[pwaxen@yahoo.com]

This story can be read as a standalone as long as it is understood that Janeway and Seven are in love.

Disclaimer: The characters of Star Trek: Voyager are the property of Paramount Pictures. No infringement is intended.

Warning: This story depicted two women in love. If this offends you or it's just plain illegal for you to read this on your part of the planet, do not proceed.

Please do not archive, link or reproduce without author's permission.

Element of Fear

By Vaxen (pwaxen@yahoo.com)

"Alien vessel approaching," Ensign Kim reported. "It doesn't match any known configuration. They are hailing us - audio only."

"Open a channel." Chakotay stood. Even though there was no visual transmissions, standing made him feel more prepared for the situation awaited him. "This is Commander Chakotay of the Federation Starship Voyager. Please identify yourself."

"I thought you'd have promoted yourself to captain by now, Chakotay."

"Kathryn," he mouthed, his throat too constricted to utter sound. He dropped into the captain's chair, his jaw hanging slack with amazement.

"Chakotay, are you there?"

It sounded like Janeway's voice – a tender growl – but it was impossible. "Who is this?"

"Chakotay, it's Captain Janeway. I'm here with Seven of Nine."

"Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine were killed on Dalvar two weeks ago. I repeat, who are you?"

"Seven, can't you get the visual on-line?" There was a muffled response in the background and seconds later Janeway's image filled the viewer with Seven beyond her in the background.

"It is you," Chakotay cheers, once again back on his feet. "We thought you were dead."

"So did we, in a manner of speaking, and we will be yet if we don't get this sardine can that passes for a ship into a hangar soon."

"We can beam you aboard."

"That's not necessary. We've made it this far under our own power, I'm sure we'll survive a few more kilometers. Just point me to a shuttle bay and open the doors."

"Aye, Captain. Welcome back."

Two weeks earlier.

"Captain, we're being hailed."

"On screen." The somewhat homely visage of an alien appeared on the viewer. "I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager."

"I am Absa, First Representative of the Dalvar Exchange Commission. I wish to invite you to engage in commerce."

It was nice to have someone soliciting trade from Voyager for a change. They generally seemed to be the buyer in a seller's market. "We'd be glad to negotiate with you. Would you like to come aboard?"

"We can not leave our planet? You are welcome to join us."

"We'd be happy to meet with you if you'll send us coordinates."

"Coordinates?"

"Never mind. Stay where you are. We'll be there within the hour." Janeway looked to Harry. "Did you get the coordinates of their transmission?"

"Yes, Captain," Kim responded.

"What can you tell me about this planet?"

"It's class M with several large continents, but only one smaller one is populated. There are signs that the other continents may have once been inhabited by a fairly technological people but the present population is pre-industrial -- with a few exceptions."

"Exception?" Chakotay noted. He knew the captain intended to go to the planet. He was concerned for her safety.

"The radio, for one," he said, pointing out the obvious. "There are half a dozen very rudimentary power units near the site of the transmission."

"Any indications of advanced weapons technology?" Janeway asked.

"None," Tuvok offered. "There's no sign that they have even the potential to produce projectile firearms."

"Then I'm sure you'll have no objection if I transport to the surface to conduct the negotiations myself."

"I'm afraid that will be impossible." Tuvok tilted his head in a characteristic gesture of Vulcan superiority. "Atmospheric interference is preventing us from establishing a coordinate lock. However, once you are there, your commbadge would provide the necessary signal to transport you safely away in case of an emergency."

"Mr. Kim, transmit the radio signal coordinates to shuttle bay one." Janeway was already on the move as she held up her hand to forestall Tuvok's objection. "You can assign two security officers to accompany me. Anything more would look like an invasion. Have them report to the shuttle. Chakotay, contact the representative and tell him there will be a delay. Give him our estimated time of arrival. I'm going to stop by astrometrics on my way and see if Seven knows anything about these people." She slipped into the turbo lift and the doors closed before anyone else could voice an objection.

"I am familiar with this world," Seven stated, "but I am not familiar with this species. This planet was inhabited by species 366, a civilization of modest technological means. Under present circumstances they might have been ignored, having little to offer to advance Borg perfection, but it was still early in the development of the collective and there was a greater need for drones."

Janeway rested her chin on her thumb and put an index finger against her lips. "Could the current inhabitants have gone unnoticed by the Borg?"

"Judging by their present numbers and development, they could have been a small and primitive group. They could have been overlooked."

"I guess there are all kinds of good luck. Normally, the Prime Directive would prevent us from contacting them. It's curious. How does an agrarian society gain access to stellar communications?"

"Some of the technology from species 366 may have survived and been adapted by them."

"An interesting theory. I'd love to speculate further, but I have to meet with the First Representative of the Dalvar Exchange Commission. I don't suppose you'd care to accompany me?"

"To the planet to conduct negotiations?" Seven's ocular implant climbed so far up her forehead it nearly disappeared into her hairline.

"There isn't much for you to do in astrometrics while we're in orbit. It would give you a chance to broaden your understanding of human interaction. It would give you a chance to get off the ship and walk around on solid ground." Janeway could see from Seven's expression that none of these arguments were having much effect. "We could spend some time alone together."

"You were going to go to the surface alone?"

"No. There will be two security personnel."

"Then you intend to take leave?"

"No, I can't keep Voyager waiting, but remember, we're shuttling to Dalvar."

Seven paused and her eyes widened. "You would not need a security guard for your return trip to Voyager."

"That's right," said Janeway, fighting to hold back a wicked grin.

"Captain, I would be delighted to accompany you."

"Greetings, Captain Janeway. That is the proper appellation, is it not?"

"It certainly is Representative Absa."

"Ah, then we are in harmony." The Dalvian bureaucrat spread his arms with a flourish.

"This is my astrometrics officer, Seven."

"And by what title might I call you?" Absa asked.

"I have no title. You may call me Seven."

"Welcome, Seven. Forgive me if it is impolite, but these objects on your face and hand are most intriguing."

"They're jewelry," Janeway quickly remarked. "I think they're most becoming."

"Quite attractive," the representative clucked. "I'm very fond of jewelry." He pulled back his sleeve to reveal an intricate bracelet that wrapped around his arm from his wrist to his elbow. He flexed his arm and the ornament moved, adjusting itself to the new contours almost like a living being. "It is a gift from the Holy Ones."

"It's quit remarkable." Janeway examined the bracelet closely. Despite it's flexible nature it felt like rigid metal.

"Yes, the Holy Ones have many remarkable things."

"Perhaps we will get a chance to meet them. I'd like to see these wonders."

"You can not see the Holy Ones, but you may get to meet them."

Janeway's curiosity was piqued by this riddle. Caught between curiosity and diplomacy, she decided to go with the latter and let the matter drop. Religious discussion often proved to be counterproductive.

"Would you be interested in offering the piece above you eye in trade?" Absa asked Seven.

"No," she anwered a bit harshly.

"It's an old family heirloom," Janeway interceded.

"Pity. We are ready to begin negotiation, if you will step this way." Absa lead them toward the entrance of a simple one story building.

Seven touched Janeway's arm, causing her to hold back, and whispered, "Jewelry?"

"A small, diplomatic lie. It does look becoming." Janeway batted her lashed charmingly. "These people don't need to know about the Borg."

Both flattered and satisfied, Seven agreed.

The Dalvians had little to offer outside of foodstuffs. Janeway agreed to trade some silicone lubricant for those that might add a little variety to their diet. The discussion had required less time than the shuttle trip down. The lubricant was offloaded and replaced by the food. Janeway contacted the ship and informed Chakotay that the shuttle was a little cramped with all the provisions and suggested he transport the security team while she and Seven flew back. Chakotay was still chuckling to himself over Janeway's thinly veiled subterfuge when a startled announcement from Kim brought his musings to a devastating halt.

"There's been an explosion in the lower atmosphere." Kim's mouth was agape. His lower lip trembled and jaw worked as if he were trying to speak. When words finally erupted, it was in an unrestrained sob. "The shuttle has been destroyed."

The destructive force of the explosion was quite thorough. Enough material was gathered to determine that there had been a chemical reaction - an interaction between a plant byproduct and a containment regulator substructure. Much of the debris had fallen back to the planet over a vast ocean. There was a search for remains, but the waters were filled with scavengers and scanning the crash site was soon abandoned.

"We're very sorry for your loss." Falsac, the Priarch of Dalvar, offered his condolences when Voyager sent word that they had done all that they could do and were about to break orbit. "I wish you well."

"Thank you, Priarch. It is a great loss." Dark circles ringed Chakotay's eyes and he clutched the back of the helmsman's chair for support. "And thank you for your help."

"You are most welcome." The connection was broken. Falsac turned to his aid. "Prepare for the ceremony."

Janeway and Seven watched the security team transport, then the Captain reported that she and Seven were on their way back. Janeway was looking forward to spending a few hours alone with the woman she loved. She was surprised to find Absa waiting for them at the shuttle entrance.

"A parting gift," he said, yellowing teeth showing through his parted lips in a close approximation of a smile. In each hand he held a large, white orchid.

"How exquisite," Janeway proclaimed, accepting the flower and cradling it protectively in her hands. Seven took her gift as well, although with somewhat less enthusiasm, and nodded to the representative. Janeway was about to thank him when her vision collapsed to a dark, narrow tunnel and the muscles in her body went slack. Seven attempted to catch her as she fell but, experiencing similar symptoms, instead fell with her.

Janeway felt the commbadge being ripped from her jacket and fought hard to resist the panic that threatened to overwhelm her as she and Seven were carried off by a pair of hefty Dalvian. Through her receding vision, she was just able to make out the figure of Absa entering and leaving the shuttle, then saw the shuttle launch and disappear into the sky.

They were taken inside a building that abutted the base of a cliff. The building was a facade used to hide the opening to a tunnel that ran deep into the side of the cliff. The tunnel opened on a large dimly lit room - large enough that light faded to black before reaching the farthest wall. It was man made and seemed beyond the capabilities of the Dalvian, but Janeway reminded herself that the Egyptians of early Earth history had accomplished marvels science had yet to explain. Their journey ended in a smaller side room, where their hosts deposited them on two crude cots.

Absa stepped around the guards to address the paralyzed women. "I beg your forgiveness, but it is done in the name of Science."

"Science?" Janeway thought, wondering if the universal translator was malfunctioning.

"The effects of the flower will wear off soon. Our leader will talk to you then. Blessings on you, our most worthy Sacrifice." Absa left, followed by the guards, who locked the door behind them.

Now Janeway was certain of a malfunction. There must have been some kind of misunderstanding. She had to believe that because to believe the alternative was too frightening. She lay motionless, staring straight ahead at the door, grateful that at least it wasn't the featureless ceiling she was forced to gaze at, but wishing she could see Seven. For the moment, Janeway took what comfort she could in the sound of her breathing.

Janeway tested the different muscle groups and was rewarded with a twitch of her thumb and a blink of her eyelid - a welcome relief to her burning eyeballs. She felt something brush against her shoulder and in her peripheral vision saw Seven's hand resting near. Seven's body seemed better able to counteract the paralyzer. By the time Janeway was able to lift her hand, Seven had dragged herself off her own cot and was sitting on the floor, propped up against the Captain's.

"Are you hurt?" Seven asked, in a harsh, almost unintelligible whisper. Janeway could only answer with a squeeze of her hand, but that seemed to suffice.

As Janeway's body spasmed and jerked its way back to life, there was a noise at the door to their cell. Seven awkwardly gained her feet and stood swaying between the door and the still helpless woman on the cot. The guards entered carrying weapons too long to be knives and too short to be swords but adequately sharpened to be lethal. They stationed themselves on either side of the door. Another man, whose attire was similar to Absa's but somewhat more refined, arrived.

"I see one of you has already recovered. My name is Falsac."

"State your purpose," Seven snarled.

"The Holy Ones have brought you here to become one with them. You will be sacrificed on the altar of Science."

"You can't be serious," Janeway croaked.

"We take Science very seriously and your sacrifice will be a testament to the superiority of your race. You will be consumed in the fire of enlightenment and reborn in the world of the Holy Ones. It is a great honor."

"We do not understand or share your beliefs, but it sounds to me as if you intend to kill us." Janeway managed to leverage herself up on one elbow.

"It is only death in the corporeal sense. The Holy Ones call it transmutation. The ceremony will begin in one hour. Please be prepared."

Falsac left them alone, but when Seven approached the door she could see that they had been stationed just outside. She returned to Janeway's side and helped her sit up on the edge of the cot.

"What have I gotten you into?" Janeway lamented.

"You believe they intend to terminate us," Seven stated.

"They took our commbadges and sent the shuttle off empty. They probably destroyed the shuttle. I'm sure they did it to trick Voyager into thinking we're dead."

"Then we should not expect to be rescued."

"I'm sorry I talked you into coming with me."

"I am not sorry." There was a fire in Seven's eyes. "Would you prefer to spend your final hour with a security team?"

"I don't want you to die." Janeway's voice cracked.

"I don't want you to die either, but I wouldn't want to live without you. If you must die now..."

"I know what you mean."

"Captain…Kathryn, I'm frightened."

"So am I, darling."

"When I was Borg I did not fear death. It is an unsettling sensation. As a drone I knew I was expendable. At any moment I could be called on to sacrifice my life for the Collective. I accepted the situation. I do not wish to accept this fate."

"'Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.'" Janeway tried to answer Seven's puzzled look with one of reassurance. "It's from a poem by an old Earth writer. I'm sorry I didn't introduce you to literature. I'm sure the Borg considered it irrelevant."

"We might still escape," said Seven, demonstrating an uncharacteristic optimism.

"Not from this room, but they will have to move us. When that time comes, we must be ready for any opportunity that presents itself. For now, I just want to hold you."

There was no need for Seven to answer. She fell into Janeway's still weak embrace, taking comfort in the warmth of her body, breathing deeply the subtle fragrance that had become the closest thing she knew to a home. Janeway lifted her head from the strong shoulder that supported it, seeking the soft mouth that she feared she might never know again. A tear slid from the corner of her eye when she felt the trembling of Seven's lip as it touched hers. Janeway pressed and stroked it with her own until the quivering subsided. They were content to lie on the cot in each other's arms until an approaching sound broke the spell.

It wasn't exactly music. It had the dissonant rhythm of rain in a drainpipe combined with high squeals that ran up and down the scale. The door was opened and a pair of restraints were thrown on the floor.

"Put the binders on - behind you," Falsac ordered.

Realizing their captures had no intention of getting close enough to be overwhelmed, the two women each picked up a block and slipped their hands through the circles on either side. The circles immediately compressed and cinched their wrists together.

They were escorted into the center of the main room, which seemed to be filled with the entire population of Dalvar. Bodies were packed together. Faces were aglow with somber exaltation. The crowd swayed in waves that flowed and collided around the room. Except for the repetitive cycle of the ceremonial music, there wasn't a sound.

They were secured back-to-back at a pole in the center of the room. All around the pole there were small holes in the floor. Janeway thought she detected the faint aroma of petroleum. She felt flesh dance against her hand as Seven fumbled to find her. She captured the straining digits in her own and they laced together. She heard a popping sound and saw small blue flames erupt from the holes at their feet. She squeezed Seven's fingers tightly. "I think we've run out of opportunities. Forgive me, Seven."

"I don't think I ever said it, but I want to thank you for rescuing me from the Borg. I love you, Kathryn."

"I love you, Seven."

The flames climbed quickly, surrounding them and blocking everything from view and as heat turned to searing pain, the last sound they heard over the roar of the fire was the wailing of the crowd.

"You almost waited too long. They could have suffered serious damage." The voice was tense with concern.

"It had to look right. There's an art to this. You have to maintain the illusion."

Janeway could feel something soothing touch the pulsing hot skin of her face. She struggled to open her eyes.

"I think this one is coming around," the first voice shouted.

There were sounds of a struggle. Janeway rocked as something hit the platform on which she lay. Painful as it was, she couldn't keep from smiling when she heard Seven's familiar, belligerent tone ordering, "Stay away from her."

"You and your friend have burns. We're only trying to help."

Janeway cracked an eye. She was on a gurney. Seven had her back to it, but Janeway could see her profile. She was shocked by the angry red hue of the normally porcelain complexion.

"Seven," Janeway said, "let them help you. After all, we're dead. Funny, I always imagined death would feel better than this."

"Captain, we are not dead. These are not denizens of the afterlife, they are members of Species 366."

"You talk like a Borg." The tall, thin woman who spoke looked her over. "But you don't exactly look like a Borg. What is that on your face and hand?"

"Jewelry," Seven prevaricated.

The woman glanced at something behind Seven. "Then why do they contain micro components?"

Before she could answer, Janeway tugged on the sleeve of Seven's biometric suit to get her attention. "Are you sure this is Species 366?"

"We are the Tekked," the woman answered. She pointed to a young man of similar stature. "This is my assistant, Sa. My name it Ti. We brought you here."

"You rescued us from the Dalvian?"

"'Rescue' would be an imprecise description for what we did. You see, we are their Holy Ones."

Janeway thought for a moment, then looked at Ti and said, "I see."

Seven began to fidget with agitation. "What have you done?"

"They have an arrangement with the Dalvian," Janeway explained. "I suspect it started centuries ago when the Borg assimilated most of the planet. A few Tekked escaped - were left behind. They used what technology they had to secure a living for themselves by convincing the Dalvian that they were a deity. That's where the Dalvian got their technology – the radio, the power cells, the bracelet too exceptional for a people who still live off the land. They didn't find it. It was given to them, a reward from their gods."

"Our ancestors had to create a safe haven for the few that were left." Ti continued. "They didn't know if the Borg might return to finish what they started. They created this shielded city beneath the ground. We're supplied with the necessities of life and in return the life style of a primitive people is enhanced. An equitable arrangement."

"'Equitable' seems an imprecise description," Janeway retorted. "And how do human sacrifices fit into this arrangement?"

"The sacrifice of living creatures was integral to the Dalvian culture. We've channeled it to suit our needs. The gene pool of the surviving Tekked was insufficient to rebuild our species. We required additional genetic material to create a viable population. Dalvian DNA was incompatible, so we looked beyond our world."

Janeway decided to keep her own counsel regarding the ethics of stealing DNA. "But that must have been hundreds of generations ago. Why were we kidnapped?"

"In the process of accumulating DNA, we found that we were also accumulating knowledge. Technical advances that would have taken 500 years were accomplished in 50."

"You continued, even after your population base was established, so you could assimilate technology. You're not different than the Borg."

"See," the young man spoke up for the first time, "it's just what I've been saying."

"Silence, Sa," Ti snapped. She smoothed her hands down the front of her clothes and composed herself before turned back to Janeway.

"You will not be harmed. Nothing in your life will change except that you will spend the rest of it with us."

"We won't willingly give you any information."

"You may or you may not." Ti's response was smug and self-assured. "Over time your attitude may change, but even that will be irrelevant. We are highly advanced in the field of medicine. When you are dead, we will extract the information from your brain. The Tekked have been around a long time. We have learned to be patient."

"If you're that technologically advanced, I don't see what you hope to gain from us."

"One never knows what gems one may harvest - even from the mud. At any rate, your crew believes you to be dead. They have gone on without you. We have no means of space travel. We could not return you even if we were inclined to do so. It is a mute point."

"With all of your advances you have no starships?" Janeway asked incredulously.

"If we ever left this place the Borg might find us. Here, we are safe."

Janeway's urge to rage against the injustice of the situation was overwhelmed by the pain from the burns on her body and she fell back on the gurney. Sa stepped forward, but Seven once again blocked his way.

"Please let me help her," he pleaded. "She's in pain. I can stop it."

Seven decided she wasn't accomplishing much by protecting her captain if it resulted in her suffering. She stepped aside but remained near the gurney. While Sa worked on Janeway, Ti saw to Seven's injuries. Ti was soon finished and she left Sa alone with the two newest additions to the Tekked underworld.

"You disagree with Ti's methods." Seven couldn't help being blunt.

"Ti is like most Tekked," Sa grumbled. "They want things to continue as they have for a millennium. All they care about is being safe and hoarding technology. Fat lot of good it does us - stuck in a hole in the ground. Maybe some of us would like to go topside and be farmers or whatever. We can't. We might contaminate the Dalvian with our technology."

"We have a Prime Directive that prevents us from doing the same thing," said Janeway.

"I hope you have better reasons than the Tekked. They're only afraid that if higher technology can be detected it would attract the Borg. Everything is about the flot blessed Borg." Sa was building up steam. "And forget about leaving the planet. The Borg would surely find us then."

Janeway and Seven exchanged a glance. Sa caught it. "That isn't jewelry on your face and hands, is it?" His eyes got big. He didn't need an answer. Their expressions said it all. "You are Borg."

"Sa, come away from there," Ti demanded with great urgency.

"But I haven't finished."

"Come away!" Sa flinched at the sound of her shrill voice and moved to her side. "Confine aliens to receiving area."

Seven reached out and found the force field she suspected would be there. "I am no longer Borg. I was severed from the collective. I pose no threat."

"We'll see about that," Ti replied and dragged Sa out of the room with her.

"I'm sorry, Captain. I could not fabricate a suitable lie."

"It's OK, Seven. Lies seldom work out in the end." So far, Janeway's greatest concern had been death. Now she was concerned that a fate worse than death might await the woman she loved. Her morbid thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of Sa at the doorway.

"I've disabled the force field. Hurry!" he cried, gesturing for them to following him. He lead them through a maze of manmade corridors that appeared to dead end, but on closer inspection revealed a entrance to a natural cave formation. They trudged up its slowly meandering incline until they reached sunlight. Along the way, Sa told them about a project he had been working on – a spacecraft he had assembled from the debris of other ships destroyed just as Voyager's own shuttle was. He also explained that he had been unable to get it to work.

Seven examined the craft and quickly concluded that several of the primary systems were Borg. Despite their age, they were still functional. It was a matter of programming them to interact with the non-Borg technology. Seven estimated it would take at least two days. Janeway was concerned about being found by the Tekked before they were ready.

"You don't need to worry about that. There was a little accident in the receiving area. A very dirty accident. The radiation will keep them out of there for years. By the time they discover you weren't there…"

"Turning their own trick on them. I like it." Janeway had to stifle the urge to rumple the young man's hair. "I don't know how we can repay you."

"Teach me. Show me how a space ship works so that maybe one day I can make my own."

"It's a deal," Janeway agreed.

"What about the Prime Directive?" Seven inquired.

"Situational ethics," Janeway responded. "Let's get started before Voyager gets too far away."

Sa worked hard to help them, absorbing knowledge like the parched desert sand soaks up water. Janeway offered to take him with them. He declined. "There are others like me who believe the Tekked will one day be forced to change. I have to share what I've learned with them. Maybe one day our ancestors will meet among the stars."

"Captain on the bridge," Kim shouted, snapping to attention.

"Welcome back, Captain," Chakotay said as he stepped out of her chair.

"Thank you, Mr. Chakotay, it's nice to be back."

Chakotay noted the virtual reduction in rank and suspected he was in for trouble.

Janeway settled into her chair she turned to him. "I want to thank you for observing a suitable mourning period and not moving into my quarters yet."

"You're not going to forgive me for this, are you?" he cringed. "We did everything we could."

"Seven and I managed to figure out the deception. You missed the clues."

"But you had the advantage of inside information." Chakotay sighed.

"I hope you at least gave us a nice send off."

Chakotay detected the twinkle of mischief in Janeway's eyes and realized that she was teasing him. "Only the best for Kathryn Janeway. It was a very moving service."

"Launch a buoy and station it at the edge of the Dalvar transmitter range. Include my log regarding the Tekked. If they want to leach any more technology, they're going to have to develop the capability to reach that buoy. I'm hoping that by the time they do that they'll find a better goal for their energy."