Chapters 6 to 7 added on 21 Mar 2001
Disclaimers are in part 1.
Rating: PG13
Chapter Six
The following day found both Neelix and Tom working together in the mess-hall. 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 examining 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 respective 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 mess-hall.
"Wait, captain, we still don't know who you are bringing 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 mess-hall 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 auxiliary 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 streaming 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 stifle 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 surprised 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 separate jobs so that more would get done and faster. This seems inefficient." 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 separately 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 finished 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 out loud.
"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 ever willing to help Tom and B'Elanna work through their differences even though she had strict 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 easily. 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 surprisingly 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 beginning 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 surprised 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 tomorrow. 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 reconciliation. 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."
Chapter Seven
"Umph." Was the sound made when two bodies collided on deck three.
"I'm so sorry, Captain. I didn't see you coming," Commander Chakotay explained with a sheepish smile all the while waving the pad which was the cause for distraction.
"That's quite alright, Commander. I must admit I was a bit distracted myself and wasn't paying too close attention to where I was going." 'I really need to stop thinking about Seven. This is getting out of hand.' "So what's your excuse? It must be some pretty interesting readings. Every time I've seen you today, you have had your nose stuck in some pad."
"Well, I thought since I am the official moderator for this Sweetheart's party that I should know a thing or two about the holiday itself." 'Yeah, that and I'm looking for the perfect way to seduce you after the party,' Chakotay thought to himself as the time had finally come upon him. Now would be the perfect time to ask Kathryn to the party. In recent months, the captain had seemed less like the 'captain' and more like Kathryn. She began to open up more by being even more friendly towards her crew, spending more off duty time with her close friends, and even getting involved with crew affairs like she was doing with B'Elanna and Tom. Kathryn Janeway was beginning to loosen up and ease back on some of the tight restraints she had placed on herself to separate herself from her crew. Now would be the perfect time to begin a romantic endeavor with Kathryn as she finally seemed ready to be open to the idea. Now to get the ball rolling.
"Kathryn, I was wondering, if you would be so kind as to accompany me to the Sweetheart's party?" There, he said it and in such a gentlemanly way.
"I... I'm sorry, Chakotay, but I already have a date to the party. I truly am sorry." Kathryn suddenly felt guilty for the fact that even if she didn't already have a date, which she was extremely grateful to have, she still would have turned him down. Chakotay was a kind man and she knew he still harbored some feelings for her but she just didn't feel the same. She didn't want to end up hurting him.
"Oh, I.. didn't know. That's alright, Captain. Guess I was just a little late, that's all." The commander tried to play it off but he was really hurt by this news. Now his eyes were finally open. Never before had he even considered that, yes, Janeway may finally be open to love but just not with him. After all, while stranded on that planet together all those years before he thought that if things were different they may have actually escalated their relationship a long time ago. But duty got in the way and then the timing was not right but now he had finally thought that the last barriers had been removed. Kathryn no longer felt obligated to remain single, alone, and separate from the crew. But yet a new obstacle had appeared. The fact that Kathryn Janeway may not love him back, that indeed she loved another and was ready and willing to act on that love.
"Well then, since you already have a date I think I had better step up my search for a new one. Good evening, Captain." Chakotay wanted to get out of that awkward situation as fast as he could. Not only was he hurting from the unrequited love and the embarrassment of being turned down but he was afraid that the captain might mention who she was bringing to the party as her date. The commander was not yet ready to face that much of the truth so soon. So he continued on his way down the corridor and towards his quarters. The 'research' was quickly forgotten as Chakotay tried to come to terms with this new development.
~~~
Arriving at his quarters, the Commander saw something he'd never thought he'd see. Standing outside his quarters was Seven of Nine pacing back and forth. Every once in a while she'd stop and consider ringing the chime to the door but as soon as her finger was close enough to do so she'd pull back thinking better of it.
"Seven? Was there something I could help you with?" Chakotay's previous woes suddenly took a back seat to a rise in concern as to the ex-drone's strange behavior. True when Seven had first come aboard Voyager, the Commander was dead set against severing her from the collective and allowing her safe refuge aboard the ship but things had certainly changed since then. At first Chakotay was afraid that Seven would betray the ship to the Borg but she never did. Instead, the blonde had managed to single-handledly save the ship more times then he had ever. He was afraid that the crew wouldn't accept her but now her worst enemy, B'Elanna Torres, even seemed to move past her difficulties to become friends with the standoffish woman. He was even worried for Seven's sake that she would to be able to adjust to life aboard Voyager and learn how to be human again. But this amazing woman had managed to prove him wrong against all odds. And because of his initial distrustful attitude, Chakotay felt even closer to the Borg. He not only wanted to right a wrong on his part but also to try and become friends with Seven. But for whatever reason, that did not happen. He may have respected and cared a great deal for the ex-drone but they lacked a closeness that she shared with others like Janeway or the Doctor or even little Naomi Wildman. So it was with great caress that the Commander found her standing in front of his door.
"Commander, I... wish to speak with you. To... seek you counsel." The sentences came out in a rush but Chakotay got the meaning.
"Why don't we step inside and then we can talk."
Chakotay allowed Seven into his quarters and then directed her to make herself comfortable on the couch.
"If you do not mind, I would prefer to sit at the kitchen table. When sitting on a couch I never know what to do with my hands." It was said so casually that Chakotay almost lost the meaning behind the admission. It seems that Seven was testing herself and seeing just how comfortable she was with revealing truths about herself. If she was about to bare her soul, it's easier to start off with a small admission and then work your way up.
"Of course, Seven. Whatever makes you most comfortable." The two took their respective seats across the table from each other after the commander offered a drink to Seven. "So, you said you needed counseling. Am I to assume it's personal and not a matter of learning how to organize a duty roster?" That managed a small smile from the Borg.
"Yes, Commander. I have these feelings that I am no longer sure I can deal with. I wish to seek your advice on the matter. I do not think it appropriate to speak with the captain nor the doctor and I have also been told that you are a good listener."
Even though Chakotay had been told about Seven's problems with Gavens in engineering he still wanted Seven to tell him about it from her perspective. "So, what exactly are these feelings that we are talking about?"
"Love." Seven was now wearing the tea that the Commander was sipping just a minute ago.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry, Seven. I wasn't expecting that answer, not after what B'Elanna had told me." All movement to clean up the mess had suddenly stopped at Chakotay's slip of the tongue.
"What did she tell you?" 'Was that a sentence or a really long growl?'
"Oh geez. Alright. I'll tell you everything. Yesterday, after the alpha shift was over, Lanna had come to me and asked a personal favor. She wanted to know everything and anything about Lt. Gavens. From his Starfleet record to his personal files. Of course I couldn't do that as that would be a breach of security and if there was a problem with Gavens I suggested that she take it up with Tuvok. That's when she said she couldn't and that got me all worried. It took me two full hours of hounding her and grilling her for her to finally cave in and tell me what was going on. She told me about your dream 'accident' and how Gavens was linked to your attempted murder and then how that was affecting how you reacted to him yesterday in engineering. Please don't be mad at B'Elanna as I did have to pull out some heavy duty weaponry to get her to talk to me. She was just really concerned for you and worried about you. She told me to expect a visit from you last night or at the latest early this morning but you never came. I thought that you were never going to show up. Then here you are telling me you have trouble with certain feelings and I naturally assumed you were referring to Gavens. Never would I have guessed you were going to say love. When did this happen? and with who? If of course you still want to tell me about it."
"I must admit I am a little angry to have had my trust broken, but I can understand the situation. And as I have said before you are the only one I believe appropriate to speak to about this matter."
"Wait, you said you couldn't speak with the Doctor and I am going to assume that is because of the past experience of his guiding you in your failed attempt at dating." Seven nodded at that. "Okay, but then I don't understand why you can't go to the captain. You two are very close and she does care for you a great deal. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you out with your first love."
"You are correct. She does care for me but in this case I believe she cares 'too' much."
"What?!" This time it was only a napkin which got tea spit onto it. At this rate Chakotay just decided to put the tea away. "Are you saying that you think the Captain has romantic feelings for you?"
"Yes. She asked me to attend the party with her earlier this morning as a friend but I believe she has other intentions though I cannot be sure."
"Well, let's take one problem at a time." 'So that's who Janeway asked to the party. She's in love with Seven. I can't believe I didn't see it. It was so obvious, all the signs were there. The time spent together, the over protectiveness, the willingness to let Seven challenge her and even question her. Boy are we in for some problems if Seven doesn't love Kathryn back. My feelings aside.' "So who exactly do you have feelings for?"
"This will all remain confidential? Counselor -patient confidentiality?"
"Yes, of course. Nothing leaves this room. You have my word."
"B'Elanna Torres."
"Oh God, I think I need to lay down."
"Are you ill, Commander?"
"Not yet, Seven but if you keep this up I may just go into shock."
"Then I shall call the Doctor when that time comes."
"Thanks, I think."
"So you're sure you're in 'love' with Lanna?"
"Yes, I know what I feel. In fact I have been feeling this way for quite some time but only recently have I been able to understand it and experience it."
"Just making sure. When did you realize what you had felt for B'Elanna was love?"
"In my dream just after Lt. Gavens had attacked me." And so Seven went into the details surrounding her admission of love for the fiery Klingon and their subsequent short lived relationship. Details that had yet been told to anyone else.
"Wow. So you two actually had a relationship in your dream?"
"Yes and that is why it is so difficult to continue on as just friends. That is why I'm here. I wish to know how to 'move on'."
"You're giving up on Lanna and your love?!"
"No! Yes. Perhaps. She is married an although it pains me to be without her all I wish is for her to be happy. I will not disrupt her life or marriage with my declaration of love for her."
"But what if she isn't happy? She's obviously having problems with her marriage to Tom. What if she has fallen out of love with him? What if what she really wants is you? She was really worried when she sought after me to give her the information on Gavens and was willing to do anything to get it. She cares for you Seven, maybe more then the both of us realize."
"But what can I do? I refuse to break up their marriage and as we speak I am sure they are reconciling. At the urging of Captain Janeway, B'Elanna is considering attending the party with Mr. Paris. That is why I accepted the Captain's invitation to escort her to the party."
"So that's why Janeway's been so involved in trying to get the unhappy couple back together. You know I thought it was strange that all of a sudden, Kathryn would break her oath of never interfering in the crew's personal lives. She probably saw the chemistry between you and B'Elanna and wanted to remove that obstacle before it became unmovable."
"But even so, the question remains. How am I going to go about being friends with the lieutenant when I love her?"
"Seven, there is no real answer for that. The best I could tell you is to take it one day at a time. Just be happy for her and allow her to live her life. But are you sure you don't want to fight for her love. I'm sure we could figure out a way of not killing Paris during your dual to the death," Chakotay said smiling.
"Yes, Commander, although as appealing as that may sound, I will allow Lanna's heart to guide her to her true love. After all, I believe I told Mr. Neelix that love takes time."
"Ah, yes, and I believe that you also mentioned that love also takes a bit of work to bare fruit."
"Indeed I did. Perhaps after I 'sleep on it' I shall decide to work on it after all. I will consider all that was said here tonight, Commander. And thank you for listening."
"You're welcome Seven. And has anyone ever told you that you make a great romantic? How about staying for dinner and we could come up with possible ways in which you could help sway Lanna's heart after all?"
"Though that sounds appealing I do have one other person to meet with tonight. I have a message to deliver."
"Alright then, how about a rain check, or postponement?"
"Acceptable. Good night, Commander."
"Good night and good luck, Seven."
Seven left the room just as Chakotay remembered that one thing was still left unanswered. 'What does she want to do about Gavens? Guess we'll have to figure that out tomorrow.'
Continued in next part ....