The BLTS Archive - My Cherished Warrior
by Cygirl1 (dmcelrath179631@comcast.net)

---

DISCLAIMER: Star Trek, Star Trek Voyager, and Characters,
are property of Paramount. I am not making a profit on this
story.

B'Elanna and Seven love story. Circumstances surrounding the
marriage of B'Elanna Torres and Tom Paris are altered for
this story. Endgame never happened.

Mild violence and a loving and sexual relationship between two
women.

Note: This story contains a Klingon Ritual that is not canon
as well as other non-canon Klingon elements.

'TaHqeq' is a Klingon swear word used as a slur. It is a
stronger insult than Peta//Q is.

Thank you Karla Jensen.

---
Chapter One
---

B'Elanna Torres, Voyager's Chief Engineer, made her way
wearily down the corridor to her quarters. She had just
finished a fourteen-hour shift in engineering to do
necessary repairs after an ion storm, some six days earlier,
damaged many of the ship's systems.

Opening the door to her quarters she noticed it was dark and
quiet. . . too quiet.

"Computer, lights at full." She blinked at the momentary
brightness as her vision adjusted. She immediately looked
over at Miral's crib, noticing that it was empty, and a
quick check of the bedroom showed that it too was
unoccupied.

She sighed in dismay at the mess Tom had left in their
living quarters. Scattered about were half-eaten trays of
food, not only on the dining table, but on the coffee table
as well. The cushions from the sofa were strewn on the floor
and various items of his clothing were spread, or
haphazardly thrown over the chairs. She walked into the
bedroom, seeing the unmade bed and other clothing items
randomly dotting the floor.

"Damn, what a mess," She groused to herself. She sighed in
frustration and disappointment. It was always left to her to
clean the place up. Tom rarely ever lifted a hand to help,
unless she //nagged// him, as he called it. Then he only did
it grudgingly and rarely did a thorough job.

"Computer, what is the location of Tom Paris and Miral
Paris?"

"Tom Paris and Miral Paris are in holodeck one."

B'Elanna rolled her eyes. //Kahless, Tom has no sense at all
keeping Miral up this late. Wonder what program he's
running. I hope it's one of Naomi's old holo programs and
not some circus or carnival program like the one he took
Miral to a couple of weeks ago. She's too young to
understand that clowns are supposed to be funny and not
scary.// B'Elanna found clowns to be creepy herself. //Never
did like them. Especially those white faced ones. Look like
the dead to me. What's the big attraction to them any
way?//

She remembered Tom bringing back an upset and screaming
Miral. Tom stated he had only taken her to a circus program
and all was going well until a clown approached her and she
started screaming. She had really laid into him for that.
She informed him that Miral was too young for those types of
programs, and had instructed him to use the ones that Sam
Wildman had made for Naomi when she was Miral's age.

B'Elanna hit her comm-badge to contact Tom, but there was no
answer. She left her quarters and took the turbo lift to
deck six where the holodecks were located.

Entering holodeck one she stood in momentary shock before a
wave of anger hit her. //What is that Peta'Q thinking?// She
found herself on the sidewalk in front of Sandrine's.
Stalking quickly through the bistro's door, she heard Miral
crying but before she could locate her, the holographic
Gigolo approached her and smarmily said, "I see a star has
fallen from the heavens and has graced us with her light."

He made a grab for B'Elanna's hand to kiss it, but she
snatched it back, growling, "Touch me, creep, and I'll
disperse every photon in your body and erase you permanently
from the program. Now, move it or lose it."

He held up his hands in surrender and scurried away.
B'Elanna heard Miral's cry and immediately saw the upset
child in her carrier, which was on the surface of the bar.
She hurried over, picked up the crying four-month-old child
from her carrier, and hugged her against her shoulder,
comforting her. She slipped her finger into the top of the
unhappy baby's diaper and found that it was wet. She glared
at the holographic bartender and growled, "Where is Tom
Paris?" The bartender motioned with her head toward a door
on the left side of the bar.

B'Elanna saw Miral's diaper bag on a nearby stool, took it
and the baby to a nearby table, and changed the wet diaper.
Miral quit crying, but was still fussy as it was way past
her bedtime. B'Elanna picked Miral up and cuddled her again
while patting and rubbing her back.

"There, there, my sweetie pie. Momma has you." //Now to go
see what Tom's up to. Probably got some card game going on
behind that door. Well, I'll just bust that up. Kahless,
the man is as useless as tits on a boar targ.//

She opened the door only to discover that it led up a flight
of stairs. B'Elanna didn't even know that the place had an
upstairs. Making her way up the stairs, she immediately
heard the unmistakable sounds of Tom groaning, and an
accompanying sound of higher pitched female groans. B'Elanna
had no doubts what was going on behind the door of room
number one. Tom was bonking a holo-character.

She felt a rush of anger and immediately covered Miral's
eyes as she kicked the door open. To her surprise, a naked
Tom jumped up and off Ensign Sandra Blocker from
hydroponics. B'Elanna was stunned out of her anger and into
disbelief.

Tom immediately grabbed a pillow and held it in front of
him, more for protection than to cover his nakedness. Sandra
snatched the covers up and around her shoulders, her
expression one of sheer terror.

"What the Grethor. . . !" B'Elanna roared.

"B'Elanna, look. . . I can explain--" Tom cajoled.

"Explain?!" B'Elanna felt as if the top of her head would
explode as rage infused her entire being. It was all she
could do to keep herself from jumping on the two and beating
them to a pulp. Fortunately, for Tom and Sandra, she had her
daughter with her. She gritted her teeth and somehow managed
to hold her rage in check.

She snarled and spit out, "TaHqeq! Don't even bother coming
back to our quarters... my quarters now. I'm through with
you!"

She turned and quickly exited the room, stomping loudly down
the stairs, and out the front entrance of Sandrine's.
Before she exited the holodeck, she ordered, "Computer, end
program." She heard a couple of loud thumps behind her and
Sandra's screech. She didn't even bother to turn around
and look. She knew that the holodeck safeties would prevent
the two TaHqeqs from injuring themselves when the upstairs
room dissolved around them.

She exited the holodeck and seeing a group of fellow
crewmates entering holodeck two, she called out to them,
"Holodeck one is empty." Several of the crew left the group
and hurried to holodeck one and entered. B'Elanna bared her
teeth in a predatory grin, continued down the corridor, and
entered the turbo lift. She exited on her floor and passed a
couple of crewmates, who seeing the look of rage on her
face, quickly moved out of the way. She went directly to her
quarters to care for Miral. She would deal with Tom later. 

---

Tom tried to contact B'Elanna by comm that night. He didn't
dare show up at their quarters for fear that B'Elanna would
kill him, or at least maim him. B'Elanna later informed him
by comm that if she saw hide or hair of him, she would
divest him of his manhood. She changed the codes on the
doors to their quarters, now her quarters, and put a hold on
any comm calls from him.

In reality, B'Elanna had seen this coming. After Miral's
birth, Tom had made it clear that he wasn't going to get up
in the night to change diapers or feed Miral.

He spent more and more time in the holodeck than at home.
And, when he was home, he demanded that B'Elanna pay
attention to him. He couldn't understand why B'Elanna
needed to devote time to Miral and wasn't in the mood for
love making or fixing him his dinner and catering to him.

He only cared for Miral when nobody else was available, and
as soon as B'Elanna got off work, he was gone to one
holo-program or another.

The only reason B'Elanna had married the Peta'Q was that
her birth control had failed due to her being a hybrid. She
really had had no intention of a permanent relationship with
him before her pregnancy. True, she initiated the physical
aspects of their relationship due to that damn episode with
Vorik, which caused her to go into Pon Farr. At the time,
Tom had been pursuing her and this made him the easy choice.
However, once married, she intended to make it work as that
was the honorable thing to do.

Captain Janeway had put a moratorium on having children due
to the limited space and resources on Voyager. However,
Janeway was not one to demand the termination of a pregnancy
if the woman did not wish it. B'Elanna had thought long and
hard about an abortion, but after Tom swore to her that he
would stand by her and help raise their child, she decided
she would keep her child. Even with Tom turning out to be
non-supportive, she was still glad she had opted to have the
child.

She spent a miserable night both crying and cursing. She
couldn't sleep and spent most of the night throwing his
//junk// and clothes out into the corridor. She had
contacted him and informed him to come and clean up his
trash that was outside her quarters. She had cut
communication before he could reply.

The next morning, she called in sick, something she rarely
did. She did not want to face Tom right away at the staff
meeting, afraid she would throttle him. Later that morning
she contacted the Captain and requested a private
conference. Captain Janeway agreed to see her right away.

B'Elanna took Miral over to the mess hall for Neelix to
watch while she met with the Captain in her ready room.

Captain Janeway knew something was up by Tom's sheepish
looks and vague replies when she asked about B'Elanna's
health. After Captain Janeway heard B'Elanna's story, she
did not hesitate to start the paperwork for the divorce.

Tom didn't protest, and B'Elanna felt this was a sign that
he was glad to be out of the marriage.

---

B'Elanna spent the next two months doing nothing but her job
in Engineering and then going home to take care of her
daughter. She did not spend time with co-workers or her old
Maquis friends. She avoided eating in the mess hall during
peak hours because she couldn't stand the pitying and
speculative looks from the crew.

She told Tom if he wished to see his daughter, he would have
to tell her at least 48 hours in advance. He was to visit
Miral only in her quarters and he was not to take her out of
them. Tom mildly protested, but B'Elanna could see this was
all for show so he could complain to all who would listen
that the bitch B'Elanna was keeping him from his child.
Captain Janeway had backed up the visitation plan when she
learned of Tom abandoning the baby in the care of a hologram
so he could commit adultery with a crewmate. He had only
come by to visit Miral eight times since their divorce and
stayed no longer than thirty to forty minutes.

Today, B'Elanna's shift ended on time for a change, and she
made her way to the mess hall to pick up Miral. She entered
the mess hall and immediately saw Voyager's resident Borg
and Ice Queen holding the baby and making goo goo sounds.
B'Elanna stood frozen in surprise not only by the beautiful
wide smile on Seven's face but also by Miral gurgling in
delight, and trying to tear Seven's optical implant from
her brow.

The way Seven held Miral, and the baby's reaction to the
Borg, made it clear that this was not a first time
occurrence. Seven glanced up and seeing B'Elanna, she
immediately sprang from her seat, holding Miral close. It
was obvious that Seven was nervous. B'Elanna casually took
Miral from Seven and said sweetly to the child, "Momma's
here now, Sweetie pie, you want to go home, hmmm?" But to
B'Elanna's surprise, Miral reached out for Seven and
started to fuss.

Neelix had just come from the kitchen and seeing the three
said, "Hehehe. Miral had a good time with her Auntie Seven."
He looked at Seven and said, "Thanks for watching her for
me."

There was silence for a moment, as B'Elanna looked at Neelix
and then Seven, before looking back at Neelix and inquiring,
"Neelix, I thought you would be watching her. Why is Seven
watching her?" She noticed out of the corner of her eye that
Seven had reverted to her customary Borg pose, hands behind
her back and spine stiff.

Neelix answered, "Well, Seven has been helping me out with
both Naomi and little Miral here, while I attend to the
cooking. I must say, I Don't know what I would do without
Seven's help. Both children are comfortable with her, which
is a good thing, as Miral does not take to just everyone."

Seven spoke, her voice cool but with an underlining strain,
"I assure you, Lieutenant Torres, Miral is adequately
attended to while in my care. I have researched Voyager's
database on childcare as it relates to both Human and
Klingon infants and their needs and development. I am fully
capable of providing adequate care for Miral while you are
on duty."

B'Elanna thought about this for a second and handed a
squirming and fretful Miral back to Seven. "Here, Seven, do
you mind holding her while I get something to eat and
drink?"

Seven hesitated slightly before taking the baby. She gave a
slight nod and took Miral in her arms and sitting back down
in her seat. Miral smiled and gurgled while trying to pull
the metal mesh off Seven's left hand. B'Elanna could tell
that Seven knew how to hold the baby and was comfortable
with her. She noticed Seven's features relax, and there was
a small smile on her lips.

Neelix said, "Allow me Lieutenant, what will it be?"

"Uhm, I'll have enchiladas and a glass of prune juice."

"One plate of enchiladas and a glass of prune juice coming
up. Anything for you, Seven? My treat."

"I do not require nutritional supplements at this time."
Seven paused and added as an afterthought, "Thank you for
your offer."

B'Elanna bit her bottom lip to keep from snickering, sure
that Seven was recalling the lessons in courtesy from the
EMH. "Err. . . So, Seven, how long have you been helping Neelix
babysit?"

"For approximately thirty-six months. I have been assisting
him for two hours a day, my duties permitting, in the care
of Naomi. On those occasions when Neelix has not been
available and I had no pressing duties, Ensign Wildman has
solicited my help in caring for Naomi."

B'Elanna knew that Seven spent time with Naomi but was
unaware that she also babysit Naomi and assisted Neelix with
these duties. It irked her that no one had thought to inform
her of this. After all, she was the number one source that
others ran to with the latest scuttlebutt, as well as to see
if she knew any gossip. She had seen Naomi with Seven on
several occasions, and had heard someone say that Seven and
the child would often run Naomi's Flotter program in the
holodeck. At the time, she just took it as an opportunity to
make a joke along the line of, "Someone should run the
program to make sure Seven didn't substitute Borg drones in
the place of Flotter and the other characters."

"So you have been helping out with caring for Miral?"

Seven smiled down at Miral, wiggled her fingers out of the
child's mouth, and tickled her belly, causing Miral to
laugh. "Yes. On my off hours I have been assisting Neelix in
the care of both Miral and Naomi. Naomi, however, does not
wear diapers or need to be spoon fed, as does Miral. She
does enjoy interacting with Miral. I have a blanket I place
on the floor for Miral to utilize as a play space. I have
also replicated toys appropriate for a child of Miral's
age. Naomi often interacts with her at playtime." Seven
looked up quickly at B'Elanna, a look of concern on her
face. "Do you object to my interaction with Miral?"

B'Elanna took only a moment to reach a decision. She
remembered the care Seven had given to the Borg children and
that Sam Wildman trusted Seven to care for Naomi. "Of course
not, Seven. I was just surprised, that's all. But I know
that Naomi is in your care, and that you took good care of
the Borglings." B'Elanna saw a look of profound sadness pass
quickly over Seven's face. //Damn. She really cared for
those kids.//

Seven recovered, but her eyes still looked pensive to
B'Elanna. "I find that I . . . enjoy interacting with children."

B'Elanna thought, //Yeah, children are more accepting than
the rest of us.// She cleared her throat and said, "Well, I
have no objections. I can tell Miral likes you and that you
have taken good care of her."

By that time, Neelix brought over B'Elanna's order and
placed it on the table in front of her. "Anything else,
Lieutenant?"

"No thanks, Neelix. This will do." B'Elanna proceeded to eat
while observing a happy Miral in Seven's arms. She felt her
heart still when Seven suddenly gave the child a brilliant
smile. //She's beautiful. Almost otherworldly.// Her
thoughts quickly returned to her childhood and a picture her
grandmother Torres had of the Christian Mary and Baby Jesus.

She cleared her throat and said, "Don't you have other
things you would rather do with your free time? I mean, you
do have a social life Don't you. . . dating, and such?" She had
heard about the breakup months before of Seven and Chakotay.
The scuttlebutt was that Seven had dumped the first officer.
No one knew the reason why, and Chakotay had not volunteered
any information. That there was bitterness, at least on
Chakotay's part, was obvious, as he completely ignored
Seven at the staff meetings and on several occasions
referred to her as //that Borg//.

"No. I have not engaged in a relationship of a romantic
nature since terminating my relationship with the
Commander."

B'Elanna was dying to know the reason why Seven terminated
the relationship. All she knew was that the Borg dumped him.
True, there had been wild rumors floating around. Some of
them so absurd that she knew they were fabrications. "Oh?
Hmmm. Ah. . . Seven, why did you break it off with Chakotay?
Whatever you tell me, I swear, won't leave here. I know you
had a few dates with him and things seemed to be going fine.
At least that is what Chakotay said."

Seven didn't hesitate to answer, "I only participated in
six dates with the Commander. I could not generate the
expected feelings for him and terminated the relationship."

B'Elanna snickered. "Well, gee, Seven, I mean six dates,
that's not much to go on."

"Perhaps. But I made a discovery during the time I was
involved with him that had a direct bearing as to why he
would be an unsuitable mate for me."

B'Elanna was all ears now. Did Seven know something about
Chakotay that she didn't? "Well, Seven, you know a lot of
women would consider him an ideal mate."

"Women that are heterosexual would, perhaps, consider him an
ideal mate. However, I am not heterosexual. This is why I
could not generate feelings for the Commander of a. . . romantic
nature."

B'Elanna almost choked on a piece of enchilada, grabbed her
drink, and took a huge swallow, her eyes tearing.

Seven looked at her with some concern. "Lieutenant, you
appear to be in some distress. Should I summon the Doctor?"

B'Elanna shook her head from side to side, having
effectively relieved her coughing, she replied, "I'm fine.
I just swallowed a piece of food the wrong way. So, ah. . . 
Seven. . . How did you ah. . . find out that you're gay?"

Seven looked at her in confusion and B'Elanna quickly added,
"I mean, you are telling me that you're a lesbian, aren't
you. . . that you prefer women as romantic partners and mates?"

"Indeed. I am a lesbian. I discovered this fact 131 days ago
when I was assisting in Engineering with diagnostics on the
gel packs. I was on my way to run diagnostics on the gel
packs at Section 10, when I came to the junction of
Jefferies tube 32. I heard a distinctively human sound as if
someone was in distress. I looked down into tube 32 toward
the terminal. I could make out what appeared to be humanoid
figures in the shadows. I activated my night vision in my
optical implant and observed two individuals approximately
forty feet away. It was Ensign Delores Mathers from
Engineering and Lieutenant Pat Summers from Security. They
had removed pieces of their uniforms and were stroking and
kissing each other's breasts. They continued this activity
for 2.3 minutes. Lieutenant Summers proceeded to help Ensign
Mathers out of her trousers. She proceeded to perform an act
I later learned is referred to as cunnilingus for
approximately 6.1 minutes when. . . "

B'Elanna felt her ears turning red and heat flush her cheeks
and quickly said, "Okay, okay. I get the picture. They were
having sex in the Jefferies tube. you're telling me that
you had no idea that two women could engage in sexual
activities until you observed them?"

"Correct. After witnessing this incident, I researched
Voyager's database on information related to same sex
couplings. There were numerous references pertaining to
lesbian relationships, from dating to copulation, not only
from a human perspective, but also including those of other
species. I confronted the Doctor as to his reasons for not
including female members of Voyager on my list of potential
romantic partners. He stated that he assumed I was
heterosexual as the majority of humanoid species fall into
this category."

B'Elanna rolled her eyes. "Wait a minute, Seven. I mean, you
just can't decide you're gay, I mean a lesbian, unless you
felt. . . or feel attraction to members of the same sex."

Seven hesitated, looked at B'Elanna, and then back down at
the tabletop before saying, "All of my attractions have been
toward females. I concluded since the Doctor failed to
include same sex couplings in the information that he
provided, that these attractions that I felt were erroneous
and flawed."

B'Elanna felt a rush of anger go through her on Seven's
behalf. "Gee, Seven. Janeway should have never put the
Doctor in charge of your socialization. he's a damn
hologram. What does he know about attractions and chemistry?
There is nothing wrong with being attracted to the same sex.
Nothing at all. Don't let the Doctor, or anyone else, tell
you who you must find attractive." B'Elanna remembered her
own attractions to various females, Seska among them, and a
brief but satisfying sexual relationship with a Bajoran
Maquis member named Ro Laren.

"I realize that now, even though the Commander tried to
convince me otherwise."

"What do ya mean? What did Chakotay do?" B'Elanna asked with
some alarm in her tone.

"I informed him that we were not compatible. I informed him
why. He stated that I must have felt some attraction toward
him and that I was confused. He stated that if I were to
engage in a sexual relationship with him he would show me
that I was mistaken in my orientation."

B'Elanna saw red and blurted out angrily, "Why that Peta//Q.
I oughta go punch him in the nose. I hope you told him to go
screw himself."

Seven was amazed to see B'Elanna's reaction. It was as if
the engineer really cared.

"You did tell him to go fuc. . . You did tell him off, didn't
you Seven?"

"Tell him off? Ah. . . I see. You want to know if I informed him
that I did not intend to comply with his suggestion? Yes. I
informed him that I had no desire or intention to engage in
copulation with him. He persisted in trying to persuade me
otherwise. He attempted to kiss me. However, I am Borg. My
strength is greater than his and I dissuaded him of any
further attempts."

"Dissuaded him? How did you do that?"

"I used one of the Tsunkatse moves I learned and proceeded
to kick him in the groin. It was effective."

B'Elanna laughed and said, "Way to go, Seven. I wish I had
been there to see that. So. You have any dating prospects in
mind?" B'Elanna held her breath, almost afraid Seven would
say yes and she would feel disappointed if this was so. She
quickly put aside this train of thought.

"No. From my observations of the female members of
Voyager's crew, I have concluded that there are
approximately nine lesbians, excluding myself, on Voyager.
Six are in relationships. My. . . research on the other three
reveals that we share no common interest."

"Oh. Well, you sure there are only nine women on Voyager who
would fit into the category of lesbian? I mean. . . there might
be others whom you don't know about. How would you know
unless you asked them? You've got to consider those women
that may be bi-sexual, too."

"You are correct. The current information I have is what I
have surmised from data I have observed or heard about the
individuals."

"See there. Maybe you need to make a list of women
candidates regardless if you know what their orientation is,
and narrow it down from there."

"I have already done so."

"Oh. And did you ask any of them out on a date?"

Seven blushed red and, looking down at Miral, replied, "I
ruled out the first two that were the most compatible. The
one most compatible was in a relationship at the time, but
has since terminated that relationship. However, she has
given no indication that she would be interested in pursuing
a relationship with me. The second one on the list has made
it clear that she is not allowed, by Starfleet regulations,
to engage in a relationship with a subordinate."

B'Elanna thought for a moment. //Captain Janeway, that's
the second choice. But who is the first?// "Well, you just
hang in there. You know, Ms. Right will show up just when
you least expect it."

Seven gave B'Elanna a puzzled look. "Ms. Right? I do not
believe I have met her. In what department does she serve?"

B'Elanna laughed. "Ms. Right is a way of saying the right
woman will come along."

Seven looked intently at B'Elanna for a moment before
stating, "Perhaps she will."

B'Elanna was working up to asking who the first choice was
when Miral let out a huge yawn. B'Elanna reached out to
Seven and took her daughter in her arms, smiling down at
her. "I got to get this sleepy head home and in bed. Thanks,
Seven, for watching her."

"You are welcome, Lieutenant. Any time you need assistance
with her care, and I am available, I will assist you while
you are at your duties."

B'Elanna smiled at Seven and said, "You know, Seven? I'll
take you up on that offer."

---

Over the next few weeks, B'Elanna did take Seven up on her
offer. Those times she had to work late in Engineering,
Seven would pick Miral up from the care of Neelix or Sam and
return to B'Elanna's quarters. Once there, she would feed
and bathe Miral, and if it were bedtime, put the youngster
down to sleep. B'Elanna had come home a few times at
Miral's bedtime to find Seven rocking the child and singing
her a lullaby. The first time this happened, Seven had
stopped singing and seemed embarrassed. B'Elanna had asked
Seven to continue as she thought Seven's voice was
beautiful and soothing. Now, Seven was no longer embarrassed
to sing in B'Elanna's presence when she realized that
B'Elanna enjoyed her singing.

Tonight B'Elanna got home late, and smiled when she entered
her quarters and heard Seven singing a lullaby as she held a
sleepy Miral. B'Elanna started dinner and listened to the
lullaby. Seven finished her song and lay a soundly sleeping
Miral in her crib. B'Elanna said in a soft and low voice,
"Seven, why Don't you stay for supper?"

Seven replied softly, "Lieutenant, I do not require
nutritional supplements at this time."

"Ah come on, Seven. Just try this, If you Don't like it,
Don't eat it. What I really want is your company. You can
fill me in on what happened today and what you did, and
I'll fill you in on What's going on in Engineering."
B'Elanna knew that Seven liked to keep abreast of what was
happening in Engineering. B'Elanna thought Seven had missed
her calling by going into Astrometrics, as she knew a lot
about engineering.

Seven hesitated and then gave a shy smile. "Very well." She
took a seat at the table and looked at the bowl of soup and
salad placed before her as if she were uncertain on what to
do.

B'Elanna took her seat and ate a spoonful of the soup. She
looked at Seven and said, "It's vegetable soup and made
from carrots, peas, corn, and potatoes. And I promise you,
there is no leola root in it."

Seven gingerly took a spoonful and tasted it. B'Elanna
smiled at seeing her dinner guest's eyebrows rise in
approval, and said, "Not bad is it?"

"It is very acceptable, Lieutenant," Seven said with
enthusiasm.

B'Elanna gave a pleased smile. "Hey, Seven, please call me
B'Elanna when we're off duty."

Seven smiled and nodded. "As you wish. . . B'Elanna."

Seven filled her in on the latest Astrometrics findings and
B'Elanna informed her about some of the updates she was
making in Engineering.

Dinner took longer for B'Elanna to consume than normally.
This was because she wanted to stretch out the time with
Seven. She found the Borg an interesting conversationalist
and she was someone who understood engineering and what
B'Elanna was talking about. The only thing Tom had wanted to
talk about was his latest holo-adventure. That is if
B'Elanna could pin him down long enough to have a
conversation. His habit was to eat quickly and run out the
door to play Captain Proton. Or apparently, sneak off to
Sandrine's for a tryst with Ensign Blocker. She had found
out that he had been having an affair with the Ensign for
over a month by the time she caught them //in the act//.
Seven, asking her a question brought her attention back.

"B'Elanna. I understand that tomorrow is your. . . time off. I
have scheduled holodeck one for two hours tomorrow. I wish
to take Miral, with your permission of course. I have found
a program in Voyager's holodeck catalog called //Petting
Zoo//. It is designed for very young children and has a
variety of baby animals that can be held and petted. You, of
course, are invited. Naomi already has permission to attend
and is taking her camera and wishes to take pictures."

"Thanks, Seven. I think Miral would enjoy that. I know I
would," B'Elanna said with a grin. She found the prospect of
spending time with Seven, appealing.

Seven's smile was scintillating, her eyes bright, causing
B'Elanna to feel a jolt in her heart. //She is so beautiful
when she smiles.//

"I shall come to your quarters at ten hundred hours
tomorrow. Then we shall proceed to the holodeck and initiate
the program."

B'Elanna felt almost giddy at the thought of spending time
with Seven and returned the smile with a blazing one of her
own.

---

B'Elanna had Miral dressed and ready the next day. Right at
Ten hundred hours the door chimed and B'Elanna opened the
door to a smiling Seven of Nine. B'Elanna noticed, with
approval, that Seven had her hair in a ponytail and was
dressed in a light blue t-shirt and cream-colored slacks.
She had donned a pair of flat-soled white tennis shoes that
made her around two inches shorter than when she had on
those ridiculous high heels that were a part of her
biosuits. B'Elanna thought the whole look made the Borg
appear much more human and approachable.

"You look very nice, Seven. I like that look on you,"
B'Elanna said with a smile.

Seven blushed and said, "Thank you"

B'Elanna had donned a pair of black shorts, sandals, and a
red muscle t- shirt. She noticed that Seven was looking at
her with less than her typical cold and detached Borg
assessment. This pleased B'Elanna.

Seven raised the implant over her left brow and said, "You
look. . . aesthetically pleasing."

B'Elanna chucked and said, "Why thank you, Seven. that's
one of the nicest compliments I think I have ever received."
B'Elanna couldn't help but grin when she noticed Seven's
cheeks turn red. //Seven embarrassed? I don't believe it.//

Miral squirmed in her arms and gurgled happily on seeing her
Auntie Seven. She reached out her chubby little arms for
Seven to take her. She was dressed in a new yellow sun suit
with a pattern of small baby bunnies. B'Elanna handed Miral
to Seven, and grabbed the diaper bag.

Seven smiled at Miral and said, "You also look aesthetically
pleasing."

B'Elanna laughed and they continued on to the holodeck,
passing many crewmates who did a double take at the two
smiling women and the happy baby.

They met Naomi at the entrance to the holodeck and entered
the door, where Seven ordered the computer to initiate the
program.

The program was set under pink skies with light blue fluffy
clouds lazily passing overhead. The petting zoo was located
on an area of pale blue grass. There were many meandering
paths through the various small fenced areas. Naomi skipped
ahead and began taking pictures.

They spent the next hour viewing and petting various animals
from different planets: Lambs, kids, ponies, kittens,
puppies, grishnar kits, and even a nest of targlets.

Miral squealed with delight at watching the antics of the
animals, and also getting to pet them. But an inquisitive
pony nibbled at the pants leg of her sun suit and frightened
her, causing her to cry.

B'Elanna laughed and shooed it away. B'Elanna looked around,
spied something of interest, and said, "I see an ice cream
stand over there by the pond. Let's go check it out. I
could go for a little snack about now."

Seven looked in the direction that B'Elanna indicated and
saw the stand set amidst some shady trees. Under the trees
were several benches. "That would be acceptable."

Naomi shouted out, "Goody. I want a triple scoop cone of
Strawberry Smash, Bubble Gum Yum, and Zonker Zing."

Seven looked intently for a moment at the exuberant child
and stated, "Naomi Wildman. You may have a single scoop of
the confection of your choice."

"But, Seven--"

"Comply. You are in my care and your mother gave me specific
instructions that you were not to over indulge in food that
serves no nutritional value."

"But, Seven. This has nutri. . . nu-tri-tial value. It's
programmed into the replicator to make all the desserts
nu-tri-whatever."

B'Elanna snorted and said, "Afraid she got ya on this one,
Seven."

Seven considered this for a split second and replied, "That
might be so. However, your mother instructed me that you
were not to overindulge. Three scoops of this confection
fall into the category of an overindulgence. Therefore, you
are allowed only one scoop."

B'Elanna laughed and looked at a sulking Naomi. "She got ya
there, kiddo."

They found a bench close to the pond and B'Elanna handed
Miral to Seven. "Naomi and I will go get the ice cream. What
kind do you want, Seven?"

"I require no nutritional supplement at this time."

"Have you ever had any ice cream, Seven?"

"I believe I had some as a child. However, when the Doctor
downloaded his matrix into my cybernetic matrix, I believe
he indulged in consuming this confection. It did not agree
with my physiology as I felt ill when I once again took
control of my body."

B'Elanna smirked. "Seven, Harry was there and told me about
all the stuff the Doctor replicated and ate while in your
body. Not to mention mixing wine with the stuff. I would be
sick too, and I have a cast iron stomach. A little bit
won't hurt you. I'm getting you some to try. If you Don't
like it, you Don't have to eat it." Having said that,
B'Elanna headed toward the ice cream stand.

Seven looked at Miral and smiled. "Your mother is
persistent."

Miral reached for Seven's eye implant. Seven tried to hold
her hands back but Miral was persistent in her attempts to
grab the implant, prompting Seven to say, "It appears you
have inherited that trait from your mother, as well."

B'Elanna returned with a small vanilla cone of ice cream for
Seven and a chocolate one for herself. Naomi had a cone with
one scoop of a purple and orange mixture. Naomi also carried
a small cup with vanilla ice cream and a wooden ice cream
spoon and placed it on the bench.

B'Elanna sat by Seven's left side. "Here Seven, I got this
for you. Its vanilla and has a mild and sweet flavor that
you may like. Of course, my view on ice cream is if it's
not chocolate then it's just a confection."

Seven settled Miral in the crook of her left arm and took
the cone in her right, studying it with an intent look on
her face, and asked, "Is not all ice cream considered a
confection?"

"Well, technically yes. But chocolate ice cream is different
because, well, chocolate has certain. . . ah medicinal and
beneficial qualities."

Seven raised her implant and gave B'Elanna a questioning
look. "Those medicinal and beneficial qualities being?"

"Hmm, well, dark chocolate is known to lower high blood
pressure and thin blood. Chocolate also contains
phenylethylamine, which makes you feel good. Chocolate also
has certain ah--other benefits. You better get started on
your cone before it melts and makes a mess."

Seven looked again at the cone and studied it intently as if
she were unsure how to go about consuming this confection.

This caused Naomi to giggle. "You eat it like this, Seven."
She proceeded to lick the scoop of ice cream.

Seven tentatively touched the tip of her tongue to the cold
confection for only a split second, and quickly drew back.
"It is cold."

B'Elanna smiled and Naomi giggled and said, "that's why
it's called ice cream."

"Here, Seven, like this." B'Elanna swiped her tongue in a
long swirl around her scoop. Seven looked on in surprise,
her eyes growing large. She found this action by B'Elanna to
be. . .  stimulating.

B'Elanna said, "Do it like that, Seven, so you can get a
good taste."

Seven swiped her tongue in a long languid curve around the
scoop. B'Elanna's eyes just about popped out of her head.
//Kahless! Can that woman make eating ice cream into
something sexy.//

Seven lifted her eyebrows in surprise and exclaimed, "It is
very good." She proceeded to take several more long swipes
as B'Elanna looked on avidly.

The two women finished their cones, and B'Elanna gave Miral
a little of the vanilla Ice cream from the small cup. Seven
smiled as Miral smacked her lips and made small //mmm//
sounds of pleasure.

B'Elanna gave Miral a few more bites, took a wipe from the
diaper bag, and cleaned the baby's face. She looked up at
Seven and noticed a small dab of the cream on her chin. She
took a clean wipe from the diaper bag, leaned over, and
removed the dab of cream from Seven's chin.

Seven found this action to be somewhat disturbing in its
intimacy. Disturbing both in a satisfactory way and in
another way that she did not have time to analyze.

B'Elanna smirked. "So, taste is irrelevant, huh?"

Seven smiled. "I find taste to be very relevant. I wish to
partake of the chocolate when I next consume this
confection."

B'Elanna laughed and said, "It will be my treat."

By this time, their allotted time was up.

They dropped Naomi off at her quarters, and Seven walked
with B'Elanna to her quarters, carrying Miral. At the door,
B'Elanna said, "Hmm, Seven, if you Don't have anything
pressing to do, how about coming in for a while. There are
some things in Engineering I would like your input on. But
first, I have to put sleepyhead down for her nap."

"That would be acceptable."

B'Elanna entered her quarters, carried a sleepy Miral to her
crib, and put her down for a nap. "Have a seat, Seven." She
indicated the sofa and Seven sat on the end. B'Elanna sat in
the middle and facing her, stated, "I want to thank you for
taking the time to arrange the holo-program. Miral had a big
time and I did too."

"You are welcome, Lieu. . . B'Elanna. I too enjoyed the program,
as I did your and Miral's company."

"Hey, Seven. Anytime you want to take Miral on an excursion
like that, well, you only have to ask."

Seven smiled shyly and B'Elanna nodded and said, "And if I
have some free time I would like to go along. If that is
okay with you?"

Seven's smile broadened and lighted up her whole face, and
she replied with evident joy, "That would be very
acceptable."

B'Elanna felt her heart skip a beat and smiled in return.
"Alright then. Now, down to business and ah. . . why Don't you
stick around for dinner."

Seven smiled again. "I accept your offer."

They went over several engineering problems, B'Elanna
noticing that Seven did not sound as condescending in her
replies as she usually did. She was still confident when
providing answers and suggestions, but not superior. Then it
struck B'Elanna that of course she wasn't acting the
//Superior Borg// because B'Elanna was not bristling at her
and looking at her as if she were an unwanted intruder and
making snide remarks to her. //Yeah, Torres, you're the one
with the chip on your shoulder. What an ass I've been.//

After a while, B'Elanna smiled and said, "Hmm. Now what
should I replicate that you would like? I know what you
would like. Stir-fried shrimp over rice and an egg roll."

Seven replied, "I did enjoy the vegetable soup you prepared
last night. However, whatever dish you replicate will be
acceptable."

B'Elanna smirked. "Not if it's my mother's recipe for
Klingon Chili. It was too hot for my father and he grew up
eating hot chili peppers."

She set the table and replicated a bowl of rice, stir-fried
shrimp, two egg rolls, and two glasses of water.

Placing them on the table, she took a seat across from
Seven.

Seven hesitantly took the serving spoon for the rice and
dipped out a spoonful onto her plate. She next took a
spoonful of the shrimp mixture and put it on top of the
rice. B'Elanna had gotten one of the egg rolls and Seven got
the other.

Seven observed B'Elanna as she helped herself to the rice
and shrimp and took a bite. Following the other woman's
lead, she gingerly placed a bite into her mouth. B'Elanna
had been covertly glancing at her and smiled to see the look
of surprise and delight on Seven's face.

Seven looked up and said, "This is very good."

"I'm glad you like it. You know, why Don't you come by for
dinner tomorrow and we'll try a new dish."

Seven said, "I do not wish to impose."

"Believe me, Seven. You won't be imposing. Consider it
thanks for babysitting Miral."

"You do not need to thank me."

"I know, Seven. Humor me please. Besides, you're good
company."

Seven smiled and replied, "I would enjoy that. Thank you."

B'Elanna found that Seven's acceptance and smile made her
feel warm and... yes...happy. "you're welcome."

---

B'Elanna entered her quarters and smiled when she spotted
Seven on the floor holding onto the hand of an unsteady
Miral. The baby was standing up on wobbly legs.

Seven turned and smiled at B'Elanna. "I believe Miral is
trying to walk. She has stood several times already, but has
fallen when taking a step."

It was not unusual for Klingon infants to start walking at
seven to nine months of age. Miral had started crawling at
six months of age.

B'Elanna knelt on the floor about four feet away and held
out her arms, and said in an encouraging voice, "Come give
mommy sugar kisses, Sweetie pie. Hmm. Come here to mommy."

Miral smiled and started to take a step. Seven let go of her
hand and Miral took three wobbly steps before falling onto
her well-padded diapered bottom.

B'Elanna scooped her up and hugged her, laughingly saying,
"Very good. Such a big girl." She glanced up at a Seven,
whose smile was beaming. "I believe this is cause for a
celebration dinner. What do you think, Seven?"

Seven, still smiling said, "I agree."

B'Elanna prepared one of Seven's favorite dishes;
stir-fried shrimp over rice. Over the past few weeks she had
introduced Seven to more and more food items.

It pleased her to see Seven sampling the varied diet that
she provided. Even if not all were to the Borg's liking,
especially spicy dishes, it warmed her to see the look of
anticipation on Seven's face when she placed a new dish in
front of her. She laughed when Seven would frown on tasting
something that she did not like. The look of delight on the
Borg's face when she liked an item made B'Elanna smile in
satisfaction. She liked to please Seven. Seven, when one got
to know her, was really like a child herself in her likes
and dislikes of certain things.

They both started their meal and B'Elanna filled Seven in on
her day in Engineering. Seven informed her about her day in
Astrometrics. Both women helped to feed Miral, who was in
her highchair and making a mess with her bowl of rice cereal
and mashed cooked carrots and squash.

There was a lull in conversation for a moment and Seven
sadly looked at B'Elanna and said, "I regret, B'Elanna, that
I do not have quarters to invite you to so that I may
prepare dinner for you."

B'Elanna felt a flare of anger at the whole alcove and cargo
bay situation. She was a little bit angry with herself, too.
It would take very little effort on her part to get
Engineering to install Seven's Borg alcove in a single
occupancy quarters. Not only that, but also Seven was
gradually weaning herself off her alcove since she was
eating more.

There was really no excuse for her not to have her own
quarters. Even Icheb, who no longer needed the alcove, had
his own quarters. True, he had to share them with crewman
Baxter, but at least he had a place of his own and wasn't
interrupted day or night with people going in and out of the
cargo bay.

"You know, Seven. I think you should have your own quarters.
Now that you are eating more solids and regenerating less,
you'll need a place to sleep." B'Elanna had recalled Seven
telling her that she was able to sleep for 2-3 hour periods
every other day. She was using a cot near her alcove, which
was not very inductive to sleep when someone sent to
retrieve something could interrupt you. Besides, everyone
needed privacy. "I think we could install your alcove with
very few problems. I'll talk to the Captain after
tomorrow's staff meeting about assigning you quarters."

Seven looked surprised, and then gave a pleased smile.
"I. . . find that very acceptable." She paused for a moment and
added, "Thank you, B'Elanna."

"Hey, no sweat. After all, what are friends for, huh?"

It melted B'Elanna's heart to see Seven's mega watt smile.
//Kahless, and she is my friend. The best friend I have.
Willing to step in and help with Miral whenever she has a
free minute. Taking the time to help me work out engineering
problems. It's time I show her how much I appreciate her.//

---

B'Elanna kept her word and requested to see Janeway in her
ready room after the staff meeting.

Janeway got a cup of coffee and settled herself behind her
desk looking at B'Elanna expectedly. "What can I do for you,
Lieutenant?"

"It's not what you can do for me, Captain, but what you can
do for Seven. She needs her own quarters." Janeway looked
like she was about to say something when B'Elanna
forestalled her. "I know what you're thinking; that her
alcove will be a problem to install in regular single
occupancy quarters. I've actually worked out a plan on not
only installing her alcove, but also reducing the size.
Seven is eating solids on a more regular basis and doesn't
need to utilize it to regenerate as often. This will mean
that it could operate more efficiently with the power grid
currently used for crew quarters. Besides, if she had a bed,
she could learn to sleep and this would mean she could
eventually wean herself away from using the damned thing
altogether."

Janeway thought for a moment and agreed. "I'll work on
arranging getting her Senior Officers quarters. She is the
head of Astrometrics, which would be headed by a Senior
Officer, so no one can cause a fuss. In fact, Lieutenant
Bryan Jenkins is marrying Ensign Jemo Gowasaka, and they
will require double occupancy quarters, leaving Jenkin's
quarters free."

She took a sip of coffee and looked at B'Elanna over the rim
of her cup. "I want to thank you, B'Elanna, for the way you
have been treating Seven these past few weeks. You know, I
try to play a game of Velocity with her about once a week,
and she has been telling me about the times you invited her
to stay for dinner after she cared for Miral. If you could
see the warmth in her eyes, and the smile on her face, when
she tells me about Miral and her dinners with you, you would
never think the woman spent eighteen years of her life as an
emotionless Borg drone."

B'Elanna felt both happy and sad. Happy that Seven was
enjoying being with Miral and herself, and sad that it took
her so long to see the warm and loving person that Seven
really was.

"Well, Seven is probably the most unselfish person I know,
and the most gentle and kindest. Miral is crazy about her.
I'm just sorry it took me this long to get to know her. You
know, I now see that most of that superior attitude of hers
is just a facade she hides behind when she is uncertain or
hurt. I wish I had seen it sooner."

Janeway smiled sadly. "I've known that for a long time; I
just didn't know how to make others see it." She then gave
B'Elanna a measuring stare. "I can't tell you how to
conduct your personal life and your friendships, B'Elanna,
but I will be very displeased if you hurt her."

"Hey. I'm not going to do that. I mean, she still comes
into Engineering with that Borg //Know It All// walk and
talk, but I know where it's coming from now. We sort of
give the others a show with some insults. But Seven and I
both know the insults are just jokes now. She can dish out
some pretty good ones, too."

"Fine, B'Elanna. Just so you know what my feelings are. Take
what team you need and start with the renovations."

B'Elanna smiled and said, "Thanks, Captain. I want--"

Before B'Elanna could finish, Voyager shuddered and the
lights went to red alert.

---

"Tuvok, fire photon torpedoes. Aim for their weapons array.
Tom, get us out of here," Janeway commanded. She watched the
view screen as Voyager's photon torpedoes hit their target,
but not before the enemy ship was able to get off one last
shot. She held on to the command chair's arm, bracing for
impact. Voyager shuddered mildly from the weapon//s impact
on its shields.

Tuvok exclaimed, "Their weapons array has been neutralized.
They have dropped out of warp and the two ships with them
have stopped their pursuit of us."

For the past three weeks, Voyage was harassed by what
appeared to be a rag tag conglomerate of many different
vessels from apparently different races and cultures. Most
were half Voyager's size and lacked her firepower and warp
capabilities. They also, were no match for Voyager's
strength, except in one respect, the ability to appear out
of nowhere.

It was evident that the ships had some sort of cloaking
device that allowed them to get within 5000 meters before
they would come out of cloak to fire their weapons. A
favorite tactic was to have one ship hit from the back and
another from the front. They would then peel off, cloak, and
reappear and hit again minutes later, or even hours later.
Janeway considered them annoying insects that would scatter
with a swat, only to return later to harass them. However,
she knew that too many stings from these //insects// would
eventually cripple Voyager.

These ships never acknowledged hails or made any
communication attempts, and as Neelix was not familiar with
this part of the Delta Quadrant, he was unable to identify
them.

Seven, on the other hand, recognized several ship
configurations as belonging to at least six different
species. The Borg assimilated three of the species in the
past: The Culliar, Behganlians, and Tilmox, had all hailed
from a portion of the Delta Quadrant many parsecs away and
their assimilations occurred approximately 150 years ago.
Seven speculated that they were remnants of the original
species that had escaped assimilation or species that had
come across abandoned ships.

The other ships belonged to three species that occupied this
sector of space. The Borg had cataloged them for possible
assimilation at a later date. They were the Graegoians,
Eonians, and Barzuzans. They were a similarly related
humanoid species and were last observed by the collective
over sixty years ago, at which time they had just developed
warp capabilities. They had no qualities or technology that
the Collective wished to assimilate at that time. The
Collectives next scheduled visit was in 200 years. Then the
Collective would evaluate them for assimilation.

"Captain, two ships are approaching at warp 6. They are
hailing us," said Tuvok.

"On screen," Janeway barked out.

Voyager's view screen showed an attractive humanoid female
with smooth golden skin, brown eyes, and a scalp covered by
a short, fine fuzz of white. The nose was aquiline, the lips
small and bow shaped, and the ears small and shaped like
those of humans.

Janeway stood and stated, "I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of
the Federation Starship Voyager."

The voice that followed was a rich tenor, "We know who you
are Captain Janeway. I am Major Eija Nava, commander of the
Black Arrow and leader of the Sixth Phalanx of Pride Talart.
We have been monitoring your attempts to contact the Uuinian
Consortium's ships for the past week and your conflict with
them."

Janeway's eyes narrowed slightly in both wariness and
consternation. //Definitely military by the sounds of
things.// "Oh? Why didn't you make your presence known
earlier?"

Major Nava lifted her right eyebrow slightly and smiled
smugly, before replying, "I was curious how one lone vessel
would handle the Uuinian Consortium. It is part of my duties
to assess any party's need for our assistance."

"If you surmised that we needed no assistance, why contact
us now?"

"To collect fees for your passage through this portion of
space that is patrolled and guarded by my Pride, of course."

Janeway's eyes held a hard glint when she asked, "And if I
refuse to pay this //fee// what then?"

"You will be asked to turn back and go around this sector.
Then you will have to fend off even more attacks from the
Uuinian Consortium. I believe it would be to your benefit to
partake of our protection. If I'm not mistaken, Captain
Janeway, your ship could use some maintenance and your crew
downtime. There is a large market area at Apulan, on Barzuz,
which is two days distance from here. There you will find
what you need. And, there is a stationary space dock above
the city that can accommodate your vessel. Fees are very
reasonable."

"This sounds like an extortion racket to me, Major. What are
my guarantees that after we pay this fee, you won't turn
around and attack us?"

"Captain, we are paid by the merchants and various trade
guilds of this sector to guard their interests. If you have
come in good faith, to trade and not rob, then you will be
under our protection."

"Uh huh, //your protection// for a fee of course."

Major Nava smirked. "Of course, Captain Janeway. The fee is
very reasonable and goes to support our Pride. After all, my
Pride has many mouths to feed and many ships to maintain.
However, you have the added bonus of a personal escort by my
squadron. We are heading back to our Pride house in Apulan
for a much needed rest after this rotation. I would like to
invite you, as my guest, to dine with me on my return."

Janeway considered the invitation for a moment. She could
learn much about this section of space by accepting this
invitation. She gave her trademark uneven smile and said,
"Thank you Major. I accept your invitation and will make
arrangements to pay your fee."

Major Nava smiled brightly and nodded. "I look forward to
meeting you face to face, Captain Janeway. I am sending you
the coordinates of the spaceport. Until later."

The view screen went blank.

"Mr. Paris, do you have the coordinates?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Then proceed, warp six," Janeway ordered and went back to
her chair where she settled herself into it. She turned to
Tuvok and ordered, "Tuvok, be on alert for anything unusual.
You know as well as I do that so called "Friendly
Intentions" are anything but."

"Aye, Captain."

Janeway thought with some sadness that it was a shame that
out here in the Delta Quadrant, //Trust//, was one commodity
that was in as short supply as was dilithium.

---

B'Elanna Torres walked through the market square in the
spaceport city of Apulan, balancing the hefty ten month old
Miral on her left hip. She had just gotten off duty and
decided to do a little shopping before having to bathe and
put Miral to bed. It was nineteen hundred hours on Voyager,
but local planet time was ten hundred hours.

She stopped at a large booth with an assortment of
hand-woven blankets and handmade bolts of cloth piled neatly
and displayed on several tables. She was trying to find a
colorful blanket or bolt of cloth to make a throw to go over
her sofa and a bright coverlet for her bed. She was tired of
the monotonous Starfleet blue upholstery and bed covers.

She was also on the lookout for colorful sheets for Miral's
new bed. Maintenance had set up the child-sized bed two days
ago and the only design for sheets in the replicator buffer
was the boring Starfleet blue. Seven had programmed the
replicator to create a blanket that had baby bunnies and
targlets on it. If she had the time, she would have worked
on entering a pattern into the replicator for matching
sheets. However, time was spent on working double shifts
trying to piece Voyager back together after the many
encounters with the Uuinian Consortium, which was actually a
loose federation of pirates and other riff raff, who preyed
on whatever ship they took to be easy pickings.

They had been at the spaceport for two days and the members
of the crew were glad to spend their off time on the surface
spending their replicated local currency in the booming
port's market place and taverns. The population was
friendly and welcomed their visits. So far, all had been
peaceful with no disturbances or need for Tuvok to put
anyone in the brig for unruly behavior.

B'Elanna had to turn down crew invitations to take in the
nearest taverns because she had Miral in her care. For the
past three weeks, she had hardly had any contact with the
child, having to leave her in the care of Neelix and Sam
Wildman, when required to work double shifts in Engineering.

She had missed her daughter and relished this time to spend
with her. She had also missed the several nights a week that
Seven would join her for dinner. Seven had her duties in
Astrometrics and was also working long hours replacing the
various gel packs that were damaged in the conflict, as well
as helping out in Engineering.

Seven was supposed to join her today for some shopping after
her duty shift, but Janeway needed a last minute report on
other nearby Star Systems.

Seven stated that she would try to join her later and they
would shop for items Seven would need for her anticipated
move to her own quarters, which had been delayed by the
Uuinian Consortium attacks on Voyager.

Now that the problems with the Uuinian Consortium were
behind them, maybe things would get back to normal.

Miral started wiggling in B'Elanna's arms, wanting to get
down. "Would you be still and let Momma look at these?"
Miral started to fuss and B'Elanna put her down on her feet
by her side. "Here, wiggle worm. Hold on to Momma's hand."
She held on to Miral's hand as she used her free hand to
turn back the pieces of material. She saw a piece that
interested her and let go of Miral's hand for a second to
pull it out and take a better look.

A few seconds later she looked down and Miral was gone. She
turned and saw the child toddling into the middle of the
paved walkway, which was surprisingly vacant; the people
that would normally be on it were now standing on the side.
"Miral. Come here." Miral toddled on until she was stopped
by a pair of arms that reached for her and picked her up.
B'Elanna hurried up to a small procession, of what looked
like dignitaries, and stopped in front of the procession and
the tall middle-aged woman who now held Miral. The woman was
dressed in an ornate gold and green gown, and surrounding
her were around a dozen green clad figures, both male and
female.

"Here you go. I'll take her now." B'Elanna held out her
arms, but the woman stepped back and two burly guards, one
male and the other female, dressed in green robes, crossed
their long staffs in front of her. B'Elanna halted
immediately and reached out her arms to her child between
the crossed staffs. "Sorry about that. She got away from
me."

The woman looked at her haughtily and said, "She came to me
willingly. It is as the Gods willed. She belongs to Temple
Cothar and will serve the Gods now."

B'Elanna was stunned. She did not hear the murmuring from
the bystanders who had been watching. "Hey. Give her here.
She's mine." She reached again only to be shoved roughly
back by the two guards. Two more guards with staffs stepped
forward. "What do you think you're doing? You can't just
take my child," B'Elanna protested vigorously.

The woman clasped a now crying Miral to her and declared,
"It is decreed that any child that comes to us, whether led
by the Gods to do so, or given to us by their parents, is
ours and shall be raised by us to serve the Gods."

B'Elanna started to panic now and struggled with two of the
guards to reach her child. "What in Grethor is going on? I
haven't given you my child. Give her here," she demanded
and continued to struggle, knocking one of the guards down
with a wicked right hook. She was getting the upper hand on
another, when one of them slipped behind her and crossed her
staff over the Klingon's windpipe, effectively stopping her
struggles.

The woman said, "You should be honored that your child will
grow up to serve the Gods as a Sacred Priestess". The woman
began walking on with a crying Miral who now began screaming
in panic. Members of the Temple, dressed in green,
surrounded the woman and Miral.

B'Elanna tried to tear the staff off her neck, but the hold
was too firm. She felt lightheaded and knew that she would
pass out. She hit her comm-badge several times rapidly. She
hoped whoever was at communications was a former Maquis, as
this was the unspoken signal for an emergency beam out. She
heard a rushing of blood in her ears, and her vision
blurred, then the darkness descended.

---

Seven of Nine was in Janeway's ready room having just made
her report to the Captain. Janeway thought for a moment and
said, "So, if we take the route that Major Nava has
recommended, then we should be able to avoid any more
attacks by the Uuinian Consortium." Just then, Janeway's
comm-badge chimed with a hail from Tuvok.

"Captain, you are needed in Sick Bay. It is Lieutenant
Torres. There has been an incident on the planet involving
the Lieutenant and Miral."

Seven blanched, and Janeway replied, "On my way." Both women
looked at each other in surprise, and concern, before
Janeway hurriedly exited the ready room with Seven close on
her heels.

They entered the Turbolift and Janeway barked, "Deck five."

Seven found that her apprehension was so great she could not
say anything. Janeway glanced at her concernedly and said
nothing.

As soon as the turbolift doors opened, Seven sprinted the
short distance to Sick B ay with Janeway close behind. The
first thing Seven noticed was the Doctor hovering over an
unconscious B'Elanna who lay on a biobed. Tuvok and two of
his Security team stood nearby.

Seven rushed to B'Elanna's side. Her Borg enhanced systems
showed that B'Elanna was still breathing and she appeared
unharmed.

The Doctor addressed Janeway, "She's fine and shows no sign
of injury except some bruising and abrasions of the knuckles
on her right hand. I would say her right hand connected with
someone's head."

"Why isn't she awake?" Janeway asked as she walked up to
the biobed and quickly looked B'Elanna over.

Tuvok stepped up and said, "I had to apply a Vulcan nerve
pinch."

Janeway looked at him and said, "What happened? Where is
Miral?"

"The child's whereabouts are unknown. Apparently, someone
took the child, and Lieutenant Torres tried to free her. I
was at communications, received a Maquis distress signal
from her comm-badge, and initiated an emergency transport.
She was unconscious but quickly regained consciousness and
demanded that Ensign Carter transport her back to the
surface. She tried forcibly to take Ensign Carter's phaser
from him. He quickly summoned Security. When they arrived in
the transporter room, Lieutenant Torres had the phaser
turned on Ensign Carter and was demanding to be sent back
down to the surface. She refused to drop her weapon when
ordered. I arrived on the scene and requested that she
desist in her current course of action. She refused. I
ordered Ensign Carter to do what the Lieutenant ordered. He
initiated the transport to the surface but I reversed it. As
soon as she rematerialized, I administered a nerve pinch and
had her transported here."

"What of Miral? Did you scan the surface for her?"

"Yes, Captain. We can find no signs of her on the surface."

Janeway lifted her eyebrows in disbelief, and Tuvok
continued, "Captain. There are twelve places on the surface
that are surrounded by energy fields that our scans cannot
penetrate. Those being the houses of the Ten Prides and Two
Temples of religion. I believe that she may be at one of
these places."

Seven's voice was strident as she said, "You must organize
a search party immediately. You must contact these places
and ascertain if Miral is being held by one."

Janeway said, "I'll handle this, Seven. Tuvok, contact
Major Nava. Tell her I request her help immediately."
Janeway then turned to the EMH. "Doctor. Wake her up."

Seven stepped closer to B'Elanna and took her left hand as
the doctor administered a hypospray to wake her.

B'Elanna opened her eyes and focused on Seven, immediately
trying to get up. "Miral, they have Miral, they have my
baby."

She struggled but Seven held her by the shoulders.
"B'Elanna, what happened?"

"We have to go get her! Let me go!" B'Elanna struggled to
get loose.

Janeway interceded, "B'Elanna, calm down. Tell us what
happened so we can help."

B'Elanna still struggling, screamed, "Captain, they took my
baby, do something!"

Seven gently but firmly shook B'Elanna and clasping her by
the chin, turned B'Elanna's face so that she had to look
her in the eyes. "B'Elanna, please, control yourself. You
must tell us what occurred."

B'Elanna seemed to calm, but her breath came in heaves. "We
were shopping. . . she got away from me. A woman. . . some dignitary
with guards, took her. She said she was hers by decree. DO
SOMETHING! Use the damn sensors to find her and beam her
up!"

Janeway stated, "She is not registering on our sensors."

"What the hell do you mean? She's there, on the surface, I
tell you!"

"We believe she is being held in a shielded area. I want you
to tell Tuvok everything that occurred. I have put in an
urgent call to Major Nava. I'll give her the information
and she can perhaps assist us," Janeway said and looked at
Tuvok, "Tuvok. Order all crewmembers on the surface to
return to the ship immediately. I Don't want any more
incidents. Contact Tom immediately. He needs to know what
has happened."

B'Elanna started to cry, "My baby, my baby."

Seven enfolded her in her arms and said with a shaky voice,
her right eye tearing, "I will see to it that Miral is
found. I promise this to you."

B'Elanna wiped her eyes and said, "Thank you, Seven. I know
you will. You are the best friend I have."

B'Elanna then turned to Tuvok and began telling him
everything she could remember.

---

Seven of Nine sat next to B'Elanna at the conference room
table, and listened intently as her friend relayed the
events of Miral's abduction to Major Nava, who sat at the
opposite end of the table from Captain Janeway. Tom sat on
B'Elanna's other side. Tuvok and Chakotay sat on the
opposite side.

B'Elanna's voice was pleading, "Please Major. You have got
to help me get my baby back." Seven placed her hand over
B'Elanna's hand protectively, and looked toward the Major,
as did everyone else.

Major Nava sighed. "I am sorry. There is nothing that I can
do. It is an old and ancient law and goes back to a time of
hardship on this planet. During times of famine, families
that could not care for their children, sold them into
servitude or dedicated them to the service of the Gods in
Temple Cothar or Temple Tatheon. It also came about as
custom for children to escape abusive guardians and masters
and seek protection from the Temples. These children are
said to be gifts from the Gods, as it is believed that the
Gods directed them to the Temples. The High Priestess of
Temple Cothar, Phehere, has apparently taken it upon herself
to interpret your child going to her as a sign that the Gods
directed her into the Temple's Care and Service. Temple
Cothar is the most powerful faction in this sector. Not one
of the Prides will challenge them. The only ones that would
speak up against them is Temple Tatheon. But they hold to
the same beliefs when it comes to children entering their
service."

B'Elanna stood with her eyes ablaze and said in a deep
growl, "I Don't care if they're Kahless, Jesus Christ, or
the Prophets. They have my baby, and I want her back. Give
me a phaser and I'll kill every one of them."

Seven also stood, eyes blazing, and looked at Janeway.
"Captain. Give them an ultimatum. Inform them that if they
do not return Miral, you shall utilize Voyager's firepower
and force them to do so."

Janeway was exasperated but gave her best command stare and
ordered, "Please. Both of you sit down." She looked at Major
Nava. "You said that you cannot do anything. But, short of
forcefully removing the child, is there another way?"

"Yes. A family member related by blood, marriage, or
adoption, must challenge the claim within day of the child
going into the custody of the Temple. If the challenge is
valid, a contest consisting of unarmed combat, takes place
three days after the challenge is made in the 'Champions'
Field' outside of the city. There has been no challenge in
my lifetime. The last was some eighty years ago. Throughout
all of known history, Temple Cothar has never lost. They,
after all, are the inventors of the fighting technique known
as Tsunkatse and their priests are trained in the art from
childhood."

B'Elanna immediately exclaimed, "I Don't care what
technique they know. I'll fight all of them and tear their
hearts out!"

Seven stood and adamantly stated, "I will fight their
champion."

Janeway interceded. "Sit down, Seven. There has to be
another way."

Seven replied, "As you are well aware, Captain, I am trained
in Tsunkatse and have fought in several matches."

Major Nava looked closely at the young woman, and said in a
voice that relayed her confusion, "Trained in Tsunkatse? How
is that possible? Only the Priests of Temple Cothar have the
authority to train. . . " then she understood and continued, "Ah.
You were no doubt trained in a bastardized form of the art.
I hear it is a popular form of entertainment in the
Narcadian sector. You would have very little chance of
defeating a master of the true art form."

"I am Borg. I will prevail," Seven answered coldly.

Major Nava looked her up and down with a twinkle of interest
in her eyes and a slight leer to her features. "Not like any
Borg I've ever heard of, or seen images of. But,
regardless, are you a relative of the child?"

"What is your definition of relative? Indeed, Voyager is my
collective and I consider the crewmembers. . . family."

"The rules are clear. It has to be a blood relative, a
relative by adoption, or a relative by marriage. Believe me;
I know what you mean when you say that your shipmates are
your family, as is my Pride a family to me. But, by law,
they are not a relative."

B'Elanna looked at Seven and said, "I appreciate your offer,
Seven, but Miral is mine and I'll fight for her."

Tom looked at B'Elanna. "She's my daughter, I'll fight
them. She will need you, B'Elanna, if I should lose."

"I will fight. I'll die rather than let them keep her."
B'Elanna looked at Major Nava. "Does the combat have to be
Tsunkatse or can another method be used?"

"You can use whatever method, provided it is unarmed combat.
But no method that I am aware of has ever defeated a trained
Tsunkatse champion."

Janeway stated, "Sit down. I'll not have any of you
fighting."

Just then, Major Nava received a hail from her small
rectangular communicator on her belt. She removed the
communicator and spoke into it. "Yes, Major Nava."

"Major. Pride Llesed has informed me that both they, and
Pride Hjod, have been called into service by Temple Cothar.
They are to escort Voyager from this sector of space. They
are moving their fleet into position to escort Voyager now."

Harry Kim announced over the comm, "Captain. You have an
urgent message from a Major Pru'eq of Pride Llesed. There
are eight ships approaching our coordinates."

"Harry, tell them I will be with them shortly. Janeway out."

She turned to Major Nava. "Why are these two Prides
//called// to escort us out? Has Temple Cothar hired them?
Can we hire your Pride for protection?"

"No, Captain. They are devout followers of the religious
principles of Temple Cothar. Cothar's priests often use them
as escorts if they have to leave the planet. By law, Prides
cannot war against each or interfere with another Pride's
work. To be hired by an opposing party would be looked upon
as interference."

Tuvok looked at Major Nava. "If we issue a challenge, will
this result in a delay of our expulsion from this sector of
space?"

"Yes. You will be allowed to stay until the contest is
settled. But you must issue the challenge now."

Tom said, "I will take the challenge."

Seven of Nine admired him for his courage but knew he could
not win. "You will fail. I am the logical choice."

"Yeah. But you aren't related by blood, adoption or
marriage, Seven. So that leaves me."

Seven turned to B'Elanna and looked fully into her eyes.
"B'Elanna, I am the only logical choice. I will get Miral
back to you. I will not fail. I. . . see no other solution. Marry
me."

There was a collective intake of breath and a split second
of silence, and then the whole room exploded with everyone,
except Seven and B'Elanna, talking at once.

Janeway called for order, "Enough." She looked at Seven.
"Seven. . . I Don't think--"

Seven interrupted, "This matter is between B'Elanna and me."
She turned back to B'Elanna, and took B'Elanna's hand in
hers and said with conviction, "Trust me. I will not fail."
Her look and voice gentled. "Marry me, B'Elanna."

B'Elanna looked into Seven's eyes and saw the sincerity and
conviction. "Yes. I will marry you, Seven."

Tom Paris blurted out, "I Don't think--"

"Tom!" Janeway growled in warning, holding her hand up, palm
out, to stop him from continuing. She then turned her
attention back to the two women and sighed before nodding
and saying, "Very well. I want to see the two of you in my
ready room as soon as this meeting is adjourned."

"Captain Janeway," Major Nava said, and continued, "I think
it might be a good idea if I contact a member of Temple
Tatheon to officiate the marriage. That way Temple Cothar
will not be able to issue a challenge as to the validity of
the marriage, since it will be recognized by the laws of
Barzuz."

Janeway looked at both B'Elanna and Seven, raising her
eyebrows in question. "Do you two agree to this?"

"No objections here, Captain," B'Elanna said and looked at
Seven.

"I agree." Seven inclined her head slightly.

"Very well." Janeway turned her attention back to Major
Nava. "Do it, Major Nava."

B'Elanna swallowed hard and looked at Seven who was looking
back at her with a decidedly nervous expression on her face.

---

Both B'Elanna and Seven stood before Captain Janeway in her
ready room. Janeway glanced from one to the other of them, a
look of concern on her face that reflected in her tone when
she asked, "Are you sure you two want to do this—"

B'Elanna quickly interrupted, "I'm sure, Captain. . . "she
glanced quickly at Seven, and continued, "Seven?"

"It is the only logical solution. I am the best qualified to
challenge Temple Cothar's champion."

Janeway sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll
perform the official Federation ceremony. That way the
marriage will be valid under Federation law. Temple Tatheon
will perform their ceremony to make it valid under Barzuz
law. Tuvok and Major Nava will act as witnesses."

"Thank you, Captain," B'Elanna said.

"After all. . . this. . . is over, I will, of course, annul the
marriage," Janeway said.

Seven immediately stood more erect and looked at B'Elanna
with wide eyes, which reflected her confusion. B'Elanna
glanced nervously back at her before directing her attention
back to Janeway, replying with a frown, "Captain. . . I Don't
even want to address that. . .  issue. . . not yet. . . not until I have
Miral back."

Janeway nodded and tapped her comm-badge. "Tuvok, As soon as
the representative to Temple Tatheon arrives, I want you and
Major Nava to come to my ready room right away and act as
witnesses to the marriage of B'Elanna and Seven."

"Very well, Captain. The representative to Temple Tatheon is
being beamed aboard now. We will meet in your ready room
shortly."

"Very well, Janeway out." Janeway noticed the scared looks
on both B'Elanna and Seven's face, but decided to hold her
tongue and say nothing more to try and discourage the two.
She could well attest to both Klingon and Borg stubbornness.
Her chances of changing their minds had about as much chance
of succeeding as an attempt to loot the Ferengi Great
Exchequer of all its gold pressed latinum.

---

B'Elanna swallowed the lump in her throat as she held fast
to Seven's right hand, with her left hand, and listened to
Temple Tatheon's ancient and wizened priest chant out some
ancient invocation that the universal translators couldn't
decipher. She wondered how he could move in his heavy silver
and blue robes encrusted with thousands of small blue and
clear beads in an intricate pattern of swirls and
starbursts.

He looked from one to the other and smiling, held an ornate
gold scepter, first over Seven's head and then over her
head. He stepped back and said in a booming and officious
voice, "May the Gods hold this joining in favor. May they
grant you happiness and many children." He nodded and then
was silent.

Seven looked at B'Elanna and then at the priest and said,
"Is the ceremony concluded?"

"Yes, my child. You and your beloved are as one."

B'Elanna took in a deep breath and thought, //Beloved. If
only. . . // She clamped down on the rest of her thoughts knowing
that they would lead to even more sadness than she was
already feeling. She let go of Seven's hand and looked at
Major Nava. "Major, when can we issue the challenge?"

"I will arrange for that right away." Major Nava took her
communicator and spoke into it. "Major Nava, here. Connect
me with Temple Cothar right away."

---

Seven threw her opponent to the ground, but he quickly
sprang up and shot his right leg out, hitting her below her
right knee. She went crashing to her side and he threw
himself on her. She was prepared and rammed her left fist
into his chin, staggering him. She rolled from under him,
got on her knees, and came down with both elbows onto his
back. He fell forward and she jumped on his back and twisted
his neck until she heard it snap, killing him. She rested on
the prone body for a second and took in a deep breath before
her next round.

Seven was startled by B'Elanna's voice. "Computer, end
program." The arena faded around her and the holodeck grid
appeared. She observed her wife standing some three yards
away.

She had married B'Elanna some twelve hours before in a quick
ceremony performed by Captain Janeway and an even quicker
one performed by the priest from the Temple Tatheon. Even
though Temple Tatheon and Temple Cothar were rivals,
ceremonies officiated over by either were recognized by the
laws of Barzuz. Having a priest of the opposing Temple also
perform the ceremony would legitimize the marriage under
Barzuzan law and prevent a challenge to its validity if just
the Captain performed a Federation ceremony.

Immediately after the ceremony, Major Nava contacted Temple
Cothar with Seven's challenge. Combat was set for three
days from when the challenge was issued. Seven had less than
fifty-six hours to prepare.

B'Elanna handed Seven a towel that she found neatly folded
on the deck. "Seven. I think you need to rest and get
something to eat. You have been going at this for over ten
hours. Come with me back to my quarters and let me get you
something to eat."

"I do not require rest or nutrition at this time. I
regenerated three days ago and will regenerate for eight
hours prior to the contest. My time can be better spent
training."

B'Elanna placed her hand on Seven's arm and looked up into
her eyes. "Please, Seven. Do this for me. We need to talk.
We didn't have time to talk before the marriage took place,
or afterwards."

Seven was touched by the soft and caring look on B'Elanna's
face and in her eyes, which were warm dark amber. She also
noticed the dark smudges underneath them and the redness in
the corners of the white areas. She would adhere to
B'Elanna's wishes, as she did not want to add to the
woman's intense worry and grief. However, she was a little
apprehensive about what B'Elanna wanted to talk about."

"Very well."

Once in B'Elanna's quarters, Seven immediately went to the
bathroom and removed her black Velocity outfit and shoes.
She would recycle them for training, and later, for use in
the actual combat. They fit close to the skin and would not
allow her opponent to grab hold of a loose fold of cloth, or
open sleeve, and throw her off balance.

She went into the sonic shower and put the setting on high.
It had been an intense workout, which had caused her to
perspire. Something she rarely did as her nanoprobes and
biosuits normally prevented this. She also felt a little
soreness in her muscles. This should disappear soon due to
her propensity to heal quickly, a gift of her nanoprobes.

She exited the shower and noticed that her velocity suit and
shoes were gone and replaced with a set of Starfleet
standard underclothes and a soft yellow pull over shirt with
bell shaped sleeves and a small v- neck. Also, there was a
pair of loose drawstring trousers in mint green and a pair
of tan sandals. She put them on and exited the bathroom and
bedroom, and into the small dining area.

Seven observed that the table was set with only one place
setting. B'Elanna had just turned from the replicator with a
tray laden with a bowl of vegetable soup and a salad.

"Take a seat right there, Seven." she indicated the one with
the place setting which was Seven's customary seat when
dining with B'Elanna. "I know that you like vegetable soup
and took the liberty of replicating this. What would you
like to drink?"

"Water will be sufficient."

B'Elanna replicated the water and placed it before Seven.
She took the seat across from Seven and looked at her,
saying nothing.

Seven sat up straight, placing her hands on her lap and
said, "B'Elanna. You have not replicated anything for
yourself."

"I'm not hungry."

"When was the last time you ingested nutriments?"

"I Don't know. I'm just not hungry. Okay?"

"I will not ingest nutriments unless you also ingest
nutriments."

"I Don't want anything."

"Comply."

"I said I'm not hungry," B'Elanna replied tersely.

Seven stood up, took her tray, and went over to the
replicator.

B'Elanna knew that she was going to dispose of the tray and
its contents. "Hey. Okay. I'll eat something."

Seven turned and placed the tray in front of B'Elanna and
then replicated a glass of prune juice for her, and another
soup and salad for herself. She placed the prune juice by
B'Elanna's soup bowl.

"You are one stubborn and bossy Borg," B'Elanna declared
with a slight frown.

"Correct. Resistance is futile. Now you may start
ingesting."

B'Elanna snorted, picked up her spoon, and started to eat.
She was aware that Seven was watching her every bite. Seven
would only eat when B'Elanna ate, matching her bite for
bite.

No words were spoke, and when they were through, Seven took
the empty bowls and put them in the recycler. B'Elanna had
moved to the sofa and had her arms clasped around her
middle. Seven could tell that she was distressed. She moved
over to the chair that was facing the sofa and sat. She
waited patiently for B'Elanna to speak, but B'Elanna did not
say anything, her eyes unfocused and far away, and her face
a mask of sorrow and worry.

Seven said in a determined voice, "I will not fail. Trust
me."

B'Elanna looked up and into Seven's eyes. "But if you do
not--"

"No. I am Borg. Failure is not an option."

B'Elanna continued, "Seven. They invented Tsunkatse. Their
Champion will be the best and trained since childhood. I'm
not saying you can't win, I'm just saying what if you
fail?"

Seven replied, "That may be true, their Champion may be
better trained. However, I am Borg. I have the assimilated
knowledge of other forms of fighting. I have also been
practicing them. I will prevail."

"Seven, I'm just saying if--."

Seven interrupted, her voice strident, "You do not trust me.
You do not have. . . faith in me."

"I do, Seven. Kahless, I do. I just can't help being
afraid." B'Elanna started to cry.

Seven left her seat and sat on the sofa beside B'Elanna. She
put her arms around her shoulder and B'Elanna turned into
the embrace, placing her head on Seven's shoulder, and
cried.

Seven felt the great wracking heaves of sorrow and felt her
own eyes tear. She must be strong for B'Elanna though. She
used all of her Borg reserve to control her grief. She would
not fail. Failure was not an option.

B'Elanna quit crying and drew back, using the heel of her
hands to rub the tears from her eyes.

Seven saw in her face the tremendous amount of weariness and
inquired, "When have you last regen. . . slept?"

"I can't sleep."

Seven stood and pulled B'Elanna up by her hand and led her
into the bedroom. She turned back the covers and looked
expectantly at B'Elanna. "Do you require night clothes?"

"I can't sleep, Seven. How about you? I know that since you
have been ingesting solids that you have been sleeping some.
When was the last time that you slept or rested?"

"That is not important. I regenerated three days ago and do
not need to sleep or rest."

"Bull crap. Don't give me that. You have dark smudges under
your eyes. That tells me you need to sleep."

"Very well. I will attempt to sleep on the sofa."

"No, Seven. Don't go. I. . . I want you to stay with me, to hold
me. Please?" B'Elanna said beseechingly.

Seven nodded her head and watched as B'Elanna removed her
shirt, shoes and trousers, leaving only her Starfleet issue
undershirt and panties on. Seven held the covers back for
her as she slipped under them. Seven removed just her
sandals, leaving her clothes on, and slipping between the
sheets, she settled herself next to B'Elanna. B'Elanna
scooted over and Seven opened her left arm and drew her
close. B'Elanna placed her head on Seven's chest and softly
said, "Seven. I want you to know that I thank you with all
that I have for what you are doing. I Don't think I will
ever be able to repay you."

"Repay me? I do this because I love Miral and because I
lo. . . because you are my friend."

"Seven, you are the best friend I've ever had. I never told
you this, but I want to tell you now, I'm sorry about how I
treated you in the past. I was rude and hateful to you. Will
you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive. Your behavior toward me was
predicated by my actions toward you. I should ask for your
forgiveness."

"How can you say that? I didn't understand that the way you
acted was due to the fact that you didn't know how to
relate, that you had really no interaction with others to
know how to relate."

"That may have been true when I first came aboard Voyager.
However, my behavior to you was not always due to ignorance
of polite behavior or the appropriate way to. . . act. I, at
times, deliberately antagonized you to observe your
reactions."

B'Elanna sucked in her breath and propped herself up on one
elbow and looked at Seven. "Why, Seven?"

"You intrigue me. You are emotional in your responses. I
found your emotions to be very informative."

"Informative?"

"Yes. I spent eighteen years as a Borg drone, with no
emotions. When Captain Janeway freed me, I began to feel
emotion. At first, anger at Captain Janeway for removing me
from the collective. I could not control emotions so I
suppressed them by exerting my Borg behavior. I feared that
my emotions would consume me and consume others. You,
B'Elanna, you do not fear your emotions. You embrace them.
You may seem erratic at times. However, I have observed that
you channel your emotions into solving problems. Especially
your anger. I hoped to learn this technique from you."

B'Elanna smiled tenderly and said, "Oh, Seven, what am I
going to do with you? You are so very wrong. My anger
controls me. It has gotten me into situations that are
pretty bad. Please Don't go there. You're doing just fine
in the emotion department. You may be subtle, but that would
probably be your nature even if you weren't assimilated by
the Borg."

"You are not angry with me for. . . antagonizing you?"

B'Elanna snorted. "No. I antagonized you just as much to see
if you would respond. You know, I found your Borgness a
challenge. I wanted to be the one to break through and get
some response. Are you angry with me?"

"No." Seven thought, //You did. . . break through. I love you.//

"Well. Let's forget about all that. I'm glad you're my
friend. I know that you'll get Miral back. Back to me and
her Auntie Seven."

"That I promise you. Now we shall regen. . . sleep."

A few minutes later Seven heard B'Elanna's even breathing.
She could feel the faint pounding of B'Elanna's heart
against her side, the rhythmic pulse lulling her to sleep.

---

Seven woke disorientated, until she heard the soft breathing
of the woman who spooned her from behind. She smiled to
herself, and then sobered. This would not last. She would
triumph in this contest and B'Elanna would have Miral again.
The marriage, in all probability, would be annulled and they
would once again return to being friends.

Seven knew what the meaning of the word //divorce// meant as
it related to marriage, as she had researched the word after
learning of B'Elanna's and Tom's divorce. However, she was
unfamiliar with the term //annulment// in relationship to
marriage. She quickly researched it right after the marriage
ceremonies, and found it to mean a declaration by a
presiding authority that a marriage was invalid. There were
many reasons for obtaining an annulment over divorce, those
being a diminished mental capacity of the individuals
involved to give consent, those under the legal age for
marriage, those already married, fraud, and failure to
consummate the marriage.

The last two, Seven thought, would probably be the reasons
used to annul her marriage to B'Elanna. Though truthfully,
she would like this marriage to be reality, for B'Elanna to
accept her as her spouse. And all that entailed, including
sexual relations. She had often fantasized what it would be
like to engage in copu. . . no...//Making love// to and with
B'Elanna.

B'Elanna turning slightly interrupted her thoughts. Seven
stayed still for a few moments and listened to ascertain
that B'Elanna was still asleep. She checked the chronometer
on the nightstand and saw that she had managed to sleep for
4.25 hours. She slipped from the bed and found her Velocity
suit and shoes, then slipped into the living room and put
them on. She would resume her training.

---

B'Elanna awoke with a start, her heart racing, and a
terrible feeling that something was wrong. Then it hit her.
Miral. She looked next to her for Seven, but the bed was
empty. Her quarters were quiet. There were no sounds coming
from the living area or bathroom. She checked the
chronometer. It was twenty hundred hours. She had slept for
eight hours. "Computer, lights at half."

The lights went up and the computer informed her, "Captain
Janeway has left instructions for you to contact her."

B'Elanna had left instructions that she was not to be
disturbed unless there was news of Miral, and then she was
to be awakened immediately. Apparently, this was not urgent
news, so the computer would hold the message until there
were indications that she was up. Her ordering the lights at
half indicated to the computer that she was in her quarters
and it delivered her the message.

"Computer, what is the location of Captain Janeway?"

"Captain Janeway is in her quarters."

It was still early and B'Elanna knew that the Captain would
still be up. "B'Elanna Torres to Captain Janeway."

"Captain Janeway. B'Elanna, I need to talk to you. I will
come to your quarters."

"Is this about Miral?"

"I think we may have found a way to get Miral back without
resorting to a physical contest."

"Okay Captain. I'll be here."

"On my way. Janeway out."

B'Elanna felt a glimmer of hope that there was a way to get
Miral back and avoid placing Seven in danger. She felt some
amount of impatience waiting for the Captain and went to the
replicator. "Rum and cola, on the rocks."

She took her glass and sat on the sofa, leaned into the back
cushion and put her feet up on the coffee table. She felt a
slight tension headache coming on and placed the cold glass
briefly against her forehead, before lowering it to take a
drink.

"Computer, what is the location of Seven of Nine?"

"Seven of Nine is in holodeck one."

"How long has Seven of Nine been in Holodeck one?"

"Three hours and twenty five minutes."

B'Elanna closed her eyes. No doubt Seven was running her
Tsunkatse simulation. 'How did I get so lucky to have
someone like Seven come into my life. She's amazing and I
love her, Kahless help me, I love her. I want her, not just
physically; well there is that of course. I want her as my
mate. Can she feel for me more than friendship? I want this
marriage to be real.//

There was a chime at her door. "Enter". Captain Janeway
entered and seeing B'Elanna over on the sofa went and sat in
the chair facing the sofa.

"Captain. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"No thanks. I spoke to Major Nava. She informed me that in
twenty-eight days the planet will be celebrating the
Festival of Beginnings. It is a high religious holiday with
both main religions participating. Each Temple has all of
its members, no matter the age, leave their Temple grounds
and go to a spring, which is located in the center of the
city. There are several rituals involving the waters from
the spring. Major Nava has sector control on that date. She
said that if we take a shuttlecraft through her sector, she
would ignore it. All we have to do is scan for Miral's
bio-signs, find her, and beam her aboard. Major Nava will
also ignore our departure."

"Twenty eight days! No, Captain, I can't wait that long.
Miral can't wait that long. I Don't even want to think
about the emotional trauma Miral is suffering just from all
of this. Three days is three days too many. Twenty-eight
days. No way."

"Think about Seven, B'Elanna. What if she fails, what if she
is. . . killed?"

B'Elanna stood up and distanced herself from Janeway, her
anger flaring. "Have you discussed this with Seven?"

"No. I intend to, after I talk to you."

"Don't. Her mind is made up on this. I know her, Captain.
She will not go along with this. For us to discuss this is
betraying our faith in her."

"B'Elanna. I know this is hard. But be reasonable. Why take
a chance that may end with Seven losing her life?"

"She won't fail, Captain. She will prevail. She is a very
special person. Failure is not wired into her thinking. Look
at all she's done for Voyager. . .  for all of us. She took us
through the nebula, alone. She brought Neelix back to life.
She even helped defeat the Borg. Shall I go on? She will not
fail. I have faith in her Captain. Listen, I appreciated you
trying to help. I know you mean well, Captain. Let Seven do
this."

Janeway sighed. "If Seven agrees with this plan?"

"She won't. You'll just waste your time talking to her
about this."

"I'll take that under advisement."

B'Elanna snorted. "you're the Captain. I can't stop you
from talking to her. Just make sure if she asks what my
opinion is, you tell her I believe in her."

Janeway nodded and turned to go.

---

It was four hours after resuming her training that Seven
noticed Captain Janeway standing to one side. "Computer,
stop program."

The holographic arena and adversary faded away only to leave
the holodeck grid. Seven walked the few feet to Janeway and
stood at attention, her hands clasped behind her back.
"Captain. How may I be of assistance?"

"Seven. I want you to hear me out and consider what I'm
going to tell you. We have a plan to get Miral away from
Temple Cothar without you having to enter into combat."

"Proceed."

Janeway explained to her about the celebration twenty-eight
days hence and their plan to retrieve Miral.

"Insufficient. I will proceed with the contest."

"Why is it insufficient?"

"Twenty eight days is too long. Indeed, every hour that
Temple Cothar has Miral in their custody is too long. I
shall free her in two days."

"Seven. Listen to me. You could be killed. Why do this when
we have a solution?"

"My solution is more expedient. I shall prevail."

"Seven. I could order you not to participate in this."

Seven gave Janeway a measured and cold look before pointedly
stating, "However, you will not."

"Don't be too sure of that."

"You would not like the consequences of that decision."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No. I am informing you. Do not thwart me in this, Captain,
or I may not be able to remain your friend, and I will make
a formidable foe."

Seven could tell that Janeway was controlling her anger by
the tightening of her lips and narrowing of her eyes.

Her mentor, friend and Captain, sighed. "Very well. I won't
stand in your way. Tuvok, the Doctor, and I will witness the
combat, along with Tom and of course, B'Elanna."

Janeway's features softened for a moment and she stepped
forward and put her hand on Seven's left shoulder. "Seven.
I do have faith in you. I'm just worried, that's all."

Seven placed her right hand over the one Janeway had on her
shoulder. "Thank you, Kathryn, for your friendship and your
faith."

Janeway smiled and Seven stepped back and said, "Computer,
resume program Seven two zeta one zero one."

---

"Computer, what is the location of Seven of Nine?"

"Seven of Nine is in Holodeck one."

B'Elanna sighed and shook her head. //Damn, fourteen hours
straight. Borg or not, she has got to rest.//

B'Elanna had been checking Seven's whereabouts every hour.
It gave her something to do besides worry. She thought of
occupying herself with work, but her mind was too
distracted. She had tried working on some Engineering
problems but her mind could not concentrate.

Finally, she just gave up, did a little cleaning of her
quarters, took a long hot tub bath and even attempted to
sleep. She later moved to the sofa and just stared out the
window to the gold, blue, and green globe shining brightly
in the velvet blackness. Watching the ever-changing cloud
patterns and the constant change of day into night, now that
Voyager had left the spaceport and was orbiting the planet,
she thought of Miral. She could see the small speck that was
the city where the Temple of Cothar was located. She prayed
that Miral was safe. She felt like crying, she missed her so
much. Did Miral miss her? Of course she did. This must be so
confusing and frightening to her baby.

She got up from the sofa and put on her discarded Starfleet
issue sweater and trousers. She slipped into her boots and
headed toward the door, intending to go to holodeck one and
bring Seven back to her quarters for food and rest. //To my
quarters. Our quarters. If only.//

She opened her door to exit and ran head long into Tom
Paris, almost knocking him over. He caught her in his arms
and she went to pull back but he held on and said, "Lanna, I
need to talk to you."

She pulled free of his arms, glared at him, and surly said,
"Can this wait, Tom? I have something important I've got to
do."

"This will only take a few minutes. Can we go inside and
talk?"

B'Elanna sighed and stood to one side motioning Tom into her
quarters. She followed close behind, walked past him to one
of the dining area chairs, and seated herself.

"Talk," she growled out.

He took a chair across the table from her. "I know I've
been a less than ideal father to Miral. . . " B'Elanna snorted
derisively. Tom continued, "but, I swear to you, when we get
her back, I'll make it up to her, and you."

B'Elanna looked at him, the contempt evident in her voice.
"Why all of a sudden? It's not like you cared before.
Sandra toss your sorry butt out?" She had heard that Tom had
moved in with the Ensign a week after their divorce.

"No. I moved out and into quarters of my own ten days ago.
Look, Lanna, I'm sorry. I was wrong. I Don't have feelings
for her. It's you I love. . . you and Miral. Can you just give
me another chance? I swear to you I'll be the husband you
want, and I'll be there for Miral and be the father she
needs."

B'Elanna looked at him in disbelief. Her emotions were
seesawing from anger to satisfaction. Satisfaction that he
wanted her and was now getting payback. But there was no way
this would ever happen. She loved another. She loved Seven
of Nine. If Seven never returned that love, it didn't
matter. She would always love her.

She swallowed her anger and said, "Tom, I'm grateful that
you offered to fight for Miral. I do think you need to be in
her life more and I'm willing to work with you on that. But
as far as me and you. . . I Don't love you."

"Lanna, you loved me once. Let me show you that you can love
me again," Tom said pleadingly.

"No, Tom. In a way, I did love you. But it was not a total
and complete love. I loved the idea of being in love and
convinced myself that what we had could become a complete
and deep love."

"It can be like that, Lanna. Just give me a chance."

"No. I'm married now, Tom."

"Yeah, but that's in name only. Everybody knows it doesn't
mean anything...that it will end when we have Miral back."

B'Elanna stood up, her body tense with anger, her breathing
harsh and her face flushed, eyes blazing, she snarled, "Get
out of here! Now, Tom! Before I forget that you're Miral's
father and do something we will both regret."

Tom was stunned. He saw it now. "you're in love with her
aren't you?"

"Now, Tom. Leave!"

"Lanna, listen. I know that worrying about Miral has you
confused. But, Seven? I just Don't believe it. For God's
sake, she's Borg, more machine than human."

B'Elanna growled and grabbed Tom by the neck of his tunic,
pulled him up from the chair, rushed him to the door, and
tossed him out into the corridor, where he landed on his
behind against the bulkhead.

She looked at him disdainfully and in a voice with barely
controlled rage, hissed, "That //machine// loves Miral and
has more honor than you could ever have if you lived a
thousand life times. If you ever say anything like that
again about my wife, I'll arrange for you to disappear out
of the nearest airlock." She stepped out into the corridor
and he backed up as tight as he could against the bulkhead.

She stalked past him without giving him a glance. Her
thoughts now focused on her wife, whom she hoped to bring
home with her for a much-needed rest.

---

B'Elanna looked up at the regenerating form of Seven of
Nine. Her features were relaxed and she looked so young and
vulnerable. To B'Elanna, she looked like a goddess, one that
represented spring and youth, carved from pink marble and
creamy alabaster. She wore a soft rose-colored blouse and
soft gray slacks that B'Elanna had replicated for her after
her last practice session. Her regeneration cycle was due to
end in a few minutes. The contest was a little over an hour
away.

B'Elanna wanted this time alone with Seven. She wanted to
perform the ancient custom of her mother's people: The
ritual bath that a spouse gave their warrior and the ritual
dressing of the warrior before they were to enter into
battle.

She also had things she wanted to say to Seven. Things that
scared her but that she needed to say. She wanted Seven in
her life, but she lacked the courage to tell her. Until now.

Earlier, while Seven regenerated, and she was awake and
restless in her quarters, she thought about getting Miral
back. She also thought about Seven. She wanted Seven to know
that she was loved before she entered into this fight. Loved
and cherished. Even if Seven didn't return that love, that
was Okay. Well, it would break her heart but she knew Seven
cared for her and loved her as a friend, and loved Miral.

With all the cruelties and injustices she had seen in war
against the Cardassians and here in the Delta Quadrant, her
belief in the good of sentient species had burned to ashes.
She had lost all faith in the decency of others. Love, she
wanted to believe in it, but experience showed her that it
was just a four-letter word. Until Miral, and she now knew
the love of her child. Until Seven, when her faith in
another was reborn and love rose from the ashes as a
phoenix. Reborn and stronger than before.

Yes, she would tell Seven. There was power in love. In
addition, perhaps, Seven knowing of her love, would feel
even more empowered. Love triumphant. Love triumphs. Yes,
she believed that now.

//Regeneration cycle complete.// Seven opened her eyes and
immediately saw her. B'Elanna noticed warmth in her gaze and
a softening of her features.

"B'Elanna?" she said with some concern and doubt.

"Seven. Come back to my quarters with me. I need to tell you
something. . . something important." B'Elanna said nervously.

Seven tilted her head to one side as if trying to read
between the lines. B'Elanna noticed a hardening of her
features and a rigidness of her body. Seven had returned to
her former Borg demeanor and answered in a cold Borg voice,
"Very well."

They left cargo bay two in silence.

"How was your regeneration?"

"Adequate."

"Would you like anything to eat?"

Seven answered in her Borg monotone, "I do not require
nutritional supplements." She paused before continuing,
"Thank you for your offer."

B'Elanna knew that a lot of Seven's current Borg behavior
was brought on by the imminent contest. And, perhaps, by
B'Elanna's own nervousness.

They finished the rest of the trip to B'Elanna's quarters
in silence.

On entering her quarters, B'Elanna said, "Have a seat, while
I prepare a bath for you and replicate you a velocity suit."

Seven stood in her old Borg pose, straight and with her
hands behind her back. She turned her head, studied B'Elanna
dispassionately with her left implant, and then said,
"Bath?"

B'Elanna walked up to Seven, stopped a few inches from her,
and said softly, "It's an old Klingon custom for the
warrior to bathe before a battle and his, or her, spouse to
assist in that and help dress the warrior in their battle
armor. Well, in your case, a velocity suit. If you'd rather
not do this..."

Seven swallowed hard and B'Elanna could see that she was
moved. In a strained voice she said, "I accept."

"Good. Please have a seat and I'll go and prepare things
and then come get you when everything is ready."

"Very Well." Seven pulled out a chair at the dining table
and sat stiffly in it.

B'Elanna left her and went into the bathroom. She took a
light stick and lit the various candles she had scattered
about the room. She next ran a hot bath, adding the
traditional Klingon bath salts. She had been surprised to
discover that the replicator contained the pattern for the
salts. She had replicated a large towel and soft robe for
when Seven stepped out of the tub. She felt her face flame
at the thought of seeing Seven nude and chastised herself.
//This is not the time to go there.//

She returned to the living room and saw that Seven was still
seated, her posture stiff. She went over to her and held out
her right hand. Seven looked at her hand and hesitantly took
it in her left, her Borg hand. B'Elanna could feel the soft
warm mesh as she led Seven to the bathroom.

Seven stopped and looked at the candles and steaming bath.
B'Elanna said, "Let me help you undress."

Seven turned sharply, looked at her, and then glanced down.
"I. . . "

"You have never taken a hydro bath before, have you?"

"I have not."

B'Elanna smiled tenderly. "I Don't think your implants will
be harmed."

Seven nodded, still gazing at the floor, but made no move to
undress.

"Seven. What's wrong?" B'Elanna gently asked.

"I. . . I do not wish for you to see me. My implants. . . they are. . . "

B'Elanna took Seven's chin in her hand and raised her head,
looking into her eyes. "Oh, Seven. you're afraid I won't
like what I see. You are so wrong, so very wrong. It
doesn't make any difference to how I'll feel about you.
You are a beautiful person, Seven. On the inside where it
counts. If you want me to leave, or you Don't want to do
this, that's okay."

Seven looked up at B'Elanna, seeing the flickering candle
flames in her dark eyes. . . deep pools of warmth and caring. "I
wish to continue."

"Here then, let me help you." She led Seven to a small stool
and had her sit down. She knelt and removed her soft brown
suede boots. She removed Seven's blouse and folded it
neatly, placing it on the floor. She had Seven turn and
unclasped her bra, drawing it off her shoulders. Seven
turned to face her and B'Elanna swallowed hard at seeing the
creamy mounds tipped with coral. She had a strong desire to
kiss them, to taste them, and mentally shook herself. "Stand
up."

Seven stood and B'Elanna undid the tie that held her pants
up and slid them down her legs. Seven stepped out of them
and B'Elanna folded them, placing them on top of the blouse.
She trembled a little as she removed the white cotton
panties, catching a glimpse of the neat golden triangle, and
a faint whiff of Seven's essence. She closed her eyes
briefly and fought to contain her decorum, before quickly
standing to distance herself from temptation.

 She couldn't help but let her gaze travel the length of
Seven, noticing the small silver star shaped implant gleam
above Seven's left breast and thinking, //A kiss from the
stars.// She could barely make out the faint scarring left
by the removal of her abdominal implants. Seven's left hip
had another star shaped implant and her right leg, above the
kneecap, held an area of mesh.

B'Elanna swallowed hard, her neck muscles visibly moving,
and she said almost in reverence, "Kahless, you are
unbelievably beautiful."

She heard a whispered, "Thank you."

"Here you go, just sit in the tub and let me take care of
you."

Seven stepped into the tub and sat down, her back stiff.
B'Elanna retrieved a nearby sponge and soaped it before
kneeling on the floor mat by the tub. Seven had left her
hair up so it would not get wet. She stroked Seven's
shoulders and back with the sponge, noticing the two
implants below her shoulder blades. These were used to draw
power from the alcove when regenerating. She washed gently
over them and midway down her back. Next, she moved forward
slightly, took Seven's left arm, and gently moved the
sponge across her wrist and hands, cleaning the mesh. She
moved up past the juncture where her Borg arm was attached,
gently cleaning the upper arm and shoulder.

She soaped the area above her be'nal's breasts, noticing
the areolae pebble and the coral nipples harden. She tried
not to stare as she felt the stirrings of arousal and
chastised herself, //No. This is not the place or time. She
trusts you, Don't betray that trust.//

She swallowed hard and clearing her throat, said, "Seven,
turn a little bit and give me your right hand. You know,
this is a very old custom. Some Klingons still perform this
ritual. The bath is prepared with special salts that coat
the skin and aid in the healing of wounds, should the
warrior receive any. The bath is usually done in large tubs
in front of the family hearth, which always had a fire
going. The fire represents the warmth and love that the
warrior's family and spouse feel for him or her. Since I
Don't have a hearth, I used candles."

Seven was silent and B'Elanna glanced at her seeing the half
lidded eyes and parted lips through which she could hear the
breath escaping in quick puffs. B'Elanna observed the slight
heaving of Seven's chest. //She is aroused.// B'Elanna felt
a jolt of arousal in her belly and core, but squashed it
down and softly said, "Lean against the back of the tub, I
need to get your feet and legs."

Seven did so and B'Elanna lifted her right leg and started
cleaning the bottom of the right foot. This caused Seven to
squirm and to B'Elanna's amazement, she actually giggled.

B'Elanna grinned. "Ticklish are you? I'll try to be more
careful." She soaked the sponge again and traveled up
Seven's calve and shin, then to her knee and slightly
above. She tried to avoid looking at Seven's groin, but did
catch a quick glimpse of a patch of pale hair that made her
breathing stop for a brief moment. "Here, let's do the other
leg and then I'll help you out."

She finished the bathing and said, "There, all done." She
stood and grabbed the nearby towel and turned to see Seven
stand, causing B'Elanna to suck in her breath as the
rivulets of water ran down her be'nal's body, glistening
gold and silver in the candle light.

"Gods, you are beyond beautiful" Did I say that? B'Elanna
quickly said, "Step out now and I will dry you off."

Seven did so and B'Elanna dried her, starting with her
shoulders and torso, and then moving down her legs, trying
to control her urge to growl. "Turn around." B'Elanna dried
her back, noticing the womanly swell of well-shaped buttocks
atop beautiful long legs. She quickly gathered the terry
cloth robe she had replicated for Seven and draped it around
her shoulders. Seven put her arms through the armholes and
turned. B'Elanna reached for the tie and came nearer, taking
in the clean warm scent and feeling the heat radiate from
Seven's body. She growled and then tried to cover it by
clearing her throat. "There, now let's go to the bedroom. I
have your outfit all ready."

---

Seven felt herself shiver slightly and warmth infuse her.
She felt breathless and there was a fluttering sensation in
her stomach and a tingling in her groin. She quickly
accessed her cortical node for information pertaining to
this phenomenon and finding it, realized, //I am aroused.//
She had felt so many things when she first entered the
bathroom to bathe, trepidation for one. B'Elanna would find
her repulsive, then amazement and joy as B'Elanna undressed
her and told her she was beautiful. She did not doubt
B'Elanna's sincerity; she could hear it in her voice and
see it in her eyes.

Then the bathing, B'Elanna's gentle touches,  the way she
stroked the sponge up and down her body, and the caressing
sound of her voice. Seven knew then what the term
//sensual// meant. She had read about this when she studied
Lesbian sexuality. But reading and experiencing were
universes apart. Now, she was experiencing it first hand and
feeling its power and lure.

B'Elanna handed her a pair of briefs and a Starfleet issue
athletic bra. Seven quickly put them on and B'Elanna handed
her the Velocity outfit. Seven donned it and B'Elanna picked
up her shoes and said, "Sit on the bed and I will put them
on for you. I know this outfit isn't armor, but that's
okay, it is being worn by a warrior. . . and that makes it a
warrior's armor." Seven sat on the edge of the bed and
B'Elanna slipped the shoes onto each foot and secured them.

She stood and sat down close beside Seven, searching her
face, before saying, "I want to tell you something--Seven,
what you are doing, well. . . I just want you to know I think you
are the most generous and unselfish person I have ever
known." B'Elanna placed her hand on Seven's left cheek and
looked into her eyes. Seven noticed that her eyes were soft
and melting. "Seven. After this is over and we have Miral
back--I would like you to consider. . . staying with me. . . us, and
making this a real marriage. . . a real home. I'll not pressure
you and I'll give you time to adjust."

"Explain." Seven knew she sounded too abrupt. She then
stated, softly this time, "You wish to make our marriage
valid? Do you have. . . feelings for me beyond friendship?"

"Yes, Seven. I do. I love you. Not just as a friend, but
more. I would like for you to be my lover, my be'nal, and a
mother to Miral."

Seven felt a joy so great she thought she would burst. She
smiled fully and felt her right eye tear. She swallowed
hard, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat, and managed
to say, "I love you B'Elanna Torres. My love also goes
beyond that of just friendship. I love Miral as well. I too
would like for our marriage to be. . .  real. . . for you to be my
wife. . . my be'nal. . . in everyway."

B'Elanna leaned over with tears in her own eyes, and said in
a breaking voice, "Oh Seven, my be'nal, bang'wI," before
she placed a soft kiss on Seven's lips, feeling their warm
satiny softness start to open to her.

They were interrupted by a call from the Captain. "B'Elanna,
It is time. I will contact Seven--"

"She's here with me, Captain. We're on our way." She
stroked Seven's cheek softly and gave a tender smile that
reflected in her eyes and voice. "Let's go get our
daughter, bang'wI."

---

Seven stood under the awning with B'Elanna, Janeway, Tuvok,
Tom, The Doctor, and Major Nava. Major Nava provided the
awning for Voyager's crew. It was erected in the pale
turquoise grass on the edge of a slightly concave round area
some 110 feet in diameter. There were large groups of
spectators on either side of the awning. Major Nava had
stationed several of her Pride members around the immediate
area of the awning to keep the crowd back.

Directly across from them was a large stand covered with a
green and gold awning. It too had large crowds of spectators
on either side. Seven could see around thirty followers of
the Temple Cothar, dressed in green robes and capes, seated
under the awning. In the middle of the stand was a dais on
which was seated the High Priestess and three other priests
of the order. The noonday sun reflected off their gold and
silver encrusted robes and vestments. There was a slight
shifting on the dais and a figure holding Miral appeared and
took a seat by the High Priestess. Seven heard an intake of
breath and felt B'Elanna grab her right arm and squeeze as
she uttered, "Miral!" Seven placed her hand over B'Elanna's
and gently squeezed.

A stout male figure, in blue, strode into the middle of the
arena. Major Nava said, "He is the Master of Contests. He
will call the combatants forth and read them the rules and
officiate over the contest."

Seven listened as the figure spoke in a loud voice, "As
decreed by the Ancient Laws of Barzuz, this contest is to
decide the rightful guardians of the child known as Miral
Paris."

He looked toward Voyager's awning and said, "Seven of
Voyager. You shall come forward and stand before the people
and the ones you have challenged for guardianship of this
child."

Major Nava looked at Seven and said, "Go and stand before
him. He will then call for Temple Cothar's Champion."

Seven was quickly grabbed around the neck by B'Elanna who
hugged her and whispered in her ear, "I have faith in you,
bang'wI."

She looked for a moment into B'Elanna's warm eyes and said,
"I shall not fail." She walked briskly to the center of the
arena, where she stopped some three feet away from the
Master of Contests.

He nodded to her and then turned toward the platform that
held the contingent from Temple Cothar. "Temple Cothar. Your
guardianship of the child, Miral Paris, has been challenged.
The challenger, Seven of Voyager, wishes to settle this with
the honorable tradition of combat. Do you wish to relinquish
the child to the challenger without combat?"

The High Priestess stood and in a disdainful voice stated,
"We do not. We wish to decide this matter by combat. Our
Champion is Baratel."

"Send forth your Champion, Baratel."

The wall of priest and guards parted and a male of medium
height and build strode forth. He wore a formfitting
sleeveless outfit of green, and his feet were bare. As he
got closer, Seven could see that he was fit and well
muscled. He stopped some three feet from Seven and his eyes
met hers. They were bright green and his gaze did not waver.

The Master of Contests cleared his throat to get their
attention. However, Seven continued to lock eyes with
Baratel. She felt no trepidation. Instead, she felt a cold
hard anger take her that this man would stand here and
defend the kidnapping of a child. She allowed all that she
felt to show in her stare. //He is flawed. Weak. I am Borg.
I am superior. I shall prevail.// She noticed with some
satisfaction that his eyes widened for a moment as if in
shock.

"Seven of Voyager, and Baratel, Champion of Temple Cothar,
you may use any form of fighting as long as there is no use
of weapons. You will begin at the sound of the gong." The
Master of Contests stepped back, his left hand raised, and
then he dropped it.

The gong sounded and Seven immediately launched herself into
a flying drop kick at her opponent's solar plexus. It was
done so quickly that the Temple Champion was taken by
surprise. He was sent several feet back but managed to
maintain his balance. Seven again attacked with a round kick
to his left side. However, her opponent was ready for her.
He blocked the kick with his left arm and counter attacked
with a round kick to her left side. She partially deflected
it with her left arm and did two quick kicks to his torso.
He was seasoned, however, and easily blocked them.

He moved quickly, feinting with his feet and stiff-armed her
with a solid blow with the heel of his right hand to her
forehead. She staggered back and he moved in with a flurry
of kicks and punches. She blocked many of the blows, but a
few managed to get through.

//Closer, I must move in closer, and get him in a body or
headlock.// She lunged forward, tackled him about the waist,
and pushed with all her strength. He fell and she fell with
him. They tussled on the ground and separated, both
springing to their feet at the same time.

He landed a hard blow with his foot to her right shoulder,
causing her to feel a knifing pain and then numbness where
his hit landed. She rushed in close again. This time he was
prepared for her and side stepped, grabbing her by her hurt
shoulder and twisting her around to connect solidly with his
fist to the back of her head and a punch to her back, which
forced the air from her lungs. She gasped to draw in air and
tried to move away. He kicked out and hit her squarely in
the left kneecap. She felt the cap break. He swung his left
leg out and hit her behind her knees. She fell and he
immediately pounced onto her.

She felt his hands wrap around her throat and close over her
windpipe. Black spots danced before her eyes and the sound
of her blood rushed in her ears. She feebly tried to remove
his hands from around her neck. //No. I will not accept
this. I will not let them keep Miral. I will not let
B'Elanna down.// She extended her tubules and felt them
brush against his hand in search of a place to enter. They
skittered on his hand and wrist until they found the soft
under side of his right wrist; they plunged into the large
artery. She used her cortical node to instruct that only the
pre-assimilation nanoprobes be used, the ones that briefly
paralyzed the subject and kept them from ripping the tubules
from their necks and prevented them from escaping the grasp
of the drone prior to full assimilation. They would be just
as effective entering the body here as in the neck.

Seven felt the pressure around her neck lessen, allowing her
to draw in a sharp and full breath, her sight clearing. She
watched as his eyes glazed over and his body sagged. He fell
off her and over to one side, paralyzed.

Seven staggered to her feet and almost collapsed as she felt
the intense pain in her left kneecap. She looked down at her
opponent and then turned to the stand, which held the
stunned members of the Temple of Cothar, and declared
loudly, "I have defeated your Champion. Return the child to
us, as is the law."

There was murmuring from the stand. The High Priestess
shouted, "You have cheated. You used a weapon. This match is
forfeited to us."

"No,..."she extended her tubules and held up her left hand
for all to see, "this is a part of my physiology as your
hand and fingers are a part of you. I am Borg."

There was a collective intake of breath from the spectators
as well as the sounds of fear and excitement. "Borg!" "She
is Borg!" "Gods, help us." She noticed that many spectators
were fleeing the area in panic.

Seven continued to let her tubules wiggle and snake around.
Even from this distance, she could see the fear and the
loathing on the face of the High Priestess. The armed temple
guards shifted uneasily, their movements showing their
uncertainty and fear.

After a moment the High Priestess said, "We concede. You
have won. The child is yours. Take her and leave quickly. Do
not come back. You are an abomination and I will order your
death if you step foot on this planet again."

Seven withdrew her tubules, looked over at B'Elanna, and
smiled. B'Elanna ran up to her, hugged her quickly, and ran
across the arena floor to the raised dais of Temple Cothar.
Tom and the Doctor following closely behind her. Seven
watched as B'Elanna jumped up on the dais and took Miral
from the arms of a priestess, who readily gave the child up.
Seven saw her hug the child tightly. B'Elanna stepped off
the dais where she was met by Tom and the Doctor. Temple
medics were already kneeling by the prone body of their
champion. He would recover in a few minutes when the
nanoprobes ceased to function.

Captain Janeway stepped up to her. "you're hurt Seven. The
Doctor will be here as soon as he checks Miral and beam you
to Sick Bay for treatment." She then patted Seven's left
shoulder, giving her a lopsided smile, and said, "Well
done."

Seven did not answer; her eyes were riveted on B'Elanna and
Miral. B'Elanna was hurrying back to her. Seven limped
forward a few feet, determined to meet them. B'Elanna walked
up to her, holding a crying Miral, the excitement too much
for the child. B'Elanna's tears were freely flowing down
her cheeks as she used her free arm to hug Seven and
chokingly say, "Thank you, thank you..." Seven held her
close with her left arm.

Tom had followed closely behind B'Elanna and seeing the two
women together, said to Seven, "Thanks, Seven. you're the
bravest person I know--and the best." He looked at B'Elanna
and then back at Seven. "B'Elanna deserves the best, and so
do you. I'm happy for you both."

Seven inclined her head and said, "Thank you."

The Doctor came up, ran his medical scanner up and down
Seven's body, and said, "A few contusions, broken right
shoulder blade, and a fracture of the left knee cap. We'll
beam you up to Sick Bay and have you up and about in no
time."

Seven said, "Is Miral injured? Is she in good. . . health?" She
would destroy the whole temple if they had harmed the child.

The Doctor smirked. "To quote you, //She is operating within
normal parameters.// She has been well taken care of. Now,
let's beam up to Sick Bay so I can get you treated."

B'Elanna said, "I'm going with her."

The Doctor hit the comm-badge and said, "Four to beam up to
Sick Bay."

---

The Doctor put aside his bone knitter, gave a smug smile,
and said, "As good as new. you're free to go. Try to duck
the next Tsunkatse moves thrown your way."

Seven smirked. "I will comply." She got up from the table
and looked at B'Elanna questioningly, feeling suddenly shy
and awkward.

B'Elanna smiled and said, "Why Don't you come back with me
to my quarters and rest? I'll fix us something to eat and
cool to drink. I need to see if Miral is hungry. I Don't
know when she last ate. I want to get her out of these
priest robes and put her in something comfortable. Honestly,
priest robes on a child--"

Seven inclined her head. "Acceptable." Miral stretched out
her arms to Seven and B'Elanna handed the baby to her. Seven
held the child in her left arm and Miral put her arms around
her neck and head on her shoulder. B'Elanna took Seven's
right hand and they left Sick Bay together.

On the way to B'Elanna's quarters, they passed a few
crewmembers that did a double take when seeing the clasped
hands and the child resting happily in Seven's embrace.
However, the majority smiled, and said, "Glad everything
turned out fine. Way to go, Seven," or something similar.

They entered the quarters and B'Elanna took Miral from Seven
to change her clothes. "Seven, why Don't you go and bathe
while I change Miral's clothes. I'll lay out some clean
clothes for you and replicate something light to eat."

Seven nodded and entered the bathroom, quickly removing her
shoes and peeling off her soiled Velocity suit. She shook
out her hair, which had come out of its bun during the
fight. She entered the sonic shower and set it for high. She
was tired and needed to regenerate for a few hours, or
perhaps she could sleep. While it was a little after noon
time on the planet they left, it was close to twenty two
hundred hours on Voyager.

After a few minutes in the sonic shower, she exited, finding
a brush on the counter by the sink, she brushed her hair
free of snarls. She did not have any pins and would have to
leave it down. She saw that B'Elanna had placed clothing for
her on the stool. She unfolded them, seeing that they were a
long nightshirt in ice blue, and a pair of matching
slippers. B'Elanna had also included the terry cloth robe
that she had given her earlier for the ritual bath.
Apparently, B'Elanna had plans for her to stay the night.
Hopefully, to share B'Elanna's bed.

Her heart pounded hard in her chest when she recalled
B'Elanna's words prior to the fight. B'Elanna wanted to
make this a //real// marriage. She wanted her not only as a
wife but also as a lover. Both wife and lover indicated that
their marriage would include the physical aspects did it
not? She would do whatever B'Elanna wished. Her wish was
that B'Elanna would initiate the physical aspect. She would
willingly participate.

She finished dressing and went out into the living area,
where she observed B'Elanna at the dining table, and Miral
in her highchair drinking from a sippy cup. B'Elanna looked
up and seeing her, said, "I replicated a cup of chicken
noodle soup for each of us and lime jello for dessert. I
thought something light would be more in fitting with the
day we've had, and the lateness of the hour. If you want
more, let me know, and I'll fix whatever you want."

Seven took her customary seat at the table and answered,
"This is sufficient." Surprisingly enough, she did feel
hungry. As she ate, she observed B'Elanna feeding Miral
jello. B'Elanna had placed a small bowl of the green gelatin
on the highchair tray but Miral appeared to be more
interested in squishing it with her hands than eating it.

B'Elanna sighed. "Ok Sweetie, guess you're not hungry and
it is well past your bedtime. Let's take a bath and get you
tucked in."

She picked Miral up out of her highchair and said to Seven,
"Let me bathe her and I'll be right back." She made her way
to the bathroom while Seven finished her meal.

B'Elanna soon returned and placed Miral in her bed. The
little girl immediately started crying and attempted to
crawl out of the bed. B'Elanna picked her up and Miral held
tightly to her neck. B'Elanna brought the child back over to
the table and sat down, rocking back in forth. "There now,
everything is fine, momma has you." She looked at Seven and
said, "I believe she is insecure and still confused by what
happened."

Seven looked on with concern. "Do you require my
assistance?"

"When she calms down maybe you can hold her while I take a
bath?"

"I shall do so."

Seven watched for several minutes as B'Elanna comforted
Miral. There was something soothing in this and Seven felt
warmed. B'Elanna was so gentle, not only with Miral, but
with her. She recalled B'Elanna bathing her a few hours
earlier and how very gentle and tender she was. She wondered
how many people knew this about the Engineer. Most people
watched what they said around her, afraid of her Klingon
temper.

B'Elanna spoke softly to Miral, "Momma needs to take a
bath." She tried to extricate Miral's hold on her, but the
child tightened her grip and whimpered. Seven got up out of
her chair and knelt down by the chair B'Elanna was sitting
in. She held out her arms for the child and smiled. "Miral,
come let me hold you while your mother bathes." Miral had
her head on B'Elanna's shoulder and glanced shyly at Seven
for a moment. She then let go of B'Elanna and held out her
arms for Seven, who took her and held her close. Miral put
her arms around Seven's neck.

B'Elanna smiled, touched by the sight of how much Seven
cared for Miral, and how much the child trusted and loved
Seven. She left to take her bath while Seven walked around
the small living room to comfort the child. Miral yawned and
Seven knew that she would soon fall to sleep.

B'Elanna returned and Seven noticed the soft rose-colored
nightshirt she was wearing and how it complimented
B'Elanna's rich caramel skin tones. B'Elanna stopped in the
doorway between the bedroom and the living room, and smiled
at Seven. She walked up to her and whispered, "I think you
can put her down now."

Seven went over to the small bed and gently put the child in
it. She kissed the top of her head and then B'Elanna kissed
Miral's head and tucked her blanket around her. B'Elanna
stepped a few feet away and said, "Computer, lights to night
standard."

B'Elanna did not hesitate to take Seven by the hand and lead
her to the bedroom.

Seven noticed that the lights were low and there were
several lit candles scattered about. B'Elanna stopped by the
side of the bed and turned to face her. She still clasped
Seven's hand and then took her other hand, and stepped
close, their bodies almost touching.

B'Elanna looked long into her eyes, and Seven fell into the
warm liquid gaze and leaned forward, she placed her lips
against B'Elanna's in a tentative kiss. Seven felt the
other woman let go of her hands and then slide them around
her neck and pull her close, the kiss now firm and hot.

Seven felt the room spin and B'Elanna guided her onto the
bed and straddled her waist, never breaking the kiss. She
felt B'Elanna's tongue flick against her lips, causing her
to open her mouth to receive a deeper kiss. Seven put her
arms around her wife, bringing her fully against her body,
feeling the half Klingon's higher body temperature. She
shivered, both from nerves and from arousal.

B'Elanna broke the kiss and searched Seven's face, with
eyes half-lidded and dark shinning pools of emotion, before
softly saying, "Seven. I love you. If you have
any. . . doubts. . . please, bang'wI, tell me now."

Before Seven could answer, there was a frightened and
high-pitched cry from Miral in the living room.

B'Elanna rolled off Seven and onto her back, flinging her
right arm across her eyes for a moment. "I'll see to her
and be back."

She hurriedly left the bed and Seven heard her soothing the
child. After a few minutes, Miral was quite and B'Elanna
returned, but before she could join Seven, Miral again
started to cry.

"She has never done this before. Being taken from me has
gotten her upset."

"Bring her in here, B'Elanna. Perhaps being with us for a
little while will calm her."

B'Elanna left the bedroom and returned with Miral. Seven had
scooted up and was leaning against the headboard, and held
out her arms for the child, B'Elanna handing Miral to her.

B'Elanna joined them, leaning against the headboard beside
Seven. "I'm sorry."

"There is nothing to be sorry for. Miral needs you. I
understand that she is your first priority, as she should
be."

B'Elanna smiled. "You are so giving and understanding. I
must have done something good in my life to deserve having
you in it."

"You are honest, truthful, loyal, kind, and giving to your
friends. And you have faith and trust in me." Seven slid off
the headboard and onto her pillows holding Miral against her
chest, B'Elanna settling beside her and drawing up the
covers around them.

They were silent for a moment and Seven said teasingly,
"Besides, you were at the top of my list of prospective
mates. You are. . . Ms. Right."

B'Elanna chuckled and said, "You mean I beat out the
Captain?"

"Correct. She was number two." Seven paused before saying,
"You will always be number one in my heart and in my life."

B'Elanna moved closer and Seven lifted her arm to allow
B'Elanna to snuggle up against her. She put her head on
Seven's chest, beside Miral, and said, "And I intend to
hold that place. Forever."

---

Seven woke with a heaviness on her chest and a delicious
warmth by her side. It was not yet morning watch and a quick
glance at the chronometer on the bedside table showed that
it was 02:10. She found that her left hand was resting on
the warm back of Miral, who had her head on Seven's bosom,
her small right thumb stuck in her mouth. Seven realized
that her right arm held a slumbering B'Elanna against her
side. B'Elanna had her face turned toward her, breathing
evenly from half opened lips and her right arm draped over
Miral's feet and her hand resting lightly on Seven's left
thigh. Seven smiled and nuzzling B'Elanna's hair thought,
//How could I have believed love to be irrelevant? Of all
emotions, love is Omega. You have given me Omega, B'Elanna
Torres. I have found what it means to belong--to be a family
with you and Miral.//

B'Elanna stirred and Seven felt her wife's hand stroke her
through the material of her shirt. She heard a groan and
felt the moist warm breath on her collarbone replaced by
soft lips. B'Elanna moved up and kissed her lightly on the
mouth. The kiss deepened and B'Elanna growled. Seven felt
B'Elanna leave her side and looked to see her wife leave the
bed and bend over her to gently remove a sleeping Miral from
Seven's bosom. She carried the baby out to the living room,
apparently, to her own bed.

B'Elanna quickly returned and flung her nightshirt over her
head and onto the floor. Seven could see the well-toned body
in the low light; see the firm breasts made riper by
motherhood. She swallowed hard and held her breath as
B'Elanna slid in and under the covers next to her. B'Elanna
took her in her arms and kissed her, a growl coming from
deep in her chest. "Stop me now if you Don't want this or I
won't be able to stop myself from loving you, from taking
you, from making you mine."

Seven closed the millimeter that separated their lips and
firmly pressed her own lips against those of B'Elanna. She
moaned and opened her mouth, inviting B'Elanna to take her
very breath. She felt B'Elanna's tongue slide between her
lips and teeth and stroke her tongue. She felt this kiss
make its way through her body, causing her heart to beat
hard against her rib cage and felt it travel down to her
belly and the heat shoot to her groin to ignite the very
core of her. She literally ached for more than this kiss.
She ached to devour this woman, to take her in and make her
a part of herself. She had never felt such an intense
emotional or physical hunger as this. She tore her mouth
away and gasped, her voice raw with emotion, she said, "I
want you, B'Elanna. I want to be yours. I want you to be
mine. Always and forever."

B'Elanna growled and crushed her mouth to Seven's. She
nibbled down to her chin and kissed the cleft. She placed
her open mouth on Seven's throat, licked, and nibbled her
throbbing neck vein. She moved her lips down to where her
shirt collar was and ordered with a growl, "Take this off. I
want to feel you against me."

Seven sat up and reached for the hem of her shirt only to
feel B'Elanna's hands already there, pulling it up and over
her shoulders and head and slinging it to one side. B'Elanna
pressed the whole length of herself against her be'nal.
Seven's skin was on fire where their flesh met. She heard a
moan and realized it was her own. She felt B'Elanna's teeth
and mouth devour her mouth. This felt so right. She felt
B'Elanna slide her mouth over to her left cheek, her teeth
rasping against her flesh, then felt the quick sting of pain
as her be'nal bit her, and heard a guttural growl from
B'Elanna, and an echoing one from deep within her own chest.
Seven felt a jolt of arousal so intense that all pain
quickly fled only to leave behind the deep need to connect
to her love in the most primal way. She was pulled into the
fire of Blood Lust. There to consume, and to be consumed.

---

B'Elanna was pulled from a heavy slumber by a persistent
high-pitched squeal, accompanied by thumps against the
bedroom door. "Miral." She reluctantly pulled herself from
the warm embrace of her be'nal. She smiled and felt her
heart pound hard in her chest. She even felt the faint beats
from her second heart.

She put her hand up to her cheek, feeling the soreness from
the bonding bite that she had received from Seven sometime
during their mating a few hours before. Gazing at her
sleeping wife with her blond hair tousled and spread on the
pillow, she immediately felt a surge of arousal and growled.
Her nostrils flared as she drew in the distinct scent of
Seven. She would now be able to identify her spouse by
scent. There was also the heady scent of sex, and she went
to reach for her wife, to mate again, when she was brought
to her senses by Miral's now outraged screams and
persistent thumping at the door.

She sighed and slipped out of bed, finding a nightshirt she
slipped it on, only to realize it was a little large for
her. It was Seven's. She went to the door and opened it,
and looked down at a smiling Miral who gurgled, "Ma" holding
up her arms for B'Elanna to pick her up.

She picked Miral up and whispered, "Shhh, Sweetie pie,
you'll wake your momma Seven."

"Her momma Seven is awake," A voice declared from the
bedroom.

Miral squealed and pointed toward the bedroom. "Seb."

B'Elanna smiled and took the child into the bedroom where
she noticed that Seven had ordered the lights at half. She
was wearing B'Elanna's nightshirt, and was reclined against
the headboard, B'Elanna noticing that her be'nal's breast
strained erotically against the confines of the shirt's
material.

B'Elanna handed Miral to Seven, who promptly kissed and
hugged the child. B'Elanna crawled up beside Seven and
pulled the cover up over their legs. Seven was laughing and
rooting around on Miral's neck with her nose and nibbling
her gently while saying, "Where is my sugar?" and causing
Miral to squeal in laughter.

B'Elanna noticed the bite mark on her be'nal's cheek with
smug satisfaction. Seven was hers, truly hers. She had not
only married the woman under Federation law, but also under
the law of Barzuz. And now under Klingon law. The
consummation that occurred last night was the final seal on
all three marriages.

Seven drew back her head from the child, her nose scrunched
up and her mouth in a frown and in a displeased voice, said,
"You have defecated in your diaper."

B'Elanna snickered and went out to the living room and got a
clean diaper and some sanitary wipes. When she came back
Seven handed Miral to her and said, "Now that she is walking
perhaps we can commence with her potty training."

"She is kinda young to be learning that yet. You need to at
least wait another year."

"She shall learn quickly. She is, after all, your daughter.
My research indicates that Klingon children are potty
trained between 12 and 15 months of age."

B'Elanna finished with the diapering and Miral stood on the
bed and flung herself onto Seven.

"Miral is only one quarter Klingon. Human children aren't
potty trained until they are over two years old. You know,
you might want to talk to Sam Wildman about the potty
training. My understanding is that it's not as easy as you
think. Miral can be pretty stubborn."

"Indeed. She inherited that trait from you."

B'Elanna snorted and went to dispose of the dirty diaper in
the bathroom and wash her hands. She went into the living
room and retrieved a Flotter doll, which was a baby gift
from Naomi, and one of Miral's favorite toys. She returned
to the bedroom and slid onto the bed by Seven's side. She
held out the toy to Miral. "Lookey here what I have, why
it's Flotter." She danced the doll in front of Miral, who
gurgled and slid off Seven's lap and onto the bed. She
reached for Flotter and B'Elanna placed the doll onto the
bed at their feet. Miral scrambled down, grabbed the doll,
and started playing with it.

B'Elanna took the opportunity to grasp Seven's chin and
turn her head to one side and examine the bite mark,
checking it to make sure there was no sign of infection. She
turned Seven's head so that she was now looking into the
bright blue eyes. She placed both hands on Seven's head
below her ears and asked in a gentle voice, "Are you okay? I
didn't hurt you did I? You know. . . last night?"

"No. You did not."

"You must always tell me if I'm hurting you. . . when we make
love," B'Elanna softly said as she stroked tenderly over the
bite on Seven's cheek.

Seven turned her lips into B'Elanna's palm, kissing it
before replying, "You did not hurt me. Why would you think
you have done so?"

"Well, I know it was your first time and I'm afraid that I
may have been too. . . intense."

Seven leaned over and tenderly kissed the bite mark on
B'Elanna's cheek and whispered into her ear, "I love your
intensity. I wish to experience it many times." She drew
back and smiled, looking deep into B'Elanna's eyes. "In
fact, I plan on sharing such intensity with you later
today."

B'Elanna smirked. "Oh, you do, do you?" Just then, the
doorbell chimed. B'Elanna rolled her eyes. "Who in Grethor
is that this early in the morning?"

Seven smirked. "It is ten hundred hours."

"Oh," B'Elanna said sheepishly. The chime sounded again and
B'Elanna sighed. "Computer, who is at the door?"

"Captain Kathryn Janeway."

B'Elanna jumped up, retrieved a robe draped over the bedroom
chair, and sliding it on, said, "I'll get it. She probably
wants to check up on us to make sure we're okay." She went
out into the living room. "Enter."

Captain Janeway strolled into her quarters, and said, "Just
checking to make sure everyone is doing okay."

"We're doing fine, Captain. I'm just about to fix
breakfast, would you care to stay?"

B'Elanna noticed the Captain's eyes widen and that they
were fixated on the bite mark on her cheek. She then shifted
her gaze to B'Elanna's eyes, with a questioning look.

B'Elanna did not attempt to squelch her pleased look and
smug smile. "Captain? Breakfast?"

"No thanks, B'Elanna. Another time maybe." Janeway had no
sooner stopped talking when Seven came out of the bedroom
carrying Miral.

B'Elanna noticed that Seven had donned the terry cloth robe
that she had replicated for her. B'Elanna also noticed that
Seven's hair looked like she had been wallowing around in
the bed all night. She tried not to snicker at the thought
that they both had done considerable //wallowing// last
night. She knew her own hair must look like a rat's nest.

"Captain Janeway," Seven said, and stood by B'Elanna,
putting her right arm around her wife's shoulder while
holding Miral in her left arm. Miral looked intently at
Janeway and smiled in recognition. B'Elanna slipped her arm
around Seven's waist and pulled her more firmly against her
side.

Janeway noticed the matching bite on Seven's cheek and
blushed. She recovered quickly and said, "Glad to see both
of you, and Miral, looking good. I want both of you to take
the next two weeks off. And that's an order."

Both B'Elanna and Seven said at the same time, "Thank you,
Captain."

Janeway smirked. "Well, if there is anything I can do for
you two, just call."

B'Elanna said, "Actually, Captain, there is."

Janeway looked at her inquiringly.

"You can give Jenkins' quarters to someone else. Seven
won't need them. In fact, I can install her alcove in. . .  our. . . 
bedroom," she glanced at Seven and smiled. "In fact, from
now on, these will be the Torres and Hansen quarters."

Seven spoke up, "Incorrect."

B'Elanna looked up at her, panic in her eyes. //Oh no.
Please no, she has changed her mind.//

Seven said, "These will be the Torres quarters. The B'Elanna
Torres, Miral Torres, and Seven of Nine Annika Hansen
-Torres quarters." She looked down and gave B'Elanna a
megawatt smile. B'Elanna actually felt faint.

Captain Janeway smiled. "Duly noted. Now I have to attend to
duty. Enjoy your time off."

She went first to B'Elanna, hugged her, and then hugged
Seven. "I wish both of you good fortune and the best that
this universe has to offer. You both deserve it."

"Thank you, Captain," They both said in unison.

The Captain tickled Miral on the bottom of her foot, turned,
and exited the Torres quarters.

Both women looked warmly into each other eyes until Miral
started bouncing and complaining.

"Well, Seven of Nine Annika Hansen-Torres. How do banana
pancakes sound?"

Seven smiled. "Acceptable." She sat down at the table. Miral
squirmed to get down, but Seven put her in her highchair.

B'Elanna placed two glasses of orange juice on the table and
a small sippy cup of juice on the highchair tray. She went
back to the replicator and brought two plates stacked with
pancakes, and a small plate with a plain pancake and half of
a banana for Miral.

Miral immediately picked up the banana, took a bite, and
threw the rest at Seven, hitting her plate, and laughed.
B'Elanna looked sternly at Miral and exclaimed, "Miral, no!
We do not do that."

Seven lifted her left eye implant and wryly said, "I see she
has also inherited that trait from you."

B'Elanna looked across the table through narrowed eyes and
said in mock severity, "Hey, I never throw food, but if you
Don't watch it, I will practice an old Klingon custom of
throwing whatever is handy at the moment at your head,
including the plates and chairs."

Seven smirked and replied, "That custom traditionally takes
place before the mating ritual. Which, as you recall, was
performed very early this morning."

B'Elanna gave a sappy smile and replied, "Hmm, bang//wI, I
could never forget that." She then sighed in contentment.

Seven looked at her and said, "I think we should spend the
rest of the morning at the //Petting Zoo//."

B'Elanna looked at her in surprise. "Well, okay. If that's
what you want to do."

"It is not. However, that activity will have the effect of
insuring that Miral has sufficiently depleted her energy.
She will require an extended nap when we return to our
quarters. This will provide us with sufficient time which we
can utilize for. . . more enjoyable. . .  activities that we may
perform together."
 B'Elanna's grin stretched from ear to ear and she
enthusiastically replied, "Be'nal, I like the way you think.
No. I //love// the way you think. But can you get the
holodeck time?"

"Yes. Holodeck one is always reserved at this time for Mr.
Paris. He shall give this time to his daughter. In exchange,
I will give him some of my replicator rations. He has
offered to trade in the past."

"And if he doesn't want to trade or give up his time?"

"I am Borg. Resistance is futile."

B'Elanna grinned and wagged her eyebrows up and down. "Oooh,
Don't I know it."

Seven smirked and said, "I have another reason for choosing
the //Petting Zoo//."

"Another reason? Go on, tell me."

"We shall visit the ice cream stand and you shall procure
for me a cone of chocolate ice cream. You may wish to
procure a cone for yourself."

"Oh?"

"Indeed. I have researched the beneficial effects of
chocolate. It is reputed to have an aphrodisiac affect and
to increase one//s libido. You shall need those benefits for
what I am planning for you later in the day."

B'Elanna barked out a laugh and leered at Seven. "Believe me
bang//wI; I Don't need the aphrodisiac effects of chocolate,
or for that matter, anything else. Being with you is
aphrodisiac enough."

"We shall see."

B'Elanna got up from her seat, went around the table, and
sat on Seven's lap. She placed her arms around Seven's neck,
drew her head to her and kissed her soundly on the lips,
before saying, "Indeed, bang//wI, we //shall// see." She
kissed her again, feeling Seven open her mouth and return
the kiss, this time for much longer. B'Elanna drew back
slightly, separating their lips, and said, "On that you can
depend. . .  Mrs. Hansen-Torres."

---

The End