‘Ashes to Ashes’ is a sequel to ‘Sea to Shining Sea’. It takes place during Seven’s second year on board Voyager.

Ashes to Ashes (Part 1)
 S. Thompson

Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager sat thinking pensively about the events of the last few weeks. She and Seven of Nine had been stranded on a small L-class planet after their shuttle had been heavily damaged by an ion storm and subsequently exploded almost two weeks before. They had barely managed to transport to the planet’s surface, and if not for the younger woman’s quick thinking they would have joined the fate of their craft by becoming so much space debris in orbit around the tiny orb.

Their time on the planet had seen the deterioration of the former Borg drone’s implants and nanoprobes, resulting in a weakened condition that would have led to her eventual demise if not for Voyager’s timely arrival. Although Janeway was happy and relieved to be back aboard her ship she missed the simpler time spent on Q’ntar with a woman that was both sweetly innocent and shockingly wanton. And even though in the larger scheme of things they had spent little time on the planet, it was enough time for Kathryn to realize that they shared a deep and abiding love for each other. No longer could she tolerate the thought of denying her feelings for the sake of the crew on their long journey back to the Alpha Quadrant. Fate had seen to that.

Sitting in her ready room she couldn’t help reminiscing about subsequent events since returning to the ship. She had been injured during the experience, and the doctor had been properly outraged at the primitive medical technology utilized by the Q’ntaran people prominently displayed by the plaster cast they’d used to set her shattered left arm and shoulder. Giving the captain a hypospray of painkiller he’d cut away the cast and repaired the injury easily with a bone knitter. He informed her huffily that she would be sore for a few days, but after a hot meal and a full night’s rest would be back to her old self.

Seven was a different story. Her systems were so depleted that the photonic doctor had needed to devise a treatment regimen to boost her nanoprobes before she could regenerate. If she had tried to tie in to her alcove in her weakened condition her nanoprobes would have failed and she would have gone into shock. To prevent that, he had modified a hypospray of artificially enhanced nanoprobes to give her an edge. Not that Janeway understood how you could artificially enhance something that was artificial to begin with, but he had proved over the years that he was an extremely competent physician. For herself, she knew there was no one she would rather have treat her or the woman that had come to mean everything to her.

After injecting Seven and informing her that she would have to regenerate for at least a week, the doctor had asked to speak privately to the captain concerning the young woman’s condition. Normal patient/physician confidentiality didn’t apply considering the circumstances, and Janeway could still hear his words echoing in her head. Words that had led to her making a rash decision that she just couldn’t bring herself to regret.

"I must inform you, Captain," the EMH began in a compassionate voice, "that by Seven being forced to regenerate in a more natural way, her human physiology has begun to reassert itself with a vengeance."

"What are you saying, Doctor," she’d asked with a worried frown.

Taking a deep breath he tried to find a diplomatic way to say it. "I’m afraid that her body will begin to rely less and less on her alcove. Of course she will still have to regenerate to recover from this experience, to recharge her batteries so to speak. But what I’m referring to is that after this she will only need to regenerate for a few hours each week in order to maintain her implants. Other than that, she will need to sleep."

Relieved at this seemingly mundane information Janeway could only let out her breath and ask, "Is that all?"

"Well, yes," the doctor answered with a shrug. "But what I’m getting at is that she can hardly sleep in the cargo bay. I suggest you consider assigning her quarters," he finished as though offended that the captain would think he would bring up such a thing without a valid point.

"Of course, Doctor. You’re right," Janeway assured him diplomatically. "I’ll see what I can do." Never letting on to the fact that she had already planned to assign the younger woman quarters in any case.

Walking out of the doctor’s office a few moments later, Kathryn had looked up into the deepest pair of blue eyes she had ever seen and as a slow sweet smile curled the corners of her lips, she knew what she had to do. After escorting the young woman back to the cargo bay, Kathryn Janeway had broken another cardinal rule for Starfleet Captain’s. The first had been allowing herself to fall in love with this amazing creature. And now suddenly, she was asking Seven to move in with her. The other woman’s enthusiastic acceptance hadn’t really surprised her. The relationship they had begun on the planet had been intense and passionate, and something neither of them was willing to relinquish.

Seven had been regenerating since then, and although it had only been two days B’Elanna had already installed a second alcove in Janeway’s bedroom. Borg technology usually made her skin crawl, but this time Kathryn was thrilled to see the green glow from the alcove residing in her private quarters. To her it signified another bond between them. Smirking Kathryn admitted that she had never considered herself to be codependent, but she just couldn’t seem to get enough of her younger partner.

What was bothering her now as she sat ruminating in her ready room was something that wasn’t quite tangible. In fact she wasn’t even sure there was really anything wrong. But her instincts had her hair standing on end around certain members of her crew. Chief among them were her executive officer and chief engineer.

She knew she would never forget the expression of hurt on the Doctor’s face or the shocked outrage on the countenance of her second in command when they’d walked in on them at the Q’ntaran hospital while locked in an intimate embrace. Although her puckish sense of humor had delighted in their shock at finding the captain and her Astrometrics officer kissing, now she began to worry. The doctor’s passion for Seven was no secret. Anyone who bothered to look couldn’t help but see the love in the photonic man’s eyes when he looked at the blonde beauty. But for all that, he seemed to be one of the captain’s biggest supporters. Evidently he believed that both of the women deserved to be happy, and if that joy was found in each other’s arms then that was all that anyone could ask.

Chakotay was another story. When Janeway had discussed her relationship with him, he had encouraged her saying that she should grab for happiness with both hands. His words had almost completely dimmed the memory of his expression on the planet. For a time she even believed that she had imagined it. Now she wasn’t so sure. Sometimes she would catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eyes, and was amazed at the anger and betrayal she was sure she saw. But then she would look at him fully, and it would be gone as though it had never been. It was nothing she could put her finger on, but she was beginning to think that he wasn’t quite as happy with her choice of lovers as he would have her believe.

Then there was B’Elanna Torres. Initially thrilled at the safe return of her commanding officer, the chief engineer had volunteered to install the alcove in Janeway’s quarters. But since then she had withdrawn more and more. When the captain made an inspection of the engineering section B’Elanna briefed her quickly and efficiently, and then quickly found something pressing to do. When the captain walked into the mess hall, the half-Klingon was suddenly finished eating and vacating the premises. She obviously had a problem but Janeway couldn’t figure out if it was because she was involved with Seven of Nine, or involved with anyone at all. It was no secret that some people believed the captain should never become involved with a member of her crew. In fact it was no secret that the crew would usually split into three distinct factions should such a thing happen. The first would believe that no matter what the captain decided, she was the captain and therefore always right. The second would be pissed that the commanding officer was involved with anyone. And the third would be right down the middle; feeling that they didn’t necessarily approve but it was really none of their business what the captain did in her personal life.

She was beginning to feel that two of the people she was closest to on the ship definitely fell into the first category and she honestly didn’t know what to do about it. Or for that matter, if there was anything she could do about it. The chirp of her combadge was a welcome interruption to her disturbing thoughts, and she eagerly answered her tactical officer’s hail.

"Janeway here, Tuvok. Report,"

"The Q’ntar village has been restored to full operating standards, Captain. Repair crews have all returned to the ship."

Although on the surface it would appear to be a violation of the prime directive to assist or even be involved with a technologically primitive culture, such was not the case with the Q’ntarans. The Q’ntarans had warp capability, but chose to pursue a simpler life on the surface of their own world. When the small village had almost been destroyed in a freak storm, Janeway had felt compelled to offer assistance. Tuvok’s report was a welcome relief, but there was still one small matter to attend.

Knowing that her long time friend was reporting to her from his own office she hesitated for only a moment before she finally asked, "And the item I asked you to scan for?"

"Sensors have detected a small fragment of metal matching the tritanium signature of the Cochrane with the dimensions you specified. I have taken the liberty of transporting the item to your quarters."

"Thank you, Tuvok," Kathryn said sincerely before closing the channel. The item in question was a knife that Seven of Nine had painstakingly created for Kathryn from a shuttle fragment while marooned on the planet. Janeway had dropped it into the sea when she had fallen from a rescue craft.

Undoubtedly Voyager’s replicators could have easily supplied her with a more fashionable blade. But it could never possibly mean as much to her as the uncharacteristically sentimental action of her partner in creating a weapon by hand. Kathryn had felt terribly guilty about losing the object even though she knew that Seven would never hold it against her. By retrieving the knife, she felt as if she had a memento of the beginning of their relationship.

Silly, she wondered? No doubt about it. But if being in love was silly, then she decided everyone should be stark-raving looney tunes.

Satisfied with everything in the universe at the moment Kathryn stood and swaggered onto the bridge. A quick pair of black eyes swiveled her way and then back toward the view screen, but not before she thought she saw….something. Narrowing her eyes at Chakotay considering, she addressed the helmsman.

"Lay in a course for the Alpha Quadrant, Mister Paris. Engage at warp six."

"Aye, Captain," the fair-haired lieutenant responded. "Course laid in, engaging warp drive."

The Intrepid Class vessel shot out of orbit and into space, once again eating up light years on her journey home. The captain sat in her command chair and crossed her ankles as though completely relaxed and fully in charge of her emotions. But internally her mind was a whirlwind. Perhaps he was just tired, she mused. After all, Chakotay had been working double and triple shifts in an effort to reach Voyager’s stranded crewmembers. It wasn’t such a leap of logic to figure that out. Well, Kathryn decided, she had just had a wonderful vacation with a lovely woman on a resort-like planet. Perhaps it was time to give the commander a little down time as well.

"I have the bridge, Chakotay," she said quietly, turning to face her executive officer. In a friendly tone she suggested, "Why don’t you take some time off? I’ll cover your duty shift tomorrow as well."

Before the man had time to think about the scathing words they were out of his mouth. "What’s the matter, Captain? Do you think I can’t handle my shift?"

If he could have bitten his tongue off, he would have. The anger had been immediate and uncontrollable, but he knew it wasn’t really directed at the captain. When her face froze into a stone mask, he felt doubly guilty.

"No, Commander," she said softly, in a tone he knew was deceptively dangerous. "I just thought that you’ve been working very hard and would like some time off."

"I’m sorry, Captain. And you’re right; I think I’m very tired. I appreciate the offer," he said contritely. With what he hoped was a sincere smile, and very aware of the curious looks from the bridge crew, the burly man beat a hasty retreat off the bridge.

As the turbolift doors hissed closed, Kathryn glanced around the command center. She noticed that most of the crew seemed tense as though awaiting a blow, and she wondered if they thought she would explode at her first officer’s insolent tone. Arching a brow in amusement, Kathryn easily maintained her composure as she crossed her legs and gazed calmly at the view screen. After a few minutes the tension drained from the bridge. Things were helped along in their course by the helmsman, Tom Paris telling one of his famous off color jokes. Janeway wasn’t too concerned by the display of high emotions after the recent crises. It just served to convince her that the crew had been very worried by their captain and Astrometrics officer’s disappearance. Shore leave was definitely called for at the earliest available opportunity to allow the crew to blow off a little steam.

"Mister Kim," she posed casually, "didn’t Astrometrics report an M-class planet near our present location."

She could almost hear the bridge crew’s ears perk up at her question. Kim had pointedly mentioned the planet to the captain after her return from Q’ntar, proposing that it might be an idyllic place to restock supplies. Janeway had pointedly vetoed the proposal saying that they had lost too much time already, and foodstuffs were heavy in the cargo bay.

"Yes, ma’am," the dark haired operations officer answered promptly. "The planet is two light years along our current trajectory. Scans show that the atmosphere is 85 percent Earth-norm with few humanoid life-signs. However there are warp signatures in and around the planet. Vegetation appears to be compatible with the crews needs…at least so far as long range scans indicate."

Kathryn couldn’t help but smile a little at the enthusiasm in the overly detailed report. Well, the fact that these people were warp capable eliminated the problem with the rules of first contact so there was really no reason they couldn’t interact. Why not?

"Mister Tuvok, please contact the local authorities to make the arrangements. Assuming they’re amenable we’ll need to set up a rotating schedule for shore leave. I’ll want only a skeleton crew manning the ship if possible. Please see to it that Commander Chakotay is on the first rotation. I’ll man the bridge."

Normally this task would be the duty of the first officer, but Janeway had just relieved Chakotay for a little down time, and there was nothing wrong with the third in command taking over this chore. Standing up gracefully she continued, "I’ll be in my ready room."

A simple nod of his Vulcan head was all the communication needed between the two to pass command.

The morning hours of the alpha shift passed quickly as Janeway endeavored to catch up on all of the paperwork that had been neglected in her absence. A low insistent growling in her midsection finally caused her to put down the padd she had been reading. It was a routine report from ship’s stores, and Kathryn quickly lost interest when comparing it to her hunger. A few weeks ago, she would have simply ignored the sensation or quelled it with a cup of steaming coffee, but that was before Q’ntar.

While she and Seven had been at the fishing village, Kathryn had gotten a lot more exercise than she normally did, and her appetite had increased in tandem. Now when she got hungry the sensation was so strong that it was hard to ignore. This couldn’t be good, she thought with a smirk. Chances were that she would return to the sedentary routine of life aboard a starship, and eating every two hours would soon cause her to have to requisition a new uniform.

Oh well, that was a worry better reserved for later, right now she felt too good to spare it a second thought. Briefly, Kathryn considered inviting Seven of Nine to have lunch with her in the mess hall, but just as quickly changed her mind. Knowing what a perfectionist the young blonde was, no doubt she would prefer to catch up on her own neglected duties. Kathryn could always invite her to a romantic dinner in the captain’s quarters later.

With that thought in mind, Janeway made the short trip in the turbo-lift to deck two. The noise of crewmembers socializing over a meal hit her as the mess hall doors slid open. It was a familiar noise, one of home and family, and one she didn’t realize she had missed until just this moment.

"Captain Janeway!" The ship’s resident cook and gregarious Delta Quadrant native, Neelix, greeted her. "Welcome back," he gushed as he came around the counter with a spatula in his spotted hand. "May I get you some Tarkalian fritters, or perhaps a leola almond soufflé?"

Eww, Janeway thought to herself. Leola root mixed with almonds? She couldn’t stand the bitter little tuber by itself, much less mixed with almonds in a soufflé. To her credit she merely answered with a raised hand, "It’s good to see you too, Neelix. How about a cup of coffee and some of those wonderful cucumber sandwiches you make?"

Beaming with pride at the compliment, the golden-eyed man said, "Right away, Captain. If you’ll have a seat, I’ll bring it right out to you."

Finding her favorite spot unoccupied, Kathryn happily seated herself with her mouth salivating at the thought of cucumber sandwiches. The cucumbers were grown in Voyager’s airponics bay, and after eating alien food for weeks she was looking forward to them.

Glancing around the room crowded with alpha shift personnel, she spotted Chakotay and B’Elanna in a booth near the back. The two had been friends since they were in the Maquis together and maintained that friendship on board the Starfleet vessel. But somehow the discussion they were having now didn’t seem to be that of two friends enjoying a meal together. On the contrary, both were hunched over barely touched plates conversing in low tones. From the covert glances they were casting about, Janeway could only guess that whatever they were discussing it was something they didn’t want anyone else to hear.

At just that moment B’Elanna happened to look up and catch the captain’s eye. The former Klingon’s reaction was surprising. The engineer froze as her eyes widened, then her already dusky skin flushed even darker as though she had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Chakotay looked up an instant later to see what had caught his companion’s attention and also froze at the sight of Janeway looking back at them.

The two of them exchanged a brief word, and then rose quickly. Leaving their dishes on the table they exited the mess hall as quickly as they could.

"What was that all about?" Janeway mused quietly to herself.

Unbeknownst to her Neelix had come upon her from behind while she had been watching her first officer and chief engineer. Sitting her lunch down on the table in front of her, he answered her rhetorical question as though she had been speaking to him.

"Don’t you worry about it, Captain. I’m sure they’ll come around," he said reassuringly as he sat uninvited across from her.

Kathryn had just been about to take a sip of her coffee, but she stopped to stare at him over the rim. "Come around?" she prompted.

Not realizing that he had inadvertently opened a can of worms, he continued amicably. "I’m sure it’s quite normal for some of the crew to be resentful of the captain becoming involved with another crewmember. Once they get used to the idea I’m sure they’ll be fine with it."

"I’m sure you’re mistaken, Neelix. Chakotay was the one who encouraged me to pursue this." Even though Kathryn was embarrassed to have her private life broadcast at large for the crew’s entertainment, she wasn’t about to deny her involvement with Seven of Nine. The young woman deserved better than that.

Neelix blinked in surprise at her comment and sputtered for a moment. "Really? Well then, perhaps I did misunderstand what he said. My apologies, Captain."

Afraid that he had just gotten himself into trouble, he attempted to leave the table, but was forestalled by the captain’s hand on his muscular forearm. "Hold on there, Neelix. What did Chakotay say…exactly."?

"Captain, please. I really don’t…"

"Neelix, I understand that you don’t want to get involved. I promise that I won’t say anything, but I need to know."

The compassion that the gentle man was known for showed clearly on his face as he sat back down. "He’s just hurt, Captain. For some reason Chakotay thought that he should have been the one…that you chose."

"Chakotay? But there’s never been anything between us, other than friendship. Maybe at one time there could have been, but that was a very long time ago. Long before Seven."

"Maybe it wasn’t so long ago for him," Neelix pointed out. "From what I gather, he never gave up hoping that you would return his feelings."

"Then why did he encourage me to pursue a relationship with someone else?" she asked reasonably.

Shrugging, Neelix could only say, "Sometimes when we care about someone, we can only try to be supportive. Even when it hurts,"

Thinking about what she had witnessed a few moments ago, Janeway thought of someone else. "And the rest of the crew? I get the feeling that it’s not just Chakotay that has a problem. Do you think the fact that it’s Seven I’m involved with has anything to do with it?"

"Probably," the Talaxian admitted reluctantly. Since he had been extremely afraid of Seven when she had first been severed from the Collective, it was a question he could answer honestly. "You have to remember that the Borg have been responsible for a lot of death and destruction in the galaxy. Some people are still afraid of her."

"You mean resentful," Kathryn returned acerbically. "Seven is no longer part of the hive. She is another human being."

"I know, and you’re right. It took me a long time to realize that."

Reaching over to pat Janeway’s hand, he said, "I’m sure things will work out fine. It’ll just take some time. Just remember to follow your heart. Love is always worth it."

His words held little comfort for her as he went back to his fires, and the image of Chakotay and B’Elanna danced in her head. It couldn’t be, could it? Chakotay couldn’t be in love with her. She had never given him any indication that she held more than feelings of friendship for him…had she?

Memories of sharing meals together a couple of times a week passed through her mind. Then there were the velocity matches, and the sails on Lake George on the holodeck that they shared on a regular basis. Maybe she had misled him, she considered.

Suddenly she wasn’t very hungry. Picking up her dishes, Kathryn fed them into the recycler before making her way slowly back to her ready room. She barely glanced up as she crossed the command center and entered her private sanctuary, therefore she missed the look of concern that Tuvok would deny to his last breath.

She had barely been seated for a moment before her combadge chirped.

Taking a deep breath, she responded. "Janeway here,"

"Your impressions?"

"Come again?" she asked in confusion.

"The Hugoran society appears similar to that of Risa," he informed her in a deceptively neutral tone.

Grinning Kathryn didn’t think it would hurt things if the crew let their hair down and enjoyed themselves. "Very well, how long until we establish orbit?"

"Understood," Janeway said simply, terminating the conversation and the com-link.

Great, she thought, now he probably thinks I circumvented his authority.

Kathryn had meant to inform her first officer of her decision, and the fact that Tuvok had beaten her to it didn’t sit well. After learning of the man’s feelings, it had become even more important to make sure he didn’t feel left out of the loop. Feeling the need to mend some fences with the man that had served as her conscience for four years, Kathryn tapped her combadge.

"Janeway to Chakotay,"

There was a momentary pause and she was beginning to think that he wouldn’t respond. When he finally did, she could clearly hear the animosity in his voice although his words were proper enough. "Chakotay here,"

For a moment she didn’t know what to say. Hi, I hear you have a problem with my choice of girlfriends?

Well, work was always a safe topic. Maybe she could find a way to segue into what was on her mind. She really wanted him to be all right with this.

"I know I gave you the day off, Commander, but I thought you might like to discuss shore leave. Would you mind joining me in the ready room?"

Considering the topic of discussion, she wanted him to understand that it wasn’t an order that he join her. Yet she was still the captain, and it was highly unlikely that he would refuse. A moment later he confirmed that unspoken rule by responding, "Understood, Captain. I’ll be there momentarily."

While she was waiting, Kathryn worried about the crew’s response to her new relationship with the blonde Astrometrics officer. It was one thing to have a man respond in jealousy, it was quite another to have the whole crew up in arms over it.

Was her own personal happiness really more important than the morale of the crew? Somehow Kathryn felt that she already had the answer to that question. Everything she had ever been taught to believe, by her father, by Starfleet, answered that question for her. But she wasn’t her father, and Starfleet was a long way off. If she accepted the laws of probability she would never see Earth again. By the time this ship reached home another crew altogether would be flying her. Hell, for all she knew Naomi Wildman could be destined to be the next captain.

Unfortunately it wasn’t in her to just snub her nose at the status quo either. She couldn’t just say to hell with what everyone thought and seek her own happiness, but she couldn’t ignore her responsibilities either.

Realizing she was no closer to reconciling her dilemma Janeway stood up and wandered over to stare out the view port. With her stomach in a knot Kathryn wondered when everything had become so complicated. When their mission into the Badlands began four years ago, they were simply another Intrepid Class ship chasing a band of Maquis outlaws. The encounter with the Caretaker had been the beginning of something altogether different. The subsequent destruction of the array had sealed their fates and set them on this journey, forcing two opposing factions to become a single crew. It hadn’t taken long for them to become something more, a family. Now that family was evolving into the next logical step, crewmembers pairing off to form their own families. Was it so very hard to believe that the woman who was once captain, turned matriarch could want her own family? Was it so hard to believe that she was first and foremost a human being, with the instinctual need to have someone significant in her life? If it was, what exactly were they fighting for?

The chime of the ready room door interrupted her private thoughts and with difficulty she pulled herself back to the present. The impending conversation with her executive officer necessitated that she utilize all of her diplomatic and command skills. Taking a deep breath in preparation of the upcoming event, she called for the man to enter.

"You asked to see me, Captain?"

So formal, she thought with disappointment. It used to be that we were friends. I wonder when that changed, too. Still it was probably for the best. The sooner he understood that she loved someone else, and that it was nothing personal against him, perhaps they would be able to reestablish that friendship.

"Captain?" he prompted, reminding her that he was waiting.

"Commander Tuvok spoke with you about the pending shore leave?" she asked casually without turning from the transparent aluminum.

Chakotay was confused for a moment by her tone, but answered the question. "Yes, he showed me the shore leave rotation schedule he put together. I’m sure he told you that I said it was fine?"

"Yes," she answered with a brief nod. "I just wanted your thoughts."

Okay, this was definitely weird. Since when had Kathryn ever worried about stepping on his toes over something like shore leave?

"Kathryn, what’s this about? You didn’t call me down here to ask what I thought about the shore leave schedule."

Crossing her arms in an unconsciously protective gesture, Kathryn dropped her head and asked, "Why didn’t you tell me how you really felt about me being involved with Seven?"

"Oh," he said quietly. He hadn’t expected her to find out so quickly and didn’t quite know what to say. Thinking furiously for a way to answer without hurting her feelings, Chakotay walked up the short three steps and had a seat on the sofa. Finally, he understood that in this he had to be honest even if it did hurt her.

"What should I have said? Gee, Captain, I’m not sure getting involved with a Borg drone is such a good idea?"

"She’s not a drone anymore and you know it," Kathryn said angrily, turning to face the man with eyes flashing.

"She’s not far from it!" he shot back. "Kathryn, I know that you have always seen something in her that no one else has, but even you have to admit that she’s unpredictable at the best of times. What about all the times you two have clashed in the past? She has countermanded your direct orders on more than one occasion, questioned your authority, and generally made your job more difficult. How can you just suddenly decide that you’re in love with her? It doesn’t make sense."

Everything he said was true, but he didn’t see the whole picture, and it wasn’t really the point. "You encouraged me to pursue this," she argued sitting in the chair adjacent to him.

"Maybe I was wrong," he admitted quietly.

No, that was too easy. He wouldn’t just admit that he was wrong so readily, and the fact that he did lent a certain amount of credence to what Neelix had told her.

"There’s more to it than that, Chakotay. I believe that your feelings about Seven and I are more personal than worry about a drone taking over the ship."

Something in her tone and the compassion in her eyes caught his attention, and he realized that she knew the truth. He could deny it, but he was so upset over this ordeal, and this was the perfect opportunity express what he was feeling. This was also his chance to change the outcome of her decision. Perhaps she just didn’t understand how he felt about her, and Seven was the one she had chosen to replace him.

"You’re right, Kathryn. I did encourage you to pursue your relationship with Seven, but at the same time I couldn’t understand why I felt so tormented. I came to realize that I wanted you to pursue happiness, but I wanted that happiness to be with me."

"With you?" she asked confused.

"Don’t you want to be with me?

"Chakotay, I’ve already told you that I love Seven," she tried to explain.

"I think that you could be happier with me," he reasoned. "Kathryn, how could you choose a drone over me? Don’t you understand that we can be together?"

It took her a minute but she finally figured out that he thought she loved him, and was only settling for Seven. "I can’t do that, Chakotay. It’s Seven of Nine that I love. No one else."

Inhaling deeply as he tried to control his anger, the burly man asked, "So you want to be with one of the most villainous, murderous enemies the universe has ever known? Am I really so bad that you choose someone like that over me?"

Kathryn Janeway was no fool, and even though her friend was reacting in anger, she knew it was really a way to hide the hurt and humiliation of rejection. But right now, she would do neither of them any good if she didn’t let him know exactly where she stood. All she could do was hope that he would come around in time. Until then, he would be leaving her at her most vulnerable in a command sense. Without one hundred percent backing from her first officer, she would essentially be alone while commanding the ship.

It was something they were both going to have to get through. "You’ve made your position clear Commander, as I’m sure I have. I am in love with Seven of Nine, and that is not going to change. Whether you understand, or support that decision is up to you. Now, if you’ll excuse me?"

The final question was a clear indication of dismissal, and left Chakotay biting his tongue not to say something he would regret. Nodding his head once, he left her to her own thoughts.

Unhappy with the way the conversation had gone, Kathryn slowly wandered back to her desk. A light was flashing on the monitor indicating that she had a personal message waiting for her, and a smile crossed her face as she imagined whom it was from. The smile quickly faded as she thought back to her discussion with the commander.

She had told him that she would be with Seven and that was the end of it, but was it? What right did she have to be so selfish that she would create a major command issue over it? Was their relationship worth the welfare of the crew?

After all the preparations they had made to begin building a life together she just couldn’t allow it. It would hurt, and no doubt Seven would never understand, but right now she needed time to think things through.

With that in mind she responded to the young woman’s invitation to dinner by saying that she was unable to meet her. She simply had too much work to catch up on. Since they had been on the planet for almost two weeks, the excuse was plausible. If her response was a little cold, she was sure Seven wouldn’t notice.

*****************

She is withdrawing, Seven thought immediately after reading the response. She had hoped Kathryn wouldn’t but Seven had seen the reactions of the crew to their new relationship, especially those closest to the captain and knew the sensitive redhead would be affected.

Just because Lieutenant Torres had volunteered to install the alcove in the captain’s quarters that did not mean that they had become instant friends. If anything she had grown even colder toward the former drone, and no doubt the captain wasn’t oblivious of that.

Seven often assisted in engineering after her shift in Astrometrics, and the Klingon hybrid always had something scathing to say and resisted, making it clear that Seven was not welcome in her domain. However she always grudgingly gave in since engineering was typically short-handed, but made it clear that she didn’t like it. Now when Seven showed up unannounced, the chief engineer merely looked at her for a moment, took a deep breath, and wordlessly handed her a padd containing a work assignment.

The new response was in many ways worse than before. Now Seven felt as though she was simply tolerated, not worthy of notice. It was almost like she was just another drone in the have mind, again.

Inexperienced with human emotion and unsure what was driving the crew’s behavior if anything could be done to change it, she only knew that it was dictated by her relationship with the captain. The crew’s response didn’t really matter to Seven except in so far as it would no doubt affect Janeway. But in the end, Seven knew that whatever the captain was going through, they would prevail in the end. Janeway was a fighter and had a reputation for not accepting the status quo. She would need the time to withdraw and Seven would allow her the space she needed knowing that the outcome was inevitable. They would be together. They were meant to be together.

Confident in the final outcome, Seven nodded her head once without being aware that she had made such a human gesture, and returned to her duties. She would utilize the time until Kathryn had worked things out for herself to catch up on her duties.

**************

Although the two were close friends and spent a lot of time together, it seemed as though they were together even more now. Since the captain had become involved with their resident Borg, Chakotay and B’Elanna seemed closer than ever. The dark-haired commander couldn’t help but wonder if the engineer’s boyfriend was becoming jealous.

The two had just come from the hover-ball court and both were soaked with sweat. Chakotay used his towel to mop the perspiration from his brow while his companion’s dangled negligently from her hand. Taking a deep breath he reintroduced what seemed to have become the favorite topic of discussion. That Torres had been in full agreement with him on every disparaging comment thus far, he didn’t stop to consider how his words would sound to her this time.

"You know that she’s just messing around with Seven to try and entice me back."

"Huh?" B’Elanna asked coming to a stop in the corridor. Frowning, she struggled to follow his line of reasoning. "How do you figure?"

Thinking he had a captive audience founded in distrust and hatred of the blonde Borg he launched into his narrative.

"Do you remember when the captain and I were marooned on that planet? When we had been bitten by that insect and the atmosphere of New Earth sustained us?" At the brunette’s nod he continued as they began walking from the holodeck again.

"While we were on the planet something happened between us."

Astounded at this information, B’Elanna blurted, "You and the captain had an affair?"

"Well, no," he admitted. "But things were definitely headed in that direction. Then Voyager came back with the cure from the Vidiians. After that…Kathryn fell back on protocol and became very distant."

"So why would she get involved with someone else to entice you back? It sounds like she’s the one who pulled away to me."

Shaking his head Chakotay rushed to correct her. "Initially that’s true. She did draw away, but after that I started putting some distance between us as well. I don’t think she could handle that," he added with a shrug.

"Uh huh," B’Elanna said in obvious disagreement.

Although she dearly loved Chakotay he was still a man. Sometimes his ego blinded him to what was right in front of him. On the heels of this revelation something began nagging at the back of her thick Klingon cranium. "Uh, Chakotay do you mind if I beg off of that drink at Sandrine’s? I think I’m starting to get a bit of a headache. Too much exercise," she prevaricated.

"In fact, I bet they’re not serious at all," he added, not hearing her. "Yeah, I bet that if Seven were to start seeing someone else…like me, perhaps, Kathryn would see that she had made a mistake. If Kathryn sees how easily Seven can be swayed, maybe she’ll change her mind. I could start with inviting Seven to dinner, maybe send her some flowers, poems…Women like that kind of thing, right?"

"Chakotay, are you talking about taking Seven away from Janeway?"

"Well, why not?" he asked enthusiastically thinking the Klingon was fully behind him. "If Kathryn sees her with me, she’ll realize that we should be together." He was on a roll now and didn’t notice the look of dawning horror on the engineer’s face. "And I think now is the time to get started. Thanks for the idea B’Elanna. I’ll see you later."

Feeling like she had just been hit by a cyclone, she watched him practically sprint away to implement his plant before entering the turbolift, and waiting impatiently for the doors to close.

She needed to think. The Commander was suffering from a serious case of sour grapes and it was obvious that he was the one still harboring feelings for Captain Janeway, and she had been the one to move on. That concept by itself was simple enough and certainly not enough for her to reconsider her own feelings toward Seven. But it was enough for her to rethink her own actions since learning of the news.

Captain Janeway had given B’Elanna a chance as chief engineer when anyone else wouldn’t have. When she had done that, she had earned the Klingon’s loyalty, but along with that she had gained B’Elanna’s fierce protectiveness. And that was pretty much how she was reacting, wasn’t it? She wasn’t jealous like Chakotay, was she?

B’Elanna just didn’t trust Seven where the captain’s feelings were concerned. How could the drone really care about the other woman when she didn’t even know what emotions were? It was obvious that the captain was in love with the drone. Every little look, and gesture the older woman made when she was next to the younger woman made it clear.

Allowing her mind to drift, the Klingon entered her quarter and absently ordered an ale from the replicator. Wandering over to the sofa she sat down and sipped from her mug while staring out the view port into the passing star field. Not really seeing the light distortion from the warp field she thought about all of the times Janeway had come to Seven’s defense.

Immediately behind these thoughts came memories of things Seven had done for the ship, such as offering to turn herself over to the Caatati so that the aliens would return their warp core. The Caatati people had been assimilated by the Borg in 2374, reducing a population of millions to a few thousand. Their entire replicator technology was thorium based. When they were assimilated they lost the ability to produce the isotope. Seven designed a thorium generator to help them rebuild their society and suggested that Janeway supply the Caatati with spare parts and schematics to create more generators, thus inducing the Delta Quadrant aliens to return the warp core and allow Voyager to continue their journey home.

Most recently Seven had brought Neelix back from the dead. She had said she did it because Neelix was a ‘unique individual’, but she had been staring the captain intently in the eye when she said that. Could it be that these things were not for the crew but for a certain redhead?

B’Elanna still didn’t believe that Seven was actually in love with Janeway, but it was apparent that she did care for her…as much as a Borg drone was capable of.

Well, it didn’t really matter did it? Chakotay’s little test would prove whether or not the drone’s feelings were serious about the captain. B’Elanna wasn’t upset because he was using Seven as a pawn in a game, but she wasn’t happy that the game involved Captain Janeway’s feelings. The captain typically didn’t respond well to manipulation.

She frowned at the nagging in the pit of her stomach that she couldn’t as yet identify. Something about this whole thing carried the feeling of impending doom.

"I hope you know what you’re doing," she said softly before draining the rest of her ale.

*********************

The sleek form of the Intrepid-class vessel slid impressively into orbit around the blue and orange swirled planet. Chancellor Ibudan filled the view screen and oozed sexuality at the redheaded captain.

"I found the story of your plight quite intriguing, Captain. A people so far from home, lost in an unfriendly sector of space with no families to provide reassurance. It really is quite heart wrenching, but I assure you that we will be more than willing to provide any…comfort your crewmembers desire. We pride ourselves on imparting pleasure to passing travelers in this region. It has proved a very equitable commodity, and one I might add that we greatly relish."

I’m sure it is, Kathryn thought sarcastically to herself, and a full body massage is definitely in the realm of possibility. Objectively she realized that they were a very handsome species if the Chancellor were anything to go by. With golden flowing, shoulder-length hair and beautiful cerulean eyes she could see how visitors would be enticed. That their lean muscular bodies were barely clothed, the pull to accept comfort was almost visceral. But Kathryn Janeway had no need to accept the pleasures of the flesh offered by these people.

"We graciously accept your offer of shore-leave, Chancellor. As to the acceptance of comfort, I’ll leave that to the individual members of my crew should our doctor ascertain that there will be no unexpected repercussions from such interactions. I personally look forward to meeting with you to discuss trade for deuterium supplies in the morning," she answered diplomatically.

Voyager wasn’t really in need of the mineral, but stocking a little extra would never hurt given that they never knew when they would encounter difficulties with passing aliens, and the negotiations would also allow Janeway the distance she needed to think about her own personal situation.

"I look forward to meeting you, Captain." The world leader leered suggestively at her before the communiqué was terminated.

Chancellor Ibudan had been nothing but courtly, but Janeway still felt a shiver of revulsion at the smarmy oozing from the libidinous interaction with the man. Feeling the need for a bath, she decided to settle on her own form of comfort in a more familiar manner.

"Janeway to Neelix," she hailed over the ship’s computer.

"Neelix here, Captain," he responded almost immediately in a friendly although surprised tone of voice.

"I could sure use a cup of your better than coffee coffee," she informed the self-appointed chef.

Normally she couldn’t stand the extremely bitter, overly caffeinated brew that had the consistency of melted tar, but right now it seemed like just what the doctor ordered.

"On my way, Captain," the Talaxian assured her with pride.

Hopefully she wouldn’t need the attention of the doctor after she drank it.

************************

The frown marring the Borg’s blonde brow was more than atypical of the normally stoic young woman even as she calculated phenomenally involved equations on slipstream velocity and matter transmission along the anti-matter stream. The expression sitting stubbornly upon her countenance was related to a personal message she had received from the former Maquis Commander asking her to dinner in her quarters. She still hadn’t responded to the invitation and wasn’t quite sure how to. Chakotay had never pretended to like the former drone, assuring Janeway on several occasions that she would betray them and eventually be the cause of Voyager’s demise. Now he appeared to be making overtures of friendship and even her daunting intelligence couldn’t ascertain why.

Perhaps since learning of her relationship with the captain his opinion of her had changed. If that were true perhaps she should accept his offer. If she could establish better rapport with others on board, Kathryn would see that the crew could eventually accept them as a couple.

Postponing her calculations for a moment she decided to send a message accepting the gracious offering. Her fingers were poised to press the button sending her response when a red light signaling an incoming message began to flash on her console. Hoping it was Kathryn asking to see her, Seven opened the text message immediately. She had to read it twice before the words actually registered in their full meaning.

Why would he do such a thing, Seven couldn’t help but wonder. Such an action would be detrimental to Kathryn’s mental and emotional well being. Her anger and inclination to pummel the Native American was mitigated only by her curiosity about who had sent the warning. If the Commander were indeed using her for his own purposes, why would they warn her? And more importantly, who was this person? Seven of Nine wasn’t known for being overly gregarious and the only friends she could count were Kathryn Janeway, Naomi Wildman, and the doctor.

It took a lot of time and not a little effort, leading her all over the ship tracing false leads through multiple computer terminals, and through encrypted roadblocks but eventually she was successful in tracking down her elusive quarry. Intent on her pursuit of the truth the young woman was as relentless and single-minded as the tide. Long determined strides carried her toward engineering and her prey that the ship’s computer had located for her.

Tossing a padd with the downloaded warning onto the computer terminal she demanded, "State your intentions."

Staring at the offending padd Lieutenant Torres prevaricated after a brief moment, "State your intentions, please."

Damn, should have known she’d figure it out, B’Elanna thought. Maybe I should have just minded my own business. Even as the thought flashed through her mind, the hybrid gave an internal snort of derision. Yeah right. Her sense of fairness and respect for Janeway would never have allowed her to stand by and watch her used by a worthy but deluded man. Too bad she hadn’t sent the warning to Janeway. She would have had a better chance of evading detection. It came as no surprise a moment later when Seven insisted doggedly.

"Lieutenant B’Elanna Torres, you will comply."

Heaving a huge sigh that was more melodramatic than necessary, B’Elanna cast a quick glance toward the determined young woman.

"Not here," she said and began walking away, unsurprised when she sensed the Borg close on her heels. "Vorik, get that matter/antimatter reaction rate stabilized and find out why there’s a fluctuation in the first place," she ordered on her way to her office.

Raising an eyebrow the young Vulcan said reasonably, "Lieutenant, a point five phase variance is well within tolerance as outlined in Starfleet manual…"

"I don’t care what the manual says," the young woman snarled. "I don’t want to see more than a point two variance. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Lieutenant," he conceded calmly before turning back to his work.

Seven of Nine entered the engineer’s office, remaining quite and awaiting the answer to her question while the chief seated herself behind her desk.

"My intentions, hum?" The Klingon finally asked. "I’m not sure of my intentions, to tell you the truth. In fact, I probably shouldn’t be getting involved at all. I just knew that I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and let Chakotay do that to the captain."

Raising an eyebrow Seven prompted, "And what is that, exactly."

B’Elanna was frustrated beyond measure at how to explain emotional head-games to a drone. She might not like the woman, but part of that was because she didn’t understand the social protocols emotional interactions with others. How could she possibly explain? The only way she knew how, she decided. Head on.

"Chakotay thinks that if he can get you to date him that he can make the captain jealous."

"For what purpose?"

"He seems to think that she’s only settling for being with you…that’s it’s him she really wants. By making her jealous he would make her realize that she could have what she really wants…him."

If she had thought of Seven as the Ice Queen before, the current expression on the young woman’s face dispelled that notion entirely. Seven’s face flushed and her eyes seemed to sink into her flesh even as tears swam just beneath the surface.

"Do you think that is true?" she asked in a voice completely devoid of emotion, but the tears belied her internal devastation. It was the first time B’Elanna truly understood that Seven actually felt emotions, she just tended to suppress them.

It must be a defense mechanism, she thought even as she also realized that Seven probably did return Janeway’s love. Belatedly she rushed to reassure the younger woman. "No! I absolutely don’t think it’s true. Are you kidding me? Janeway adores you. It’s sickening the way she looks at you with those puppy-dog eyes sometimes."

"She does?" Seven asked, the tension beginning to leave her shoulders.

"Yeah," B’Elanna said struggling not to over-embellish more. As long as Seven was convinced by her little white lie what more could anyone ask?

"Then why would Commander Chakotay embark on such an endeavor when it would prove emotionally damaging to Kathryn?"

"Because jealousy is probably the ugliest of all human emotions. His pride is wounded because he’s always fantasized that she would choose him over everyone else. When she didn’t, he couldn’t accept that."

Seven couldn’t even begin to follow that reasoning. Why couldn’t humanoids just say how they really felt? It would be so much easier if all beings were telepathic. Still, it was enough to know that Kathryn truly loved her. Commander Chakotay’s feelings were irrelevant. With that settled, Seven continued her original line of questioning. If what she had learned so far was true, than Lieutenant Torres animosity toward her was lessening.

Arching her brow and deliberately softening the harshness of her tone, Seven asked, "Does this mean that we are about to embark on a friendship?"

The question took B’Elanna by surprise and for a moment she wasn’t sure how to respond. Then she saw it. There was actually a glint of humor in the blue eyes. Who would have guessed that Seven had a sense of humor? Considering the question, she wondered if they could be friends. The fact that the former drone actually loved Janeway went along way toward saying that was a possibility. It meant that even if she didn’t show it, she had feelings. Love aside; B’Elanna knew that she possessed honor, devotions and strength of character. If nothing else, it was a beginning.

Standing up and coming around the desk, she turned Seven toward the doorway with an arm across her shoulders. "Don’t push your luck. Why don’t we start with a drink in Sandrine’s?"

"A drink?"

"Yeah. A drink. It’s the end of my shift, and I could really use one. By the way, has anyone ever told you that you talk like the computer? You seriously have to loosen up," she advised as the doors slid closed on there conversation.

**********************************

Shore leave was in full swing and there were just as many Hugorans on board Voyager as there were Starfleet personnel on the surface. The doctor had determined that inter-species relations were not only compatible, but would do wonders for crew moral.

Lunchtime in the mess hall was a loud, raucous gathering of individuals and reminded B’Elanna Torres of a party rather than a noon meal. Glancing up at her companions she was once again struck by the pair sitting across form her. A tall, willowy brunette that seemed to hang on his every word accompanied Commander Chakotay. Even now Renara had an arm linked with his as he gazed down at her with passionate intent in his eyes.

Guess he was really devastated over Janeway’s rejection, she thought sarcastically. Her puckish sense of humor suddenly reared its stubborn head and she couldn’t help teasing him a little. "So, how’d it go with asking Seven out?" she asked casually before popping a bite of Norcadian roast into her mouth. Not bad, she thought frowning a little in surprise that Neelix was finally getting the spices right before looking up to see her friend’s reaction.

The older man had flushed slightly and was looking down at Renara in mild embarrassment.

"It is all right," the woman assured him with barely a pause. "Our people believe in pleasures of the flesh above all else. Perhaps if there is another female you desire to be with, we could all share it together."

As the Native American blushed so hard his neck veins looked ready to pop, B’Elanna bit down hard on the inside of her cheek to keep from bursting into laughter. Beside her, fiancé Tom Paris began to sputter and choke on his synthesized chicken.

Giving into the urge to chuckle the Klingon asked, "Yes, why don’t you ask her?" even as she thumped Tom helpfully on the back to clear his airway.

Reassured that the Hugoran female hadn’t taken offense Chakotay decided to tackle his embarrassment head-on. "To be honest I’ve only asked her to dinner once."

When nothing more was forthcoming Torres prompted, "And?"

"And nothing. She never responded."

"Did you try again?"

Looking at her in feigned surprise he responded, "Of course not. I have my pride, you know."

"Wait a minute," Tom said holding up a hand in confusion. "I thought Janeway and Seven were an item."

"Oh they are," Chakotay confirmed. "At least for now."

"What does that mean," the pilot asked in a deceptively calm voice.

Oh boy, here it comes, B’Elanna thought.

She knew the first officer wouldn’t pick up on the slight frown between the fair blue orbs signaling the helmsman’s temper was on the precipice. He had always been protective of the former drone, seeing in her a kindred spirit in that they had both been outcasts of one sort or another. And even though he had come a long way since being on board, he still had problems with Chakotay’s sanctimonious attitude from time to time.

Missing all of the warning signs entirely, Chakotay shrugged and said, "Well, I’m sure there will be trouble in paradise eventually. After all, Kathryn isn’t stupid and I’m sure it will be for the best," he finished obviously pleased at the thought.

"How do you figure?" Tom asked pushing his plate away and crossing his arms to await the reply.

"Well she was a Borg drone."

"Oh boy," B’Elanna muttered lowering her head and waiting for the explosion.

Eyes popping Tom uncrossed his arms and placed his palms against the tabletop. He was so tense that the tips of his fingers were turning white. If he were Klingon B’Elanna had no doubt that he would be leaving furrows.

"And I was a prison convict!" he said raising his voice above the din and attracting a lot of interest. "Does that automatically mean I’m worthless? Being assimilated by the Borg makes her a victim, or don’t you get that?"

Innocently Renara asked the question B’Elanna would have if she hadn’t bothered to get to know the young blonde a little. "If this person was a Borg aren’t you afraid she will try to assimilate you?"

"Yeah, Tom," Chakotay added, "Not only that, but what about the influence she has on the captain? Starfleet protocols are in place for a reason and getting involved with a crewman could seriously affect her command abilities."

The fact that Chakotay was trying to get Janeway to date him notwithstanding, Tom knew he was on thin ice but was too angry to care. "Starfleet protocols? You’ve never been one for protocols where the heart is concerned, Chakotay. But in case you haven’t been keeping up on current affairs, we’re a long way from the Federation. And if our captain were anyone but Janeway we’d all be dead by now. I trust her and her judgment, implicitly. Do you really think she’d allow someone she was involved with to influence her? I don’t think so, and to tell you the truth, Seven would be the last one to try."

Finally the young man paused to breathe and B’Elanna took the opportunity to back him up. As hard as it would be, Chakotay needed to hear this. "As for Seven, all you have to do is look to see that she really does love Janeway. She would never do anything to hurt her."

"If this person pleases her, does not your captain deserve to be happy?"

Frowning Chakotay pulled sulkily away from his date.

"I couldn’t have said it better myself, "Tom said standing up and regarding the other man with a mixture of disgust and disappointment. "So what if she’s a former drone? They love each other and it’s a hell of a long way home."

B’Elanna fought the urge to stand up and cheer for her lover as he left the mess hall. It was times like these that made her proud of the young man. Not having the luxury of stalking away in justified outrage, she kept her seat and began picking at her cold food with little enthusiasm while Chakotay sat quietly with a shamed look on his face.

"Tuvok to Commander Chakotay," came an unexpected hail over the executive officer’s comm. Badge.

"Chakotay here," he answered automatically.

"I regret to disturb your shore leave, Commander, but Captain Janeway failed to check in at the pre-arranged time. I have confirmed with the Chancellor that negotiations ended approximately two hours ago."

"Maybe she started her own time off," he suggested.

Without checking in with the ship, B’Elanna thought feeling the hairs stand up on t back of her neck. Not bloody likely.

"Negative, Commander. The security squad has also failed to check in and hails have been fruitless. Scans of the planet show no signs of them."

Internally rolling his eyes, Chakotay thought if there was a way to find trouble on a pleasure-planet, leave it to Janeway to do it. "Understood," he replied instantly transforming into command mode. "Begin recalling our people and transporting the Hugorans to the surface until we get this sorted out."

Again more bad news was delivered as the Vulcan security officer calmly replied, "Voyager personnel are widely dispersed across the planet’s surface. It will take approximately six hours to recall everyone."

"Great," the commander signed, disappointed and beginning to feel a sense of urgency. If something was wrong such a delay could prove disastrous. "Make it as fast as you can, Tuvok. I’m on my way."

Closing the com channel he said regretfully, "Sorry, ladies. It looks like shore leave’s over."

Kathryn Janeway awoke to the stench and gloom of dank, musty earth. No matter where you were in the universe the smell of an underground cavern remained the same. Again the nudge of a foot in her ribs reminded her that she was awake and not caught in the throws of some horrendous nightmare.

"Captain Janeway, please wake up."

Forcing her eyes open through blood-encrusted filth she tried to focus on the two men that made up her personal security contingent. The task was made more difficult by the fact that one eye was swollen completely shut. Sitting up, Kathryn fought the brief but violent urge to throw up. From the shifting in her midsection she guessed that at least two ribs were cracked if not completely broken. Focusing on the pasty faces in the gloom she rasped, "Report,"

Although the command lacked the usual snap, her crewmen seemed relieved that she was at least giving the impression of taking charge, regardless of who that really was at the moment.

"I haven't seen anyone since I woke up, Captain," Lieutenant Ron Baxter reported quietly in case they were being monitored. "We seem to be in a small, earthen cell but it's kind of hard to explore very much."

Confused by the last bit, Kathryn questioned the battered man, "Why is that?"

"Because my leg is broken."

Looking down reflexively, she could see that he was unquestionably right. The left leg was bent back at an unnatural angle as he leaned against the wall tense with pain. That explained why he had awakened her with a nudge to the ribs instead of getting up and shaking her.

"Why'd they hurt us so badly, Captain? It's not like we resisted."

Crewman Mark Addison's youth and innocence was reflected in his voice. Voyager had been his first posting straight out of the Academy and even after all of the encounters with hostile aliens he still believed steadfastly in the ideals of the Federation. Unfortunately, he was constantly surprised when others didn't share those same ideals.

But in this case, he was right. They had been surprised while walking back to the transport site by almost a dozen Hugoran men, several of which carried some kind of disrupter weapons. Being caught off guard the Starfleet officers had no chance to draw their weapons and had simply raised their hands in the universal symbol of surrender.

Either the Hugorans didn't understand the gesture or they didn't care. While the armed Hugorans kept them from fleeing, those assailants without weapons seemed to take great personal joy in beating them into submission before force-marching them to a heavily wooded location and dropping them into a hole in the ground. That must have been when Baxter broke his leg, Janeway surmised.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "But don't you worry, we'll find a way out of this. We always do." Hoping that her response inspired confidence in the young man she changed the subject by stating, "Now, I need to know how badly you're injured."

Considering briefly he glanced at Baxter before responding, "Not too bad, I guess. Just some cuts and bruises...sore stomach. I'm not as bad off as the lieutenant, at least nothing's broken." Reaching up he pushed a sweaty lock of blonde hair off his forehead.

It was only after she saw the gesture that Kathryn realized how extremely hot and muggy it was where they were being held. They still wore their complete uniforms including com badges but a quick check insured her that they weren’t functional, and their clothing stuck damply to their skin. Whether the communicators weren’t working because of a force field or the bedrock she wasn’t sure, but the end result was the same.

She had little memory of how they had ended up where they were but vaguely recalled a sensation of being dragged. Wherever they had fallen through the ground, it hadn’t been from the ceiling of this cell. If only they could get out of the dank room long enough to find the way out.

"What do you think they want from us, Captain?" Lieutenant Baxter asked through clenched teeth.

A furtive sound outside the heavy cell door drew her attention. "I don't know," she responded quietly, "But I have a feeling we're about to find out."

Janeway quickly rose from a sitting position to crouch in tense preparation of pouncing on hopefully unsuspecting prey.

"Don't bother," warned a booming voice as the door opened and a plasma rifle was leveled at her point-blank. Well at least the universal translators were working.

Standing carefully, Kathryn fixed a baleful eye on the Hugoran and placed her hands on her hips. It was pure bravado, but in a voice that had caused Klingons reconsider their actions she asked, "What is the meaning of this outrage?"

"Shut up," he spat contemptuously.

For a moment she was taken aback by his tone. Since being on the planet she hadn't heard anyone speak to another individual in such a manner. The people had seemed concerned with nothing but pleasure and speaking cordially to everyone around them. But she hadn't seen anyone dressed as this man was either, except for the group that had attacked them.

He was tall with dark hair and a course black beard where most of the Hugorans were clean-shaven with fair hair. And although most of them were tall, they weren't as muscle-bound as these guys were.

They look like they're on steroids, she thought fighting the urge to smart off. Though her personality tended toward the sarcastic, it wouldn't help her get the information she needed.

"What do you want?" she tried again in a calmer, more reasonable tone.

"For you to work."

"And if we refuse?" she asked trying valiantly to control her anger.

His response was not verbal, as she had expected. Instead he swung the muzzle of his weapon onto the injured security officer. Without blinking an eye he opened fire. Baxter never even had time to flinch as he was shot in the chest.

"Animal!" Janeway bellowed springing toward the guard on pure instinct. The ringing blow delivered to the side of her head sent her crashing to the dirt. It was a second before her vision stopping spinning and she could glare up at him.

"He could not work," the man said sharply. "If you do not work, you will also die. If you work you will be fed. Nothing more,"

"My ship will find us, and when they do you'll regret this," she promised him in her deadliest register.

His evil grin forced a cold shiver down her spine. "I am sure they will try, but they will not find you. Do you think you are the first aliens we have taken to work the plant?" Pausing for what Janeway was sure was pure dramatic effect he finally said, "We will come for you soon. When we do, be ready to work. You are no longer individuals; you are servants of the First Prime. Your task from now until the end of your existence is to work the plant, and keep power supplied to the cities so that the Hugorans may enjoy the pleasure they so deserve."

Without another word, the heavy door closed on the two Starfleet officers and their dead companion.

*************************

Ten hours later Voyager knew precious little about the whereabouts of their missing crew. Commander Chakotay had followed protocol by contacting Chancellor Ibudan and asking all of the appropriate questions. The leader of the Hugoran people seemed genuinely perplexed by the barrage of question fired at him by suddenly disgruntled visitors. From the look in his eyes Chakotay believed Ibudan when he said he didn’t know what had happened to the captain and security officers, but he did look as though he was holding something back. After very little prompting Ibudan admitted that it wasn’t the first time he’d been approached with similar claims by passing ships. It hadn’t happened often, but the missing crewmembers in each case had never been recovered and the vessels had eventually continued on their way.

The Hugorans would cooperate in every way, but since there was no crime on the planet there was no security to assist in the investigation. Knowing that Voyager was essentially on its own, Chakotay had ended the conversation and subsequently called an emergency meeting of the senior staff.

Glancing around the conference room Chakotay as pleased to see that everyone had arrived promptly and seemed to realize how serious the situation was. Since crewmen missing was supposed to be confidential until the meeting, which ensured that everyone on the ship already knew about it.

His eyes came to rest on a tall, statuesque blonde and he hesitated only for an instant before continuing to the head of the conference table. He didn’t miss the brief frown resting between the woman’s pale eyes as he sat in the captain’s chair. Remembering B’Elanna’s admonishment in the mess hall, he briefly considered that perhaps she did love the captain. A pang of sympathy tugged at his heart even though he still believed that Janeway belonged with him.

"All right, let’s get started," he said gathering everyone’s attention. "As you may or may not know Captain Janeway and her security squad are missing. I’ve contacted the Hugoran government, but they have no knowledge of the incident."

"I bet," B’Elanna snarled showing slightly pointed teeth. "How many times have we heard that one?"

Raising an eyebrow at her tone and at having been interrupted, the commander attempted to regain control of the meeting. "I happen to believe him. However, that isn’t the end of it. Apparently this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. Tuvok, could you fill them in?"

Frowning slightly the Vulcan responded succinctly, "Previous vessels have reported missing crewmembers, but they were never found. We have scanned the surface for Captain Janeway and the others but we have found no evidence that they are still on the planet."

"Did you try scanning for their bio-signatures?" Tom asked leaning forward with a worried look on his face.

Harry Kim, the operations officer, responded before Tuvok had the chance. In a voice sounding like he was going to cry he said, "We’ve tried everything. We’ve scanned for com signals, bio-signatures, we even tried scanning for the minerals in their bones."

"The minerals in their bones?" Neelix inquired, "What is that exactly, and why would it be any different from the minerals in anyone else’s bones?"

"That’s actually quite a good idea," the doctor interrupted to praise at large. "The levels of calcium, carbon, even blood and tissues within the bones would vary from species to species. Quite ingenious,"

Nodding in acknowledgement, Chakotay cut off the doctor’s praise to chime in, "Yes, the point is we have found nothing. The only thing I can think of is sending down an investigative team to scan at close range for any sign of them."

"But?" B’Elanna prompted hearing something in his voice.

Dipping his head slightly he said, "But…I hesitate to send anyone else down when we don’t know what’s going on."

"With all due respect, Commander," Tuvok began, "until a full investigation is conducted we will not know what is ‘going on’. I am capable of conducting this investigation, and I can assure you that my people will be prepared for any contingency."

It was a valid point, and Chakotay seriously considered it. It wouldn’t be the first time crewmen had gone down onto a hostile planet to find missing people. Starfleet officers were trained to be flexible in any given situation, although the Delta Quadrant seemed to be a horse of an entirely different color. Starfleet protocol certainly authorized and indeed encouraged the retrieval of personnel from dangerous situations, unless the rest of the crew was put at risk by the proposal. And that was the crux of it. Would the crew be put at risk? He didn’t know since there wasn’t enough information to answer that question. His heart told him to send the rescue team, and that was exactly what caused him to hesitate. Would he be sending them because he wanted to rescue the captain and missing crew, or would he be sending them to rescue Kathryn?

Finally he said, "I’ll take that into consideration, Tuvok. For now continue scanning the surface. Make sure the rest of the crew is back on board. Neelix, the crew is going to be understandably upset. Do what you do best, keep morale up and talk to people. Let them know that we’ll be doing everything we can."

"Will we?" came a cold, toneless voice from his left.

Looking into the eyes of Seven of Nine, Chakotay felt a chill race up his spine but refused to let himself cower in front of the rest of the senior staff.

"What do you mean, Seven?" he asked calmly.

"It does not appear to me that anything is being done. Scans have already been performed with negative results. The only viable option at this point is to send down a rescue team."

"That’s my call, and I have to take the entire crew into consideration. I’ll let you all know what I decide as soon as possible," he finished addressing the rest of the officers.

"Commander Chakotay, you are avoiding the obvious solution. There is no reason Commander Tuvok cannot…"

"That’s enough, Seven," Chakotay countered growing angry. Seven routinely butted heads with Janeway, and the captain actually seemed to enjoy it, but Chakotay wasn’t Janeway. He didn’t garner alternate ideas from arguing with the young woman, all he did was grow angry. Right now he needed a clear head to think, and anger was counter-productive to that effort. "I’ll let all of you know what I decide. Dismissed."

The tension was thick in the room as others waited to see what Seven would do next. They weren’t disappointed when she stood slowly with a deadly gaze leveled at the tattooed commander.

"You claim to have feelings for Captain Janeway, yet you would leave her behind on this planet and protest that it would be for the good of the crew. You know nothing of the good of the crew if you could leave her. I will not leave her because I do love her. If every member of this ship were sacrificed to retrieve her, the cost would not be too much. You are weak. Were you to become captain of this vessel, the crew of this ship would not survive six months in the Delta Quadrant."

It was the most long-winded speech B’Elanna had ever heard from the young woman and she had to bite back her laughter at the look of shock on Chakotay’s face. With her luck he would probably see her laughter as a form of insubordination. Finally he realized that he had become the source of not just a little amusement.

"Are you all deaf? Dismissed."

Shuffling out of the doors, Torres headed to the turbo-lift. If she were very lucky she would be able to catch Seven and get in on the action. Instinct told her that her little lecture to Chakotay wasn’t a frustrated message of defeat, but an angry message of intent. She was going after Janeway herself, and far be it from Torres to let a fellow officer go into a dangerous situation alone.

Better make sure Carey is ready to cover for me, she thought slyly as she reached to tap her combadge.

Making a quick stop by her quarters, B’Elanna shucked her uniform and put on a pair of heavy black trousers and a long-sleeved black turtleneck. The atmosphere of the planet was cool enough that her clothing would be comfortable, and the color would help conceal her from prying eyes. Finishing her outfit with thick-soled black shoes she grabbed a phaser and headed for deck eight. The computer had already informed her that Seven was in Astrometrics, but B’Elanna doubted that she was plotting star charts.

Moving quickly, she entered the science lab and came to an abrupt halt at the site in front of her. A second look convinced her that it was actually Seven of Nine that she was looking at. Dressed in green camouflaged trousers and jacket with a green undershirt, she cut quite a figure. Her blonde hair was in its customary twist, but the trousers that she wore had been bloused over shiny, black combat boots. Being involved with a history buff, B’Elanna knew that the trousers were bloused at the bottoms to prevent insects, snakes and other vermin from crawling inside if one were in heavily wooded areas. That fact notwithstanding, it was a shock to see the former Borg dressed in anything other than a skin-tight bio-suit. For some reason, the outfit was sexier than the revealing clothing she customarily wore. As she watched, Seven picked up a green, padded flack jacket and pulled it on over her outfit. Judging from the bulges in the pockets it was heavily loaded with supplies leaving B’Elanna to feel that she had been shown up by the younger woman’s preparedness. Hefting her phaser, she wondered which one of them was the warrior here.

Wow, maybe I’ve been exploring the wrong side of the fence, she thought giving the young woman the once over before realizing what she was doing.

"Nice ensemble!" she complimented in what she hoped wasn’t too lurid a tone.

"Thank you," Seven returned calmly before walking over to the computer and inputting commands.

Curious, the chief engineer wandered over and glanced over the young woman’s shoulder. Seeing the information being relayed to the console, she began to grin as things began falling into place. "Covering your tracks, huh?"

"To what are you referring, Lieutenant?" Seven asked without missing a beat.

"Oh, please," B’Elanna said waving a hand. "You don’t even lie well. I knew you would never let it go without trying to rescue her. You’re circumventing the security protocols on the shuttle bays and the launch doors. Now let’s cut to the chase. I’m with you. They’ll never even know we’re gone. Now that we’re clear, let’s go get your girlfriend back."

Standing up and placing her hands behind her in her customary pose, Seven leveled a serious gaze at the Klingon. "Lieutenant Torres, I cannot in good conscience allow you to accompany me. Such an enterprise could cost you your commission."

Shaking her head, B’Elanna took hold of Seven’s arm to lead her toward the door. "You know, why can’t you just say, ‘Thanks, B’Elanna. Now let’s get moving.’?

Walking with the engineer Seven inquired, "I am speaking like the computer, again?"

"How’d you guess?"

Taking the turbo-lift to deck ten, the two renegades had no problems as they accessed the shuttle-bay. The cavernous room looked strange, the pad where the Cochrane usually sat being conspicuously empty.

"Don’t you two ever get tired of getting into trouble? Chakotay’s gonna kill me if we destroy another shuttle."

"The destruction of the Cochrane was due to an ion storm, Lieutenant. Kathryn and I had no choice in the matter," Seven informed her in what the Klingon thought was a huffy tone. Finally touched a nerve, she thought.

"It’s B’Elanna, and that’s exactly my point. Every time you take a shuttle, it gets demolished, regardless of the circumstances. Now keep your eyes open, if a maintenance worker spots us the jig’s up."

"Jig?"

Sighing in frustration she said, "It’s just an expression. Now be quiet would ya?"

The conversation was getting too confusing for Seven anyway, so she gladly relented. Not understanding what a dance had to do with leaving Voyager undetected, she punched in the access code to open the Delta Flyer’s hatch.

"Good choice," B’Elanna said in a melodramatic stage whisper, complimenting the other woman on the choice of their vessel. "The ablative armor could come in handy."

As soon as the door slid closed the engineer began giving orders. "Power up the lights. I’ll start the engines, but I think we’d better skip the pre-flight sequence. Get ready to open the launch bay doors."

Both women came to an abrupt start when they spied a third person in the cockpit. B’Elanna’s heart ricocheted off her chest and began pounding double-time thinking that it was Chakotay and that they had been caught. I wonder if there’s a rank lower than crewman, she thought briefly.

"About time. I was beginning to think you two weren’t coming."

Regaining her composure more quickly than her compatriot Seven asked, "Lieutenant Nicoletti, please state your intentions."

A sharp elbow in her ribs made her look at B’Elanna sideways. Then she realized her error. "I mean, what are you doing here?"

"Better," B’Elanna snarled sarcastically before taking charge of the situation. "Nicoletti, why aren’t you at your post?"

Ignoring the questions, Susan Nicoletti said, "You know, it really is strange seeing the two of you together. I thought you didn’t like each other?"

Breaking out of her trance B’Elanna said, "So shoot me," as she moved forward into the pilot’s seat. "You still haven’t answered us. Why are you here and not at your post?"

Looking at the board in front of her Susan answered. "It’s hard to be at your post when the doctor takes you off duty for Bolian flu, and I figured you needed help. You’re not the only ones who want to get the others back."

The running lights came on interrupting the conversation as Seven moved into the science station. "Lieutenant Nicoletti, you should not be here if you are contagious. You are jeopardizing the success of this mission."

Nicoletti gave the young woman a blank stare while B’Elanna could only roll her eyes at her new friend. "She doesn’t have Bolian flu, Seven."

"But, she just stated…"

"It’s a ruse," B’Elanna interrupted. "It was an excuse so she could come with us and it gets her off Chakotay’s radar. Don’t be so literal."

"I see," Seven finally responded, but clearly not.

With no further delay, the trio was able to leave the ship without setting off any alarms. They could have saved themselves the bother if they had waited another twenty minutes. Chakotay finally realized that the right thing to do was attempt the rescue. Regardless whether he was doing it for his own personal feelings or for the good of the crew, the decision was the same. If it were anyone else on the planet Janeway would have gone after them, he could hardly do otherwise for her. Tuvok was given the go-ahead and it was only when he was putting his rescue team together that he learned others had began without him. He wouldn’t have known then if he hadn’t tried to find Lieutenant Torres to join his team.

*********************************

Janeway was appalled at the conditions of the underground caverns. Soot hung heavily in the darkened tunnels. In places there were large holes in the walls and she could see a faint red-orange glow. She and Addison along with some other new workers were being led toward their workstation. They had yet to be fed but the guards had come as promised, tossing shovels their way and directing them to follow. It hadn’t been a long walk, taking only a few minutes so far, but already they were drenched in sweat. Ignoring the annoying trickle of perspiration that trailed down her spine and the sweltering heat Janeway concentrated on the journey. If there was to be any hope of getting out of this place she had to know where she was going.

The narrow corridor suddenly gave way to a cavernous opening as they rounded a corner, and it became easier to see. The reason for the better illumination was suddenly clear, as was the cause of the red-orange glow.

At the edges of the large clearing were sharp cliffs that dropped away for an easy two hundred meters. Janeway’s group was near a precipice and as she looked down into it she saw a river of lava far below. The liquid heat caused the air to be almost intolerable and heavy on the lungs while it also supplied a form of ambient light.

Frowning, Kathryn felt the edges of a puzzle beginning to come together but she knew that she didn’t have all of the pieces yet.

"Get moving!" a guard admonished shoving her hard between the shoulder blades.

Not long on patience, she thought rushing a few steps to catch up to the others. It wasn’t difficult to see where they were headed. Workers were strewn out ahead of them; some with pick-like tools and others with shovels digging into the unforgiving rock around them.

Janeway’s group was finally brought to a halt near the other workers and began receiving instructions in a not too friendly manner. The speech sounded vaguely familiar and she realized it was a variation of the one she had heard from the other guard. Of course it was a speech intended for two purposes; to let them know what was expected of them, and to take away all hope of escape.

"You no longer exist to the world above," he stated walking down the line and staring intimidatingly into each of their faces. "You will mine the minerals that stoke the fires for the Hugorans. These fires will supply power to the world above, but you will no longer be a part of it. You are here to serve. As long as you work, you will live. That is all. You will not complain. You are nothing, you mean nothing, and you will never leave. Is that understood?"

With the end of the speech he came to a halt in front of the Starfleet captain. Wrinkling her nose in disgust at the smell, she couldn’t help but wish that he had kept walking. Since he had stopped in front of her as he asked a question, she assumed that she was supposed to answer. "I understand."

Unfortunately the question must have been rhetorical as he raised a meaty arm and backhanded her across the face for answering. It was the second time in an hour that she had been struck in such a fashion, and this time the taste of blood was in her mouth. It took a moment for her to realize that an arm was around her shoulder in a protective fashion, and she was startled to see Addison at her side.

"Get her up, and get to work," the guard instructed harshly. "The minerals you mine will be taken over there to the processing line. They will clean the ore and prepare it for burning. If you work hard, you may be relieved from digging and allowed to clean."

Wiping at the blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, Janeway stood with her crewman’s help, gasping at the pain in her injured side. "Is this hell?" he asked quietly as they began to dig near one of the cliffs.

"No, it’s not hell," she assured him. "And there is a way out. Keep your eyes and ears open. Everything we can learn about this place will help us escape."

Conversation stopped as a guard drifted near them, cuffing slacking workers here and there; chastising others depending on the infraction. Digging into the solid ground, Janeway was grateful that her muscles had already been hardened by work on Q’ntar such a short time ago, but it didn’t take long before her recently broken arm and sore ribs began to ache. Gritting her teeth, she bore the pain as cart after cart was filled with the black, oily ore. It was very much like coal, even if she didn’t know what it was called.

Everyone seemed to instinctively work in pairs as though they couldn’t bear to be isolated. The guards didn’t seem to care as long as the work was done. As each cart was loaded, pairs would push them to the cleaning tables and then begin digging again. There was only trouble from one new worker. He was obviously not Hugoran, standing over seven feet in height, with deep blue coloring he could almost have passed for a Bolian if not for the shocking red of his afro.

The alien had refused to work at first until three Hugorans beat him until he almost lost consciousness. Even then he had picked himself up, and growled menacingly at the guards before reluctantly picking up his pick. Since then he had constantly been casting threatening looks around, even at the other workers when they happened to get too close to him. Kathryn wasn’t sure if he would prove to be an ally or if he would only cause trouble but either way she couldn’t worry about him right now. All she could do was keep her eye on him and do her own work.

Kathryn didn’t know how long the routine continued, only that she was growing stiff from hours of over exertion when a large clanging gong began to sound.

Looking up in confusion she saw workers beginning to form a line. Hesitantly, she and Addison put down their tools and joined them. They didn’t know what was happening, but it was safer to join everyone else than wait for a guard with a whip.

"Maybe it’s food," Addison said hopefully.

Kathryn’s belly growled in response to the thought. Right now she would eat one of Neelix’s leola almond soufflés, she thought with an internal snicker. Her hunger was only slightly muted by the pain of her swollen jaw. Addison was standing on tiptoe to peer over the other workers, when his shoulders suddenly sagged in disappointment.

"What is it?" Kathryn asked unable to see around the others. "Is it food?"

Shaking his head Addison said, "No, it looks like some kind of medical thing."

"Medical? Down here?"

"It looks like they’re giving out shots," he added with a shrug.

As the workers received their injections they drifted over to another line and began receiving bowls of gruel. Some were rubbing the injection places in their necks as though the shots had been painful, but all of them took the medication without complaint.

"Looks like we have to take our medicine to get our dinner," Janeway surmised tartly.

"I’ll drink a whole tub if that means I get some food," Addison exaggerated shuffling forward readily as the line moved.

Kathryn could understand the feeling until she began observing the others. The troublesome blue alien came to the head of the line and began raising his voice in obvious fear and anger. "What is this? I can’t imagine that you’d be worried about our health."

"Take the medicine," the guard holding the medicine ordered as two others grabbed the man. He struggled hard against his attackers causing other Hugorans to assist. Janeway was tempted to make a break for it at that point, but forced herself to be patient. Even if she and Addison got away from the Hugorans they would never find a way out, and she needed to know what they were doing to the others with the injections.

Reaching over quickly the guard injected the medicine into the alien’s neck, and he immediately stopped fighting. As soon as he subsided the guards released his arm allowing him to rub at the injection site.

"Now you may eat," one of the guards told him, nudging him toward the food line before turning to address the rest of the workers. "He is right, we are not concerned for your health. The medicine will keep you healthy only so that you may continue to work. You will be fed only after you receive your medicine, so it is in your own interest that you accept it quietly." Encouraging the line to begin moving again, he shoved the next worker forward.

"I guess we take our medicine huh, Captain?" Addison observed quietly. He wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as before and moved sedately when the line shifted.

Kathryn didn’t respond, barely hearing him as she observed the recalcitrant blue man. Even in the dim lighting his eyes appeared glazed and he was unnaturally quiet. One could argue that it was because of the experience of being forced to accept the shot, but since the beating he had received earlier hadn’t subdued him such a thing was unlikely.

And what of the others? She hadn’t heard any of the workers that had been here a while even speak. Was their will broken, or did the medicine contain something else, a sedative perhaps? Shaking her head, she realized that didn’t quite make sense either. How could you expect someone to work if they were sedated?

I guess we’re about to find out, she thought resignedly as Addison came to the head of the line. Turning his head, the young man closed his eyes as he waited for the medication to be distributed. Kathryn watched as he swallowed nervously, but bravely waited. Wishing she could encourage him, she could only wait silently as he moved toward the food line and she received her own injection.

It took only a second and she was walking back toward her comrade. The alien concoction moved quickly through her system, causing her head to swim briefly before the sensation faded. Her mind began to feel a little foggy around the edges and she suddenly realized that is was difficult to think of anything more pressing than the immediate here and now.

Ho boy, she thought. We can’t take too many of those or we’ll forget who we are. We’re going to have to get out of here soon, even if we don’t know where we’re going.

As a fairly good tactician, Kathryn knew that they couldn’t take even one more of those injections or they wouldn’t have the presence of mind to try and find a way out. On the up side, the aliens were true to their word in that they were keeping the workers capable. The pain in Kathryn’s ribs began to ease and she could breathe a little easier.

Guess they’re not worried about anyone escaping, Kathryn thought. The medicine made the mind too foggy to think about such an enterprise.

She gratefully accepted the bowl of tasteless gruel before walking up next to her crewman. "Mark, how are you feeling?" she asked eating her meal unabashedly at the same time. If they were going to get out of here they needed to keep up their strength and she had every intention of eating anything she could find. The bowlful of food wasn’t enough but it would at least assuage the gnawing sensation in their stomachs.

"Better…not quite as sore, but kind of funny, Captain," he admitted slowly. "Like I’m not all here, you know?"

"I know exactly what you mean," she admitted. "You know this moves up our time table? Keep your eyes open and stay close. We’ll move as soon as one of us finds the opportunity."

"What if we have to take another one of those shots before that happens?" he asked worriedly.

"Let’s hope that’s not the case. I just wish I knew what was happening with Voyager. It would help if I knew they were looking for us."

"Don’t worry, Captain. We’ll get out of this. You trained your crew well; they won’t abandon us."

Janeway grinned as she watched him lick the remnants from the bottom of the bowl. She didn’t know if hunger was his motivation or if he knew that every nutrient was critical at this point, but either way she was proud of him.

"Back to work!" a Hugoran thug bellowed and workers began moving quickly toward their work assignments. Exchanging looks, Janeway and Addison placed their bowls onto the growing stacks along with everyone else before going back to work. Feeling a little foggy, Kathryn picked her shovel up with blistered hands. They had already been digging for hours, and it was many more before the guards finally called an end to the workday. The thick feeling in her head hadn’t abated, but she was beginning to think that it wouldn’t.

The workers were led back toward the cells in a semi-disorganized herd. Trying to pay attention as much as her clogged mind would allow, Kathryn noticed that most of the workers recognized their cell locations and stopped by what she considered almost unnoticeable doors. This indicated that these people had been here for some time, and she resolved that when she escaped she would make sure they did as well.

Unable to navigate in the subterranean labyrinth Janeway and Addison could only follow blindly along behind the guards. Slowly the other workers were left along the way until there was only a small group left; one of which was the blue man. A nagging sensation was tugging at the back of Kathryn’s head, but she couldn’t quite isolate what was bothering her until two more workers were left behind and only the blue remained with the Starfleet officers.

That was it! The cells were laid out in order of when the workers were taken, the most recent acquisitions being the farthest along the trek of cells. That meant that not only were they about to reach their destination, but that they had run out of time to act. As soon as the blue alien was deposited in his cell, Janeway had to move. Weighing her options she tightened her grip around the shovel she still carried. There were five guards to the two of them. Smirking internally she thought that it was hardly fair. With weapons in their hands, the Hugorans wouldn’t stand a chance.

When they stopped silently in front of another door, Janeway took the opportunity to nudge Addison slightly while the guards were watching Blueman, as she had come to call him. She could see the awareness in her young crewman’s eyes, and looked away quickly as the Hugorans turned toward them. Again they walked along sedately as though their will had been broken, but internally Janeway was waiting for just the perfect moment. But the perfect moment never came, and when their cell door was opened there was no more time to wait.

"Now!" Janeway ordered spinning on her heels to slam the flat of her shovel against the side of the nearest guard’s head. He grunted in pain and fell heavily to the ground, but didn’t lose consciousness. Without hesitating Kathryn delivered a snap kick to the mid-section of another angry man before clanging him on the head. She was happy to see that this one fell to the ground and didn’t try to get back up.

Addison moved before the command was out of his captain’s mouth by driving the handle of his pick into a guard’s stomach. Gleefully hearing the whoosh of breath being driven out of the man he reversed direction on his tool and let the heavy metal arc back toward his head. The guard had seen the weapon coming at him and dodged it at the last moment. Lunging forward he latched onto Addison around the waist and slammed him against the earthen walls. The young man released his pick and struggled with the larger Hugoran for a good hold. He preferred it this way anyway since he was better at hand to hand. Managing to wedge his arms between their bodies he forced the Hugoran back far enough to raise a knee and slam him in the belly even as two more guards rushed toward him. The first guard sagged as Addison kicked him again before taking a meaty blow to the side of the head. His vision blurred, but he thought he saw the captain moving to his rescue.

As soon as her second opponent fell unconscious Janeway was moving back to the first. The other three Hugorans were occupied with Addison, clearing not seeing her as a threat and that mistake would be their undoing. Before the first guard could shake off his dizziness, Kathryn lifted the shovel over her head and swung with all the strength her injured ribs could take. The crunch as he head gave in was gratifying yet heart-wrenching at the same time. She couldn’t stand needless death, but their own lives were in the balance here, and there was no time for second guesses.

Turning quickly she swung her shovel at the knees of the closest guard. Since they had their backs to her it wasn’t hard to knock him off his feet. The other two instinctively glanced toward her and Addison took the chance to drive his fist into one of their faces. The guard was knocked toward Janeway and using the shovel like a bat she finished up with a two-handed swing against the side of his head.

Home run, she smirked to herself as he fell heavily. Addison had just finished dispatching the other guard and the two took a moment to grin at each other in victory.

Panting hard from her exertions Janeway said, "As much as I’d like to take this opportunity to gloat, I think we’d better get out of here."

"Right!" Addison agreed with a sharp nod before glancing up and down the narrow corridor. Catching himself abruptly he turned back toward her. "Uh, Captain, don’t you think we should tie them up first?"

Maybe the drug was starting to wear off a little Janeway thought with a grin. It was nice to see that the young man was thinking again. "Good idea. I think we should drag them into our cell, too since it’s unlikely that anyone will be coming down here until the morning."

The guards were heavy and in their hunger-weakened condition it was an effort to drag them into the cell. Janeway regretted any loss of life and was relieved to see that only one of the Hugorans was dead. Using the guards belts, shoelaces, and strips of cloth torn from their tunics they bound and gagged the men before they were ready to go. Leading the way as any good security officer should do, Addison peered out the door and down each length of the corridor.

"Which way?" he asked in a stage whisper over his shoulder as he bent over and picked up his pick from earlier.

Although there were many junctions intersecting with the tunnel that the cells were on Janeway knew they had to take their chances and pick a direction. Since the work area was back the way they had come, she opted for that direction. The layout of the cells and the way the other captives had been dropped off indicated a certain order. It made sense that as people were captured they were put into a cell along this corridor, ergo the closer to the work area; the longer the people had been here. "That way," she indicated pointing over his shoulder.

Addison started off without another word but Kathryn called for him to wait. "Instead of that pick, what do you say we trade up?" Grinning she picked up a rifle and tossed it toward him. She armed herself with a hard, wooden crop since it was lighter than the shovel and easier to wield. Not all of the guards carried rifles down here and she could only guess that the reason he hadn’t used it when they revolted was because of the close quarters. Now if only that rescue team that Addison believed in would get here.

"Let’s go," she ordered leading the way into the murky darkness. They had only gone a short distance when Janeway halted before one of the other cells. Pulling out a set of keys that she had obviously taken from an unconscious guard when Addison wasn’t looking, she began unlocking the door.

"What are you doing?" the young man asked in a nervous voice.

Janeway took a moment to grin toward him, and then said, "I think he’ll come in handy."

Addison didn’t think this was such a good idea, but what choice did he have? She was the captain, and the young man was sharp enough to realize that he wouldn’t be able to change her mind when it was made up.

The room was dark, and all Kathryn could see was a huge lump in the corner. At first she thought he was asleep, but then he uncoiled to seven feet of menacing alien. A low growl emanated from the massive individual, and the Starfleet Captain rushed to reassure him.

"It’s all right. We’re friends."

"There are no friends down here. Only the enemy and the less dangerous," he assured her fisting his hands menacingly.

Shrugging in acknowledgement Kathryn said wryly, "Okay, would you settle for getting the hell out of this place?"

The question seemed to shock the man into silence. After a moment he asked, "Why would you help me?"

Seeing absolutely no reason to prevaricate she said, "Because you’re big, strong, and bad-tempered. I think you’d be an asset."

Although he tended to distrust everyone on sight, the small female exuded honesty. For some reason that completely escaped him, he trusted her. She hadn’t tried to stroke his ego, and somehow she had managed to elude the guards and open the door. That kind of skill deserved respect. Respect was important to his kind and wasn’t given easily. The fact that she had earned it so quickly spoke of her character.

"Name’s Tolin, and we’re wasting time."

Dipping her head, Kathryn gestured with her hand toward the corridor. "After you,"

"What’s the plan?" he asked stepping into the tunnel, and glancing both ways.

"I’ll fill you in on the way."

 (Part 3)

Lieutenant Susan Nicoletti thought it nothing short of amazing that no alarms sounded as the shuttle exited the enormous hanger bay and shot into the darkness of space. Voyager’s security systems had been the latest in 24^th century technology when the intrepid little ship had left space dock four years previously, meaning that it shouldn’t have been so easy for the Klingon and former drone to circumvent the sensors. If it were such an easy task that would have left the Federation ship a sitting duck for any alien attacker, would-be saboteur or pirate sailing the abyss of space.

Obviously it was a credit to how well these two functioned together as a criminal element. With Seven of Nine’s intellect, and B’Elanna Torres penchant for mischief she doubted that anyone could oppose these two for very long. The fact that the two were getting along was miraculous in itself but she had to admit that Torres’ sense of humor had improved, too. That was always a bonus since Nicoletti usually had to put up with the chief engineer on a day-to-day basis.

She had never seen the Klingon hybrid laugh so much, and attributed it to Seven’s total lack of manners. The irony wasn’t lost on Nicoletti that at one time that same quality had driven the chief engineer crazy. Guess Seven brings out the child in her, Susan reasoned. Of course she couldn’t really tell much of a difference in Seven other than the fact that she didn’t seem to be as rigid as usual. It was obvious that she was very worried about the captain, but she couldn’t wait to see if the former drone would respond to Lieutenant Torres’ olive branch of friendship once the crisis was over.

"Entering the outer thermosphere," B’Elanna reported out of habit for the automatic flight recorder.

Nicoletti had been on the surface for shore leave for a short time, but this was the first time she had seen the planet from space. With morbid interest she leaned forward in her co-pilot’s chair for a better view of the planet where her shipmates had been taken captive. It was a beautiful planet; all blues of the oceans and swirling white clouds. For a moment the colors reminded her of Earth. The people were amazingly human as well, and for a time she could almost have allowed herself to feel like she was home. As much as she would have liked to dwell in that feeling, it couldn’t last long because there really was nothing like being on Earth and the closer they got to the orb the more obvious that fact became.

Her ruminations were abruptly interrupted by one of her companions in the rear of the cockpit.

Frowning slightly at the display from the aft science station Seven reported, "Sensors are showing a level two ion storm in the lower atmosphere. However, it should not pose a problem for the shields," she concluded, her expression clearing immediately.

The Delta Flyer had been designed to withstand any of the more mundane threats of space travel as well as some of the more specific dangers they had encountered while in the Delta Quadrant. Although a level two ion storm was nothing to be ignored, the ablative armor that covered the outside of the shuttlecraft coupled with their shield configuration was more than a match for the disturbance. Seven believed that the armor and shields could, in fact, withstand a level eight storm without too much turbulence. However, anything stronger than that would probably be devastating to the craft.

"Good," B’Elanna returned with a sharp nod as the shuttle dipped through the snowy clouds. "We don’t need any problems, now."

There was truth in that Seven agreed mentally. It would be hard enough to be Janeway and the others back. Any additional difficulties at this point would be far from encouraging. A sudden jolt rocked the ship casting them hard against their restraints and rudely interrupting the drone’s line of thought. The Delta Flyer skipped up at a sharp angle testing the limits of the inertial dampers and Seven quickly glanced at the Klingon who was piloting the ship. The shuttle began to slip into a starboard roll and the groan of straining metal filled the air and B’Elanna strained forward trying to reach the controls with her short arms. She wasn’t having much luck.

Quickly bypassing the on-board controls, Seven re-routed helm control to her station and corrected the pitch and yaw before Torres could respond. The adjustments were minute but had an immediate on their situation. After a moment everything began to settle down and they were flying smoothly as before.

"What the hell was that?" Nicoletti fairly shouted. The fear in her soft sable eyes was apparent, and she saw no reason to try and conceal it. She realized that if they had finished going into the roll that had threatened them the inertial dampers would likely have given way completely.

Ignoring the question B’Elanna responded with one of her own. "Hey, what did you do that for? I had it!"

Turning to look at the stoic blonde she fixed her with a baleful glare. It wasn’t often that she got a chance to leave the ship and lead an away mission and she didn’t like having the control taken away from her. Well, it wasn’t like she was really supposed to be leading an away mission but since they were out here in the wide-open spaces that was a minor technicality. At least that’s what she would tell Chakotay, she thought with a grin even as she waited for Seven’s answer.

"You did not," Seven countered calmly with a raised brow. The young woman didn’t know what it was with the engineer, but since B’Elanna had started to befriend her, Seven found that she enjoyed the banter between them. Before now there had been actual animosity between the two women. But something had shifted in the last few days and where before there had been anger and resentment in their interactions, now there was playfulness and enjoyment. Both of the latter emotions were new to the young blonde, but she found that it was a pleasant experience; one that she fervently hoped would not change once they returned to Voyager. At the moment she was more concerned with getting Kathryn safely back, and convincing her that they were meant to be together.

Fuming B’Elanna stated, "Dammit, Seven. You can’t just jump in and take over the controls like that. I’m piloting this ship."

"If I had not taken control we would be crushed bio-matter on the bulkheads. Your reflexes are too slow."

"What is that supposed to mean?" the engineer asked rising out of her seat and starting toward the rear cockpit even though she knew that the other woman was right. If the inertial dampers failed at current speeds they would be flying around all over the ship, bashing pell-mell into the bulkheads while anything not nailed down would be flying around as well. "Say that again, and I’ll wipe that smug look off your face."

Frowning in real confusion, the former drone asked, "Why would I repeat my statement? Did you not hear me clearly the first time?"

"Don’t be so literal. You know very well what I …"

"Now, now," Nicoletti interrupted with a restrained laugh. "If you two don’t stop it, I’m going to have to separate you. By the way, if anyone’s interested, we’re about to crash into the planet’s surface." They were still quite a distance from the surface rendering her statement a bit of an exaggeration, but it had the desired effect.

Eyes widening as she realized she had forgotten all about piloting the ship, Torres lunged back into her chair and began powering down the thrusters. "I’m going to land us a couple of kilometers from the main city. It’ll be a bit of a walk, but I’d rather they didn’t see us coming. Nicoletti, why don’t you use the replicator and come up with something a little less conspicuous than your uniform?"

"Yeah, right," the lieutenant grumbled even as she climbed out of her seat to follow orders. "Like Seven’s outfit is so unassuming."

Waiting until the other woman had crossed into the passenger compartment Torres glanced over her shoulder with a glint in her eye. "You are wicked noticeable," she informed her new friend still trying to get a rise out of her. Thus far she hadn’t been successful and given the seriousness of their mission that wasn’t totally unexpected.

"Your vernacular not withstanding, I concur," Seven said calmly. "However, I believe that this choice of attire will become crucial when we locate Kathryn."

"So what you mean is it’ll come in handy in the long run," the other woman returned grinning at the forward view-port.

She’d seen the enjoyment in the blue eyes when they bantered back and forth, and was encouraged by it. There was human emotion in this woman that she had been convinced was a total automaton. Janeway had been telling B’Elanna from the moment the other woman came onto their ship that all she had needed was a chance. Torres didn’t think she had ever really given her that chance. In fact she was convinced that all she had done was go through the motions, and tell everyone that she had been giving Seven a chance to prove how human she was. The last few days illustrated that she had been wrong. She had seen the drone angry, passionate and even courageous. She had never seen her smile, laugh or love. Now that she had let down the barriers between them she could see that Seven clearly loved Kathryn. Since yesterday B’Elanna had seen the humor in her eyes when they were aggravating each other. It would be nice to see her laugh someday, but right now she’d settle for getting her to use some slang.

"That is what I said," Seven was also enjoying their interactions. Although she was deeply worried for the captain and the others, she found that allowing herself to react to the Klingon on this manner helped alleviate a small percentage of her anxiety. Perhaps Kathryn had been right in what she had been telling the Borg all along; humor was logical. But even with the emotional outlet provided by her young friend, she was greatly disturbed about the captain’s current predicament. Anxiety was eating away at her stomach like a living entity.

Simply rolling her eyes at the current failure, B’Elanna chose not to respond and concentrated on landing the shuttle. She chose the heavy thickness of forest to conceal the craft and settled carefully into a natural clearing. Just as they were setting down Nicoletti re-emerged from the rear compartment.

"Did I miss anything?" the young woman asked settling back into her previously occupied seat. The chair swiveled around for her to sit comfortably before turning toward the front. Leaning over slightly to sit, she feigned innocence as she practically pushed her bust line under the Klingon’s nose before sitting back in her chair. The swift intake of air did not escape her notice.

"Not a thi…" B’Elanna started before her mouth dropped open in surprise.

Nicoletti seemed pleased at the response, a slight smile curling the corners of her mouth as she acted like she was ignoring the other lieutenant’s response to her attire. She would never let on that it was exactly the response she had been hoping for. Maybe the chief wasn’t as immune to the female form as she made out to be.

One sleeve of the dark blue blouse covered her from shoulder to wrist while the other sleeve was non-existent. Part of her chest was exposed as the blouse rested at a slant, held up only on one side. The blouse ended abruptly with a short hem, showing the clearly defined lower abdominal muscles. The trousers she wore weren’t much better. Although they covered her lower half entirely, they were completely skin-tight. Every nuance of movement of muscle, and tendon showed clearly. High-heeled black boots covered her feet, rising smoothly over her calves and ending only inches from her knees. Suddenly B’Elanna realized that the engineer was a knockout!

"Call that inconspicuous?" B’Elanna finally blurted out.

Susan shrugged noncommittally as she finally met the lieutenant’s gaze. "This is a pleasure planet so it would stand to reason that the residents enjoy, oh I don’t know….pleasure? You two look Joe Marine enough for all of us. One of us should at least attempt to fit in. Besides, don’t you like it?"

Forcing her mouth closed with a snap, B’Elanna turned to look out the forward viewer. How could she answer that question? There was no denying that in the last six hours she had enjoyed the view, but B’Elanna was no prude and didn’t think there was anything wrong with that. The problem was that she was supposed to be involved with someone else, a male someone else.

Glancing again at Nicoletti’s choice of attire she briefly wondered why she was involved with Tom Paris. He’s a good man, she reminded herself firmly as she tried to concentrate on the mission.

"Your choice of attire is acceptable, Lieutenant," Seven said saving Torres from responding and summarily dismissing the issue. Turning to the chief engineer she continued, "May we leave now, Lieutenant Torres? We are wasting time."

Her impatience was clear and the engineer attempted to gather herself together. "Uh, sure. Let’s go."

Getting up from her seat B’Elanna felt the blood returning to her head and began thinking clearly again. "Seven, Nicoletti, we need to make sure we have weapons. Make sure you don’t have anything too flashy, we don’t want to rouse any suspicions. Also, Seven, I’d like to adjust your visual acuity."

"For what purpose?"

Adjusting a drone’s visual acuity was usually nothing more than an internal command from the hive mind. However, Seven was anything but a typical drone at this point and such an undertaking was an invasive procedure. It required a microfilament to adjust her cortical node directly since much of her Borg enhancements had been removed and she was no longer connected to the collective.

Hearing the hesitance in her voice, something she would have missed before she got to know the other woman, B’Elanna assured her, "I’ll make it as painless as possible, and I wouldn’t ask unless it was absolutely necessary."

"Why is it absolutely necessary?" Nicoletti asked catching on to the former Borg’s discomfort.

Heaving a sigh of frustration at having to explain what should have been obvious she said, "It’s getting late in the day. I don’t know about Nicoletti, but I can’t see in the dark."

"I can," Seven returned calmly, stubbornly. "There is no need to adjust my cortical node."

"Can you see in the dark if there is no ambient light? What if we’re in the forest and there is no moon? What if we end up under water… at night? There are any of a dozen scenarios, and I think that anything that can give us an advantage is worth using." When the others still didn’t look convinced, Torres decided to play her trump card. "What do you think the captain would say?"

"That is unfair," the drone returned immediately before relenting. "Very well."

Taking a tool kit from the rear maintenance compartment, Torres made the adjustments as quickly as possible. The minute flinch as she neared the blonde’s brow with the tool was not lost on her but the Klingon chose not to mention it as she crossed a couple of nodes. No need to make the other woman more uncomfortable by embarrassing her.

"There," she announced unnecessarily as she stepped back. "All done. What can you see?"

Looking around and blinking a few times, Seven responded, "It is disconcerting. I am seeing energy signatures everywhere. Everything is glowing."

"Good. That should do it, then. Let’s get some weapons and get moving. Don’t forget to secure the shuttle with one of those Borg encryption code thingies that you do. We don’t want the Hugorans getting in here."

The walk to the capitol city took three quarters of an hour and B’Elanna was beginning to sweat when they reached the outskirts. Being hot-tempered already, the rise in body temperature wasn’t doing much for her mood. The streets were a lot busier than she had anticipated and it didn’t help matters when she was repeatedly jostled into her companions by careless by-passers. A low growl was emanating from the depths of her chest when one particularly inebriated young man crashed into the Klingon’s shoulder. Nicoletti moved quickly by grabbing the young man by the collar and steering him the other direction.

"Easy, friend," she said as she directed him to the side of a building and out of harm’s way. Turning back toward the lieutenant she said, "While our new friend has had too much to drink, I think we could all use a cold one. What do you say, Chief? Could you use an ale?"

Letting out her annoyance on a breath B’Elanna said, "Not a bad idea. Remind me to recommend you for a promotion."

"I’d settle for dinner," Nicoletti returned nonchalantly, leading the way to a bar she had patronized during her brief shore leave. If memory served correctly, it was not only a good place to have a drink but someone might have information leading to their lost comrades as well.

"Are you coming?" Seven asked, causing Nicoletti to look back at the flabbergasted Lieutenant Torres.

"Did you just ask me for a date?" B'Elanna asked in shock.

A frown crossed Nicoletti’s face at the tone the chief engineer used. "Is that idea so distasteful?" She had no intention of pushing the other woman away, but there was no harm in showing her interest.

The hurt in her voice caused B’Elanna to stop and think a moment. She hadn’t meant to react as she had and cursed herself for her lack of foresight. She was always doing things like that; reacting violently to unforeseen situations and regretting that impulse later. In this case her reaction had been caused from surprise not revulsion.

"No," she stated emphatically. "The idea is not distasteful, it’s just that I’m seeing someone. That means something to me, and I can’t just ignore it."

Dipping her head in understanding Susan said, "Well, how about a dinner as friends? Could you use one of those?"

Grinning in relief the Klingon answered, "Considering how many people just adore me on Voyager, I could always use one of those. Now about that beer…"

The bar was hopping with customers and the air was thick with the haze of smoke common to such establishments. From the pungency of the aroma B’Elanna guessed that some of it was normal tobacco and some of it leaned more toward the narcotic end of the spectrum. Either way, she really didn’t care. She wasn’t here to influence the moral scope of an alien culture but to retrieve her shipmates.

After obtaining drinks at the bar Nicoletti led them to a table with a good view of the floor but still close enough to the exit for an emergency getaway. Blending into the crowd wasn’t difficult with the myriad of aliens occupying the room. An hour later they had questioned everyone as surreptitiously as a former drone, a Klingon and a not too subtle human could and still learned nothing. The patrons either legitimately didn’t know anything or they were hiding it well beneath an inebriated, carefree façade.

"Argh, this is no good!" B’Elanna growled before downing half of her second ale in a single draught. Wiping her chin roughly with the back of her hand she added, "We need to catch someone alone so we can persuade them to tell us what we want."

"I suspect that is the alcohol talking," Seven observed with analytical precision. "Am I to infer by your use of the word persuade that you are suggesting using physical coercion?"

"You are," B’Elanna affirmed with a slightly evil grin.

Agreeing with a nod of her head Nicoletti added, "Yeah, people feel safe in a crowd. Even if they did know anything, they wouldn’t have any motivation to fill us in."

Watching the crowd intently Seven spied a customer just leaving through the rear door. The door led to an alleyway and she looked like the perfect prospect. Standing up she had just started toward the willowy brunette when a crowd suddenly fell in step behind her intended target. Frowning she sat back down to wait for another target.

"There’s one," Nicoletti said a few moments later as a lone male walked out the same door. No one followed behind him making him the most likely individual to approach. The trio rose as one from their table and didn’t look back as they followed him from the bar.

As soon as they slipped into the alley Nicoletti hailed the man. Knowing how the other two would approach such an interrogation she figured she should try to utilize a little diplomacy before allowing her companions to take over. "Excuse me, sir. Do you mind if we talk to you?"

Turning at the sound of the voice the man met them with a friendly, open smile. It was obvious from the slight weave as he turned that he was slightly intoxicated, and the aroma as he opened his mouth to speak was like a brewery. "Don’t bother," he slurred.

Although his words weren’t encouraging his voice wasn’t unfriendly so the engineer tried again. "We just want to ask you a couple of questions."

"I know," he said raising a hand. "Everyone in the bar knows that you’re looking for your friends. Something about them disappearing and the Hugorans being responsible? Well let me assure you that I don’t know anything about it. Now if you don’t mind, you’re spoiling my fun."

Seven was unsure if the man was upset because they were interrupting his pleasure or if he was hiding something, but she was losing patience. The endless questioning was getting them nowhere and the more time that passed the greater the chance that Kathryn could be injured. Grabbing the man by the neck with her Borg enhanced left hand she lifted him several inches from the dirt road and pressed him up against the building. "You will tell us what you know or you will die," she informed him tonelessly.

The man was struggling to speak but couldn’t through the constriction in his throat. As he was beginning to turn blue Nicoletti asked curiously, "How long can you hold him up like that?" From her tone B’Elanna guessed that she was impressed by the drone’s show of strength.

As amused as she was by the unfolding drama the Klingon felt it was important to point out the obvious in this case. "Uh, Seven? He can’t answer if he’s dead."

Relenting by releasing her grip only slightly, Seven allowed him to gasp for breath as he grasped hold of her hand with both of his to steady himself and try to get a little more distance.

"What do you want to know?" he rasped. "I’ll tell you whatever you want to hear."

"As accommodating as that would be," Susan informed him, "it wouldn’t help us much. We need to know the truth. Where are our friends?"

Glancing over at the engineer he repeated, "I don’t know."

Rolling her eyes at the total lack of information B’Elanna jumped in. "We know that this has happened before. What do you know of it?"

"Put me down," the stranger rasped, "and I’ll tell you what I’ve heard."

Seven released him abruptly and allowed him to crash unceremoniously to the ground. He gasped for several moments before finally rising to his elbows and fixing them with a glare. "You’re very convincing, aren’t you?"

"Diplomacy wasn’t working," Seven returned immediately.

Turning to look at her in shock B’Elanna asked, "Was that sarcasm? I’m impressed."

"Not now, you two," Nicoletti interrupted.

"Oh, right. What do you know?" Torres asked growling deliberately and showing him her pointed teeth; teeth that were obviously evolved for tearing flesh.

Shaking at the sight the Hugoran said, "I’ve only heard rumors. Sometimes strangers insist on using the Dark Woods for transporting to and from Hugora. Sometimes when they do, they disappear. I know nothing more."

"These Dark Woods, where exactly are they? The coordinates," Susan asked pointedly trying to narrow down their search.

Shrugging noncommittally the man said, "About a kilometer and a half north of the city, maybe a little more. It’s one of those places that parents tell their children about so they don’t wander off. No one goes there on purpose."

"Why would the chancellor not tell the captain of this information?" Seven questioned her companions.

"Well, it wouldn’t exactly be good for trade negotiations," B’Elanna pointed out. "Regardless of his motivation for leaving out pertinent facts, that area is consistent with the flight path the captain logged before they left the ship. And if nothing else, at least it’s a place to start."

"Maybe he didn’t believe it was important," the Hugoran suggested.

Frowning B’Elanna realized she had almost forgotten he was there, but his suggestion did bring up another question. "Say he did tell her, why would someone use these woods versus landing somewhere else if they knew of these stories?"

"Well, because no one goes there, there’s not a lot of air traffic in that region."

"I can see Janeway using that site for exactly that reason," Nicoletti pointed out.

Something occurred to Seven and she asked the chief engineer, "Is that not the area where we encountered the ion storm?"

"You know, it did seem pretty localized," Nicoletti said. "Maybe it wasn’t an ion storm at all. Maybe it was some kind of localized dampening field that reacted like an ion storm because of the random electromagnetic disturbances in the atmosphere."

"Yeah," Torres said, "and unless I miss my guess Janeway and the others will be somewhere close by. Let’s go."

Indicating the Hugoran with a tilt of her chin Seven asked, "What of him?"

Glancing at him and disregarding him immediately B’Elanna said, "Let him go. He doesn’t really know anything else."

They returned to the shuttle as quickly as possible, each of them chafing internally at the delay. Finally they arrived and Seven keyed in the encryption sequence to open the hatch. The Delta Flyer was powered up and they flew over the area in question. At this point none of them was concerned with being circumspect, intently only on finding their missing.

"I’m not reading any power fluctuations." B’Elanna growled in frustration. Banging her fist on the console she asked, "Where could they be? The answer has to be here somewhere."

"What if we try to recreate the conditions we flew through before?" Nicoletti suggested. "You know, maybe the electrical storm was bouncing off the force field so it showed up on sensors."

"Assuming that there is a force field," Torres countered.

At that moment the ship’s communications channel opened. All three of them stared at it with something akin to shock as they listened to Commander Tuvok’s voice. "Shuttle Sacagawea to the Delta Flyer. You are ordered to land your craft and await our arrival. Respond,"

Exchanging glances quickly it was B’Elanna that replied. "Hey, Commander. How ya doing? What was that last communiqué? We uh…have a bad connection."

Nicoletti’s eyes popped in understanding and she began mimicking the noise of static over the com channel.

"Sorry, Tuvok." B’Elanna said grinning as she spoke loudly over the noise Susan was making. "I’m losing you. Delta Flyer out,"

After the connection was closed the two engineers shared a hearty laugh, slapping each other on the back while Seven stared at them as though they had lost their minds.

"Lieutenant Torres, Lieutenant Nicoletti, that was against protocol," she said for lack of anything better to say. She was grateful for what the two had just done since she was so worried about her lover. If they had followed orders, there was no telling how long it would be before they would find Kathryn. The fact that they had put their own Starfleet careers on the line for the captain meant more than she could logically express to them and all she could do was fall back into her typical Borg demeanor.

Sobering for a moment Susan looked at Seven and then back at B’Elanna. "We are in so much trouble," she agreed.

"Yeah, but can you just imagine Tuvok’s expression?" Torres asked, causing the two to burst into a fresh round of laughter.

Seven merely raised her brow and began running other scans, ignoring the two completely. Adjusting the spectrum of her search, a blip showed up on her console. The lower EM band definitely showed an unusual energy spike. "Lieutenant Torres, check your board," she ordered.

Torres and Nicoletti immediately became professional and focused on their mission. "Yeah, that’s it," B’Elanna said. "It’s got to be hiding something. Let’s sit this thing down and take a closer look."

Working well together even though this was their first time functioning as a team the Delta Flyer was sat down only a few meters from the energy signature with hardly a bump.

"These readings are unusual," Seven said causing B’Elanna to hesitate before powering down the shuttle. "Sensors are not showing any life forms in this area. Considering how dense the foliage is, there should be an abundance of life."

"So?" B’Elanna asked impatiently. This close to finding their objective, she wasn’t exactly in the mood for comparative xeno-biology.

"So," Nicoletti responded quickly, "The sensors aren’t showing so much as a worm in the dirt. Doesn’t that suggest to you that there’s some kind of cloak or dampening field surrounding the area? Don’t you think that’ll make it a little difficult for us to find our people?"

Frowning Torres guessed, "So we need to find a way to shut down the force field or at least punch a hole in it?"

"I believe I can modify a photon torpedo to depolarize the field for a few moments," Seven assured her companions.

"Well, that’s fine," Nicoletti argued, "but even if we find the exact point to disable the field a photon torpedo won’t shut it down completely. Personally, I don’t relish the idea of going back to Voyager in a dust pan because I tried to walk through a live force field."

"Agreed," Seven said calmly, "however it will interrupt the field long enough."

"Enough for what?" Susan asked waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Grinning, B’Elanna answered for the blonde. "Enough for us to get in."

"And…how do we get out again?" Nicoletti asked worriedly.

"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Seven, modify the torpedo and fire when ready."

Turning to her console, Seven began entering commands as quickly as possible. B’Elanna wanted to rush her since the sensors were clearing showing the other shuttle from Voyager closing in on their location. Time was beginning to grate on her nerves and finally she prompted, "Seven, now would be a good time."

The Borg ignored her and continued her business for a few more moments. Finally she raised her head and said, "I recommend that we close the blast shield. This close to the detonation, the forward viewer could be damaged."

"Right," Nicoletti said sarcastically not really sure how such a precaution would protect them from a high-yield explosion. "Close the blast shield."

"Nicoletti…" The chief engineer said in a warning tone.

"All right, all right. I’m on it."

As soon as the shield closed B’Elanna climbed out of her chair. "Let’s go Nicoletti. We need to be ready to move as quickly as possible. We don’t know how long that field will be down."

"Assuming we can still stand up after the torpedo is fired," Nicoletti retorted under her breath.

With a grin Torres looked over her shoulder at the worried engineer. "Ablative hull armor, remember?"

"Oh yeah," Nicoletti responded and relaxed visibly.

"Okay, Seven. Fire,"

A small shimmy was the only sign that the shock wave had passed the shuttle before Seven reported rising from her seat, "The dampening field has been interrupted at the point of impact. Readings are fluctuating heavily."

"Well, let’s get going," B’Elanna urged.

Moving quickly the trio left the shuttle and jogged toward the disruption. Lieutenant Torres already had a tricorder out and was scanning the region. "Come on," she urged. "That force field won’t be down long."

As Nicoletti brought up the rear she would always swear that she felt the hairs on her arms tingle as the field went back up. "Whew, that was close. Next time one of you has to go last."

Ignoring her completely B’Elanna whistled at the readings on her tricorder. "Mineral scans are off the charts, not to mention seismic activity. I think that force field does more than hide kidnap victims."

"Explain," Seven ordered bluntly as she led the way through the dense undergrowth.

"I think it also shields the region from volcanic activity. I’m reading massive underground lava flows as well as some kind of immense generator. No doubt the generator powers the force field and will have to be interrupted if we are to get out of here again."

"Yeah," Nicoletti agreed wryly. "It’s not like any of us has a photon torpedo up our sleeve."

Sighing heavily Seven informed them, "We are not looking for minerals or seismic activity. Are you reading any Starfleet signatures?"

"Did you just sigh?"

"Lieutenant Torres, concentrate," Nicoletti said in frustration. "It’s nice that Seven is developing some human impulses but can we worry about that later? Oh, wait," she said interrupting her lecture. "I’m showing a strong energy field about two hundred meters ahead. No signs of the crew, yet."

Following the readings they came up to the side of a massive boulder. There didn’t seem to be anything else other than typical forest material, and it was B’Elanna’s turn to be impatient. "It’s a rock! So, how can it be giving off an energy signature?"

"Because it is not a rock, Lieutenant," Seven responded stepping forward. When she reached out as though to touch the stone surface and her fully human right hand passed through it, Torres jumped back a step in shock.

"It is a hologram."

"And, no doubt, a way in," Nicoletti said. "Who wants to go first?"

"You were complaining about going last," B’Elanna pointed out helpfully.

Her point was made clearly and after a brief pause Nicoletti gave in by rolling her eyes and responding, "Me and my big mouth."

Without another word she stepped forward and disappeared into the boulder. Torres and Seven stood looking at each other not moving until the disembodied voice of Nicoletti prompted, "Well, Alice, are you stepping through the looking glass or not?"

***********************

"Wow, it’s dark in here and something smells like Kahless’ tomb."

"It’s hot too," Nicoletti observed helpfully. "See, I told you my outfit was a good choice. You two are going to burn up."

"Seven, can you see anything?"

"Yes, Lieutenant. Your enhancement of my visual acuity appears to have been a prudent course of action."

The darkness would have been absolute if not for Seven’s Borg enhancements and the air was heavy with burnt ash. The surrounding environment did nothing to allay the young blonde’s worry for her wayward captain.

Sounds of shifting could be heard and though she knew they were invisible to each other, the drone could clearly see both of them preparing to activate their wrist beacons. She wasn’t concerned with their activities as there was something else she was focused on. It was something she had never felt before but instinctively she knew that it was evil. There was something in this darkness along with the stench of burnt decay. Not only could she smell it but she could hear it in the preternatural silence. As a Borg drone she was familiar with the silence of working in the vacuum of space. She had experienced it again when the voices of the hive had been severed by Captain Janeway.

There were silences and there were silences, and each of them was subtly different from the other. This was the silence of death, not merely a hush but a void. Along with that realization came an unnamable feeling of dread. Kathryn was down here somewhere, exposed and vulnerable to this unknown threat. That thought more than anything served to help her focus.

Pushing aside the illogical terror as nothing more than worry she whispered, "Be silent, and follow me. There is no more time to waste. Kathryn and the others are in danger here."

"How do you know?" Nicoletti asked unconsciously mimicking Seven’s lowered voice.

"I think you’re right, Seven," B’Elanna affirmed checking her tricorder. "I’m picking up the captain and Addison’s life signs but all I have on Baxter is his combadge. I’m also reading ninety-seven varied humanoid life signs. It’s a veritable colony."

"What about communicating? Can you hail them?"

Seven already knew the answer to the other woman’s question and led the way along the dark interior of the underground labyrinth while Torres answered. As unhelpful as it was that the minerals in the walls blocked communications, it would also prevent the would-be rescuers from being detected by any guards.

"Well at least we can pin-point their location," Susan pointed out optimistically.

Being able to see clearly in the dark Seven had no need for a wrist beacon, and drew her phaser from one of the pockets in her flack jacket. She led the way carefully along the uneven footing of the passageway. Shadows filled every corner where the other two cast their light, retreating fully only when that area fell under direct illumination. Strangely the effect was not comforting, but gave the Borg the feeling that the light actually served to make them an easy target. Unfortunately there was no alternative. The other two couldn’t see without the beacons, and she couldn’t possibly lead them by the hand. Rocks and debris littered the tunnel floors though the bulk of it had been pushed back against the walls to leave a narrow walkway. Apparently these aliens saw no need to shore up the ceilings from cave-ins.

Coming to a juncture Seven turned to look at Torres. The engineer wordlessly indicated for them to make a left turn as the tricorder data indicated their direction. Their silence was imperative as they were walking blindly into a situation where all they had on their side was the element of surprise.

Suddenly there was a glow of light from the other end of the tunnel as a group came around another bend. Torres and Nicoletti quickly shielded the wrist lights with their bodies while at the same time switching them off. The trio dove for the sides of the tunnel hoping that the heavy debris would conceal them from prying eyes as they crouched down trying to make themselves less noticeable.

Shadows and the complacent belief that they were alone prevented the Hugoran guard from seeing the figures crouched against the walls, and the Starfleet officers watched in fascination as the group neared their location. In the ambient light it was easy to see that three aliens that were being used as slaves were being taken somewhere by armed guards.

The guards in question were among some of the largest beings Seven had ever seen, and speaking from the perspective of her time in the collective that was quite a statement. They also oozed darkness, and hatred, and the young woman wondered if this was the source of the evil she had sensed earlier. Somehow she didn’t think so, they were merely the tools of a larger instrument.

"In here," one of the Hugorans directed harshly.

The slaves were led into a small chamber directly off the corridor. A natural opening in the rock wall allowed the three to see clearly into the room and they watched the unfolding events in growing horror. The slaves were lined up against a wall and the guards raised their weapons to their shoulders preparing to fire.

"What are you doing? We have worked hard for you," an old man asked holding up his hands in supplication. The terror in his trembling voice caused Seven’s stomach to twist in anger and dismay, but there was nothing that she could do. If she risked exposure to save these obviously doomed individuals she would be endangering her mission to save her comrades.

B’Elanna was rumbling low in her chest and from her expression the drone assumed she was preparing to launch herself forward to protect these people. In response Seven slammed an arm across her chest and held her back against the wall. The Klingon’s body was tense and trembling under her arm, but she didn’t make any noise. Perhaps she realizes the danger of making our presence known, Seven reasoned.

"You know what we’re doing old man. You’re no good to us anymore, just old and worn out."

"So you’re just going to kill us? Please…"

"Fire!"

Three weapons fired simultaneously, and three lifeless forms fell to the dirt floor. Nicoletti gasped in horror and B’Elanna was almost successful in pulling out of Seven’s grip…almost. Wrapping her arms around the Klingon’s shoulders, Seven pulled the strong woman back against her chest and held on.

"B’Elanna, please," Seven whispered in her ear. "We cannot help them."

The brunette relaxed marginally against her, but Seven could feel her shoulders shaking slightly as she grieved for these people she couldn’t help. Seven felt anger and sorrow as well, but she also experienced a sensation of curiosity as she watched the guards. There had been no other skeletal remains scattered throughout the tunnels that she had noticed. And although it was conceivable that they had missed passageways and chambers along the way, these beings didn’t seem as though they were worried about hiding evidence. Why then had they not seen any evidence of previous murders?

The question was answered a short time later as one of the guards removed a device from his belt and activated it with the press of a thumb. The analytical side of her was impressed as she watched a section of the dirt floor slide back to recess into the cave wall. A disgusting smell of smoke, and brimstone rose from the hole and the glow of flowing lava was clearly visible far below.

In obvious fear the guard contingent drew back to the farthest corner of the chamber they could reach. Then the dropped to their knees and bowed their heads in supplication. Coming from this group of ruffians, Seven was confused by their behavior. It didn’t make sense. Abruptly, something rouse out of that pit, came from the lave flow and rose shuddering and pulsating into the air with tremendous power. It was dark like a flood of sewage except that it was not fluid, but seemed to consist mostly of scales. The hood and mantle resembled the head of a cobra and the body was seemed lumpy as though half formed until suddenly something separated from the long, serpent body and unfolded into a gigantic pair of wings. Small legs and clawed feet pawed eagerly at the air as the wings flapped, and the sound was like a whip cracking. Seven no longer had to restrain the engineer as she pressed back, pinning the Borg behind her to the rough tunnel wall. Seven didn’t even feel the rocks digging into her back.

Although there was no longer a need to maintain her grip, Seven unconsciously held B’Elanna close but her eyes, mind and imagination was held by the thing that had risen from the earth. It flexed and throbbed and writhed in the gloom like nothing so much as a shadow that had come to life. The wings flapped again, blowing the stench of death over the women and Seven felt B’Elanna gag at the odor. The women and the Hugorans remained motionless as though any movement, however slight, would draw the attention of this hideous creature that would then disregard the meal presented for it and come after them instead. A pair of hate-filled green eyes with elongated black pupils swept the area as though wary of danger, and then the creature plunged headfirst toward the dirt floor.

A foot-wide slitted mouth sprang open and a row of sharp white fangs shown from the black gums. Each of the dead was snapped up like so much raw meat and tossed back into the creature’s throat. They were gone in only a few seconds as though they had never been. When nothing remained of the victims, the monstrous serpent flapped its wings again once and opened its mouth wide to roar. The caves reverberated with the sound and Seven squinted as her eardrums protested the noise. Dirt shook loose from overhead and small gravel-sized pellets rained down from the ceiling. Then the creature began to withdraw, to shrink down through the earth and back into the bowels of hell. Soon it was gone.

Nicoletti whimpered once, a quiet sound that Seven was convinced the Hugorans had heard, but they seemed as affected by the spectacle as the engineer. Shakily the guards climbed to their feet and began to withdraw from the chamber.

"Why do I feel like I always get stuck with this duty?" one of the men groused in a trembling voice. "I’m surprised that damned snake hasn’t eaten me, yet. It has certainly caught my scent enough times to be familiar with me."

"Maybe that’s why he don’t eat you," remarked another Hugoran. "Maybe he thinks he’s your pet."

"Yeah right, that thing a pet? I’d wager even the First Prime doesn’t control it. It’s just an animal being used for a purpose," the first man responded. "Let’s get out of here. This place makes my skin crawl."

"Your skin is crawling because you need a bath," one of the others joked weakly, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

Soon the three were gone and the women were free to come out of hiding. B’Elanna switched on her light and swung the beam over the faces of her companions. Seven seemed the same as always, calm and confident. Nicoletti didn’t look so good. In the dim illumination her skin was pale, with an unhealthy, grainy texture, and a bead of sweat highlighted her upper lip. Her lips were more gray than pink and the flesh around her eyes was dark, as if it had been smudged when she had wiped away tears with soot-stained fingers. But her eyes were the worse; they were like a barren desert, filled only with desolation and pain.

"You all right?" B’Elanna asked gently.

The Klingon was surprised to admit to herself that the question held more than concern for a crewmate that had just witnessed a horrendous display. It conveyed real sympathy for another person in pain, but more than that it made her feel as though she needed to protect this person. Nicoletti had always appeared calm even in the direst of emergencies, and B’Elanna had never really given her a second thought. But seeing her like this, floundering and wounded, she couldn’t deny being drawn to the woman.

Taking a shaky breath Susan finally responded, "Yeah, I’m okay. Let’s just find our people and get the hell out of here."

"Agreed," Seven said shortly. "We must find the others quickly. I am sure that others besides the weak and dying are fed to this creature. Undoubtedly so are those who cause trouble and I suspect that the captain would not be a willing slave."

If the unflappable Seven of Nine’s voice cracked slightly then perhaps the situation called for it, and no one saw fit to comment on it. The Borg wouldn’t admit that what she had seen had terrified her as she had never been before. But even though she was scared she felt a new resolution fill her soul as she determined to find Kathryn as quickly as possible and make these people pay for what they had done to their victims.

Questions tumbled through her mind as the three walked closely together in the narrow passageway. How long had this been going on? A millennium? The creature was obviously ancient, perhaps millions of years old and probably fed on anything available. How had intelligent life been allowed to flourish on the surface of the planet? Surely this monster would have wiped out all such life. It made no sense, but in the long run it was irrelevant. As curious as her scientific mind was she would gladly settle for no answers to her questions as long as she found Kathryn soon.

Seven, B’Elanna and Nicoletti followed at a distance behind the Hugoran guard. They could hear the men speaking but couldn’t understand what was being said. Suddenly one of the men veered off from the others and turned with his back to the tunnel. The women pressed against the earthen walls in an instinctual urge to hide even though they were at least a hundred feet from the guard.

"Come on, Nareem," one of the others encouraged.

Seven couldn’t understand what the one referred to as Nareem was doing. His hands were in front of his body as though fumbling with his clothing. Then his knees bent sharply before he stood to full height again. The sound of flowing liquid followed almost immediately and she heard B’Elanna snort softly beside her.

Comprehension flooded her as she realized he was urinating against the wall.

"Give me a minute," Nareem returned impatiently as he relieved himself.

Instead of giving him the requested time, the others simply threw their hands up and walked away. Evidently they weren’t worried about him catching up to them, and didn’t think there were any threats to them in these subterranean passageways.

Nareem didn’t appear to be in much of a hurry as he finished relieving himself. To Seven it seemed as though he took an inordinate amount of time rearranging his clothing and scratching around in the dirt. After a moment she realized he was taking the time to push dirt over the mess with his foot. It seemed odd that he would take the time to worry about sanitation. Obviously there was a reason for it but she could not understand at the moment what that would be. Perhaps he was concerned that the beast they had encountered earlier would catch his scent.

~~~~~~~

Crouching in the gloom to further conceal their presence the three escapees crept along the earthen passageway. Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager was grateful that none of them felt chatty. Although the closeness of the corridors would tend to absorb any extraneous sound there was no need to chance fate.

The plan was to hide somewhere in the cavernous room where they had been previously forced into hard labor and wait for a sign that would lead them from the underground labyrinth. Coming to the end of the tunnel Kathryn pressed both hands against the wall and peeked around the corner. Her hands were abraded from the fight with the Hugoran guard and she tried not to wince form the twinge of pain in her hands and sore ribs.

Shadows flickered and played in the orange glow from the lava pit. It was difficult to tell if anyone was present in the work area. But beyond reason, there was instinct. Kathryn knew they were alone. The Hugorans didn’t strike her as the type to hide and wait for escaping aliens.

Using hand signals, Janeway indicated that the others follow closely behind her. Feeling like Quasimoto she lurched toward the machinery in a crouched half-run. The machinery station was positioned near a rock wall with the lava pit to the left of it. To the right were three separate access points leading in different directions into the mountain. By hiding in the shadows around the Hugoran technology they would be fairly safe from prying eyes.

Addison chose a hiding place near his captain. Janeway thought it likely that he wanted to be near her if there was trouble. Tolin hid farther away, by himself as though not quite trusting the Starfleet officers. As far as Tolin was concerned Kathryn didn’t believe he was concerned about strategy. More than likely he was simply trying to protect himself from a setup. If she were in his shoes she might be a little suspicious, too.

The Delta Quadrant hadn’t been a very friendly place to the Federation crew. She could easily see two aliens trying to get out of a situation like this and taking her along to be used as a distraction later.

"Can I ask you a personal question, Captain?" Addison interrupted her thoughts quietly. "I’ll understand if you don’t want to answer."

It was quite uncommon for any of the crew to ask her anything; much less a personal question and Kathryn couldn’t help be intrigued. She also took it as something of a compliment that the young man would even consider such a thing. It showed a certain level of trust and approachability that didn’t usually exist in a command structure.

"All right," she conceded curiously.

"Are you really dating Seven?"

He had asked the question boldly enough but as soon as it was out he turned his head away as though embarrassed at his own audacity. Maybe he thought she would reprimand him. For a split second she considered it. That certainly wasn’t anyone’s business as far as Kathryn was concerned. Then it occurred to her that this was an opportunity that could go either way. If she acted ashamed of her relationship, what would that say to her crew? Hadn’t she always accepted that there were consequences to one’s actions?

"Yes," she finally answered. "We are seeing each other."

The man let out a nervous breath that he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and cast a sheepish grin at her. "I’m happy for you. I didn’t really believe the rumors at first, but I just want you to know that the crew thinks you deserve to be happy."

Both of them fell into their own thoughts from there and quiet reigned. Kathryn was surprised at Addison’s easy acceptance of her relationship. It was a far cry from the way her second in command had reacted and raised a new possibility in her mind. Maybe the crew didn’t have a problem with the captain becoming involved with someone. Maybe Chakotay was the one with the problem.

A sound coming from one of the passageways drew her attention and she frowned in confusion. The prisoners hadn’t been locked into their cells more than an hour before. It was highly unlikely that the guards would already be returning to put them back to work.

Her only conclusion was that more hostages were being brought into the underground complex. Kathryn had been in many dangerous situations but this entire thing was beginning to remind her of the time when she and Admiral Paris had been captured by the Cardassians. It was during her first mission as a science officer on the Albitani. She had escaped being interrogated and tortured by the brutal, snake-like species. Admiral Paris had not been so fortunate. It had been her first experience with the concept of evil. Since that time she had learned many things. Chief among them was the understanding that evil was not an abstract concept. It lived; it had form and stalked its prey. It was all too real.

Living proof of this fact was coming toward them now in the form of this species that would exploit anyone and everyone for their own purposes with no regard or a second thought.

"I’m telling you, that thing gives me the creeps," a deep voice groused as they approached the hidden trio.

"All right, all right." one of the others returned sharply. "You two go get some rest. I’ll report to the First Prime."

The guard passed within four feet of the machine station. Kathryn shrunk deeper into the shadows under the table, and held her breath in the subconscious belief that the enemy would hear her breathing. Her fears were unfounded as they turned immediately down the central tunnel. Apparently guard quarters and the First Prime, whatever or whoever that was, were accessed from that corridor. Borrowing a phrase from an old friend, Kathryn realized that logic suggested this same tunnel might lead to freedom. At least it was a place to start.

Slowly Kathryn emerged from concealment. Addison wordlessly fell into step behind her but Tolin held back waiting to see what would happen next. Janeway wasn’t concerned about the alien, realizing that he would follow if he wanted to escape badly enough and if he didn’t they didn’t need him with them anyway. Halfway across the cavernous room disaster struck.

"Hey! Hold it right there!" a harsh voice ordered in no uncertain terms.

The captain and her crewman halted and slowly turned back toward the voice. A large-framed Hugoran stood with a disrupter rifle pointed at them. Even in the gloom malice was clear in his black-eyed gaze.

Raising their hands in unison the two signaled their surrender, but Kathryn’s eyes were on the scene playing out behind their would-be captor. Tolin had risen from his place of concealment and was soundlessly approaching the guard from behind. The dirt floor absorbed the sound of his footfalls as he neared his prey.

The large, blue alien was at least a head taller than the guard and Kathryn could see him as he stopped behind the other man. His large hands suddenly darted out, grasping the Hugoran’s head and easily twisted it to one side. The sound of a twig breaking was all that was heard in the darkened chamber. Then the guard was falling soundlessly to the ground never to move again.

Tolin looked down at the guard, his lip curled into a snarl of disgust for the other being. For a moment Kathryn was sure he would pulverize the body in a rage of retribution, but then he looked up and said simply, "We must hurry. There could be more of them nearby."

Nodding her agreement Kathryn suggested he grab the rifle and they get moving.

"First we should hide the body," she suggested practically.

Tolin responded by grasping the guard under the arms and dragging him toward the equipment table. Shoving him under the edge wasn’t exactly the best hiding place Janeway could think of, but as dark as it was there was little chance that he would be discovered.

Now two of them were armed with disruptors and she felt a great deal better about their chances, but they weren’t free yet. With no time to waste the trio ducked quickly into the corridor where the other members of the guard had gone.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Seven led the other women as she moved swiftly after the retreating figure of Nareem. The man had broken into a slow jog as he attempted to catch up with his companions and the three were hard pressed to keep up with him without alerting him that he was being followed. He was at least twenty yards ahead when he suddenly burst into a large chamber ahead of them. B’Elanna caught Seven by the arm and halted her from rushing after the man.

"There could be more of them in there," she whispered harshly in the gloom.

Nodding once Seven conceded that it could indeed be a trap. They started moving forward slowly only to stop and press against the earthen walls a moment later when the sound of a scuffle ensued. The blonde’s Borg-enhanced hearing could easily make out the words of an alien cautioning someone in much the same way that Lieutenant Torres had just warned her. Then came a sound that she had not expected. It was the voice of her lover suggesting that someone pick up the Hugoran’s weapon. For a moment she was motionless in shock, then she was moving swiftly and whispering loudly to her companions.

"It is Kathryn!"

Nicoletti’s eyes widened in surprise and she wondered if her expression looked anything like the engineer’s. Then there was no time to wonder as they went in pursuit of Seven of Nine.

The room was illuminated by an orange glow and they started across the room. Passing closely to what looked like a work area of sorts, Nicoletti stumbled a little in the dark. Confused the brunette looked down to see what had tripped her.

"It’s a body. Looks like a guard," she said bending over a little.

Uninterested in the man, Seven led the way across the room with her eyes were on the passageway in front of them. As they started to pass the downed man Nicoletti stopped to see if he was still alive.

"Don’t waste your time," B’Elanna advised her with barely a glance. "He’s dead."

Feeling very little sympathy for the kidnapper Nicoletti dismissed him immediately from her mind as they ducked into the nearest tunnel. "Are you sure this is the way?"

Her answer came when Seven called softly down the tunnel, "Kathryn… Kathryn can you hear me?"

~~~~~~~~

For a moment Janeway was sure she was hearing things. Surely it was wishful thinking. Then the call came again from closer than before.

"Kathryn, can you hear me? It is I, Seven of Nine."

Kathryn stopped in the almost absolute darkness and turned back toward her companions. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah," Addison responded almost immediately. "Seven of Nine. I knew they wouldn’t give up on us. Didn’t I tell you, Captain?"

Ignoring the young man completely Kathryn stepped around him and back toward the chamber they had just left. The orange glow from the chamber backlit three forms coming toward them in the gloom. Even though it was dark, she would recognize the walk of the woman in the lead anywhere.

"Annika," she breathed startled when her own voice cracked with the weight of her emotion.

The two women rushed to meet each other. Arms wrapped tightly around one another, they held on and for a moment couldn’t possibly have let go. Kathryn didn’t feel the tenderness in her ribs anymore. All she could feel was the strength flowing back into her from the comfort of her beloved’s arms.

A public embrace wasn’t typical of Kathryn Janeway. Normally she guarded her private relationships fiercely. But this had been a harrowing experience, being captured underground with no way of knowing if Voyager had any idea where they were. Added to that the physical abuse her body had taken as well as the death of a crewmember and it was just a little more than she could bear. However she was still the captain. Not wanting to show weakness in front of anyone, the embrace was brief.

"Kathryn, I was so worried for you." Long arms would not allow her to retreat too far as Seven’s hands grasped onto her upper arms.

Janeway realized that Seven was assessing her condition visually. Although she couldn’t see very well, she was sure that nothing missed her lover’s careful examination. She was proved correct when the blonde said, "You are damaged."

Feeling better than she had for two days Kathryn couldn’t help be a little flippant. With a wry grin she said, "A little old lady beat me up when I tried to help her cross the street."

"Kathryn?" Seven asked in confusion, a frown just visible between her eyes.

Keeping in tune with her story Kathryn shrugged and added, "She didn’t want to cross the street."

"Very funny, Captain," B’Elanna interrupted stepping forward to grasp her leader in an unexpected hug. "It’s good to see you, too."

Then stepping away from Janeway who hadn’t even had time to respond to the embrace the engineer added, "Now, why don’t we get out of here? There will be time for introductions later."

Janeway nodded realizing that she meant their blue-skinned companion. "We were following a group of Hugorans. We thought they might lead us out of the tunnels."

"You were incorrect," Seven said with little preamble. "This tunnel does not lead to an exit. We will get you out."

Taking Kathryn’s hand firmly in her own the Borg led her back the way they had come. Kathryn relished the feel of her lover’s hand and allowed it for a few moments, but finally she withdrew. Seven seemed to understand that Kathryn wouldn’t feel comfortable with the gesture in front of others, even if it was practically pitch dark.

In no time they were back in the work chamber and crossing toward the tunnel the guard had come out of earlier. Janeway could just make out the neglected body of the Hugoran lying in the shadows and could only grimace in distaste. As much as she regretted his death, she couldn’t say that on some primal level she didn’t take pleasure in the fact that there was one less evil in the universe.

"I guess it’s lucky for us that you came along when you did," Addison told Torres as they entered the other tunnel. "Who knows where we would have ended up?"

"Deeper in the labyrinth," she agreed quietly. "The exit’s only about twenty minutes ahead."

Taking a deep breath in relief at that news Kathryn said, "Thank goodness. I’ve had about all I want of this darkness."

Seven responded in sympathy. "Lieutenants Torres and Nicoletti are equipped with wrist beacons. We have not turned them on previously to avoid detection from the Hugorans. We could do so now if you would like."

Touched by the offer Kathryn briefly considered that at one time such a thing would not have occurred to Seven. She was an amazing woman, and once again had reminded Janeway how fortunate she was to have in her in her life.

She weighed the proposition of having light and as tempting as it was she knew she had to turn it down. "No, you’re right. We don’t want to get caught now. I can wait." As long as you’re with me, she added silently.

They continued in silence for so long that Kathryn was beginning to become concerned. Surely it had been longer than the promised twenty minutes. Suddenly she thought they might be near the exit. It didn’t seem as dark as it had before and she could vaguely see the faces of the people around her. Confirming her suspicion, her com-badge suddenly came to life with the voice of her security chief.

Grinning at his carefully worded inquiry, Kathryn responded for her crewmember. "That is correct, Commander. We’re coming out of the tunnels now."

"Acknowledged, Captain," the Vulcan replied without missing a beat. "We are standing by next to the Delta Flyer awaiting your orders."

"In other words, we are about to be in so much trouble," B’Elanna grumbled under her breath.

Janeway heard the comment and stopped in her tracks. Turning to face her crewmembers she asked, "Let me guess…you didn’t exactly have authorization for this rescue?"

"Commander Chakotay is a coward," Seven stated angrily.

Those simple words were enough to answer several things for the captain. Obviously Chakotay had not authorized a rescue mission, so the three had taken things into their own hands. She should be angry with them for countermanding orders, but she could only feel gratitude. Thinking of Baxter’s needless death, the conditions of their imprisonment and all of the captured aliens being forced to work for the Hugorans she was thankful to be out of there. She also had every intention of seeing that the others were freed of their captives and that everyone in the sector knew what was happening on this planet. She wouldn’t be able to do that if it hadn’t been for these women.

"We’ll deal with that later," she told B’Elanna quietly. "Now let’s get out of here and make the Hugorans pay for what they’ve done."

A short time later Janeway’s group met with Tuvok’s rescue team. One member of his group was dispatched to take the Delta Flyer back to Voyager while the rest convened on the other shuttle for the trip. Janeway was glad to see the planet fall away beneath them as she called Tuvok and the others into the cargo hold for an impromptu meeting. She wanted to know all of the details before they got back to her ship.

Tuvok informed them of Commander Chakotay’s decision to finally send a team in and how he had learned of the three women beginning ahead of schedule. Janeway subsequently filled him in on the details of their ordeal and they made plans for handling the situation.

Everything seemed to be taken into account until Nicoletti blurted out, "What about the dragon?"

"Dragon?" Janeway asked, as everyone turned to look at her in confusion.

"Well I don’t know what else you’d call it," she returned, and proceeded to describe what they had seen.

In conclusion she added, "I don’t know for sure what it was. For all we know it could be this world’s equivalent of a dinosaur, but I know what I saw it do. They fed it those people all because they said they couldn’t work and this First Prime is behind it all."

Arching an eyebrow Tuvok said, "The chancellor has denied all knowledge of alien kidnappings, and Commander Chakotay believes him. However, it would stand to reason that if such an operation were being conducted, the evidence would have to be disposed of. Such a creature would ensure that no such evidence would be available."

"So you think they’re just taking advantage of the beast, much the same way that they have the passing aliens that they lure in with the promise of pleasure?" Janeway inquired with a cold look in her eyes.

"I do," Tuvok responded simply.

"Well I don’t care why they’re doing it," Janeway returned sharply. "I intend to see to it that they never do it again."

Addressing them all in a no nonsense tone Janeway declared, "I don’t care a fig for the inner politics of this planet. I do care that they have taken people against their will, killed without remorse, and done all of it with the lure of pleasure."

"Seven, I want you to prepare a beacon for launch within the hour warning anyone traveling in this sector about this planet. No one is going to be caught unaware again. B’Elanna," she began turning to address the engineer, "do you have the coordinates for that dampening field?"

"Yes, ma’am," the brunette replied already knowing where her captain was going. "I can modify a photon torpedo with the right e.m. pulse to permanently disrupt the signal. If the Hugoran government really didn’t know about this operation, they will now."

Nodding once Janeway said, "That’s good for a start, but not good enough. There are still a lot of people down there. Tuvok, once the dampening field is taken out you will lead three rescue teams into those tunnels and get those people out of there. Since the field will be down it shouldn’t be a problem to beam in to exactly where you need to go."

"Excuse me, Captain," he interrupted steadily. "The Prime Directive would seem to apply. By freeing these people we would be violating that protocol."

"Would we?" she asked incredulously. "These are people from other worlds, not this one, that have been taken against their will. The Hugorans killed Baxter, and we were held hostage, forced to work for them. We didn’t ask to be involved, but we are. They made sure of that, and I am not about to walk away and just leave them there. Is that understood?"

"Indeed," he acquiesced simply.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Kathryn said, "Good, we should be back to Voyager soon and you all have you orders. I’ll contact Chancellor Ibudan and let him know everything that’s occurred. He can deal with the fallout. Inform me when you are all ready to move. Dismissed."

Kathryn Janeway was a leader that believed in accepting consequences. When a member of her crew was injured or killed, she was ultimately responsible. She felt it was no different in this case. Ibudan was supposed to be the leader of these people. Ultimately it was his responsibility that these things had happened, whether he knew about it or not. And if it turned out that he wasn’t ready to deal with the consequences then that was his problem.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tolin followed Janeway as they left the transporter room, drawing more than a few interested looks from the crew as they made their way to the command center of the ship. Before the captain even made it to the bridge B’Elanna had informed her via com-link that the torpedo modifications were complete. She had contacted Vorik before they returned to Voyager and told him what she needed. The efficient young Vulcan was finished before they got back, the modifications being fairly simple to make. All that he lacked were the coordinates for where to target the missile.

"That’s great news, B’Elanna. Coordinate with Mr. Kim on the bridge and have him fire the torpedo immediately. Janeway out,"

Waiting for the turbo-lift to ascend to the bridge, Janeway turned to her chief of security and asked, "Tuvok, I was just thinking…would you be able to transport the hostages from below ground into one of the cargo bays?"

He pondered her question for only a second before giving her an answer she was happy to receive. "I believe so, Captain. With the dampening field shut down, Voyager’s transporter should have no difficulty. The tunnels are not very deep, less than three kilometers."

"Good, then come with me to the bridge. We can coordinate our efforts from there. It’ll be much faster and I’ll feel better knowing that I didn’t put anyone else in danger." Janeway had no problems discussing events in front of her blue-skinned guest. The man had already saved her life and thus far seemed non-threatening toward her or any of her crew. She could still sense the wary tension from the man, as though he expected to be taken hostage again at any moment. By assuming a relaxed, confident, and open demeanor, she hoped to assure him of their good intentions.

But she wasn’t prepared for the sight that awaited her when they stepped onto the bridge.

Chancellor Ibudan’s angry countenance filled the forward view-screen and his visage was no longer that of a welcoming host. Commander Chakotay was in his first officer’s chair and Janeway got the impression that Ibudan had just made a timely appearance.

"Captain Janeway, I see you’ve managed to elude my guard."

Turning horrified eyes up to the leader of the Hugoran government she breathed, "You!"

"Yes, Captain. I am the First Prime. You have succeeded in disrupting my cloak, but it is of no consequence. We will be maintaining our work force."

"Work force? Is that what you call them?" she asked in outrage. "Those people are prisoners, and I don’t intend to let you get away with this."

"They are necessary to power our society," he shot back. "My people lack the necessary skills, they have never performed such labor. It is beneath them.

A dangerous glint appeared in Janeway’s gray eyes. "Do your own dirty work," she said before addressing her security chief. "Are you ready, Tuvok?"

Meeting his captain’s eyes calmly he reported, "The transporter beams have been widened to compensate, but have successfully locked on to two hundred thirteen humanoid life forms. None are Hugoran."

"Transport them to cargo bay four," Janeway ordered before turning back to face the livid man on the viewer. "We intend to inform everyone in the quadrant of what you’ve done here, Ibudan. I suggest you stop worrying about us and worry about your own damage control. Oh...and you might want to think about setting up a power company," she added silkily.

Lips tight with anger Ibudan promised her, "You have made an enemy here today, Captain."

"Oh please," she said tiredly, turning away from the viewer she made a chopping motion indicating for Harry to close the channel.

"Commander Chakotay, please contact the various governments of our guests in the cargo bay and see that they’re returned to their homes." Then turning to address her security chief once more she asked, "Tuvok, would you please escort our guest to the cargo bay? "

"Tolin," she began addressing the alien warmly, "I can’t begin to thank you. Perhaps we’ll run into each other again."

Dipping his head briefly, he answered. "Many thanks to you, Captain. I had begun to believe there was no honor in this sector. You have restored that faith, although I must admit that I will not be so trusting of strangers in the future."

"It’s unfortunate," she acknowledged. "We’ve learned the same thing more than once out here, but there are still friends to be found…allies to make. Now, if you’ll accompany Mister Tuvok he’ll get the information from you on how to contact your people. We’ll have you home before you know it."

Dipping his head again politely, the gentle man she had once assumed to be from a war-like race left the bridge. Perhaps he had merely done what was necessary for him to survive, she reasoned.

Suddenly very weary Kathryn turned to her second in command. "If it’s all right with you, Chakotay, I think I’ll go freshen up a little. We can debrief later."

"If I might suggest, Captain? Perhaps you should stop by sickbay on the way to your quarters?"

Kathryn only then realized that she was holding onto her aching ribs. "Very well," she relented stiffly before stepping onto the turbo lift and directing it to deck five.

She had seen the look of worry in her first officer’s eyes but couldn’t reassure him at the moment. She was very angry with him for the way he had reacted to Seven, and couldn’t afford to talk with him until she had cooled off a little. She needed to make sure that she didn’t bring the hurt, and anger from the Hugoran incident into the discussion.

When the turbo lift opened on deck five she was surprised to see Seven of Nine standing patiently in the corridor. Delighted blue eyes turned on her as soon as the captain stepped into the corridor. "Kathryn," she said simply before stepping up next to her partner.

Although Seven made no move to actually touch her in such a public place, Kathryn felt enveloped in the love emanating from the other woman. Inside she felt a torn piece of her soul begin to mend.

Smiling Kathryn asked, "How did you know where to find me?"

"I inquired from the computer. Do not worry, the warning buoy you requested has been prepared."

Surprising the other woman, Kathryn grasped her left hand and began walking toward sickbay. Seven was delighted at the public display of affection and happily held onto the smaller extremity as Kathryn chuckled. Although she released her grasp before they encountered anyone else, Seven was touched at the gesture.

"I’m relieved, Darling. I know I asked you to get that ready for launch, but right now I can think of nothing more than wanting to be near you."

"Then that is where I shall be," Seven returned easily.

The doctor made a big show of fussing over the captain’s injuries, but when it came down to brass tacks there was very little that couldn’t be cured with some rest. The cracked ribs and lacerated hand were easily mended while the alien drug had already worked through her system. From what the photonic physician could determine there would be no after effects.

Janeway learned that Addison had already been treated and taken off active duty by the doctor for the next twenty-four hours to rest. Baxter’s body had been recovered when Tuvok beamed the other humanoids from the Hugoran planet, and was currently in the ship’s morgue. When the captain was ready the appropriate memorial services could be performed.

The only dicey moment came when the doctor pompously said, "And in conclusion I am hereby relieving you of command for the next twenty-four hours. Doctor’s orders,"

"What?" Janeway asked sharply.

Even Seven seemed to flinch in sympathy for the E.M.H. at the tone in the captain’s voice.

"Well, really Captain. I only meant that you have been through a trying ordeal. You are not doing anyone any favors by taking up command again in such an exhausted state."

"Doctor, I never gave up command. And as tired as I may be, I still have a ship to run. Is that clear?"

Sputtering for a moment he began again, "Captain, Starfleet protocol clearly states that as Chief Medical Officer I have the authority…"

"Ahem," Seven interrupted, surprised when both of them actually did look at her. It seemed that Tom Paris was right. Such an expression did have the desired effect of drawing attention to her.

"If I may offer a compromise?"

Both simply stared at her and she took that as permission to continue. "It is now quite late into beta shift. May I suggest that the captain retire until the beginning of Alpha shift? This is her usual routine, and will allow her to acquire needed rest. Will that be sufficient, Doctor?"

"Well, I guess so," he relented reluctantly. "Now, if you’ll excuse me. I hear there are people in the cargo bay who might actually want my help."

In a huff, the holographic doctor left sickbay with Janeway shaking her head at his melodramatics.

"I still have to debrief Chakotay," Kathryn argued. She felt as though she had won the battle of wills with the doctor and felt a bit like pushing her luck. She could have saved herself the bother. Seven countered logically with a point Kathryn couldn’t argue.

"No doubt Commander Chakotay is fatigued as well," Seven pointed out. "Would it not be better to speak with him after he has regenerated?"

Kathryn didn’t like conceding defeat, but the other woman had a point. Also, the last thing she wanted at the moment was to talk with him. She was afraid she’d rip his head off, and they were both tired. It had been a long, emotional day.

"Very well. Just let me contact him to let the beta shift take over bridge operations."

Seven waited patiently. In a few moments Kathryn was ready and they left sickbay together.

"I never did tell you how much I like your outfit," Kathryn offered surprising the other woman as they stepped onto the turbo lift. "Did you design it yourself?"

"It seemed prudent considering the given situation. High heels would not have been conducive to a rescue mission."

"No, I guess they wouldn’t," Kathryn agreed looking up at her with a laugh. "I never did understand why the doctor designed such shoes for you. You’re tall enough."

Turning Seven placed both hands at Kathryn’s waist and pulled the auburn-haired woman close. Their bodies were just touching and both found themselves leaning toward the other. "Perhaps his program was malfunctioning," Seven breathed into Kathryn’s parted lips.

"Perhaps," Janeway agreed her eyes closing involuntarily forgetting immediately what they had been discussing. Then she wasn’t thinking about anything as full, pink lips sought and found her own.

Moaning Kathryn raised her hands and grasped the back of Seven’s neck deepening the kiss. Tongues sought entrance between parted lips and dueled for possession, each of them seeking to quench a raging hunger burning inside.

Elegant fingers found the pins holding blonde hair in place and released it to cascade down over strong shoulders. So lost were they in the taste and feel of the other that neither heard the turbo-lift doors swish open. Then Kathryn realized that they were essentially necking in the middle of the corridor. Fortunately the corridor was deserted at the moment.

Pulling back she took a breath to speak but could only gasp, "Seven," when white teeth nipped erotically at her tender throat.

"Yes, Kathryn?" Seven inquired politely while placing small kisses down Kathryn’s neck before capturing a lobe between her teeth.

"Uh…perhaps we should continue this in my quarters?"

She was surprised at the speed at which she suddenly found herself propelled down the hallway and into her quarters. Seven appeared to be starved for the feel of her, and she was just as eager. Unfortunately, she was also covered in soot and grime and insisted on a shower. Seven didn’t argue, but refused to relinquish contact either.

Standing in the en suite with mouths connected Seven proceeded to efficiently divest Kathryn and herself of their clothing. Tearing her mouth away from her breathless partner, she panted aloud, "Computer, activate the shower on hydro setting."

Then they were both naked and Kathryn found herself lifted into the shower and placed against the wall. Her legs wrapped around Seven’s waist as warm water cascaded over them. Seven pressed herself against the heated center and wrapper her lips around a hard nipple. Kathryn gasped at the dual sensation of metallic bands of the abdominal implant against her tender skin, and the suction at her breast.

"Oh, wait…" Kathryn groaned ripping her mouth from her lover’s. "Computer, initiate privacy lock on com badges for myself and Seven of Nine. Disengage for red alerts only."

The words were barely out of her mouth before her lips were claimed in another fiery kiss. Kathryn couldn’t remember having ever felt so frantic for another’s touch; she couldn’t hold back her gasps of pleasure. Then Seven was reaching between their bodies with her Borg hand. She knew that Kathryn thrilled to the touch of the skin-warmed metal and prolonged the tension by lightly grazing between drenched folds with the tips of her fingers.

Fire raged inside of the redhead wanting Seven to take her, and she tried to communicate that desire by thrusting against the teasing digits.

"What is it, Kathryn? Tell me what you want," Seven invited huskily.

"You know what I want," Kathryn replied holding on tightly around the Borg’s neck. "I need you to take me, I want you so badly."

Still the blonde continued to play her, slipping her fingers up and down the swollen flesh before gently teasing the knot of sensitive nerves at the top of the crease and sliding down again.

"Say it, Kathryn. I need to hear it."

Kathryn knew what Seven wanted to hear, knew that it drove the young woman mad with passion when she spoke the vulgar words. "Fuck me," she begged in a ragged voice. "Please,"

Two long fingers entered her swiftly and Kathryn threw her hips forward in an effort to impale herself more deeply. Then Seven was thrusting firmly and repetitively into her small body. The sudden pleasure was so sharp it was almost painful causing Kathryn to cry out in joy and thrust more fully against the invading extremities.

Seven was almost beside herself listening to the other woman grunting her pleasure into her ear. Her own nipples were rock hard and she was close to an orgasm simply from listening to Kathryn.

"Oh, Annika! Yes, Darling, oh!"

Then Kathryn was soaring. Vaguely she heard Seven’s own small cry and realized the other woman had come when she did. The very idea sent her over the edge again.

When she finally came back to herself it was to feel Seven’s body trembling in an effort to keep her upright against the shower wall. Slowly releasing her grasp around the other woman Kathryn allowed her feet to slide down to the floor where she could still lean on her partner, but take most of the weight off. Panting for a few moments she listened to Seven’s heart pounding against her own.

"You okay?" Kathryn asked pressing a kiss under the delicate ear. "That can’t have been much fun, holding me up the whole time."

"It was wonderful!" Seven contradicted in her ear still sounding a bit breathless. Finally the blonde pulled away and gazed into her partner’s eyes. They were the shade of blue that she preferred seeing; the shade when Kathryn was her happiest. "What of you? How do you feel?"

"I feel…whole." Kathryn said contentedly and suddenly found herself smothering a huge yawn. Chuckling at her own fatigue she said, "But I guess I’m more tired than I thought."

"We will finish our shower and I shall replicate you something you can eat while sitting in bed," Seven offered sweetly, bending down to place a tender kiss on Kathryn’s swollen lips.

"Thank you, Darling." Kathryn accepted happily. Honestly, she couldn’t imagine being any happier than she was at this moment in her life.

The two finished their shower quickly. Seven was the first out and had already dried and exited the ensuite before Kathryn. Kathryn slipped on her pink terrycloth robe and went into the bedroom. The alcove hadn’t been installed yet. The kidnapping had interrupted that particular task, but signs of its eminent installation were visible and Kathryn happily slipped between the sheets of her queen-sized bed. Soon Seven would have no need to leave her at night. Things would be perfect. Now if she could just find the right time to ask her the question that was bursting to come forth every time they were alone!

Seven programmed her instructions into the computer and a few minutes later had what she considered to be the perfect meal to consume while lying down. The tray consisted of thinly sliced deli meats, cheeses, and crackers. A few of Kathryn’s favorite olives were included as well as a bowl of coffee ice cream for afterwards. Smiling gently she picked up the tray and carried it back into the bedroom, but when she entered the room it was to find Kathryn already asleep. Nutrition would have to wait for another time.

Quietly the blonde carried the tray back into the living area and placed it into the recycler. Then she happily discarded her robe and climbed naked into the bed beside her partner. Kathryn turned over in her sleep instinctively seeking the warmth of her lover and curled gratefully into the other woman’s arms.

Pressing a kiss into the auburn locks Seven said softly, "Computer, lights out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Kathryn was up early and ready for bear, or Chakotay as the case would be. She climbed as quietly as possible out of the bed, careful not to awaken her partner. Taking a moment to brush her teeth and hair before slipping into a fresh uniform she couldn’t help looking at the glowing reflection staring back at her in the mirror. There was no doubt that Seven was good for her.

Grabbing a padd, she quickly left a note telling Seven that she had the day off, as did B’Elanna and Nicoletti. Such a thing was common after an away mission, and whether Chakotay had actually approved that mission Kathryn thought they deserved the time off.

Armed with a cup of coffee she left her quarters and headed for the bridge. Chakotay was already in his place and looked back at her with placid eyes when the turbo-lift doors swished open.

Meeting his gaze she said, "Commander, I’d like to see you in the ready room, please."

Handing over the con to Commander Tuvok, it was easy to assume he thought this was just going to be a normal debriefing. Inside the ready room, Kathryn slipped behind her desk and sat down without inviting him to be comfortable. Chakotay walked over to the replicator and ordered a cup of tea before walking back over to her desk and sitting down uninvited.

"The planets of all of the hostages have been contacted," he informed her politely. "We should have all of them returned to their home worlds by seventeen hundred hours. The warning beacon has been set in place without incident and nothing more has been heard from the Hugorans."

"Very good," she replied. "Make a note that the memorial service for Lieutenant Baxter will be at sixteen hundred hours day after tomorrow in the mess hall."

After the man had made the entry in his data padd he looked up at her as though waiting for something else. She did not disappoint him.

"I’d like to move on to something a little more personal if you don’t mind. I have a question that I’d like to ask you."

Her tone was deceptively mild, luring him in and although she was trying to maintain her calm, inside she was raging.

"Sure, Captain," he said with a grin. "What is it?"

"Just who the hell do you think you are?"

Slowly a frown came over his face, the grin dying away as though it had never been. "Captain?"

"Really, Chakotay," she continued in the same calm tone. "Do you think that I’m stupid? You see I had time to think while I was on the planet and I’ve figured out a few things. Your little speech about my breech of protocol in dating Seven was completely self-serving."

"Captain, please," he interrupted. "I was just pointing out how the crew might react if they found out. I’m no good to you if I don’t do that."

"Oh, right Chakotay, and what about you saying I should be with you? How do you think the crew would react to that?" she invited curiously.

Considering carefully he said, "You and I are of closer rank, first and second in command. It’s more logical."

"Logic be damned!" Kathryn said surging to her feet. Heat flooded her face and her hands were locked into fists of anger and hurt. "You can justify anything with logic. That’s its power, and its flaw. Seven doesn’t even have a rank. Technically she’s a civilian. I would say try again, but frankly there’s no need for you to waste your breath. Instead I’ll answer the question you asked before I left to meet with Ibudan."

"Why am I not with you? How can you even think I would be with a man that has never supported me?"

"I have always supported you," Chakotay responded with not a little anger of his own. "Even when I didn’t agree with you, I’ve supported you. How can you say that?"

"How? How many times have you contradicted me in front of the crew? Is that what a good first officer does to support his captain? When we made the alliance with the Borg to fight species 8472 you waited until I was injured to countermand my decisions."

A flood of memories went through his mind and Chakotay couldn’t in good conscience contradict her, but Janeway was not happy with just this reminder.

"You’ve never cared for Seven. From the beginning you’ve warned me repeatedly that she would betray us. How many times have you said that she will always be more Borg than human?" Temper flaring she had to force herself to calm down.

"But you were wrong, Chakotay. She has put her life at risk more than once to save this crew. Remember when she and the doctor alone ensured that Voyager made it through the radiated nebula? She almost died making sure that we all survived."

The man had the grace to look abashed and couldn’t meet his eye. Kathryn knew that she had connected with him and it occurred to her that maybe he hadn’t seen what was happening. Maybe he had been too close to it. She needed him to see that he was still her friend, but that he would never be her lover. There was only one person that could fill that role, only one person who could be her partner in every way.

"We’re alone out here and I need you as my executive officer. I rely on you and Tuvok to be my conscious but I ask you to be more circumspect in your counsel. I also ask that you try and deal with your feelings, Commander. Seven is not the monster you make her out to be, and my feelings for her are not going to change. I love her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and we are going to continue seeing each other. If I am very fortunate, some day she will agree to be my wife."

Finally finding his voice he asked gently, "You love her that much?"

Kathryn weighed the question carefully before looking at him directly. "I do."

"I understand, Captain. I won’t stand in your way."

With a lop-sided grin Janeway responded, "You couldn’t if you tried."

~~~~~~~~~

Seven’s long, slender arms dropped to her sides as she stepped back away from the wall. Her eyes critically assessed the object before her. Kathryn’s arms slipped gently around her waist as she rested her chin on the firm shoulder.

"I think that’s perfect," she said gazing at the knife mounted on the wall. It was the one Seven had made for her while they had been stranded at the Q’ntaran fishing village. Kathryn had thought she had lost it forever at one time, but thanks to Voyager’s transporter systems had it back.

B’Elanna and Nicoletti had installed Seven’s alcove in the bedroom earlier. The two had got along so well Janeway was beginning to wonder if there wasn’t something else going on between them. What was even more amazing to the redhead was how the chief engineer had actually been teasing Seven while she was here. It was if the two had crossed a magical boundary over night and were now becoming friends. It was something Kathryn had never thought she would witness. Seven hadn’t exactly responded to the banter, but the humorous glow in her blue eyes was unmistakable.

Hanging the knife on the wall was the final task, and for Janeway signaled the beginning of their new lives together. Now if she could just get the words out before she had a stroke! Oh well, no time like the present. It was just a question wasn’t it? The most the other woman could possibly do was to say ‘no’.

Grasping Seven’s hands she invited, "Come sit with me on the sofa, Darling. There’s something I want to ask you."

The End  Read the first part Sea to Shining Sea

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