As always, the great god Paramount and Viacom own Start Trek and all its characters. But they don't own my imagination. This story is rated PG 13. From: mustangs@orwell.net (James W Miller) Megan DeLaney B ' Lor "Harry. Harry, wait up." Megan DeLaney almost ran down the hall trying to catch up with the fast walking ensign. She finally caught up with him and fell into step next to him. "My you're in a hurry." "Hi Megan." He flashed her a quick smile as he walked. "I am in a bit of a hurry. I need to get down to astrometrics before Seven gets off duty." "Ohh." She snorted. "How anyone can stand to spend time, with that, . . . that , Borg, is beyond me." She shook her head. She didn't see the disgusted look Harry gave her. "It's not that bad." He said in an even voice. "Megan did you want something?" She took his arm and stopped him. "Yes. Jenny and I reserved Sandrines for tonight. We're having a small party. We thought you might like to come." "Who else is gonna be there?" He asked and started walking again. "Ahh, let's see. Tom and B 'Elanna, Sam Wildman, Joe Carey, Ensign Ayala, Jenny asked him. You know they've been seeing each other lately." "Oh I didn't know that." *Brave man.* He thought to himself. "Anybody else coming?" "I asked Chakotay and he said if he could twist the Captain's arm a little they'd be there too. Please come Harry. You'll have a good time." "Can I bring someone?" "Sure." She said. Did he detect a note of disappointement in her voice? "We'll be getting there at 1900 hours. So you better go get whatever it is you have to do with that stupid Borg thing, taken care of so you can get ready." "Megan, she's not a thing." He was starting to get angry. "Well, maybe thing was the wrong term. Machine would fit her better. Well, here's my turbo lift. See you tonight." Then she brazenly stood on her tiptoes, gave him a kiss, right on the lips and disappeared in the elevator. Harry just stood there, frustrated and angry. "If she thinks I like her, she's crazy." He mumbled to himself, wiping the kiss off with his sleeve. He headed on down the hall to Astrometrics.. He wanted to talk to Seven. He'd been trying to figure out a way to ask her out and spend some time with her but nothing seemed to come to him. Suddenly, he realized that indirectly Jenny had solved his problem. He was sure she hadn't asked Seven to this little get together. He'd ask her to come with him. That would fry Jenny's butt for sure. Chuckling to himself, he went into Astrometrics. As he expected, it was 10 minutes after her shift was over and she was still there. She looked up when he came in. "Ensign, can I do something for you?" "Hi Seven." Harry answered pointedly. He had been trying lately to get her to use the amenities a little bit more. "Hello Ensign." She answered back. Was it his imagination, or was there a slight tone of aggravation in her voice. "Now, what do you want." "I give up." He said rolling his eyes. "I wanted to know if you'd like to go to Sandrines with me tonight. A few of us are getting together there. The Captain will be there too." He added that, knowing it would probably help her decide in the affirmative. She looked up at his mention of Janeway. "Did she request that I attend?" "Yes, yes she did." He was lying through his teeth, but if it worked what the hell. He knew he'd have to make a quick stop at the Captain's quarters and fill her in now. Well, maybe this was what it would take to get her there too. She needed to go as much as Seven did. "Come on Seven it'll be fun. You really need to start socializing with the rest of the crew a little bit more." He could see her trying to decide. "You will be there?" She asked. "You bet. In fact I'd like you to be my date." "Your . . . . date?" "For want of a better term, yes, your date. Now you better hurry and get ready? We have to be there by 1900." "Get ready?" "Well, wouldn't you be more, comfortable, wearing something else?" "I have nothing else. I need nothing else. This outfit is quite functional." She had on one of her brown, form fitting jump suits. And although Harry could look at her forever in one of them, he thought she might fit in better if she wore something a little less revealing. "Tell, you what. I'm gonna send Sam Wildman down to your quarters. She can help you replicate something a little more appropriate. Are you finished here for the day?" "Yes." "Then get going. I'll have Sam down to your quarters in 20 minutes." He took her arm and headed her toward the door. She stopped and looked at him. "You are assuming I am going." "You're going. Now get." He said and propelled her out the door. After he'd dropped her off at her cargo bay he headed back to his quarters. He hit his combadge. "Kim to Ensign Wildman." *Wildman here. Hi Harry.* "Hi Sam. Sam I have a huge favor to ask of you." *I owe you a couple, what is it?* "Can you go down and help 7 replicate something to wear to the party at Sandrines tonight?" *Phew. When you ask a favor you don't fool around. Sure, I'd be glad to.* "Great. Thanks Sam, I knew I could count on you." *Don't worry about it Harry.* There was a pause then she added. *You two make a cute couple. Wildman out.* Harry felt himself start to blush. * Was it that obvious?* He thought. He was almost at the Captain and Chakotay's quarters. He walked to the door and rang. It opened and the Captain was standing there, her hair in a towel and a robe on. When she saw who it was she smiled. "Harry come in." "Captain, I'm sorry, I'll come back another time." "Don't be silly." She said walking into the living room. "What can I do for you?" "First, are you going to Sandrines tonight?" "Yes." She said in a tired voice. "Chakotay nagged me into it. Why?" "Well, I kind of told Seven a little lie and I wanted to cover my tracks" She took a sip of her coffee. "What did you tell her?" "Well, I told her that you were going to be at Sandrines and I kind of insinuated that you had, well, that you wanted, . . . . . . . Oh hell, I told her you wanted her to come." "I see." She had a hard time keeping a smile off her face. She put on her best Captain's face and voice. "Well, ensign, normally I don't tolerate lying of any sort, especially when it involves me." Then she let a smile slip onto her face. "But in this case, I'm glad you did." "Ohhh. Thank you Captain. You don't know how relieved I am." "I think I do. Don't worry. I'll play along. Now you better get going. It's getting late. It wouldn't do to keep Seven waiting, on her first date." Harry started to blush again. Chuckling, the Captain put her hand on his shoulder and walked him to the door. "I'll see you at Sandrines Harry." "Thanks again Captain." And he left for his quarters. "Did I just hear Harry?" Chakotay came in, a towl around his waist. Drying his hair with another one. "Yes." "I hate it when you do that." "What?" "Answer me with one word. Well, what did he want? She smiled and looked at him. "What's it worth to you?" "Ohhh Kathryn, we'll never make it to Sandrines." "Would that be so bad?" She said putting her arms around his neck. He kissed her. "No, except that I promised Megan and Jenny. Now what did Harry want?" "Oh, all right." She gave him one more quick kiss. "To make a long story short, he told Seven that I basicly had strongly requested that she attend this little get together tonight." "He did? And you didn't go nuts because he lied?" "In this case no. I didn't. Chakotay, that young man is head over heels in love with our Borg." "Oh come on." "I'm not kidding. Trust me." "Well, what did you say to him?" "I told him I wasn't crazy about him using me in a lie, but in this case I was willing to let it slide." "Well, I suppose it'll be good for her to get around the rest of the crew, but you know how the DeLaneys' feel about her, especially Megan. And you know Megan has a crush on Harry." "Well, it's very one sided." She said. "It's probably a good idea that we do go. Otherwise, there might be some fireworks, if you get my drift." "Yeah, you're right. Well, we better get going here." "I'm gonna finish my coffee and then I'll get ready." "Well, that means we'll be fashionably late." He said over his shoulder as he walked into the bedroom to get dressed. "You're not funny." She called to him. "I can't help it if I need my caffeine fix." She said to herself and went to get another cup. Samantha Wildman, finished her hair and walked into the living room. Naomi was playing and watching Voyager Today. Neelix had a half hour childrens program, even though Naomi was the only child on the ship to benefit from it, so far. But Samantha had found out that, that was about to change. There were a few couples, the Captain had married who had just found out they were expecting. Naomi couldn't wait. "Naomi, I have to run down to Seven of Nine's cargo bay for a few minutes. Will you be all right till Uncle Neelix get's here?" "Yes Mommy. I want to finish this picture for him before he gets here." "Good girl. Tell him I'll be back in a few minutes." "I will Mommy. Say hi to Seven for me." Samantha looked at her. "How do you know Seven of Nine sweety?" "We have lunch together when I go to the mess hall on Tuesday's. She's very smart. I like her. She teaches me things." Samantha smiled. It was amazing how children could read right through some people. She was glad Naomi was friends with Seven. "Well, you're going to have to tell me some of the things Seven has taught you? I'll be back soon." She gave her daughter a kiss and left. She got to Seven's door and rang. It opened and Seven of Nine stood there. "Hi Seven, can I come in?" "Of course Ensign Wildman." "Please Seven we're off duty. Most everybody calls me Samantha or Sam." She walked in and looked around. It was obvious to her after a quick glance that her alcove wouldn't be sufficient for what they had to do. "Seven, you know, I think it would be easier if we went back to my quarters. I have some things there that we need anyhow. It would just be easier there. Besides, I left Naomi alone and I'd kind of like to get back." "Of course En- Samantha." They left and headed for Wildman's quarters. Samantha looked at Seven out of the corner of her eye. *Let's see, I'll take the hair down, and put her in a pair of jeans and a sweater. That should be fine. A little makeup and if it weren't for the Borg implants no one would recognize her. "Seven, I didn't know you knew my daughter?" "We have lunch once a week together. She is a very bright child. I hope you don't mind?" "Not at all. On the contrary, I'm very glad she has had the chance to know you. She says you teach her things." "Yes, I have been teaching her some basic math. She would like to come and see Astrometrics. Would you mind if I took her there one day?" "Not at all . Go right ahead. Well we're here. Come on in." Neelix and Naomi were sitting on the couch looking at the picture she'd done for him. "Hi Neelix." "Hello Samantha. Seven, nice to see you." "Mr. Neelix." Seven nodded. "Hi Seven." Naomi jumped off the couch and ran to give the former Borg a hug. Seven bent down to return it. At that Neelix and Sam looked at each other and smiled in surprise. It was the first time either of them had ever seen Seven show any kind of affection to anyone. "Come see the picture I did for Uncle Neelix." She took Seven by the hand and led her over to the couch. "See, it's a picture of him working in the mess hall." "That is very good Naomi." She said studying the drawing. "Would you like me to do one for you? If you take me to Astro-, astromet-" "Astrometrics." Seven said slowly. "Astrometrics. If you take me there I could do a picture of that." "I will talk to your mother. Maybe she can bring you down one afternoon." "I'd love to Seven." Sam answered. "Now I hate to break this up, but you and I have some major work to do and Naomi, it's time for you to get ready for bed. Go get your pajama's on and then Uncle Neelix can read you a story." "Oh mommy, just a few more minutes. I wanna see what you do with Seven." "No. Now get going young lady. You can come see Seven when we're done." "Oh all right. It's not fair." She grumbled. Neelix chuckled. "I'll make sure she doesn't dawdle Sam." He said and followed the little girl. "Well, Seven-" She stopped and looked at her. "Seven, do you have another name?" "Nine." "No, I mean a name your parents gave you?" "Yes, it's Annika." "How pretty. Do you mind if we use that for tonight?" "I suppose it would be all right." "Great, then from now on when you're off duty, you can use Annika instead of Seven. Now, let's see. I think we'll start with your hair." and for the next hour Samantha worked on Seven and turned her into Annika. Harry walked into his living room with a robe on and towling off his hair. Sonic showers were OK but they could never replace a real one. He noticed his computer console was blinking that he had a message. *Harry, when you're ready, you can pick Annika up at my place. Love, Sam * "Annika? Boy I should have turned her loose on Seven a long time ago."#000arry said to himself. It was almost 1800. He had to hurry or he'd be late. He went into the bathroom , shaved, combed his hair, pulled on some jeans and a loose fitting comfortable sweater and figured he was ready. He was almost ready to leave when his door chirped. He opened it to find Joe Carey standing there. "Hi Harry. You almost ready to leave?" "Yeah Joe, come on in." "I just thought that since I'm taking Sam Wildman, and she has Seven at her place, that we could pick them up together." "Sounds like a good idea." "Harry, . . . . I don't mean to pry, but, well,-" "Go ahead and say it Joe." Harry knew what was coming. "Well, do you think it's such a good idea taking Seven to this thing tonight? You know how the DeLaneys' feel about the Borg. Personally, I'm getting so that I kind of like Seven. And I hate to admit it, but she sure perks up engineering when she's there., if you get my drift. Sometimes I wonder just who programmed that Doctor. He's the one who came up with those jumpsuits she wears." "I know what you mean Joe, and thanks for being concerned. But this ship is too small to be acting the way the DeLaneys' do. I know they lost family in Wolf 359 but what they forget is that we all lost someone we cared about in that mess. And if you really want to get picky, it was Q who started the whole thing by showing us the Borg and vice versa. Now wheather Seven was at that battle or not, she had no choice. She was still part of the collective. She isn't now. And Jenny and Megan are just going to have to understand that. And if I have to, I'll pull rank on them. I've been in Starfleet longer then they have." "You don't need to worry about that. If they don't knock it off, I'll take care of it. Like I said, I like Seven." "Thanks Joe. Well, I'm ready. Let's go pick up our dates." "Kathryn, are you almost ready?" Chakotay was getting impatient. "If we don't leave right now we're gonna be late." "You're the one who said we'd be fashionably late." She snapped as she walked out of the bedroom. "Here, do this for me." She was having trouble with a gold chain she wanted to wear. He came around and did it for her. "There, done. Now can we go?" "Almost ready, I just have to put on some purfume and change my earrings." "What's wrong with the ones you have ON?" He moaned. "The don't match the chain I'm wearing." She said over her shoulder. "Oh for petes sakes." He mumbled and plunked himself down on the couch. They were at least 5 minutes away from leaving. He was sitting wondering how she could be on time for everything else, but a simple party at Sandrines was impossible for her to make on time, when the door chirped. "I'll get it." He yelled to Kathryn. When he opened it Harry and Joe were standing there. "Hi Cmdr." Harry said. "We were on our way to pick up Sam Wildman and Seven and we wondered if you and the Captain wanted to walk along with us to Sandrines." "Harry that's a great idea." *Maybe that will hurry miss putz along.* He thought to himself. "I think Kathryn is almost ready. Come on in while I go check." He started to walk to the bedroom door. Joe chuckled as Chakotay disappeared. "Five replicator rations that she's not ready." He said so only Harry could hear. "Are you kidding. I only bet when I know I'm gonna win." The both laughed quietly as they heard muffled voices and bits of conversation from the bedroom. " -- tell them to go ahead." "Kathryn, you look fine. I'm not going out there -" "-I'm not ready." "You're ready. Now let's go." He took her by the arm and walked her out of the bedroom. She looked like she was ready to kill him till she saw Harry and Joe standing there trying not to smile. "You heard all of that?" She asked. "Um humm." Harry said starting to smile. "You look very nice Captain." Joe added. "Yeah," She gave them each her best Captain's glare and grabbed her purse. "If we weren't off duty I'd put you two on report." But she was starting to smile. "What'd we do? Chakotay's the one who was rushing you. What are you gonna do to him.?" "Well, I could throw him in the brig, or," She paused for effect. "Make him sleep on the couch. Let's go gentlemen, or we'll be late." With that she took Harry's arm and walked out of their quarters. Joe rolled his eyes, and Chakotay grumbled. ` "I give up. I'm never going to win an arguement with that woman. Computer, lights out." and he walked out of their quarters hurrying to catch up with the others. "Well what do you think?" Sam stood a transformed Seven in front of a mirror. "I look different." "Is that all you have to say? You look beautiful. It's amazing how good you look in just a pair of jeans and a sweater." She'd replicated a pair of royal blue jeans and a loose fitting off white sweater for Annika. Then she took her hair down, combed it out a little, put a bit of a curl in the ends and did her makeup. She replicated some leather deck shoes and Annika was set. "Wait till Harry sees you." Sam said. "I am not sure I should go through with this." Seven said. *She's starting to get cold feet.* Sam thought. *I need to boost her confidence. "Come with me." She took Seven by the arm and walked her out into the living room. She could hear Neelix and Naomi in the next room. She walked Seven into Naomi's room. "Neelix, Naomi, I have someone I'd like you to meet. Annika, come on." She prodded Seven into the room. Neelix, whistled in appreciation. "Seven, you look so pretty." Naomi said. She got off Neelix's lap and ran to Seven. "What did my mommy call you?" She asked. "Annika. That is my . . . . . human name." "Annika, I like that. Can I call you Aunt Annika from now on?" A small smile appeared on Seven's face. "Yes you may." She said. "Now I believe it is almost time for you to go to bed. Let your Uncle finish the story he was reading. I will see you tomorrow in the mess hall." She had stooped down to be on the little girls level. Naomi, put her arms around Seven's neck and hugged her. Seven found herself hugging back. The door chirped. "That must be Harry." Sam said. "Neelix, you know the routine. If you need me I'll be in Holodeck two. " "You bet. Have a good time Annika." He called. "She will. She will." Sam called back. When the door opened, the Captain and Harry were the first to be invited in. The Captain greeted Sam and then she realized Harry had stopped dead in his tracks. She looked to see what he was staring at. She couldn't believe it. "Seven?" She said in an awed voice. "No Captain, this is Annika." Samantha corrected her. "We talked about it and decided that when she's not on duty she is going to use Annika instead of Seven." "Annika, you look lovely. Doesn't she Harry?" Harry just stood there. "Doesn't she Harry?" The Captain gave him a nudge in the ribs with her elbow. "What?- Oh yeah. Annika, you, you look terrific." By this time Chakotay and Joe had come in and were in just about the same state Harry was in. "I think we have a new secret weapon here Samantha." the Captain said with a chuckle. "If we want to immobilize the men on this ship, just stick Annika in the middle of a group of them. They'll freeze up like statues." "Very funny Kathryn." Chakotay was the first to respond. "Sev-, I'm sorry, Annika, you look lovely, may I have the honor of escorting you to Sandrines?" He held out his arm to her. She looked at the Captain. Janeway nodded yes with a smile. Annika took the offered arm and she and Chakotay walked out of the room into the hall. "Well, Harry, shall we?" The Captain looked up at him. "I guess we better Captain." He said with a smile. She took his arm, Sam took Joe's and the three couples walked to Sandrines. When they got there, the party was already going. Quite a few people were there. The DeLaneys' of course, Tom and B 'Elanna, Ayala, Sue Niccoletti, and a few others. When the Captain and her little group walked in, a few people looked up and smiled, till they saw Seven on Chakotay's arm. Being she was with him and the Captain, no one dared to say anything. Over at the bar, Jenny DeLaney nudged her sister and whispered something to her. Megan stood up and looked straight at Chakotay and Seven. She snapped something to her sister and walked over to the Captain. "Captain, I'm so glad you and the Cmdr. could come. Joe, Samantha, Harry." She acknowledged everyone except Seven. Sidling up to Harry she was about to try to steel him from the Captain, but Harry was ready for it and so was Chakotay, after the chilly greeting they'd gotten. He took Seven by the hand and put it around Harry's arm. "Annika, it was a pleasure walking you here, but now I'd like to spend some time with my date, and I'm sure Harry would like to be with you." "Yes Cmdr. I sure would. Doesn't she look great Megan?" Harry aimed the question right at her. *Good boy Harry.* The Captain thought to herself. Megan glared at Seven but ground out a small "Yes she looks fine. Captain, the bar is open and the food table is ready, please help yourselves." With that she turned on her heel and stalked off. Harry, Annika, Joe and Sam followed her. Chakotay, held back a minute. He leaned down and whispered in Kathryn's ear. "If it got any colder in here it could snow." "I know what you mean. It's a good thing we're here." "This is gonna be a long night." "Well, let's go and mingle a little and get a drink." "I'm glad Ayala is here." He said as they walked to the bar. "Why?" "We may need someone from security, if there's a fight." "You're not funny." "I'm not trying to be." When they got to the bar. Sandrine came over herself. "Chakotay, my love, and Kathryn, how are you?" "We're fine Sandrine." The Captain said smiling. "What can I get for you?" "Kathryn, what would you like?" "A little red wine would be nice." "And you my dear?" Sandrine asked Chakotay. "Some of that beer I know Tom's been brewing down in cargo bay 4, Sandrine." "Excuse me?" The Captain said looking at Chakotay. "Would you like to fill me in here?" "I was going to tell you about it Kathryn. I just never got around to it." "Right. Sandrine, forget the wine. I'd like a beer myself." "Of course Kathryn." She said. "This better be the best beer I've ever had or you are in real trouble." She said sweetly to Chakotay. "I wouldn't let him keep brewing it if it wasn't Kathryn." "Uh huh." She took her beer from Sandrine and tried it. "Well,?" "This is really good. You are one lucky man Chakotay. Have Tom see me tomorrow." "He's not in trouble is he?" "No. I just want to see his brewery. What's he using to brew the stuff with?" "You'll never believe it." "Chakotay tell me." "Leola root." She almost choked. "Leola root? Are you sure this stuff is safe for human consumption?" "I couldn't believe it myself, but it's great. I guess it'd take somone like Tom to figure out a good use for that blasted root." They laughed and walked over to the food table. The rest of the evening went smoothly enough. Although Megen DeLaney was obviously upset. Seven stayed at Harry's side all night. A number of people came over and complimented her on her outfit and hair. For the most part, the crew had accepted her. There were just a few hold outs. Unfortunately the DeLaneys were two of those hold outs. Megan more then Jenny. Harry got Seven out and danced with her, they played pool with Tom and B 'Elanna, and talked and mingled with most everyone else. Seven actually held some very casual conversations with people. Harry and Sam and the Captain were very proud of her. Finally, around 2300 hours Seven actually yawned. Harry smiled over at the Captain. "Well, Annika, it's getting kind of late. Maybe we should say our good nights?" She looked at him for a moment. Then agreed. "Yes Harry. I think that's a good idea. Good night everyone." She said to the group they'd been talking to. Harry took her by the hand and started to go over to the Captain. Tom slowed him for a second and whispered. "You realize, once you get married, you'll never get her to agree that easily with you again." "You're probably right." Harry said. "Hey wait a minute, what do you mean "once you get married? Who said anything about getting married?" "Harry, are you coming?" Annika stopped and turned to look at him. Tom just started to laugh. "I'm coming Annika." He followed her but managed to give Tom a nasty look which just made him laugh harder. They walked up to the Captain's table. "Captain, we're going to say good night. I think Annika's had enough for one night." "Of course, Harry, Annika. I'm so glad you two came." "We are too. Good night Captain, Cmdr." He took Seven and purposely walked right over to Megan. "Meg thanks for inviting me. Annika and I had a good time." "Good night Harry." Megan said in a controlled voice. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Jenny. Thanks for coming." And she turned and walked over to her sister. "Come on Annika." He said and they walked out the holodeck door. On the way home he decided to stop by the airponics bay. It was a nice place to take a walk. The door slid open and they walked in. As they headed over to the little gazebo, in the middle of the room, they heard voices. Looking closer, Harry saw Sam and Joe sitting on one of the gazebo benches. He had his arm around her shoulders. "Come on Annika. We can come back some other time." He whispered. "Is that Sam and Joe?" She whispered back "Yes, now let's go." He propelled her out the door, but just as he did, they saw Joe lean over and kiss Samantha. "He kissed her. Did you see that Harry?" "Yes Annika. I saw it." He was disappointed. He was hoping to do the same thing himself with Annika. He wasn't ready to call it a night just yet. "Annika, you know I'd like a cup of coffee. Why don't we go to the mess hall and see if Neelix left some bakery or something to have with it." "All right." They headed to the mess hall. It was deserted. He got them their coffee and sure enough Neelix had some cookies left over from dinner. He brought a plate of them over. "So, . . . . did you have a good time tonight?" He asked her. "Yes, surprisingly, I had a very good time. I am glad you asked me Harry." He smiled and took a sip of his coffee. Then he reached out for a cookie, the same time she did. He took her hand and held it for a minute. They looked at each other then she pulled her hand away and looked down at her coffee. They sat in silence for a while. "Harry, it's getting late, I think maybe I better go back to my alcove." "I wish you didn't have to go down there. It's like a dungeon. I'm gonna talk to the Captain about getting you some quarters up with the rest of us." He stood up and took her hand again. "Let's go." He said softly. They walked in silence all the way to her cargo bay. When they got to the door. She turned to go in. "Annika, wait." She turned back to him. A questioning look on her face. He took her face in his hands and gave her a quick kiss. "Good night Annika." He said and left. She stood there for a moment, watching him go. Then touching her face where he had kissed her, she said, softly, "Good night Harry." The next afternoon Seven came in for lunch like always. It was Tuesday and Naomi would be coming to spend the afternoon with Neelix. She sat in their customary table and waited for Naomi. They always got lunch together. After a few minutes she realized it was starting to get late. Where was Naomi? Then the door to the mess hall opened. Megan DeLaney stood there. She scanned the room, and finding Seven, headed right over to her. Seven started to stand. "Don't bother to get up Borg. What I have to say won't take long." She snapped. "Now, I'm gonna warn you once and only once. Stay away from Harry Kim. Do you hear me?" "I hear you but why must I stay away from Ensign Kim?" "Ensign Kim" She mimicked. "Isn't that sweet. Always following protocal. Just like the Captain. Well, you just stay away from him. Harry is mine. You understand. Mine. And if I catch you messing around with him or going out with him again, there's gonna be trouble. Big trouble. Now BACK OFF. You got that Borg?" "Yes." Was all Seven could get out. Megan stomped off and sat down at another table with her sister and a few of their friends. Seven sat there wondering what to do when the door opened and Harry walked in. He looked around the room and saw her, but just as he was about to walk her way, Megan got up and practicly threw herself in front of him. "Harry, how are you today?" " I'm fine Megan. If you'll ex-" "Why don't you come and eat with us today. You always sit by yourself. Why not have some company." "Well, I was-" He looked around for Seven but now she was gone. He heard the door to the mess hall hiss open and closed and realized she must have left. "Harry, come on and sit down." Sue Niccoletti said. "Well just for a minute." He really wanted to go after Seven but he didn't want to be rude to Sue. He liked her as a friend. Megan was another story. If he ever felt like hitting a woman, now was the time. "What can I get you Harry?" Jenny asked. "Just some coffee and whatever Neelix has for a sandwhich." For the next 20 minutes he sat and ate and drank his coffee as fast as he could and endured Megan and her obvious advances. "Well, I better be going." He took a last sip of his coffee and stood up. "It was fun, let's do it again sometime." And he turned and headed toward the door. Megan got up and followed him. "How about dinner Harry? I'll save a place for you." "Fine Megan, you do that. Now if you'll excuse me." And he walked out of the mess hall. He was about to head for Astrometrics when the Captain's voice came over his combadge. *Captain Janeway to Ensign Kim.* "Yes Captain." *Harry, can you come up to the bridge, there are a few things I need to go over with you.* "Captain can it wait a few minutes?" *No, not really Harry.* She paused. He sounded funny to her. *Is something wrong?* "I'm not sure. I'll be right up and I'll tell you about it when I get there. Kim out." "Damn." He swore softly to himself. He'd really wanted to go after Seven. Well, it'd have to wait. But he was going to tell the Captain about Megan DeLaney. He got in the turbolift and headed to the bridge. Once he got to the bridge, it was like all hell broke loose. One problem after another came up and one delay after another, as far as talking to the Captain about Seven and Megan. It got so busy, he ended up working overtime and missed dinner entirely. By the time he got off duty it was late, but Harry wasn't ready to go to bed yet. He decided to stop by the mess hall and see if there was anything left from dinner. He was hoping , maybe, Neelix had some of his little cakes left. He walked into the mess and saw it was empty, with one exception. Seven of Nine. She was sitting at one of the tables a cup of coffee in front of her, gazing out at the stars. He cleared his throat a little louder then he really needed to, so he wouldn't startle her. She turned to see who it was and then seeing iencos him she looked back at the stars. He walked in and helped himself to a cup of coffee at the counter. Neelix was long gone for the night but he always left a pot or two of coffee, for late night crew members and sometimes some goodies if he had any left over. Tonight was one of those nights. Harry grabbed a couple of the little cakes and walked over to Seven. "Want some company?" He said softly. "Yes." She said almost as softly. Harry pulled up a chair and sat down. She kept staring out the window. He studdied her for a moment and it was then he noticed a tear streak down her cheek and another one threatening in the corner of her eye. "Hey, talk to me. Seven, what's wrong?" The tear broke free, followed by another. He reached out and put his hand over hers. Something was definitely bothering her. She started to cry softly. "Seven, what's wrong?" He asked her again. "Nothing. Nothing is wrong. . . . . Oh, I wish you had not come down here." "Me? Seven, what did I do?" "Nothing . It is not anything you did. It is just that, I saw you with, . . . . . " She couldn't go on. Suddenly it hit him like a ton of bricks. The little scene with Megan DeLaney. The whole thing played back in his mind. She had this mistaken idea that he liked her and he did, but as a friend. Nothing more. He realized he had fallen hopelessly for Seven, since the first day he worked with her. He also remembered that Seven had been sitting in the mess too. Not very far from Megan. His heart skipped a beat. He looked at her and could see that she felt the same way he did. "Oh, Seven. You mean you're upset about what happened with Megan today?" "Yes. I am sorry Ensign. I did not mean to pry. If you-" "Look at me. Seven, look at me." She turned and looked at him through teary eyes. "I love you. Do you hear me? You. Not Megen DeLaney, or Libby or anyone else. I think I fell in love with you the first time I saw you." "How could you?" She said through her tears. "I was still in my Borg body armor and I hit you and knocked you out." "Oh, don't worry, I will never forget that. I had a headache for three days. But that hasn't changed a thing. Borg body armor, or not. I knew I loved you." "But Megan said-" "What did Megan say?" "I don't think she wants you to know?" "Seven, what did she say?"Harry sounded angry. "She, . . . . she, Harry, I really do not-" "Seven, tell me what she said. That's an order." "She told me to . . . . back off. To leave you alone from now on. That you were hers." "Oh she did huh?" He was starting to do a slow burn. He reached out and stood her up. They looked at each other for a moment. "Megan DeLaney can go to hell." And then for the second time, he kissed her. Gently at first. Then a passion struck that he'd never felt before. Not with Libby or anyone else. Breaking the kiss he took her by the hand and led her out of the mess hall. "Where are we going?" "My quarters. We need someplace where we can be alone." Harry woke up and felt the warmth of another body next to him. For a moment, before he was quite awake he thought it was Libby. Then he opened his eyes and looked at the woman lying next to him. Seven was still asleep. Her hair was down and all that was covering her was his sheet. Her brown jumpsuit laid on the chair. It all came back to him. The kiss in the mess hall, the walk to his quarters and then when he got her there, they had made love. Slowly, tenderly. It was the first time for her and she was actually scared. Now she was lying in his arms asleep. A tiny smile on her lips. This was so different from the way it had been with Libby. He thought it had been love with Libby, but now he realized it wasn't that at all. He looked at Seven and then bent his head to kiss her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Good morning sleepy headfireHe pulled her closer to him. "Harry, what happened last night?" "Don't you remember?" He asked with a little laugh. "I remember, it's just that I . . . . " Her voice trailed off. "Don't try to analize it Seven. I told you last night, I love you. I want you to be with me from now on." She reached up and touched his face with her right hand. "I love you too." They kissed again. "I thought I knew what it was to make love. I understood the how, but now, " She kissed him again. "I understand the why." Harry smiled and pulled the sheet up over his shoulders. He let his hand start to wander. She seemed to melt under his touch. They made love again. When they were done, he pulled her close and just held her. "God, I love you." "I love you too." "Are you on duty today?" "No. I am not." She yawned. "Neither am I. Let's go back to sleep for a while." "That is fine with me." She closed her eyes and snuggled up even closer to him. As he fell asleep all he could think of was, *Wait till Tom hears about this.* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Captain had just sat down at her desk, when her comlink chirped. "Janeway here." *Ah, Captain, this is Neelix. Can I come up and talk to you? It's rather important.* "Neelix, are you sure it can't wait? I've got a shi-. I've got a lot of work to do." *No Captain, I really think this can't wait.* "All right come on up." *Thank you Captain. Neelix out.* She sighed and got herself another cup of coffee. *Now what?* She wondered. Neelix usually respected her wishes when she said she was busy. This had to be important for him to be so insistent. She'd just sat back down at her desk when her door chirped. "Come." "Captain, I'm sorry to disturb you like this but I really need to talk to you. I would have come yesterday but I had Naomi and then there was dinner and-" "That's all right Neelix. I was too busy myself yesterday. Sit down. Now what's on your mind?" "Oh, before I go any further, here." He handed her a covered plate. "I had some left over Danish and I thought you might want something with your coffee." She had to smile. "Thank you Neelix, I do appreciate this. But let's get back to business. What's wrong?" "Captain, how well do you know Megan DeLaney?" His question caught her by surprise. "Not very well really Neelix. Just the routine things. She's an average officer, does her job fairly well. Why?" "Well, I overheard something yesterday that has greatly disturbed me and I think you should know about it." "What Neelix?" "Yesterday at lunch, Megan DeLaney came over and threatened Seven of Nine." "What? ! How Neelix? What did she say?" "She told her that if she didn't leave Harry alone she would make big trouble for Seven. She said that Harry was hers and the Seven better Back Off? I believe was the term she used." "Oh I had a feeling there was going to be some kind of trouble." She rubbed her forehead and could feel the beginnings of a major headache starting. "I don't like to spread gossip Captain, and I certainly don't want to get anyone in trouble, but I just felt that this couldn't be ignored." "No, Neelix, you're right. And I'm glad you brought this to my attention. I'll handle it from here. Thank you." "You're welcome Captain." He got up to leave. "Oh and Captain, that's low cal Danish. Eat some please. I worry about you." "All right, all right you win." She said smiling. "I'll have some." She got up and walked him to the door. When she got there she called out "Chakotay, Tuvok, I'd like to speak with you both. Tom you have the bridge." "Yes Captain." The three men said in unison. Tom chuckled and took the center seat. After they took their seats she said. "We have a major problem." "Oh, such as?" Chakotay asked "I'm sure you saw Neelix in here a minute ago. What you don't know is what he told me. Megan DeLaney threatened Seven of Nine." "Oh, let me guess?" Chakotay said. "It had to be over Harry, right?" "On the money Cmdr. Neelix overheard her yesterday in the mess hall. What do we do about this? On one hand I don't like to get mixed up in the personal relationships of the crew, but when it comes to something like this . . . . ." She let her voice trail off. "What did she say to Seven of Nine?" Tuvok asked. "She basicly told her that Harry was hers and that if Seven didn't back off there would be trouble." "Something must be done. At the very least she should be put on report." "Oh big deal Tuvok. You think she's really gonna care?" Chakotay said. "Captain, I'm not worried about Seven, she can take care of herself, but this kind of thing can't go on. How about a little time in the brig?" "I don't know? On this ship, again, brig time is like a mini vacation." She sat and thought for a minute. "Well at any rate, I need to talk to her." "Does Harry know?" "I don't think so. He would have come to me, with it. At least I hope he would." "Captain, I have an idea." Chakotay said. "I'm listening." "Megan once told me she hates cooking or being in the kitchen period. How about assign her to Neelix for a couple of weeks?" "That and put her on report? That might work." "Captain, what about reducing her rank?" Tuvok asked "Not at this point Tuvok. She hasn't really done anything yet. No, I'll have a talk with her and read her the riot act and I'll also fill Harry in. That in itself should be more then enough punishment." She took a sip of her coffee. "All right gentlemen, if you don't have any more thoughts on the matter, let's get back to work. Dismissed." Tuvok got up and headed for the door. So did Chakotay, but not before steeling a quick kiss. He chuckled to himself on the way out at the look on her face. Harry rolled over and noticed he was alone in bed. "Seven?" "In the bathroom Harry." He heard. She was back in her jump suit. "I thought we were gonna spend the day together?" He asked. "We are. But I need to go to my alcove for a short while. When I am done I will call you and we can plan our day." "All right. I definitely want an alcove installed in here once we're married." She turned and looked at him. "What did you say?" She asked him. He swallowed and took a deep breath. "You heard me. Once we're married, I want an alcove installed in here. I don't care what B 'Elanna has to do to make it work." "Yes." "Yes what?" "That was a marriage proposal, was it not?" "I guess it was." "Well, I am giving you my answer. Yes." She started to smile. He started to laugh. He got up and hugged her and kissed her. "All right Harry, we will have plenty of time for this later. I must regenerate." "OK, go on. I'll see you later, Mrs. Kim." She laughed as she went out the door. Harry grabbed his combadge. "Kim to Lt. Paris." *Paris here, what is it Harry?* "Are you sitting down?" *In the Captain's chair.* He said. "How would you like to be my best man?" *What?* "You heard me." *Seven?* "Would there be anyone else?" *Megan DeLaney?* "Oh very funny. Listen, when do you get off duty?" *Supposed to be 1500 hours but you know how it is up here sometimes. Why?* "Well why don't you and Bea stop over later tonight." * You sure you're gonna want company?* "Don't worry, I'll kick you out when it's time for you to leave." *Thanks buddy. Yeah Bea and I'll be glad to come over. Talk to you later, and Har, congratulations buddy.* "Thanks Tom. Kim out." He got out of bed and poured himself a cup of coffee then he went and sat on the couch, turning on Good Morning Voyager. A few minutes into the shd thhe felt the ship rock. and heard a loud boom from the other end of the deck. As alarms started to scream, he grabbed his jeans and a t-shirt and pulled them on. Shoved his feet in a pair of socks he found on the floor and pulling his boots on he ran out the door. Following the smoke and noise he came to the sight of the explosion. A power conduit had blown and ripped into the turbo lift right next to it. He looked down the shaft and could see the crumpled top of the lift car that must have just left. It had been partially caught by the explosion but not enough to be totally destroyed. "Is there anybody in there?" He asked. Vorik was there fiddleing with a panel on one wall. Trying to coax the lift to move. He looked at Harry, and he swore Vorik looked upset. "Yes, Megan DeLaney and Seven of Nine." "Why haven't you beamed them out?" "There is no signal from either of their combadges. They must have been damaged in the explosion." Harry hit his combadge. "Kim to transporter room, bea-" "No, ensign. You can not transport into it yet." Vorik interrupted him. "Why the hell not?" At that moment B 'Elanna came running down the hall, a pad in her hand "Harry, we can't beam anyone down there until we're sure the car is secure. You go beaming yourself into it without checking it out first and you, Seven and Meg could end up freefalling all the way to the bottom of the shaft." She was right and he knew it. "All right Bea. Just hurry." "We are Harry." She gave his arm a squeeze and went to work. The first thing Seven felt as she came too was a terrible headache. Then she coughed a little trying to clear her lungs. The lift car was dark, except for a few small lights on one panel. The first thing she did was tap her combadge. Nothing happened, no answering chirp. It was dead. She got her legs under her and stood up. She felt dizzy and it took a minute for the world to stop spinning. When things were finally on an even keel, she went to one of the panels, pulling the front of it off, and then fiddled with it for a few minutes. Suddenly there was light again. It was dim, but enough to see with. She started to assess the damages when she heard a moan come from the other side of the elevator. Megan lay pinned under a heavy beam by one leg. As she came too, the pain started to register more and more. Seven knew that most of the lifts had very basic med kits in them. She found it and took it over to Megan. "Ohhhhhh. What happened? Oh God my leg. It hurts. Oh God." "Hold still Megan. I will try to lift the beam off of your leg but I will need your help." The other woman tried to focus on Seven. "Don't you touch me Borg." "I will touch you in any way I see fit, in order to get you out from under this beam. After that you are on your own." She snapped. Her head was pounding and her vision was blurring on her. "Now shut up and listen to me. We will only get one chance at this." Megan did as she was told. She was in too much pain to argue. "When I lift that beam, you are going to have to pull your leg out from under it. You will have to move quickly. I will not be able to hold it for very long. Do you understand?" "Yes." She said in a weak voice. She was starting to lose a lot of blood and Seven knew it would only be a matter of time before she was too weak to do this. "All right. On three." Megan nodded. "ONE, TWO, THREE. . . . . . !" Seven lifted with all the Borg strength she had left. Megan was ready and pulled her leg out from under it just in the nick of time. The beam slipped out of Seven's hands and went crashing back to the floor. She climbed over it and went to Megan. The first thing she did was look for her combadge. It lay on the floor not far from Megan, in pieces. *Well so much for being beamed out of here.* She thought to herself. "Lie still and let me look at your leg." She said softly to the other woman. The leg was badly broken and bleeding, but it wasn't crushed. She pulled out the medical tricorder and ran it over the leg and then the rest of the injured woman. It showed a fractured arm and two cracked ribs. DeLaney must have been closer to the explosion then she was. She pulled the prefilled hypo filled with pain medication out. "Megan, I am going to give you a shot for the pain. Then I am going to try to stop the bleeding from your leg." Megan only nodded. Seven administered the hypo, then after a minute of two, she made a crude turnicate and tried to stop the bleeding from the leg. As the pain killer began to work, Megan became a bit more lucid. "Why are you being so nice to me Borg?" She asked. "My name is not BORG. You may call me Seven, or Annika. And as far as being nice to you. I am doing my duty. I would do this for anyone." "But I was so mean to you at the party, and I threatened you." "That has nothing to do with what has happened. You are injured, and you need help." Megan was silent for a long while. Then she took a good look at Seven. She had a deep gash on her leg and one on her forhead and when she closed her eyes, Megan could see she was in pain too. "Seven, bring that med kit over hear." Seven complied. "Now sit down next to me." "For what purpose?" "Listen lady, I'm not the only injured party here. Now get over here so I can check you out. Harry would shoot me if anything happened to you." Seven got as close as she could to Megan and she ran the scanner over her. No broken bones. Well, that was good. No internal injuries. No bleeding from anything except her leg and head but she didn't like the readings she got when she went over Seven's head. "Lie down Seven." "I can not. I must-" "Lie down and that's an order." The tone in her voice sounded serious. "If this scanner is working right, you have a major concussion. Now lie down. You and I are just gonn