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Christina
Contact: fmlyhntr@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Paramount owns the characters and premise of ST Voyager, I'm just borrowing them for a little bit. I will return them to where I found them...No, I won't! I want to keep them!!!!
Thanks to my two editors: Rocky and Janet (even if the real world swallowed her whole.)

I haven't written a prediction story for a Voyager season finale in 2 years. But I actually found myself being drawn back into the Voyager universe with the last episodes of season 6. (And as for J/C--well, hope still springs eternal.)

(times will be hours after the ending of Unimatrix Zero)


(7 hours)

Chakotay didn't even look up as Tom sat down across from him. "Couldn't sleep either?" the newly promoted lieutenant asked.

"Huh?" Chakotay replied, as he continued to stare into his cup.

"My great-aunt was a believer in reading tea leaves." Tom grinned. "But it helps if you drink it first." He suspected the contents of the full cup were cold. He also realized that Chakotay was worried. The plan hatched by the Doctor and Captain was iffy at best, fatal at worst, but Tom knew they had to try. He just wished it hadn't been Voyager who had found this possible solution.

"You should try to get some sleep," Chakotay said softly.

"So should you."

"I'm too busy..."

"Sitting here staring at a cup of cold tea? That must be exhausting."

"I appreciate your concern, Lieutenant, but I'm fine."

Tom knew better. Harry had told him what had transpired between the Captain and Commander just before she'd left. He wished he could have seen it, but he was equally glad that he'd been with B'Elanna. As he'd watched the Delta Flyer depart, he'd realized that he truly cared for her. So much so that he knew when B'Elanna returned he planned to...

He looked up quickly as Neelix spoke. He hadn't even noticed the Talaxian standing there. "You two should be in bed."

"He's not my type," Tom quipped. Chakotay actually chuckled, but Neelix just shook his head.

"Well, as morale officer and apparently the only one here with any sense. They'll be fine. Captain Janeway's really good at pulling mice out of hats."

"Rabbits," Chakotay said. "I just hope she has a spare one with her." He pushed the cup toward the center of the table. "I'll be in my quarters."

"And you, Tom?" Neelix asked as the commander left. "Where will you be?"

"In Hell, Neelix. In Hell."

#

The Borg Queen stared at the screen, letting a sense of satisfaction course through her. The sight of the arrogant human captain undergoing the steps of assimilation brought her pleasure.Voyager's captain had been an interesting adversary, but she would make a far more useful drone--perhaps even on the ship housing the Royal Complex. The irony was not lost on the Queen. She sent the command as she turned to face the two drones with her now. "Proceed with the removal." The two drones stepped into the specially modified alcoves. She again turned to the screen. "What were your plans?" She asked quietly of the former captain. The answers would come soon enough, she knew. She ordered the screen to focus on Unimatrix Zero. The sight of the drones excising the disease pleased her; without the help of Voyager and Janeway, the defective drones would be dealt with swiftly.




(12 hours)

"Status," Chakotay said louder than he'd planned as he stepped off the lift. The rest of the bridge crew jumped.

"Seven reports the hull breach on deck eleven has been sealed and crews will complete repairs to the nacelles within the next two hours." Chakotay noticed that Harry looked as tired as he himself felt. After another quick glance around the bridge, he realized they all looked tired. When this mission was completed, he thought idly, he would recommend an extended shoreleave.

"Very good," Chakotay said as he sat down in his chair. He avoided looking at the empty seat next to him as Tom started his morning report.

"Staff meeting in two hours. Inform the others," he ordered Harry after Tom had finished. "And Lieutenant Paris, you are my second in command for the duration of this...mission."

"Aye, sir."

Chakotay was too restless to remain sitting, so he decided to head to Engineering. At least the movement would keep him distracted. His thoughts drifted back to the plan as he entered the lift. There wasn't much Voyager could do for the next two days, except finish repairs, prepare, and track the Borg ship.

He hated it. The lift doors opened and he stepped out.

"Commander Chakotay," a young voice said. He whirled about.

"Icheb, what is it?"

"Sir," the young man snapped to attention as he handed Chakotay a PADD. "I've been monitoring the Borg vessel from Astrometrics. It received a transmission five minutes ago." He frowned as he spoke. Chakotay took the PADD and glanced at it.

"Thank you, Icheb. Good work. Continue monitoring the vessel. Let me know if there are any more transmissions." He almost smiled at the contents of the brief message. The Borg Queen was an arrogant bitch. Kathryn had been right about her ego, too. So far the plan was working. However, the sure knowledge that at any moment it could all go seriously wrong, and Voyager stood the real risk of losing three members of her crew, kept him scowling.

"Aye, Commander," Icheb said with a smart salute.

Chakotay dismissed him after a quick decision not to mention that the salute wasn't necessary. He again continued his trip to Engineering.

#

Seven did not openly acknowledge the Commander's arrival. She could see his anxiety and wondered how humans functioned in such a state. It was inefficient. She prided herself on keeping her emotions under control--an attribute she also valued in the Vulcan members of the crew.

"Ensign Vorik," she called to the figure on the catwalk. "There is still a five percent pressure gradient in the plasma core." She waited for him to respond to her statement before she turned. "Commander Chakotay, is there a problem?"

"No," he said, glancing around. "I'm just seeing how things are going."

"As you can see, Commander," she said, "they are progressing." There was a clang above her. "Ensign Vorik?"

"I found the problem. There's a plasma bubble in the outer intake valve," the Vulcan said. "We'll have to drain the conduit."

"Commencing drain." She allowed herself a hint of a smile as she activated the switches.

"Good work, Seven," Chakotay said.

Something in his face prompted to her say, "Commander, they will be fine." She was surprised at how much she wanted to believe that statement. If anyone could pull this mission off, she told herself, it was Captain Janeway. She noticed the Commander tried to relax.

"I hope so..." his voice trailed off as he turned to leave.

Without quite realizing why, Seven suddenly found herself saying, "Commander, I have a question."

"Yes?" he said, as he halted his forward progress and faced her once more.

She hesitated a second before she continued. "In Unimatrix Zero, my contact, Axum, and I knew each other before I joined Voyager. I believe I angered him when we last spoke."

Chakotay studied her, then smiled. "'Knew each other?' I gather it was more than a simple friendship?"

"From what Axum tells me, yes." She didn't want to reveal more, as there was something uncomfortable about this subject.

"I see. When our mission is completed, I hope you have the chance to discuss this with Axum."

"Why?"

"Because..." He started to say. She noticed his nervousness and wondered why the subject brought on such feelings of discomfort whenever she tried to discuss the subject with others. Procreation was, after all, a strictly biological function. "Because it is important to share feelings--even when they change. You will both benefit if you resolve what the relationship meant to you."

"I understand." She looked around Engineering quickly. "We should be finished with all repairs by the end of the day." She relaxed as the Commander didn't seem inclined to pursue the topic any further. Perhaps the Doctor would be a better source of information.

"And the other?" Chakotay asked.

She cocked her head. "Lieutenant Carey and his team are almost finished. He informed me that they expect to be ready by zero-two-thirty tomorrow." She took the PADD he handed her and read it. "The Borg Queen is arrogant."

"We were counting on that." Chakotay grinned. Seven smiled in return, curious as to why this made her feel better. "Carry on."

She acknowledged his departure as she reread the PADD. The Queen had ordered the Borg vessel to return to her ship after locating Voyager. Seven hoped the nebula they were hiding in would prevent their discovery. The children were very nervous at the prospect of reassimilation.




(15 hours)

Neelix rolled the food cart into sick-bay and cheerfully announced, "Dinner! I have uMazer stew with fresh Talaxian tomatoes." He ignored the groans from the Doctor's six patients as he positioned the cart next to Megan Delaney. "Here you go, Megan. I even made you some tirma pie." She smiled at him as she took the offered tray.

"Thank you, Neelix." She rolled her eyes as she placed it on the bedside table. "It looks delicious." She groaned as she shifted her weight so she could eat. He grinned at her as he continued to serve the others. At least it didn't smell too bad, she thought, but what she wouldn't do for access to a replicator and a thick juicy hamburger.

"Ah, Mr. Neelix," the Doctor said from his office. "I appreciate your concern for my non-ambulatory patients."

"It's the least I can do," Neelix said with a big smile. "Anyway, the medicinal properties of the spices were thoroughly explained to me by the uMazer merchant. I have noticed that I am much more alert--"

Megan chuckled. She'd run the analysis when he'd brought the spices on board. Their active ingredient was caffeine. Raw, they were more potent than coffee. Fortunately, cooking minimized the effects.

"Mr. Neelix", the Doctor cut in, "I have already explained to you there is no medicinal value to your spice." Megan chuckled. The good Doctor had never approved of caffeine. If the rumors were correct, he was constantly after the Captain about her intake. The EMH sighed as Neelix ignored the conversation and continued to serve the patients. It still astonished her sometimes just how "human" the Doctor was.

Megan tried to straighten up as the Doctor approached her bed. "How are you feeling this evening, Ensign Delaney?"

"Much better. Can I go now?"

He shook his head. "You suffered numerous internal injuries, which fortunately, I was able to repair with my usual skill. But I still wish to keep you here a little longer for observation. Afterward, you will be on restricted duty--"

"Doctor, I'm needed. We're fighting the Borg."

"I hadn't noticed." He glanced at the display above her. "At the moment, you are in no shape to fight anyone." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, if we have to fight the Borg, you will be given ample opportunity to reinjure yourself." Despite his bluster, she knew he was worried. She reached for her dinner as he went to examine crewman Marla Gilmore, who was still in a coma.

There had been twelve of them near the hull breach on deck eleven. They had been the only injuries; it was pure luck that the attack hadn't resulted in any fatalities. The six crewmen who had suffered only minor bumps and scratches had been quickly released from Sick bay and were doubtless already back on duty.

Megan shifted position as she started to eat. She'd heard rumors about the plan--but only the command staff and Seven knew exactly what it involved. She couldn't believe anyone would willingly volunteer to be assimilated--especially if there was only a minuscule chance of rescue. But that's what the rumor mill was saying. She personally believed they would succeed.

They had no choice but to succeed.

#

Icheb flinched at the sound of the children entering the Astrometrics lab. He started to remind them that they were supposed to remain with Crewman Lessing and stay out of the way, but stopped himself. "Is there a problem?"

"No," Naomi said. "We just were wondering if you knew what was going on?"

"I only know what you've been told." Icheb had heard more, but he didn't want to scare them. After all, Seven had asked for his assistance in Astrometrics--she considered him sufficiently mature that he did not have to stay with the other children.

The quartet stared at him expectantly. He gave in. "Captain Janeway has a plan to destroy the Borg."

"Oooo," Mezoti said. "Will she tell us more?"

"I don't think so." Icheb marveled at just how much they didn't know. The three who had been rescued with him all those months ago shivered as the implications slowly sank in. Naomi also looked scared, but at the same time, all four of them shared a look of excitement. "Won't Crewman Lessing be worried about you?" Icheb asked now.

"He was ordered to Engineering," Naomi said, "He told us to remain in my quarters, but we got tired of playing cards. Mezoti cheats."

"I do not," the other girl retorted.

"This is not the place," Icheb reminded them. A beep from the console stopped any further reprimand.

"What is it?" asked the children. Icheb studied the display for a second, then tapped his combadge. "Astrometrics to Commander Chakotay. The Borg cube has left the area."

"Monitor it as long as you can. We'll need the information for tracking it later."

"Aye, sir."

The four children stared at him with wide eyes. "Wow," Naomi said. "The Commander trusts you to do something so important?" Icheb felt a warm glow. Yes, he was old enough to be of use to those who had saved him and his friends.

"Can we help, too?" asked Mezoti. The twins nodded enthusiastically from behind her.

Icheb hesitated only a second. Almost every member of the crew had been assigned to repairing the ship or making the necessary modifications to pursue and fight the Borg. Seven had picked him to man Astrometrics--but a little help could be useful. The children did have some knowledge about the systems. "Yes, you may." They smiled at him as he proceeded to assign them their tasks.




(20 hours)

"Lieutenant Paris," Seven said as she turned around. "I can function more efficiently if you do not stand directly behind me." He jumped back as she marched over to another engineering station. "I do not require your assistance at this moment."

Tom took a step to his left. "How are things going?"

"I believe you have access to my reports." She continued to rapidly enter commands into the console. After two minutes, she looked up and sighed. "Lieutenant Paris, what do you want?"

"The Borg ship just left--"

"Yes," she interrupted, "I have been informed. Lieutenant Carey has assured me that the modifications to the transwarp-slipstream hybrid drive will be completed on time."

"Good," Paris said.

"Lieutenant Paris, this mission relies on timing. I can assign you to a repair team, or you can retire to your quarters to sleep. I suggest regeneration, as you look tired." He shrugged, but didn't move. She was about to order him out, when he said good-night and left.

She didn't think he would get much rest. Anxiety was clearly written on his features, as well as on the faces of the Engineering staff. She pressed a few more keys, then frowned. "Lieutenant Carey," she said, after tapping her combadge. "Where is the final report on the hybrid drive? I expected it three minutes ago!"

"Hang on," Carey's voice responded. "I'll get it to you as soon as I can." She heard a muffled shout in the background. "Damn it, the alignment is still off by two microns."

"That is unacceptable," Seven said sternly.

"We're working on it." There was a long pause as another conversation took place between Carey and his assistants. Seven waited with ill-concealed impatience.

"Sorry about that, Seven," Carey finally said. "We've adjusted it so there is only a five picometer difference. We don't have time to do better."

"It is acceptable." She noticed the report had arrived. She cut the connection and read it quickly. When the lights started brightening she knew another problem had been solved.

#

Megan seriously considered strangling the Doctor as she watched her sister Jenny leave. It really was too much. Voyager needed everybody at his or her stations, not sitting--or rather lying--in Sick bay. Even if everything *did* still hurt, this was the Borg they were about to face. A soft moan distracted her and she rolled slightly to her left. "Marla?"

"Ugh," the other crewmember said. "I feel awful." Megan rolled some more so she could see her neighbor.

"I'm not surprised," Megan replied. "Join the club."

"I'll pass, thank you." Megan watched as Marla took in her surroundings. "How long have I been here?"

"Too long. Almost twenty-four hours."

"Oh." Marla glanced around again. "Then we're about to begin?"

"Yes," Megan responded. "In two hours."

"I need to return to my post--" Megan wasn't surprised by the statement or the timely arrival of the Doctor.

"You have just spent twenty-four hours in a coma," the Doctor said firmly. "You will not be going anywhere." He turned to face Megan. "You shouldn't encourage her." He quickly scanned both women, tsked a few times, and returned to his office. There was a long silence, then Marla spoke.

"Are you scared?"

Megan hesitated, then replied, "Terrified. We've somehow have managed to survive each of our previous encounters..."

"The Borg--" Marla's voice faded away. "Until I ended up here, I'd never met them."

Considering the Equinox's own tortured history, Megan wondered what the other woman was feeling. She decided now was not a good time to ask. "Lousy neighbors. And their fashion sense..."

Marla smiled briefly, but then the worried look returned. "Do you think the plan will work?"

Megan wasn't sure. There were too many ifs involved--but if what Jenny had reported just minutes earlier was true, things were looking up. "I think so," she replied. "The Borg Queen has ordered their ship to the hive."

"Oh. She wants to gloat over her fallen foe."

"Looks like it. But it gives Janeway access to the main processing unit."

"Assuming the Borg didn't find the device."

"Or the assimilation process didn't destroy it." Damn, she swore to herself. Now she was feeling pessimistic again.

"I should read more about species 8472," Marla said, as she unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn. "When we get through this."

Megan quietly hoped *when* would be very soon. She found herself yawning as well. Boredom was highly under-rated. She would be happy being bored for a long time. "Marla?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you scared?"

"Terrified. But I would like to return to duty."

"Me, too. You know, I'm sorry I've never really talked to you before."

"That's all right," Marla replied. "I understand." There was a longer silence that dragged on. Marla seemed reluctant to continue with the conversation, and Megan wasn't sure what else to say. She rolled onto her back so she could see the ceiling and once again started hunting for patterns in the tiles.




(24 hours)

"Axum?" Seven whispered as she pushed the branches out of her way. She entered the small grove where she had previously found him and the others. "Axum?"

"Here," a voice responded. "You shouldn't have come." Axum stepped out from behind a rock. Unlike past visits, he seemed pale and nervous.

"I had to," Seven said. "The plan is underway."

"You shouldn't have helped." Axum turned away. "The Queen has found our sanctuary and one by one we vanish, never to be seen again. You are only needlessly endangering yourselves."

"Self-recrimination is inefficient," Seven retorted. Axum whirled around and started to speak, but she raised a hand to silence him. "You must be ready. When you see Captain Janeway again, you must repeat to her the following code."

"Why?" Axum still looked angry, but his interest in the project was returning, Seven decided, as she recited a long sequence of nucleic acids. Axum stared at her, his puzzlement clearly showing, but didn't interrupt. He nodded when she finished.

"I'm not sure I understand," he said.

"Just believe it is important. The captain needs the information to implement the plan." Seven hesitated, then continued, "We're hoping to free *all* of you from the Collective." Axum's eyes opened wide "I don't dare explain more." She took a deep breath. "And I wish to apologize for my earlier behavior. It's just that finding out we were--"

"Lovers?" Axum asked with a glimmer of longing in his eyes.

"Was a shock to me. I am only now relearning friendship and to find out that--"

"I understand." He took her hand. "I hope that I will always remember you--and your captain--as friends. To face the Borg for the sake of strangers requires a remarkable strength." He gently kissed her cheek. "You'd better be leaving now. My regeneration cycle is almost complete. Good-bye, Annika. May the stars always shine brightly for you."

"Good-bye, Axum. Live long and prosper." He let go of her hand and disappeared. She stood still a moment and then returned to her real world.

#

The Borg Queen smiled as her three new drones waited silently. She rarely felt such pleasure, but seeing her former adversary staring blankly at her sent a thrill through her neural implants. Such moments were to be savored, she decided, as she sent Two and Three of Three to Central Control. They both had many useful skills, as well as a certain tenacity, that would be very useful to the Collective. "One-of-Three," she snapped. The drone whose former designation was "Janeway" took exactly two steps forward. "You will assist with the elimination of the disease." One-of-Three smartly turned and marched toward the specially modified regeneration chamber.

The Queen smiled as another drone stepped forward to assist with the hook-ups. "You are now mine."




(36 hours)

Lieutenant Carey pointed at the map as he continued speaking about the modifications to the transwarp coil they'd appropriated almost two years earlier. As he did, Chakotay glanced once more at the others in the room. The next time Kathryn came up with a plan--any plan--he was going to push her against the bulkhead and explain to her in no uncertain terms just why it was a bad idea. And if that involved kissing her, so be it.They were all worried about her, and they were worried about Tuvok and B'Elanna as well. Yet the crew were performing their duties as expected--if not better. Carey finished his report and sat down \as Seven rose from her seat.

"Our plan," she said, "depends upon exact timing. The micro-inhibitor implanted by the Doctor will activate in twelve hours. We must arrive at their location precisely at that moment."

Chakotay nodded. Precision plans so often went wrong. If they arrived too soon, the Queen would destroy Voyager. If they arrived too late, the trio would be killed or permanently assimilated. He wasn't sure which alternative was worse.

"Commander?" Seven asked. He nodded quickly. He may not like the plan--but it was a good one. She continued, "The bio-dampeners have been modified. Crewman Lessing and the Doctor have created some new permutations that should give us the few extra minutes we need."

"Sounds good," Chakotay said as he stood. "Thank you." He took a deep breath. "We have a rescue to mount. Tom, in fifteen minutes we'll engage the transwarp-slipstream drive." He glanced at Ayala, who was currently the acting Chief of Security. "I want security teams armed and on all decks. Icheb?" The young ex-Borg stood. Chakotay could tell he was excited about being included in the planning.

"My team and I have modified Astrometrics. We've extended the scanning range by another ten percent. The sensors are also set to scan the entire spectra of Borg frequencies."

"Excellent work." Chakotay didn't dare ask who his team was. "Then let us proceed."

#

Chakotay tensed as he sat in his chair. He could feel the tension from every member of the bridge crew. He glanced quickly at Harry who answered his unasked question.. "Sir, all systems nominal. Team leaders report they are ready."

"Excellent," he said. "Lieutenant Paris, prepare to engage the transwarp-slipstream drive on my mark."

"Aye, sir." Tom's right hand moved slightly.

"Engage," Chakotay said. The ship hummed and vibrated, then the stars on the view screen blurred into a white stream.




(39 hours)

The Queen smiled as she studied the forest through One-of-Three's eyes.

The excising was proceeding too slowly; she needed to identify specific drones--and what better way than using the former Voyager captain. The Queen again focused on the image streaming from her drone's modified regeneration chamber and saw a young male approach.

"Captain Janeway, it's good to see you." He held out his hand, which Janeway took. Putting One-of-Three back into Unimatrix Zero as her former self had been a brilliant idea.

Janeway smiled. "Axum, it is good to see you again. The others?"

"The Queen has found many of us. The rest of us hide." He frowned. "Seven left me a message." He started to recite a DNA sequence. The Queen processed this information with mounting excitement as she realized this must be the offending gene.

"Excellent," the Queen whispered as she ordered the DNA sequences of all drones analyzed. Once found, the gene could be neutralized. This Axum would make a very good specimen for further study. She sent the order for One-of-Three's regeneration cycle to finish, then sent a summon for a tactical sphere on the farside of the Delta Quadrant to return. There was no hiding from the Borg collective, all drone memories were hers.

One-of-Three stepped out of the regeneration chamber with perfect military precision.




(42 hours)

"Hello, Marla," Noah Lessing said, as he pulled up a stool to sit on. "How're you doing?

"Better," the blonde said. "But I'm bored." Marla glanced around the now empty Sick-Bay with a sigh. "Can you convince the Doctor to let me go?"

"I can try," Noah said, glancing back at the Doctor's office. "I'm probably not one of his favorite people, though."

"Noah," she said as she reached out and took his hand. "We must move on."

"I know. But I can still feel their anger."

"Do you blame them?" He shook his head as she continued, "What's happening right now?"

"We've engaged the hybrid drive."

"I thought so," she replied. "The ship feels different."

"The technology is incredible. Too bad it takes so much energy."

"I know. Megan explained to me the problems they've had with the earlier forms. They've nearly lost the ship several times trying to use it."

"The hybrid, from what I've heard, seems to be more stable. There are already whispers that if it holds up we might be home by Christmas." They both smiled at that thought.

"Christmas," Marla echoed. "I haven't really celebrated Christmas in years."

"It was never a big deal in my family," Noah said, "What do you think will happen to us? When we get home?"

Marla closed her eyes. Here in the Delta Quadrant what Starfleet thought of the actions of the Equinox crew had not been a consideration. "We have to be there for them to care."

Noah nodded. She glanced at the office and he stood. She watched as he talked to the Doctor, and then the two of them exited together. She sat up expectantly. "Well?"

"The Doctor--"

"I can tell my patient myself," the EMH cut in. "Crewman Gilmore, you may return to your quarters. I would like to place you on restricted duty, but--"

Marla understood. In just about six hours they would be facing the Borg. She thanked him anyway as she took the proffered uniform. It would be nice to toss the medical coveralls on a bonfire.




(48 hours)

It was taking too long, the Queen decided as she continued to stare at the data. So far, only two hundred drones had been found and corrected. These results were unacceptable. She quickly ordered five more drones to join the hunt. She glanced at One-of-Three who was once again in her regeneration chamber, assisting in excising the Unimatrix Zero tumor.

She switched her attention to another data stream. On a distant Borg cube, two drones forcefully ordered another drone to follow them. The trio marched with measured strides toward the central processing unit. The Queen continued to watch as the drone in question quietly submitted to deactivation. The image vanished even as a cry went through the Collective.

The cube had disappeared.

"Send three cubes and a command sphere to investigate," she ordered. "Assign more units to excising Unimatrix Zero." Eight more drones marched away, including Two of Three.

From the communication console one dark drone stared at the screen, silent and somber even as her fingers (and it did feel good to recognize them as her own fingers) did their work.

#

"Commander," Harry called out. "Incoming audio message." There was a second of silence. "It's from B'Elanna. They are ready."

Chakotay glanced at his console, "All hands, this is it. Battle Stations. Tom, in three, two, disengage." The ship jerked violently as the stars once again became individual points of light. He glanced at the screen. The Borg complex was huge and terrifying.

"Bio-dampeners functioning," Harry called out.

"Take us in."

#

B'Elanna grimaced as three Borg drones marched past her. She forced herself to maintain her rigid posture and not watch them. Her hand, still connected to the terminal, trembled. The Doctor had said that thirty seconds was the minimum time needed to pass an adequate amount of nanovirus from her system to the Borg. More was better. She noticed in the reflection that Tuvok was standing at another console performing a similar operation. The Doctor had created three variations of the nanovirus. Each had a slightly different structure and function.

A set of echoing footsteps halted behind her. The weapon in her back told her all she needed to know. She didn't obey as the bass voice ordered her to come with him. A thud, followed by a clatter, were the only sounds in the now empty corridor.

Tuvok spoke. "I believe it is time to move."

"I agree," B'Elanna said softly. "The captain?"

"She is still with the Queen." B'Elanna removed the metal projection from the terminal and glanced at her hands.

"The Doctor had better be able to remove all these things," she snarled, mostly for her own comfort, while Tuvok bent down to pick up the drone's weapon. She glanced around warily, then scratched her itching head.

"Lieutenant," Tuvok whispered, "We should be on our way." They were no longer connected to the Collective--but there was still some residual side-effects. All the damn tubes and wiring--which the Doctor had promised he would remove. And if he didn't, she already had a few primitive tortures in mind for him.

#

The Queen frowned, then glanced at One-of-Three. The drone maintained a vacant stare even as she surreptitiously studied the Queen's face upon which flashed first puzzlement, followed by dawning understanding. As the Queen faced her once more, One-of Three smiled.

"You are indeed a worthy opponent," the Queen said, as she ordered the other two found and brought to her. "But your plan will not succeed."

"What makes you think we haven't already succeeded?" Janeway placed both hands on her hips and glared at the Borg Queen.

The Queen frowned again. Several drones moved rapidly toward the computers. The lights blinked, and then one drone sat down on the floor and began to laugh. Two others quickly deactivated him.

"What have you done?" demanded the Queen.

"Sorry, can't tell." Janeway waved as six drones brought in the other two members of her team.

"Captain," Tuvok said.

"Commander, Lieutenant." A slight nod from B'Elanna told her all she needed to know. Now, all they needed to do was survive until Voyager gave the signal.

The Queen motioned with her hand and two more drones approached Janeway, assimilation tubules extended. She ducked and slid between the pair. Suddenly, they both sat down and started laughing. So did eight other drones in the room.

"Shut down the communication systems!" The Queen ordered. "We can prevent the nanovirus from being sent to other ships." She turned her attention back to Janeway. "We've found your ship. There will be no escape--"

The rest of the Queen's words were drowned out by the sound of explosions and laughter throughout the Royal Complex.

B'Elanna whirled around, knocked her captor to the ground and grabbed his weapon. Tuvok's opponent lasted a second longer before he, too, fell. Janeway grabbed a weapon from a laughing drone and pointed it at the Queen. "We'll be leaving now. Have a pleasant day." She jogged over to where Tuvok and B'Elanna stood. "Laughter has long been considered the best medicine."

#

"Commander," Harry called out. "Three Borg cubes and two spheres are approaching our position."

Chakotay frowned as the first cube fired. The bio-dampeners were no longer working. "Tom, evasive action..." Voyager spun as it slipped between the two nearest cubes. "What was *that*?"

"I'm not particularly inclined to be assimilated today," Tom quipped as he again brought Voyager into a steep dive.

Chakotay smiled at the sight of two pursuing cubes colliding. "Any word from B'Elanna yet?" The ship shook as the surviving cube and two spheres fired once more.

"Not yet, Commander," Harry said. "Shields are down to thirty-five percent and falling. Routing power from all non-essential systems to shields."

Chakotay tapped his comlink. "Bridge to Seven."

"Commander," Seven's voice said. "We have sustained damage to the hybrid drive. If we do not leave now--" The ship shook again.

"Commander, shields are failing."

"Send a signal, all frequencies. Implementing Plan "Impound". Leave a beacon with that message--continuous play." Chakotay gave Harry two seconds to carry out the order, then turned to Tom. "Break free and engage the hybrid drive."

"But, sir," Tom said, as he turned and glared at the commander. "We can't leave them!"

"Captain's orders, Lieutenant." He emphasized the last word.

"Aye, sir." Tom reluctantly turned back to the nav console. Chakotay bit his lip. This was another of the Captain's ideas--and once again, he hated it.

As the ship lurched into the transwarp conduit, Tom again turned. "We are just going to leave them there?" Chakotay could see the anger and sorrow on the younger man's face. He didn't have to look at the others to know Tom was not alone.

"We're not abandoning them. The captain has a plan."

"Outside of stealing a cube, just what is she going to do?" exploded Tom. "Free all the drones? Set herself up as Queen? Create a kinder and wiser Collective?"

"That will be all, Lieutenant." Chakotay gripped the arm of his chair. When Kathryn Janeway returned, he would definitely make sure that she didn't come up with any more ideas.

#

"Captain," B'Elanna called. "There are about one hundred drones heading our way."

"She certainly didn't waste any time," Janeway replied. The three stepped into a darker recess and waited. B'Elanna smiled as the sound of feet and chatter could be heard. "I don't think they will be a problem," Janeway added. They waited until the crowd of cheery Borg passed.

"We should help them," B'Elanna whispered as they again started jogging.

Janeway halted abruptly and stepped over to the nearest console.

"Captain?" Tuvok asked. She jabbed her assimilation tubules into the controls.

Janeway shook her head. "There are too many for us to help. They still have access to Borg ships. I'm hoping, that like Seven, they retain enough Borg knowledge to find their homes or a new place to live."

"It's been done before," B'Elanna said, as she fingered the trigger of her weapon. "And us?"

"Check the sensors. Voyager must have been discovered."

B'Elanna found the data easily. "Operation Impound?"

Janeway laughed as she extracted her tubules. "Ah, the back-up plan." B'Elanna watched as Janeway pulled up some new information. "We've been very successful at the royal complex. Over fifty percent of the drones have been infected." The Captain's eyes narrowed. "I can't tell about the other ships. The Queen shut down all communications." Janeway scanned further. "This way." She waved her weapon toward a corridor on their left. "We have a ship to impound."

Tuvok raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. Both he and B'Elanna followed Janeway at a run. This time they didn't stop when another group of Borg approached--they ran right through them. B'Elanna briefly wondered just what the ex-drones were feeling at being liberated. Her own assimilation had only lasted a few days, but she was practically giddy with excitement at being free.

"Well," Janeway said when they stopped. "This is as good as any."

B'Elanna and Tuvok glanced around. "Captain?" B'Elanna asked, as she stared at the great empty space that marked the central command station of a Borg ship.

"I would like to have stolen a cube," Janeway admitted. "But it may be a little big for the three of us. This tactical scout sphere will have to do."

B'Elanna glanced around the cavernous space. It might be smaller than a cube, but it was still huge by her standards. "Steal?" she asked, as the significance of Janeway's statement sank in. "You're kidding, right?"

"It's the back-up plan," Janeway admitted. "Only Chakotay, Seven and I knew." She continued briskly, "We need to get going. Think you can fly this thing, Lieutenant?'

"Ummm." B'Elanna stepped over to the control station. "It has standard controls." She hoped she retained enough of her Borg memories to do this.

"Good," Janeway said. "Let's go home."

#

The Borg Queen stared around her at the carnage left by Voyager's captain. Only two drones remained standing, unmoving, but she could sense their link to the Collective slipping away. She had felt the loss of every drone. "You will not escape," she said, watching the spherical Borg ship move away from the Royal Complex. But with her link to the greater Collective broken, and most of the drones on the complex affected by the nanovirus, there was little she could do. She smiled suddenly and bent down to hug one of the laughing drones at her feet.




(49 hours)

"Captain," Tuvok said as he adjusted the scanners. "There are three cubes headed our way."

"Damn," Janeway muttered with a quick glance at B'Elanna. "Not all the ships were infected." The Queen had shut off communication too soon. She glanced quickly at the data streaming across Tuvok's terminal. "Prepare to open a transwarp conduit."

"Captain, this close to the complex?" B'Elanna asked anxiously. "That thing is massive." Janeway nodded. Trying to break out of the gravimetrical influences while engaging the transwarp drive was not going to be easy.

"I know the risks," she replied. "On my mark."

"Aye, Captain." Tuvok's eyebrow was raised, she noticed, but he made no other comment.

"Commander, attack pattern alpha--widest possible spread. I just want to damage those ships, not destroy them." She remained standing behind Tuvok. "Lieutenant, set a course heading one five niner mark seven." She waited until the ships were closer. "Ready. Fire! B'Elanna, open the conduit." As the sphere's weapons fired, she could hear the engines straining as they struggled to break free from the complex's gravity.

"Captain!" B'Elanna called out. "Coil temperature is reaching critical."

"Just a little more!" Janeway tensed as the pursuing cubes were hit. Suddenly, the tactical sphere lurched. Janeway fell on her rear.

"We're away!" B'Elanna shouted. "We did it!" The lieutenant sobered quickly. "But the transwarp coil has overheated. We have about two hours before it quits completely."

Janeway nodded. That would leave them too far away from the rendezvous site to make it on time with just warp engines. "Commander, try to activate the regeneration commands. We need at least six hours."

"Aye, Captain," Tuvok responded.

She didn't watch him leave, but turned to B'Elanna. "Help him. I'll drive for a while." B'Elanna grinned as she departed. Janeway scratched her bald scalp--damn, but it itched--then concentrated on the controls.



(59 hours)

Chakotay remained seated, not giving in to the overwhelming urge to pace--or better yet, throw something. This whole plan had been a desperate gamble and he didn't even know if the mission had been successful. Something had happened as they'd broken off contact with the Borg and retreated from the complex--something besides straining almost all of Voyager's systems. His own damn neural implant had sensed something. Now all they could do was wait. In reality they'd only arrived at the rendezvous site less than ten minutes ago, but it already seemed like an hour. He tossed the PADD onto the Ready Room desk as the doorchime sounded.

"Enter."

Seven strode in. "Commander." She handed him yet another PADD. "We are experiencing difficulties with the hybrid drive."

"Is that why the ship has been bouncing around for the last hour?"

"That is correct. Engineering is preparing to remove the drive for repairs. There are microscopic cracks in the conduits. We shall need to manufacture replacements." He sighed.Considering the alloys needed for repairs, he knew it would be some time before they had it up and running again.

"Understood." He glanced up at her. "Is there anything else?"

She hesitated. "I went to Unimatrix Zero. It was empty."

"Oh." He was surprised to see how distressed she was, though on further thought, maybe he shouldn't have been. "You are worried about Axum?"

"No," she said, with a brief flash of anger. "I am worried about all of them. I want to know if they are safe."

"Seven, all we can do at this point is wait and hope." Now it was his turn to hesitate. "Did you have a chance to talk to Axum?"

"Yes. He was pained that I did not want to continue with our relationship. I wish that I could explain to him that I *do* care about him. As a friend."

Chakotay smiled. "I think he knows."

"I do not believe I will get involved in any further relationships. I do not like this feeling."

He raised an eyebrow. "Feeling? What do you mean?"

"It hurts. Are all relationships painful?"

"I..." He shook his head. "They sometimes can be. But they can be pleasurable, as well."

She cocked her head slightly. "Emotions are such a puzzle." She straightened. "If there is nothing else, I will return to Engineering."

He watched her leave, then said to the empty air, "Dismissed, Seven. Keep me informed."

#

Tom closed the little box when his doorchime rang again. "Come in." He stood and slipped the item into his pocket. "Hello, Harry."

"Hi. How are you doing?" Harry took three steps and stopped. He appeared to study his friend.

Tom shrugged. "OK, considering. Do you have any idea what is happening?"

Harry shook his head. "Rumors are flying, though."

"I've heard them." His laughter sounded forced even to his own ears. "I probably started most of them when Chakotay ordered us to break off fighting."

"I think there are some others now." Harry's eyes narrowed. "I didn't stop by just to see how you are doing."

"Oh?"

"It seems you went over your replicator rations again. What is it this time?"

"Nothing." Tom pulled his hand out of his pocket quickly, then realized that was an act of a guilty man. He stuck it back in his pocket and tried to look casual. "I was hungry?"

Harry laughed. "Very hungry, from the looks of it. Tom, I know you are worried about B'Elanna..."

"You've been in charge of replicator rations for three years, you know I'm good for--"

"Tom, you went rather overboard. Five hundred rations is going to raise some eyebrows."

"I didn't realize," he said, feeling sheepish. He'd replicated the ring without even paying attention to how far in debt it had put him. He said again, "I'm good for it."

Harry laughed. "We all know that." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "So tell me, what was it?"

"Something for B'Elanna."

"I figured that." Harry stepped closer. "What?"

Tom shook his head. "Unmentionables?"

"Wow. What are they, solid silver?"

Tom gave up and pulled the box out of his pocket. He opened it, then smiled at Harry's astonished gasp. "Harry, Harry. This is secret. I haven't even asked her yet."

"When?"

"As soon as she gets back. I have it all planned. Candlelight dinner, soft music..."

"No leola root?"

"Definitely not."

"Well, it's about time." Harry reached up and closed the box. "Congratulations."

"She hasn't said yes." He also realized that they were both avoiding the possibility he wouldn't get a chance to ask.

"Who's your best man?"

"I haven't decided yet. I was thinking of Chakotay." Tom grinned at Harry's look of disappointment and decided to not tease his friend mercilessly. "You, of course. Unless, of course, you don't want--"

"I'd be delighted." Harry started to shake Tom's hand, then hugged the lieutenant instead. "Congratulations," Harry repeated as he stepped back. "And they'll return safe and sound. Janeway always has an ace up her sleeve."

"Or a mouse..." Tom didn't bother to explain as he placed the box in a drawer. "Remember, no one is to know until after I ask her."

"Of course."




(65 hours)

B'Elanna snarled as she attempted to wrench open the locked ring, using the piece of metal tubing she'd found. Her snarl grew in intensity when her stomach growled back. "This isn't working."

Janeway grunted from under a nearby console. "I noticed. But we've done pretty well up to now." B'Elanna heard her slide out and stand. "We did manage to at least partially repair the transwarp coil."

"I know," B'Elanna admitted. "I'm just tired and hungry."

"Think of it in terms of not being a member of the Collective anymore."

"Does it work?"

"Not really," Janeway said. "But it helps." The captain grabbed hold of the piece of tubing. "Shall we give it one more try?" Both women grunted and groaned, then B'Elanna let go.

"I don't think the Borg designed their ships to be manhandled."

"Then we'll have to access the water supply through other means." Janeway picked up the Borg weapon lying on the floor.

"Captain, we don't know what will happen if you--"

Janeway just nodded as she aimed the weapon at the water storage container. The Borg might not eat or drink because such processes were taken care of by regeneration--but the sphere still contained a large supply of water. B'Elanna jumped back just before Janeway fired.

The door cracked, then clattered to the floor. Janeway peered through the opening, and then reached in with her hand. B'Elanna leaned forward at the sight of the cloudy liquid dribbling out of Janeway's hand. It had taken them several hours to find the least contaminated water, and she was still leery of drinking it. Janeway let the water pour out of her hand as she stood.

"I think I'll wait," Janeway said. B'Elanna nodded. She was thirsty, but the need for water wasn't critical--yet.

"Me, too." Both women stepped back from the container. "We should return to the bridge," she said, feeling guilty about Tuvok remaining alone at the controls. B'Elanna laughed suddenly when Janeway scratched her scalp. "Itchy?"

"Yes." Janeway started to laugh as well. "I'll personally delete the Doctor if he is unable to get rid of all this crap."

B'Elanna's eyes opened wide. Janeway *never* swore. When she recovered, she said, "You'll have to stand in line."

"Rank has its privileges," Janeway smirked.

"It's not only the Borg technology." B'Elanna raised her left hand to model the Borg implants. "I don't like the fact I've got 8472 protoplasm in me."

"Well, you look good...For a Borg." They both giggled once more. "I must be getting tired," Janeway admitted.

"Well, when was the last time you slept? Regeneration doesn't count."

"Hmm. Three, four days ago?" Janeway motioned for them to start walking. "I wonder what is happening with the Collective."

"I don't know if we'll ever know for sure." B'Elanna said thoughtfully, then smiled. "But the memory of laughing Borg drones made this mission---ummm--memorable."

"I somehow don't think that was the result the Doctor was expecting."

"It will be interesting to tell him." B'Elanna stopped walking. "Captain, what will you do when we return home?"

"Back to Voyager? I'm sure--"

"Not to the ship," B'Elanna cut in. "I meant back to the Alpha Quadrant."

Janeway turned to face her. "I don't know. Between the technology here and on Voyager, we could be home by Christmas." They started to walk again. "I've spent the past six years concentrating on how to get us home, not what I would do when..." She started to walk faster. "I don't know how Starfleet will react to me, to us..."

"To the Maquis?"

"We've managed to communicate a few times since with that Pathfinder link--but I've still not heard anything official. I won't let them throw you in jail or hand you over to the Cardassians."

"We know that."

"And you?"

"I haven't given it much thought. Voyager has kept me pretty busy."

Janeway chuckled. "And Tom?"

"Of course." B'Elanna smiled at the thought of Tom. She looked forward to seeing him again. *Really* looked forward to it. She wondered just how the Borg survived without intimate contact. "And Chakotay?"

"I haven't any idea what he wants when we arrive home." B'Elanna noticed the second of hesitation.

"Actually, I think you do know." Kahless, thought B'Elanna, as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She just may have gone too far. She started walking faster, not sure what kind of reaction this would bring from a tired Janeway.

"I do know. Or rather did know." B'Elanna stopped suddenly and spun around. This was not the answer she'd expected.

"Captain?"

Janeway smiled. "Considering the topic of conversation, I think 'Kathryn' would be better."

"All right, Kathryn?" It seemed awkward to use the captain's given name.

"I've avoided the issue for so long, I don't know..." There was a wistful smile on the Captain's face that quickly faded. "Recently...I just don't know."

The lights dimmed, then started to blink as the ship jerked violently.

"Damn," B'Elanna snarled. "The transwarp coils! They're failing!"




67 hours

Tom continued to drum his fingers on the nav console, despite the warning glare Chakotay shot him. The alternatives were less pleasant. The commander probably would not be happy if he started to pace the bridge as well. Chakotay had already worn a path in the carpet. He took a deep breath as he once again avoided eye contact with Chakotay, who walked past him for the seventh time in the last hour.

"Lieutenant Paris!" Chakotay's voice rang out. "That infernal tapping is starting to wear on my nerves."

"Sorry, sir. How about, I'll stop tapping if you'll sit down." He glanced at the chrono. Janeway was now six hours overdue. There was a grunt as Chakotay sat down. Tom placed his hands in his lap. Less than a minute later the commander was walking again. Tom returned to his tapping. The others on the bridge were equally impatient and worried, but seemed to be better at hiding it.

Tom's left hand tugged at the string around his neck. He'd spent the past day planning just how he would propose to B'Elanna. Candles, the food--he wanted everything to be perfect, but as fingered the ring, he again wondered about just asking her as they walked to her quarters, or maybe even after the rather joyous reunion he had planned. Maybe even in the morning--after he knew it wasn't all a dream. The metal circle was comforting and had become a talisman of hope as he continued this endless waiting.

"Hey," Harry said loudly. "Did you hear about the elephant that..." Someone shouted yes, ending another of the young ensign's attempts to lighten the mood. Tom shook his head. If the bridge crew ever found out who had given Harry that joke book for his birthday, the giver's life would become less than ideal.

He didn't spare a backward glance as the lift doors opened. Every hour on the hour for the past sixteen, Seven came to the bridge.

"Commander," Seven said. "Here is the update on the engines." Chakotay didn't speak as he took the PADD. "Is there any word?"

"Not yet," Harry replied. Tom glanced at the chrono again. They were still late. The drumming became louder as he considered suggesting once again that they start searching.

"Sir, there is a ship twenty-thousand kilometers to the port," Harry said suddenly. "It's Borg."

"A Borg tactical sphere," Seven added. All eyes focused on the screen.

"Should I hail them?" Harry asked. Tom felt his insides tighten in anticipation.

"No," Chakotay replied as he sat down. "Maintain radio silence until we know for sure who it is."

#

Kathryn Janeway resisted the urge to scratch her scalp as she brought the huge ship out of warp. "Voyager?" she asked B'Elanna, who stood at another console about four meters away.

"Nothing, Captain."

"Keep scanning for a warp signature. Now, which of these damn switches is communications?" Her stomach growled with her. "I hope there is something decent for dinner," she muttered. She ignored the quick quirk of an eyebrow Tuvok gave her and went back to her previous subject. "You'd think these things would come with an instruction manual."

B'Elanna chuckled briefly, as she pointed toward another wall of controls, but then quickly sobered. "I hope they're still waiting for us."

"If not," Janeway said, "Commander Chakotay will be spending the rest of the journey in the Brig."

"Captain, I'm detecting Voyager's warp trail," Tuvok said. "Adjusting course to follow."

"Very good." Janeway sighed. She knew they were late. When the transwarp coil had failed, they'd finished the trip using the warp drive. It had added several hours to an already seemingly endless trip.

"I have an open channel." B'Elanna stepped to one side so Janeway could speak.

#

Tom couldn't help but smile at the sight of Janeway and B'Elanna--even if they were both bald and in Borg regalia.

"Welcome home, Captain," Chakotay said. "What took you so long?"

"Borg ships aren't all they are cracked up to be," Janeway retorted. "It's good to see you, too. What's for dinner?"

"Captain," the Doctor's voice cut in. "I need to see you, Commander Tuvok and Lieutenant Torres in Sick-bay at once. The sooner you come, the sooner we can begin the process of removing your implants."

"Yes, Doctor," Janeway said with more than a hint of exasperation. "Seven, have your team prepare to beam aboard. See if the transwarp drive aboard the sphere can be repaired."

"On my way," the ex-Borg said with the closest thing to a smile that Tom had ever seen from her. He turned his attention back to the screen and smiled. B'Elanna's answering look warmed his heart and he once again fingered the ring hanging around his neck.

"So, Captain," Tom said. "When do I get to take the sphere for a spin?"

Janeway laughed as she turned to B'Elanna. "I'll transfer the credits to your account. Lieutenant Paris, I'm afraid that the sphere ran into some minor problems getting here."

"You broke it?" Tom tried to keep a stern expression on his face when in reality, all he wanted to do was stand up and dance. Actually, he'd rather grab B'Elanna and kiss her.

"The transwarp coils gave out on us," answered the captain. "Commander Chakotay, prepare to bring Voyager into the main hold of the 'Angry Warrior.'"

"Aye, Captain." Chakotay whispered. Tom wondered why the commander stared at the screen with a mixture of stunned disbelief and delight.

"Angry Warrior?" Tom asked after the screen went blank.

"Keep your attention on docking the ship," Chakotay retorted. Tom shook his head as he guided Voyager toward the huge portals. He would ask B'Elanna about this. Later, that is.

#

Chakotay knew better than to order Tom to remain on the bridge, and had quietly given him permission to come to the transporter room. The younger man definitely had something on his mind. Chakotay briefly considered asking, but decided against it. The trip was silent, as each man contemplated what awaited them in the next few minutes.

The transporter room doors opened. Chakotay glanced at the team Seven had assembled. Icheb, Vorik and nine other crewmen from Engineering waited patiently. He was surprised at the inclusion of Icheb with the away team--but Seven undoubtedly had her reasons. "Ready?"

"We are prepared to beam over," Seven replied. "I have fully briefed the teams on what to look for." She caught Chakotay's eye. "Icheb will be with team two. His expertise with Borg systems will be very useful." As Icheb smiled, Chakotay wondered just when Seven had become so good at child psychology. She was correct; he was a very knowledgeable and capable child...Young man, Chakotay amended.

"Very good. We'll maintain a transporter lock and an open comlink. Keep me informed."

"Yes, Commander," Seven replied. "A tactical scout sphere has fewer safeguards than a cube. Each member knows exactly what to do. Captain Janeway made an appropriate choice." Seven almost smiled.

"Are they ready to beam over?" Chakotay asked the transporter operator.

The young woman nodded. "Very much so," was her enigmatic reply.

"Bring them home." A second later the trio appeared and stepped off the transporter pads while Seven's teams prepared to beam over. "Welcome home."

"Thank you." Chakotay smiled as Janeway scratched at her scalp. "It's good to be back."

Tom had been frozen in place but finally moved and grabbed B'Elanna, implants and all, and hugged her. She pulled back with a grunt.

"Tom, it's good to see you too, but all this paraphernalia is uncomfortable."

Tom grabbed her hand and practically yanked her toward the door. "We'll see the Doctor..."

"No, we'll eat first." B'Elanna pulled Tom into the corridor.

Tuvok glanced around quickly, then moved toward the door. "Lieutenant Torres is correct, we all need nourishment."

"I'll see you in Sick-bay then," Janeway replied. The transporter operator had beamed the others over to the sphere and slipped out of the room. The captain and her XO were alone.

"How are you doing?" Chakotay asked as he stepped back to study her. She looked pale and exhausted.

"I've been better. My scalp itches, I miss seeing my fingers, and I'm starved." She looked up at him and smiled. "I missed you, too."

"What was that?" He stepped closer, having heard her every word.

She glanced down at the floor. He would have sworn she was blushing. "The carpets. I see you didn't clean the carpets."

He laughed. "We were too busy cleaning up other things."

"What did you do to my ship?" Despite her stern glare, he caught the laughter in her eyes.

"Later, Kathryn. You need to eat, and the Doctor will be most upset if you don't show up in Sick-bay soon."

"For once, I'm actually anxious to see him, too." She again scratched her scalp.

"Miss your hair?"

"Yes. It's growing back and it itches." She held up a hand. "These things are not pleasant either." She started walking toward the door. "And I haven't eaten in days."

"Oh, my, no coffee, either?"

"Commander, there will be no jokes at my expense." She patted her Borg outfit. "Worst of all, the Borg have absolutely no fashion sense."

"And here I thought--" He didn't finish the sentence as she marched away.

#

Tom made another grab for B'Elanna after the lift doors closed. This time she willingly participated in the kiss. "Marry me," he muttered into her mouth. He was surprised when she stepped back.

"Thomas Eugene Paris! Did you just propose to me?"

"Yes, B'Elanna Torres, I did." He started to reach for her again, but the lift doors opened. A dozen people started applauding.

"Welcome home, B'Elanna," Neelix said as he hugged her. "I've planned a party." He handed her a plate. "We have plenty of food. And a wide variety of beverages." He winked. "Just don't tell Mr. Vulcan."

The crowd parted and let them into the Mess Hall, where another two dozen people cheered.

"I look awful," B'Elanna said. "I just want something to eat and drink...I didn't want to make a public spectacle of myself." Her eyes opened wide when several members of her department hugged her at once.

"You look gorgeous to me," Tom replied as he escorted her toward the buffet table. "Good enough to eat."

"Not now," B'Elanna warned as she started to sample the food.

"Hey, Tom." Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. "Did you?"

"I..." He suddenly realized she hadn't answered his question. "She just got back." Harry grinned at him.

"Don't blow it now, flyboy," Harry quipped. "I'm looking forward to being best man." He walked over to B'Elanna and hugged her.

Tom shook his head. The mood in the Mess Hall was exuberant. He loved it. B'Elanna approached, her tray laden with food. Harry was carrying two glasses of water, which he handed to Tom.

"Let's get to Sick-bay," B'Elanna said between bites of something magenta. Tom dutifully followed, after arranging with Neelix for some of the desserts to be in her quarters later.

#

"Captain Janeway," Neelix said as he wrapped his arms around her. "We missed you..." He backed away nervously. "That's not to say Commander Chakotay didn't do a good job...I mean he did. And he missed you, too."

The Talaxian's grin grew bigger. "We're having a party."

"I noticed," she said as she shook hands with several of the crew. "Hello, Harry."

"Captain," the young man said. "Welcome back."

"Thank you." She continued in a louder voice. "I'm really delighted with this warm welcome. We all are. Thank you." She took the plate of food Neelix offered her. "Enjoy yourselves." She turned and faced Chakotay. "I'd like to get to Sick-bay. This outfit just isn't me."

"No, ma'am, it isn't."

She rolled her eyes. "So, how are you going to surprise me? You didn't have the carpets cleaned."

"You're wheedling, Kathryn." He raised an eyebrow in mock disapproval. "And I'm not telling." He took her plate while she poured herself a glass of water and chugged it down. After she'd poured a second glass, they started walking to Sick-bay.

"I really want to know--what did you do for my surprise?"

"Patience, Kathryn." He sighed. "All right. We rescued you...Again."

"Commander! I'll have you know we rescued ourselves."

"Well, then I guess there isn't a surprise after all."

"I see..." She started to eat. Her face took on an absorbed expression.

"Kathryn?"

"Hmm?" She continued to munch.

"I did miss you." She felt her cheeks become warm.




(69 hours)

Kathryn Janeway patted the light blue sweat suit she was wearing. Comfort clothing, her sister had called it. Something one wore when one didn't feel well--or after being deassimilated. Her Borg armor lay on the floor. She had an overwhelming urge to kick it across the room. She laughed when B'Elanna did exactly that.

The Doctor shook his head in exasperation. "Lieutenant! I'll have you know that Sick-bay contains many fragile items!" Tuvok raised an eyebrow at the violent display. Janeway wondered what they would say if she and B'Elanna started a round of armor-soccer. Her smile grew and finally she did kick her armor, only not as hard as B'Elanna had.

It was a most satisfactory sensation to see Tuvok's eyebrows rise even higher. B'Elanna smiled.

"Captain?" the Doctor said disapprovingly as he scanned her, "That is a valuable research artifact that will add to our knowledge of the Borg."

"I think I may order it thrown in the incinerator."

"I concur," B'Elanna called out. "Except incineration is too good for it." The Doctor shrugged as he cast Tuvok a frustrated look.

"All three of you are suffering from lack of water and food. Captain, you in particular are in poor condition. If you had followed my earlier recommendations, your overall level of health would be better. Lieutenant Torres and Commander Tuvok, I'm placing you on sick-leave, to be reevaluated in three days."

"Doctor," B'Elanna said. "Our hair?" The three of them were still bald. And the new hair growth was driving Janeway crazy.

"Your systems suffered major trauma when you were assimilated. The deassimilation process caused further damage. I will reassess the possibility of stimulating follicle growth in three days." The three officers started to leave.

"Just a minute,Captain. I haven't discussed your status yet." He waved a dismissal to Tuvok and B'Elanna.

Janeway glared at him and gave her armor another kick. "Yes, Doctor. I'll remember to return in three days."

"In your case, I'm placing you on at least one week's--"

"WHAT!" She whirled around, her hands on her hips and glared at the doctor. He didn't even wince.

"One week. Your overall condition was poor before this mad scheme--"

"This mad scheme that *worked*--"

"That as far as we know, worked," the Doctor overrode her interruptions and then continued. "I have ordered the computer to prevent your access to anything duty-related. And I'm also restricting your caffeine intake." She was ready to strangle him now. "You lost twenty pounds--weight you could ill afford to lose. I'm prescribing regular meals and vitamin supplements."

"Doctor," she growled to no effect.

"I will be monitoring you, captain, so don't think you can sneak anything past me." His grin grew. "And since you have not been reinstated as Voyager's captain, your command override codes won't work."

"You can't--" She was losing this battle to a hologram of all things. She, who had beaten the Borg Queen at her own game. "Damn," she muttered.

"Commander Chakotay has been informed of my orders." She realized the Doctor was enjoying this moment just a little too much. She stormed out of Sick-bay.

#

Tom stood against the wall and watched as B'Elanna cut herself another piece of cherry pie. Her third or was it fourth; Tom had stopped counting at two. He reached under his collar and fingered the ring, then slipped the string over his head.

"You never answered my question," he said, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Great pie, Tom," she mumbled with her mouth full. "Uh, which question was that?"

He knelt down in front of her and took her left hand. "The one where I asked you to marry me."

"Ahhh, that one." She chuckled as she took another bite. "I'd thought we'd wait until you decided if you liked bald women." She rubbed her head. "It's so much easier to take care of. Being hairless also means there are fewer safety issues when I'm working with supercharged plasma." He reached over and grabbed the plate out of her hand.

"I've always had a thing for bald females. Did I ever tell you about Brunhilde?"

B'Elanna's eyes narrowed as she lunged for the plate. "If I'm going to marry you, you'd better tell me about all these women."

"She was bald." He grabbed her and pulled her down to the floor. The plate flew out of his hands, making a mess behind him. "I found I liked doing this." He started rubbing her head. "Yes, it feels much the same."

She giggled as she grabbed his head.

"Who was Brunhilde?"

"My aunt's chihuahua." He yelped when she bit his neck.

"Comparing your fiancee to a dog is always in poor taste."

"I guess so." He pushed her to the floor and kissed her. "Does this mean yes?" he asked several minutes later as they both gasped for air.

"Yes." She rolled him under her, to continue the kiss.

"The ring!" He'd dropped it when they'd started kissing. She dangled it from her right hand, then kissed him again.

#

Fortunately, she had not seen anyone on her march back to her quarters.

Especially certain First Officers with delusions of grandeur. She didn't want to believe Chakotay had supported the doctor in his insufferable act of mutiny. She'd file charges--once she was reinstated as captain. All she had to do was access the computer. She'd tried four times on her way. Each time the damn computer had told her 'access denied.'

She didn't want a vacation--voluntary or not. She had a ship to run. She needed to appear as the captain to comfort her crew.

"Since when--" she muttered to herself as the door to her quarters swooshed open, "--did your ego get so big?" She realized what she didn't want was empty time where she could reflect on just what could have gone wrong. And the list of possibilities was two meters long.

Not that there had been much choice; only three people in the Delta Quadrant knew why her options had been so limited. She sighed as she entered her quarters. The familiar furniture was very reassuring--a sure sign the nightmare was over. She ordered a light salad from the replicator, as well as a glass of milk. She didn't want to see the doctor again for a while. She settled herself at her desk.

"Computer, access my personal logs." She started to eat her salad as she read. There were always ways around the Doctor's restrictions.

Fifteen minutes later, she decided a bath was in order. Between Starfleet and the Borg, she felt the need for a long, hot soak. She tossed her dishes in the recycler, then walked into her bedroom.

"Oh my," she whispered, coming to a complete standstill. "I..." She continued to stare at the dozen multi-colored-yellow roses on her dresser. She reached out and touched one, noting the delicate patterns of pink and orange.




(72 hours)

Chakotay glanced at the Doctor who simply nodded. Chakotay frowned. "Are you really surprised?"

"No, Commander, I am not, but I had hoped that this time she would actually listen to me." Chakotay snorted as the lift doors closed behind them.

"I thought you'd cut off her access..."

"So did I." The Doctor sighed in what sounded like complete exasperation at Voyager's recalcitrant captain. The lift doors opened on the bridge. Harry pointed toward the Ready Room and quietly returned to his duties.

Chakotay signaled for entry. The door slid open. Kathryn did not jump up guiltily, but continued to sit at her desk. At least she wasn't in her uniform. And, he had to admit, the blue dress she was wearing did bring back long-buried memories.

"Commander, Doctor, give me a couple of minutes." She didn't even look up.

"Captain," the Doctor said, with a hint of anger in his voice. "You are supposed to be on medical leave."

"I know. But our next chance to contact Starfleet is in three days. I need to get this completed." She looked up and nodded slightly, and to Chakotay's complete surprise, the Doctor backed down.

"Very well, Captain. Once you have finished, though, you are on extended sick leave. There will be no other reports."

"Yes, Doctor. I promise." The Doctor smiled and turned to leave. Chakotay remained standing and waited for her to notice him.

Janeway finally looked up. "Commander?"

"What is going on? I came prepared to carry you off the bridge if necessary."

"Disappointed?" She smiled at him.

"No, just curious. What is so important the Doctor granted you a stay of leave?"

"My report to Starfleet." She took several deep breaths. "I'll get even with him yet. He still is refusing to stimulate my hair growth." The pale stubs on her head did look somewhat ridiculous. "What do you think I should do?"

"Wear a hat. And--"

"About my hair. It's a fresh start. Long or short?"

"Long," he blurted out, then amended it to, "Whichever you prefer is fine with me."

"I thought so." She'd continued to enter data as they'd spoken, so he moved to see what she was writing. She lowered the screen half way then stopped.

"Chakotay?" She hesitated slightly. He waited patiently. "I haven't exactly been honest with you. And I'm sorry." She stood and motioned for him to sit down in her chair. "Remember when the Borg took Seven over a year ago?"

He nodded and then swore softly as he read the first few paragraphs. "Gods, Kathryn," he said as he looked up at her, impressed and terrified by what she'd written.

"Indeed. When Seven briefed me on the Borg plans to assimilate Earth I had much the same reaction."

"You didn't tell anyone."

She nodded. "I couldn't. Seven, the Doctor, and myself were the only ones who knew. It would have been devastating for morale. Think about it. To know the Borg had developed a nanovirus that would slowly assimilate all of Humanity; to know there was nothing we could do; no one we could warn. The Doctor worked on a solution, and Seven assisted him when she could."

"Then we were contacted by Barclay and the Pathfinder team." She nodded.

"You warned Starfleet." Things were starting to make sense.

"Yes. Admiral Necheyev was quite concerned. She ordered me...us to find a way to counter the nanovirus." Janeway shrugged. "At the third communication window, we sent most of the Doctor's research."

"And the fourth is in a few days."

"The doctor had already solved the riddle on how to prevent assimilation. When Axum contacted Seven, we were pretty much ready."

"That explains how you were able to put together such a complicated plan in such a short time." He stared at the screen, then switched it off. "But, it doesn't explain why you chose not to tell me...Or B'Elanna or Tuvok."

"I did tell them, on the Delta Flyer. Starfleet classified the information on a strictly 'need-to-know' basis. I'm not even supposed to be telling you this much."

He closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He wasn't sure if he should be angry, disappointed, or just frustrated. He settled for silence. He stared at his hands for several minutes.

"Chakotay?" she whispered. "Are you falling asleep?"

"Kathryn...I..." He opened his eyes, surprised that he wasn't feeling any of the emotions he'd listed. "No, I'm just glad you are back safe. And I will add this to a growing list of complaints against Starfleet."

"Our odds of returning within the next two years have just become better."

"I know," he responded. "I haven't had time to think about it." A sudden thought struck him. "You're planning on keeping the sphere." It wasn't really a question. He knew her too well to think she wouldn't try.

"It followed me home, can I keep it?" She chuckled. "Yes, I am. The transwarp coils on it are in far better shape than the one on Voyager. Seven and B'Elanna both think that repairs are possible."

"You aren't supposed to read reports..." He tried to glare at her.

"I didn't. I just asked them a few questions." She smiled. "Home...Funny, I've come to think of Voyager as home and now." He reached out and took her hand.

"And now?"

She squeezed his hand, then pulled back. "One step at a time, Commander. By the way, the roses were lovely."

He grinned. "I figured they might be a good substitute for not getting the carpet cleaned."

"Oh...and here I was thinking...well never mind." He stood and allowed her to sit down again.

"What were you thinking?"

"Well, I've had this idea..."

#

Megan grabbed the napkin to blot the juices running from her sandwich and onto her chin. It was another unpronounceable food item Neelix had found. Sliced thin, the vegetable made a good sandwich, albeit a runny one. She raised her head at the sight of the blonde woman entering. She waved and wasn't surprised at the confused look Marla Gilmore gave her. The other woman usually ate alone in a corner or took her meals with her to eat elsewhere.

"How are you doing?" Megan asked when Marla hesitantly brought her food over. She nodded when Marla glanced at the empty chair. "Have a seat."

"OK." Marla sat down and proceeded to cut her sandwich into four triangles.

"Jenny likes doing that," Megan said with a laugh. Her twin was definitely the fussiest person she'd ever known.

"Huh?"

"The way you're cutting your sandwich." Marla glanced at her food, then smiled.

"I never really think about it."

"That's what Jenny says." Megan had cut her own sandwich in half, but only as a concession to the incredible amount of liquid. "So, how are you?"

"Better. The Doctor finally took me off restricted duty," Marla answered between bites. "I was getting pretty bored."

"I bet. I've always hated being sick." Both women laughed. "Tell me, how are you adjusting to Voyager?"

Marla shrugged. "It's hard. I don't really know anyone--and I think they still feel uncomfortable around me and the others."

Megan smiled. "Tom and Neelix have put together a new holoprogram. A group of us were planning on going this evening."

"The Irish thing?"

"No." Megan shook her head for added emphasis. "It's actually something different. Most of their programs have been very casual or else period pieces. This one is formal. A nightclub. Harry's blues group is performing."

"Oh." Marla glanced down at her uniform. "I don't have anything to wear..."

"I can arrange something." Megan studied her carefully, then nodded. "We'll visit Joanna." At Marla's blank look, she added, "You know, Ensign Rockland in Life Sciences. That woman has an eye for clothes. We all borrow from her."

"I can't."

"Sure you can." Megan narrowed her eyes to let Marla know there would be no argument allowed. "And I'll introduce you to Freddy Baker from Security."

"Why?" Marla looked suspicious.

"Because he wants to meet you. Freddy's a dear, just shy." Megan grinned. "You can't remain a hermit forever."

"I..." Marla didn't finish, but the slight twinkle in her eye led Megan to believe that Marla was definitely intrigued.

"That settles it then. I'll meet you tonight and we'll talk to Joanna." She placed her napkin on her now empty tray. "Enjoy your food."

"I will." Marla leaned over. "Neelix keeps telling me that I missed his finest dishes. What exactly is leola root, anyway?"

Megan took a deep breath. "You don't want to know. It was Neelix's favorite ingredient. It doesn't agree with humans. It gave me a dreadful rash early on."

"Oh." Marla smiled. "I'll see you tonight."

Megan grinned as she stood. "You bet. And a word of advice. Avoid Carey. He's been writing reports all morning."

Marla laughed. "I'm working on deck four today."

"Lucky you. See you later."

"And Megan, thanks."

#

"Another idea, Kathryn?" Chakotay growled. "No."

"Commander? I beg your pardon--you haven't heard my idea yet."

"No, Captain. Your ideas usually give me stomach problems."

She glared at him, then stared at her desk. "I always have very good ideas." When he didn't answer she looked up. "As the captain..."

"Actually, that isn't true. The Doctor has not reinstated you yet. Technically, I am still in command. And I don't want to hear any more ideas."

"This is mutiny," she warned. She was surprised when he almost laughed--but even more so when she found herself joining in.

"It's really a question of hair." He patted her on the head. "I have hair--you do not. The one with the most hair--" She stood quickly.

"Hair has nothing to do with command. Jean Luc Picard has none."

"Hmm, point taken." He patted her head again, only the hand remained this time. "It feels kind of rough, kind of like sandpaper."

She raised her head to glare at him once more. But somehow that wasn't what happened.

The kiss lasted only a few seconds before they broke apart. There was another second of silence before she spoke. "Dinner tonight?"

The look of surprise on his face pleased her. He must have been expecting another response. And just a few days ago, he would have gotten it. He nodded, then started to leave. Suddenly, he turned to face her, a slight smirk on his face.

"Oh, Kathryn. This is *my* Ready Room for the moment. When you finish, please leave--or I'm sure we will both suffer another lecture from the Doctor."

"I've had enough of those." She smiled at him. "Dinner is at twenty-hundred, and you're cooking."

"Good. My quarters it is." He winked at her as he left.




(85 hours)

"Icheb," Seven called out. "What is the status of the repairs to the shield regenerators?"

"We have made insufficient progress," Icheb said, somewhat apologetically. She wasn't surprised. Borg technology relied on the power of the hive mind, and if the many messages spewing across the Borg sphere communications console were any indication, the Collective had been severely damaged. She was unable to determine the exact percentage of drones and ships freed from the Collective, but it was a substantial number.

"Explain." She wanted to hear his analysis, as well as any possible solutions. The young man was showing increasing confidence in his abilities--and in his interactions with the rest of the crew.

"We have succeeded in creating a computer algorithm to control weapons and environmental systems, but it is inefficient compared to the abilities of the Collective. We are having very little success with the regeneration cycles on all systems."

"Solution?" She glanced quickly at the board as Icheb proceeded to offer his ideas. She frowned as she noticed the name Annika appear in a communication.

"Seven?" Icheb asked as he took a step forward. The concern in his voice was unmistakable. "Is there a problem?"

She shook her head as she read the message from Axum. It was oddly stilted and formal, yet it made her smile. "No problem," she told Icheb. "It is from my contact in Unimatrix Zero." She checked the message's point of origin. His ship was on the far side of the Delta Quadrant--she would not have a chance to see him again.

"From Axum?" Icheb stepped back. "I shall return when you have finished reading."

"No, that is an inefficient use of our time." She knew she should stop reading and save the message for later, but she continued scanning it quickly. "He just wishes to thank us for freeing him and the others on his cube from the Collective. They have found an uninhabited planet upon which they plan to make their new home."

Icheb smiled at her, then frowned. She could see a wave of confusion pass over his face, most likely at the conflicting emotions he was experiencing. "It is good to hear from him," she admitted, allowing herself to smile. "I am pleased at the news."

He pointed at her face. "The news pleases me, too. Seven, why are your eyes wet?"

Seven glanced down at the screen, suddenly confused. She hadn't been entirely honest with Icheb. Axum wanted her to thank the Captain and the rest of the Voyager crew--but mostly he wanted her to know he would always remember their time together in Unimatrix Zero. She was unhappy at her own lack of memories of that time together. She glanced back at Icheb.

"Perhaps we can minimize the regeneration cycles."

Icheb nodded. "By eliminating excess equipment from the program. I will try this at once." He left in a hurry. When he was gone, she reached up and touched below her right eye. Quickly, she lowered her hand. She couldn't risk sending a message in case it was intercepted by one of the uninfected Borg ships. "Good-bye, Axum," Seven said in the stillness of the empty room.

#

Kathryn grimaced as she watched Tuvok leave with a full head of hair, then turned her attention back to B'Elanna. "I'll deactivate him, I swear I will really do it this time."

"I have first dibs," B'Elanna said as she sat up on the biobed. They both rubbed their scalps. In the past day, the Doctor had started the slow process of their hair growth. They each now had about one inch.

"Seven had a full head of hair quicker than this," Janeway mumbled as the Doctor continued to ignore them and their threats.

"Seven hadn't undergone two major shocks to her system in less than four days," he said as ran a tricorder over her. Janeway waved away his words.

"I--" she started to say, but the Doctor continued.

"You have both made sufficient progress. Lieutenant Torres, I will authorize your return to duty--if you take it easy. No heavy lifting, or anything strenuous. And I want you to eat regular meals." He turned his attention to the Captain while B'Elanna slipped off the biobed. "As for you, Captain..." He smiled. "You can return to partial duty, since I know I cannot keep you from that. But only partial. I expect to see you here once a day and if you overdo it, you'll be hearing from me."

Kathryn smiled as she stood, somewhat surprised she hadn't needed to argue with the EMH. "First up is inspecting the sphere."

"Agreed," the Doctor said. "I understand that Seven and her teams have been modifying it to support Voyager and her crew. I wish to inspect the sphere myself. A medical opinion--"

"Agreed," Kathryn said. "That is part of the plan." She winked at B'Elanna. "Voyager will continue to provide us with living space, and the sphere will provide us with propulsion." She smiled.

"Our trophy," B'Elanna said.

The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "Some trophy. I'm looking forward to the inspection tour."

"I bet," B'Elanna said with a smirk. Janeway grinned as they left Sick bay.

Janeway was surprised when B'Elanna tagged along, but neither woman spoke until they were inside Janeway's quarters. B'Elanna glanced around quickly--obviously looking for something--but Janeway had no idea what.

"Lieutenant?"

B'Elanna chuckled. "About our bet, Captain."

"Oh. Did the computer mess up with the transfer of the credits?"

"No." B'Elanna hesitated. "But I've transferred the credits back. You see..."

Kathryn grabbed B'Elanna and hugged her. "Congratulations. I knew he would propose. When?"

"We haven't had time to set a date yet." B'Elanna shrugged as she rubbed her scalp with very short hair. "It was quite the welcome home. And you? I hear you and Chakotay had dinner last night."

"You shouldn't be listening to rumors..." Kathryn frowned slightly. "It was only dinner."

B'Elanna nodded. "I see. But there are some interesting rumors about what happened before we left."

"Nothing has happened."

"Why?"

"'Why' what?" Janeway retorted.

"What I mean is," B'Elanna suddenly placed her hands on her hips and glared at Janeway. "You've been dancing around each other for years. Have you even kissed him?"

Janeway surprised herself when she nodded. "Yesterday." She also couldn't explain (actually she could) why the thought brought a big smile to her face. "It was the heat of the moment."

"Stop denying yourselves. If you're worried about the crew, don't be. As for a bunch of stuffy admirals--" B'Elanna waved her hand toward the outer bulkhead. "--I don't think they'll see past that."

Kathryn glanced toward the window which she had covered to block the view of the sphere's interior. "Assuming we can make the necessary repairs and adjustments."

"I'm sorry, I forgot the Doctor blocked your access to reports." B'Elanna marched over to the computer and called up several files. "He'll probably figure out I've given you access, so read quickly. But it looks good." She held a finger over the off button. "But, promise me you'll kiss Chakotay again."

"That's blackmail," Janeway said incredulously.

"I prefer 'extortion'." She started to push. "Kathryn?"

"I..." Janeway had planned on a repeat performance anyway, so she gently pushed B'Elanna away. "What I do just to read a report," she grumbled.

B'Elanna's eyes opened wide and there was the hint of an evil smile. "Hmm, maybe I should have suggested coffee." She was half-way out the door before Kathryn reached the sofa and a pillow.




(Ten days later)

Captain Janeway rubbed her uniform sleeve and smiled. The Doctor had just cleared her to return to full duty and to reassume command of Voyager. Her smile grew as she beamed over to the bridge of the Borg sphere.

"Captain," Seven said to her as she rematerialized. "Welcome aboard."

Janeway shivered as she glanced around. The sphere still gave her the creeps. "Thank you. I've read your report. You have made excellent progress."

"It is still inadequate. We have repaired the secondary transwarp drive, but without the regeneration capabilities, we have been unable to repair the primary."

"That is still excellent work. That will still get us home within five years."

Seven cocked her head. "But with the primary, we could be back in the Alpha Quadrant within the year."

Janeway nodded. "Take apart the transwarp drive on Voyager."

"Commander Chakotay has already granted us permission." Seven paused at the look on the captain's face. "Was he not authorized to do so?"

Janeway laughed. "No, we'd talked about this." She wondered, though, when in the last ten days he'd given permission. She glanced behind her, and caught B'Elanna's answering grin.

Seven marched over to another console, her meeting with the Captain and Chief-Engineer apparently at an end.

"I think we're done," B'Elanna whispered. "This must be the Borg way of saying, leave?"

"Carry on," Janeway said as she turned. Seven was too engrossed in her work to respond.

"So, what do you think?" B'Elanna asked as they walked through a narrow corridor.

"I like Voyager better. She's better lit and the beds are far more comfortable." Janeway stopped for a second at the sound of banging, then resumed her forward progress.

"It took me a while to not jump at every noise," B'Elanna said. "I think our plan to keep Voyager in the hold is best. The added weight is not going to affect anything." She reached out and ran her hand along the wall. "I don't want to move into a Borg sphere."

Janeway nodded. The thought of sleeping on the sphere was enough to give anyone nightmares. With time, supplies, and a real need, they could expand into the sphere, adding individual crew quarters, family quarters, a complete gym, and a movie theater like the one Tom had envisioned, and still have room to spare.

"I don't know if I've adjusted to thought of seeing Earth again," B'Elanna continued.

"When we were first stranded out here, most of us hoped for a quick way home," Janeway admitted, "but I think, deep down, that optimism faded over the years." B'Elanna raised an eyebrow to show her surprise at that statement.

"What will you do?" B'Elanna asked.

"I haven't really considered that," she replied. "There is a lot that needs to be done first. Like making sure my crew is treated properly."

"And Chakotay?" B'Elanna asked with a smile.

Kathryn just shook her head. "I haven't asked him, we've been busy with the sphere, logistics of repairs. No wonder the Borg assimilate one and all. The maintenance and upkeep on this thing are astronomical."

"I hadn't noticed," B'Elanna said with a straight face, though her tone did indicate more than a modicum of sarcasm. "Is that all you've done?" This time her voice hinted at a lot more.

Kathryn grimaced. "Lieutenant Torres..."

"Captain Janeway, if I may speak frankly, you've known him over six years--that's long enough."

Janeway felt her cheeks redden, but she didn't acknowledge B'Elanna as they turned a corner and ran into Ensign Kim. The young man jumped up and snapped to attention.

"Captain."

"Carry on, ensign." Janeway glanced at the rest of his team, then back at Harry. "Making any progress?"

"Some, captain," Harry replied. "We may be able to adjust the tertiary coolant systems to provide an extra energy supply for Voyager by the time of the wedding." Beside her, B'Elanna growled.

"Wedding?" Janeway asked with an evil smile. His seven member team, including Neelix, were listening.

Harry glanced quickly at B'Elanna then shrugged. "Tom and B'Elanna's..."

Janeway glanced at the lieutenant who looked ready to kill, but it was Neelix who spoke next.

"Congratulations. I knew this was coming." He rubbed his hands together. "I've researched Klingon wedding rituals--they really are fascinating--and have planned everything."

B'Elanna's eyes narrowed more as she first glared at Harry, then focused her eyes on Neelix. "We haven't even announced it yet..." Janeway smiled. In less than five minutes, she figured, the whole ship would know.

There was a cough behind her. "Captain," Chakotay said as he tapped his chrono.

"Oh," Kathryn winced. "I'm sorry, Commander." She glanced at B'Elanna quickly. "Congratulations, lieutenant."

B'Elanna smirked as studied the commander. "Have fun Captain, Commander. Don't read too many reports."

"We're having a picnic lunch..." Chakotay protested, and then fell silent after a quick glance at his captain. Kathryn shut her eyes. It would take less than three minutes for that news to complete an entire circuit of the rumor mill. She opened her eyes and winked at B'Elanna.

"Commander, I've known you six years now?"

In complete bewilderment Chakotay glanced at B'Elanna, who simply started to laugh. Kathryn grabbed his hand. "Captain to Voyager. Two to beam over."

"What was that all about?" Janeway heard Neelix ask as she squeezed Chakotay's hand. There was no time for further demonstration as she felt the familiar tingle of the transporter beam.

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