The next few days on Voyager were a mass of celebrations. Everyone seemed in great spirits after the Doctor determined the virus was 100% defeated. Seven was a hero and everyone's attitude seemed to warm to her. She suddenly had more friends than she could handle. But the one person she wanted to talk to still refused. She had seen the Captain only in passing and it seemed at times like she was purposely avoiding her. When Seven would appear to the bridge, Janeway would immediately retreat to her ready room. She was no longer taking meals in the mess hall and she had also stopped her daily walks about the ship. It was obvious that she was in pain, but Seven was still confused as to why.
When she thought she could stand it no more, Seven went to engineering to seek out B'Elanna as an ally to her problem. Luckily, she was alone as Seven entered the department and they could speak freely.
"How may I help you, Seven?" B'Elanna and Seven had always been wary of each other, but since the cure was discovered, she had warmed to Seven considerably.
"I need your advice on a personal matter."
B'Elanna was surprised, but she bit her tongue against the sarcastic comment that always seemed to be there when Seven was around. "Shoot."
"I need to know how to 'make up'." Seven said simply.
Misunderstanding B'Elanna replied. "Make up? You are interested in wearing make up? I think you look fine without it."
"No." Seven said sharply. "I have angered someone and I need to know how to set things right again."
"Well, Seven. It really depends on the situation. There isn't a general answer. Maybe if you gave me more details..."
B'Elanna's eyes grew wide and she listened to the normally unfeeling Borg describe her night of passion and declaration of love.
"Now the Captain is angry with me and I don't understand why. I saved her and the rest of the crew and I was honest about my feelings."
"Yes, Seven, but you were dishonest in the way that you saved her. Why couldn't you have told her the truth about the cure and just injected her. You could have told her your feeling later?"
"I think I was overcome by the emotion of the situation." Seven explained. She did not reveal the Captain's suicide attempt to B'Elanna so the story did not have it's full impact.
"Seven you need to go to her and explain everything. Tell her why you did what you did and apologize and hope she forgives you."
"Apologize? But I am not at fault." Seven protested stubbornly.
B'Elanna sighed. "Stop being so perfect and admit you can make mistakes." And with that she turned back to the console, ending the discussion.
************************After exiting engineering, Seven hurried down the corridor towards the turbo lift. Not looking where she was going she impacted a small form and heard a distinct "Ow."
"Naomi Wildman." Seven observed. "Have I injured you?"
"No, Seven. I'm OK. I was just looking for you. Would you like to come and play with me?"
"I do not believe I would be good company at this time. I have a problem and I cannot concentrate on anything else."
"Can I help?" Naomi questioned and looking helpful.
"I have made a mistake and someone is angry with me and now I have to apologize and I am inexperienced with that form of communication." Seven explained.
"When I do something wrong and my mom is mad at me, I always give her a big hug and kiss and tell her I am sorry. It makes both of us feel better."
Seven smiled a rare smile. "Thank you Naomi Wilman. I will do just that. And with that, Seven was off again towards the turbolift. When she arrived on the bridge the Captain was seated in her chair conversing quietly with Chakotay. She did not appear to hear Seven's arrival. Seven walked over and hauled Janeway out of her chair unceremoniously grasping her in a big bear hug. She then bent the Captain backwards in a semi-passionate kiss, announced "I'm sorry", dropped her back in the chair and left the bridge.
Not a whisper could be heard on the bridge as the Captain's face turned a deep shade of crimson and she whispered in a strangled tone "You have the bridge, Commander." She quickly escaped to the confines of her Ready Room.
What was Seven thinking? she pondered to herself. She thought she had made it perfectly clear that she wished to be left alone for the time being. Now the entire crew would be aware of their "relationship" in no time at all. Relationship? She could hardly call one night of loose morals a relationship. After all, she thought they were all about to die. A mere night of comforting one another. Janeway tensed when she realized that she had been replaying that night in her mind very frequently as of late. And when she thought of their night together, it was not anger and betrayal that rose to the surface, but rather a spark of desire. Could she indeed be falling for Seven? Certainly not. She was the Captain of this vessel and with that came certain responsibilities and restrictions. No romantic involvement with crew members. But then again, Seven wasn't really a crew member, now was she? But she still had to maintain a professional image. She must talk with Seven regarding intimacy in public areas.
Janeway stopped short when she realized she was actually laying out the terms of the relationship in her mind, as if Seven and her had a future together. She laughed and decided that now would be a good time to speak with Seven. She tapped her communicator. "Janeway to Seven of Nine."
"Seven here."
"Can you meet me in my quarters after shift change? We need to talk." Janeway kept her voice neutral.
"I will be there, Captain." Seven struggled to keep her voice from showing excitement. Maybe her apology worked!
***************************Seven stood before the door to the Captain's quarters with nervous excitement. She had quickly returned to the cargo bay after her shift and changed into an outfit that she had replicated for a previous shore leave, but had never worn. It was a soft blue pastel pants set with a long blouse that came to a deep V in front and scooped low down her back. She hoped the Captain would appreciate the effort. She activated the door chime and entered when the Captain called out.
Captain Janeway sat on her couch across from the door with her feet tucked under her and a book in hand. That book dropped to the floor as she stood up and gaped at Seven. "You look beautiful, Seven." said Janeway, relieved that she had decided to change out of her uniform into more casual attire. "Please sit down."
As Seven approached the couch she bent over to retrieve the fallen book at the same time as Janeway and they bumped heads and awkwardly mumbled apologies.
Janeway laughed nervously. "I feel like a teenager on my first date. It's silly after all that's happened between us."
Seven sat comfortably staring at Janeway and admiring her attributes with a critical eye.
"It's not nice to stare Seven, you are making me self-conscious."
"I'm sorry Captain..."
"Kathryn...please."
"Kathryn. I am sorry that I upset you. I did not mean to hurt or betray you in any way."
Kathryn leaned over and silenced Seven's apology with a forgiving kiss. "I know, darling. Just do me a favor and don't keep any more secrets. And we should be discreet about this with the crew for now."
Seven smiled her acceptance, stood up and led her Captain towards the bedroom......
the end
