Just a few notes: Sweetheart's Day is a variation on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day may have been widely celebrated but after the third world war or there around the holiday was celebrated less and less. Until a new adaptation of the day came about in America called Sweetheart's Day. The two holidays are not one in the same but do share similar characterisics. Sweetheart's Day never truely became widely popular as it's predicessor did due to the over shadowing of all of the other holidays from different cultures and now different species.

Chapter 4

Stopping one last time to smell the yellow rose he kept clutched in his hand, a smile crept over his face. A smile that soon changed into a frown as soon as that same man stepped into his quarters only to hear a crash a few inches from his head. It sounded like glass or maybe porceline breaking as soon as it hit a wall, but before he could examine the remains he saw something come flying from the general direction of the kitchen toward his head. Thanks to reflexes honed by having to dodge astoroids, meteors, and other space phenomena all day long, Tom Paris was able to dodge the flying saucer now on an intercept course with his easy to target big head. He then made the mistake of turning around to examine the debris field because as soon as he did something thunked him on the back of his head.

"Oowww! Lanna? What the hell is going on? And why are you throwing napking holders at me." Tom said as he picked up the aforementioned item. Then had to duck an incoming.... well.... duck. Obviously tonight's main course. The plate it was sitting on soon followed.

"Don't Lanna me, you p'tack. Where the hell were you? You were suppose to be home hours ago. Your shift ended hours ago." A fork, a knife, a crystal glass, and a candle followed each punctuated sentence.

Tom finally had to seek cover behind the couch but that didn't stop the assault only managed to lessen the amounts of times he actually got hit. Peeking up from behind the sofa during a lull in the attack, Paris finally saw what this was all about. On the dinning table was left the remains of what was probably a very elegantly set up dinner.

"You had dinner planned? Why didn't you tell me?" Tom yelled across the room. He was starting to become a little piqued at having objects flying over his head at great velocity and him not having a forcefield handy.

"Then, you dumber than a targ sorry excuse for a human being, it wouldn't have been a suprise." Lanna seemed to have an endless supple of table utensils to throw as yet even more things were set into motion. Tom had to wonder if she had replicated extra utensils just for this purpose. 'Surely no one ever uses this amount of cookware for one dinner.'

"You could have just told me to get my sorry excuse for a human being ass back home after the alpha shift because you had a suprise for me." Tom was really starting to get pissed now. How was he suppose to know that Lanna as waiting for him to come home. After all they had just had a fight this morning. Not to mention that the name calling was just unnecessary, especially when aimed at Tom himself.

"WE WEREN'T SPEAKING! How could I have told you to get home. This WAS suppose to be my way of apology for blowing up this morning. But NOW forget it. Since you rather enjoy spending so much time with Harry, more then with me, you can continue to spend all the time you want with Harry for the rest of your life." Now Lanna really did run out of things to throw at her 'husband'. All the dinnerware was broken, all the utensils sticking out from the wall at a stark 90 degree angle, and Tom was now wearing his dinner. That's when B'Elanna contemplated how best to beat a pilot without showing too many marks.

"What's that suppose to mean? Spending all my time with Harry? Are you checking up on me? How did you know I had dinner with him tonight?"

"I didn't. But you just confirmed my suspisions. It was a well educated guess that you had been with Harry tonight. You are always with him. In the holodeck, sharing lunch or dinner in the messhall, tinkering with the Delta Flyer. You two spend more time with eachother then we do. Maybe you should have married him," Torres spat out as she began to circle the couch.

"And you're not as bad?! How many times have we had to cancel dinner so that you could go over some engineering report that Vorik could handle? How many times have we canceled our dates to the holodeck because you have just one more test to do? How many times have you skipped out on get togethers with Harry and Chakotay to work on some project or another?" Tom may have kept bodily distance between himself and the aggrevated Klingon but he never lost eye contact as he too circled the couch.

"That's different. I'm busy working trying to fix this ship while you're off 'playing' with Harry. There is no other chief engineer I could call in when I need a day off so my job, just like the captain's, is a full time job."

"So is marriage. More and more lately you have become so easily distracted. Work this - work that. We no longer spend time with eachother like we used to. Now all we do is fight. We can't even be friends or civil to each other. I can't put my finger on it but something has come between us. You are no longer affectionate towards me, hugs, kisses seem to be a thing of the past especially when we're out in public. Prime example, this morning when I did apologize and tried to hug you, you pushed me away, again. What went wrong."

"I was mad at you, you dumb ass. We had just had a fight and you expect me to be all nice the next minute. Sorry, can't just dismiss my feelings so easily unlike you."

"And what of all the other times you pull away when I want to kiss you. I remember a time when Janeway had to reprimand us for NOT keeping our hands off each other during duty. Lanna we haven't slept together in over a month even though I'VE been ready and willing." That did it. Suddenly all movement stopped and both people froze at what had just been admitted. Torres, who happened to have stopped closest to the bedroom door, slowly turned and walked calmly into the room. Tom stood frozen by the side of the couch facing the door that lead to the corridor. A few minutes had gone by and Lanna finally came walking out of the bedroom. In her arms, she carried one pillow, one blanket, and a pair of Tom's pj's. Depositing them on the floor of the cooridor outside their quarters, she then turned around and glared at Tom. No words needed to be spoken as the pilot slowly limped out of the room with his head held down in shame. The doors shut with a muted hiss and Lanna finally noticed the crushed yellow rose petals now scattered on the floor near the door mixed in with shards of glass and pieces of china. A mess that would have to be cleaned up tommorrow. A fitting end to a bad day.

* * *

The next morning came now matter how much B'Elanna didn't want it to. She had no idea where Tom spent last night, 'Well that's not true, he probably spent it at Harry's', nor did she have a desire to know where he would be today or tonight for that matter. One thing she knew for certain was that she didn't want to see him at all today but that was just not possible. Even though things were quiet for once in the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway had called for her weekly staff meeting. 'She probably just wants to make sure we're all keeping busy. Not to mention it gives her something to do.' Torres snorted at that last thought. Lately she had been having increasingly negative thoughts toward the captain. 'Wonder why that is. Well one problem at a time,' Lanna thought as she tried to avoid eye contact with her husband while trying to sit down in her chair at the conference table.

Janeway was the last to arrive at the meeting but didn't let that stop her as she immediately dove into questions and concerns regarding her ship. One of the first topics being of course engineering.

"Lieutenant, you've sent me a few proposals on improvements we could make to the ship while we could advantage of the this quiet time. I agree. Here are some of the proposals I have accepted and I want you to get to work on them right away." The captain handed the engineer the pad of said proposals. "Seven, since all of the star charts are already done for this sector I want you down in engineering helping out. If that's okay with you, B'Elanna?"

"Um, sure no problem." Lanna seemed too engrosed in looking over the planned proposals to really hear what the captain had said.

"Good. Harry, I want you to monitor astrometrics while Seven's helping out in engineering."

"Aye, Captain."

"Well, I guess that's it on my part. If no else has anything to say then we can call this the shortest staff meeting in all of Starfleet history."

"Actually, I do have something to add," Tom piped up. For the first time since Lanna had walked into the room she looked over at Tom. His voice had been what got her attention being that is sounded all harsh and raspy but his face is what really suprised her. There were deep circles under his eyes which looked all red and puffy not to mention his hair was a little out of place. He looked like he didn't sleep much last night.

"Well, last night I had an opportunity to do some research and I came across something that I though Neelix would be interested in. It used to be a religious holiday named after a St. Valetine or something or other but as time went on the holiday lost it's religious meaning and became more of a pagan holiday. This holiday, now called Sweetheart's Day, was only really celebrated within Northern American and is not widely known even on Earth."

"I've heard of it and even participated in it once or twice when I actually had a boyfriend to participate with. Although I'm not to clear on the rituals associated with the holiday, it is suppose to represent a time with the ones you love."

"That's right, Captain. Its a time to show those you love, whether it be your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or even just a friend how much you do love them, respect them, honor them, and cherish them," Tom said as he looked directly at Lanna who, no matter how hard she tried, could not look away. "There's something about hearts, candy, chocholate, and flowers involved but I'm sure Neelix could figure it all out when he organizes the party. If the captain agrees that is."

"A party, huh? Well since it is quiet sailing, why not? Mr. Neelix you are to head up the party committee, along with Tom's help since it was his idea, and Chakotay can supervise. I think this is just what we need to break the monotony of the past few days and coming weeks. Neelix, schedule the party for five days from now. It can be an all day thing so that everyone has an opportunity to come. And everyone will come, that's an order. And with a date, while I'm at it." Janeway quckly ordered the mandatory attendence as she saw the wheels turning in B'Elanna's head, Tuvok's head, and Seven's head. Seven may have changed since her dream but not that much as it seems she still hates social gatherings. "Now if that's all?" Janeway took a quick scan of the room. "Good. Dismissed."

One by one all of the senior staff filed out of the room lost in their own thoughts. Seven was wondering what exacty this Sweetheart's Day would entail and if she could stomach seeing Lanna and Paris together in public. Tuvok was wondering exactly who he was suppose to bring and if that somehow violated his marriage vows to have a date. Chakotay didn't have that problem for he knew exactly who he wanted to bring to the party. No his problem was more along the line of how to ask her out. Tom knew who he wanted to ask but was scared she wouldn't accept. While Lanna was trying desperately to come up with an excuse not to attend. She was not yet ready to face Tom like that. The Doctor was at somewhat of a loss as to who to ask but he feared not sure in his handsome good looks and charming personality being able to win over 'anyone'. Kim already had his date planned but now he just had to ask her. As for Neelix, he was sure his friend wouldn't mind being excorted to the party by a furry Talaxian. And as for the captain, she definitley knew who she was asking but she needed to figure ot the best way to approach her. She wouldn't want to scare the woman of her dreams off.

And so each of the senior staff went along their merry ways with more than sugar plums dancing in their heads.

Chapter 5

As soon as the staff meeting had ended, Seven headed directly for astrometrics. The space that they were currectly passing through was actually a very quiet region of space. Unlike all of the other times when Voyager had encountered 'quiet space' it never turned out to be this quiet. But this time was different. Not only had the astrometrics department cataloged this region of space as dead, but Seven also had knowledge from the collective that no one had lived here in the past 200 years. There were a few scattered planets in the region, none of which could sustain life since the system of space was missing a bright star to act as a sun. There were no other anomolies such as gas giants or black holes to study either in this barren region. Seven was glad to be handing over controls of the sensors to Harry because this promised to be a very boring area to have to spend anytime scanning. The Borg came straight to the astrometrics lab and began finishing up a few loose ends, like a report or two, before she was able to hand over the controls. These reports and an actual transfer of the sensor controls to ops was made in record time. Before mid afternoon, Seven had handed in her reports and was now heading for engineering.

Seven paused in her steps when she remembered exactly who she was going to have to check in with. Could she really work with Lanna and control the sudden urges of wanting to reach out and carress her cheek? After all, she couldn't stop herself the last time she met the Klingon in engineering. But it didn't really matter since the captain had ordered her to work in engineering. Seven was just going to have to suck it up and.....

All of the air had left the blonde's body when she walked up to the chief engineer's office and saw the said woman hunched over her desk reviewing a data pad. Seven couldn't help it when her eyes automatically roamed the sculptured features of her love. From the petite hands that quietly punched away at the pad to muscular arms strained ever so effortlessly by the pressure from leaning on them. From the slender curve of an inviting neck, tilted to the side from intense consentration, to a taut back that lay hunched over the desk just waiting for the right person to come along and offer up a relaxing massage. From the curve of a tight behind that no uniform pants could ever hide, waiting to be squeezed by gentle hands, to the muscular legs which held up the entire package with so little as a second thought.

Seven's heart rate had just exponetionally increased in the span of seconds as her mouth went completely dry. She had to swallow passed the lump which now took up most of the room in her throat and that what was must have finally caught the lieutenant's attention. For in the next instant, Lanna looked up from her report to see who was there. Seven immediately met the engineer's eyes and prayed, to who she didn't know, that she was not just caught staring. But Lanna did notice, she just didn't realize what it was. At first. The Klingon had been so engrossed in the report she was reading which detailed a plan to improve the warp core mixture rate process that when she had seen Seven she went right into what she had wanted the ex-drone to do. After explaining what she wanted Seven to research and see if the plan was feasible, did Lanna finally realize what she had missed. 'Oh my god, I think Seven as checking me out. And I liked it. And oh my God, I'm checking her out too.' The chief engineer realized as she became mesmerized by the gentle sway of the blonde's hips while she walked away.

An hour and 47 minutes later.....

"Lt. Torres, I have completed my analysis," Seven said as she entered the engineer's office for the second time that day.

Startled, B'Elanna nearly jumped out of her chair. "Really?" She asked distractedly and when she looked up at the statuesque woman, Seven could see that her eyes were haunted.

"What's wrong, Lanna?" Seven immediately crouched down beside the other woman. Over come with concern, she didn't realize it when she used B'Elanna's nickname but B'Elanna did. And what's more, she actually liked the way it sounded when coming from Seven's lips. It didn't sound childish the way Tom always made it sound, like they were two teenages dating.

"Nothing Seven. So what do you think of the plan?" Lanna tried to dismiss the Borg's concern by changing the subject. But in response all she got was a disbelievingly raised eyebrow. "Really, it's nothing. Just have some personal stuff on my mind that's all. Now back to ship's business." It was a low blow but Torres knew that would definitely stop Seven from asking any more questions for now since they were both on duty and discussing anything but ship's business was a no no.

"As I have stated, I have completed my analysis and believe this plan to be effiecent and logical." Seven immediately stood up, hurt by the fact that Torres didn't even want to talk to her about anything other than ship's buisness. And Lanna immediately felt a great loss when the tall blonde stood up and brought down her cold Borg exterior. "I am ready to proceed with the improvement any time you are ready to begin."

"Good. But I won't be working with you on this one, Seven. Lt. Gavens knows more about the warp core mixture than anyone else aboard ship and I want him working with you. He..... Seven? What's wrong?" Lanna had noticed the flinch as soon as she had said Gavens's name.

"I..... I..... Nothing is wrong. I will work with Gavens if that is what you want. Where can I find him?" Seven suddenly seemed very skittish.

"Seven, if you have a problem with Gavens I want you to tell me and tell me now!" Lanna became extremely upset. It wasn't directed at Seven but rather at the lieutenant who must have done something awful to have caused this kind of reaction the Borg.

"He has done nothing. I would prefer not to talk about it. It is nothing illegal nor has he hurt me physically. It is.... personal." B'Elanna flinched at her own words coming back to bite her. Seven really didn't mean to say that but she didn't know how else to explain how she felt toward Gavens and why. After all, it was only a dream and in reality, Seven had no idea if Gavens really hated her or not. "I will go and find him and then will keep you appraised of our progress on the improvement, Lieutenant." Seven nodded as she turned on her heel and high tailed it out of the office.

Ten minutes later and Seven found the engineer up on the second level of engineering. As she walked closer and closer to the man who only a few days prior had cut out her heart and ate it, she began to understand what it meant to swallow back the bile rising in one's throat. Her palms became sweaty, her heart felt like it was going to beat right out of her chest, and worst yet she felt like she was going to break down and cry any second now.

Gavens was punching up some information standing right in front of the console that had nearly killed Seven in her dream. It took all of her Borg control and conditioning to be able to approach the area. As it was she stopped five feet away and wouldn't move any further. Off handedly, she wondered if it was a Borg malfunction in her legs but then quickly realized she had no Borg implants in her legs.

"Seven, the lieutenant informed me earlier that we might be working together on a possible improvement to the warp core. Are you ready?" the engineer asked as the blonde was still some distance form him and she didn't seem like she was moving any closer. Seven didn't see an hostility directed at her nor did she see an openly friendly face. But she couldn't stand around all day allowing her fear free reign especially when there was a possiblity that Gavens did not habor any ill will towards her.

"Yes. Here are the specs for the improvement." The words came out slighlty jittery and the woman only managed a step closer just to hand the engineer the pad. Gavens was quite thrown by the uncharacteristic behavior coming from the normally so composed blonde so he decided to speed things along. He guided Seven over to the controls he was just working at and asked her to monitor them while he went to go check something out.

Seven was now standing at the same controls which blew up in her face under very similar circumstances which caused her 'accident' and the memories came unbidden. First was the kind man who had come to her office to ask for help then that same face turned evil and the eyes black as Seven remembered all of the hatred she had seen in them. She remembered the words he had spoken to her calling for retribution for all of the crimes she committed against humanity. She remembered crying over all the pain that she had gone through in the past and how much it had hurt reliving all that pain. Suddenly, she saw the panel in front of her exploding all over again and flew back into the railing. Her eyes were closed tight an her breathing labored when a and touched her arm.

"Are you okay?" Some ensign asked but all Seven could think to do was run. She had never run so fast in her entire life. Not when running to the bridge, not when running to sickbay. Seven brushed past everyone and anyone who had gotten in her way, which included a very concerned chief engineer. B'Elanna walked back into her office where Gavens was waiting.

"What's going on? I want you to tell me everything that happened up there." Torres asked of the junior lieutenant.

"I don't know. She was acting weird ever since she saw me. She wouldn't come close to me and then handed me a pad. Something was definitely not right so I decided to tell her to monitor something while I went to check out something. It was just an excuse so that I could come down here and let you know what was happening. I was kinda hoping you'd know."

"Well, I'm definitely going to find out now."

* * *

Lanna looked everywhere for the ex-Borg but couldn't find her anywhere. She checked the cargo bay, the messhall, sickbay, and even astrometrics but came up with nothing. 'For such a tall, out of place woman, she sure can hide.' Finally the engineer just asked the computer to locate Seven of Nine.

"Seven of Nine is on deck 26 section 14."

'What the hell is she doing on a closed off deck. Doesn't she realize just how dangerous it is down there?'

Ten minutes later and Lanna had fnally arrived at the section in question. But still no sign of the Borg. Suddenly the sound of muffled sobs caught her attention. She followed the sounds to a nearby jeffries tube hatch opened it and saw Seven all huddled up hugging herself while trying to keep the sobs at bay. It wasn't working. B'Elanna's heart suddenly felt so heavy and she felt on the verge of tears herself at such a sight. So doing the only thing she could, she climbed in the tube with the distraut woman and held her, just held her. Soon enough the tears dried up and the sobs stopped racking the body. Seven began to calm down.

"I appologize, Lieutenant, for running out of engineering before."

"That's alright Seven. I understand. But do you want to tell me why?" Lanna proded gently.

"It is an irony that here we are yet again, me in your arms after an 'incident' with Gavens. Only this time we are here and not in your quarters."

"Wha.. Oh, in the dream. Did Gavens do something do you in your dream?" Lanna could feel her temper rise but tried desperately to keep it under control.

"He tried to kill me," Seven said it so camly that it took the Klingon a few seconds to comprehend.

"He What?!" This time the temper did flare and at Lanna's abrupt stand she hit her head on the roof of the tube. Now it was Seven's turn to hold Lanna.

"It is alright..."

"How can you say that when he tried to kill you?"

"Because it only happened in my dream. It was just a dream, Lanna. But it was not even that which bothers me the most."

"He did more to you? I'll kill the p'tach."

"He just reminded me of all the pain which I have caused others and that which I have suffered myself. I do not even know if he dislikes me in 'real life'. It was all just a nightmare within my dream. That is all."

"If that was all, you wouldn't have run out of engineering nor would Gavens have that effect on you. I know if I can't kill him then I'll transfer him to another department. How does garbage detail sound to you?" Seven gave Lanna an indulgent smile at that. "I know, I know, no tranferring and no killing. Fine. But why didn't you tell me that you felt uncomfortable around Gavens?"

"Because of the fact that I was acting on irrelevant feelings from my dream and I'd knew you would overreact. It should not have gotten in the way of my duty especially since I have no prove of his true dislike for me."

"Well, then maybe you should speak to Chakotay about this. He might be able to help. But other then that is there anything else I can do for you besides transferring Gavens like I really want to?" Lanna was now smiling, now that her concerns for the most part had been wiped away. Not to mention she was really enjoying being wrapped in the comfort of Seven's arms. 'Who knew the ice princess's arms could exude such warmth and comfort?'

"Well, I would really enjoy so comfort food right now. Will you accompany me to the messhall for some chicken soup and 7up?"

"I'd be delighted to. Besides who taught you about comfort foods?"

And so Seven explained how Lanna had comforted her after the meeting with Gavens in the brig, leaving out so of the more 'personal' details, as they walked to the messhall.

Chapter 6

The following day found both Neelix and Tom working together in the messhall. Both had the overwhelming job of trying to put together a Sweetheart's Day party. But before they could begin to put up the preparations, they first had to plan out what the preparations were. And that's how Captain Janeway had found them, hunched over the kitchen counter examing several data pads.

"Gentlemen. How are things coming along?"

"Just fine, Captain. We're still in the planning stages but soon things'll be moving along quite quickly once we actually start setting things up," Neelix answered the question.

"Good. And speaking of planning, have you two asked out your perspective dates yet?" Kathryn knew exactly who Tom would ask to the party, so she just wanted to see if he had already asked B'Elanna yet. Neelix, on the other hand, was a complete mystery. 'Who was he even interested in?' Janeway may be the captain but even she enjoyed some juicy gossip every once in a while.

"Well, Captain. As you probably have already guessed I want to ask Lanna to the party but I don't know if she'll accept. We've been having some problems lately which is why I even suggested this whole sweetheart party. I'm hoping to ask her to the party, shower her with gifts and praise and love, and then pray that things will work out between us."

"I didn't know that things have gotten that bad between the two of you, Tom. But I'm sure things will work out eventually. In fact, I'll even put in a good word with B'Elanna myself just for you."

"Thanks Captain. I just hope things aren't beyond repair yet."

"I'm sure they're not. Every marriage has it's ups and downs. You just have to be able to stick through the downs to celebrate the ups. So now that we know that Tom and B'Elanna are going to the party together, what about you, Mr. Neelix? Who are you planning on bringing?"

"Well, I would really like it if I could escort Samantha Wildman, as a friend of course, but I haven't got around to asking her. When I told Seven about being nervous about asking Sam to the party she told me to, and I quote, 'sit tight'. She said that sometimes even love needs a little work before the fruit will bare."

"Seven sounding philosophical? AND giving advice on love? She certainly has changed." Tom said with an approving smile.

"That she has. And now if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a question that needs an answer," Janeway commented as she turned to leave the messhall.

"Wait, captain, we still don't know who you are brining to the party," Neelix called out.

"That is what I'm going to go find out," the captain answered right before the doors to the messhall swished shut. With confused looks, both Neelix and Tom looked over at a table occupied by one Commander Chakotay going over some reports. With a shrug Tom declared, "Guess the obvious choice is out."

* * *

A few minutes later and Janeway was walking into engineering. Scanning the room, she didn't find what, or rather who, she was looking for. She considered asking the computer for a second time the location of the person she was seeking, but a sudden bubble of laughter stopped her. It came from behind the warp core where an auxilary engineering station was set up. As she neared she could begin to make out distinct voices.

"Oh my God, you actually called Harry, Number 1?!"

"Yes, I had done some research on various starship captain's and had come across the nickname Captain Picard gave to his first officer. At the time I had not realized how ironic the name really was." And that's when neither woman could control their laughter anymore.

Janeway walked behind the core only to see two of her senior staff both doubled over from laughter. With tears streamig down their faces both women tried to control the inappropriate behavior while on duty. Kathryn couldn't help but smile at the good natured humor both women displayed yet at the same time she felt extremely jealous of the fact that Seven was laughing with Lt. Torres and not herself.

"Ladies." That got their attention as the ladies in question tried to stiff the giggles while wiping at the tears still falling down their faces. But alas, today there seemed to be an outbreak of the giggles because as soon as both had stopped laughing they started to laugh again.

"Perhaps the two of you need to be given the rest of the day off in order to get control of yourselves." The captain really didn't mean to be so harsh but she was after all a bit jealous. Not to mention she felt left out and was getting just a little impatient with having to wait any longer to finally get to ask Seven out on a date.

"Um, no, Captain, we've got it under control now," Lanna tried to convince her through the little escaped snickers. "Who knew Seven was such a comedian?" And that last remark almost sent Seven over the edge again which of course was Lanna's ultimate goal.

"A comedian, huh? Seven you'll have to let me in on the joke one day."

"Perhaps," was Seven's only reply.

"In fact, I am suprised to see the two of you working so well together let alone laughing and getting along well with each other. Why is it that you two are working together? I thought that it would be best to have our two best engineers working on seperate jobs so that more would get done and faster. This seems ineffiecent." Okay, so Janeway's jealousy was more than just a little problem.

Torres threw Seven a displeased look before she answered the captain. "Well, you see captain, it's like you said. We've found that nowadays we really do work well together and actually do get along better. So with us working on one project together that project gets done quicker and finished properly so that we can move onto the next project. Rather than us working seperately and only being able to complete half the project in the same amount of time. Not to mention, Seven here thinks of things I normally wouldn't applying reason and logic to what we do where as I am more scattered yet creative so I think of things she doesn't. We... compliment each other." Lanna fnished with a smile, liking the whole idea of finally finding someone that not only challenges her but someone who also can compliment her. 'Seven makes me feel complete,' was the concluding thought that the engineer was not about to say outloud.

"Well, I won't tell you how to run you engine room and in fact that was not why I came down here." Kathryn felt it prudent to change the subject as she realized this was not something she should be interfering in, no matter how much she wanted to assign Seven back to astrometrics. "Actually,I just came from talking with Tom." Suddenly the smile which was a moment ago plaster over the Klingon's face had chipped away. "Can we go somewhere to talk?"

"If this is about the fights Tom and I have been having lately, we can talk right here. I told Seven yesterday over lunch about the problems we have been having so she knows all about it." Janeway was stunned at hearing that Seven was now Lanna's confidant. After all they had just recently began to be friendly towards the other. 'I didn't realize just how friendly they had become.' So Kathryn was now more then everwilling to help Tom and B'Elanna work through their differences even though she had strick guidelines set up so that she wouldn't get involved in the crew's affairs.

"Well, I must say that all Tom had mentioned to me was that you two had a falling out and that the reason he suggested this whole celebration of Sweetheart's Day was so that he could make up with you and show you just how much he cherishes you. He wants to ask you to the party but he's afraid you'd say no. He really just wants to make things right between the two of you. It might not be such a bad thing if you just hear him out and keep an open mind. He does still love you."

"I kinda already figure the real reason behind this party was for my benefit but I'm not sure if we can actually work through our problems, party or no party."

"But you should at least try. Marriage is not something that can be easily fixed or maintained for that matter. It needs to be worked at and given second chances." At that moment Janeway looked to Seven for support on this. Seven knew she was right. After all marriage is a sacred tradition and should not be given up on so easliy. But no matter how right Janeway was, Seven could not bring herself to agree verbally. Instead all she could do was nod her head in agreement all the while her heart broke over and over again.

"Fine, I'll at least talk with Tom but no promises."

"Now, as for you Seven of Nine. Have you been asked to the party yet?" Janeway's smile had returned tenfold.

"No I have not. Have you?" Seven suddenly had a sinking feeling of where this conversation was headed.

"No. I was actually going to ask you if you would do me the honor of escorting me to the party?" Seven stumbled for answer while Lanna's mouth hung open. "We could just go as friends, Seven. Since neither one of us is involved and we do seem to have a lot of fun off duty together, I couldn't imagine anyone else I'd rather take to the party with me." Seven looked towards B'Elanna for some sign of what to do, not wanting to betray her love, but then she realized that the love was not returned. Seven did have to go the party and with a date as well and if it was just as friends then what harm could it do. Even if the Borg's love was not returned she still wanted to respect and honor and cherish that love she felt.

"I will accompany you to the party as a friend Captain." Seven want to set things straight right away but Janeway's optimism wouldn't allow her to get so hung up on a simple word like friend. After all some of the best relationships started off as friends.

"Great. I'll contact you later with the specifics like when I'll pick you up and such. So now I'll leave you ladies to your work then." Janeway walked off leaving behind a saddened ex-drone and a suprsingly jealous half-Klingon. 'Why in Kahless's name am I jealous that the captain is taking Seven to the party?' 'Maybe cause you're stuck with Tom?' There was that damned pesky voice again. But before she could analyze those thoughts, there was another thought that was begining to bother her.

"You didn't tell Janeway did you?"

"Tell her what?"

"You know what. About Gavens. And don't try and lie either because she was damned suprised to see us working together instead of you working with Gavens like I originally planned."

"No, I did not tell her and I do not plan to tell her."

"What about Chakotay? Did you go and speak with him like I suggested?"

"No. I did not. It is not something I am comfortable talking about."

"Yet you were able to talk to me. What's the difference?"

"Lanna, do you think we could talk?" Seven was suddenly saved from answering that question as Tom had arrived in engineering. For once in her life was Seven actually able to say she was glad to see Tom Paris.

With a long loud sigh B'Elanna answered. "Sure Tom. Just give me a minute." Lanna turned back to Seven. "Why don't we call it a night and finish this work tommorrow. And we can also finish our discussion."

"Acceptable, lieutenant," Seven answered and then turned on her heels and left,not wanting to be around for the impending reconcilation. And again Lanna sighed but this time at the loss of having Seven calling her by her nickname.

"Come on Tom, let's go home."

Chapters 7 to 9