Kathryn has been very angry and it has become apparent she no longer wishes an intimate relationship with me. She had informed me any such interaction would be secretive in nature because she didn’t want the crew discussing her private life. Exactly one kiss and forty seconds later Commander Chakotay and Ensign Kim entered the holodeck unannounced. Ensign Kim’s expression closely resembled a fish respirating. Commander Chakotay grabbed his chest as though experiencing a cardiac arrest. I find that difficult to believe since the doctor would have detected any such medical condition and corrected it.

At any rate, after he grabbed his chest he struck his head soundly against the bulkhead. Though my gaze was on the commander I was aware of Kathryn’s sympathetic wince. Then she was on her feet calling for a medical emergency and striding quickly for the exit.

That was two days ago. Commander Chakotay returned to duty this morning though Lieutenant Paris insists he was ‘faking’ the signs of a concussion. Kathryn has not been seen outside her quarters or the ready room. A check of Voyager’s systems indicates she has been using site-to-site transports to report to duty. Repeated communiqués to speak with her go without a response and after this morning’s staff meeting I am sure this behavior will continue indefinitely. When the briefing first began Captain Janeway looked around to ensure all were present. Her eyes rested on me briefly but there was no warmth in their stone-cold depths.

She has decided that our interaction on the holodeck was an error, that I am unworthy. Having tasted her love, however briefly, I find being spurned now unbearable. I never loved before Kathryn; I cannot bear seeing her knowing she is on the same ship and does not want me. The pain is too great. For that reason I have taken the Delta Flyer and fled Voyager.

I do not know where I am going, only that going back to the Borg is out of the question. Perhaps some day the pain I feel will not be as sharp. Then I will be able to remember her fondly rather than with this anguish that cleaves me to the soul.

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

"Of all the ignorant, asinine…! How could I have been so stupid?"

Kathryn paced her ready room floor, pausing occasionally to rake her fingers though already tangled locks. As soon as they had discovered Seven and the shuttle missing Kathryn had ordered them found. With Seven’s technical skills the task had proved difficult. Thirty-six hours later B’Elanna had located the last fading warp emissions and now they were tearing through space as quickly as Voyager could fly.

"All because I forgot to put a privacy lock on the holodeck doors."

Kathryn had been so embarrassed at being caught in a compromising position and walked out without a word. Then she avoided the woman she loved until she managed to chase her away. Kathryn knew she had a lot of groveling to do before Seven would forgive her and as much as she loathed the idea the alternative was even more unacceptable. If she couldn’t convince Seven to forgive her, she would lose her forever.

Faced with those consequences Kathryn realized it didn’t matter if the crew found out how she felt. She loved Seven and couldn’t leave her unprotected in the delta quadrant, even if she really had blown any chance of Seven loving her.

"Bridge to Captain Janeway. We’ve got the Delta Flyer on long-range sensors. Scans indicate the shuttle is adrift. Residual energy signatures suggest the shuttle was attacked. Most systems are down; life support is critical."

"How long?" Kathryn asked worriedly.

"ETA twelve minutes at maximum warp," Tuvok responded.

Twelve minutes was an eternity. "Can you get a lock on her?"

"Not at this distance. We’ll need another five minutes at least."

"Understood. Transport her directly to sickbay as soon as you can. Then tow the Delta Flyer into the shuttle bay. I’ll be in sickbay."

"Understood."