does not concern you?"

"Quite the contrary. It pleases me. To have such a beautiful woman dine with me and please me in other ways only adds to my mystique as a powerful leader. I am a powerful woman and power, my lovely Annika, power has its privileges. And believe me, you are a privilege that only one as powerful as myself is entitled to. You are a status symbol. They are reminded every time they see you with me that in order for me to have such a woman that I am powerful. "

Seven thought then of a phrase, she once heard 'trophy wife'. Tom Paris had referred to his latest stepmother as a trophy wife. She had asked B'Elanna what that meant and B'Elanna had said it was a status symbol among older and successful persons to have a spouse who was beautiful and usually younger, much younger than they were. It meant that they had power and influence to attract a person whom others considered desirable. B'Elanna had laughed and stated that Seven was her trophy wife. Seven had disagreed and stated that B'Elanna was her trophy wife. They had disagreed in a teasing way until laughter and teasing led to passion and lovemaking, as it often did. Seven was disquieted that others thought she would forget her vows to her be'nal and 'cheat' on her. She looked at Sela and stated.

"I shall inform them otherwise."

Sela sobered. "You will not. I don't want you discussing what goes on behind these doors with anyone. DO I make myself clear?"

"Yes. But it is a lie."

Sela sighed. "I know. Now. You may go and rest for tomorrow. I don't want you going to the lab. I want you well rested for tomorrow night. I have picked something special for you to wear. I think even you will approve."

Seven nodded and reached over and took the padd from the table. Sela didn't say a word. Later she would erase it all. She knew every word by heart and she would tell her be'nal in person. She would put all that she felt in her voice, in her eyes and touch, coloring it with the texture and richness of her love and devotion.

B'Elanna slowly sipped her drink as she stood by Efok's side, playing her role as his wife. They had arrived some 20 minutes earlier and were mixing with Sela's officers and guests prior to dinner. She listened to the officers' conversations with only surface attention, her thoughts were on her be'nal and she was impatient with wanting to see her, to ascertain for herself that Seven was indeed there and safe. She wore a silken black and rose tunic and pants. Around her neck was a gold pendant that was actually a device that would counter act the power dampening field generated by the deadening device. She was somehow to give it to Seven to protect her implants when the device was activated. Also, on her person were two small hand held weapons that used a gas to project a small pellet at great velocity to incapacitate or kill an adversary. The deadening device would have no impact on these weapons since they required no electrical or plasmic impulses to operate.

Efok told her and Tom earlier about his conference with General Sela earlier in the day. And how easy it was to gather information from the unsuspecting woman. Sela had asked him for any information that he may have obtained regarding a Federation ship lost in Romulan Space and if a rescue party or any unknown ships had crossed the Neutral Zone. He had reported that all was quiet on the border except for the miraculous appearance of a Federation craft called Voyager, which had supposedly been lost for over six years in the Delta Quadrant . He reported that Admiral Telir had quickly arrived in the Neutral Zone and had met with an Admiral North to ascertain that the Federation would not cross the zone and into Romulan territory. No suspicious actions were noted.

Efok had snickered when telling B'Elanna and Tom that he told General Sela that he had an interesting conversation with a Freight Company Owner about possible pirate activity and a small ship that had been taken into custody. Sela had then told him that she had in her possession a very interesting ship using Borg technology and Federation Technology, and two of the crew. She would not elaborate only to say, one of the crew was very special and would be present at the formal dinner she was hosting that evening.

B'Elanna was returned to the present by a pause in the buzz of conversation, and one of the officers said in a low voice, "I see our General is displaying her prize tonight." Another officer answered, keeping her voice low. "If that jewel were mine, I would keep it hidden from public view lest a thief attempt to steal it." The first officer snickered. "A jewel like that would never come into your possession. She is one of a kind. Our like could never acquire such a one." B'Elanna looked in the direction of the officer's focus. Her breath caught in her throat. There was her bang'wl. No, surely she was dreaming. This creature was no mere mortal, but one of the Angels in the Christian storybook her Nana used to read to her. She was dressed in silky gold. The bodice molded to her shapely breasts, with a v neck dipping between the valley. It was off the shoulder with attached gossamer gold sleeves reaching to the wrist. A long flowing skirt followed the thighs and long legs down to the ankles. It flowed as she moved. Her hair was down and around her shoulder, a shower of radiant gold. She walked as if she were a queen. B'Elanna thought 'She is a queen, the queen of my heart'.

The vision stopped and it was then that B'Elanna noticed the woman who held her by her right elbow in a proprietary manner. General Sela. B'Elanna saw the smug look on Sela's face. She wore a silver and gray silk military tunic but it had a gold shoulder sash adorned with badges of rank and honors. The material matched that of Seven's gown. B'Elanna felt a cold rage infuse her at wanting to strike the woman down for daring to touch Seven and flaunting her as property. She, however, controlled her rage but vowed that later she would settle things with the General. She watched as Sela stopped to converse with several of her officers and then moved on toward where B'Elanna was, guiding Seven by the elbow. B'Elanna held her breath. Knowing that her be'nal would see through the disguise and hoping that she would not give her away.

Sela beamed as she introduced Annika to her officers and to Efok and herself. Seven momentarily stilled, her eyes widening as she looked at B'Elanna. There was recognition there but she recovered nicely. Efok immediately put his arm around B'Elanna and said. "General Sela and Lady Annika. Let me introduce my wife, D'len."

Sela smiled and looking B'Elanna over replied. "Why, Efok. She is very lovely. You were not exaggerating when you earlier sang her praises." She addressed B'Elanna this time. "Welcome D'len. I hope you find your stay here enjoyable. I will try not to keep your husband away too long on business."

"Thank you General. These apartments are magnificent. I have been admiring the art work." She turned to Seven and said, "Lady Annika, that dress you are wearing is divine. Efok has promised to buy me many new gowns on this trip, would you mind giving me the name of the boutique you purchased this from or perhaps the name of your tailor?"

Efok quickly broke in. "Dresses and jewelry, I will soon be a very poor man." He addressed Sela and the gathered officers. "General and officers, let us to the bar and leave these two beautiful ladies to discuss fashion. I have a very rare spirit from Tolas that has to be tasted to be believed."

Sela hesitated as if deciding to go along with Efok's request then said. "Annika, I will leave you here to converse with Lady D'len, until dinner." She gave her one last look that seemed to say behave.

B'Elanna said as she searched the room and her eyes spied a small secluded area with a small divan and table. "There lady, let us to that spot to talk." Seven nodded and they both headed towards the place indicated. B'Elanna noted that one guard accompanied them, but managed to stay 20 feet away and was trying to be discreet. Not directly staring at them, but would glance in their direction.

Seven seated herself on the divan and B'Elanna right beside her. "That is a very beautiful dress. She whispered low "Oh bang'wl I have missed you. You are unharmed?"

Seven quickly replied. "It is a gift from General Sela. She has given me many such gifts. Perhaps we can arrange a time for you to come to my Quarters and see them. I am unharmed. Bang'wl, I knew you would come for me."

Seven's eyes were soft and liquid as they focused on B'Elanna. B'Elanna felt both cold and hot and fought the urge to hug her be'nal to her. She swallowed hard and said. "I would be delighted lady. Perhaps we can do so tomorrow. I have many pieces of fine jewelry that you may interest you. They are Wedding gifts from my husband. How is Harry?"

"Perhaps, I will be able to provide a lunch for us in the Gardens. They are aesthetically pleasing. He is well. The gardens are not monitored by listening devices, as are my quarters. I am however, guarded."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful. It has been a while since I have been planet side and enjoyed the outdoors. I would enjoy lunch and discussing fashion. I love you."

Before they could continue, dinner was announced and both women were accompanied by the guard to the dinning area.

Seven could not relax as she reclined on the couch. She had to share it with Sela who was reclining behind her on a slightly elevated back portion so that she was easily able to view those around her and reach over Seven to the platter containing food. Seven would feel Sela's arm graze her own as the general reached over to pick a morsel of food. She felt the heat from Sela's body against her back and Sela would press against her back and thighs. Seven controlled her revulsion and instinct to jump as if some insect were on her. Being this intimate with Sela made her appetite almost nonexistent and she picked at the food. She was sure Sela had arranged the sharing of a single couch to impress her officers. She hoped that Sela would not decide to carry this practice on to their customary dinners together.

Seven had glanced frequently at B'Elanna, who was reclining with Efok, to the left side of the table and two places down. She noted that B'Elanna's features were flushed and her eyes dark and glinting. She could tell it was an effort for B'Elanna to control her rage at seeing Seven in such intimate contact with the General. She inwardly cringed. She knew what B'Elanna was thinking. That Sela was partaking of what belonged to B'Elanna alone. She knew that B'Elanna would not blame her, would not think that she was a willing participant but that coercion was used. Still, she felt guilty, even though nothing occurred beyond Sela viewing her naked and touching her implants, back and hair. She knew that B'Elanna would punish Sela for even doing that much.

There was a lull in the conversation and Seven, who had been quiet up to that point, looked at B'Elanna and said. "Lady D'len, I have been admiring your necklace, it is aesthetically pleasing." She felt Sela's body jump slightly as if surprised. Perhaps she was since Seven only spoke when spoken to and then in short answers and so far tonight, except before dinner when B'Elanna had engaged her in conversation, no one had initiated conversation with her except for Sela, the General asking her if the food was to her liking and if she required wine. Whispering in her ear how exquisite she was, how her officers envied her and how her bearing was that of an empress, she had even nuzzled Seven's hair occasionally.

B'Elanna answered with an expression of seemingly delight. "Thank you, Lady Annika. Efok gave it to me as a wedding gift. He has given me many beautiful pieces. I will bring them with me to show you at our luncheon tomorrow."

Sela leaned closer against Seven and spoke softly and inquiringly into her ear. "Luncheon, what is this about a luncheon?"

Seven replied. "I have not had time yet to ask your permission. Earlier Lady D'len expressed an interest in seeing the beautiful items of apparel that you provided me. I informed her that perhaps she could join me in my quarters and I could show them to her. I thought perhaps I could show her the gardens and we could lunch. Of course with your permission."

Efok, overhearing the conversation chuckled. "General Sela. This is a plot don't you see. My wife will come back from this soirée and demand that I buy her gowns. She will bore me with details of how beautiful the ones Lady Annika has and hers but rags in comparison. Your own lady will rave on about the beautiful jewelry my wife has and demand that you provide her with ones that will outshine them."

B'Elanna pushed her elbow back and into Efok's stomach, causing him to exhale sharply. "I have been on this trading trip for weeks now with nothing to do but read the same novels over and over and entertain your trading cronies and listen to your boring talk of merchandise and profits. I meet someone who appreciates the finer things in life and wish a little time to talk about them and you accuse me of having ulterior motives. I wish to show her those gorgeous pieces of jewelry you gave me and you make a joke of it." B'Elanna pouted nicely and went back to picking morsels of food from the platter, a displeased expression on her face.

Seven was impressed at B'Elanna's acting skills and then she remembered the time a few weeks ago when B'Elanna's shuttle had crashed on a planet and she was forced to participate as an actor. Harry Kim had been separated from her as he used an escape pod before the shuttle crashed. He had found her later and they did repairs to the shuttle, which led to Voyager finding them. B'Elanna had just told a relieved Seven the basics of the adventure, never going into detail about her experience as an actor. Seven made a mental note to have B'Elanna tell her more about her role and perhaps recite some of the scenes.

There were snickers around the table and Efok held up his hand in surrender. "I apologize my sweet and to you also Lady Annika. I do understand that some feel about clothes and jewelry as I do about fine wines."

Seven noted that Efok was rolling his eyes behind B'Elanna's back when saying the last part. She heard Sela snicker at this. Sela replied. "If my lady wishes, then I give her permission to receive Lady D'len as her guest."

Seven lowered her voice and replied. "Thank you." Her eyes however were on B'Elanna.

Janeway was getting a headache from all the clashing colors and optical lighting and strobes that the large canvas incorporated. She had arrived a few minutes before on an invitation from Vlara to meet her and Phoebe at the Gallery showing in San Antonio where Phoebe had invited the young woman over a week ago. Phoebe wasn't showing any of her work here, she was going to support an artist friend of hers from Qo'noS. The title of this work was 'Targ Hunt". She wasn't one for this type of abstract art, preferring pieces that were more prosaic where you knew what you were looking at. She sure couldn't see anything resembling a Targ in this piece.

She looked over to where Phoebe and Vlara were, talking to the artist and others. She noted with a pang of jealousy that Vlara and Phoebe were holding hands. 'Now Katie, don't go reading anything into that, it's just a cultural affectation. Nothing going on there. You've seen Vlara every night now at Mother's and would know if there is something between the two.' She was thinking about walking over to make her presence known when Vlara glanced around and saw her, smiled widely, and said a few words to those in the group and still smiling walked over to Janeway.

"You have come. Phoebe stated you would find some excuse at the last minute not to come." She reached out and took Janeway by the hand, smiling, showing those two gorgeous dimples.

Janeway couldn't help but smile back. "Well, I am still a little tired from doing all that moving yesterday. I wouldn't be here if I had it to it do by myself. Thanks for helping out."

"You are very welcome. How was your first night in your dwelling?"

Janeway smiled at her use of dwelling, instead of apartment. "Strange, after being away for so long. I finally got to sleep after reading up on some Starfleet memorandums."

They were interrupted by Phoebe who had just walked up and apparently overheard Janeway's comment. "Gods, Kathryn, you're supposed to be on vacation, can't you enjoy yourself a little."

Janeway quipped back. "Who says I'm not. I just needed something to put me to sleep and what better to do it than start on Starfleet memorandum. "

Phoebe exclaimed "Surely not the ones for the past six years or so."

Janeway rolled her eyes. "No Phoebe, a lot of those I read while in the Delta Quadrant after we had contact with Starfleet through the array. These were the more recent ones."

Phoebe changed the subject. "I thought you would beg off coming You pick up some appreciation for abstract Klingon art while in the Delta Quadrant?"

"Not on your life, I just thought I would drop by and see if I can't interest you two in dinner tonight at Chan Yongs in San Francisco, my treat." She let her eyes settle on Vlara.

Phoebe noticed where her sister's interest lay and tried not to smirk. She covered it quickly by saying. "Well, I have an invitation to attend a little dinner get together with the artist and gallery owners. I really don't see how I can get out of it. Of course, Vlara is invited too. I told them I would ask, but…" turning to Vlara she said, "These things are boring for someone outside the art field. As much as it pains me to say this, my sister will be much more entertaining."

Janeway punched Phoebe in the shoulder lightly and looked at Vlara. "We can make it another night if you wish."

Vlara smiled and turned to Phoebe. "Tell the artist I am honored but I have another commitment."

Phoebe gave Janeway a quick wink and said. "No problem. You might want to stay at Kathryn's tonight. Knowing her, she will want to show you some of the Bay by moonlight after dining and it would be late when you got in. Not that I mind picking you up at the transporter station."

Vlara looked at Janeway expectantly "Would this be a problem?"

"Not at all. I have the spare room already made up. You know, we could get up early and I could take you for a tour of Starfleet headquarters."

Phoebe snorted. "Starfleet Headquarters! You sure know how to show a girl a good time don't you?"

Janeway blushed but was relieved when Vlara said. "I would enjoy doing that."

Janeway smiled and said. "I can introduce you to some old friends and colleagues, and we can have lunch in the cafeteria."

Phoebe had a pleased expression on her face as she said. "Well, looks like you two have a …date…if you will excuse me, I see someone I must talk to."

She quickly departed leaving a red faced Janeway who glanced at Vlara, relieved to see that the expression on her face did not indicate that she had any idea what Phoebe had really been implying.

It had been a pleasant evening. Janeway thought the dinner was a success. She had ordered a platter of the different varieties of oriental style foods and enjoyed watching Vlara try each one. She took pleasure in the young woman's obvious enjoyment. They had talked of many things when Vlara had looked suddenly sober and said. "I am concerned that your friendship with me may present problems with your career in Starfleet."

Janeway looked concerned and inquired, "How so, because you are Romulan or because your mother is Admiral and one of the most powerful people in the Empire."

Vlara glanced down and back up meeting Janeway's eyes. "Both."

Janeway smiled wryly, reached across the table, and covered Vlara's hand. "There is nothing to worry about. I choose my own friends and Starfleet has no say in that. They are well aware that you and I are in daily contact with each other. I will not lie to you and say that your name has not come up in conversations I have had with a few colleagues. I told them the truth. That you had family here and were carrying out a family duty, which did not involve Starfleet or the Federation at all." Janeway paused for a second as if weighing some decision, then said. "I must confess. I have other reasons for wanting to take you to Starfleet headquarters. I do want to show you around but Admiral Shanmir approached me and asked if I thought you would be interested in a civilian role as an advisor on Romulan culture. Since protocol and diplomatic functions are under his auspices, I think he would like to have knowledge of the social customs of Romulus."

Vlara looked somewhat surprised. "What you are saying Kathryn is that Starfleet and the Federation would perhaps have need of this knowledge in the foreseeable future, that is, if the current overtures of agreeable cooperation between Romulus and The Federation should lead to formal diplomatic relations. What did you inform this Admiral Sha…"

"Shanmir. I informed him that you were a cultured Romulan coming from the highest social caste, which he already knew, that you were amiable, intelligent, well spoken, interesting, a good conversationalist and had an open mind. I also informed him that I would let him judge that for himself when he had a chance to meet you."

Vlara pursued her lips and said. "I am flattered but why did you not inform me of this when you made the invitation earlier to tour Starfleet headquarters?"

Janeway said one word. "Phoebe."

Vlara smiled in understanding. "Phoebe has made it known to me that she does not like Starfleet. She would cast their offer in the worst light possible."

Janeway smirked. "Exactly. I was approached yesterday by the Admiral. Rest assured, it was probably discussed by other Starfleet Admirals and agreed upon prior to the inquiries of Admiral Shanmir."

"I will think on this tonight. I do find this offer interesting."

Janeway smiled and said. "Oh, and I was not flattering you but telling only the truth when I described you to Admiral Shanmir."

Vlara flushed and bit her lower lip. "Thank you."

Janeway thought the reaction endearing. 'Watch it Katie. You could fall hard for this one.' Then she mentally sighed and added. 'Who am I kidding? I'm falling and falling hard."

They left the restaurant soon afterward but the notorious San Francisco fog had rolled in and made a walk around the bay impossible. So it was decided to go back to Janeway's apartment.

Janeway opened the door to her apartment and allowed Vlara to enter before her. You know where everything is. Just make yourself at home. I'm going to make some coffee, would you like a cup?"

"Yes, thank you. I'm going to use your facilities."

Janeway went to her kitchen area and instead of using the replicator, used a percolator instead. It was an old tried and true method of brewing coffee through real beans. Janeway had missed this in the Delta Quadrant. To her this was the way coffee was intended to be prepared and enjoyed. And it was great that Vlara had discovered she liked the brew while staying at her mother's home. She also enjoyed it black 'a woman after my own heart'. she sighed and her thoughts ran to another meaning for the phrase. 'I can only hope.'

The coffee was soon done and Janeway poured two cups. Turning quickly she ran into Vlara, who had come up behind her, both hot cups emptied onto the chest and arms of the young woman who cried out and quickly stepped back, holding her sodden blouse out from her chest, a pained looked on her face.

"Oh my gods, here take your blouse off quickly, I will go and get the dermal regenerator."

Janeway hurried into her bedroom and into her bathroom. She had unpacked everything and reaching into one of the drawers, found the small household emergency dermal regenerator that was a part of her first aid supplies and hurried back to the kitchen.

Vlara had her shirt and chemise off. She was at the sink holding a wad of wet paper towels against her chest and breast, eyes closed in obvious pain. Janeway placed her hand on the young woman's right shoulder and turned her around. "Here, let me tend to that." She sucked in her breath at the red areas and slight blistering of the flesh on Vlara's upper chest and the tops of her breasts. She waved the regenerator over the scalded area and noted the lessening of the redness. She continued for around a minute, running the regenerator only a fraction from the skin. Her hand felt the heat radiating from Vlara's body. She couldn't help but notice the hardened coral nipples on well rounded pert breasts. Janeway thought 'these would nicely fit in my hands'.

She then realized what she had been doing and tried to step back. However a pair of soft but firm arms grasped her around the shoulders and pulled her tightly against the objects of her admiration. She looked up, stunned, and her mouth was captured by a soft pair of lips in a firm and hot kiss. She stiffened and then relaxed, her own mouth opening to let Vlara enter, or was it she who entered into the warm wet velvet softness, her tongue caressing and being caressed. Suddenly the velvet softness was thrust from her and she was pushed away, a breathless cry bringing her to her senses.

"I…please…forgive me." Vlara made an attempt to turn but Janeway gripped her by her arms and brought her forcibly against her, placing a hot long kiss on Vlara's mouth.

Vlara deepened the kiss and melted into Janeway. She groaned and Janeway caught the sound in her mouth and returned it. They parted then. Janeway shaken and looking into the passionate and half lidded eyes of the other woman. "I've wanted to do that for sometime now, and more, much more. It would be so easy to let this go on to doing something we may both regret. We need to talk."

Vlara licked her lips and said. "Yes. I agree we do need to talk."

Janeway looked down at the naked breasts pressed against her front. "Go over to the couch, I'll get you one of my shirts." She hurried off to her bedroom and opening a drawer, and snatched out a slate blue tee shirt emblazoned with a Starfleet emblem on the front. Janeway had noticed that they were very close to each other in height, but Vlara was much more filled out. She thought this shirt would fit, as it was a little big on her.

Janeway returned to the living room and quickly handed the shirt to Vlara, turning her eyes away as the young woman dressed. She set down on the couch and noted the young woman staring intently at her folded hands, her mouth quivering. She took Vlara by the hand, and cupped the young woman's chin, forcing her gaze up to look her in the eyes. "Talk to me Vlara. Where do you want to go with this? I'm on unsure ground here."

Vlara sighed and felt her eyes tear. "I am in love with you Kathryn. I love you and I don't know what to do."

Janeway leaned over and kissed each eye lid, catching the tears before they fell. "I can't say that I love you yet Vlara, but I am so close. I think of you when I wake and when I fall asleep. I'm not one who loves easily. I've been hurt before. I don't want to go into this and lose you when you decide to go home. I can't do that. What is it you want Vlara?"

"I want to give my love to you Kathryn. I want you to love me. I look at you and see my tomorrows. I would not leave you if you let me into your heart. For me it would be forever."

Janeway swallowed hard, and felt the ache in her jaws and behind her eyes, which met, she wasn't far from tears. She drew Vlara's mouth to hers. The young women wrapped her arms around Janeway and eagerly kissed her.

Finally, breathless, Janeway broke the kiss and said. "I'm not sure of the cultural nuances here. I would like to explore the possibility of a committed relationship with you. Is there some custom I must adhere to?"

Vlara's eyes had a bright twinkle with a decidedly mischievous look. "Yes you must present my mother with a gift of fine spirits and food and request that you are allowed to court me and that your intentions are honorable."

At seeing the stumped look on Janeway's face, she stated. "I am only teasing. It is a custom that is sometimes still adhered to. But no, it is up to the two individuals involved to decide to court, much as it is with your North American mating customs."

"Oh, and you know this how?"

"I have a particular interest in North American mating customs and have been studying them of late."

Janeway reared back slightly humor crinkling the corner of her eyes. "Am I to be a field study then?"

Vlara smiled, her dimples deep and Janeway thought she was absolutely adorable. "No. But I do need practical application of the various methods I have studied."

Janeway laughed heartedly. "What you need is a study partner. I think I can provide that. I must tell you though, I've not studied Romulan mating customs. You may have to help me out there."

"They are quite similar in many aspects to human mating customs. I'm not an expert but I believe I can give you some …assistance."

Janeway then looked unsure. "You've not been involved with anyone?"

Vlara gave Janeway a shy look. "No. I have never found anyone, until now, that I have these feelings for or wished to involve myself with in…that way."

"I see."

"You think because I am inexperienced, I may find that this is not what I want. I can only say, you make my blood heat and my heart beat fast. Your very being pulls me both body and soul to you. I am sure that it is the ancient stirrings of the blood fever, the desire to mate that I am feeling. It is not that rare that many Romulans instinctively know their mates upon meeting them. And Kathryn Janeway, from the moment I met you, I was drawn to you. I may have not known why, but now I do."

Kathryn smiled and drew Vlara tightly against her, Kissing her deeply. Janeway too felt an ancient human stirring. The desire to mate, to give love and take love. To share all her hopes and dreams, fears and desires with this young woman. Perhaps, to share all of her tomorrows with Vlara.

"Oh Lady Annika. This spot by the fountain is nice. Let's take our lunch here." B'Elanna motioned to a soft carpet of blue grass that butted against the side of the large round fountain. The spot was bordered on two sides by an area of blue and coral flowing growth almost a meter high and was just barely big enough for the two women and their meal.

B'Elanna winked at Seven, causing the young woman to raise her left eye brow and glance furtively at Ulan Glaria, who was setting the blanket on the ground and placing the large basket on it. However, the young Ulan had not noticed the exchange. While usually having two guards, this had been reduced in the last few days to just one. Seven did not know the reason for this and decided it was unimportant since it met one last set of eyes to spy on her.

Earlier, B'Elanna had been in Seven's quarters ohhing and ahhing over the fine gowns and wardrobe Seven displayed, stressing that it was Sela who chose her wardrobe. It was all she could do not to go into a blood rage and rip the garments to threads. How dare that woman give her be'nal such intimate gifts. Gifts that only she, Seven's spouse had the right to give. The cold fury must have shown in her eyes, as Seven looked at her and blanched. B'Elanna tried hard to dampen her underlying rage and it tore at her very soul to think that Seven thought she was the cause of her dark looks.

Seven settled herself on the blanket and B'Elanna beside her. The guard had no choice but to leave the small area and go back to the main path, some 25 feet away. Seven reached into the basket, brought out a small device, and placed it on a blanket. Immediately the sound of mellow music issued forth. "I thought we might enjoy music in these surroundings."

B'Elanna smirked, knowing that the music would serve to drown out their conversation. "How very nice. Yes it is does set the mood."

Seven removed the carafe of wine and the food from the basket and put them on the blanket before them. "Please, select what you wish."

B'Elanna's eyes were melting as she gazed at Seven. She said softly as not to be overheard above the music. "Bang'wl, Gods how I wish I could take you into my arms. You don't know how I ache to hold you."

Seven swallowed hard, her breathing coming through parted lips. "I do know. I have no other wish but to hold you also."

They stared at each other and B'Elanna noted Seven suddenly grab a glass and start pouring. "Here Lady D'len. Try this, it is a local drink made from the juice of a fruit tree that grows in profusion here. I find it quit refreshing" B'Elanna then heard a soft rustling near by and surmised that Seven's acute Borg hearing had picked up the guards movements. After a few seconds, she could hear the sound receding.

She took the glass from Seven and chuckled lightly. "Bet she is bored out of her wits at our conversation."

Seven smirked. "Indeed, I find I am bored discussing fashion." Her eyes softened and she added. "However, I am not bored at hearing the sound of your voice."

B'Elanna smiled. "Seven." She said the name with all the love she felt. Both woman stared at each other for long seconds and B'Elanna took the gold pendent from around her neck and said loudly. "I wish to give you this gift lady Annika. I believe it becomes you. I got it on Telokso III. It is said that it imbues the wearer with protection against misfortune. Here let me fasten it around your neck."

Seven turned her torso slightly and B'Elanna slid over on the blanket behind Seven and placed it around her neck, quickly placing a kiss on the nape. She whispered low in Seven's ear. "Don't take it off for any reason. It has certain properties that will be needed to escape here."

She slid back and Seven turned, her hands fingering the filigree work.

"It looks wonderful on you Lady Annika." B'Elanna reached over and deliberately knocked the Carafe of juice over. "Oh, how clumsy of me." Both women quickly stood looking at the spreading stain on the blanket. "I am so sorry. Perhaps we can have your servant get us another Carafe and blanket"

Seven smirked and said loudly. "Ulan, Ulan."

A few seconds later, Ulan Glaria appeared. Seven indicated the spilled carafe and blanket. "We will need another Carafe of Plimal Juice and a blanket. Please go back to my quarters and retrieve us another."

Ulan Glaria looked momentarily flummoxed then replied. 'Lady, my orders are to stay with you."

Seven stood up to her full Borg height, seeming to tower above the young soldier and said in her most cold Borg voice. "You were also ordered to obtain for me items that I may need were you not?" She looked the young woman up and down disdainfully. "I shall inform General Sela that you would not do this simple request for me. I shall get it myself." She bent down to remove the blanket and said to B'Elanna. "This garden is secured with force fields. Perhaps this Ulan is delusional and thinks that I have the ability to walk through them." B'Elanna had retrieved the carafe and glared at the young Ulan. "Our luncheon is ruined." She looked at Seven, her expression angry. "For what it is worth lady, I shall tell Efok to inform General Sela that her staff is woefully under trained. Perhaps she will get you a new 'servant'. One who is more attentive to 'her' Lady's needs."

Glaria sighed and reached out her hand for the blanket and empty carafe. She took them and said. "I will return shortly with what you have requested."

When she had disappeared out of sight, B'Elanna said. "Here is the plan."

Sela eyed the necklace around Seven's neck and motioned at it with her glass. "I've seen that somewhere. Ah, yes. Last night. Efok's wife was wearing it. How did you come by it?"

Seven stood a few feet away, having just arrived for dinner. Tonight she wore a sedate light gray tunic with a black belt and shoes. Sela did not pick this outfit, Seven did. Many nights Sela would not request that Seven wear a particular outfit and Seven always tended to pick the less reveling pieces. Not caring that she still drew the fascinated stares of those that encountered her in the facility. Seven continued to wear her hair down at dinner, not wanting Sela to decide to let it down for her thus touching her in so intimate a gesture.

"D'len gave it to me today at our luncheon."

"My but you surprise me by wearing it. It seems strange that you would even be interested in such. I'm sure the Borg did not have a use for such irrelevant items as Jewelry."

"They did not. I, however, am no longer Borg and I find the artisanship and design aesthetically pleasing. If you wish, I shall remove it." Seven mentally held her breath.

"No. If it pleases you, leave it on. It will give me incentive to purchase pieces for you. Though my dear Annika, you yourself are a jewel and do not need to wear them."

Seven bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement of the compliment, not because she agreed but wished Sela to think that she was thawing to her presence and comments. This was a dangerous game she was playing, but if it meant Sela thought she was becoming used to her captivity and no longer as adverse to Sela herself, it could mean that their chances for B'Elanna's plan to work were good. She just had to arrange to see Harry Kim in the gardens again and slip to him one of the pistols B'Elanna had slipped to her and a brief outline of the plan.

Sela again looked carefully at Seven. "I can't imagine that you have anything in common with Efra's wife, what was her name…D'lon…"

"D'len"

"D'len. A pretty woman, but no doubt her world revolves around fashion, parties and common gossip of whose spouse is sleeping with whom. I imagine you were somewhat bored."

Seven forced a small smile on her face. "You are correct Sela. Her interests do lie in those items you mentioned. However, I found her company to be entertaining. She is widely traveled and had many descriptive and interesting stories concerning the various 'peccadilloes' of some of the local cultures on many planets"

Sela snorted. "I would have never thought you would be interested in anthropology. Physics, stellar phenomenon and technology seem to be what we have mostly discussed. Perhaps I am boring you and should expand our dinner discussions to include varying cultural aspects of different species and such."

"You are not boring. I find our discussions interesting and informative. However, since I was on Voyager, I have always taken an interest in the different cultural aspects of many species. Including an appreciation for art, music and literature from many worlds and times. Captain Janeway had a holo program that was the studio of one of earth's renowned artistic and scientific minds of his times. I found it…stimulating." She paused only momentarily before continuing.

"D'len has many items of art and antiquities on her ship. She has invited me to dine and to see and discuss them. She states that Efok will be more than pleased to allow her to entertain me. She also extended the invitation to you. She has many fine and rare foods that cannot be found anywhere else in this sector and states her brother, Tomos, knows how to prepare them."

Sela thought for a moment. "I've been on Efok's ship for dinner before. His dining room is opulent, as is the general living area of his ship. Not to my taste, but the food is delicious. I will check my schedule and get in touch with him on a date. Now, I have many delicacies also for our consumption. Let us to dinner."

Sela walked the few steps up to Seven and lightly grasped her elbow. Entering the dining room, Seven's spirit sank as she saw only one couch, for two, at the table.

Seven combed her hair about her shoulders and brought her left hand up to feel the pendent that hung around her neck. Its bright gold went well with the new wine colored gown she wore. B'Elanna had warned her to keep it on her person always, as it would offer protection when the plan for her and Harry's escape feel into place. She smoothed the gown about her ankles and rearranged the small handgun more comfortably into the top of her short suede boots. She would have to be careful in her walk not to show the tops, which went only a few inches above her ankle. She wondered if B'Elanna would think her beautiful in this gown. Then abruptly thought. 'She will hate it as it is a gift from Sela.' At that moment, she wished she could tear it from her body and rip it to threads.

Perhaps in a way it was fitting that this would be the last time Sela would see her in a gown that she chose. After tonight, she would never have to dress in clothes chosen for her by Sela nor dine with her captor again. She had to trust in the plan that B'Elanna, Tom and Efok had set in motion. How could it fail. Sela was walking right into the brig, so to speak. The only problem was if Harry could manage to extricate himself from his captors.

It had been two days since B'Elanna had managed to sneak to her the two small hand weapons. She kept one for herself and the other she had given to Harry that morning in the garden.

She had requested that she be allowed to play a game of Kadis Kot with Harry out of doors, since the weather was mild and she had not had the chance to see him in person in over five days. The request was granted and she had Ulan Glaria carry a small ground table and a cushion for her to sit. She carried the Kadis Kot game.

Harry was waiting for her with his guard, which on this occasion had been reduced to one. She led him to the area that she and B'Elanna had used two days before, where the table was set up and she sat on her cushion, opening up the game. She had told her guard to return to her quarters and get another cushion for Harry, as she did not want him sitting on the hard ground. Glaria had left to do so. This only left Harry's guard. She set up the board quickly and took out the game pieces. "I believe I have lost a game piece. It must have dropped out of the box while walking here." Harry looked around the table, Seven looked at his guard and said "Ulan, please help us look, I believe I could have lost it on the path here."

Harry's guard immediately began to search the ground and retrace their steps. This was all the opportunity that Seven needed to quickly take the small gun from her boot and pass it to Harry. His eyes had grown large and he had looked momentarily bewildered but quickly hid the piece in his boot, pulling his trousers' leg back over his boot tops. Seven stated. "Tonight, all power will go off. Get to the garden and exit the back. Go to the spaceport. 3rd pad down…" She broke off quickly as the two guards had returned, but noted that Harry understood her. The small spaceport was right next to the gardens and Harry had told her previously that he had a good view of the ships berthed there. Mostly they were small shuttles and small private ships. The port was too small for large warships. She was hoping he could break the door to the balcony, drop the short distance to the garden below, and make his escape, as the force fields would be inoperable.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her door chimes, she did not have to answer it, as her guard would wait a few seconds and enter. Seven went to her living area and folded her hands behind her back, Ulan Glaria stopped just inside the door, "Lady Annika, I am to accompany you to the general's quarters first then we will proceed to dinner."

Seven nodded her head and preceded Glaria outside the door and down the hall to Sela's apartments.

Seven waited in the anti chamber. She was joined by Sela, who looked her over appraisingly. Sela smiled and said. "How lovely you are." She turned and went to a small side table and retrieved a small dark maroon oblong box and bought it over to Seven and handed it to her.

"Lagga uh' j hu (A flower for an Angel)."

Seven looked carefully at the box, wondering what it contained.

"Open it. I assure you it is harmless."

Seven glanced up, noted Sela's eyes were bright, and she wore a small smile as if pleased.

Seven looked back down, released the small gold clasp on the box, and lifted the lid. There among soft wine velvet was a round faceted stone of white, it caught the light in rainbow hues. 'A diamond' she thought, then noted it had an iridescent gold sheen . It was set in a thin gold simple frame attached to a slim gold chain."

"Well? I picked it out myself. It is very rare gem from Catslittay in the Ocelor system."

"It…it is esthetically pleasing. I thank you." Seven kept her eyes on the gem, not wanting Sela to read in her eyes her true feelings. Those of anger.

Sela reached for the box and took it out of Sevens hand. She removed the jewel and put the box on a close by table. "Here, let me put it on for you. Now, D'len will envy you tonight."

Seven panicked for a moment. That would mean she would have to take off the pendant that B'Elanna gave her.

She said quickly and a little to forcefully, "No. I will put it on."

Sela looked somewhat stricken and said. "Is my touch still so …distasteful to you? Don't think I haven't noticed the way your body stiffens and the little flinches you give when I touch you. Here, you put it on. However, know this Annika, I am growing impatient waiting for you to come to me. I find myself wanting to take you." She paused looking at Seven's wide eyes and stepped forward, grasping her face and planting a kiss on her lips. Seven did not move, nor did she return the kiss. Sela broke the kiss and drew back slowly . "Yes. I find myself wanting you very much, willing or not."

Seven wanted to rub the hateful kiss from her lips and snarl and scream at Sela, but held back, lest somehow it ruin the plans for dinner and escape. She slipped the gold pendent from over her head, Sela reached for it and placed it in the empty jewel box. Holding the ends of the slim chain in her hands she slipped it around her neck and using her Borg enhanced left thumb and forefinger quickly snapped the tiny clasp off. She looked at Sela and said. "Sela, I believe I need your assistance. I cannot seem to secure it. She handed the jewel to Sela and turned around lifting the golden mane from around her shoulders and baring the back of her neck. Sela looked closely at the piece and said. "It is broken. This is unforgivable. How dare the artisan sell this to me in this state. I hope you aren't too disappointed. I will have it repaired in plenty of time for you to show it off at another dinner."

Sela took the gold pendant from the box and stepped up to Seven, placing the pendent over her head. She smoothed out the long chain and allowed her hand to trace the length to where it fell at the beginning of the valley between Seven's Breast. Seven felt her knuckles graze her skin. It took all of her will power not to shudder and draw back. Sela leaned forward and drew Seven into her arms and kissed her cheek, then slid her lips to Seven's. Parting only slightly she ordered. "Kiss me, open your mouth for me." Seven parted her lips and felt Sela's tongue slip between her teeth and stroke her tongue.

Seven repeated mentally, over and over to her self. "This is irrelevant. It means nothing, this is nothing, it holds no relevancy."

Sela drew back slowly, her pupils dilated. She stepped back and searched Seven's face with hot eyes, as if looking for some reaction. She then said. "I am vacillating on whether to send my regrets to Efok and spend some…quality time with you alone tonight."

Seven was silent. She would not meet Sela's eyes.

She heard a sigh. "However, I do not want to disappoint you or his wife and what I have in mind can wait until after dinner."

There was silence again. As if Sela was waiting for Seven to comment on what she had said.

Seven thought to break this silence, she did not want Sela's hot stare on her. It was too easy to read what lay beneath the meaning of 'quality time'. "Again I…I thank you for the gift. It is aesthetically pleasing."

Sela smiled. "I am pleased. I find that I enjoy buying things for you. Expect many more gifts of jewelry in the future. We should go now. It is time. I thought we would walk through the Gardens to the spaceport. It is beautiful at night. I have programmed the fountains to reflect varying hues of colored lights, and I do not believe you have seen the night sky. I believe all three moons are in the sky tonight."

There was a chime at the door. Sela looked up. "Enter." Two Tal Shiar of high rank entered and saluted. "Yes. What is it?"

"General. We just found this on the prisoner Kim." He turned and motioned for another officer to step forward, this officer handed Sela a small hand weapon. The one Seven had given Harry. Sela studied it for a moment. "Where did he get it?"

"He would not say. His guard noticed that his gait did not seem right, and suspected his boot was bothering him. Kim denied this. When he was bathing, his guard checked his boots and pants and found this in the leg of his trousers. We have him in the brig awaiting your orders."

Sela turned her gaze on Seven, frowning. "What do you know of this?"

"Nothing." Seven knew that she had to deny knowing anything for now. She was not used to dissembling, and hoped by keeping her comments short, Sela would not know she was doing so.

Sela looked hard at her and turned to one of her officers. "Have her taken to her quarters. Search them for weapons or anything else unusual. Have two guards keep an eye on her at all times. I will interrogate the prisoner myself. Contact Efok and tell him that I regret that we will not be able to dine with him tonight due to important business that just came up."

Before Seven left the room with her guards, Sela looked at her and said. "My Annika, It would sadden me greatly if you knew about this. If you have any knowledge at all, tell me now and I will be very lenient with you."

Seven stood straight in her Borg pose, her hands behind her back. "I know nothing."

"Very well. I shall have to punish you if you are lying." She raked her eyes slowly down Seven's length and back up to her face, leering slightly. Then motioned with her head for Seven to go.

Seven turned and was led out by her guards.

"What do you mean they're not coming? What did they say?"

Efok wanted to hold his hands over his ears at B'Elanna's loud scream. "That important business just came up that Sela must attend to and she sends her regrets. I tried to get more information, but the guard was tight lipped. I have a bad feeling about this. We need to decide our next course of action."

Tom stated. "Hey, Brod and I have made a few friends here in the port, maybe they know something. We could contact them on the pretense of going out to a tavern and talk them up.

B'Elanna looked at him and stated. "Do it now. I too have a bad feeling about this. DAMN, we were so close. I have to get in touch with Seven. Trouble is they won't let her have direct outside communications. I have to go through Sela's officers to speak to her directly over communications. She ran to the communication console and looked impatiently at Paris who was busy talking to someone. He closed the channel and said. "Orders are everyone is confined to base tonight. They are not letting anyone communicate unless it is over official channels. Hell, they're blocking out the video portion for some reason. I couldn't even get a look at who I was talking to."

B'Elanna bumped Paris out of the chair and sat, quickly pushing in the code. "Yes. This is Efok's wife, D'len. I would like to speak to Lady Annika, it is urgent. What do you mean I have to go through a senior officer? Well, get one." B'Elanna held her breath and a few long seconds later stated. "I see. Well, when can I expect to be able to speak to an officer in charge? What is going on, all the officers at some party or another? Oh. Then I will call later."

B'Elanna cut the channel and blew her breath out in frustration. "No communications by civilians allowed until further orders and all personnel are ordered to their post."

Efok sighed. "This is bad. If they have a general lock down and forbid troops from contacting the outside, that could mean there is something internally that is going on, something among the ranks or …It does not bode well. We need to make a decision and a plan, quickly. The prisoners would more than likely be in their quarters in an emergency. Unless of course it involves them. We will use the deadening device, D'len, we must go though the garden and try to get your friends out that way. Sela is another matter. She will be surrounded by troops. I will just have to go to plan B. Kill her."

"And you are going to do this how?"

"Detonate a photonic device. It's already in place, hidden amongst a shipment of wine. In fact, it looks like a bottle of wine.

B'Elanna looked at him, with her mouth half open.

Efok, laughed. "Don't worry. It is set to go off ten minutes after the deadening device's effect dies. Quite simple you see, the clock goes off and when restarted it triggers the count down, then boom. We should be well clear of the area by then."

"Uh-huh. Didn't think it important enough to tell Tom and me I suppose. Plan B, huh. And this from the man who states he plans everything when needed. What if we can't get Seven and Harry out, then what?"

"Unfortunately they will be casualties of war."

B'Elanna's face fused red and she snarled, shaking in her rage. "This wasn't about saving my friends at all was it? It was always about Sela".

Efok sobered and answered. "Truthfully, as far as Admiral Telir was concerned, it was about freeing your friends. However, Admiral Telir herself is a game piece. My true orders come from the Proconsul himself and yes, his goal is Sela dead or alive and the destruction of the Tal Shiar. The Empire's survival depends on this. It may seem that I have no honor in my actions. However, one thing I am and that is a loyal Romulan. My loyalty to her can't be bought and I will do what it takes to help keep her safe. My honor is for Ch'Rihan alone."

B'Elanna closed her eyes, her rage making her tremble, she stated through clenched teeth. "Efok, I should kill you now, but I need you. Pray to all the gods you hold dear that I get my wife and friend back. Because I will kill you if I don't."

"I'll help you do that B'Elanna." Tom put a hand on B'Elanna's shoulder, his eyes cold blue steel, and stared hard into Efok's eyes.

Efok nodded and said. "Here is the plan."

Two guards stood menacingly in front of the inside door to Seven's quarters. They watched her intently as she sat on the divan, their weapons drawn. Her quarters were thoroughly searched, her clothing taken from the closet and gone through, drawers riffled, cushions, and pillows from her bed thrown about. She had been left some privacy to get out of her gown and dress in a tunic and trousers. She had also donned a pair of high top boots and slipped the pistol into the top of one. She thought of taking the gun and shooting them, but knew she would not get far. She thought of at least 32 plans of action she could do to distract them and disarm or kill them and 126 reasons why they would fail. She had to act. If she could access her computer, she could plunge her tubules into the auxiliary frame, perhaps access the main frame, shut down all power to the facility, and escape through the garden to the ship and to B'Elanna.

Perhaps she and B'Elanna could free Harry. However, she had orders to stay put on the couch and not move. She turned her thoughts to her be'nal. She was in danger also. Just then, all lights went out and there was silence so profound that Seven could only hear the surprised intake of breath from her guards. 'B'Elanna.' She drew out her handgun and using her Borg sight, shot both guards. There were no sounds but the buzz of the pellets as they were ejected at great velocity and the thuds of her two guards hitting the deck. She quickly went to the door leading to the garden and using her Borg strength tore the door open.

She heard running footsteps. The moonlight and her Borg vision let her see clearly that it was B'Elanna and two others, dressed as Tal Shiar, one was Efok and the other she thought to be Tom by the general body shape, though the face was Romulan. She ran a few steps forward and flung herself in B'Elanna's arms. Hugging her tightly. B'Elanna returned the hug and both women drawing back slightly, started to rain kisses on each other's mouth and face.

"Come on. Save that for later. We must get your companion. We can see no movement from his room."

"Sela's guard discovered the pistol I had secreted to him, 56. 4 minutes ago. She is interrogating him."

Efok answered. "I know where he is; Tomos and I will get him. You two go back to the ship. Leave if we are not back by 2108 hours."

Seven replied, her voice strained, "No. I will not go. I will assist in freeing Lieutenant Kim. I am his commanding officer."

B'Elanna inserted, "We do this together."

Efok huffed. "Very well then. You are our prisoner and we have orders to take you to Sela. There is no light so we will not be recognized."

They entered Seven's quarters, all three rescuers took out small lamps, Seven heard a faint hiss, and dry scraping sounds, and immediately each device omitted a bright light. Seven surmised that the devices operated by using gas and ignited by a small device that produced a spark when struck against a hard object.

Efok noticed the two bodies at the door, and stepped over them. He tried to pull the doors open but the lack of electrical impulse had sealed them shut. Seven stepped forward and using her Borg strength, quickly and efficiently tore them open.

Efok stared at her in shock. " Frahdha'nia Kholairlh-a nahi" (What in the element's name?)

Seven replied. "I am Borg."

"I…see." He then replied under his breath. "I wouldn't mind being assimilated by you."

B'Elanna who had overheard the remark shoved him hard from behind. All four stepped through. B'Elanna and Tom, who were on each side of Seven, followed Efok at the head of the group.

"The halls were empty, but the corridor ahead had the sound of movement. The small lanterns cast enough light to see at least 20 feet ahead. They heard a challenge.

"Identify yourself"

"Major Govor. I have orders to take the prisoner to Sela in the Interrogation room."

There were two Tal Shiar Their rank was difficult to make out, but they did wear thin officers' belts indicating they were of the lower ranks.

"Major, all the lifts are out. You will need to take the stair well down. I will show you."

"I know where it is. You are blocking the hallway. Find a room and get out of the way until the lights are on, unless you have orders to stay here."

"Right away, Major"

They quickly passed the officers, hurried, and turned a corner. Some three doors down, Efok stopped and tried the door. It too was sealed. He motioned Seven forward and she easily forced it open.

Going down two flights, they came to another door and Seven repeated her action. The door opened to a wide corridor. Immediately, they were challenged. "Halt. Do not move."

Efok and Tom played there lights over the faces of four Tal Shiar.

Efok sneered. "Out of my way, General Sela wants this prisoner and I am already late due to this power outage."

One officer stepped close. "Get that light out of my face. This is Colonel Wansor. All orders go through me and I issued no such orders. Who are you?" While saying this, he drew his pistol, not knowing that it would be ineffective due to the Deadening Device. The other three Tal Shiar followed suit.

Efok sneered. Wansor pulled his trigger and looked stunned when nothing happened. Efok had drawn his pistol and quickly shot all four officers. The party stepped over the bodies and up to the large door. Seven forced it opened and the others stepped in.

"What is the meaning of this? Who are you?" Efok turned his lamp to the voice and saw Sela standing with two officers. They had their weapons drawn. He methodically shot the two officers and turned his weapon on her.

"My dear General. I believe you have a dinner date to keep. You will arrive a little late, but I'm keeping the meal warm for you."

"Efok! You're behind this. You won't get out of here alive. Who are you working for?"

"Ch'Rihan. Now shut up. You can either be dead now, or keep your mouth shut and follow us. What is it to be, General?"

B'Elanna, Seven and Tom went to a chair were Harry Kim was strapped with a wire cage like contraption surrounding his head. Seven unhooked the device and Harry looked his friend in the eyes.

"He's alive. Hey Harry, can you hear me. Come on we have to get out of here. Seven and Tom helped him up to his feet and supported him between them. He moaned. "Where am I?"

Tom let out a relieved breath and said. "With Friends."

It had been easy to retrace their steps and exit the building through the gardens. They met with only two other Tal Shiar and these were quickly dispatched. Sela threatened what she would do to them but B'Elanna cuffed her up beside her head and said. "My choice was to kill you on sight. If you don't shut up and move faster, that's what I will do." For the short trip to the ship, Sela remained quiet.

Once in the ship. Efok ordered Brod to leave as fast as they could or in 10 minutes, they would go up with the compound.

The ship took off at such force, the inertial dampeners did not have time to kick in and all six were thrown to the ground. Sela had made a move for B'Elanna's weapon. Only to feel her self snatched back forcefully by the nape of her neck and a cold precise voice state.

"Touch her and I will terminate you."

The gravity kicked back in and all were on their feet again except for Harry.

He was conscious but weak and confused. Tom knelt beside him. "Hey buddy. You're safe now and we are on our way back home."

He looked confusedly at Tom. "Tom?"

"Yeah, me and B'Elanna had a little cosmetic job done to fit in with the local population. Come on now. Let's get you cleaned up and treated." He helped his friend up and led him to a door.

Sela looked at B'Elanna and Seven, who was at her side. She sneered and said to Seven. "My dear Annika. I am sorry to see that your little wife is ruining our beautiful moments together. Tell her about them, Annika. How you crave being in my arms."

B'Elanna growled, and Seven sneered, "You are delusional."

Sela looked at B'Elanna and said in a silky voice. "You know, I fucked that pretty wife of yours many nights. I had her begging me to make her come. And she did, so beautifully and so many times while I held her in my arms. It was my name she screamed ..."

.

Before she could finish, B'Elanna screamed in fury and slapped her hard across the face, knocking the woman to the ground and then she fell upon her with her hands around Sela's neck. Efok quickly interceded and pulled B'Elanna off. It was all he could do to restrain her. "Ignore her. Do not give her the satisfaction of thinking that her words have wounded you or that you believe them."

"Let me go, Efok. She dies now."

Efok pushed his gun barrel to B'Elanna's forehead. "She is too important to the Empire. You, however, are not." Seven made a step toward them put was stopped by Efok. "I will kill her. Now, here is what you are going to do. Both of you need to go to your quarters and calm down. I'll take the prisoner to a holding cell. I guarantee she is not going anywhere. Now. I'm letting you go. Go, your wife needs you."

He let loose his hold and waited until both made a move to go. He turned to Sela and said. "I have a room prepared just for you Sela. It has all the comforts you will need. A cot, sink and toilet. Room service of two meals a day will be provided. No need to tip the staff."

Seven preceded B'Elanna and entered her be'nal's quarters. She heard the door swish shut behind her, but did not turn. She felt arms encircle her waist and turn her gently around. She opened her eyes and met the dark liquid amber of B'Elanna's gaze. She lowered her head to the strong shoulders of her be'nal and cried. Her sobs shaking her.

"Shhh, bang'wl. It's all right. You're here with me. You're safe now."

Seven felt soft hands stroke her back and soft kisses in her hair. She was led to the bed and guided to sit on the edge, B'Elanna beside her, brushing the hair from her face, and the tears from her eyes.

"Look at me, bang'wl." She felt warm hands cup her chin and lift her gaze until she stared into the concerned eyes of her be'nal, noticing that they too were brimming with tears. "It's ok. I have you now. I won't let you go. Oh bang'wl. Everything will be ok. Trust me."

Seven tried to swallow past the lump in her throat. "I do trust you. Trust you with all my heart and soul." She looked intently at B'Elanna and said in a quavering voice. "I am afraid."

"Afraid? Of what bang'wl?"

"That you will believe what Sela told you. That you will believe that I betrayed our vows."

"Oh no, bang'wl. Never, never. I know she is lying. I love you be'nal, trust in that, believe in that. That will never change. Never." B'Elanna reached over and pulled the cover down on the bed. "Here, you're exhausted. Why don't you rest for a while."

Seven clenched B'Elanna's arm tightly and said beseechingly . "Do not go. Do not leave me alone."

"I'll stay as long as you like." B'Elanna helped Seven out of her tunic, and her chemise, she removed Seven's shoes and then her trousers, drawing them down her hips and letting them fall on the floor and guided Seven to lie back upon the pillow. She then removed her own tunic, boots and pants and slid in next to Seven, reaching down to draw up the covers over them. "Computer, lights out." Darkness surrounded them, except for a small night light near the door of the bathroom and the cold streaks of starlight outside the viewport next to the bed.

Seven shivered, a reaction to all that had happened. B'Elanna drew her head to her chest and stroked her back. "Rest, bang'wl. I have you for now and for always." She nestled her cheek into Seven's hair and breathed in the scent she had missed so much the past weeks. She felt the shivering cease and soon heard Seven's relaxed and even breathing, indicating that she was asleep. B'Elanna couldn't help that her mind played out Sela's words. "You know, I fucked that pretty wife of yours…" B'Elanna wanted then to get up and pay Sela a visit, to make Sela suffer and beg to die quickly. She felt bile rise to her throat at the thought of Sela touching her be'nal or forcing her to…'No, don't think it.' Now was not the time for revenge, Seven needed her. She needed to be an anchor for her be'nal, strong and steady, the lee side of an island, sheltered from the raging storm of raw emotion. She let her mind turn inward to that calm place that Tuvok had showed her and felt herself drift into sleep.

Seven woke slowly. She felt the warmth under her cheek and inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma that let her know she was home and safe in the arms of the one person who was her world. She was almost afraid to open her eyes, thinking that this might be a dream. After a few more moments of just enjoying the feel of her wife's nearness, she began to feel the stirrings of want and desire. She turned her head and nuzzled the soft breast next to her cheek. There was a groan from beneath her and she felt soft gentle arms enclose around her. She rose up on her right elbow and felt soft breath waft across her cheeks. She lowered her mouth to the softness of her be'nal and they moved their lips gently against each other. The kiss strengthened and deepened, soon the kiss progressed to open mouths, taking the very breath from each other.

Seven put her left leg over her be'nal's hips and moved against the warm thigh. 'I want you, bang'wl. Please, let me love you, please love me."

B'Elanna lifted her thigh up and pressed the warm flesh against Seven's juncture, feeling warm wetness. Seven moved slowly against her, and pressed her breasts against B'Elanna's breasts. She dropped her face on her be'nal's shoulder, her breathing becoming short and harsh. B'Elanna whispered in her ear. "Yes bang'wl, I'm yours, I love you, for now and always." Seven increased the thrusting of her hips and B'Elanna met it with the upward movement of her thigh. Seven rose up on her elbows, her breathing rapid and in the faint light B'Elanna could see that her eyes were tightly shut, her mouth open. Then, her strokes became shorter and faster, Seven threw back her head, exposing the beautiful long neck, like a swan's, B'Elanna thought, Seven groaned loudly for long seconds. She stopped all motion for a moment and B'Elanna felt her tremble and the flow of warm wetness on her upper thigh. Seven, still on her elbows, looked into B'Elanna's eyes, her eyes liquid silver in the reflection of stars and the dim light. She started to undulate her hips again and continued to stare into B'Elanna's eyes, soon, she closed them tight, and groaned, her mouth open as she screamed out "B'Elanna' and collapsed , in tears, into the waiting arms of her be'nal. B'Elanna stroked her and whispered through her own tears. "You are so beautiful, so very beautiful when you climax, bang'wl. Seeing that, it shatters me, shatters me into a billion pieces." She kissed the tip of Seven's nose. "Thank you for sharing that with me."

Seven nuzzled the side of B'Elanna's temple and said, "Now it is your turn to shatter me."

Seven slipped quietly down the corridor. She had left an exhausted B'Elanna sleeping soundly. She felt regret at having to extract herself from the warmth of her spouse, and the heady scent that lingered from their lovemaking, but she had a certain function to perform.

She had drawn up the ship's schematic on the small computer in B'Elanna's quarters and located where she needed to go.

She stopped in front of a set of doors. It was sealed of course, but this would not keep her from entering. She put her left wrist up to the lock pad and inserted the small slim tubules. The door hissed open and she entered. There were two cells side by side. The first contained her goal.

The occupant was awake and sitting on the edge of her cot. She quickly stood up and smirked. "Ah, you grace me with your company, Annika. What brings you here. Did you miss me?

Seven did not answer. She stood in front of the cell and looked at Sela. She pressed a recess on the side of the cell and the force field dropped. With faster than light speed, she stepped forward and roughly pushed a surprised Sela against the back wall her right forearm squeezing the General's throat. Sela struggled, but could not break the grip. Seven held up her left hand, making sure Sela saw it. She extended her tubules, they wiggled beyond her wrist like two blind worms, looking for a source to anchor to. Seven let them skitter across Sela's cheek and down to her throat. Sela tried to scream, but could not suck in air. Seven hissed close to her face. "You shall cease fabricating events that never occurred between us. You shall not disparage my wife, our relationship, or me. If you persist, I will grant you your heart's desire. I will assimilate you, you will then be mine, no thoughts of your own, no action that is not dictated by me, mine to command, a slave to my every wish. Resistance is futile. Do you comprehend?"

Seven did not wait for an answer, but quickly removed her forearm from Sela's throat. She turned and exited the cell reactivating the force field, not looking back, she made her way back to the warmth of her spouse.

Sela huddled on the floor her back against the wall, whimpering and trying to fight down the nausea.

Janeway fought the fog of sleep and tried to make sense of the words. She felt herself being lightly shaken and her name called from a far distance.

"Kathryn, get up, you have a message on your com console. Wake up."

She jerked into awareness and quickly slipped out of bed and over to the Com Console, which was persistent with its intermittent, beeps. The display screen showed the Starfleet seal and a streaming message. 'Incoming from Starfleet Command.'

She hit the receive button and quickly sat in the chair. She waited a few seconds and the Seal of Starfleet command dissolved. It was replaced by the face and torso of a young Vulcan Lieutenant. She had turned off the video portion on her end so that the young officer would not be able to view her in all of her naked glory, but he would be able to hear her.

"Admiral Janeway here."

"Admiral. I have a message for you from the Romulan Star Empire, it is a recording and was received 27. 5 minutes ago."

"Put it through"

She felt soft footsteps behind her and she was immediately draped with her housecoat. Soft warm hands rested on her shoulders. The screen showed the image of the Imperial Romulan Bird of Prey and cleared, Admiral Telir's face appearing.

"First let me say, congratulations on your promotion, Admiral Janeway. That however is not my main purpose in contacting you. Your missing crewmembers have been successfully found and all are well. We are to rendezvous with them in six days. We will then proceed to coordinates 6467 in the neutral zone to facilitate their return to Federation Space. We should arrive at that point 18 days from now. I hope that you can personally make the trip to receive them. If possible, I would like to see my daughter again. Admiral Telir signing off."

Janeway exclaimed. "What. That's all. No details. What am I to read into this? What about B'Elanna and Tom, no mention of them."

Vlara knelt, put her arms around Janeway's shoulder, and smiled. "My mother is deliberately leaving out pertinent details. You never know who is monitoring communications, even those over secure channels. What she is saying is that everything went well. All of your crewmembers are safe."

Janeway brought her hands up to her face and covered her eyes. She emitted a sobbing laugh of relief. Then the tears came. They were safe and she would go to the neutral zone and welcome them home. She felt warm arms enfold her and she leaned her head onto the soft shoulder.

Janeway felt somehow protected by this young woman. And free. Free to do something she had not done in years. Cry. She remembered the years of struggle to reach home and those she had lost along the way. Their faces etched in her memory forever. She was their captain. They had looked to her to protect them. She felt somehow that she had failed them. As part of her command training, officers were taught that they would lose crew to accident or war. That they would have to make the decision to send some to their deaths to protect the innocent and the many. She had accepted this responsibility. She would not have been a good captain if she had not. She recalled the many eulogies she had given over the almost seven years of their journey home. She had done what was required, laid them to rest, and returned to her duty as captain. She steeled her heart and never grieved. She had to be strong for her crew. They would see tears as a sign of weakness. Even in the privacy of her quarters, she did not allow herself to cry. For she feared that giving in once was like an alcoholic saying they will have just one drink.

Vlara just held her. She did not try to stop the tears. Perhaps she knew that Janeway was crying in not only relief at hearing the good news about Seven, Harry and the others, but crying for the ones who weren't coming home. Finally, when the tears and crying were done., Janeway lifted her head from the young woman's shoulder. "I've soaked your robe. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm here for you Kathryn. For your tears of joy and your tears of sorrow. Never hold those back from me. Or from yourself."

Janeway knew then that Vlara understood.

Janeway tried to give a force ten stare to the young woman. "And just what were you doing, sneaking up behind me and eavesdropping. This was a private communiqué from Starfleet you know. It could have contained top-secret information and I would be forced to take drastic measures."

Vlara snickered. "Oh, and what would those…drastic measures be?"

Janeway grabbed the young woman and brought her against her, feeling the warmth of her body through the thin silk robe. After a few moments, she broke the kiss and standing up, brought Vlara up with her, still holding her tight. "Do I need to demonstrate more drastic measures?"

Vlara replied, "hmm, I believe so. However, I am chilled. Demonstrate them in the warmth of our bed. I promise I will not try to escape."

They walked the few feet to the bed, Janeway sliding the robe off her shoulders and dropping it on the floor, she caught a glance of a white body sliding under the covers and holding them open for her. She quickly slid into place beside her lover, taking her in her arms and kissing her deeply. Arousal was already on the surface and was stoked easily.

It had been five weeks since that night in Janeway's kitchen, when she had accidentally doused Vlara with hot coffee. That night they took their relationship to the physical level and Janeway found that she could not get enough of the young woman, surprised that they had made love almost every night, often several times. Maybe she was making up for all those years on Voyager when she went without. No, that wasn't it. She couldn't remember a time when her libido was in warp drive this high. Not even in her younger days or with prior lovers. It was Vlara alone that ignited this inferno of all consuming want and need.

And need her she did. In so many ways. Not just physically but emotionally as well. This quiet and unassuming young woman from a distant world had managed to slip behind her defenses and make Kathryn Janeway do what she had never done before, not in her role of a Starfleet officer or in her private life.

Surrender.

B'Elanna looked in the hand mirror and smiled. The transformation from Romulan back to her former human-Klingon visage was done. At one time, she hated the forehead ridges, but now, she was glad to have them back as well as her wavy hair, which had grown well below her ears on the four week journey to the rendezvous point. They were a symbol of what she was and she would proudly wear them. She put the mirror down and looking up at her be'nal wagged her eyebrows. "I'm back". The huge smile of delight on her be'nal's face caused her heart to skip a beat.

"I have missed your ridges. You were…acceptable as Romulan, however, I prefer you as Klingon." She leaned over and kissed each ridge gently.

Dr. Damar cleared his throat. "Off the table and out of here you two. I have now to call Lieutenant Paris in and undo all of my artistic creation." He sighed dramatically. "A pity, he is so becoming as a Romulan."

B'Elanna slipped off the table and took Seven's hand. "Thanks Doc. I'll recommend you to any of my old Maquis acquaintances who may be looking for a change of face."

"Please. Don't."

B'Elanna laughed and exited the medical bay. Looking at her be'nal, she inquired. "What would you like to do bang'wl. Admiral Telir says we're welcome to go to their mess hall and their entertainment facilities."

Seven squeezed the hand holding hers. "I would like to return to our quarters and look at your ridges for the next few hours. I have missed them."

B'Elanna stopped and smiled up at her be'nal. "You know, I think they need to be kissed and stroked, they itch a little."

Seven looked concernedly at her be'nal, her left implant scanning the ridges. "Should we take you back to Sick Bay. And have Dr. Damar scan them."

"Of course not. He did say there might be a little discomfort, but that it would subside after a few hours. But I think the symptoms would subside quicker with a little loving attention."

Seven smiled. "Then I shall provide them with all the loving attention they may need."

They entered their quarters and Seven had B'Elanna recline on the bed. She placed two pillows underneath her be'nal's head. Then begin to lightly stroke and kiss her be'nal's ridges.

"Uhmm. That feels so good."

B'Elanna almost drifted into sleep when Seven said.

"Starfleet should give you and Tom a medal of valor for what you two accomplished."

"Hey, bang'wl, as far as Tom and I are concerned this wasn't a Starfleet mission. We would have done this without their permission." She looked into Seven's eyes. "I would have gone to the deepest pits of Grethor to get you bang'wl."

Seven leaned down and kissed her ridges. "I know. However, Starfleet and the Federation both need to recognize that you eliminated a threat not only to the Romulan Star Empire but also to them. Sela had ambitions to control not only the Empire but to destroy the Federation and conquer the Klingon Empire. Sela informed me that this was indeed her plan. Admiral Telir herself, has stated this. That is why she is sponsoring you and Tom as well as Harry and me as full citizens of the Romulan Star Empire. She has also put in recommendations for the Order of the Talon, to be awarded to you and Tom. That is one of the highest civilian awards that can be given for service to the Empire. Not to mention the great monetary rewards you and Tom are to receive for facilitating Sela's capture and destroying the rogue Tal Shiar headquarters. "

"Those mean nothing. I mean, they do mean something, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I didn't get them. My greatest award and reward is having you back again, safe, where you belong." She took Seven in her arms. And kissed her. "With me." At that point, B'Elanna's stomach let out a long and undignified gurgle.

Seven smirked. "I intend to be 'with you'. However, I believe you require nourishment first in order to be 'with me'."

"Oh?" B'Elanna's smile then widened on seeing the meaning in Seven's words. " Ohhh. Well, get thee to the kitchen wench. I'm starved."

"You have forgotten. It is your wifely duty to cook and mine to do the dishes. However, since our quarters do not have a replicator we will have to go to the officer's mess hall to obtain our daily requirements of nourishments. Perhaps they have chicken on the menu."

B'Elanna smirked. "I have it on good authority they regularly serve kopa."

"Kopa?"

"Yes. A dish made from a reptilian species very similar to iguana. I had it quit a few times when last aboard It does taste like iguana…or chicken."

"Acceptable."

B'Elanna and Seven took their trays over to a table where Tom and Harry were dining and in conversation with Efok.

The Romulan double agent, seeing them nearing the table, rose and bowed his head. "Ah, join us ladies, grace us with your presence. My dear 'wife' you are even more lovely as a Klingon. You are surely one of their goddesses."

B'Elanna rolled her eyes and said. "Efok. Please, not tonight dear, I have a headache."

Everyone laughed except for Seven. "B'Elanna. Perhaps I should take you to see Dr. Damar." This caused everyone to laugh harder.

B'Elanna looked at her be'nal and said. "I'm fine. It's a joke. I will explain later."

Seating themselves at the table, Efok quickly clued them in as to their conversations. "We were just discussing what we would do with our reward. You know, I'm going to have to find a new route to ah…ply my trade. I was thinking about the Gamma Quadrant. Now that the Dominion is quiet. I was thinking about setting up a trade route there. Only thing I would need to do would be to get a permit from the Federation to travel through their space and use the Bajoran wormhole. I was hoping that you and Tom could be references for me."

B'Elanna snorted. "Efok. You would have us lie. Gods, you're a spy. We would be serving time in a penal colony if we vouched for you."

Tom inserted. "Been there. Done that. Not going back."

He looked hurt and said. "You wound me, both of you. After what we went through together, why I thought we were like family. Besides, you are wrong. I haven't always been a spy. I really did start out as a wine merchant. I'm through with this spy business. Just because we got Sela, doesn't mean some of her cohorts aren't still on the loose. She probably has a few on Romulus in high places. No. I want out of the sector for a while. Off the sensor screen. What better place to do it but in another sector."

B'Elanna sighed. "Well. I'm not going to lie. However, if you apply and someone asks me about your reputation as a merchant, I will tell them that you are an excellent Wine merchant and as far as I know, honest."

Tom agreed. "Yeah. Me too. I guess we do owe you." He looked at his friend Harry and then Seven. "We couldn't have done this without you. But you have to agree, you probably couldn't have done it without us."

"Agreed. If ever either of you are in need of employment, your old jobs are available."

He winked at B'Elanna who glared at him and said. "Hey, Efok you been guzzling your stock? Look at what's sitting by my side and say that again would you."

He smiled. "Oh, that's what I'll miss about you my dear. Your affable and gentle personality."

B'Elanna changed the subject. "So, your guest of honor all settled in?"

"As far as I know, Admiral Telir has her in solitary confinement. In two days, we are to meet with Subadmiral Gatho. She will be transferred to his ship and taken to Romulus, where she will be tried for treason, found guilty and executed as a traitor. I know you Federation types are soft hearted and don't want to know the method of execution."

B'Elanna thought back to the prior four weeks of their return trip to rendezvous with Admiral Telir. She had only one brief encounter with Sela during that time. A day after her capture, B'Elanna had gone to the brig and stood in front of Sela's cell. Strangely, Sela did not say a word, just glared at her. B'Elanna had told the woman if she dared utter her wife's name in any way, shape or form, and told another lie involving her wife , she would cut out her tongue and stuff it up her rear. Sela said nothing and after a few seconds dropped her stare, looking at the floor. B'Elanna had almost been disappointed that Sela didn't challenge her as she was prepared to drop the containment field, go into her cell, and work her over.

The rest of the trip was spent tending to her spouse, holding her tight, and listening to her talking about her ordeal. Seven had told her about Sela having her strip and viewing her naked body, of Sela touching her and kissing her. B'Elanna could tell that Seven was upset and may have had some feelings of guilt that she had somehow encouraged these actions from Sela. B'Elanna knew it would serve no purpose in ranting and raging, threatening to kill Sela. These emotions would only upset Seven. B'Elanna reined in her rage and comforted her spouse. Telling her that she was not to blame for any of Sela's actions. That it did not change how she felt about her. She still loved her with all her heart and soul. This was what her be'nal needed now. B'Elanna's gentleness and support.

She felt her be'nal 's arm brush hers as they finished up their meal. B'Elanna asked her, "You want dessert?"

Seven leaned close and whispered. "Yes. However, I wish to delay dessert until we are in our quarters."

B'Elanna smiled in anticipation.

Admiral Kathryn Janeway stood on the bridge of the USS Venture. They were within minutes of the rendezvous coordinates with Admiral Telir. Captain Shanna Mason ordered the speed to be reduced to warp six on entering the Neutral Zone. They were escorted by two Defiant class vessels.

She had left earth two weeks ago, bringing Vlara with her. Before the Admiral's message, Janeway had feared the possibility that if she had to meet the Romulan Admiral again to get her people back, Vlara, seeing a way home, would have a change of heart and decide she did not want to remain in the Federation. Thankfully, those fears had been laid to rest.

This was on the night of Janeway's message from Admiral Telir of the success of freeing Seven and Harry. After the message, they had returned to bed and made love. Their sweet lovemaking and her emotional letting go earlier had left her feeling fragile. She was so much in love with Vlara, but had yet to tell her. She was afraid that if she said the words, I love you, it would somehow hurt her more if Vlara left.

She had held Vlara as she slept and listened to the even breathing and felt the warmth of her body. Why couldn't she trust Vlara when she said, "I love you Kathryn. I will stay and not leave." She knew Vlara was sincere. However, she was afraid. Afraid that she would leave, as had Justin, when he died and later Mark, giving her up for dead and marrying another.

As her mind was tormented with these thoughts, Vlara suddenly cried out in her sleep and jerked. She continued to cry out, words that Janeway could not understand. Janeway gently shook her awake and Vlara opened her eyes, and threw her arms around Janeway crying, "Don't send me away, don't send me away."

Janeway soothed her, wondering if the dream was just coincidence or if Vlara had some telepathic ability that allowed her to pick up Janeway's own fears. "It was just a dream darling. I'll not send you away. I love you." She had said it. Her heart stilled and she held her breath.

Vlara also stilled for a moment, then said. "You love me?"

Janeway smoothed back the hair from Vlara's face. "Yes I do. With all my heart."

Vlara held her tight. "Say it again. Say you love me."

"I love you."

"Again."

"I love you. I want you with me. Always."

"Jol-ao-au. (I love you). I want to stay with you always."

That night all Janeway's and Vlara's fears of a future together were vanquished. They had talked until dawn of making a life together, of sharing all of their tomorrows with each other.

She was brought back to the present by the helmsman announcing, "We are being hailed, Captain."

Captain Mason ordered. "On screen."

Janeway straightened her tunic and stood at attention. The screen immediately showed Admiral Telir sitting in her Command chair. Behind her Janeway could see the smiling faces of her lost lambs.

Admiral Telir smiled and said, "Admiral Janeway. As you can see, the mission was a success. I am arranging for your crew to beam over as soon as you are prepared to receive them."

"That can be arranged right away." She looked at hr crew and smiled. "I'll meet you in the transporter room. Seven, Harry, may I say welcome home. I'm glad this had a happy ending. All of you have been assigned quarters. I want you to rest tonight and tomorrow we will have a briefing at 0900 hours."

B'Elanna smirked and said. "Kahless, an Admiral eh? I mean. Yes Admiral Janeway."

Janeway turned her attention to Admiral Telir. "Admiral Telir. Thank you. I would be honored if you would join me for dinner tonight so I can thank you personally. There are things I think we both need to discuss." She looked at Vlara who was standing beside her. "As you see, Admiral, I have brought your daughter with me. I can beam her over when I receive my crew. She has some important issues she would like to discuss with you."

Admiral Telir briefly turned her attention to her daughter and nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Vlara, welcome back my daughter. I have missed you."

"Mother, I have missed you also. I will see you shortly. Admiral Janeway is correct. There is something I need to discuss with you right away." Vlara glanced at Janeway and smiled.

Admiral Telir's expression was slightly puzzled. "Very well. I will see you shortly." She looked at Janeway and said. "I would be honored to dine with you, Admiral Janeway. Until then." The screen cleared to show only a Romulan bird of prey hanging in the perpetual night sky against a backdrop of stars."

Janeway almost cried when her crew stepped off of the transporter pad. She thought her smile would crack her face. She dropped all formalities and hugged each one of them.

She watched as Vlara stood on the pad waiting to beam out. Vlara smiled and disappeared in a sparkle of particles.

Janeway settled her crew in their quarters and returned to her own. She had been assigned her own VIP suite. After the Dominion war, the Galaxy class Starship was now used mainly as a diplomatic ship. Mostly taking dignitaries and admirals to different assignments, summits and important meetings. The suite was spacious and had two bedrooms as well as a large formal dining room. Vlara had stayed with her. She had been assigned one of the bedrooms by the Venture's staff. Janeway did not know if Captain Mason was aware of the true nature of Vlara's relationship with her. It was general knowledge at Starfleet Headquarters that she and the young woman were involved.

There was not much that escaped notice by Starfleet Command if it involved one of their Senior officers or Admirals.

She had introduced Vlara to most of the Admirals and their staff the morning after their first night together.

Janeway got a few interesting and assessing looks from some of her peers when introductions where made. She supposed she was still in the phase of 'after glow'. Not much she could do to hide it. Making love to Vlara was just so very wonderful. She couldn't help beaming proudly when introducing her either.

Vlara was not intimidated by all the brass. No doubt having a mother as an Admiral and being a senatorial aide had taught the young woman how to act around high ranking Military and Civilian dignitaries alike.

It was apparent to all that she was affable, intelligent, well spoken and a good listener. Admiral Shanmir had been impressed. Even though his Vulcan features remained neutral, Janeway could see a satisfied glint in his eyes at Vlara's agreement to become a civilian instructor in Starfleet's protocol department. Janeway knew her pride in the young woman's acceptance was showing."

Admiral Janeway, dressed in her Dress Whites, stood with Captain Mason by the transporter pad, awaiting the arrival of their guest of honor. There was a sparkling shimmer of four ghostly forms on the padd, and Admiral Telir, Vlara and two officers, the admiral's escorts materialized.

Janeway's smile was genuine as she welcomed the Admiral aboard and made the introductions to Captain Mason.

Admiral Telir's features were cool, almost cold. Janeway glanced at Vlara, and her heart immediately froze at the stricken look on her face. Her eyes were slightly reddened as if she had been crying. Vlara looked at Janeway and shook her head slightly, glancing quickly at her mother, indicating some problem there. 'Oh no. She disapproves of our relationship, or that Vlara is staying in the Federation. Or both."

A Starfleet honor guard escorted her and the Romulan Party to her quarters where the dining room was set. This was to be a private dinner between the two of them. The two Romulan guards remained outside the dining room doors, along with two Starfleet Honor guards. Vlara had excused herself and gone to her assigned room.

Janeway cleared her throat. "Admiral, may I offer you a drink. I have a wonderful Sherry from my home planet I think you might enjoy."

"Thank you."

Janeway poured the drinks and both women stood assessing each other. Janeway was just about to ask the Admiral if she and Vlara had talked, knowing that they did. When the admiral beat her to the punch.

"My daughter has told me of her involvement with you and that she intends on remaining in the Federation. That she is working for Starfleet and that she intends on attending a place of higher learning to get a degree in botany. I trusted you, Admiral Janeway. I put her into your care while she was away from her home. You have betrayed my trust by seducing my daughter and taking her away from me and her family obligations."

"Admiral, with all due respect, there was no seduction involved I fell in love with Vlara and she with me. She made the decision to stay in the Federation and to work for Starfleet. If you feel she has somehow betrayed Romulus..., that is not true. Her acceptance to work in the protocol department is in fact, a service to Romulus in that we can learn more about you and apply what we learn in facilitating smoother relations between our two societies."

"I do not feel she is a traitor. She has, however, turned her back on her family obligations. My family has a long and proud history of serving the empire, both as military leaders and governmental leaders. Vlara was to carry on that tradition. It is a matter of Mnhei'sahe. She has dishonored the family.

"As I said before, Admiral, she is serving Romulus in helping, hopefully, to pave the way for better understanding. You should be proud of her. She is the most honorable person I believe I have ever met. No doubt her honor was learned from you. Your family, if you think about it, has the honor of having one of its members leading the way toward a viable peace between the Federation and The Empire. This can only benefit both of our peoples in the long run."

Admiral Telir paused for a moment in thought. She took a sip of her drink and looking at Janeway said. "Perhaps you are right. Perhaps I have been too hasty in forming opinions. I love my daughter very much and she will be far from home, among strangers."

"Not among strangers. My mother and sister are already fond of her. They welcome her has a part of our family. She is starting to form friendships within Starfleet as well as making friends outside of that institution. She has a personality that one is drawn to. She will not lack for friends, or family. I will be there for her."

"You speak of her being a part of your family, yet you treat her as you would a concubine. Why have you not offered to marry her. She talks of a 'committed relationship' with you but you have not offered to formalize a union. Committed in the Empire means marriage. You dishonor her."

Janeway thought, this is the real reason she is angry. She feels I have dishonored her family.

"I want to marry her. But I want to give her time to see if that is really what she wants. I don't want to rush her into anything she may regret down the road."

Admiral Telir's face darkened. "Admiral Janeway. It is obvious that you have no understanding of the Romulan psyche and nature. My daughter is Iikhe Graes. It means 'born old'. She has genetically inherited certain ancient traits that have generally disappeared since the settling of Ch'Rihan. She has told me how she recognized you as her mate. This is an ancient ability, found only in a minority of Romulans and perhaps more common on Vulcan. You have mated with her and she accepted the mating in a psychic bond that will be broken only by death. This bond is so strong it is said that mated pairs often have the ability to know when a mate is in danger, even though far away, and they have the ability to know what their mates are feeling. She will not leave you. Perhaps it is you who see yourself as having regrets 'down the road'."

Janeway was silent for a moment. This would explain how Vlara seemed attuned to her moods. How she always seemed to know what Janeway needed emotionally and yes, physically. "I will have no regrets Admiral. My only regret would be if you should disown your daughter or disapprove of her choices, in what she chooses to do with her life and who she chooses to spend it with."

"No. I am her mother and love her. My fears are a parents' fears. I will be able to accept that what she does in the Federation is honorable. However, I would take it as an insult to my family if you do not marry my daughter."

Janeway snorted. "I will gladly and with all my heart marry her. However, will you regret her choice of mate? I am not Romulan."

"No. And neither was her father. However, in my heart he was my mate and I would have made it so in front of the eyes of Romulus if our laws allowed.

"You, Admiral Janeway, are an honorable person. You come from an honorable family with long service to your Federation. You will do right by my daughter. Perhaps this is also a destiny being fulfilled. Perhaps by this joining of two cultures, it will bring greater harmony and peace between us. Admiral Janeway, I accept you into my family. You are a most honorable addition."

"Thank you, Admiral. I am proud to be called a part of your Family. Call me Kathryn."

"Kathryn. You may call me V-ri nanov (adopted mother)."

"Now. Let us call my daughter and your wife to be and tell her that we have come to an agreement. Then we will talk of things over dinner that are important to the future of my Empire and your Federation."

Janeway nodded her head in agreement. "By the way Admiral, I have a crate of earth's finest wines here on this ship for you, as well as some food items I think you will enjoy. And my intentions toward your daughter are honorable."

Admiral Telir threw back her head and laughed.

Epilogue

Three Months Later

Seven contently held her lover in the languid aftermath of a bout of passionate lovemaking. She watched the star field streak by the viewport with no particular thoughts. Her mind touched on many subjects, her and B'Elanna's appointments by Starfleet to head up a department devoted to further development of transwarp engines. B'Elanna and Tom's recent ceremony of recognition for their service to Starfleet where they were awarded the Medal of Valor. Admiral Janeway and Vlara's recent Traditionalist marriage at Janeway's home in Indiana, and their upcoming visit to Qo'noS to visit B'Elanna's mother. Admiral Janeway had secured transportation for them on the USS Florida that had an assignment to visit Qo'noS. They would arrive in another two days.

Seven felt some apprehension at meeting Miral, B'Elanna's mother. B'Elanna had told her that Miral would love her as a daughter. After all, it was Seven who was tutoring B'Elanna in learning Klingon, and had fully embraced that part of B'Elanna that was Klingon, in turn making her be'nal proud to be Klingon. Still, this was B'Elanna's mother. She thought it would be much easier if she were on her way to meet the Borg Queen. At least, with her, she knew how to relate.

She was brought out of her reverie by her be'nal stirring beside her and drawing her close, nuzzling her ear. "Hmmm. Come here, you. Sorry I fell asleep. I'm just regaining my strength from that last round of lovemaking. Now, where were we?"

"Recovering. From our last round of lovemaking."

B'Elanna snorted in amusement. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"Yes approximately 39 minutes and 15 seconds ago. Right before initiating your recovery period."

"Well, that is definitely too long ago." She moved her mouth down Seven's cheek and over to her lips, capturing them in a long and intense kiss. "I love you be'nal. For now and for always. You are my destiny, my Sto-Vo- Kor. Did you know that?"

Seven was both touched and amused. "That is very…romantic for such a tough Klingon Warrior as you to say."

"What? Klingons have their romantic side. Look at all those operas. I'm romantic, you have said so many times."

Seven nipped her nose. "True. You are very romantic."

"You can be pretty romantic yourself, for a former Borg drone. In fact tell me something romantic right now."

"I love you."

"Hmm. Can you elaborate?"

"I love you in infinite measures of both time and degree."

"You're getting there. Continue."

Seven smiled and then thought about the time on the Flyer when she was separated from her Be'nal. She thought of the feelings that she had written for B'Elanna on a padd, intending to give it to her later, only erasing it after Sela had found it. Those words were etched forever in her heart.

"You are to me a dark rose. Your beauty and scent entice me to hold the soft petals of your love to my heart without fear of being wounded by the thorny stem. The taste of your mouth is a rare nectar and intoxicates me beyond all reason…"

The End

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