Omega: Beginnings

Ø This is the first story of a series exploring the relationship between Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine. (If you have a problem with f/f romance then you should go elsewhere.) Please read Disclaimer.

Ø The storyline begins shortly after the Omega Directive episode. (I had hoped to post before Christmas 1999 however due to holiday obligations I posted late.)

Ø The underlined text is wave (audio) files that when ‘clicked’ will allow you to hear the character’s voice say those lines.

Ø I would like to thank all the Beta readers for their time, effort and encouragement, not to mention pressure to get this story up! :o))

I request that people NOT post my stories on any other site without my permission. Although you are free and welcomed to hyperlink directly to my web page, which will link to the series: Alternate Voyager

Screams? Where are they coming from? Why are they so loud? Close? The screams, they are close. Help me…The Borg, is it the Borg? They are calling me; they will add my consciousness to their hive mind. Papa…Help Me…

0600 hours, the computer brightens a dimly lit cargo bay two, Seven of Nine’s regeneration cycle is complete. Stepping forward and out of her alcove, she cannot help but notice the unpleasant and abnormal physical effect; heart rate is 1.780% above standard parameters, apprehensive and disturbed by the reoccurring dream, she makes a mental note to speak to the doctor at her scheduled check-up today.

Slowing, shaking the erratic thoughts, Seven walks to her Borg-comm station and begins to input several command entries into her data files, taps her comm.-badge and begins her daily log.

Turning to leave cargo bay two, Seven takes a moment to reflect on her becoming a member of the Voyager collective and how Cargo Bay 2, Voyager’s storage space, is now partially her designated personal living area. A fleeting emotion of loss of who she was could have been and is, momentarily overwhelmed her. Seven pauses, speculating whether this is related to her most recent experience: observing the Omega molecules’ in their eerie but blissful revelations of perfection.

Severed from the collective hive mind of the Borg, approximately a year ago, she faces the reality of returning to Humanity and all its individualities. Rather than each experience bringing her closer to the person she may have been if not assimilated at the tender age of six, she instead confronts, as best as possible, irrationalities, human inefficiencies, taboos and emotional frailties. Seven abruptly examines her Borg enhanced hand comparing it her human hand, wondering if she will ever be accepted or belong anywhere.

Straightening her posture, hands at her side, she walks determinedly to Astrometrics, to a place where at least her knowledge, if not her, belongs.

Neelix, a most cordial Talaxian, native to the Delta Quadrant and Voyager’s cook, among other things, completes food selections for each crew shift change. He hurries off to begin his long list of preparations for the special holiday festivities, when Captain Kathryn Janeway intercepts him.

“Neelix I am glad I caught up with you. How are the Holiday festivities coming along?” Captain Janeway asks placing one hand lightly and gracefully on top of her chest, the other hand on her hip.

Neelix quickly replies “Oh yes! The festivities! Everything is going as planned Captain.”

“I can’t help feeling as though this year’s holiday celebrations are crucial in improving crew moral. Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. I know that we are a varied crew, but I think we could all use the message of the Holiday to brighten the mood and just between you and me Neelix, I don’t know about the rest of the crew but I could use two days of rest and relaxation.” The captain ended with a beaming smile, and a minor nudge to the delightful crewmember.

“I understand Captain and I will not let you down (clearing his throat before he speaks). I have taken the liberty to add a play as part of the entertainment this year and well, some of the crew are not receptive to the idea. I wonder if you might be helpful in suggesting…”

With a wave of her hand, “Say no more Neelix, consider it done. The senior staff will be delighted to making the play happen. It’s the least we could do to help the festivities along.”

The Talaxian jumped for joy, clasping his hands together “Wonderful! I cannot wait to see how the senior staff plays the characters of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ I will forward the script to Commander Chakotay immediately. Thank you Captain.”

Janeway’s smile fell, as she realized exactly what she volunteered her senior staff to do. They’re not going to like this. Oh well, I am the captain and this crew will have at least two days of rest, relaxation and fun, even if I have to make it an order. It’s too late to back out now.

Walking over to a nearby replicator Captain Janeway fills her mug with coffee and decides to avoid any further commitments for the remainder of the day, (smiling to herself) Why try my luck?

The senior staff situated itself in the conference room, news of the play taking up most of the conversation. Laughter emanates throughout the room as Paris suggests that Seven play the character of Scrooge.

Jokingly, Paris loudly shares “Could you just imagine it? Seven acting the part of…”

“Seven playing the part of whom?” Asks captain Janeway as she quickly walks into the conference room, greeting her senior staff. Taking her place at the head of the table, smile on her face as she sips her coffee. Captain Janeway looks at Paris, who is now blushing, then quizzically at Seven, taking another sip of her coffee before placing it down on the table.

B’Elanna, enjoying the idea of Paris being caught, gladly explains the topic of conversation to Captain Janeway bringing her up to speed.

“You have no idea how thrilled I am to hear you discussing the festivities and of course the play. Since you all seem to be enjoying yourselves and in the Holiday spirit, I have volunteered the senior staff to put on the play.” Silence permeates the room.

“Actually, I think it’s a great idea, and B’Elanna, no exceptions.” Chakotay says, fighting his laughter while distributing each of them a padd containing their characters within the play.

Seven looks at the padd, returning it to the first officer, who is slightly chuckling, his tattoo above his eye crinkling. “I do not see the purpose of this inefficient use of time and energy.” Laughter ensues Seven’s comment; Ensign Harry Kim exclaims, “Well, at least we know who will play Scrooge”, shaking his head side to side.

With that introduction, the Captain brings the meeting to an order. “That went easier then I thought, perhaps I am right to feel lucky.” She thought to herself.

Sometime later B’Elanna and Seven were completing the last series of tests on the new modifications; both women working diligently, entering data on various control consoles. “Lt. Torres are you familiar with the text ‘A Christmas Carol?”

“I know enough. Actually, Klingon’s have a similar tale that correlates to our version of Christmas. B’Elanna continue to talk while tapping data into the console. Why?”

“I do not grasp the educational value the Doctor spoke of within the text. The text has not assisted my understanding of the meaning of Christmas you spoke of. How can I be expected to play a character who obviously does not enjoy Christmas, then proceeds to have a change of heart when revelations of his life are shared that assist him in appreciating the Holiday. My character, Scrooge, is devoid of feeling and I lack the emotional experience to play the various…”

“Whoa, slow down Seven.” Raising her hand to interject “One question at a time.” B’Elanna voiced with exasperation. Immediately regretting leaving herself opened to Seven’s questions.

"I’m sure the Doctor just wants you to become familiar with human holiday traditions and their importance to family and friends, of giving and selflessness.” B’Elanna looked up at Seven who appeared to be in deep thought.

“Am I correct in making the analogy between traditions and giving something of yourself, such as gift giving to show one cares?” Seven inquired.

B’Elanna pressed on knowing Seven like birthdays, one of a few memories she held as a child with her parents before the Borg assimilated her and her family. “Yeah, like birthday’s, where we give gifts to celebrate the birth of someone we care about and give them a gift to show we care.”

Seven’s face lit up as if the answer to a complex mystery presented itself to her. “I believe I comprehend the purpose of the text. But since I have no applicable experiences in this instance, I will have difficulty in portraying the main character.”

B’Elanna reminds herself that Seven is still very new to many things. It is easy to forget when Seven walks around with that arrogant, confident air of hers, but in many ways, she still is a child. No wonder the captain baby’s her so much. She thought.

B’Elanna speaks growing a bit impatient. “Seven, I’m afraid I can’t really help you with that one. Sorry.” She returns her attentions to the work at hand, hoping Seven got the hint and would not pursue the matter. Then suddenly to B’Elanna’s relief she hears the chirp of Seven’s comm badge

“Seven, you requested an appointment. I am available now if you still require my help. Is now acceptable?” The doctor’s tenor voice said clearly.

“I am on my way.” She turns to leave and abruptly halts, turns to face B’Elanna “Thank you for your assistance”.

B’Elanna watches the long strides of Seven’s legs as she walks away, feeling a tinge of guilt.

Walking down the corridor and entering into the turbo lift, Seven decides that perhaps the Doctor had good intentions and will continue her attempt at understanding this piece of literature further. However was not at all pleased with her task in portraying the Scrooge.

Captain Janeway stares out a large window in her ready room watching the stars and yet not seeing them. A single tear falls from her eyelashes, landing on her comm. badge, quickly she wipes her eyes, closing them, as if the act of closing them alone will stop all the other tears from falling. Desperately, she tries to think of something happy, of home, of her dog, or riding horses, only to realize that those are the same memories she is trying not to cry about.

“Push aside your emotions, Katie, the crew needs you. They need you to be strong, this is no time to be selfish, think of Christmas, think of bringing the crew home to their families, think…think of, home. In only a few years, this crew has taken leaps and bounds towards home, with a little more luck, home will be…home will be…Damn, I have to stop crying! Home.”

“Chakotay, here Captain” Janeway pauses before replying, hoping her voice returned to its usually composure “Captain…”

“I need to review several reports and don’t want to be interrupted. You have the bridge.”

A single tear, falls, followed by another and then a waterfall of tears are shed, in what may be the first time Captain Janeway of the Starship Voyager, has allowed herself one moment of vulnerability.

Janeway has being a persistent follower, true to Starfleet and its regulations. At times, it is the only thing here in the Delta quadrant she has to hold onto. Then there were times she loathed and resented Starfleet policies and it host of reasons why a relationship were virtually impossible. Not only is Romance inappropriate for me, but completely out of the question.

“Kathie get her out of your head. Your crew needs your focus on command and getting them home. I just can’t get everything out of my mind, how tired I am, I’m tired; tired of the burden of command, I never intended to be alone this long, especially with the possibility of decades of no one to touch, no where to turn when I need strength, when I’m tired, how much longer can I do this? How much longer can I be alone? How much more? How much more?”

“Earth’s old calendar is filled with traditions that bring me closer to home and yet, so far away.” She wonders how her mother Gretchen and her younger sister Phoebe are holding up. “How selfish of me to wallow in my own self pity, when it is obvious the crew have similar emotions, even more so during Holidays. I suppose it was inevitable that the crew of Voyager would become an extended family in some manner. It helps more, more than it hinders, and in spite of those damned Starfleet protocols I know they need to have command to be more accessible, more like parents, command staffs’ distance from the crew will only hinder morale, especially this far from home and with the holiday’s here.”

Captain Janeway straightens her uniform and her posture, with her command mask in gear, she exits the ready room on to her bridge. “Status?” She must have over done it because she immediately noticed the entire crew bridge snap to attention when she entered.

“Seven what do you mean you are not sure you want to play Scrooge.” Said the Doctor, a bit disappointed and edged with anger. “This is a wonderful opportunity for you to expand your…”

Rolling his eyes, taking in a deep breath and with an annoyed voice, ”Stop Seven, I understand, you have researched Christmas.”

Continuing his examination of Seven, while speaking The Doctor passes the tricorder over Seven, and then pauses.

“This is odd, the synopsis controlling your memory appear to be over stimulated. This over stimulation might explain the dreams you have been complaining about. Since you are the first ex-Borg I have ever treated, I cannot confirm that this is abnormal for you. The fact that up until now you cannot remember your dreams is not abnormal for humans. Perhaps if you were to keep a Padd beside your alcove to write your dreams, what you remember as soon as you awaken, that will give me more information on analyzing the dreams and then resolving whatever the issue may be.”

The doctor , proceeds to his office, recording his findings on the computer. Seven, rises from the biobed and begins walking towards the door.

“Where are you going? I didn’t say the examination was over.” Said The Doctor, with a puzzled look on his face.

“Doctor, my examination has concluded. I am functioning within normal parameters."

“We have not finished discussing the play.” The Doctor replied following Seven’s movements toward the exit.

“I must return to my other scheduled duties." Seven turned to say before exiting sickbay and proceeding down the corridor.

The mess hall was buzzing with activity setting up for the upcoming play and rehearsals were well underway as senior staff members from various shifts were present. To the senior staff it seemed as though the play was an extended gift to the entire Voyager crew. Many were enjoying this extra-curricular activity, an unusual and refreshing distraction to their actual situation.

The rehearsals were running smoothly enough for everyone to feel confident that it would go well by next week’s show time. Even though there were a few characters that had not completely evolved it was only a matter of time; even the Borg, Seven of Nine, was trying her best to successfully complete her task to a certain degree of satisfaction. Seven, as well as many in the play thought one cast member absolutely stole the show and everyone’s heart.

“God Bless Us All.” Arms spread wide; Naomi read her last line with natural talent and adorable professionalism.

A loud, singular applaud came from the direction of the doors and closed in. Lights returned to its original illumination, revealing a proud, smiling, alluring Captain. Janeway looking for her caffeine fix was pleasantly surprise to walk into the mess hall to find her staff was serious about the play.

The applause grew as everyone gradually joined in ending the rehearsal, the crew scattered rushing off to their other duties, acknowledging the Captain with a smile or nod on the way out or lingered around the buffet table Neelix set-up.

“How is the play going?” Janeway asked to no one in particular, as she approached the group.

Neelix jumped eyes bright, “Captain, its just grrreat, just great! We have a talented and dedicated crew.”

“I have no doubt of that Neelix.” Janeway said sharing a wide smile with the group.

“We still have a week to go and by then who knows? We could quit our day jobs for the theater.” Paris added, with a devilish grin.

Everyone in the group laughed except Seven. “I do not believe that would be prudent to Voyager’s survival.” Laughter erupted again, as the group broke up, leaving the captain and Seven alone.

“Seven this must be a wonderful experience for you. How do you like being in the play?

“It is an interesting experience, Captain. I am finding the portrayal of this character, the Scrooge, relatively challenging and believe I am still in need of assistance.” In a serious tone, Seven elevated her face revealing her chin and long neck.

Seven arched her brow as she thought of Janeway’s offer. “I have difficulty towards the end, after my character pleads for his life to be given a second chance, then has a change of heart about Christmas being everyday of the year.” B’Elanna was helpful, but I am not sure how to proceed.”

Janeway looked pensive for a few moments. “Assuming we are still on for our Velocity match today, let’s get together afterwards. Will my quarters be fine?” Janeway offered.

That will be adequate Captain. Thank you.” Said Seven, then hesitantly added “See you in holodeck one.” Janeway nodded.

As the Captain stared at Seven exiting, Naomi Wildman, the crew’s youngest member approached the Captain, stood tall by her side, hands behind her back, looking into the direction Janeway was viewing and shyly interrupted.

Naomi spoke in her most professional voice. “Ah. Captain Janeway, I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to be in the play. I was surprised when I got my orders from Commander Chakotay.

Janeway, cheeks slightly red, smiled at her personal assistant, an honorary title, non-existent in Starfleet, but created just for Naomi.

“I not surprised, after all you are a senior staff member and of course, perfect for the part. Janeway said confidently.

“Well thank you Captain. I will not let you or the crew down.” Naomi stated with conviction.

“I am positive you will do just fine.” Janeway reassured her as she walked out of the mess hall with Naomi.

Janeway’s quarters were a bit untidy when she and Seven walked in. Janeway cursed under her breath, not remembering Seven has enhanced hearing that could pick–up her comment. The Borg had a small smile on her lips. Janeway apologized for the mess as she quickly picked up things thrown about and placed them in the replicator.

“I do not require anything at this time.” Seven added politely “Thank You Captain.”

Janeway held up her hand in protest, as she sipped from her mug. “Kathryn, please call me Kathryn, when off duty in my quarters.

“Seven, we can begin as soon as I first change my clothing. I’ll be a moment. Make yourself comfortable.” Janeway continued to speak as she disappeared to her bedroom. Seven decided to sit at the sofa after all.

Janeway returned with casual attire: a short V-neck knit material top with black and green patterned fitted pants and black socks. Janeway also touched up her light makeup and plum colored lipstick.

Seven was silent as she took in her breath at the sight of her captain. Speechless as she watched Kathryn sit beside her at the other end of the sofa, one leg underneath her the other hanging off to the side. Seven thought to herself. “She is quite beautiful.”

Seven suddenly felt those uncomfortable feelings she found difficult to explain, as Kathryn rested her head to her hand to rest above the sofa. Janeway spoke in a deep voice that sent electric chills throughout Seven. “So where exactly in the play are you having trouble with?”

Seven had trouble focusing on the play for a brief while. “This will be more difficult than I thought.”

She explained B’Elanna’s correlation of Christmas to birthday celebrations, receiving gifts and selflessness. However, Janeway explained it was more than that.

“Seven do you have any memories of Christmas with your parents before the assimilation.” Janeway angered at the Borg for cheating Annika out of her childhood and all of life’s little pleasures.

“Vaguely.” Seven’s face became intense; eyes squinted as if straining to recollected what little memories she had as a child. I do recall tinsel decorations, hearing Christmas carols, and secrecy about gifts you could not receive until the appropriate time. I remember opening brightly colored wrapped packages with large bows. I believe it was a doll and a music box. Her face light up as she finished and looked at Kathryn. Her eyes had certain sadness in them.

Kathryn wanted so much to hug her and hold her until the pain in Seven’s eyes disappeared. She wanted so much to make her smile.

“That’s a good start to understanding the traditions involved but it’s the meaning you lack. Let me share some of my Holiday experiences.” Janeway hoped that by sharing some of her own, she could give more insight in to the delight and the true meaning, spirit of Christmas to Seven.

By the end of the evening, Seven and Kathryn were laughing at shared stories. The coffee table was crowded with half-filled dinner plates, wines glasses and two empty bottles. Christmas Carols played softly in the background and a small replica of a pine Christmas tree was by her work console.

The captain was well aware of what this holiday season was taking from Voyager’s reserve, but considered it well worth it to boost crew morale. She was confident that her crew would soon find a planet suitable to replenish its rations.

“Seven, I know we did not get to read many lines tonight, but I hope that you have a better understanding of Christmas which will at least assist you in your portrayal of Scrooge.”

“If you want, I can make myself available on a regular basis if tonight helped you?” Janeway finally said.

The play paced itself well and emerged a huge success; everyone in the cast and behind the scenes holding their own.

The three ghosts played by Chakotay as Christmas past, Tuvok as Christmas present, and The Doctor as Christmas future. Janeway played one of three merchants along with Neelix and Ensign Samantha Wildman.

“Oh My! This play is turning out quite well. Maybe I should have theater night on a regular basis. I wonder if the Captain would approve? I will talk to her about that after the Holidays have passed.” Neelix thought as he beamed with pride that his ideas and plans are going well.

Naomi Wildman portrays the character Tiny Tim, while Lt. B’Elanna Torres, who had just finished her lines, plays Tiny Tim’s mother. . B’Elanna thought to herself “Kahless! When is this play over? This costume is itchy and uncomfortable, how did women breathe with this get-up?”

Ensign Tom Paris, Tiny Tim’s Father, who works for the Scrooge was also in the scene, smiled “Gee, B’Elanna looks sexy in that costume. I wonder if she’ll wear it for me in her quarters later on tonight?”

Lt Roe, Ensign Ayala and Ensign Hickman played other minor parts. Their feelings were mutual about their parts. “Tuvok owes me big-time.” “How did I get suckered into playing a character in this play.” “I‘m in engineering, I never signed up for Vaudeville.”

The week went by quickly, Seven thought, as she was experiencing what Naomi described as ‘butterflies in your stomach.’ Filled with anticipation and a bout of queasiness, Seven thought she would faint.

“Doctor, I am malfunctioning” The Doctor looked concern, immediately taking out his medical tricorder and quickly scanned Seven who was a pale shade of green.

Frowning, he replied “Just a little case of stage fright. It will go away. Try to relax and take deep breaths.”

Shaking his head side-to-side, he added. “Don’t forget to breath in and out.” Unknowingly, the Doctor will have a few more of those cases, coincidently just before and during the play.

Seven felt prepared thanks to the help Janeway had given her. A part of Seven felt a bit sadden that she would have to find something else to occupy her time after her end of duty now that the play was over. She became quite accustom to meeting Kathryn in her quarters, studying their lines, having dinner, wine and late night discussions on human literature, culture and the Arts. At the very least, she and I will meet for Velocity. Deep in revelry, she almost missed her cue. Her head snapped as she went into scrooge mode and began to tackle her most difficult parts of the play yet to come.

Seven poured everything she had into it. She wanted very much for Janeway to be proud of her and show that the captain’s assistance and time given to her was not in vain. She remembered all the coaching tips the Captain tutored Seven with, hearing Janeway’s voice in her head. “Remember, if you feel a bit foolish about your part then that means you are coming across the right way. Feel giddy, and grateful about your second chance at life. Let everyone know you are happy.”

Seven jumping for joy, smiling and laughing aloud, looked almost mad as she points to a young man passing by. “You there! Young man!”

“Is the prized turkey in the store window still available.” Seven’s voice filled with excitement.

“Even in the play Seven still gets to boss me around.” Harry thought to himself. The line reminding him of his part in the play, he jumps when Seven throws the coins, Harry catches them, running as Seven yells again “Go Quickly!”

After that first hurdle, Seven was Scrooge born-again. Seven knew she had the audience captivated much to her relief. Whenever Seven felt bouts of slight panic, she looked to the sideline and saw the captain there just as she had promised.

At one point Seven saw, a peculiar look on Janeway’s face, one she had seen only a few times when alone in her quarters while discussing Christmas and home. Kathryn would stare at her for long periods of time and Seven could now feel Kathryn’s eyes on her and recall those moments when Janeway read “A Christmas Carol” to her while laying in her bed, that made Seven’s insides feel warm and secure.

“She is doing so well. All those late night discussions and coaching every night this week paid off. I am going to miss her company. Thank god, there is still our Velocity. Janeway thought to herself as she marveled at how far Seven’s capabilities have grown.

After the play finished, everyone enjoyed themselves, with music, food and dancing. Gifts were exchanged as the festivities peaked way into the next shift change.

At the rear of the mess hall Naomi walked up to Seven, who was in a corner separated from the rest of the crew, looking at the interaction amongst members of her new collective.

“I am adding this experience to my Christmas memories. I have concluded that Holidays are pleasant recreational events in a person’s life.” Seven responded.

Naomi nodded, wondering if she should ask Seven to join her for a game of kadis-kot, when Janeway walked over to Seven and offered her a glass of wine.

Seven smiled and took the glass from the Captain’s hand, when Naomi began to giggle.

Both women looked down at Naomi, who pointed up above their heads at the Mistletoe.

Seven suddenly bent down; picked-up Naomi and both women gave her a peck on each cheek under the Mistletoe.

“Thank you for your assistance this week with the play. I would not have succeeded if it were not for you, Captain.” Seven said.

“No such thing, Seven. You would have done well regardless. But I was pleased that I could help.” Janeway replied.

“Go on Katie, tell her, ask her. Don’t let her go.” The Captain thought to herself, pressing her lips.

“Would you mind if we continued our conversations? I could use some company. I find myself looking forward to our get togethers. How about you?” Janeway asked finally, with both hands holding her drink, hoping that the answer would be ‘yes’.

‘Yes Captain, I enjoyed our conversations and your company as well, and would like our continuing them very much.” Seven answered quickly, pausing then adding. “Would tomorrow at 1600 hours be acceptable?” Arching her brow, Seven awaits Janeway’s response.

“I would like that.” Janeway sighed, followed by a playful, but nervous deep-throated laugh.

Seven dreams while regenerating in her alcove…visions revealed from her glimpse at the omega molecule, that provided her with countless realities, one in which she saw perfection.

A deep throaty voice called a little redheaded girl in a meadow of yellow and purple wild flowers. “Anni, Anni where are you?” Giggles heard from a distance. The vision faint, but felt all too real.

She could feel the warmth of the sun on her skin, the smell of flowers around her, the wind caressing her cheek, suddenly the little girl runs into her open embrace. Arms embrace Seven from behind, both she and the little girl look into the loving blue eyes of…

Seven opens her eyes to see Janeway standing there, arms crossed, with an engrossed look on her face.