Well, here's my latest. It is NOT a part of my " Little Moments" 
series, but instead, I consider it an ' alternate universe ' ditty. The 
general idea came to me after seeing the previews of " Voyager " as they 
always begin with " Only 10 more episodes until the series finale..." it made 
me kind of sad , excited, and nostalgic. So, as I was listening to some 
music, I came across a song that fit the idea. This story is both happy and 
sad....and nostalgic. please do not let the title mislead you. Please let me 
know what you think. 


Pairing : K/7
Rating : PG
Summary : Seven ponders the events that bring the crew and especially Harry, 
back in and out of her life.
Setting : Another AU story of mine, which was also " spur of the moment "
Archiving : Seventh Heaven , others, please ask.
Disclaimer : Paramount and Viacom own all things " Trek " and " Voyager. " 
I'm just sampling the goodies.
Disclaimer # 2 : I did not write the song " Every Time We Say Goodbye." The 
great jazz musician Cole Porter did. The version intended for this story is 
the 1957 arrangement by Buddy Bregman , sung beautifully by Ella Fitzgerald. 
( No copyright infringements intended ) This song is both melancholy and 
smooth.

" Every Time We Say Goodbye "

             Every Time we say goodbye, I die a little
             Every Time we say goodbye, I wonder why a little

       Seven Of Nine happened to be on the bridge that day as Voyager 
approached Earth. She had scanned the room at the other crew members. It was 
almost surreal to finally be orbiting Earth. They'd orbited so many planets 
during their journey that they'd all lost count. Some had been so similar to 
Earth that it used to bring pangs of sadness to several of her fellow crew 
mate's faces. Yet they'd finally made it, and no one had moved, spoken, or 
seemed to breath after Captain Janeway had given the order to orbit Earth.
       Harry stood at his post breathing slowly, the years of longing to be 
there, at that moment, playing across his features. Seven then looked at the 
Captain. Her eyes were misted with a fresh sheen of tears, a small smile 
tugging at the corners of her determined mouth. Seven understood the 
Captain's sentiment, though she herself, was not sure how to feel.
       Voyager was finally home. After so many years, they were home. And 
things would never be the same. Deep in Seven's heart, she even cried a 
little.
       *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  
 *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *  
             Why the Gods above me
             Who must be in the know,
             think so little of me
             they allow you to go

       Everything seemed to happen in a blur after Voyager had gotten home. A 
bittersweet feeling blanketed the air as crew members stepped off of the ship 
and into Starfleet Headquarters. For some, it had been exhilarating to 
finally have made it home. For Seven, it was apprehensive. Though she was 
able to mask her feelings to some, those closest to her understood.
       Every goodbye was hard after the last party was thrown and after 
debriefing. Seven finally met her extended family, the Hansens, and found 
that they were both patient and understanding. As time passed, she kept in 
contact with those from Voyager who had moved on ; going back to their homes 
states, countries, and planets. Or those who had taken other commissions.
       The last to leave had been Kathryn Janeway and Harry Kim. They had 
stayed in San Francisco the longest. In that time, both had made sure to take 
her to every site to be seen, to functions, and to any of their family 
gatherings. Seven knew inside that they had done this to help her adjust to 
life on Earth. To help her belong. And only when they felt she'd made the 
adjustment, did either accept other commissions.
       Seven had stayed in contact with them as well, just as she had with 
the others. Once a year, on the anniversary of their homecoming, there would 
be a reunion. Seven found she looked forward  to seeing everyone again, and 
especially to seeing Harry Kim. Though after every reunion, they would go 
their separate ways. Yet that had all changed at the fifth reunion.

       Harry had been watching her all night. It was going to be different 
this time. He was actually going to say it ; to tell her. He hated being away 
from her, and resolved to himself that five years had been long enough. ' 
Nine years, ' he corrected himself, ' you've loved her since you met her. '
       A small part of him that feared rejection tickled at the back of his 
mind, but he brushed it aside. It was worse keeping it bottled up. He'd 
wasted nine years worrying, and now it was time to act.
       " Seven, feel like going for a walk, " he'd asked her after the 
reunion dinner.Everyone had been enjoying cocktails and dessert and 
entertaining each other with anecdotes from their time aboard Voyager.
       Suprisingly enough, it had been B'Elanna Torres who'd poked him in the 
ribs ; telling him to ' get off of his duff and do something.' Though he'd 
laughed off her chiding, it had gotten him thinking.
       " Of course, Harry. "
       They walked in silence most of the way, until Harry couldn't take it 
anymore, " Starfleet offered me a position at Headquarters. "
       Seven nodded, keeping her emotions in check. Part of her hoped he 
would accept and come back to San Francisco, yet she would not attempt to 
sway his decision. It was his to make, she believed, and despite how she 
felt, she would support whatever decision he made.
       " What would the position entail ? "
       He brightened a little at the chance to share the news, " I'd be 
working directly with the head of Operations and Communications  in 
Starfleet. On the team. I'd get to design and help install new systems into 
all kinds of ships. "
       " It sounds as if it is to your liking. "
       " It is. "
       " What of the Lincoln ? "
       " I love serving on the Lincoln. The people are great, the job is 
challenging, " he trailed off and shrugged, " but this offer is a great 
opportunity. "
       " When must you make your decision ? "
       " By the end of the week. Nobody else knows I've been offered the 
position, " he said gesturing back to the party, " I didn't say anything yet 
to anyone. "
       " Except to me, " she smiled lightly.
       " Except to you, " he agreed, then paused, " because you're the 
deciding factor. "
       Seven raised her eyebrow, and she turned to face him, " I am the 
deciding factor ? Explain. "
       Harry took her hands in his, speaking quickly as if her were afraid 
he'd lose his nerve, " I know it's unfair to put you on the spot like this, 
but I can't help it. And I apologize for that. Yes, I love serving on the 
Lincoln, but I feel I've gone about as far as I can go there. This new job 
would be more challenging, and it gives my creative side a chance to shine. 
And, " he paused ever so briefly, " I can be closer to home, closer to my 
family, and closer to you. Seven, I'm tired of being away from you. 
Communicating over a personal console isn't enough. I love you. I've always 
loved you, " he stopped and took a deep breath, adding so quietly she had to 
strain to hear, " and I always will. "
       Seven nodded slowly as his explanation sunk in. The only sounds in the 
air were the crickets chirping and the sounds of her feet against the gravel. 
They were no longer moving, but she'd shifted her weight from one foot to the 
other, the dirt making crunching sounds beneath her feet. In a way, she'd 
always known how he felt, yet she had never been certain. She always thought 
she'd been prepared to hear the three famous words, but she wasn't. It was 
both overwhelming and beautiful.
       " Whew, " he breathed, " I finally said it. "
       " I am unsure how to respond, " she said shakily.
       " Say the word Seven, and I will go back to the Lincoln happily. Or 
I'll stay here and be happy. If there isn't a chance that you feel the same, 
I'll understand. And we can still be good friends. just like we are now, " he 
lamented seriously.
       " Harry, " she answered carefully, " I do not enjoy the time we spend 
apart. I find it more and more difficult each time we do. I wish for you to 
be happy, and I wish for you to choose the position that will fulfill your 
desires the most. If that is aboard the Lincoln, then so be it. If that is 
here, then so be it."
       " I don't like saying goodbye either , Seven. And if it means I'll be 
near you, even as friends, then I'll stay and take the job. I assure you, " 
he smiled, " that will make me happy. But Seven, " he said softly and slowly, 
" you don't have to reciprocate my feelings. I don't want you to feel like 
you have to. I just wanted you to know how I felt. "
       " I do reciprocate, Harry, " she answered after several moments of 
quiet, " I am in love with you. "
       He smiled, his eyes clouding, " In that case, I've been meaning to ask 
you something for nine years. "
       " I see. By all means, " she indicated.
       " May I kiss you ? "
       She curved her lips into a sensual smile, " I was beginning to believe 
that you would never ask. "
             When you're near, there's such an air
             of Spring about it
             I can hear a lark somewhere
             begin to sing about it

       Harry and Seven had married shortly after the fifth reunion, with 
Kathryn Janeway presiding over the wedding. They spent over fifty years 
together. Fifty wonderful years filled with friendship, happiness, children, 
and grandchildren. 
       Harry, never wanting to be far from his family for long periods of 
time, often accepted commissions where they could accompany him. Seven also 
did the same. They had joked that they worked only as a team. it was a 
formula that worked well for them as a couple, and as a family. And family 
was the most important thing to both Harry and Annika.
       -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  
 -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -

       " Starfleet wants to take Voyager apart, " Harry had said over 
breakfast after reading the newspaper.
       " They just sent it out, " Annika protested.
       " Not the new one. Our Voyager. "
       " Honey, they took that apart years ago, " she reminded gently, " 
drink your coffee. "
       He shook his head and grunted, scratching his white hair, " Oh yes, my 
coffee, " he took a sip, " that's not what I meant. The memorial. They think 
it's too old. "
       " Maybe they think everyone that needed to see it has. "
       " How can they take apart history ? I have to do something to stop it. 
Nobody appreciates history anymore. "
       Annika rubbed his arm reassuringly and smiled, " You'll think of 
something, you always do. Besides, " she said, pouring herself orange juice 
and picking up a section of the paper Harry had discarded, " Voyager isn't 
the only ship that should be commemorated. Look at all the history makers. 
There's the Enterprise , they made so many of those. The Defiant, the 
Phoenix, Voyager, " she trailed off. She looked up at Harry. He was staring 
at her, a look of quiet shock on his face. He almost seemed to be looking 
through her. " What is it ? "
       " You're brilliant , " he exclaimed.
       Annika raised her eyebrows in suprise. He'd gotten up and begun to 
pace, mumbling about materials and blue prints, " Harry calm down. Your heart 
- "
       " Oh my heart's fine, " he waved away her statement and planted a kiss 
on her cheek, his eyes twinkling and crinkling in a mischievous smile, " 
you're the one that makes it flip flop. I need to go call Tom. "
       " What idea did I plant in your head ? "
       " My inspiration, " he called hobbling out of the room, " all in good 
time. "
             There's no love song finer
             then to hear the change
             from major to minor
             every time we say goodbye

       Annika was standing in Astrometrics on Voyager admiring the enormous 
screen in front of her, which was displaying a beautiful nebula. The azures 
and magentas in the gaseous formation echoed off of the screen and glinted 
off the metal in the room. Including Annika's remnant Borg Implants.
       She wasn't really aboard the original Voyager. That ship had been 
defunct for years. the Astrometrics she stood in was located in Starfleet's 
Commemorative Museum, " Ships Of The Federation. " It had been the brainchild 
of Harry, tom Paris, and Neelix. The museum was seven stories high, with the 
Voyager portion on the fourth floor. Only the most prominent rooms on each 
vessel was showcased on each floor.
       Annika's eyes trailed down to the plaque on the first console. it 
displayed the stardate Astrometrics was constructed and completed. Both 
Harry's and her name were on the plaque telling their story, and how they had 
designed and constructed that room. She closed her eyes and nodded as if in 
silent agreement. This room belonged to them. Like another child, almost.
       " Grandma, " Tai Kim asked, " Are you all right ? "
       Annika opened her eyes and looked at her granddaughter. She looked so 
much like her grandfather that it shot a pang of nostalgia in Annika's heart. 
Of all her grandchildren, Tai was her favorite. She loved them all equally, 
but Tai was always closest to her. She was a brilliant and beautiful young 
girl, in her sophomore year at Starfleet Academy, with a promising career 
ahead of her.
       " Grandma ? "
       " I'm fine, " she smiled, " I'm not getting tired yet. "
       Tai's smile was sympathetic, " that's not what I meant. "
       " I know, and I'm ok. So, " she changed the subject, " how are you 
enjoying the museum ? "
       " It's fabulous ! It almost feels like I'm really aboard the ship. 
Grandpa, Tom and Neelix really captured her spirit. "
       " Yes they did, " she agreed.
       " I only wish that, " she began, but cut herself off and followed 
another train of thought, " if I had a tricorder, I'd go through every nook 
and cranny on this floor if i could. "
       " What's stopping you ? "
       " No tricorder. "
       " When did that ever get in your way , " she teased, " go explore."
       " I'm not leaving you here, Grandma, " she chuckled.
       " Trust me, I know my way around. Go have fun and explore. "
        " You don't mind ? "
       " Not at all. "
       She headed towards the door, " All right then. "
       " Don't forget , 1300 hours. "
       " I know, I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it. "
       After Tai had left, Annika stepped up to her console. ' Well, ' she 
thought, ' it was my console when Voyager was in service. ' She looked at the 
viewscreen again, her hands poised over the controls as they had always been. 
Except now she had arthritis in both hands. If she closed her eyes, she could 
almost feel the ship moving and see herself charting courses. She'd been 
Seven Of Nine then. Icheb would be aside of her learning, and soaking up all 
of the data she would give him. Or Naomi Wildman would come scooting in, 
reminding her that she was late for their weekly Kadis - Kot game or asking 
her to go to lunch. And she would see Harry coming through the doors with 
wink and a smile, holding a padd, and ready to give her his daily data. Or 
he'd be there to download letters from their monthly data stream.
       " I thought I might find you here. "

       Annika's eyes snapped open and she turned to the voice in the doorway. 
B'Elanna Torres leaned against the doorframe smirking jovially. Annika's lips 
curved into a slight smile.
       " How are you, Felix ? "
       Annika chuckled at the nickname, " Just fine. How are you, Oscar ? "
       Oscar and Felix. Tom Paris had given the nicknames years ago as they 
had slowly forged a friendship. They'd been distant friends before, more like 
friendly colleagues, but ashe a years had moved on, they'd been able to bond 
and for a lasting relationship. They still argued back and forth at times, 
but it was never over something major. Normally it was trivial, and had 
served as entertainment almost to Tom and Harry. Tom had said their 
relationship reminded him of a 20th century television program called " The 
Odd Couple." Oscar and Felix had been unlikely friends ; Felix being the 
efficient , neat, and tidy one, and Oscar being the opposite.
       " I'm still alive, " B'Elanna cracked, the thought better of it. She 
wished she could snatch the words back up. She imagined herself sitting down 
to dinner, eating her shoe. it was much easier then ramming her foot down her 
throat.
       If the statement bothered Annika, she didn't show it, " Where's Tom ? "
       " He's holding all the kids hostage in the Holodeck room, " she rolled 
her eyes, " and yammering on and on about him and Harry's ' Captain Proton ' 
days. " 
       Annika chuckled silently again, " And you didn't want to stay for that 
? "
       She rolled her eyes again, " I know all the stories. I could talk in 
my sleep and be able to recite the tales, " she cracked coming into the room.
       " Is he holding my family too ? "
       " Everyone but Tai. She was smart to go with you. Where is she ; 
anyway ? "
       " She's off exploring. "
       " She's a lot like Harry. "
       " I know, " she glanced back at the view screen , then back around the 
room. She continued reverently, " He would've loved all this. "
       B'Elanna smiled sadly, " He would've spent days just looking around 
the bridge. I wish he could be here to see it all completed. "
       Annika swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. Infact, she 
willed it away. The museum was an amazing and wonderful accomplishment. It 
WOULD remain a happy and exciting day.
       " As do I, " she answered B'Elanna , then changed the subject, " Is 
everyone here ? "
       B'Elanna snorted in amusement, " those of us that are still alive and 
prattling around. Speaking of which, I saw Kathryn and Chakotay on my way 
down here. "
       " Good, then they made it. "
       " Yea, they're here with their son and his kids. Kathryn's 
granddaughter was manning her wheelchair, " she laughed, " You'd swear her 
hair was turning whiter by the nanosecond. "
       Annika smiled, " Taya couldn't make it ? "
       " No. She just took command of the latest Voyager. I guess Starfleet 
decided it was a good idea to put another Janeway in charge of a Voyager. I 
say it's about time. "
       " Taya's a great choice. She'll do a bang up job. "

       " Sam Wildman couldn't be here today either. "
       " I know, " Annika nodded, then brightened, " but Icheb and Naomi are 
here with their kids. "
       " They are ? I must have missed them, " she shook her head, " You are 
aware of the impromptu reunion lunch today at 1300 in the messhall, " she 
corrected herself, " I mean the ' Delta Quadrant Cafe ' ? "
       " Yes, I ran into Neelix when I first got here. he let me know he was 
putting it together. "
       " Yea, he's even going to cook. I never thought I'd actually miss his 
cooking. Or look forward to it, for that matter. But don't tell him I told 
you that. "
       Annika laughed ruefully, " You're secret is safe with me. "
       It was quiet momentarily. B'Elanna watched Annika's eyes sweep across 
the room again and settle on the dedication plaque. Annika gingerly ran her 
fingers along the lettering. B'Elanna could only imagine what her friend was 
going through. it hurt enough just to lose Harry as a friend. She didn't even 
want to think about losing Tom, and hoped everyday that she would go first.
       " How are you holding up, " she asked her softly, her eyebrows knit in 
concern.
       Annika had been lost in her own world and was almost startled as she 
looked at her friend, " I'm fine, " she managed to sound nonchalant. B'Elanna 
watched her knowingly and waited. She'd been the one that had held her all 
through the funeral without saying a word. The one that made sure she got out 
of bed in the morning after it had first happened. " Some days are better 
than others, " she allowed, " Today has been better. It's good to be around 
everybody. "
       B'Elanna nodded, fighting back tears herself. She remembered the first 
time she'd met Harry Kim. Years ago, when she'd woken up in a bio-bed in an 
Ocampan laboratory, her Klingon temper had been in control and she'd lashed 
out at anything and everything until she'd been sedated. it had been Harry 
who'd helped to calm her, and Harry to be one of the first to befriend her 
aboard Voyager . He'd been one of the first to look past her damned Klingon 
temper and see the person inside. He'd done the same years later for Annika, 
when she was still Seven of Nine. Though B'Elanna had been resistant to 
Seven, it was Harry's example that finally rubbed off on her.
       " Well, I suppose we should go rescue our family from Dr. Chaotica and 
then go see how gray everyone's hair has gotten, " she shrugged, heading for 
the door. 
       " You go ahead. I'll catch up. "
       " I'm not leaving you here to mope around, Felix. "
       " I'm ok, I promise. And I'll be right behind you. I just need a 
minute. "
       B'Elanna turned serious, " All right. I'll head down to Holodeck 2. 
But if I turn around and you're not behind me - "
       " I know, I know. My ' Borg Ass ' will be sorry. "
       B'Elanna laughed as she walked out the door, " You know me well. "

       Annika stood in front of the plaque again and humbly ran her fingers 
across Harry's name. He was gone, but she could feel him all around her. She 
longed for the day when they would meet again. Somewhere in the great beyond 
he was watching over her, as he always had, and waiting for her. She closed 
her eyes again and pictured him holding her hands as he had years ago while 
confessing his love for her. She burned the image into her mind.
       WheSecte opened her eyes, she could see him leaning on the console 
across from her. He looked as he had so many years ago, at home on Voyager, 
in his old uniform, one golden pip resting on his collar. It glinted in the 
light. She smiled lightly at him through cloudy eyes.
       " You did it, " she said softly.
        " We all did it. And now so many people will know about our journey. 
I couldn't miss this. "
       " I must be crazy. Now I'm seeing you. "
       " You're not crazy, love. I'm just that part of your mind that knew 
and loved Harry the most. "
       " I miss you. "
       " I'm always with you. "
       " I know. "
       " I'll be here when you need me, " he tapped his heart, " that's where 
I am. It's where I'll always love you, " he stood up straight, and moved away 
from the console.
       " I look so old, " she made attempts to straighten her slacks. 
       He smiled, " You look the same to me as you did then. Beautiful. I 
only see you. "
       " Are you leaving ? "
       " Never, " he smiled, " Close your eyes. "
       She closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she opened them again. He 
was gone. She knew he would be. In her heart, she knew she needed to see him 
one more time on Voyager. She knew he hadn't really been there, but she 
smiled just the same. As she headed towards the doorway, she headed towards 
her friends and to her future. Silently, she closed the mental keepsake box 
of her memory. She'd open it again another day and rummage through.
       As she surveyed the room one more time, she knew she was glad that 
she'd said yes to Harry Kim, that she'd chosen this path. Even though he was 
gone. His love still remained. She felt it everytime she looked into her 
children and grandchildren's eyes. Given the choice, she wouldn't change a 
thing. Even when she had to say goodbye at times, it was never too long 
before she'd see everyone again. And that was what she looked forward to.

             When you're near, there's such an air
             of Spring about it
             I can hear a lark somewhere
             begin to sing about it
             There's no love song finer
             then to hear the change 
             from major to minor
             Every time, we say goodbye.


The End.