Part 3

"Harry, do you think this will work?"

"To be honest with you, I don’t have any idea." Harry was working the transport controls, "But Kahkar says it will. If he says it will, that is good enough for me."

"Okay," the Captain said, "do it."

"Voyager to Captain Omarahn. Ready to transport."

"We are transporting now."

Harry watched the computer indicate that the transport had begun. Soon, he and the Captain saw two figures begin to materialize in front of them. Harry worked quickly to stabilize the transport beams, and Kahkar and Ketaria Omarahn solidified before them. The Captain stepped up to greet them.

"Welcome back to Voyager. It is good to see you again."

Kahkar helped his wife step down from the transporter platform and reached out his hand in greeting to Captain Janeway. "It is good to be back, Captain. Thank you, Ensign Kim, for your fine work on the transporter controls."

"Captain Janeway, it is so good to see you." Ketaria offered both her hands to the Captain. "I hope you will understand if I am anxious to see the baby."

Janeway laughed, "I can certainly understand that." She looked up at Kahkar, "And I hope you know that we are anxious to hear what you know about Seven." She turned to lead the way out of the transporter room and her guests followed. "We have installed her stasis unit in their living quarters to make it easier for the Doctor to care for both her and Kathryn B’Elanna."

"What a beautiful name," exclaimed Ketaria. "So they did name her after you. They told me they were thinking about doing that. Where did the B’Elanna come from?"

"B’Elanna Torres is our chief engineer. I think you probably met her when she helped with the repairs on your ship. After you see the baby and the Doctor, I would like for you to join me for dinner, and I will fill you in on all of the details."

"We would like that, Captain," Ketaria said. "I’ll look forward to it. After I see the baby."

Janeway grinned at her. She understood Ketaria’s excitement but she could see the worry behind her eyes. She, too, was concerned about Seven.

They arrived at the door to the living quarters and the Captain had the computer announce her presence. The doors opened and she walked in, the Omarahns behind her. The Doctor was still rocking Kathryn B’Elanna, his eyes focused on the stasis unit. He did not even look at the people who entered the room. B’Elanna was sleeping on the couch.

The Captain walked into his line of vision, "Doctor, you have company."

His eyes turned from Seven to the Captain, "What?"

"I said you have company."

He turned his head, "Kahkar! Ketaria!" He rose from the chair, "I don’t believe this. How did you get here?"

They both embraced him, and Ketaria immediately turned her attention to the baby in his arms.

"Oh, she is beautiful. Please, may I hold her?" He handed the baby to her, and she took the baby over to the stasis unit to look at Seven. "She looks just like her mother."

"Kahkar," the Doctor could not stand not knowing any longer, "What happened to Seven? Why did the regeneration not work?"

"I will have to examine her in order to know for certain, but I think the chemical changes her body went through during the pregnancy caused her Borg implants to reverse polarity."

The Doctor looked at him, somewhat confused, "What? I never got any indication of that on the scans I did."

"You wouldn’t. The exterior polarity of her implants remained the same. It was the internal polarity that reversed. You would not have been able to read that on any of your scans. The reversed polarity caused her body to reject the regeneration. As a result, her body then tried to reject the implants."

"But you think you can help her."

"Yes. We do. We have been studying the problem and think we have a solution. We will have to take her to our ship, and she will have to undergo a couple of weeks of treatment but we think we can reverse the problem. First, though, I need to examine her to make certain."

"Of course." He turned to allow Kahkar to approach the stasis unit.

B’Elanna had been sleeping through most of the conversation and woke to see the room filled with people. She rose from the sofa, the movement catching Ketaria’s attention. She turned to the sleepy engineer and looked at her intently. Then, she quickly crossed to her, "You are B’Elanna."

B’Elanna squinted at her, "Yes."

Ketaria reached out for her, and B’Elanna took her hand. As soon as they touched, B’Elanna took in a quick breath. She looked at the hand she was holding, a confused expression on her face. Ketaria smiled warmly at her.

"It was you I touched."

B’Elanna looked at the woman in front of her, feeling a warmth and intimacy toward her. "What?"

"When Kathryn B’Elanna was born," Ketaria explained, "Seven was in trouble, and I reached out to send someone to her. It was you."

B’Elanna continued to look at her, still not following exactly what she was saying. Ketaria glanced back at her husband, and the Doctor who were starting to examine Seven. She turned to the Captain, "Perhaps we could go into the bedroom and give them the privacy and time they need with Seven," she looked back to B’Elanna, "and I will explain everything."

"Of course," Janeway led the way into the bedroom. Ketaria started to follow, then stopped and indicated the rocker, "Could we bring that with us?"

B’Elanna nodded and picked it up, carrying into the bedroom. Ketaria immediately settled herself into it, rocking the baby whose face was turned towards hers, eyes watching her. Ketaria put one hand on the baby’s stomach and closed her eyes in concentration. After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at the Captain and B’Elanna who had seated themselves on the bed, "She is a special child."

Kathryn Janeway responded, "We certainly think so."

Ketaria started rocking, "I can tell how anxious both of you are so let me begin. First, when Seven went into labor, I knew something was wrong. I cannot tell you how. It is something I have wondered about many times, but Seven and I shared a special connection from the beginning, and I have to believe that connection told me she needed help. Kahkar helped me concentrate, and I reached out to try and reach someone on Voyager. It was the only thing I could think of since I did not believe we had the time to reach you in any other way. I knew I had reached someone, but I did not know who." She gave B’Elanna a huge smile, "It was you. I know it was you. I sent you to her."

B’Elanna was skeptical, but she remembered her confusion that day, and the feeling that she was being driven somewhere without knowing where. Ketaria continued, "I felt your anger, and I pushed it. Then I felt your fear."

B’Elanna’s eyes widened at the memory, starting to believe what she was being told. "Yes." She looked to her Captain, "I remember pacing around engineering, angry. I didn’t know what was wrong. I knew I had to go somewhere, but I didn’t know where, and I didn’t know why. I just started walking. I ended up in a turbolift, and then I was running to Seven’s living quarters. I never knew why. I never understood it." She looked at Ketaria in amazement, "How did you do that?"

"I wish I knew." Ketaria laughed softly, eyes on the baby in her arms, "Sometimes I don’t understand these things myself. I have just learned to accept them and be thankful for them."

The Captain leaned forward, "Ketaria, can you explain to us what has happened with Seven."

She continued to rock, and Janeway could see she was ordering her thoughts. Finally, she looked up, "Kahkar thinks the changes her body went through during the pregnancy caused a severe chemical imbalance in her Borg implants."

"How could he know that?"

A sad look crossed her face, "I didn’t know it, but Kahkar continued to study the information he had gathered on Seven during the times he examined her." She noticed the expressions on the women in front of her and explained her comment, "Kahkar first examined Seven to see if he could remove the rest of her Borg implants."

"What?" Kathryn Janeway was shocked.

"Yes. Seven wanted very much to have them removed. She did not say that, but I knew that is what she wanted. Seven would very much like to be fully human again." She lowered her head to gaze at the baby in her arms. The Captain and B’Elanna exchanged surprised, yet sad glances. Ketaria looked up and continued, "But Kahkar told her the implants that remained were critical to her survival. She accepted that, but I knew how much it hurt her.

"Then, when he worked with them to give them Kathryn B’Elanna, Kahkar collected a vast amount of information from the examinations he did on Seven. She knew he was doing that and agreed. She told him she hoped the information he would gain from her would help him release someone else from the Borg one day. I didn’t know this, but Kahkar continued to do studies on her Borg implants, trying as best as he could to replicate the chemical changes her body would go though during the pregnancy. I noticed he was concerned about her during the months of her pregnancy, but I did not know why." She laughed, "We have been married long enough that he has learned how to keep some of his thoughts and emotions shielded from me, and I have learned to respect his privacy in matters where I know he does not want me to go. He did not want to worry me. Plus," she leaned back into the rocker, "I think he was starting to relax and feel comfortable that she was going to be all right.

"Then, I knew Seven was in a crisis, and he helped me reach out to touch you. Kahkar immediately went to his lab afterward. He worked all night." She got a far-off look in her eyes, "The next morning, he woke me and told me we were changing course to find you immediately. He knew Seven was in danger, and that if we did not find you, she would die."

"But we were thousands of light years apart," Janeway’s voice was tense, "how could you get so close to us so fast?"

"Kahkar is very resourceful," Ketaria said, proudly, "first we used a worm hole. Then, Kahkar brought a Borg transwarp coil on line."

"You had a transwarp coil?"

"Yes. We had managed to recover one and were studying it. He ordered it brought on line and here we are."

"I don’t know how to thank you enough."

Ketaria had a pensive look on her face, "Kahkar would have done anything. He felt such guilt over what happened."

Janeway was surprised, "Guilt? Why?"

"Kahkar thought he should have done more to try to talk Seven out of getting pregnant. He felt that it would have been his fault had she died. He thought he got caught up in the excitement of the three of us and that clouded his professional responsibility toward her."

Janeway and B’Elanna sat quiet. Then, B’Elanna spoke, "I don’t think Kahkar could have talked Seven out of anything. She accepted the risk."

Ketaria nodded her head. "I know, and I tried to tell him that. But he still felt guilty." Then, she brightened, "However, it was that guilt that drove him to find a solution to her problem."

At that moment, Kahkar appeared in the door, a broad smile on his face, "I have good news. We can help her. We only need to get her back to our ship." He walked over to his wife who handed the baby to him. He looked down at the face of the child in his arms, "Soon, young lady, your mother will be well, and you will be back in her arms."

* * *

They were sitting in the living quarters, Ketaria in the rocking chair with Kathryn B’Elanna, the Captain and B’Elanna on the sofa, Kahkar sitting in the chair across from them and the Doctor with a chair pulled between Kahkar and Ketaria. Kahkar was explaining the procedure Seven would go through.

"We will treat her with a very concentrated electromagnetic impulse lasers to re-polarize her implants internally. We will do this on her nanoprobes also. Then, once we have all of her implants re-polarized internally, we will check to make certain that all the implants and nanoprobes are still accurately polarized externally. We will also be monitoring her biochemical system to make certain we do not have a chemical imbalance again. It will be an intense therapy, but I have every reason to think it will be successful.

"This process will take at least two weeks. We will take her to our ship. It will be necessary to wait until our ships are close, and we will take her aboard on a shuttle. It is not safe to transport her right now. I think it would be best if we keep her sedated and unconscious during this time."

The Doctor looked at him, "Kahkar, that means Seven will be separated from Kathryn B’Elanna for over a month. I am worried about her state of mind during recovery when she realizes they have been separated for so long."

Kahkar looked at him sympathetically, "I understand, Doctor, but we cannot risk upsetting her before the treatment is completed. Being upset exacerbates her chemical imbalance. It is important we keep her calm and sedated during this time."

Ketaria eyed her husband intently during the conversation. He looked at her, a cautious look appearing on his face. Ketaria stood and went to stand next to the stasis unit, placing her hand on it and concentrating. Kahkar watched her carefully. Then she opened her eyes and turned to look at her husband.

Kahkar sighed. "Ketaria, it is not a good idea."

"She needs her. And Kathryn B’Elanna needs her mother. We have another way."

"But it will take longer."

"But it will be a better way."

"I am afraid Seven will not be able to manage such a long period of restriction."

"Kahkar," she crossed to him, "I will be here to help her. I can keep her calm. She will do what we tell her if it means she is near Kathryn B’Elanna."

The Doctor was listening to the conversation intently. He was not certain exactly what they were discussing, but he quickly affirmed Ketaria’s comment, "Seven did everything right during her pregnancy. She did everything right during the days following the pregnancy. She will do everything right to recover. She is Borg, remember? She strives for perfection. You will not have to worry about her."

The Captain stood, "Kahkar, I can assure you, we will all be here to help you and to help Seven. She will recover faster here on Voyager."

"We saw her through the pregnancy, and we will see her through this," B’Elanna’s voice was firm.

Kahkar looked from face to face, finishing with his wife. He sighed deeply, "Well, since we will not be taking Seven to our ship, I see no reason for us not to start transporting what we need here."

* * *

It took them a full four days to transport everything they needed to Voyager. They set up the equipment in the living quarters after the Doctor argued Seven would be more comfortable there. It was difficult to move in the small living area with all of the equipment, but it was manageable. The Doctor was standing next to Seven’s stasis unit, watching the face of his wife. He glanced up at Ketaria, "It will be good to talk to her tomorrow."

Ketaria smiled at him wistfully, "You realize she will not be able to talk to you. She will be awake, but she will not be able to communicate with you directly. I can facilitate communication between you."

"It will be enough for me."

"Doctor, have you prepared the rest of the crew? Do they realize what the next weeks will be like?"

He nodded. Kahkar had explained the process to him, and he had made certain everyone who came into contact with Seven was aware of the details. "They are ready." He looked up from Seven, "They will handle this, Ketaria. You do not need to worry about the crew on Voyager."

She smiled at him, "I know I don’t, Doctor." She walked up to him, "What about you?"

Her question caught him by surprise, "Me?"

"Yes, you. Are you going to be all right with this?"

"Of course. I am a doctor. I can handle this."

"But she is your wife."

The Doctor blinked at her, "But I am a professional. I can…." His shoulders slumped and he sighed. "I am scared. And I am worried. I want to save her from what I know she will have to endure the next few weeks."

"Doctor, what she will go through will make her better. Seven will endure it. And I will be here to help her." She reached out to grab his arm, "I will be here for both of you."

* * *

The Captain and B’Elanna paced outside of the quarters as they waited for the doors to open. Ketaria was holding Kathryn B’Elanna, watching the two women pace. The Doctor and Kahkar had been in the quarters for the better part of two hours hooking Seven up to the equipment that had been transported over from the science ship. As soon as they finished, Kahkar had said they would awaken Seven and allow her to spend time with Kathryn B’Elanna. Ketaria knew Kahkar would want her near Seven when they woke her. She was standing, concentrating, trying to center herself and her energy. She knew the first few moments of Seven awakening would be intense. They had decided Seven would be calmer if she could see Kathryn B’Elanna when she awoke. She felt Kahkar approach and took a deep breath preparing for what was to come. When the doors opened, she turned and entered, followed by Janeway and B’Elanna.

Seven was in a modified biobed, the head raised slightly. She had a breathing apparatus on her face, covering her mouth and nose, fitting just below her eyes. She was attached to a large machine by a number of tubes and intravenous lines. She was currently restrained in the bed. Ketaria knew Kahkar hoped the restraints would not be needed for long but he felt them necessary at first. He legs were covered by a large metallic platform. Ketaria knew this platform would slide up to cover her entire body during the actual therapy that would last for hours each day.

Ketaria turned and handed the baby to the Captain. She could see the shock on the Captain’s face. As much as they had tried to prepare everyone, she knew the sight of Seven in the bed was still unnerving. She indicated the Captain should stand close to the bed so Seven would be able to see her baby as soon as she was awakened. Ketaria walked to the head of the bed and placed her hand on Seven’s shoulder, again closing her eyes in concentration. She opened her eyes and looked to Kahkar, nodding her head that she was ready.

Kahkar looked at the Doctor who stood on the opposite side of the bed from Ketaria, and the Doctor administered a mild stimulant to waken her.

Her eyes opened slowly. She looked around the room, struggling to focus on the people around her. She saw Ketaria, her confusion obvious. Her eyes moved to see the Doctor, and he could see the questions in her eyes. He watched Ketaria and knew she was working hard to calm Seven. Seven’s eyes continued to look around the room and stopped when she saw Kathryn Janeway with Kathryn B’Elanna in her arms.

Ketaria turned to the Captain, "She wants her child. Please bring the baby." Ketaria took the baby from the Captain and laid her on Seven’s chest. The Doctor noticed how Seven’s eyes immediately became more peaceful.

Kahkar walked up to Seven and started to talk to her, "Hello, Seven. It is good to see you again. Ketaria and I are here to take care of you, and we are going to help you get well. You just need to trust us and concentrate on getting well. We will take care of the rest. I will explain more to you later. Right now, I just need for you to stay calm and to be as still as possible. We will make certain that you get to spend time with Kathryn B’Elanna every day, and one of us will be with you all the time. But the most important thing for you to remember is that you will get better."

Ketaria had her eyes closed during this time. Once Kahkar finished, she looked up at him, "She understands you. She will do as you say."

"Good. Seven, for right now, I just want you to enjoy being with the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Okay?"

Seven looked at him and blinked once. Ketaria laughed, "She says yes. Blinking once is yes." Seven blinked once again.

Kahkar chuckled, "The Doctor was absolutely right about you. You will be a very good patient."

Seven blinked once.

The Doctor leaned over her, kissing her on the forehead. "It is good to have you back. I have missed you."

She blinked.

"Are you comfortable?"

She blinked twice. The Doctor looked at Ketaria, "I assume that is no?"

Ketaria nodded, a smile on her face, "She says she was more comfortable as a Borg than right now."

The Doctor chuckled, "Well, it won’t last long."

Seven tried to look down at the baby on her chest and then to Ketaria.

Ketaria’s eyes softened, "No, Seven, you will not be able to hold her for a little while. You still should not move right now. But that will get better and, in the meantime, she can sleep on you just like she is doing now. We will work out something better later."

Seven blinked once. Then, she looked to Ketaria, and a silent communication passed between them. Ketaria nodded to her, but she did not share the conversation. She turned to the Captain and B’Elanna, "Seven would like to spend some time with the Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna. Why don’t we move over here. Kahkar, you also." She led the way to the sitting area and the three of them followed. Ketaria continued to watch the family across the room. She put her hand on her husband’s arm, "This was the right thing to do, Kahkar."

* * *

The metal platform was extended to cover Seven’s entire body. Kahkar had administered a sedative to keep her calm. Still, Ketaria could feel Seven’s struggle during the treatment. She concentrated, trying to project a calming influence over her. Kahkar could see that his wife was starting to tire. The treatment had been going on for over four hours.

He watched the indicators on his screen and nodded to the Doctor. "I think they have both had enough for today." He keyed in the commands, and the humming that pervaded the room started to diminish and finally was silenced. Then, the platform that covered Seven’s body started to retract.

The Doctor moved to be next to Seven so she would be able to see him as soon as the retracting platform allowed her to do so. Her eyes sought him immediately. She was trying to tell him that she was all right, but he could tell how difficult the treatment had been for her.

Ketaria moved to stand next to the Doctor. "She says it is as it must be to be in a coffin, but she is adapting."

Seven blinked, and she tried as best she could to smile at him with her eyes. He leaned over her and kissed her forehead.

"She wants Kathryn B’Elanna." She turned to Kahkar, "Is it safe to bring her in?"

They had decided the baby needed to be away from the living quarters during Seven’s treatment time. They thought it would be safer for her not to be near any of the equipment when it was activated.

"I think it would be safe. Why don’t you have the Captain bring her in?"

The Doctor touched his combadge, "The Doctor to Captain Janeway."

"Janeway here."

"Seven would like to have Kathryn B’Elanna with her. Could you bring her?"

"Of course, I am on my way. Janeway out."

He smiled at her, "She will be here in a few minutes. Can I do anything for you?"

Seven blinked twice. The Doctor brushed her hair back, then ran the back of his hand down the side of her jaw, just below the breathing apparatus. He glanced back at Ketaria before asking, "Seven, are you in any pain?"

She just looked at him and did not blink.

Ketaria moved to stand on the opposite side of the bed and placed her hands on Seven’s arm, careful not to touch any of the many tubes in and around her body. "Doctor, she is uncomfortable. But it is manageable."

The Doctor knew the procedure caused some pain, which was the main reason Kahkar wanted to keep her heavily sedated, but even Seven had argued, through Ketaria, that she would be better with only a mild sedative. "If you need anything, you should let me know. We can manage the pain."

Seven blinked twice. He nodded.

The doors opened, and the Captain walked in with Kathryn B’Elanna in the body carrier. "Good morning, all." The Captain’s voice filled the room. "We have had a wonderful morning on the bridge. Kathryn B’Elanna is going to make a great starship captain one day." She was laughing as she lifted the baby from her carrier and laid her on Seven’s chest. The baby stretched her hand to touch the side of her mother’s face not covered by the breathing apparatus and fell asleep immediately. Seven sighed and did the same.

* * *

Ketaria sensed someone at the door. She smiled, knowing who was it was. She moved to open it and held her finger to her lips at the small figure standing in the corridor.

"Seven is sleeping," she whispered, "but you may come in."

Naomi Wildman entered, hesitant. Ketaria could feel her fear and her determination. She reached down and took the small hand. "Come, I will take you to her." She held the hand tighter, "There is no reason to be afraid, Naomi. Seven is okay. Regardless of how she looks."

Naomi looked up at her, knowing she could trust this person. Nevertheless, she grasped the hand tighter as they approached the bed. She was surprised by what she saw. She looked up at Ketaria, her face growing more and more shocked as they got closer.

Ketaria felt her growing fear and stopped her short of the bed. "Naomi, she is not in pain. You must understand, Seven is okay." She knelt down to look at the small child, "Naomi, look at me. This is necessary to save her life. Seven knows this. This is acceptable to her."

Naomi looked at her, the words starting to sink in. "She is Borg. She will adapt." Her voice was slightly shaking.

"Yes." Ketaria laughed softly. "She is Borg. She is adapting. You do not have to worry. This is making her well."

Naomi breathed deeply, and Ketaria could feel her fear subsiding, but knew the child was still upset. "Come, let me explain everything to you. I think you will be interested in what we are doing." She held Naomi back from the bed and started to explain the machines around her.

"This is the electromagnetic pulse generator. It powers the lasers that we are using to re-polarize her implants. Right now, we are working to re-polarize them internally. Once that is done, we will start the process over again, but then we will re-polarize them externally if necessary. In the meantime, this machine generates the air she breathes through the breathing apparatus she is wearing. It provides an enhanced source of oxygen that is medicated and chemically balanced. There is also a tube inside that is inserted down her throat. That tube allows us to make certain she is receiving proper nourishment. Through the intravenous tubes, we are flushing her blood of the chemical imbalance that caused part of her problems and treating her nanoprobes." The more Ketaria explained exactly what they were doing to Seven, the more interested Naomi became and the more her fear subsided. Instinctively, Ketaria knew Naomi would react to this approach positively.

"Would you like to go closer?"

Naomi hesitated, then nodded, slowly. Ketaria tightened her grip on the small hand and moved her slowly toward Seven. She was very concerned that the child would be frightened. But Naomi finally saw past the machines and the tubes to the face of her friend. Ketaria felt Naomi start to pull away from her grip and allowed their hands to separate, watching the child carefully. Naomi walked up to the bed and gazed at Seven’s face. Ketaria’s eyes narrowed in concentration. She could feel the bond Naomi felt with Seven, and she started to relax. Suddenly, Seven sighed, and her eyes opened. They opened and closed a few times as Seven drifted in and out of sleep. Finally, they opened for good and she moved them to look around the room. Ketaria saw them focus on her and then watched as they drifted toward the small figure standing uncertainly next to her bed. The eyes widened and looked quickly toward Ketaria for a moment before going back to Naomi.

"She is happy to see you," Ketaria told Naomi.

Naomi looked surprised. "Really?"

Seven looked at Ketaria again briefly, then moved her eyes back to Naomi.

"Yes. She has missed you. She is glad you are here."

Naomi looked at Ketaria. "How do you know that?"

Ketaria laughed, "Seven is telling me."

"What?"

"Naomi, I am telepathic. I know what people are thinking."

"Do you know what I am thinking?"

"I can. If I want to. But I try to respect people’s privacy and not read their minds."

"But you are reading Seven’s?"

"Sort of. Seven is sending me her thoughts, so I can tell you what she wants me to tell you."

"She told you to tell me that she missed me?"

"Yes, she did."

Naomi looked to Seven. "You really missed me?"

Seven blinked.

Ketaria said, "One blink means yes."

Naomi’s eyes teared. "But I didn’t think you wanted me around anymore."

Seven’s eyes opened wide, then she quickly blinked twice, looking to Ketaria to translate.

"Naomi, two blinks means no. And Seven doesn’t want you to think she doesn’t want you around." Seven concentrated on Ketaria for a moment and then looked to Naomi. "Seven wants you to know she cares about you very much. You are very special to her."

Tears ran down Naomi’s face, "Really?"

Seven blinked, her eyes looking at the child in front of her. A tear started to trickle down Seven’s cheek. Naomi reached and wiped it away, then leaned over and kissed Seven on the forehead. Seven’s eyes sought Ketaria’s again.

"She says thank you. And she wishes she could also kiss you."

Naomi gave her another kiss and said, "You will. Soon."

Seven blinked.

Naomi looked at the tubes around Seven’s body. She knew what Ketaria had told her, but she had to ask, "Does it hurt?"

Once again, Seven’s eyes went to Ketaria for a long moment, then held Naomi’s as Ketaria related Seven’s thoughts, "She says it is not comfortable, but it does not hurt. She is adapting. She says it would help her if you came by to visit her. It would help her pass the time." Seven closed her eyes for a moment and Ketaria laughed, "She also says it would be fun to play some Kadis Kot if you can find the time."

"Absolutely," said a delighted Naomi. Then she leaned forward, "But I will only play one of you at a time."

* * *

Kahkar was reading the diagnostics from the day’s treatment and Ketaria was having a silent communication with Seven. The Doctor and Kathryn B’Elanna were sleeping in the bedroom.

Kahkar walked over to the biobed, "The news is good, Seven. You are progressing well. Actually, you are doing better than I thought you would." He looked at Ketaria, "Yes, my dear, I will say it. You were absolutely right. Treating Seven here was the right thing to do." He looked proudly at Seven, "You are a wonderful patient."

Ketaria laughed, "She says thank you, but she is Borg, and what else would you expect?"

"It is good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor." Kahkar laughed. He started to go back to his diagnostics when he stopped and turned to face Seven. "You have something you want to ask me." It was a statement.

Seven blinked. She knew Ketaria could not keep everything from her husband. She blinked at Ketaria, giving her permission to talk to Kahkar.

"She would like to nurse Kathryn B’Elanna."

Kahkar frowned, and Seven watched him fearfully. He went back to look at the diagnostics and studied them for a long time. Seven knew he was giving her request careful consideration. Finally, he stepped back and said, "Seven, if you do that, I think it will probably extend your treatment by at least a week."

Seven looked away and gave his words careful consideration. Finally, she sighed and looked to Ketaria to give her the words to share with Kahkar, but he stopped her.

"Never mind. I already know what you are going to say." He smiled at her. "You two make quite a team. I should know by now not to argue with you."

* * *

Tuvok pushed the stroller through the corridors of the ship. He was aware of the smiles around him but chose to ignore them. Tom had replicated the stroller, and it was a common sight to see someone pushing KB around Voyager in it. The Vulcan, however, attracted everyone’s attention. He knew Seven would have many holo-images of his stroll with KB.

He arrived at his quarters and pushed the stroller inside and up to the table in front of his sofa. He lit a candle in the center of the table and sat on the sofa, opposite the baby. She was watching his movement. He pushed the candle toward her, and her eyes settled on the flame. He watched her as he moved the candle from side to side, her eyes following the flame. He raised an eyebrow then moved to lift her from the stroller.

"You are a remarkable child. As you grow, I will work with you to help you develop your inner self." He moved with her to look out of the window into space, "I suspect I may have something to learn from you." He looked at the child in his arms, the hint of a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "You are making me miss my own children."

The voice filled the room, "Ketaria to Commander Tuvok."

"Tuvok here."

"We have finished treatment for the day."

"I will bring Kathryn B’Elanna immediately."

"Thank you, Tuvok."

He took a moment, standing with the baby in his arms and allowing himself to reflect on his own family. Then, he sighed and squared his shoulders. "Melancholy is a manageable emotion. But," he looked into the face of the baby, "it is one even I allow myself from time to time."

He placed her in her stroller and pushed her out of the doors. When he reached Seven’s quarters, he had the computer announce his presence, and the doors opened for him immediately. Seven was watching the doors intently, and he saw her eyes brighten when he pushed Kathryn B’Elanna in. He pushed the stroller toward her bed.

He raised his eyebrow in surprise. He had heard the greeting in his head. He responded with his mind.

He noticed her eyes looked weak so he stepped closer to the bed and spoke, "Seven, you should not tire yourself out. Even telepathy requires energy. You must rest."

She blinked. He turned and lifted Kathryn B’Elanna from the stroller and laid her on her mother’s chest. The baby put her hand to her mouth and lay there. Seven looked up at Tuvok gratefully. She closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

Tuvok turned as Ketaria came in from the bedroom. She smiled at him. "I thought it would be good for the two of you to enjoy a private conversation."

"Thank you. Seven surprised me."

"Good. She wanted to surprise you. She has been practicing for a while." Ketaria went to sit on the sofa, inviting Tuvok to sit in the chair opposite her. "You are a very special person to her, Tuvok."

He glanced back at the biobed and then turned his attention back to Ketaria.

She continued, "I know how much you have helped her. She really appreciates what you have done for her."

"Hers has been a difficult struggle. Not many people would have been strong enough to successfully separate from the Borg, especially after being assimilated as a child and raised by the Borg. It would be difficult enough for someone who had an established identify, but Seven has had to not only regain her humanity but find herself as a person. It has not always been an easy path."

"She is a unique individual."

"I have often wondered who she would have been had she not been taken by the Borg."

"So does she."

Tuvok slightly started at her words and, after a moment, slowly nodded his head. Then, he turned to watch the figure sleeping on the biobed.

Part 4