Parallel Lives

By RS

Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and all the Star Trek properties are copyright to Paramount. The author is using the context for non-profit creative purposes. Copyright infringement is not intended. The author reserves the right to maintain ownership of the story and elements not copyrighted to Paramount.

Code: T/7.
Rating: PG13

Archiving: Please ask permission.

Feedback is welcome.

Any feedback or other comments should be sent to sr76@india.com

Notes: Hi! This is my first attempt at fan fiction and so I hope you will be gentle with me. Please let me know what you think of the story so far Thanks Raj
Author's notes: This is a story set in the future after Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant.

Chapters 1 to 3

15 Aug 2000

Chapter 1

The Home Of B'Elanna Torres-Paris{10 years after the return):

Ten years, she thought, ten years since Voyager came home, ten years since she had seen or heard from Seven. Not that she expected to. After all they were not the best of friends. They could not even be called friends. Anyway, she wondered why Seven would want to see her now. Commander B'Elanna Torres-Paris, widow of Captain Thomas Eugene Paris, was worried. She had just received a message from Starfleet Command, more specifically she had received a message from the one and only Seven Janeway, Captain of The USS Voyager-A asking her to report to Starfleet HQ for a meeting at 1400 hours, the next day. The message was brief and to the point `Please report to Starfleet HQ for a meeting at 1400 hours tomorrow in Admiral Janeway's office Captain Seven Janeway'

B'Elanna wondered what the meeting was going to be about since she was supposed to be on leave. She could contact Kathryn to find out, but doubted she would be told much. One thing she had realized a long time ago was that when it came to choosing between her adopted daughter and B'Elanna, Kathryn chose her daughter. It was not really surprising that in all the time since their return she had not run into Seven at the various gatherings organized by Janeway. `After all you do not become Captain of a starship, five years into your career in Starfleet unless you were really dedicated to your work and you had Janeway to really push you hard' she thought ruefully. It was really surprising that Seven chose Starfleet as her career. For the first 3 years after being severed from the Collective, Seven had deemed the chain of command `inefficient'. It was as if she was testing Captain Janeway and Starfleet. Captain Janeway had always suspected that Seven was more important to the Borg than she let on. That partly explained why she fought so hard to win back Seven the various times she left Voyager. To find out just how important, was quite a shock. B'Elanna still remembered that staff meeting the Captain had called on board Voyager eleven years ago.

Eleven years ago, in the Delta Quadrant:

It was in their seventh year in the Delta Quadrant. As B'Elanna entered she saw Chakotay talking in low tones with the Captain and Tuvok The expression on the faces of the Captain and Commander were grim. Tuvok and Seven were their usual emotionless selves. The only hint of nervousness from Seven was the way she seemed to look at the Captain from time to time as if for reassurance. B'Elanna took her usual seat between Harry and Tom.

As soon as she sat down, Harry leaned over and whispered " Hey Maquis, know what this is about?"

" Damned if I know, Harry. Although, I would bet it has to do with Ms. Borg over there"

"Whatever it is we should know in a minute" Tom added softly

"We have just received a communiqué from Starfleet Command. It seems the Borg again attempted to assimilate the Federation. However it seems that the Enterprise-E and Jean-Luc Picard stopped them again." Janeway paused to look around the table before continuing. The relief evident on the faces of Tom, Harry and B'Elanna was heartening. Chakotay and Tuvok having been briefed were impassive. Seven was studying all the faces around her to judge their reactions but it seemed to Kathryn that she was looking more at B'Elanna than at anyone else.

"They did manage to retrieve the Borg drone manifest and tactical data before the cube exploded. Thanks to the decryption algorithms that Seven developed, which we had sent to HQ as part of our last transmission, we now know that the Borg have a strict hierarchy. Drones are chosen on the basis of their abilities and intelligence for the various positions. Also some drones are groomed from a young age to take over some positions. As we all know, Seven was a drone connected to Unimatrix 01 for 18 years. The manifest clearly states that she was being groomed to take over as the future Borg Queen. When the Borg tried to take Seven back a year ago, the Queen informed Seven that she was unique. She failed to mention how unique Seven actually was."

One look at all the faces around her told Janeway that not many had suspected Seven's importance to the Borg. Harry Kim looked like he had swallowed a plasma conduit. Tom Paris for once in his life was speechless and B'Elanna was looking at Seven like she expected her to start assimilating everyone at the table. Neelix and the Doctor were trying to pick their jaws off the table. Tuvok merely raised an eyebrow in that patented Vulcan manner of his and nodded his head, an indication that he had expected the news. Chakotay, for a brief second seemed to show his own shock before clamping down on it and nodding his head. Seven was looking at B'Elanna with that Borg mask of hers. If anything that look clearly indicated to Janeway that Seven was very disconcerted by the news. After three years she had gotten good at reading the ex-Borg and Seven always reverted to her Borg mannerisms when disconcerted.

"The reason I have given you this information is that Starfleet has not yet made the connection between the Seven of Nine listed in the Borg manifest and Seven, ex-Borg drone on Voyager. If they do make the connection, all the pull in the world is not going to be able to save Seven from being used as a lab rat for Starfleet. I need options to prevent that from happening. Any suggestions?"

" Captain, if you adopt Seven as your daughter it will give parental rights to you and Seven will be regarded as a full Federation citizen." replied Chakotay.

"However that only takes care of her position when we return to the Alpha Quadrant. It would be logical to ensure that it is never discovered that she was Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01" said the calm Vulcan.

"Which means that all logs will have to be modified to show that she was just Seven of Nine. All right, people. Ensure that all logs in your respective departments reflect the changes and I need not remind you this never leaves this room. Dismissed."

As she filed out of the room, B'Elanna was still trying to digest the news. She did notice however that Seven had stayed behind in the Conference room to talk to the Captain. What was said was never disclosed but the next day Seven was adopted by Janeway and changed her name to Seven Janeway. Starfleet Command was notified of the adoption in the next communiqué and approved the adoption without second thought.

Present:

As she stood thinking about that meeting 11 years ago, a fast moving bundle of golden hair and flying feet came rushing into the room followed by a harried looking Commander Harry Kim. Behind Harry came his wife Libby Kim and his two children, Tom and Niki.

" Mama. Mama"

"Yes, Katie" said B'Elanna, stooping down to pick up her daughter, Kathryn Annabel Paris, who at age four was a precocious little girl.

" Uncle Harry and Aunt Libby took me to the Golden Gate Park along with Tom and Niki." stated her daughter as she gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Starfleet. I needed the time off today and this little bundle would not have liked my mood."

" Hey Maquis, what are friends for? I needed to spend some time with Libby and the kids and you know Katie is Family." said Harry as he crashed on the couch.

" Although, do something to cut down on Katie's energy level, will you? She can run rings around us as it is. I barely have the strength to move from here."

" Don't pay any attention to him, B'Elanna. He's just become lazy since taking the job here at Starfleet R&D. So tell me where is your next posting?" asked Libby in that gentle voice of hers.

"Don't know as yet, Lib. I do have a year's vacation time accumulated I `m not even sure if I want to go back so soon after Tom." as her voice trailed off, B'Elanna suddenly found herself thinking back to the accident that cost Tom Paris his life and Katie her father. `I don't want to go there' she thought 'Kahless has it only been six months'

"I am sorry, Lanna. I shouldn't have said anything but I understand how you feel" Libby cut in softly.

" Hey, forget about it. Let's get the kids to bed and then we can talk over dinner. Come on, pumpkin. Time for bed." said B'Elanna as she carried Katie to her bedroom.

" But Mama.." Katie protested.

"No buts, young lady, you have had a long day and need to sleep. Besides Tom and Niki are going to sleep here tonight with you and if I know the three of you, you will spend sometime playing as soon as we adults are out of the room. So when I say bed I mean bed." cut in B'Elanna.

"Yes, Mama" replied a dejected Katie and as B'Elanna turned to look at the other two she saw the same look on their faces as well.

" Oh all right, you can watch one holovid of Bugs Bunny and then to bed, is it a deal?" asked B'Elanna

"Yippee" in triplicate was all the answer she got.

After the children were put to bed, Libby and B'Elanna returned to the living room to find that Harry had already replicated some dinner for them and was waiting for them. As they sat to eat they began discussing their day and slowly the conversation turned to the person she had thought about all day. She showed Harry the message and asked him if he had heard anything.

" I wonder what could be so important that they called me during my leave of absence" said B'Elanna.

" You know, Lanna. Seven was never one to observe vacations . I know for a fact that in the past ten years Starfleet Command has been able to get to take a vacation only twice. Maybe she just wants to see you and thought this up to get you to come." put in Harry gently.

"What.What are you talking about? " asked a confused B'Elanna

" My dear Maquis, if you had ever paid attention to Seven instead of brushing her off as that damn Borg, you would have noticed that she carried quite a torch for you on Voyager. I should know, since I spent the first year after she came on board following her like a lovesick puppy. In all the time we were in the Delta Quadrant she had eyes only for you but she never did show it. It could be seen only if you knew what you were looking for." said Harry.

" But, she never said anything. Not one word." replied B'Elanna

" Think, Lanna. You were with Tom at the time and I know Seven understood enough about relationships to know you were serious. She would never open herself to that kind of pain. She knew that if she told you and you rejected her it would be difficult to `function within specified parameters' as she would put it. Remember the day we were told who Seven really was." Harry asked in a soft voice.

B'Elanna simply nodded her head not trusting any words to come out of her mouth.

"She was watching you for your reaction. After I got over the shock of the news I turned to look at her and she was watching you not the Captain. The look of distrust on your face hurt her bad, Lanna. She had hoped that after three years you would trust that she had no intention of returning to the Collective" stated Harry

" She has loved you from afar for over 14 years, Maquis and even admit that had not Tom died in that senseless accident I would have never told you anything. But I know Tom would want you to go on and I know Seven has waited a long time for the chance to be with you. Even now she may not say anything. Go to her, Lanna. If I am right, she just wants to know you're okay and getting on with life."

" How do you know so much about Seven's feelings? "asked B'Elanna

" Who do you think she asks for news on you, B'Elanna? Why do you think she has committed herself so diligently to her career? Not because she wants to but because the only other thing in her life that she wanted she couldn't have. So she puts all her energy in pleasing her foster mother and trying to repay the debt she owes Captain Janeway by making her proud. The only things, Seven once said to me, that she would never do is disappoint her mother or hurt the person she loves." Harry was just getting warmed to his subject.

He had been hoping for a way to start this conversation with B'Elanna for days but didn't know how to begin. Thankfully, fate had provided an opportunity to say the things he knew must be said.

" I remember Tom once remarked how the interaction between you and Seven reminded him of the times you and he fought over the silliest things before you admitted your feeling to one another. He seemed to know that you and Seven were circling the real issue and that had he not been in the picture the result was a foregone conclusion. So think about it, Maquis. The only thing I ask is that you be gentle with her either way."

"Kahless, Harry you sure know how to keep me up at night with things I don't want to think about" groaned B'Elanna as she put her head in her hands

Libby, who till then had been silently listening to the conversation, looked at Harry and said " Lovesick Puppy, huh? Just wait till I tell Seven. Won't she get a kick out of it?"

" Oh god ! Please I'll do anything. Just don't repeat that to her. She doesn't need any more ammo on me. Especially for that wicked sense of humor of hers." Harry exclaimed looking at Libby with a puppy dog look

" I'll forgive you, this time" said Libby " Next time.." she trailed off.

Hearing this conversation, B'Elanna suddenly let out a roar of laughter as she looked at the face Harry was making and the absolute look of triumph on Libby's face.

"Well, I think it's time for bed. We can clean up in the morning. The guest bedroom is ready for you guys and Harry, if you dump something like this on me again, I really will have to kill you." She snorted as she left the room.

The Same time at the Janeway residence:

" Kathryn, do you think she will come tomorrow? " asked Seven as she played with the food on her plate. Even after 13 years she still had not gotten used to too much food. Although she did not regenerate as much as before her food intake had kind of become constant over the past few years.

Looking at her protégé, Admiral Kathryn Janeway let out a huge sigh.

" You did make it an order, Seven and B'Elanna has had too many years in Starfleet tot ignore an order" she pointed out.

" I did not think, Commander B'Elanna Torres-Paris would come otherwise. We have not spoken to one another for i0 years, 1 month and 15 days. She did not consider me a friend and I found that it was too painful to see her and Tom Paris together." replied Seven.

" You have loved her for 14 years, Seven. How could you just give up on her? You should have at least told her the truth."

" She saw me as nothing more than a Borg. Till she learns to look past that, I will not tell her that I love her, that I have loved her since the day I acted under the influence of the Borg Vinculum. " said Seven in that glacial voice that she used to indicate she did not want to continue the conversation. Years in command had taught her well, thought Janeway, soon she will have her own patented Force 10 glare, if she doesn't have one already.

Amazing is the only word, Janeway could use to describe the woman seated across from her. She had climbed the ranks of command faster than any officer in the history of Starfleet. Of course the fact that the Dominion war had decimated Starfleet ranks and that she had 18 years of experience at command in the Borg Collective added up to an amazing career in Starfleet. At rate she was going she could well be an Admiral in another 5 years. Her career since joining Starfleet has been one triumph after another. First was the time she took command of the USS Dauntless after its Captain, First Officer and Second Officer were killed in that attack by the Jem Hadar. She not only managed to save the ship but destroyed the attacking ship as well. After that she served under Captain Riker on the USS Enterprise-E as tactical officer getting promoted to Lt. Commander. 2 years on the enterprise and she took up a post under Captain Data as First Officer on board the USS Phoenix. Data and Seven formed one of the most formidable teams the Federation had ever seen. She learned a lot from Data and in turn developed a bond with him that Kathryn had rarely seen. She was finally put up for command by Data himself after just 2 years under him. All this in just the sixth year of her career.

Seven had grown emotionally from a Borg drone to a young woman who loved with all of her heart and soul. She had not been celibate these 10 years but her relationships had been doomed before the first words were said because for 14 years Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 had been in love with B'Elanna Torres. Kathryn prayed that Seven finally would get her chance at happiness love and only love brings.

Chapter 2

The Torres-Paris residence:

`Ghuy'cha' thought B'Elanna ` she really didn't want to think about Seven. Damn Harry and his need to point out what she didn't want to see. Because if she was truthful she had been thinking more and more about Seven since Tom died. Now thanks to Harry she had just had her suspicions confirmed. So here she was in bed, tossing, rolling, cursing. Doing every thing but sleeping, just as she knew would happen after her talk with Harry. Frustrated, she got out of bed and walked to the ensuite. Maybe a shower would cool her brain. As she stepped into the sonic shower, her mind went back to the last time she had seen Seven.

It had been just after they had docked at Star Base 131, orbiting Earth. She had been waiting for Tom in her quarters ready to leave her home of the past seven years. Tom had proposed the day before and she had accepted. When the door chime rang, she had opened the door thinking it was Tom. Nope, no such luck. It had been Voyager's own resident ex-Borg.

"Seven, Can I help you?" asked B'Elanna.

"Lieutenant Torres, may I come in?" for once in her life Seven looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"I guess so. Although, Tom should be here any minute. Now what is this about?" asked B'Elanna as she stepped aside to let Seven enter.

" I need some advice, Lieutenant. Starfleet has offered me a commission of Lieutenant, and a posting on the USS Dauntless. The Daystorm Institute has also offered me a post. I do not know how to proceed." said Seven as she sat on the couch.

" Seven, why are you asking me? You should ask Captain Janeway." replied a puzzled B'Elanna.

" I have already spoken to the Captain. She said I should ask for second opinion."

" That is fine, but why me? Tom and I will be posted on Earth for while. I am taking a position in Starfleet R&D and Tom is going to Command School on Janeway's recommendation." As she said this she raised her hand to brush her hair off her face.

Seven noticed the sparkling ring on her finger and stiffened slightly.

" Congratulations, Lieutenant"

"How did you.." asked B'Elanna

"The ring on your finger. Thank you for your time , Lieutenant" said Seven rising up from the couch and then before B'Elanna could do or say anything more, she stepped out of the room and stalked off down the corridor.

B'Elanna remembered being confused at the time but now as she thought about it seemed to make sense. Seven had not been asking her for advice on her career. She had wanted to know what B'Elanna's plans were. Did she join Starfleet just to get away from Earth? Harry was right. She needed to talk to Seven.

Meanwhile, Seven too was remembering the day she last saw B'Elanna Torres. She remembered going to talk to B'Elanna, remembered asking her opinion on her career choices, but most of all she remembered the way she felt when she had seen the ring on B'Elanna's finger. She remembered how she felt as if her world had come crashing down around her. She remembered running to Cargo Bay 2. She remembered crying as if there was no tomorrow. How long she stayed there she did not know but she remembered Kathryn coming in to the Cargo Bay 2 and holding her and comforting her.

`I can't live through another day like that one' Seven thought' I can bear the pain of never being with B'Elanna as long as she never gets a chance to reject me. Logically, that means I do not tell her how I feel.' On that thought Seven drifted of to sleep.

The next day

Starfleet HQ Admiral Kathryn Janeway's office

"Commander, please go right in. They are expecting you." said the pleasant faced Ensign seated at the reception desk.

" Admiral, Commander Torres is here" said the Ensign into his comm badge as he rose from the desk to guide B'Elanna into the office.

" Thank you Ensign,Janeway out"

As B'Elanna entered the room, she was caught in the gaze of a pair of ice blue eyes. Quickly she broke her gaze to look at the Admiral.

" B'Elanna, please take a seat. How have you been? "asked Janeway in that tone that always reminded of her mother.

" Fine, I guess. I am puzzled as to what could be so important that you called me in the middle of my vacation" asked B'Elanna looking from Janeway to Seven, who had remained silent till then. Kahless, she's still gorgeous, thought B'Elanna. She looks just like she did 10 years ago. Her hair had darkened slightly, though it was still worn in that fashion of hers that was such a crime. Command red seems to suit her. I remember Harry telling me that red was her favorite color. Funny, when she wore those catsuits, she didn't look as sexy as she looks right now. No, I can't be thinking about that right now.

Seven had been watching B'Elanna since the time she had entered the room. It was as if her eyes could not get enough of B'Elanna. The years have been kind on Lanna, thought Seven. She looks even more beautiful than she did ten years ago. It was as if her experiences have mellowed her and seem to add a glow to her. Breathe, Seven reminded herself before the command mask slipped on cutting off the feelings she was sure showed on her face.

" Commander, you have been called in today since you are the person most qualified for the mission. Five days ago Voyager-A ran across a Borg cube. The cube was intact although all the drones and systems were wiped out by some form of techno-virus. We were able to salvage 4 transwarp coils. Voyager-A has been given the task of finding out where the virus originated and I need those coils fitted on the ship. We believe that the virus originated in the Delta Quadrant in grid 325. Since you have the most experience in adapting Borg transwarp technology as well as the slipstream drive you were chosen for this mission by Admiral Janeway. I agree with her selection. Will you accept a post on the USS Voyager-A as Chief Engineer?" asked Seven in that same straightforward manner that had driven B'Elanna nuts all those years ago.

"I'll need to know the specifics of the mission as well as the timeframe. I have a child to take care of and can't be away from Earth for too long." replied B'Elanna.

" Commander, Voyager-A does provide for families so you can bring your daughter along. This is a first contact mission. We need to find the origin of the virus and if possible forge an alliance with its creators against the Borg. The Borg seem to be moving closer to Federation territory every day and this is an opportunity that can't be passed on. If you have any other questions I am sure the Admiral will answer them. Please excuse me as I have another appointment" saying this Seven left the room leaving B'Elanna alone with Kathryn.

" She still doesn't have patience for small talk, does she?" asked B'Elanna

" Seven has learnt a lot in the ten years since we got back, unfortunately small talk is still an irrelevant exercise as far as she is concerned. Although she does spend a lot of time talking to those she considers friends" said Kathryn ruefully.

" How is Katie?" asked the Admiral

" Slowly getting used to the fact that Tom is not going to come home ever again"

" And what about you?" inquired Kathryn

" I had reconciled myself to the fact that his career came first before anything else except Katie. The hardest part of the last six months has been explaining to a 4-year-old why her father is not home. Damn, to go and die in a training accident after surviving 7 years in the Delta Quadrant and almost 10 years as a Starfleet Command officer. Anyway I need to move on with my life. He would have wanted that. Kathryn, why did Seven chosen me for this post? I am sure there others who are equally qualified and have more recent experience. I have not served on a starship for ten years."

Kathryn took a deep breath before she looked at B'Elanna and said" I know how you have been depressed lately and I thought a change of assignment might do you a world of good. So, when this mission came up, I suggested your name for the Chief Engineers post. Seven accepted the proposal, so you need to ask her that. B'Elanna I don't think you will have a problem serving under Seven. She is still a lot like she was on Voyager except for the way she treats her subordinates. There has never been a single request for transfer from under her command. In fact if her Chief Engineer had not been severely injured during that run in with the Borg, you would not have this offer on the table. So go think it over and let me know"

'Do I really need the time to think over the offer? No I want to spend some time with Seven and what better way to do so than to go on this mission' thought B'Elanna "Kahless, lets see how an ex-Borg runs a starship! I accept the post. When do we leave?" B'Elanna said

"Well, the installation of the coil should take a few days plus we are adding the latest weapons package that you and Harry dreamt up at Starfleet R&D so I would say next week" replied the Admiral.

" IF that all, I need to make arrangements and start packing. I also want to oversee the installation, if that okay with you."

"I was hoping you would say that. I have arranged for you to take over the supervision of the upgrade. Voyager-A is in dry-dock at Star Base 131.here are your orders Dismissed and B'Elanna, good luck" said Kathryn as B'Elanna turned to leave.

" Thank you, Admiral."

As B'Elanna was walking out of Starfleet HQ she heard a soft melodious laugh. When she turned to look in the direction of the sound, she found a smiling Seven sitting at the Café located on the HQ lawns talking to a pale yellow colored humanoid wearing command red and 4 pips. They were talking in low tones and seemed to be holding hands. A flash of anger crossed B'Elanna's features. What do I care who she sits and holds hands with, thought B'Elanna. Maybe Harry was wrong and Seven had moved on with her life. As she approached the Café she saw Seven look up and immediately wave her forward to join them at their table.

With a nervousness she hoped didn't show on her face B'Elanna approached the table.

"Commander, please let me introduce you to Captain Data of the USS Phoenix. He was my commanding officer and is a very close friend." said Seven as she rose from her chair. "Data, this is Commander B'Elanna Torres-Paris, my Chief Engineer"

Data was already out his chair" Nice to meet you, Commander" Data was an android built by Dr. Noorian Soong. However his years on the Enterprise and a last gift from his creator had enabled him to experience all emotions that an android normally would not. He knew that his friend had been in love with some one in all the time that he knew her. Observing her reactions to the Commander left him to deduce that he was meeting the object of Seven's affections.

" How did you know that I had accepted the post? " asked B'Elanna surprised that Seven knew she was taking the job so quickly.

" Admiral Janeway informed as soon as you left her office." replied Seven looking into B'Elanna's dark brown eyes. She could really look at her all day was the thought running through Seven's mind.

" Oh."

" Seven, Commander ,if you will please excuse me I need to get back to the Phoenix. Seven, good luck" said Data as he shook hands with Seven.

" Luck is irrelevant, Captain" was the reply he got from Seven.

"I know, I know. Five years and you still have not changed. Phoenix, one to beam up" said a smiling Data.

Seven looked at her friend as he disappeared in the sparkles of a transporter beam.

"So Captain, can I ask you something?" asked B'Elanna as she took a seat at the table.

" Of all the engineers at Starfleet, why choose the one who fought with you the most? Why me, Seven?"

As she looked at Seven, she realized that for the first time since she had known Seven Of Nine, the woman was blushing. Her eyes were bright and she seemed almost shy. Of course all this took place only for a nanosecond before the mask dropped over her flawless features. Harry was right again. If you knew what to look for, you could find it in Seven's eyes before she hid it.

" Commander, I thought I had answered that question in the Admiral's office." replied Seven in a glacial tone.

" Bullshit, Seven. That's just the official reason. I want to know why you wanted me?" asked B'Elanna as she leaned forward to look into Seven's eyes. As they looked at each other they seemed to realize that the question had a hidden depth.

B'Elanna knew that she wanted to hear Seven say what she had read in her eyes. However she also realized that the ex-Borg might never open her mouth. Stubbornness was not just B'Elanna's trademark.

Seven's eyes went wide as she realized B'Elanna might suspect her feelings. She knew that she had to get away from there. Maybe asking for B'Elanna as her Chief Engineer was not such a good idea. She had thought that since B'Elanna did not know or suspect about her feelings, she could at least spend some time with her on this mission. Now, all her instincts were telling her that she was in, what was the word her First Officer Commander James Scott used ah yes `shitload' of trouble.

" I am still waiting for an answer, Seven" said a now amused B'Elanna as she looked at all the myriad emotions passing on Seven's face.

~~~

Ghuy'cha' - (excl) Klingon curse [In CK, this is the curse one would use after receiving an unsettling communiqué. It is far worse than "Darn it!"]

Chapter 3

" Commander, I do not understand your question. Do you believe I had another reason for asking you on this mission? I assure you that is not the case." As she said this she refused to meet B'Elanna's eyes.

`Kahless, ten years in the Alpha quadrant and she still doesn't lie very well. Time to change tactics.'

"Okay, Seven. I'll accept that (for now). Are you free for dinner tonight? I would like to talk to you about our mission and I think it would be more relaxing over dinner. How about 2100 hours in my quarters?"

" That is acceptable. I will see you then, Commander" As Seven rose to leave, B'Elanna reached out to place her hand on Seven's arm. It was as if live electricity had passed through her and all she had done was touch her arm. She quickly removed her hand. Seven looked at her quizzically.

" You know, Seven you could call me B'Elanna. After all we are going to be working closely over the next few months."

" I would like that very much."

" Okay see you at 2100 hours. Here is the address." Saying that B'Elanna turned and walked away towards the transporter pads. Seven was looking at her and wondering what had just happened? Why had she accepted the dinner invitation? She had always had control over life. She avoided situations, which made her uncomfortable. So why was she going to dinner at B'Elanna's house? All these thoughts were giving her a `headache', as Kathryn would put it. Perhaps she should regenerate for an hour before going to B'Elanna's quarters.

2100 hours outside the door to B'Elanna's quarters found a very nervous Seven with her hand hovering over the chime.

Before she could press the chime however, the door opened and she was staring down at a shock of strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. This must be B'Elanna' s daughter `thought Seven. The only concession to her Klingon heritage was the faint ridges on her forehead.

" You must be the lady Mama said was coming to dinner. Are you really a Captain like my Daddy? " asked the little girl as she took in Seven's implants and the fact that she really had to look up at Seven.

" You must be Kathryn Paris. My name is Seven Janeway" said Seven as she bent down to look the child in the eye. On hearing this Katie started giggling and a confused Seven looked at her and asked, " Is not your name Kathryn Paris?"

" My name is Katie. No one calls me Kathryn Paris except Mama when she is really angry with me"

"Kathryn Annabel Paris" came a loud voice from inside the quarters and as Seven looked on she saw the little girl move from in front of her to behind her as if she knew Seven would protect her. " See" Katie whispered.

B'Elanna came into the room and was shocked to see Katie using Seven as her personal shield. Shocked because Katie, though a curious and happy child, still took her time making friends especially with adults. To see her looking at Seven as if she knew she had found her protector was a bit disconcerting.

" Hello, Seven. Give me a minute while I deal with Katie. Katie, you can come out now. I am not going to scold you. Although, you know better than to touch my things. Just don't do it again. My bat'tleth is not a child's toy. You are not touch it unless I am there with you, is that clear, young lady?" said B'Elanna looking pointedly at Katie.

" Yes Mama"

" Now, are you just going to stand there all night or are you going to invite our guest in?"

"Won't you please come in, Seven?" said the little girl as she looked up at her new friend.

Seven entered the quarters looking as if it was the last place she wanted to be in that is until she looked at B'Elanna.

`Now that' s a switch. Seven Of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix 01 is actually nervous. But then so am I. I really want her to talk to me and I don't want to scare her away. The way things are going I will have to make the first move.'

Katie was overjoyed at having found a new friend. She had in the first few moments discovered what Naomi Wildman had come to know, all those years ago that Seven absolutely adored children. So she wanted to know everything about Seven.

" What is that metal over your eye?"

"Katie! Don't be rude!"

" She is just curious, B'Elanna. I am not offended. It is a Borg optical implant. It enhances my vision." replied Seven looking at Katie.

" Borg?" A puzzled frown appeared on Katie's face.

" A race of cybernetic beings."

"Are you Borg?" asked the little girl.

"Now, that's quite enough, Katie. You need to get ready for your bedtime. Into your room, Now!"

"B'Elanna, please, she needs to know the truth if she and I are to be friends." Seven looked pointedly at B'Elanna daring her to challenge her observation.

B'Elanna just threw up her hands in the air. " Very well. Just this question and then she goes in to get ready for bed."

"Katie, I was Borg. My name was Seven of Nine. But 14 years ago Admiral Janeway rescued me from the Collective. I am an individual now but I need my Borg implants to survive. Admiral Janeway adopted me about 10 years ago, which is when I changed my name to Seven Janeway."

"All right, pumpkin. You have your answers. Now say goodnight to Seven." Said B'Elanna as she picked the little girl up.

"Can Seven tuck me in, Mama?" There was just such a pleading look on her face that Seven knew she would never refuse this little girl anything.

"If it is all right with your mother. B'Elanna..?"

"Go ahead Seven." This she had to see. She knew that Naomi Wildman was one of Seven's most loyal friends on Voyager and that Seven often baby-sat for Ensign Wildman, but she had never had an opportunity to observe Seven and Naomi in action.

Katie literally jumped from B'Elanna's arms to Seven's.

"The second door on the right, Seven"

"Thank you."

" Shall we proceed to your bedroom to tuck you in, Katie?"

"Will you tell me a story?"

"I do not know any stories. Perhaps I can tell you about my friend, Naomi and how I met her. Would you like that?"

" Okay. You can meet my friend, George."

"George?"

"Yeah, he is my teddy bear. He is soft and brown and he sleeps with me so I don't get scared at night."

"Indeed. I wonder if he would like to meet me."

"Oh yes, silly. He likes everyone I like and I like you."

As she listened to the conversation between her daughter and Seven, B'Elanna could only wonder at how she could have considered the ex-drone an `Ice Princess' without getting to know her. She knew better than to make judgments without getting to know a person especially considering the way she was treated as a child. Yet, somehow all that flew out the window when dealing with Seven. Perhaps it was self-preservation or perhaps it was jealousy. Who knew? All she knew was she was not going to make the same mistake twice.

Lost in her thoughts B'Elanna didn't realize that Seven had already gotten Katie to change into her pajamas and into her bed. So she was startled by the sound of laughter and giggling coming from the bedroom. As she entered the bedroom she found a giggling Katie being tickled by Seven who was clearly amused by Katie's efforts to elude her fingers. Finally she took pity on the little girl and let her up. Katie just put her arms around Seven and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Seven though surprised clearly adored the action and the emotion behind it. Finally getting Katie settled for the night she bent down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Watching all this B'Elanna wondered if Seven would ever show the same tenderness to anyone other than a child. She knew at that moment that she wanted to be that person. She was slowly becoming aware of the hidden facets of Seven's personality and she found that she liked what she was discovering.

"Mama, aren't you going to say goodnight to me?"

"Of course, Pumpkin."

B'Elanna went forward and bent down next to her daughter's bed to talk softly to her. Seven in the meantime stood up and went to stand by the doorway. All the time, she stood there looking at B'Elanna and Katie, only one thought was running through her head. `How I wish Katie were our child! B'Elanna's and mine.'

Having tucked Katie in, Seven and B'Elanna returned to the living room.

"Would you like something to drink, Seven?" B'Elanna asked as she made her way to the replicators.

"Some fruit juice"

"Still don't have a stomach for synthehol, huh? Here you go." Handing Seven a glass B'Elanna then proceeded to replicate dinner for the two of them.

"Thank you." Said Seven as she slowly took a sip from her glass and walked toward the dining table.

"Come on. Let's eat before the food gets cold."

"B'Elanna, why did you invite me to dinner? We have never been friends. Acquaintances, yes. Friends, not really "

"Seven, you are my commanding officer. I would like to know you better if only to ensure I do not repeat past mistakes. Also since the time I received your message, I have been thinking about the last time we saw each other on Voyager. If I may ask you a question?"

"Proceed" Although Seven had an idea what the question was, she wanted to answer it.

"Why did you come to my quarters all those years ago? It was not to ask for advice on your career. Even I could see that."

"It was a long time ago. I do not think it is relevant anymore." said Seven as she took a small bit from her dinner.

" It is relevant to me. Harry told me a few things that started me thinking. I just need to know what you were thinking then. Please tell me, Seven."

"Very well. However I must ask you something first. Do you still see me as a Borg drone? If that is still the way you see me, this conversation will be terminated." said Seven in a tone that would brook no argument.

"Seven, I stopped thinking of you as Borg a long time ago. I thought you arrogant, emotionless and cold but most of all I never understood why we always fought with one another, why it seemed you rubbed me the wrong way every time? I know I was wrong in this and I can only say I am sorry for causing you pain."

"Acceptable. I came to you that day to tell you how I feel about you."

"Feel..? Do you still feel that way about me, Seven"

"I do. I do not think I will ever stop feeling this way."

" How do you feel about me, Seven?"

"I..I love you, B'Elanna Torres. I have for a very long time."

Continued in next part ....