WotHP Book 2: Transitions by Katrina and Llachlan

Wonders of the House Presba

Book 2:

Transitions

By Katrina and Llachlan

bearblue1@yahoo.com | llachness@gmail.com

This series can also be found at: http: www.merwolf.com/llachlan/seven

Series: Wonders of the House Presba

Book 1: Modifications
Book 2: Transitions
Book 3: Encounters
Book 4: Reflections
Book 5: Parabola

Appendix

TV Series: Voyager (with DS9 and ST:TNG Crossover)

Code: Slash Multiple. F/F/F... M/M. Alt/Het (7/J, T/J, 7/T etc.)

Bookmarks:

Thank yous and Disclaimers

Part 22

Part 1 | Bookmarks

==^==

Summary: The effects of the changes, which happened in Modifications, begin to be felt in various quadrants. The Orion Syndicate is poking holes in the Universe just to find a short cut to the Gamma Quadrant. The House Presba becomes involved in a fight of Honor in the Beta Quadrant.

Slash multiple – het, f/f, m/m

Begin Transitions

Things were quiet in the Delta Quadrant at the moment. Captain Kathryn Janeway was walking the corridors as she was wont to do once she woke up from her nightmares. At least now when she awakened, someone was there with her. They would kiss the tears away, hold her, and things would proceed one way or another from there.

There was no pressure from her loved ones. They didn't try to cure her, but simply made themselves available. Like her, they knew there were valid reasons for the dreams. Sometimes she even went right back to sleep, knowing they watched over her – always. Other times, she went for a walk. It had become a habit that she and the crew enjoyed. It gave her time to think, to reconnect with where she was in time and space. And to reconnect with who she was.

Just a few short months ago she'd been a white haired Admiral of Starfleet in a struggling Federation. But due to her own need to meddle and fix the past, she'd found herself in this new reality. Where once again she was captain and once again she was faced with choices. Only, things had not gone quite according to plan. She'd intended to do better. And on the whole, she thought things were better for the ship and her crew. But those changes had come at high cost – in lives and fundamental alterations in the fabrics of their lives.

Some results, admittedly, were better than others. In this Universe, she had a full blown family. She was still amazed at that; still wandering around with wonder at it all.

She had a momentary mental jab, as she reminded herself once again to have a little talk with Chakotay.

Her mates were becoming a bit antsy with the way he was behaving. And she was aware that the attention he was pointing her way was making them more than just a little uncomfortable. She felt it in them.

It wasn't that she and her mates were mind readers or constantly in one another's mental space. The bond wasn't about telepathy, at least not in the usual sense. That only seemed to happen during actual mating or emergencies. There might be other points of mental touch, but they were still exploring their relationship. It was still new.

At the moment, it was more of like a unique sense of each other. Their thoughts were their own, remained unshared in general. But at the same time, there were points of crossing, like when they made love or when the urgency of the bond was upon them. It was less telepathy and more what she understood empathy to be. They felt one another, inside up to a certain point. And yet, they did not necessarily take on the other's feelings. If Janeway was cranky, it did not make her mates testy too. If Janeway had desire, they did not necessarily spark instantly to attention.

And if there were points where their empathy deepened, sometimes, well, she couldn't explain the how and the why, except in part. If Tuvok was near, touching them, their connection increased. It made sense, since he was a touch telepath. And she could hear him, if he put his will to it, whether he was touching her or not. But that was not all the time. Emergencies. Important events. The mating fire. Calling to one another. That was when the bonding connection seemed to increase its bandwidth, so to speak. Otherwise, it was just a low-level hum of life; a very pleasant brightness.

One thing about it, she did find herself experiencing a level of trust she never thought would be possible for her as captain. She trusted her mates, both as family and as members of her crew.

But it didn't change her problem. Her mates were being affected by her first officer's behavior and there was a gathering storm of conflict that might be headed Chakotay's way if he didn't cool it with the come-ons. Lately he'd been hinting that now that the adventure with the Zakeeri was done she didn't need to carry on the charade any more.

He simply didn't realize yet that the ship had sailed.

And what a journey it had been.

A sultry smile curved on her face for awhile. Months ago that would have seemed out of place to a passing crew person. But most, aside from the oblivious Chakotay, knew where that smile was coming from. In fact, quite a few had similar kinds of moments themselves for their own loved ones. The maze of mines had been life altering.

It could have been just as joyful for Chakotay if he'd been open to it. Certainly the opportunity had been presented to him. He just chose a different path.

Now though, he was pushing for a bruising, by one of her mates - probably not Seven or Tuvok, though she could be mistaken about that. She still remembered how Tuvok had flung Chakotay about during the anomaly. And Seven of Nine was much more passionate than she sometimes appeared. But it was Laren who saw Chakotay behaving in disapproving ways daily and it was wearing on her. And B'Elanna was Klingon, more so now than before the events of the Maze of Mines. One of these days he would say the wrong thing and she'd be lucky to keep him in one piece and then she'd have to throw one or both or all of her beloveds in the Brig. There were just some things that captain's orders couldn't prevent.

That thought made her sigh. Not that there hadn't been moments within herself that only strength of will had kept her rational and her knife out of his back. She thought briefly of her right boot and the sheathed blade hidden there and was briefly grateful for that distance. If her knife had been at her belt... she shuddered to think. Lately she had been experiencing strong swings in emotions. That could be the result of anything. It could be that she was not sleeping completely through the night. It could be that there physical changes that she hadn't adjusted to. It could be Kahless had poked a hole in her normal complacency. Or it could just be one of those things, because sometimes Chakotay was maddening. She was just noticed it more lately.

Thank God they weren't married.

Yep, she was going to have to have a serious discussion with her First Officer. She'd just have to remember to prioritize it. There were so many other things on their plate right now – between acclimating their new Zakeeri crew to discovering the new qualities of Voyager to building that wonderful Park upstairs. If the new hydroponics garden was any indication of what was to come, she really looked forward to being able to walk there. Kathryn had let the crew talk her into waiting on visiting the Park. Though, as captain, she did like to check in on things. She stayed apprised by talking with her officers, Voyager and following ship's gossip, which indicated that marvelous things were happening. On the other hand, if it went on too long, she'd take advantage of captain's privilege and go look anyway.

But she would hate to disappoint her crew. And she did have so many other things on her schedule anyway.

Thinking of schedules, at least now she was able to begin allowing time for family rather than emergencies. And she found it amazingly fulfilling. If someone had told her that a real family life could be built on a ship, especially with her responsibilities, she would have scoffed. She could only vaguely remember being on a ship as a young child. Most of her childhood had been spent growing up in a traditional home in Indiana. She knew that had to do with decisions her father and mother had made about quality of life and education. She could not fault them for it.

But, she was beginning to realize that there were valid alternatives. And perhaps it was easier because the full weight of motherhood was not solely on her shoulders. In fact, she barely felt the weight of it at all. She knew this was due to the unstinting efforts of her mates, who were aware of her responsibilities as Captain. And so they worked it so all she had to really worry about was indulging their children and only rarely disciplining. Which was good for her, since she very much loved seeing their children enjoy themselves.

On the other hand, she would and did do what needed doing as it was called for.

That incident in the Painted Dogs' quarters had been out of hand. Funny, but wrong. Harry, Tom and Icheb had painted the novice Zakeeris' quarters and everything that wasn't locked up tight - a bright neon yellow . She wasn't sure how Harry and Tom had led the normally reserved Icheb down the rosy path, but she knew what to do to make them pay for it. She put them on maintenance detail for a week – with Lieutenant Ro in charge of the assignments.

They had all groaned at that particular announcement and rightly so. Lieutenant Ro happened to know, very well and personally, all the worst possible jobs that could be found on a Starship. She had them digging through the muck in no time.

In fact, Kathryn speculated that it was possible that their dear Laren had managed to get Voyager in on the endeavor. Voyager had a real knack for creating grunge.

She'd also had a long talk with Voyager about reporting vandalism on the ship after that particular prank. But then had to acknowledge that there were issues of privacy and security. Voyager promised that she would not let anything that was dangerous happen, but unless Kathryn wanted her to be a spy, she might want to reconsider the demand that Voyager report every little misdemeanor and joke.

The captain had realized the ship had a point. Especially since she knew that there were certain “crimes” that were traditional and kept life on a ship interesting, such as the ship's still and certain types of pranks. That didn't mean that Kathryn would stint on the disciplining when necessary.

She had, though, been very sure to hug Icheb when he returned home rumpled, dirty and smelling like a Larganian Sewer Rat. She'd wanted him to know that though he must suffer the consequence, she still loved him.

At least, she hoped that was the message she'd gotten across. After all, a captain did not hug the person they were punishing. Only a mother did. This... parenting thing... was still new and strange to her. But she thought she did the right thing.

It was at moments like those that she honestly wished she could just call up Indiana and get some input from an expert.

==^==

The Federation Starship Bradbury, currently located in the Alpha Quadrant, was in Gamma Shift. Gretchen liked this time of “night,” when things went quiet on board the normally bustling vessel. Even though the ship was comparatively small, there were still plenty of things for the crew to do. Even then, Gretchen was fairly sure that this was not how Captain Stevenson intended to spend his time, given the War with the Dominion.

But here they all were, heading towards an another necessary destination. She thought perhaps they were heading back to the Beta Quadrant and the Klingon Empire. Miral Torres of the House Presba had business in that direction and... two of her daughter-in-laws, also of the Klingon House Presba, were Ambassadors.

It felt s strange to think that. Two of... six. Five daughter-in-laws and one son-in-law. Seven total in a group marriage forged over an incredible distance and odder circumstances.

Gretchen Janeway's mind boggled.

What surprised her was that she believed it at all. After all, she only had the word of a Betazoid, Two Vulcans and a Klingon. Yep, only the word of the most honor-bound species in ... well... anywhere. That sort of cut the legs right out of disbelief right there.

And, apparently, as the mother of one of the members of this marriage, she was an honorary member of the House.

Wait. She wasn't entirely sure of that.

It was probably just what Miral had said before. She and Phoebe had been affected by an indescribable phenomenon. Whether that meant they were also of the House might be up for debate. No one had said specifically.

One of the changes induced by the phenomenon included that her body was decades younger. It was still a shock to look in the mirror and see herself as she was, so very long ago. And even that was new... improved. It was more than she had been. As Lwaxana had pointed out, the same had occurred for all of them. They had none of them looked this good when they were younger.

Gretchen was not acclimating to it as well as one might think. Her friends might think it was wonderful. But some things shouldn't just be dropped on one's shoulders overnight. On the other hand, Phoebe seemed to take it all in stride. But then, she'd been much younger to begin with. Damn it.

Gretchen felt a real loss. She'd really liked the way she'd looked before the change. She missed the wrinkles, the way her skin flexed in amusement. She wasn't vain, but she'd known that she had remained attractive, but with that hint of wisdom that age gave a body. Now one had to look carefully to spot that she had already lived a long life and had time's lessons well in hand. She'd earned her status as crone.

Then there was this... constant need to be doing. She'd always been an energetic woman. Now it seemed like she was overflowing. And all the things she would ... traditionally ... be doing, were far away in Indiana.

Not that she hadn't done star travel before. She did like her vacations and she had been married to a Starfleet officer, after all. But there had always been something for her to do, what with the kids and all. Now though, she was at a loss.

She supposed she could have gone to the Holodeck, but fake cooking was still false. And replication was not the same. The quarters were as clean and tidy as the maintenance crew could make it. Ambassadors did not have to worry about picking up after themselves. Though her daughter-in-laws were naturally tidy anyway. It didn't change that her kind of usual contribution wasn't needed. She could, of course, do other things than cook and clean. She'd had an occupation before wife and mother. At one time she had been a renowned mathematician, but that was some time ago. She'd kept up with the reading, but hadn't really put her hand to the wheel since Katie was in diapers.

She supposed, if she had to identify what she felt, she would have to call it boredom. This was why she was walking around in the dead of night.

But she refused to name it, for one simple reason. It was always bad to get bored in space. Troublesome things happened then.

So she walked and tried to think of something useful to do with her time, now that she had so much more of it to look forward to.

==^==

Seven of Nine had been awake for forty two hours, thirty one minutes and sixteen seconds. She felt wide awake, fresh, ready for ... anything. She could go for another day or two and feel just fine. If she slept or ate she could extend the time. If she regenerated, she could start the whole cycle over.

At the moment her children and her mates, except for Tuvok and Kathryn, were either sleeping or regenerating according to their personal schedules. Tuvok, like herself, could go for long periods of time without sleep. It was a mixture of discipline and his physiology. Kathryn had nightmares, which led her to sometimes not being able to return to sleep.

Technically, though, most of the adults were sleeping less these days. And not just from all the hard work they were putting in. They had more stamina. Which was fortunate, since that stamina was being put to use in a variety of ways these days.

Recently they'd gone through a literally life changing adventure. Alterations had been made to those who traveled through the Maze of Mines , including the ship, Voyager. Seven of Nine was no exception.

She was aware that it was possible that she could go even longer without sleep. She simply did not care to test the theory out just yet. She had other things on her mind.

Not the least was how best to wake up one of her mates.

One of the side benefits, or possibly drawbacks, depending on the day, was the increase in libido. There were times where she could hardly control herself. And she was the master of self-control.

At the moment she was experiencing a low burn, but it could torch to something much more intense if one of her mates just looked at her in a certain way. Or if she decided to inspire it.

Seven of Nine entered the Nest.

The Nest was another one of those mysterious adaptations Voyager had undergone as a result of the maze. It had been designed specifically for the adult members of her family. She wondered, sometimes, why. But at other times, she absolutely knew the reason. They needed it. Whoever, or whatever had changed them, had known the consequences of the changes and had accommodated them. Which meant there had been a thought process behind the changes. Which led Seven of Nine, again, to consider the why of it.

Miral, B'Elanna's mother, thought it was an act of Kahless. Seven thought it was something done by the makers of the maze for their own purposes. The question of who or what made the maze and the why remained. But the answers were something that she had set aside pursuing. For the moment.

The Nest was a large room with solid walkways around a soft, plush center. Doorways to the adult's quarters and a few other specialized rooms, which they had yet to truly explore, were set around unique space. Seven had already made some adjustments in the design of the space, but they were minute changes.

Seven paused outside of B'Elanna's room. “Voyager,” the tall, shapely blonde said quietly, “Is B'Elanna Torres awake?”

“Seven, she is not awake. Do you wish me to awaken her?”

“I wish to awaken her, but she is in her room. I do not wish to invade her privacy.”

Voyager actually chuckled. “Well, I doubt she would mind if you invaded her space, Seven. But I understand. What do you wish to do?”

“Kidnap her.”

“You want to me to beam her into the Nest,” Voyager interpreted.

“Yes.”

“Hmm. I'll do it, but you take responsibility. This isn't exactly an emergency.”

“To you it is not.”

“Ah. Please hold.”

A few moments later, B'Elanna's sleeping nude form, along with the pillow her head rested upon, was beamed onto the soft part of the nest. She stirred, but did not quite wake.

It was a near thing, but the Nest was safe. It was always safe. B'Elanna knew that deep within. More, she knew that Seven was close by. And a part of her settled in and she went right back to sleep without worry.

Seven watched her Klingon slumber. She felt affection build with each soft snore. She also felt the heady warmth of desire thrill through her. Carefully, softly, like she was stalking prey, she made her way towards B'Elanna.

She was about to try an experiment, to test out their connection in a new way. Experimenting was something she personally enjoyed very much. Because of the changes she and her family had been through, Seven had been investigating the mind and body connection and come across some interesting studies about touch, senses and empathic awareness. She also drew upon the information database within her cortical node.

The Borg had difficulty assimilating telepathic and empathic species, but they did collect data whether integration was successful or not. She could not help how the data was acquired, but she could make sure it was used to good purpose. That had become one of her personal goals since finally accepting that Voyager was her current collective. The purpose amplified with the addition of her family and House. Although, she did admit to herself that this was perhaps a great stretch of the meaning.

Seven knelt down gently, slowly, so that the bedding barely moved. Then, when she felt comfortable, she hovered her hands just above B'Elanna's skin. Without touching the Klingon, she drew her fingertips in circular motions just above dusky nipples and focused intently on feeling and imagining what she wanted to occur.

B'Elanna's nipples rose as if Seven had pinched them. The half-Klingon gasped softly, sleepily. She arched upwards and Seven raised her hands with the movement and moved her fingers as if she were strumming the stiffening buds. B'Elanna responded with a hungry little rumble.

Seven nodded to herself, smiled slightly. She drew her hands in a hovering trail along B'Elanna's belly. There she paused, just above the skin and she caressed the point above her Klingon's belly button, then lower. She circled one hand above soft curls. Her fingertips might have brushed the edges, but she didn't fully touch the skin.

B'Elanna's legs parted slightly.

Seven licked her lips and decided that the results of her experiment were... good enough for the moment.

She lowered her cybernetic hand and delicately drew down the moistened crease of her Klingon. She kissed those ready nipples, softly licking around the aureole, then sucking at the tips lightly.

B'Elanna groaned, mumbled.

Seven didn't stop. She played in the growing wetness, enjoyed the way her mate responded to the physical sensation. B'Elanna was beginning to awaken, so she deepened the motion, deepened the pressure she was using.

The half-Klingon went into a lazy stretch and said her name.

Seven kissed her way up from nipple to collarbone, to neck to jaw to lips. B'Elanna was awake enough to respond with warmth and hunger. The kiss deepened and Seven still moved her hand in that wonderful intimate space.

B'Elanna lifted her hips, granting better access. Seven accepted the unspoken invitation and moved her hand where B'Elanna wanted it. She began to thrust and search for the inner pleasure point she knew was there. She also used her thumb to stimulate the dual sweet points until B'Elanna was writhing in pleasure.

Seven began whispering sultry words of eroticism. It was low enough that only B'Elanna would have heard her. She told the Klingon how much she loved her, wanted her, needed her. The she made the demand.

B'Elanna felt the rush of erotic bliss flood through her and she arched. Her toes and fingers curled into the soft bed, gripping it. She called Seven's name as the ex-drone drew out her pleasure until she could take no more. Seven, who sensed her stopping point, withdrew, but only enough to pull B'Elanna into an embrace.

The Klingon slowly came down from the heights. Seven of Nine caressed her gently. B'Elanna finally, genuinely opened her eyes. She smiled warmly. “Good morning, BangwI.”

Seven of Nine smiled back, her need met.

==^==

The Captain eventually arrived at the Docking Bay, where stepped in without hesitation. No one was leaving through the docking port or arriving. There were no alarms. The door wasn't locked.

She was greeted with happy burbles and chirps by some of her newest “crew.”

When the Zakeeri came to join them, they brought with them six living ships. They were special kinds of beings, capable of up to Warp 5. Three of the Zakeeri ships were roundish with oddments and ends and three were sleek and silver, like Voyager. The Three Sisters, as the sleeker ships were called, had accompanied Voyager through the maze of mines and had been transformed. One of the Three Sisters, Stinging Sparrow, was a “special” friend of Voyager's. Voyager, it turned out, had also been transformed by the experiences within the maze and had acquired sentience.

All of the Zakeeri ships were full members of a mated clan group. Six ships on Voyager meant six separate clan groups. Stinging Sparrow was part of the clan Sun Tiger. War Flower was part of the clan Glory Dragon. Striking Feather was part of the clan Red Raptor. Laughing Hornet was part of the clan Star Fist. Dancing Hawk was part of the clan Painted Dogs. Kicking Phoenix was part of the clan Leaping Stars. Stinging Sparrow, War Flower and Striking Feather were the Three Sisters. Laughing Hornet, Dancing Hawk and Kicking Phoenix had not yet earned a group nickname. But eventually the crew would come up with something.

Kathryn greeted the small ships, touching and naming each one as she passed by. She spent a few minutes talking to them like she would Voyager. They didn't answer her in the same ways, but they did respond with chirps and beeps and happy ship noises when she was around them. That was absurdly pleasing to her, given how recent their addition was to her crew. But she found that “mothering,” these small vessels seemed to work wonders for her morale and theirs. So she attempted to apply the same kind of parenting logic she tried with her children. It seemed to work.

Each of these small ships, which were larger than the Delta Flyer, but small enough to fit a berth in Voyager's docking bay, had their own captain. Though the captains were now called Commander while on Voyager, since there could only be one captain on Voyager. It saved confusion. After much deliberation she'd decided to make all six ships a squad, with Commander Sofuru as the team leader. That seemed to suit the Zakeeri just fine. They had joined Voyager for a variety of reasons, but mostly for the adventure.

Not that there had been much in the way of adventure in the last month or so.

Which was fine with Kathryn. They'd needed the time to train, learn to work together as a crew, get to know the ship again, and start developing some of those new decks that Voyager had mysteriously gained as an “award,” for making it through the Maze.

Not that she was complaining. Voyager had plenty of space, for once.

After spending time communing with the little ships, Kathryn started back to her quarters. She hoped to catch a small nap and breakfast with the family before duty this morning. If she managed that, she'd be ready for anything.

==^==

B'Elanna greeted Kathryn warmly when she spotted her. The Klingon was at the table, digging into some scrambled eggs. She had a PADD in her hand, but set it down. “Would you like me to...”

“I can get it.” Kathryn paused near the other woman long enough to kiss her. She had intended the kiss to be quick, but as soon as their lips touched, B'Elanna had pressed for more. The kiss deepened enough to give Kathryn tingles and then, with a wink, the Klingon released her.

With a bemused smile on her face, Kathryn went to the replicator. She was suddenly in the mood for scrambled eggs too.

A brief flash and a swirl of light later, Kathryn was able to take her tray to the table. She had come to appreciate having working replicators again. Though she'd made Seven recreate a certain blend of coffee for her, just so she could have it now and then as a reminder of how lucky she was.

She sat to B'Elanna's right, and began to tuck in. And, surprisingly, she had timed things perfectly. Normally she was very early or a little late. The kids started making their way to the dining area – where they got kissed and cuddled just for waking up. The other adults, it turned out, were already at work for various reasons. Sometimes duty called at odd hours on a starship.

So Kathryn and B'Elanna got the kids, from Icheb on down, nutritionally and emotionally edified. Then they sent them off to their various learning tasks. Neelix stopped by, just after breakfast and as the older kids were leaving, to pick up Emina. Now that he only had to look in on the Mess Hall to check if it were running, he had a little more time on his hands. He was, as he had been for Naomi, an eager “uncle.” He looked quite the sight toting the youngest in the sling, but he now shared Seven of Nine's point of view that body contact was an important thing for babies.

Suddenly B'Elanna and Kathryn were alone. The half-Klingon tilted her head and touched her fingertips to Janeway's cheek, just under one of her eyes. “You didn't get much sleep.”

Kathryn shrugged. “For the usual reasons. I'll be alright.”

“I know. How long do you have?”

Kathryn checked the time. “About an hour before I have to get on shift.”

B'Elanna took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Come with me.”

“I can sleep on my own for twenty minutes, B'Elanna.”

“Who said anything about sleep?”

Kathryn blinked, then smiled. “Oh.”

==^==

Part 2 | Bookmarks

B'Elanna led Kathryn through her own room and straight into the Nest. She grinned at Kathryn's expression. “I promise not to rip off your uniform.” Then she leered. “But only if you take it off...”

The captain laughed. Then she began divesting the evidence of her authority and laying her clothing on an available table.

B'Elanna only took off her jacket and boots. Then, when she saw that her love was nude, she reached out her hand to grasp Kathryn's again. She was always impressed with the mixture of strength and delicacy that made up the compact Human. Sometimes just looking at Kathryn took her breath away.

She led her mate to that place of softness that was theirs and laid her against plump pillows. Then, she knelt, leaned in and covered the other woman's body with her own. Kathryn gripped her shoulders as she kissed her, tasting her with deliberate intensity. Kathryn's clasp tightened pleasantly, her nails beginning to dig enough to draw a moan of desire. “Kahless, I love you.”

It was always said with a sort of amazed surprise that she should be so lucky. Perhaps because she was still astonished and awed that they could do this, that they could be so free with one another when months ago, they had barely spoken to one another past professional topics. It seemed like a delicious miracle.

B'Elanna drew her lips and teeth down Kathryn's jaw. She inhaled deeply, drawing in her mate's scent. She said in the family tongue, “I love the way you smell. I love the way you taste. The way you walk. I could watch you for days.” She husked. She bit softly against the curve of Kathryn's neck, not piercing. This wasn't a time for hard bites, but a time for quick loving. “I'm going to take you, my mate. I'm going to make you fly. Do you want that?”

She pulled back to gaze into stormy blue eyes. Kathryn's growled, that now familiar noise of desire that always sent B'Elanna over the wall. “Yes!”

The Klingon growled back. Her hands slid strong and sure along her Human mate's chest and torso. She sought and found Kathryn's breasts, where she paused to knead and fondle while their kisses blazed through them. There was an abrupt tearing sound and B'Elanna sat back briefly. She looked at her shoulder, and then at the abashed expression Kathryn was giving her. Then she grinned wildly.

B'Elanna grasped the offending sleeve and yanked, until it was torn off. Then she grasped the other, and yanked that one off too. She nearly tossed the scraps away, then she paused and gave her captain a considering look. She cocked an eyebrow. Kathryn's laugh of perception was delicious.

In moments, Kathryn's wrists were bound, not too tightly, but enough to keep her from ripping any other piece of clothing. The captain, who had been a prisoner in a Cardassian camp, could free herself any time. The knots were that loose. B'Elanna kissed Kathryn's knuckles, then lifted the woman's hands above her head and back a little, until Kathryn could grasp a small bar above her head. There were several such items that were strategically placed around the soft-nest. Those bars were embedded into an indentation, rather than stuck out where one could hit one's head and very useful to those who needed them. Of course, they'd had to replace a few. But that was what you got when a woman with a cybernetic hand was one of your mates.

When she knew Kathryn had a good grip, she began again. This time B'Elanna started by stroking her tongue around and along beautiful full nipples. She loved those nipples. She sucked them in, nibbled them lightly, drawing out moans and graphic vocalizations of pleasure. B'Elanna adored that about Kathryn, that surprising vulgarity was such a contrast to her normal composure.

The Klingon's hands stroked Kathryn's torso, then her legs. Kathryn had opened up invitingly and B'Elanna's found a moist forest of auburn curls in which to play. B'Elanna praised that state in Klingon, knowing it would turn her Kathryn on even more, even as she began to press in, filling Kathryn. Some words the captain had taken time to learn. Their house was multilingual in many ways.

B'Elanna kissed a heated trail down Kathryn's body, nipping here and there along the way, seeking and finding a lovely wet point to rest her tongue. Then she began to have a second breakfast, one that she had been craving even more than food. She hummed and growled into the repast, pulling Kathryn into nature's demanding call and response.

She felt the shudder begin before Kathryn began crying out her pleasure. Rolling waves of joy shocked through their link. B'Elanna closed her eyes and basked in the start of the glow, slowing her touch and drawing the out that pleasure which was Kathryn's. Then, when she felt her mate begin to slide back home, she crawled back up. Gently she helped Kathryn release the bar, though the woman was still gripping strongly and breathing hard. Kathryn's opened her eyes long enough to smile in wonder at B'Elanna and received a tender, lingering kiss for it. B'Elanna undid the binding, one handed, while she gently stroked the length of her lover's body. “I love you,” whispered Kathryn.

The Klingon gathered Kathryn to her, whispered her love in return, and they wrapped their arms around one another and rested.

==^==

B'Elanna was feeling very chipper when she entered Engineering. She nodded and smiled to some of her crew before she stopped by the project wall and read off the current checklist. Some of her engineers were working with members of other departments in developing the Park. She touched a few target points on the wall console and noted times and dates. Things seemed to be progressing nicely. She checked the other projects and spotted one that looked like it might need her personal attention, so she tagged it with her name.

Then she went into her office to grab her tool belt. She smiled unconsciously as she passed the wall with her family photos. That wall had been somewhat of a catalyst in her life. B'Elanna strapped on her tool belt and then headed back out. She'd had a good morning. Now it was time to see if the mood would last while she made some repairs.

==^==

When Kathryn finally entered the Bridge she was in a good mood. The nap she originally planned had turned into something much more interesting and she was feeling rested, exercised, and sated – always a wonderful combination. She greeted everyone on the Bridge pleasantly, though she also greeted two with a spicy exchange of fingertalk. Then she finally sat down in her Captain's chair. “What have we got, today Chakotay?”

Her first officer smiled at seeing her happiness, frowned at that she was still carrying on the charade, and then smiled again when she sat down besides him. “Astrometrics reports that there is a Nebula about five light years from here that you might be interested in exploring. It appears to have a few unusual features – including a bit of stormy weather. Megan Delaney says the “fireworks,” should be safe to view at the fifty kilometer mark, if you want to get a close up.

Kathryn considered. “It might be good training for our squads. Get them out there and let them stretch their wings a bit. We'll follow along and meet them there at a designated point. Have Megan pick it and send the coordinates up here. Speaking of training...”

Chakotay picked up right away. “They're doing great. Much better than anticipated. There's still been a bit of hazing, but nothing as extravagant as that Painted Dog incident.”

“Good. Good. Keep 'em on track Chakotay.”

“Will Do.”

Sometimes it was best to grab the bull by its horns. Sometimes it was best to lead with flowers and sweet grass. “Ah, yes, speaking of on track. Chakotay, do you have a minute to meet me in my Ready Room. I have something... important... to discuss with you.”

“Of course, Kathryn.”

==^==

They sat down on a couch, not too distantly apart. “Chakotay, there has been something I've been meaning to address with you for awhile now. We've been friends a long time.”

His smile crinkled at the side of his eyes. “Seven years, at least.”

Kathryn smiled back warmly. “At least.” She clasped her hands together. “Do you trust me?”

“I... Of course, Kathryn.”

“Good. Because I trust you.” She looked briefly out the port window. “Not that we haven't had our moments, but on the whole we have learned to rely on one another. I would hate to lose that friendship. Wouldn't you?”

“Of course.”

“Chakotay, you're aware that I'm mated? Most of the ship is, by now.” Actually, it could be argued that the whole ship had been part of the experience. But she didn't want to confuse her friend. “But I think... and I hesitate to address this, since it is emotional territory, but I do not believe that this fact has completely registered with you.”

“Kathryn, we've left Zakeeri space. Surely you don't have to carry on the charade any longer.”

“It's not a charade, Chakotay.”

He just blinked at her.

She tried a different approach. “While all my mates have passion, I have two that are more inclined than others to just space you and have done with it. If you can't believe that I am, in fact, part of a House, you must at least consider the thought that my mates consider it to be true. They are taking certain actions on your part towards me quite personally. I must ask you, for your sake, to cease and desist.”

He blinked more, but there was now a different expression on his face. “I... hadn't thought of it that way.”

She quirked a smile at him. “I am aware. That is why I'm pointing it out to you, as your friend, and as your concerned captain.”

Chakotay had no reply to that.

“I would also like, since I'm doing this anyway, to address notions of stupidity.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I have always thought of you as an intelligent man. In fact, you have a great wisdom that I have admired. But I think, sometimes you become limited in your vision and that affects your choices. All this time you have encouraged me to create relationships with those who were available. Yet when such a relationship made itself available to you, you chose a different path.” She raised her hand to forestall an argument. “You have that right. But you should be aware that I, personally, think you lost out on something potentially wonderful.”

“It just... wasn't my style.”

“Do you think my current family situation was mine?”

“I.. No, captain. It was the last place I saw you going.”

Ah. Now he was acknowledging it. Good. That was the goal right there. She smiled softly, thoughtfully. “I never even saw it coming, Chakotay. But I'm glad I took the chance. And I wouldn't trade it now, for anything.” Then she looked him in the eye. “Or anyone.”

Chakotay couldn't find an appropriate response to that. Kathryn continued.

“I hope you find your joy, Chakotay, but you need to let what could have been go. I value you too much to play that kind of charade with you. It would devalue what we truly honor about one another.”

He looked a bit pole-axed. She couldn't help him past that. “Chakotay, my good friend and first officer, you are dismissed.”

He didn't quite stumble out, but she knew he would be on autopilot for a bit. She didn't leave the Ready Room for awhile herself.

==^==

The Federation Starship Bradbury slowed to impulse just inside of the Beta Quadrant. They were responding to a hail from a Starfleet shuttle that had recently been received. The captain called Ambassadors Troi and T'Pel to the Docking Bay.

Lwaxana was had been trying on new types of outfits, spurred on by the young Phoebe, since they shared colorful tastes. And these days the younger fashions actually fit to her body. The Betazoid found it all quite amusing. At the time of the captain's request, she and Phoebe had been trying on some scandalous swim suits. The captain's stunned reaction had been ... flattering and memorable.

Not that he was the one she was interested in pleasing these days. No, Lwaxana found it highly enjoyable to light up T'Pel's eyes in that... certain way. And she tried her very best to do it often.

Lwaxana had changed into something a little less revealing, but equally vibrant by the time the more moderately robed T'Pel was ready to leave their quarters. Phoebe excused herself to go work on a piece then. Miral, Asil and Malvok were off somewhere practicing a Klingon martial art. Gretchen had gone to watch. Lwaxana was aware that her human mother-in-law was still finding these radical changes quite challenging.

Lwaxana could understand it. In the dead of night, she sometimes foundered herself. But she was lucky to have the lovely and ever logical T'Pel to rely upon for comfort. The Betazoid reached out with her fingertips, and found them touched and herself well loved, once again.

Together she and her mate made their way to Bradbury's Docking Bay.

==^==

It wasn't often that Deanna shocked her mother.

But she was gratified to see that it was possible, even if it were due to somewhat unhappy circumstances.

She led her younger brother down the steps of the Shuttle. Once he hit the deck, he burst into a run and made his way straight towards their mother. He flung his arms wide and was received in a complete and loving hug and kiss by his mother.

Lwaxana took her son's hand, then stood up and, as Deanna drew closer, looked into her daughter's dark eyes. She didn't press her mentally. She knew Deanna hated that and today, apparently, was not the day to tease.

Her daughter greeted T'Pel graciously and then finally spoke. “I'm sorry we didn't call first, but our departure was abrupt. Will needs space.”

“We are honored that you chose to come to us,” said T'Pel gently. “You are always welcome in our abode.”

There was a dangerous quiver on Deanna's lower lip.

“Come, my daughter,” Lwaxana distracted. “Let these Starfleet types bring your belongings and let's take you to our quarters.” She started walking, heading towards the exit. Deanna looked a little startled by the change in mood, but T'Pel merely raised an eyebrow and began following her most exuberant mate. Lwaxana began a rapid fire one person conversation, “Of course, we're going to have to have Captain Stevenson expand our quarters again. It will be no problem. His engineering crew is very efficient. We'll also have to talk to Miral. We were on our way to Ab'Liav Tertius. It's an old case that she's put on hold because one of the challengers refused to show. But now that she has access to a ship, she says family honor requires that we at least try to find this Baron Tulek of House Qua'lon. Apparently he originally agreed to abide by her ruling. She even has paperwork, if you can believe it. Klingons so rarely do that sort of thing, but Miral, she is a very unique Klingon. So we're going.

“Fortunately, it is a minor system fairly far away from the Dominion and hasn't really been touched by the war, according to some sources that Asil dug up from somewhere. After that is all resolved, well, the Federation wants us to head back towards the Klingon capital for some reason, but I am half tempted to just hire a new ship and send them on without us. Surely by now they have worked out their differences and apparently they've been fibbing to us about how dangerous it is out here. Why we haven't encountered one Dominion ship or even a Federation Scout ...”

==^==

The semi-coherent diamond shaped nebula was green with lightening on the inside and red with flame on the outside. They actually stopped to observe the phenomenon several thousand kilometers away to give Astrometrics a chance to assess the nebula a little more. As promised, there were some beautiful fireworks. There were also strong Omicron emissions, which in itself had made the short journey worthwhile. “I feel a bit of a fishing trip coming on,” quipped the Captain. “Let's have a quick staff meeting and see if we can arrive at a plan. I'll be in the conference room. Call the Zakeeri ships back. Chakotay, you have the Bridge until the meeting. Let's say, fifteen minutes?””

“Aye, Captain,” answered Chakotay gamely. He still wasn't quite acting like himself, but she knew he would recover. He would just need a little time. It wasn't like they hadn't had their shake ups before.

Fifteen minutes later the senior staff gathered together and began animatedly talking strategy. It was Harry who came up with the winning idea of trying out the Penetrator and seeing if it would work. The shield matrix had been used as a sort of absorption shovel in maze of mines. It had worked very well when they first used it, but other than an accidental deployment later, they hadn't tried the Penetrator since.

Janeway was open to the idea. The ship shield strength should actually be quite solid enough even if the Penetrator didn't work. So they worked on a secondary plan for scooping a good supply of the energy source, just in case. Janeway trusted Seven of Nine and B'Elanna to see to it.

Later, when the staff left, she took a moment to check with Voyager herself. “So, what do you think my sweet ship?”

“I look forward to it. I think this Nebula is interesting. As a proto-star it is quite normal, but it is also very visually striking.”

Kathryn Janeway smiled warmly. “That it is. We will soon be getting a close up, so prepare yourself.”

“Of course, Kathryn.”

==^==

“Deploy Penetrator Shield,” the captain ordered.

With a push of the button, the blue shield burst out and about Voyager.

“Half Impulse. Dead Ahead.”

“Aye, Captain.”

The ship moved forward into the Nebula. Plasma flashed and splashed against the shield like water balloons bursting. The shield turned even bluer and there was a hum, not unpleasant. “What are the readings?”

“Absorption rate 20%... 30%... 40%... 50%... rising steadily, captain. Automated Storage containers are receiving in Cargo Bay 1. Absorption rate 100%. Containers at 10%”

“Stop Impulse. Halt ship. We'll stay here for a moment and see if we can fill her up.” There was a pause. “Shields?”

“Holding steady, captain.”

The captain nodded to herself. “This is good. This is very good.”

Hopeful smiles began sliding across more than one face on the bridge. The ship rocked as plasma struck it, but it rocked like a ship on a calm sea rather than a starship caught in a storm.

“Storage containers at 50%.”

There was an unexpected sound then. An alert blurted on one of the consoles demandingly. “Captain, we're getting a strange reading here.”

“A problem with the shields?”

“No, captain. In the core of the Nebula. There's...”

A rush of light flashed, turning the Penetrator shield color white. The ship quaked and rumbled, tossing her passengers against their seats. “Reverse, full impulse.”

Voyager pulled back quickly and in good time. Another shockwave pulsed out from the center of the nebula.

“Astrometrics.”

“Here, Captain.”

“What is going on with the proto-star? Did the Penetrator shield cause this?”

“The shield is not the cause, but these are not standard readings for a proto-star. There is an unusual rise in ... tachyon ... emissions. Captain, I suggest we retreat.”

Kathryn grunted, “No kidding.” Then she ordered, “Pull us back, Tom, 1000 kilometers.”

“Aye Captain.”

“Harry, keep the Penetrator on until we're out of range.”

“Astrometrics to Bridge.”

“Bridge here. What else have you got?”

“There is a rift forming in the center of the proto-star.”

“Oh that is just dandy.” She closed their contact and grimaced at Chakotay, “You know, one of these days, we're going to find a nebula that is just a nebula in the Delta quadrant.”

Her first officer quirked a grin at her. He couldn't help it. “Well, Kathryn, I wouldn't bet on it.”

She just shook her head ruefully at him. “Neither would I.”

“At least we got some supplies out of it this time.”

“True. True. We're still ahead of the game.”

“Astrometrics to Bridge.”

“Go ahead.”

“There is an object in the rift.”

“Will it come up on the monitor yet?”

“Doubtful. We're tracking though. We'll notify Lieutenant Kim's console when the image will be available.”

“As soon as possible please.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Well, now, this gets more interesting. What do you think is coming through that rift?”

“Won't know until we find out.”

“Chakotay, your helpful commentary is why I hired you.”

“Knew there had to be a reason I agreed to ride on this boat.”

“Oh... Voyager is going to get you for that one. I wouldn't want to be you tonight.”

He finally cracked and laughed. And then so did she. That's when she knew it was going to be alright between them.

“We've got zoom on the view screen, captain,” announced Harry.

“Show us what we've got.”

It was still a fairly fuzzy image, but they could identify two small silver objects against a dark background within the rift.

“Is it me, or do those shapes seem... familiar?”

“At this point they seem like two dots to me.”

“Astrometrics to Bridge.”

“Here, Astrometrics.”

“We've got a positive ID on the objects in the rift. Also, they are moving towards us, rather than away.”

“I feel jaded.”

“Why is that, Captain?”

“Because my first thought was, 'Of course they are.' Forward the I.D. to Harry's station please.”

“Will do. Astrometrics out.”

“Holy Cats,” Harry blurted.

“That was a new one. What have we got Harry.”

“Well...” He hesitated, “... There's a Federation Scout Ship... and... a Klingon Raptor.”

“A Raptor? Those haven't been used for over a century.”

“How current is the Federation Scout Ship?”

“Very, Captain. But, I think there must be something wrong, because they should be able to outgun a Raptor.”

“I take it the Raptor is chasing the scout.”

“Yes.”

“Prep phasers...”

“Captain, there's a third ship, unknown class. It's big though. Chasing both the Raptor and the Scout.”

“I'm beginning to get a better picture here.” She grimaced and made a decision. “Tom, prepare to go in. Harry, get the Penetrator working again.”

“Aye, Captain,”

“Astrometrics, we're going to need a navigational plot through the nebula. We've got two ships in crisis being chased by an unknown third vessel.”

“Working on it.”

“Tom, as soon as you have a course, take us in.”

“Tuvok. Prep Phasers and photon torpedoes.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Lieutenant Ro, we don't know what condition those other ships are in. Prep tractor beam, just in case.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Tom, get us in there.”

==^==

Voyager drove in through the nebula like a shark through a fiery sea. The Penetrator shield did its job, absorption and protection, slicing the path open for them before their regular shields could even be touched. Voyager used the extra energy to build a bit of speed and fortify her phaser banks. It actually felt kind of good. Ticklish.

The Six Zakeeri ships joined in a link with her through Stinging Sparrow. Their input was invaluable as she made those small adjustments that kept a ship whole. They also helped manage the absorption flow.

The closer Voyager and her crew got, the more apparent it was that the two ships had not actually been in conflict, despite first appearances. In fact, they were lucky to be in any sort of shape for running. The scorch marks, the dents and breaks made that evident. They also could now make out the markings on the bigger ship – a square shaped skull and crossbones.

“Orion Syndicate,” gasped out the Captain.

“I wonder if they're the one's who opened the rift?”

“We don't have time to find out.” She directed her attention to Lieutenant Paris. “Listen up Tom, whatever you do, don't go into the rift. We don't know what time it is over on that side. You're going to have to keep us on this side.”

“Understood captain.”

“On the other hand, let's see if we can sting those people enough for them to lose interest in those other ships.” She grimaced. “Tuvok, fire phasers at the Orion ship.”

“Aye, Captain.”

There was a burst of fire, short and sweet and potent. It struck the enemy vessel, but didn't appear to do much to it.

“Try again, up the power.”

There was another burst and this time the strike seemed more effective. They actually saw the Orion shields flicker.

“Captain, the other two ships, they're not looking too good there.” Ro stated. “Sensors indicate a warp breach is imminent on the Raptor. The Scout isn't in much better condition.”

“Lieutenant Ro, gather up some security guards and get to the Transporter room. Beam who you can aboard. We're going to have guests. Possibly Klingon and unfriendly.”

“Aye, Captain. We'll have to drop shields during transport.”

“Arrange a shield rotation with Tuvok. Voyager can handle a short amount of exposure. Strip weapons during transport. As for the people, medical help first. Get their cooperation if you can. Klingons might not appreciate the welcome, but they weren't exactly winning the battle anyway. Brig 'em if they try and slug someone.”

“Aye, Captain.” There was a whoosh at the door as Lieutenant Ro exited the Bridge.

“Okay, can we tractor in the scout, Harry?”

“I think so, Captain.”

“Do it. They'll have to forgive us later, if they live.”

“Right.”

“Tuvok, keep firing. Add photon torpedoes when you're ready.”

The result of that command was immediate, two torpedoes fired, then another two.

Kathryn turned and looked at her Security officer. He gave her the raised eyebrow, implying that nothing unusual was happening. But she thought she saw something darken in his eyes.

Oh, there was a story there.

The first round hit the Orion ship and obviously shook it. She saw that they were firing back, but it appeared to be random. “They don't see us.”

“So it appears.”

“Interesting.”

The second round hit the Orions hard; there was a burst of flame that arced out into space before it snuffed out.

The tractor locked onto the scout ship, just as the Klingon ship seemed to catch that flame and explode in response.

The wave front of the explosion appeared to push the scout ship forward to them and Kathryn decided to take advantage of it.

“Back us out Tom.”

“Scout ship may not be able to take the impact of the Nebula.”

She tapped her comm badge, “Lieutenant Ro, prepare for more guests. We don't think the scout ship is going to make it.”

“Aye, Captain. Transporting now.”

A few tense moments later, the scout ship began to obviously quake. Lieutenant Ro contacted the Bridge. “All aboard, captain.”

“Tom, cut her loose. Get us out of here.” The tractor beam disengaged just in time as the scout ship shattered brightly into a zillion pieces.

Voyager turned and began heading out of the Nebula.

“Captain, we're being followed.”

“Are they shooting at us?”

“Yes, captain. But they're still firing blind.”

“Are they through the rift?”

“Almost, Captain.”

“Well, I don't know what's kept them from seeing us when we can see them, but I'm guessing they won't be blind for long if they make it through. Tuvok, fire at will.”

There was a burst of fire, photon and phasers that ripped through the nebula towards the rift. The Orion ship was just crossing the rift and managed to hit Voyager with a disrupter beam. Captain Janeway's ship fired again. This time the explosions weren't minor and the Syndicate ship didn't survive the experience.

Voyager, however, was tossed forward, with her nose tipped down and her Nacelles hanging up, as if she were a human in a handstand. The shields held, but the whole ship was jounced hard and rough right on out of the Nebula.

Moments later, Kathryn was climbing back up into her chair. Harry, who'd managed to get to his console, reported, “The rift is completely closed, Captain.” He looked up at her. “It's like it was never even there.”

“Thank you, Harry,” She praised. Then she commented to Chakotay. “Yes, one of these days, we're going to encounter an ordinary, regular, simple nebula in the Delta Quadrant.”

==^==

Part 3 | Bookmarks

“Status,” Kathryn inquired of Lieutenant Ro. They were standing just outside the conference room. Their guests were now gathered in the room, along with six security guards.

“We got them all. Had to send four to sick bay. Three Klingons, one Human. The Klingons... are a bit of a surprise Captain.”

“How do you mean?”

Laren raised her hand and touched her forehead. “No... ridges.”

“Interesting.”

“Also, surprisingly polite and, dare I say it, dashing. They flirt like hell. We've had more trouble out of the Starfleet Crew.”

“Really?”

“We're too young to really be Starfleet.”

“Ah. I suppose I should have thought of that. But you know, I forget.”

Laren chuckled, “We all do. We're used to it. Mostly.”

“Mostly. How's the body language?”

“They're grouping together, waiting to see what happens next. I've got the Star Fists watching them, along with Ensigns Chase, Booker and Simmons.”

Captain Janeway's lips twitched. The Ensigns were notorious for being very tall and very big, in a muscular no-nonsense kind of way. “No wonder they're being polite.”

Lieutenant Ro nodded sagely. There had been a reason for her choices.

The Star Fists were fierce-looking Zakeeri. Zakeeri were approximately 1.08 meters high on average. Not very tall at all. They were hominids of feline descent and – as a race – had been, according to their legends, altered by the makers of the Maze of Mines several times.

What they lacked in height, they made up for in other ways. All one had to do was look at them and know they were not to be trifled with. Xepal, the commander, was female, taller than her mates, and had dark hair and unusual grey eyes. When she snarled, her nose wrinkled down like a tiger's. When she grimaced that way, she showed sharp, dangerous teeth. She was formidable of personality. Dekut, her first mate, was male and muscular. He was her opposite in coloration, dark skinned, blonde and brown eyed. Kuva was her second mate. She was the most naturally colorful and exuberant of the Star Fists. Her hair was shocking pink and her green eyes often sparkled with amusement.

At the moment that Captain Janeway, followed by Lieutenant Ro, entered, those eyes were sparkling with grim intensity at the Starfleet crew. Xepal was stepping away from a woman, an ensign,. The woman looked to be in her mid twenties, tall, brunette and supple – which meant that Xepal had to leap to make that contact. The ensign was cupping the side of her cheek and looking at the Zakeeri in shock.

Xepal, of course, wore the rank of Commander in an obvious place on her collar – if the Starfleet crew had bothered to pay attention. She also wore one of Voyager's uniforms, with a broad red patch on one shoulder. She was saying, as she stepped back, “You will speak with respect.” Apparently there had been some sort of dispute.

Well, at least the ensign wasn't dead or bleeding, thought the Captain philosophically. She also knew that the Zakeeri wouldn't have made the strike without a reason. The ensign must have really pushed.

Ensign Chase announced, “Captain on Deck!”

It was a very formal announcement, but not unusual for Ensign Chase. He was a big, but polite young man. He liked to watch over his captain.

A proclamation like that always brought an automatic response to those who had military background. Suddenly all the drama dropped as people abruptly straightened their postures and assumed attentive positions.

The captain strode to the head of the table, but did not sit down. There weren't enough chairs. So she stood before her normal seat and gave all of them a stern glancing over. It was austere enough that many of the officers flinched.

Finally, when she knew she had their absolute attention, she began. “Welcome to the Federation Starship Voyager.”

“Voyager! But that's in the Delta quad...” blurted out one of the ensigns from the scout ship. He looked ... disbelieving and appalled. She narrowed her gaze at him and the rest of what he was about to say died on his tongue.

“I am,” she continued on, still staring at the young man who interrupted her. Then she brought the look around to all of them. “Captain Kathryn Janeway of the House Presba.”