Chapter 28 added on 31 May 2001
Disclaimers are in part 1.
Rating: NC17
Kathryn and Rain were relaxing after a evening with Voyager's Chief Engineer and the four Borg children. It was an evening the Captain had designed for the children to get to know her and Rain better, since they were a family of sorts. It was a huge success. And highly amusing to the diminutive Captain. The children were very interested in Rain and proceeded to conduct a very thorough, yet respectful (and adorable if you asked Kathryn) inquisition of the Energetic. For her part, the security officer was incredibly charmed and a touch dismayed by the attention. She had thought they would be more interested in Kathryn than herself.
Rain reached up and pulled Kathryn down onto her lap. Running her fingers through the silky auburn locks, she asked, "Why do you think they focused on me?"
Kathryn leaned into the soothing motion of Rain's fingertips, moaning softly. "I'm not sure," she murmured. "Though it might have something to do with exploring the unknown. I mean…before tonight, they'd never even spoken to you before." She took hold of Rain's free hand, which had been resting across her stomach, and brought it to her lips, nibbling on the slender fingers, pressing a wet kiss to the palm. "I'm a known presence in their lives. Their mother spends a lot of time with me. I'm sure Seven's trust in and friendship with me plays a big part of it. And they know I'm not going anywhere and that they can question me anytime." Kathryn gazed at the love of her life. She noticed the Energetic's response to her caresses and smiled. She cleared her throat and continued, "It must not have bothered you too much. You did offer to walk them back to the Cargo Bay." Her tone was somewhat questioning.
Rain was breathing deeply. Kathryn's actions were very arousing. However, she had absolutely no intention of asking her to cease the activity. Shaking her head to clear it, she replied, "As the evening progressed, Lt. Torres seemed distracted. I thought you might want to talk to her…alone."
The good Captain shifted position, stretched out along the sofa, with her head pillowed on Rain's lap. She guided the Energetic's fingers back into her hair. Catching Rain's knowing smirk, she bit gently into the hand she had been holding to her lips. "Watch it, missy," she warned. Eyes twinkling, she soothed the bite with her tongue, completely aware of the affect such an action would have on her love. Hearing Rain's soft moan, she chuckled. Picking up the threads of the conversation, she continued, "I thought she told you to call her 'B'Elanna'? You were right, though. I did need to speak with her. She's worried about tomorrow. Scared, even." Kathryn sighed, closed her eyes, and leaned deeper into the protection of Rain's firm body. "And I don't blame her. I'm worried and scared, too."
Rain leaned down to press a kiss to the petite Captain's elegant forehead. "Hey. It'll be okay, baby," she whispered. "Torres is the best engineer you've ever seen. Isn't that what you've told me?"
"You're right," Kathryn murmured, her voice husky and deep with emotion, "But tell that to my heart. And if I'm feeling this way, imagine what B'Elanna's feeling. It's got to be ten times worse." Kathryn gave another heart-felt sigh. "At least I managed to convince her to go straight to bed…after a quick stop in Cargo Bay 2, of course." She smirked and started to continue but was interrupted.
"Icheb to Fesh`e."
Kathryn Janeway looked up into the deep green eyes of her mate and raised her eyebrows.
Rain looked down at the red-haired beauty laying across her lap and shrugged her shoulders. "They said they were going to wait for Torres before they regenerated. But you know as well as I do that that was almost two hours ago."
Janeway tapped her comm. badge and responded, "Icheb, is everything alright? Where's B'Elanna? And why aren't you regenerating?" She didn't bother asking how he managed to get the ship's computer to recognize her new 'designation.' He was Borg, after all.
Unsure which question to answer first, Icheb decided to take them in the order in which they were asked. "I am unsure if there is anything amiss. That is because I do not know where 'Ov'wI is. We are not regenerating because we were waiting for her, and she has yet to arrive at the Cargo Bay. I called you because she does not answer our hails, and the computer states that she is on Deck 3, Section 5. If I am not mistaken, that is the section in which your quarters are located."
Hearing the tension in the young man's voice, Kathryn sat up. Rain handed Kathryn her boots, while at the same time pulling on her uniform tunic. Janeway said to Icheb, "I'm on my way. But I might be a few minutes. She's definitely not outside my door, but I think I might know where she is."
"Acceptable. Icheb out."
Kathryn huffed out a burst of laughter and murmured under her breath, "Seven, Jr." Seeing Rain's questioning look, she explained in a normal tone, her voice somewhat muffled as she bent over to pull on her boots. "Seven never waits for the Captain to close the channel, either. She also doesn't wait to be dismissed before leaving a room." Janeway was grinning as she said this, letting Rain know that she was not bothered by these traits, and, in fact, found them quite endearing.
So Rain responded with the obvious, "Perhaps he didn't think he was speaking with his Captain just now. I think, maybe, he just needed some reassurances from someone in his family?" She asked this as she pulled Kathryn off the sofa and walked toward the door.
Kathryn smiled and nodded. Grabbing the Energetic's hand, she pulled Rain out into the corridor and headed for the turbolift, slowing long enough to pick up B'Elanna's comm. badge, which must have fallen to the deck as she left the captain's quarters earlier in the evening, preoccupied and distracted. "I think you're right. He didn't page the Captain. He paged his Fesh`e." She seemed pleased at that.
Rain looked down at her love and smiled. Waiting until Janeway gave the computer a destination, she said, "You like it. The name they chose for you."
Kathryn nodded, a mushy smile gracing her classic features. "Though Fesh`e dal valen`a has a great ring to it, I think I like what it means even more."
Rain gave Kathryn a soft, intimate smile. "It's true you know. You are 'The Strong Heart of Many'. But where do they come up with these names?"
Janeway laughed. "I have no idea. I think they just say what they feel. Honesty is a very 'Borg' trait. They also get it from their mother. Although, how they choose which culture to pull from is a mystery to me."
Rain, still holding Kathryn's hand, walked down the corridor of Deck 10 with her captain, heading, she guessed, for Main Engineering. "Actually, ele'mi', I asked them that when I walked them back to the Cargo Bay earlier tonight. Rebi informed me that they chose a Norcadian 'designation' because it was the only culture represented in their 'family', which hadn't intentionally done them any harm. It was kind of sad, really. He said that he and Azan refused to use Wysanti 'designations' for anyone they cared about. Icheb said the same thing about any Brunali 'designations'." Rain paused here to give Kathryn a quizzical look. "Do you think we'll ever convince them to just use the word 'name' instead of 'designation'?" Shaking her head, she continued, "They ALL decided that Human terms were not descriptive enough and too commonplace on a ship full of Humans. They wanted something unique. I think they succeeded quite well."
"Ummhmm, me too," murmured Kathryn. Then she teased, "Did you happen to ask them about 'FeDet`e'?
Blushing, Rain responded, "Yeah, sort of. I couldn't understand why they wanted to give ME a 'designation.' I mean, I told them it was okay to just call me 'Rain.' Mizoti informed me that since I was marrying you, I would become a member of their 'unimatrix' and needed a 'family' name." Rain paused when Kathryn burst out laughing.
Kathryn held up a hand in apology. "I'm sorry, love. But I'm pretty sure Seven and B'Elanna are trying to cure her of the tendency to use that word. That she used it with you shows that she's testing you.How did you respond?"
The security officer dropped her love's hand as they entered Main Engineering, laughed and said, "I didn't have to. Icheb admonished her as only an older brother can. I gathered from that exchange that something was off, but Rebi distracted me from inquiring further. Plus, it was so damn cute that I didn't want to stir anything up. You were right, enge'mi'. They are charming. I can see why you're so taken with them. And I'm honored to be a part of that 'family.'" Rain continued to follow Janeway through Engineering, not really having any idea where they were going. But seeing the mushy look the Captain shot her, she took the time to lean over and whisper quietly into a delicate ear, "I love you."
Kathryn rolled her eyes and tugged Rain onto the lift that took them to the upper level of Engineering; completely ignoring the amused looks on the faces of the Beta shift engineers. At the top she searched around until she came upon that which she was seeking. Over behind the warp core sat one B'Elanna Torres, muttering to herself.
"Lieutenant." Janeway stood to the side of the core, arms crossed, lips turned down.
B'Elanna flinched. She knew that voice. Everyone aboard the ship knew that voice. It clearly said 'what the hell are you doing, you'd better have a good explanation, and I'm waiting.' It was typical Janeway. What B'Elanna failed to notice---because she had yet to look up---was the concerned and tender expression on the Captain's face.
"Captain, I---"
Janeway cut her off quickly. "B'Elanna." She said this softly. "I thought we agreed you were going to kiss your kids goodnight and go to bed. Or have you forgotten what tomorrow is?" This last was added somewhat sarcastically, finally showing some annoyance. It wasn't everyday that her 'daughter' underwent life-altering surgery, and her future 'daughter-in-law' performed it.
"Captain---Kathryn," B'Elanna sighed. "I meant to. Really, I did. But I don't think I can sleep. I'm all tied up in knots, my stomach is tense…"
Kathryn walked up to the distraught engineer and pulled her into a hug. Being the only three people on the upper deck of Engineering, Janeway felt they could drop the professional pretense.
"B'Elanna, Icheb just called me. They're wondering where you are. And you and I both know they won't regenerate until they see you. They're as stubborn as Seven when they set their minds to something." Janeway gave a wry smile, "I forgot to tell you what a wonderful time I had with you all tonight."
B'Elanna looked up at Janeway and smiled, "They are neat, aren't they?"
"Yes. They are. Though I think they may give me gray hair." Janeway lifted an eyebrow and continued, "They already have the computer recognizing my new 'designation'."
B'Elanna choked back a laugh. "Mine, too." Looking over at Rain, the engineer continued, "Thanks for walking them back tonight." Then, with a wicked grin, she said, "I'm sure it was an experience for you."
Rain rolled her eyes and ran her fingers through her long black hair. "You guys could have warned me when I volunteered just what it was, exactly, I was getting into."
Kathryn and B'Elanna both laughed at that before the half-Klingon said, "I couldn't. You might have changed your mind…and I really needed to speak with Kathryn." B'Elanna smiled again. "So…thanks."
Rain nodded. "Actually, it wasn't that bad…just a shock to the system. They throw everything you know about children right out the window. I'm glad to get to know them." Then with a wicked grin of her own, she said slyly, "Especially since I'll be joining their 'unimatrix'."
Torres slapped her forehead and cried, "She didn't!"
Rain simply could not hold back her amusement. The look on the engineer's face was absolutely priceless. "Oh, yes. She did."
B'Elanna looked back and forth between Kathryn and Rain, her eyes wide open. At that moment the last three days caught up with her. "She's going to drive me crazy. Of the four of them, Mizoti will be the death of me. What am I going to do? What am I thinking? I can't be a parent! I can't do this…I have to tell her…I have to tell Seven…she'll understand…surely she'll understand…"
By now the Klingon was in a full-blown panic attack, walking around in circles, waving her arms as she muttered to herself. Kathryn couldn't help it. She bent over at the waist and laughed hysterically. B'Elanna did not even look at her, too wrapped up in her panic.
After finding a measure of self-control, Janeway cautiously approached the distraught engineer. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the smirk on Rain's face. With one eye on the engineer, she stuck her tongue out at her highly amused mate and then turned her attention back to the rampaging Klingon. Kathryn began to speak softly.
"B'Elanna," soothed the redhead, "calm down. It'll be alright." When Torres failed to acknowledge her efforts, Kathryn let her command mask fall across her face. "LIEUTENANT!" barked the Captain.
B'Elanna stopped in mid-flail and turned to her captain and friend. She saw a sternness darken the Captain's features. She was feeling extremely raw. She wanted nothing more than to go curl up at the base of Seven's alcove and forget about tomorrow. But then again, Seven would be a constant reminder of what B'Elanna needed to accomplish. The diminutive half-Klingon looked sadly at the one maternal figure in her life. Giving in to her fatigue and fright, she rubbed both hands over her face, holding them there, hiding.
When Kathryn saw B'Elanna's shoulders begin to shake, she dropped her commanding presence. She wrapped her arms around the little engineer and murmured nonsensical words, soothing the tension from the distressed form with her genuine concern. She tried to rub away the tension that had built in B'Elanna's shoulder blades. Catching Rain's concerned gaze, Kathryn whispered, "Call Icheb for me?"
Rain nodded and stepped away from the two women. Hoping to discourage any of the beta shift engineers from interrupting the Captain and Chief Engineer, Rain stationed herself at the 'lift which she and Kathryn came up on earlier. Barring any malfunctions, she was fairly sure the three of them would remain alone on the second level. Then again, she was no engineer and had no idea what went on in Engineering. Turning her back on the other two, she tapped her commbadge.
"Masters to Icheb."
"This is Icheb. FeDet`e, have you found her?"
No doubt about it. The kid was definitely worried now. Rain could hear it in his voice. Making a snap decision, Rain said, "Yeah, we found her. She and your Fesh`e are talking, though. How 'bout I come up there and keep you guys company for awhile? I'm not sure how long they're gonna be."
Rain could hear a muffled discussion taking place on the other side of the comm. signal before Icheb replied, "Acceptable, FeDet`e. We will await your arrival. Icheb out."
The security officer chuckled under her breath as she turned back toward the others, remembering Kathryn's comments from earlier. She slowly approached the two women. When she saw the Klingon with her face buried into Janeway's left shoulder, she faltered. Not wanting to interrupt, but needing to let her love know she was leaving, she tried to catch the Captain's eye.
Seeing her signal, Kathryn nodded to Rain. So the good lieutenant walked up to her right side and whispered into her ear, "I'm going to the Cargo Bay. Take as long as you need. I got it covered." Rain pressed a soft kiss just below Kathryn's ear. Kathryn gave Rain a beautific smile and nodded. Mouthing an 'I love you' she returned her focus to the shivering engineer.
Rain jumped on the 'lift and descended to the Main level, but not because she needed to. She could have left Engineering from the second level, but she wanted to speak with Lt. Carey before she left. Approaching the man in charge of the beta shift, Rain said, "Hey, Joe. Got a sec?" When he nodded, she continued, "Barring an emergency, do you think you can keep everyone away from the second level for awhile?"
"Sure. We aren't running any tests up there tonight," replied the affable lieutenant. "Any particular reason, though?" he asked, wondering if there was a security concern in that area.
"Yeah. The Chief and the Captain are up there. They're kind of discussing tomorrow's procedure in Sickbay. I'm pretty sure Torres told you about that?" When he affirmed that with another nod, she said, "So I think they'd appreciate some privacy for a little while."
"No problem. Hey! I heard a rumor about you and a certain Star Fleet Captain. Any truth to that?" asked Carey, a definite twinkle glinting in his eye, thinking about the rations he had riding on the rumor's validity.
Rain offered a big smile and shrugged. "You know I never gossip, Joe. Guess only time will tell." She knew full well that Kathryn was planning on issuing formal announcements to the entire crew later in the week, but she couldn't help baiting the handsome engineer.
So Rain slapped Carey on the back, winked, and left Engineering. When she arrived at the Cargo Bay, she found all four of B'Elanna's 'Sochlings' in various states of distress. Icheb and Mizoti were holding what appeared to be an intense discussion across the room. Azan was standing directly in front of Seven's alcove, staring forlornly at the slumbering beauty. 'And, wow, what a beauty it was' thought Rain. She may be hat over boots for and completely committed to Kathryn Janeway, but she wasn't dead. Seven was gorgeous. Not as appealing as her luscious redhead, but gorgeous nonetheless. However, it made her somewhat uncomfortable to know that anyone could watch these guys regenerate at any time. 'I must speak to Kathryn about that,' thought Rain.
Looking over at Rebi, she was slightly taken aback. The small boy was pacing! Pacing! Rain couldn't believe it. According to Kathryn and Lt. Torres, these four children were miniature Seven of Nine's with regards to Borg mannerisms and behavior. And Rain was pretty sure Seven had never paced a day in her life. It was too 'inefficient.'
"Hey, Rebi! Slow down," she said to the wandering boy. If she had any doubts about Torres' influence on these children, they were now dispelled, having just witnessed this same behavior from B'Elanna not ten minutes ago. "You want to tell me what has you guys in an frazzle?"
Icheb turned to look at the security officer. He raised an eyebrow and queried, "A frazzle?"
Rain rolled her eyes and gestured for everyone to take a seat on the dais. "You know, what's making you so upset?"
Mizoti was the last to approach Rain's position. Rather than sit down as the lieutenant expected, the little girl walked up and stood directly in front of her. Rain raised an eyebrow in question.
"Is 'Ov'wI displeased with us?" she asked. Though it was nearly undetectable, Rain saw the girl's lower lip tremble.
Rain took hold of the little girl's hands. "No, of course not. Why would you think that?"
Mizoti's gaze shifted away under the intense scrutiny of the security officer. "Icheb said that we were rude to you, in asking you all those questions. Since she has not come to 'tuck us in', I can only surmise that our 'Ov'wI is displeased with our behavior."
'Oh, boy,' thought Rain. "She's upset right now, but I can promise you that it isn't because of anything you guys have done. I think she's just worried about tomorrow. I know you guys are, too. But imagine, just for a minute, how she really feels right now. Then maybe you can understand why she needed to be alone for a little while. I just left her. Your Fesh`e is comforting her. She'll be fine. She will eventually be down here, but probably not for some time. Be honest with me. Did you really think she wouldn't come down here? Tonight of all nights?"
Icheb shook his head. "I did not truly believe that she would not come down to see us. I cannot explain my reaction." The look of consternation on his face made Rain chuckle.
"It's okay to be insecure, Icheb. Everybody is at some point. So will you guys take me at my word when I tell you that she does love you? She's gonna come see you, but I don't think you should wait up for her. It's pretty late."
Rebi answered for all four children. "Yes, FeDet`e. Thank you. Your presence in our collective is most acceptable."
Rain laughed. "Thanks…I think. But I thought you guys weren't suppose to use that term?"
Mizoti arrogantly lifted her chin. "That is incorrect. Seven of Nine and 'Ov'wI object to the term 'unimatrix.' I do not understand the reason for this and will continue to revisit the issue when we are all together again." She spared a meaningful glance at Seven's regenerating form before continuing. "Out of respect for her, I will not use it again until Seven of Nine can correct me herself."
Rain slapped her knees and stood up. "Fair enough, young lady. Now. How about turning in?" She looked at all four children, but her glance lingered on Azan, who had yet to utter a single word since she entered the room. Knowing that Torres had a special affinity for the boy, she didn't want to have to tell her that anything was wrong with him. "Azan. Are you okay?"
The boy tore his desolate gaze away from Seven and focused on the lieutenant. "I am functioning, FeDet`e."
"According to the Captain and Lt. Torres, that usually means that something's wrong," she responded, arms crossed over her chest.
"Do not take this the wrong way, but it is nothing you can assist me with. I will function at acceptable levels once Seven is repaired."
Rain nodded. "Okay, I'll accept that." She then watched all four children situate themselves in their respective alcoves. She walked over to Icheb's alcove and said, "I thought you didn't have a cortical implant thingy. Why do you still regenerate?"
The corners of Icheb's mouth turned up. He found her unfamiliarity with Borg physiology amusing. He tilted his head to the side and responded, "I still possess an abdominal implant. Until it is removed, I will continue to regenerate." He then looked away shyly before continuing with, "Also…I do not wish to be away from my 'family.' As they continue to regenerate…so will I."
"Ah. I see." She looked down the row of alcoves and turned back to Icheb. "I hate to break this to you, but I have no idea how to start this regeneration thing."
Icheb laughed. But before he could continue, the Cargo Bay doors opened and in walked Torres and the Captain.
"That's okay, Rain. I've got it from here." B'Elanna smiled up at her family. Her smile only got wider when she saw the response her arrival elicited from her 'Sochlings.'
Azan bolted out of his alcove and threw himself into her embrace. "'Ov'wI! I am functioning within acceptable parameters now that you have arrived."
B'Elanna wrapped her arms tightly around the little boy. She spent a few minutes whispering into his ear. When she finished, he withdrew and returned to his alcove, his entire demeanor changed and relaxed. His reliance on her ability to make him feel better was absolute.
Rain sidled up to her mate and whispered into her ear, "Everything okay?"
Janeway leaned into her love and rested her head on Rain's shoulder. "Ummhmm. I think she'll be okay. Everything just caught up with her. We stopped by Sickbay so the Doctor could give her something to help her sleep. Come on. Let's give them some privacy." Kathryn grabbed hold of Rain's slender fingers and pulled her to the door. Stopping just before she activated the sensor that would open them, she turned back to the group assembled on the dais. "Goodnight everyone. I'll see you tomorrow." When she received nods from everyone she gave one last parting shot, "You, too, Lieutenant!"
"Yes, Captain," Torres responded, knowing that if she didn't get to bed soon, the Captain would have her head on a platter.
Once Janeway and Masters were gone, B'Elanna finished saying goodnight. She stopped in each alcove to whisper reassurances of comfort and love into each small ear, bestowing a goodnight kiss to each one, as well. When she finally got to Seven, she leaned up to whisper an 'I love you' into her ear. She stared at Seven for a few minutes, and then leaned up again to whisper, "I'll take care of you, bang'wI."
Stepping down from the dais, she went to the control panel. "Sweet dreams," she whispered, activating the regeneration sequence.
To be continued....