Chapter 5

Seven actually sighed as she walked down the corridor. With shoulders slightly slumped the only thought running through her head, 'I wish this day would stop being so interesting.' Arriving at Samantha's quarters, Seven rang the chime wondering if she should hope that the dinner was going to be interesting or if she should hope it to be boring.

"Seven, so glad you could make it after all. I was beginning to get worried that something was wrong. And judging from that odd look on your face something is definitely wrong." Sam had motioned for Seven to come in and within a few moments both women were seated at the dinner table. No food had been laid out to eat but rather Sam knew how comfortable Seven felt while sitting at a table rather then on a couch or in a chair. Right now dinner was the last thing on Sam's mind.

"Samantha, I apologize for my tardiness. I was detained and unable to arrive at the preordained time."

"That and you just plum forgot about it. I know that because if you were just late you would have called me to let me know you were running late."

"I, uh, I, did....."

"It's okay, Seven, we all forget about things and I'm not hurt by it. I know that you wouldn't forget on purpose. But what does have me worried is that you shouldn't forget, what with your eidetic memory and all. Something must be wrong and I want to know about it. I'd like to help if I can. Especially if it's about what I think it's about." Sam had whispered the last part of her speech but obviously she had forgotten something as well.

"Elaborate. What do you think 'it' is about?" Seven's voice took on a hard edge to it.

"Janeway. I know that she has feelings for you, Seven. I watched the way she was acting around you at the party and how she's been acting in general lately. And let me tell you, she's acting like a woman in love."

"Indeed," Seven ground out in between clenched teeth. "I was unaware that a woman in love would act in such a manner that was unbecoming of that love yet alone a captain."

"What?! Has Janeway done something to hurt you?"

"No, she has not hurt me but she been injuring Lt. Torres both psychologically as well as physically accosting her. If that is the way she expresses her love for me then I do not wish to be an object of her affections." Talking about what had been going on between Lanna and Janey brought up a well spring of anger directed at said captain. And with that anger came sudden dizziness. Seven squeezed her eyes shut against the onslaught of the uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately this time the wave of dizziness and the noise of the buzzing was too much for Seven to ignore and Sam watched in disbelief as Seven rubbed her forehead struggling desperately to regain some semblance of control.

"Seven, Seven what's wrong? Should I call the Doctor?

"No I am fine. It will pass."

"What will pass? Damn it Seven, what the hell is going on?"

"I have been experiencing odd sensations throughout the day. Dizziness, cranial discomfort, auditory illusions. These minor disruptions occur at what seems to be random times and last for an undeterminable length of time. The strength of the discomfort also seems to vary but, none the less, the discomfort always disappears after some time. I believe it to be a lasting side effect of my accident with the alcove and my subsequent dream."

"Have you seen the Doctor about this?"

"I have not yet had the chance. Tomorrow, however, I have a scheduled checkup to attend in sickbay. I shall then have him examine my systems for any possible malfunction."

"Sounds good to me. And I won't even mind cutting our dinner short if you want to go see him now. Just before you go I want to make sure that everything else in your life is okay. The Doc can check for medical problems but I also want to make sure your not suffering any ill side effects from this Janeway fiasco." For the second time in her life, Seven sighed and slumped her shoulders.

"It is not a 'fiasco' Sam. I understand that Captain Janeway is in love with me and due to that emotion she can act irrationally at times. I can understand her 'possessiveness' over me and can understand her wanting to spend all available time with me but what I can not understand or am unwilling to accept is her irrational behavior towards Lanna. Captain Janeway can be such a logical, reasonable, great Captain when it comes to Voyager but as soon as she is in the same vicinity as either myself or B'Elanna that rationality is ejected out of an airlock. She is in love with me therefore it is expected for her to act with some irrationality in regards to myself but what does that have to do with Lanna?"

"I may not know all of what has occurred between the three of you but just from your little speech I'll bet you a week of replicator rations that the good old Captain is jealous."

"Jealous?!?"

"Yes, jealous. You do have feelings for Lanna, don't you? It's obvious; the way you speak about her, the way your eyes light up when you mention her name. I'm sure Janeway picked up on the same thing and the reason why she keeps attacking Torres is because she wants to eliminate the competition, so to speak."

"Indeed," Seven said with some surprise. She hadn't realized just how obvious she was in how she felt for the fiery Klingon. "Does Lanna suspect?"

"I doubt it. She hasn't said anything, nor has she confronted you about your feelings. Besides, she's had her own stuff to deal with these past few weeks."

"Perhaps."

"So, do you love her?"

"Yes, I do." The most beautiful smile spread across Seven's face as she thought of that love. But the smile soon vanished as that damned buzzing appeared again. This time it was so loud Seven couldn't hear anything else but the buzzing nor could she feel anything but the throbbing pain in her head. Seven groaned as the pain seemed to be subsiding some.

"Seven, I think we should cut our dinner short. You need to see the Doc now."

"Thank you Sam, for your concern but this discomfort shall pass just like all of the other times. I believe that perhaps some food shall help though, as I have yet to eat today." Seven managed another smile and convinced Sam to continue on with dinner as planned. Tomorrow is, after all, yet another day.

* * *

The following morning down in main engineering, the chief of engineering sat in her office going over a pile of pads. Her face set in a permanent scowl thanks to one 'great' captain as she read over the pads.

But Lanna wasn't the only one making faces. Gavens who stood off to the side of the warp core watched the lieutenant with a disdained look on 'his' face. And in walks Ensign Mary Deeks to witness it all. Mary Deeks, a highly intelligent woman and great operations officer, was someone in which if you knew her you wouldn't want to know her. Generally she was a very nice, cooperative, helpful, friendly woman. But she was also the kind of woman who laughed at all of her own jokes,made odd comments which no one got, and lurked around constantly in the background. She wasn't someone who you disliked but rather someone who gave you the chills. But being a human female who only stood 5 foot and weighed only 95 pounds, it definitely was not chills of fear.

"Gavens. Judging by that look on your face I'd say that you're none too happy with our chief of engineering any more then I am."

"Deeks, so nice of you to drop by. What? Not busy working on any Borg projects with Harry Kim? That is after all your forte."

"Bravo, Gavens. That was so sarcastic I almost believed it myself. Nope no Borg projects to work on. We haven't passed any cubes recently and Janey put Seven off limits so..... Right now I'm just bored as hell with all of the routine operations work I've been doing and thought why not come and visit main engineering. Though, you should really lighten up on the defensiveness as I was only trying to share in our similar dislike for a certain lieutenant. I don't know what Tom sees in her. He is such a great guy yet he lets her just dump all on him and then defends her at that. But that just makes Tommy all that more lovable I guess."

"Listen, I couldn't care less about your Tommy boy obsession. I thought I told you that I 'never' wanted to speak with you again. It was only a few days ago that I mentioned that. Are you having trouble with your short term memory? I think you need to be speaking with the Doc not me. So get lost."

"Hey, after all I did for you. I put up with all your whining now it's your turn to put up with mine. It's the least you can do."

"I could but I won't." Gavens walked away leaving behind a stunned pissed woman. And after a few minutes of standing there with her mouth open, imitating a fish out of water, Deeks stormed off and out of engineering. Davis who happened to be a silent observer to all of the goings on in engineering noticed the dirty looks his chief seemed to be getting in abundance lately and decided maybe it was time he went to check up on her.

* * *

<knock knock>

"Come in."

"Lt. Torres? Busy?"

"Very, but I think I'm in need of a break. What can I do for you, Davis?"

"I was just wondering if you're okay?"

"Fine," came her automatic response. At the disbelief written plainly on Davis's face, Torres rethought her response. Looking at the man Lanna thought about how Seven had described the Davis in her dream. Not only could he cook a great meal but he was a great listener and friend. B'Elanna had to admit that she always liked the guy and that he was indeed easy to talk to. Suddenly B'Elanna realized that even if Seven was only half right about this guy it still might be worth to get to know the guy better. 'Obviously the guy's concerned and he's only looking out for me. Maybe I should consider opening up to him.' "Have a seat Davis."

"Listen, what ever we talk about in here I want you to know that it won't leave these walls. Janeway will never here anything from me. I hate Gavens just as much as the next guy."

"Gavens? Oh I'm not worried about Gavens. The only reason why he managed to get the upper hand on me was because I was dealing with new feelings and emotions at the time and not to mention the fact that I was holding back from fighting, wouldn't want to give Janeway any more ammunition against me. He's not what's bothering me, well he is, just not the way you're thinking."

"So what is? If you don't mind me asking."

"Seven."

"Seven!?! What's wrong with Seven? I thought you two were getting along great."

"We still are. What do you think of Seven and I want your honest opinion. Remember nothing leaves this room."

"Truthfully ma'am, I like her. I always have. She's a little rough around the edges but once you get past her 'Borg armor' she's really sweet and nice on the inside. I could never understand what you had against her and why you would never give her a chance. But I'm glad things have finally turned around. And now that Seven seems just so much more human I can't see why anyone would have anything against her."

"I wouldn't now why either. And you're right, ever since she woke up from her dream, Seven's been different and it's a good thing. I saw her in a whole new light. My feelings have changed so much concerning her."

"So then what's the problem?"

"That's just it. My feelings have changed 'so' dramatically."

"Oh my word, you love her. You hated her and now you're in love with her." A smile worthy of the Cheshire cat spread across Davis's face when he figured it out. 'Lanna finally found true love.'

"Gee, Davis a little louder, I don't think Seven heard you on the bridge."

"Well you never know, she does have Borg enhanced hearing and all."

"Oh god," Lanna groaned wondering why she even opened her mouth this morning.

"Just kidding, Chief. So does she know yet?"

"No. Heck I didn't even know until last night after being released from sickbay. I did some heavy thinking and just realized that I'm in love with Seven of Nine." Now it was Lanna's turn with the Cheshire grin. "God it felt good to say that."

"So what are going to do, now that you know your true feelings?"

"I don't know. Nothing yet. Seven seems to be going through something with Janeway and I want her to be able to sort things out with her first. You know give her time."

"Don't give her too much time. Janeway just might snatch her up."

"Oh I wouldn't worry about that, Seven is NOT in love with Janey."

"No? I thought they were dating."

"That was only for the party......"

"Janeway to Torres."

"Go ahead Captain."

"Have you finished reading those reports I sent you?"

"Not yet ma'am. You did send down a lot to read."

"I am aware of what I sent down, Lieutenant. I do however expect you to finish them by the end of your shift."

"Yes ma'am."

"Janeway out." And as the channel closed each woman could be heard saying 'bitch' under their breath.

"Well, I guess I'll let you get back to work, Chief."

"Yeah you better. I had to already cancel a lunch date with Seven and at the rate I'm going I won't get any sleep tonight."

"Right then, bye chief."

"Davis."

Chapter 6

"Please state the nature.... You know, I've been sentient now for how many years and still I can't stop myself from saying that every time someone walks into sick bay. One of these days, one of these days. Ah Seven what can I do for you so early in the morning?" The Doctor finally had turned around to greet his patient.

"I have come for my check-up as per scheduled."

"Ah yes, finally a cooperative patient. Please have a seat." And so Seven did. Sitting primly upon one of the bio beds, Seven watched slightly unnerved as the Doctor went about setting up for the examination. Though no one would ever notice, Seven was quite worried about what the result of this exam reveal. What if this affliction was incurable? What if every time she 'felt' something she would coincidentally feel dizzy and hear that annoying buzzing noise?

But within a few moments the Doctor had completed his exam. After running the tri-corder over her several times as well as taking samples of her blood, checking her brain chemistry, and performing a diagnostic on her Borg systems the Doctor had pronounced Seven in 'good shape'.

"So is there anything that you'd like to tell me about Seven? Any medical problems to speak of?" The Doctor was stopped dead in his tracks as he heard Seven speak up. He was all ready to leave the room and catalog his scans not expecting Seven to report anything to him. After all, it was a routine question and one that got a routine answer of 'no'. "What was that Seven?"

"I said yes, I do have something to report. I have recently begun feeling dizzy and hearing a slight buzzing noise."

"Really? When did this start?" The Doctor suddenly turned back around and stood in front of Seven who still sat on the bio bed. As the Doc asked the question he begun scanning Seven again, this time looking for something more specific. Something that might cause the symptoms Seven was experiencing.

"The symptoms began yesterday morning. I awoke from my regeneration cycle feeling...... I believe the correct term would be woozy." The Doctor frowned at his readings.

"Is this a constant buzzing?"

"No, it has occurred sporadically throughout the day yesterday."

"And it's affecting your work? It must be, why else would you come and bring this up to me."

"Yes, it has. I have become extremely distracted by the noise and am unable to focus while feeling dizzy."

"Well, my readings haven't picked up any signs of infection or disease or even anything wrong with your Borg systems. I might have just chalked this up to space sickness due to the unexplained dizziness but the buzzing noise has me a bit worried. Can you tell me what precipitates such an episode?"

"I feel," Seven said after some few minutes of deliberation. It was only when the Doctor had asked her what precipates such episodes did she make the connection between feeling and the buzzing noise.

"You what?"

"I said I feel. Previous to each attack I have felt a strong emotion. Anger at Lt. Gavens, jealousy of Tom Paris, worry when Lt. Torres was reported to be in sick bay, anger at Captain Janeway for interfering, and when I feel happy." Seven was about to mention when she feels love for Lanna but she decided to stick to the happiness example. The Doctor may have been her friend but she just wasn't ready for him to know that she was in love.

"Hm, perhaps this may be an after effect from your alcove accident. When a human feels strong emotions usually some body chemicals will increase such as adrenalin or endorphins. This increase coupled with your alcove malfunction might be what's causing this buzzing noise to occur. Though I'm not sure how as nothing seems to be registering on my scans as abnormal malfunction or a virus of some kind. I'll tell you what, all I can really do here is to review the scans I just took and run some analysis tests on the samples I collected from you. Other then that I'm going to prescribe a hypospray for you to use in the event that you become overly dizzy again. But if the symptoms persist or increase in severity I want you to report right back to me. As it is, I want to see you tomorrow again for another check-up."

"Yes Doctor. Thank you." Seven hopped off the bio bed, nodded to the Doctor and left sick bay not at all happy with the results of the exam. 'The Doctor does not know what is causing these malfunctions.' Though Seven understood that the Doctor was only so limited in what he can do, medical wise, she none the less felt that more should be done. 'Perhaps I shall conduct my own experiments.' And so a plan began to form in Seven's mind as she headed back to her post in Astrometics.

* * *

It was the middle of the alpha shift and probably the best time to sit and eat a quite meal in the mess hall. It was the time of day that no one was around in the mess hall and even Neelix seemed to disappear for a little while. In other words a perfect time for one Commander and one Ensign to meet to discuss highly sensitive information.

"So what did you find out?" Commander Chakotay asked of the man sitting across from him. 'Wow, Seven was right, this guy does try to imitate Tuvok. Even down to the raised eyebrow.'

"Commander, as per your specific request I have been busy conducting a discrete investigation on one Lt. Gavens. So far I've been able to discover that your concerns are valid."

"So Gavens does hate Seven of Nine."

"Yes and no. His hatred has been more directed at the Borg overall. According to his records he has been in numerous encounters with the Borg and always managed to escape assimilation. Unfortunately, he witnessed many of his friends and co-workers succumb to the assimilation process. His hatred of the Borg has somewhat shift from an overall hatred to one that is more specific and discriminate."

"Seven."

"Indeed, Seven of Nine. He has been heard to dislike the treatment Seven appears to get while being aboard. He believes Seven to be the Captain's 'pet Borg' and therefore receives special treatment as such. He views Seven as someone who has killed millions through assimilation yet reaps the benefits of security from having a home aboard Voyager as well as having friends which she supposedly is undeserving of. He feels she should answer for the crimes against humanity she has committed."

"Is he dangerous? Do you get the feeling that he might try and harm Seven in the future?"

"I am unsure Commander. Due to the fact that he knows that Seven has 'friends' in high places he has been very secretive in his hatred toward Seven. His hatred has grown exponentially recently though as a result of Lt. Torres becoming 'friends' with Seven. He feels that even must have manipulated Torres in such a way that she was able to turn a supposed enemy into a supposed friend. At first I would have said no but as of now I would err on the side of caution and say that, yes, Gavens might just be capable of hurting Seven."

"So Seven's in danger. What do suggest we do to protect her?"

"I would not say that. Seven is quite capable of handling herself if Gavens were to attack her, but again to err on the side of caution I would recommend that Cargo Bay 2 be made secure some how while Seven is regenerating. That is her most vulnerable time."

"Alright I'll see what I can do. Maybe it's time we did give Seven some real quarters. I'll talk to her about it. So Harris, how did you come across all of this information? If you say that Gavens was very tight lipped about his hatred toward Seven how did you find out?"

"Well, it seems that recently Gavens has found a friend. Previously, Gavens was ostracized by the crew as not very many people liked him, though he was a brilliant officer and did he job well. Recently he began associating with Ensign Mary Deeks, an operations officer. She seemed to be able to identify with his hatred."

"Wait, so are you saying that Deeks also has something against Seven?"

"No, only that she can identify with the hatred. Actually she has a strong dislike of Lt. Torres. It appears from the rumor mill that Deeks has this obsession with Lt. Tom Paris and naturally dislikes her competition."

"So are you saying that B'Elanna might be in danger too?"

"If you would stop interrupting I would tell you."

"Sorry."

"Now, where was I? Oh yes. No Torres is not in any danger. I feel that due to the obsession Deeks has with Paris she would not harm someone he loved for fear of angering him. Deeks may dislike B'Elanna but will not harm her. As for how I got the information, due to this friendship Gavens seemed to open up more on his hatred of Seven and letting it be discussed in conversations with Deeks that were easily overheard. Is there anything else Commander?"

"No, that should do it. But I would like you to keep an eye on Cargo Bay 2 and make sure that those two do not enter it."

"But what if the require something from there? Case in point, one day ago I had followed them to the cargo bay and became extremely worried that they might try something as Seven was regenerating and this would have given them the perfect opportunity to harm her. Fortunately, thought I did not see what they had done in the cargo bay they were only in there for a few minutes and came out carrying engineering tools. I then proceeded to check on Seven but all seemed fine. The quick diagnostic I did on her showed no signs of foul play so to speak. But perhaps if I were to be there coincidentally when they were I would better be able to dissuade them from conducting anything illegal?"

"Fine, you can still follow them around. Both you and Tuvok seem to have this weird way of wording things. Dismissed Ensign."

"Aye sir."

Chakotay shook his head as a small smile crept upon his lips. This Ensign Harris was just as Seven had described, an imitation of Tuvok with added bonus of seeing 'some' emotion from the man. You just had to look closely to see it. But he was a good man none the less and one Chakotay could find himself easily becoming friends with. As the afternoon rush of crewmen began to file in, Chakotay took this as his cue to take his leave. 'Now to go and have that chat with Kathryn about unbecoming behavior. Maybe I can slip in the fact that Seven 'needs' quarters and not raise any suspicions as to why if I time it right in our conversation.'

Chapter 7

"Umph." <thud>

"My apologies Mr. Paris I was not aware that someone was walking in front of me."

"Yeah, well that's okay Seven. Guess I should either learn to walk faster or move aside when you come bowling down the corridor."

"Bowling?" Seven asked the lieutenant as she helped him up off the floor.

"Yeah, meaning at high velocity with such a punch that anything standing in your way would sure be knocked down like a bunch of lightweight pins. You know, I knew you were walking behind me but the last time I looked over my shoulder you were a good few paces away. Yet somehow you manage to catch up to me and knock me flat on my ass. Must be those long legs." Tom guessed as a smile stole across his face. The whole situation was after all really amusing. Only Seven could run someone down from behind.

"Again Mr. Paris my apologies. I was not watching where I was going. If I had been then I would have seen you walking in front of me."

"That's alright Seven, no harm, no foul. Are you okay though? Usually you're more conscientious about things like walking."

"I am functioning within acceptable parameters."

"Hm, so in other words you're doing fine but things could be better." Tom could tell he had hit the nail on the head as Seven looked at him wide-eyed. 'Betcha she wasn't expecting me of all people to be so astute.'

"You are correct Lieutenant."

"It's Tom, and I'm guessing that you'd rather not go into it. Well I can understand that, we really haven't been the best of friends as of late have we? Well, if something is bothering you and you need someone to talk to just let me know. Sometimes I can act like an adult you know."

"So I've heard. I'd also like to offer up my regrets as to your failed marriage."

"Seven, my marriage didn't fail. It just ended. Lanna and I realized that we made better friends then lovers so we ended it. But those few months of married life were some of my favorite times. And you shouldn't regret something that I don't, so enough of this apologizing on your part. Hey if you wouldn't mind me giving you some advice, I think that maybe you should take a few days off. If you're still not feeling to great after your little accident with the alcove then maybe you need a break. Some time to relax and do absolutely nothing but play on the holodeck for hours on end. I know that always helps me when I need it." Both Tom and Seven exchanged knowing smiles.

"Indeed, your holodeck playtime is legendary."

"So it is. So it is."

Both Seven and Tom entered into a turbolift together as their walk came to an end.

"Bridge." Both said simultaneously causing each other to break out in even wider grins.

"Great minds think alike?"

"No." And that caused Paris to burst out laughing followed shortly by Seven just as the door slid shut and the lift whisked it's passengers away to the bridge.

* * *

Later that day after Seven had secured some time off and ample holodeck time, she entered into holodeck 1 to begin her little experiment. The room was it's normal grid format as Seven had yet to program into the computer what the parameters for the program she was about to create were.

"Computer, <beep>, download Voyager schematics into program seven alpha omega one."

<beep burr beep>

"Download complete."

"Now access medical files for the entire crew of Voyager and download them into same program."

"Unable to comply. Accessing medical records of ship personnel is illegal. Security override codes necessary in order to comply."

"Security override Seven mecha nine delta."

<burrp beep burrp>

"Security encryption code recognized....... Download of all crew medical files complete."

"Compile medical files to create holograms of the crew complete with their personality subroutines."

"Unable to comply. Creation of holographic character based on living beings is illegal. Security override codes necessary in order to comply."

"Security override Seven mecha nine delta."

<beep burrp beep>

"Security encryption code recognized. Compilation complete."

"Set parameters for program seven alpha omega one. <burrp> Setting Voyager, characters the crew of Voyager, main character interaction to take place between the senior staff members. Now delete the holographic character of Seven of Nine."

<burrp> "Parameters set."

"Computer, set program story line parameters. <burrp> Program Seven alpha omega one, begin recording. <beep> Design a holographic mate fitted to be a perfect match for Seven of Nine using my personality profile. <burrp> Display hologram." And directly in front of Seven appeared a hologram of Commander Chakotay. Seven's eyebrows rose at the sudden shock of her ideal choice being someone she never even considered in a romantic light before. In real life she and Chakotay never even really got along well enough to be friends let alone lovers. But thinking about it logically it did make sense. He was a young virile man, considered by most to be handsome and in the prime of his life. He was the highest ranking male officer on Voyager, very intelligent, a good friend and counselor, and a proven leader. It was an ideal choice, too bad Seven just wasn't at all remotely attracted to the man.

"Now create social situations for the main characters in which to interact in. Include into parameters my newly granted appointment to a rank of Lt. within Starfleet and my receiving new quarters."

"Parameters created. Social gathering in the messhall. Type of party - baby shower for Lieutenants Paris and Torres."

'Again another logical choice.' But that didn't mean Seven had to be happy about it. It seems that in this program the computer left both Tom and B'Elanna still married so a natural progression in the marriage would be a baby, therefore the computer used that parameter to create the social gathering of a baby shower.

Seven sighed. Though she had hoped that her perfect match was to be Lanna she knew that this was for the best. If she couldn't have the real thing she didn't want to settle and then torture herself with the fake hologram. She didn't want to run the risk of falling for the hologram, which would have been likely since she already loves the real Lanna, and then to cause such a fiasco as the captain did with 'her' hologram. No it was better this way.

* * *

About an hour later and Seven had her little experiment all set up. Using the program Seven was going to test her theory that feeling strong emotions did cause her to hear that buzzing noise and then once she did that then she could prove to the Doctor that it was not just an after effect of her 'accident' and that it would not go away with time. She had run her program just to make sure all of her parameters were set and correct and now she was sitting in 'her' crew quarters playing the piano. Her fingers fluttered effortlessly over the keys as the pendulum swung and kept her time and place. The rest of the room was what would be considered spartan by anyone's standards including Seven's and the blonde had decided in a social situation to ask Mr. Neelix for his decor advice. There was a couch and a few tables scattered about holding candles to light the room but that was about it. Seven herself was dressed in a blue satin gown with her hair undone flowing loosely about her shoulders but that wasn't the biggest change to her appearance. No, the biggest change was the missing implants that no longer adorned her left hand or above her left eye as well as the missing starburst implant right under her right ear.

Though this may have only been an experiment, Seven was actually enjoying herself. As she sat there playing on and the melody filled the room, this ex-drone for the first time in her new life actually felt human. A feeling she wished would last forever.

Chapter 8

"Engineering to Seven of Nine."

"Computer, freeze program. Go ahead, Lieutenant Davis."

"Um, we sorta need your help down here Seven. Do you think you have a moment to spare?'

"Yes, Lieutenant, I do. I'm on my way. Seven out." As Seven took one last look around her holoprogram, one which she had now been in for slightly over four hours, she decided that the program could no longer be improved. "Computer, save changes to program seven omega alpha one."

"Changes saved."

"Computer, end program." As the corridors of Voyager disappeared and was replaced by the standard hologrid format, Seven took a moment to tidy herself up.

With her hair now pulled back in her tight bun and her unitard snugly fit into place, Seven turned and left the holodeck heading straight for engineering. Though she projected her normal calm self, instant worry racked her body as the buzzing noise picked up in her inner ear. 'Why would engineering contact me instead of Lt. Torres?' Seven asked herself as tons of different scenarios ran through her mind. None of which had a happy ending.

* * *

"Lt. Davis, how may I be of assistance?"

"Come and I'll show you."

Seven followed Davis towards the chief's office and her heart rate picked up exponentially. Walking to the door, Davis stopped in front and turned to Seven before he entered the room. Placing his index finger to his lips he gave the international sign for 'shush'. Walking in behind Davis, Seven had to peer over his shoulder to see why she had to be so 'shush'. The sight that met her eyes brought an incredibly cute smile to her lips. Sitting at her desk with her upper body sprawled across the desk, arms crisscrossed under her head, was the unmistakable form of the chief of engineering, quietly snoring away into the late gamma shift.

Using the international sign for 'come hither', Seven beckoned Davis out of the small room and back into main engineering.

"Why has she not returned to her quarters yet? It is well past the end of her shift."

"I know and so does she, but it seemed that the captain over worked our chief today. She's been working nonstop since she came into engineering this morning, not even taking a break for lunch or dinner for that matter. It seemed that Janeway gave Torres the job of organizing her engineering team into cleanup crews to 'clean' the ship from top to bottom. They were ordered to go over 'every nook and cranny' of the ship to inspect all of the hardware and make sure that everything was functioning at peak efficiency, so not only did the lieutenant have to set schedules to organize everyone in her department but she also had to put up with the grumblings of the crew over having to do some menial task. She even had to defend the captain to the crew, which I'm sure was no easy task for her considering.... And then to top all of that off, Janeway assigns hoards of paper work for the Lt. to complete before the end of her shift today, an impossible task but somehow, Torres managed to do it, missing only two to three pads which she was finishing up when she fell asleep. As you can see."

"Yes, unfortunately I see all too well." Seven's lips twitched slightly at the thought of Janeway hurting Lanna yet again. 'Perhaps I shall need to have a talk with her.' "But Davis, why call me, why not call Lt. Paris as he is her ex-husband and perhaps more equipped to handle such a situation?"

"That's just it Seven, he's her EX-husband. Besides I think that the lieutenant would be more... appreciative if you 'remedied' this situation."

"Indeed." Seven raised her eyebrow in doubt.

"Yes, indeedy. Now if you'll excuse me I have an engine room to run." And with that Davis left a fairly confused but smiling ex-drone with the problem of how to get a tired, sleeping half-Klingon from point A to point home.

Looking in on the sleeping woman again, Seven felt her heart tug and realized that in no way, shape, or form did she have the will to wake up the overly tired engineer. 'Then I am left with only one choice.' Seven quickly but smoothly lifted the snoozing woman into her arms. Amazingly B'Elanna only stirred a bit before settling into the very sweet smell of comfort. Seven then quickly but quietly took her leave of the room, grateful that it was indeed gamma shift and there should not be too many witnesses to this incredibly caring, loving act. But what Seven didn't witness herself was the glare she got from Gavens while walking out of engineering. Seven walked the halls of Voyager and headed towards Lanna's quarters not once thinking that a site to site transport would have been more efficient.

* * *

Using her Borg encryption codes, Seven actually broke into B'Elanna Torres's quarters, but in this instance she did not think the engineer would mind too much. Heading directly for the bedroom, the extremely strong yet willowy woman placed her care package softly on the bed. Looking at the still asleep woman, Seven frowned. She knew that humans did not sleep in their work clothes and especially that Lanna liked to sleep in a tank top and shorts but how to go about accomplishing this? As Seven thought she idly noticed that Lanna's cute snoring had ceased. Disappointed, Seven went back to the problem at hand, how?

Logically, of course. First the boots must come off. Slowly unzipping the boot, Seven loosened the grip on the boot enough so that she could slowly pull it off. Having accomplished the removal of the left boot Seven then went to apply the same treatment to the right boot. But just as she was about to pull the boot down and off, B'Elanna choose that moment to switch her sleeping position from that of being on her back to now sleeping curled up on her left side. Seven looked down at the right boot, which she some how managed to pull off in the transition, with consternation. Now that Lanna was on her side it was going to be increasingly difficult to undress her.

Well, logic worked the first time so... Next the socks. 'That was easy enough as the socks slid right off those delectable looking feet.' Okay back to the task at hand. 'Now what?' Seven would have sighed in frustration if she thought that would help, but that might only cause the lieutenant to awaken. 'The pants are next.' But for this maneuver Lanna 'had to be flat on her back. So crawling up on the bed herself, Seven positioned herself directly over Torres leaning directly over her body on her hands and knees. Using her right hand, Seven gently nudged Lanna back onto her bed but received a discontented whimper for her troubles. Now, with Lanna back on her back, Seven undid the button holding her pants in place. With that undone, she slowly pulled downward as gently and smoothly as possibly not wanting to make any sudden movements that might wake her love up. 'Phew, did I just think that word? Anyway, onto the shirt.' With a quick glance up the toned body laying before her, Seven not only took a moment to admire the view but also to check to see if B'Elanna was still asleep. With her concerns proven unfounded, Seven thought about how to take off the shirt the engineer was currently wearing.

Figuring the easiest way to accomplish this was to lift the woman into a semi-upright position, Seven snuggled up to Lanna in preparation of lifting her up and leaning her against the backboard of the bed. What Seven didn't account for was the arms that suddenly encircled her neck pulling her in closer. Slamming her eyes shut, Seven tried to breath deeply in order to regain control over her hormones and to quell the sudden dizziness she felt. But that deep breath only served to arouse the ex-drone even more as she took in the scent of her love. Using the last bit of Borg control she had left, Seven eased herself away from B'Elanna and hooked her hands underneath the shirt. In a slow deliberate movement, the tall blonde lifted the shirt up and off of the body laying limply in her arms. Tossing the shirt off to the side, Seven remained on her hands and knees peering down at the woman underneath her. 'Next would be the Starfleet standard issue bra.' But could Seven go through with it? She knelt there staring down at the abundant cleavage now offered to her and wondered if she should just leave B'Elanna in her undies and bra. The temptation was there but Seven would not take advantage of this woman. After all if Lanna had yet to wake up during this whole ordeal then she wouldn't wake up from sleeping in different attire for one night.

Sighing ever so slightly, Seven looked back up and into the open eyes of one chief of engineering.

"What? Not going to finish dressing me for bed?" The prone woman asked with a smile.

"Lieutenant?!?!" Seven yelped as she jumped back and unceremoniously fell off the bed and onto one cute posterior.

"Seven, Seven are you okay?"

"No! I no longer have a heart considering it just 'jumped out of my throat'." And so began the fit of giggles from one no longer asleep engineer. "You were awake the whole time." Seven accused as she gave Lanna her own version of a force ten glare. Calming down a bit, B'Elanna managed an answer.

"No, not the whole time. I remember falling asleep in my office and then somehow waking up in your arms in the corridor. I just decided to play along for a little while to see why you were carrying me. I was going to let you know I was awake once we got to my quarters but then you took me into me bedroom and began undressing me, and well, I guess I just wanted to see how far you would go." Seven had remained sitting on the floor through the entire explanation.

"Well, I had planned on removing ALL of your clothes. But then thought better of it." Torres was suddenly glad that Seven had thought better of it for fear that the blonde may have seen just how aroused she was by the whole situation if she would have removed her bra like planned. "So you were awake the entire time I undressed you? Then you must have deliberately turned over to make the process more difficult and the 'hug' was not done in a sleep haze but actually a conscious act. Indeed, you are evil, Lieutenant Torres."

By the time Seven had finished talking she had gotten herself up and dusted herself off, turned and began to walk out of the bedroom. Her progress impeded by the grip of the half-klingon, who now held her left upper arm in her grip.

"Seven, wait. I'm sorry. I was only playing around with you. I didn't mean any harm. Really." Torres had noticed the slight look of hurt in the drone's eyes. "Look, please don't leave, I don't want you to go. It's already late and we only have a couple of hours before our shifts begin. How about I go wash up and change and then bring you out some boxers and a tank and then you can sleep over. I know you've been wanting to try sleeping again but since you have no quarters to speak of... Please stay with. If you want I can even take the couch, no problem."

"That would not be necessary, B'Elanna. And thank you for the offer."

Lanna noticed the use of her first name and immediately knew she had been forgiven. 'Yet another reason why I love her. She forgives me so easily. God how I love her.' Though it never entered the half-Klingon's mind to tell Seven that.

"So does that mean you're sleeping over?" A smile tugged at both women's lips when Seven answered.

"Yes, and we can share the bed. It is after all made for two. It would be inefficient to waste the space."

"That it would."

So Lanna took off for the bathroom after replicating some shorts and a tank for Seven to wear to bed. Washing up quickly, then changing in record time, Lanna was back in her bedroom just as Seven was getting under the covers. 'Damn, still to late to see that well toned midriff. Oh well, there's still tomorrow morning.' And Lanna's smile grew as she realized that she would be waking up with the beautiful blonde she was now resting next to.

"Goodnight Seven."

"Goodnight Lanna." Seven answered already falling under the haze of sleep.

"Lights out." Lanna ordered in a whisper.

Chapters 9 to 12