[pwaxen@yahoo.com]

I'm starting to lose track, but I think this is number eleven in the "Element" series. While built on the previous stories, you don't have to read them to understand this one as long as you realize that Janeway and Seven are romantically involved.

Disclaimer: The characters of Star Trek: Voyager are the property of Paramount Pictures. This story is written in the spirit of Voyager fandom. No infringement is intended.

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

Please do not archive, link to or reproduce this story without author's consent.

Element of Trust

by Vaxen (pwaxen@yahoo.com)

Janeway pushed the chair back from her desk and stretched, attempting to throw off the tedium of hours engaged in reviewing reports. She laced her hands behind her head and a satisfied sound erupted from deep inside her lungs as she lapsed into a daydream involving an Indiana hillside and a warm summer wind. The noise of the door chime wrenched her back to the Delta Quadrant. She swallowed her chagrin and commanded, "Enter."

Janeway's scowl turned to a smile when she saw Seven in the doorway, but it slipped when she noted the padd in Seven's hand. "Not another report," she groaned.

"Yes," Seven responded a little perplexed by the Captain's attitude, "I completed my analysis of the fractal nebula we encountered two days ago." She handed the padd to Janeway, who set it aside and leaned back in her chair. The befuddled look on Seven's face deepened. "I understood that you were reviewing reports. Aren't you going to read it?"

"Is there anything significant to report about the nebula?"

"No, it was remarkably ordinary."

"And I wasn't expecting the report until tomorrow, anyway," Janeway reasoned. "Care to join me for coffee?"

"I do not require a beverage, but I would enjoy your company, if that is acceptable."

"More than acceptable." Janeway rose, walked around the desk and was about to usher Seven to the raised area by the windows when she caught Seven glancing at the padd containing the nebula report. "Is there something wrong?"

"Procrastination is not efficient."

"Maybe not, but it is human nature," Janeway remarked as she retrieved a steaming cup from the replicator and joined Seven on the couch. "I'm sure the Borg would never put off until tomorrow what they could do today, but then, they probably never had to review reports."

"You have a point. The progress of the Borg would be hampered considerably under the Starfleet system of information gathering."

"No doubt. Sometimes I wish I understood the Borg better, maybe there's something I could learn from them."

"There are many aspects of the Collective which can only be understood by being a part of it. I would not recommend that particular avenue."

"You're right. I believe I'll hang on to my ignorance and my inefficiency, but tell me, is the Collective really that efficient."

Seven looked at Janeway as if the possibility had never occurred to her and then realized that it hadn't. The prospect intrigued her. "Explain."

"The Borg operate collectively," Janeway began. "When they are forced to deal individually their power is diminished. Their strength is in their ability to adapt, but do they really adapt? Individual drones adapt or are adapted to serve the collective, but when was the last time the Collective itself adapted or changed?"

"The Collective has remained unchanged for centuries, it's one goal perfection and it's only method assimilation. The Borg are only strong collectively, yet their collective nature relies on the adaptability of the individual while itself being slow or incapable of adapting. This lacks efficiency. I see your point. However, without the collective nature of the Borg they would be unable to evaluate information in an efficient manner."

"Now it's my turn. Explain." Janeway took a sip, eyes smiling over the rim of her cup as she watched Seven organize her thoughts.

"An individual can not make a truly selfless choice. Even those who risk their lives for the sake of the crew are motivated by their individual concerns for crewmembers."

"They could be acting for the good of Starfleet," Janeway rejoined.

"It has been my admittedly limited experience that individuals are more inclined to sacrifice for an individual than an ideal, such as perfection. The Collective can and does decide on a course of action regardless of the individual. It can be objective and therefore efficient."

"Being objective isn't always the best approach. There are flaws in any system be it collective or individual. The primary difference is that only in one will you be afforded a choice to participate or not."

"Once again, you have a point."

"Hum," the Captain mused, "that's three points for me so far. A score like that deserves a prize. What sort of reward can I get?"

"Kathryn, are you flirting?"

"I could be," she equivocated.

"Then this will be your prize." Seven moved closer and pressed her lips to Janeway's, lingered a moment, then retreated. "Interesting."

"What?"

"I have kissed you in this manner before, but I've never experienced this particular sensation."

"Which sensation?"

"Arousal."

"My kisses have never aroused you?"

"Based on the duration and amount of contact I should not be this stimulated."

"Perhaps it is the illicit nature of the kiss. We really shouldn't be kissing in my ready room. You'll turn my place of business into a den of pleasure."

"I would indeed like to pleasure you," Seven replied.

"Don't tempt me," she warned. "I'll end up indulging in all sorts of scandalous behavior. How did we get from the subject of reports to an office dalliance?"

"Reports to procrastination to efficiency to adapting to points to prizes."

"A mind like that deserves a prize," Janeway commented and considered bestowing one.

"Bridge to Janeway."

"Go ahead, Commander."

"We've got something I think you might want to see."

"I'm on my way," she replied, the slightest edge of annoyance creeping into her voice.

Janeway entered the bridge, followed by Seven.

"Captain, sorry to disturb you."

Janeway thought she caught just the hint of a smirk on her second's lips.

"And what do we have?" she asked with a glance at the blanked main screen.

"Harry, let's see it." The viewer filled with moving gases and pulsing light. After a few seconds, Janeway noticed that her eyes were beginning to twitch and water.

"Screen off," she commanded, fighting the urge to rub her fists into her eyeballs. "Report."

"The phenomenon is impervious to normal scans," Kim explained. "I can't even tell if it's organic."

"Can you increase power to the array and get through the block?"

"That's just it, Captain - the scans aren't being blocked. It's as if whatever we see out there isn't composed of any known element. It's as if it had no atomic structure."

"Like a ghost, Mr. Kim," Janeway teased.

The ensign blushed. "That's as good as any explanation I can offer."

"I'd like to learn more about it." Janeway moved to the ops station and examined the data that had been gathered. "Unfortunately, it would take us several light years off our course and it doesn't look like there's much more information we could gather even if we did get closer. Keep an eye on it, figuratively speaking." She blinked and massaged her lids. "Helm, steady as she goes."

She had hoped to resume her conversation with Seven, but found her occupied at the science station. Janeway decided to do a quick systems check before ending her duty tour.

"Captain, the phenomenon is no longer stationary. It's moving on an intercept course with Voyager."

"Mr. Paris, alter course away this ghost."

"Aye, Captain."

"It's adjusting course and increasing speed."

"Red alert. Mr. Paris, get us out of here - warp seven."

"Object still in pursuit and gaining."

"Maximum warp."

"Still in pursuit," Kim warned. "estimate intercept in one minute."

"Captain to engineering. Lieutenant, divert all available power to warp engines."

"Torres here. Acknowledged."

"Tuvok, lock on target and fire."

"Unable to lock weapons. Attempting to target manually." Tuvok paused. "Apparently a direct hit, but unable to ascertain any damage."

"Ten second to impact. It looks like it's going to ram us."

"All hands, brace for impact."

"Impact in three, two, one..."

Seconds passed and the bridge remained deathly quiet, except for the strained whine of maximum warp.

"What happened?" Janeway asked, after several more uneventful moments passed.

"The ghost is gone," Seven responded. "The phenomenon appears to have dissipated on contact with Voyager."

"Damage report."

"No damage."

"Stand down red alert. Resume previous course. Can anyone tell me what just happened?" Janeway looked at the members of her bridge crew, but they did not respond.

"Not at this time, Captain," Seven finally offered.

"Then maybe I'll just count my blessings." Janeway moved to the ops station and began to inspect the data that had been gathered since the ghost first appeared.

"Sickbay to Bridge."

"Go ahead, Doctor."

"Captain. I wouldn't normally disturb you with a matter like this, but Naomi Wildman is here. I've been monitoring the situation and it appears that she became ill at the same moment we came in contact with that thing. I'm having some trouble determining a cause for her illness." The Doctor's voice dropped a decibel or two. "Also, her mother is not available."

Janeway considered contacting Neelix, then she caught the look of concern in Seven's eye.

"I'm sending Seven," said Janeway, motioning with her head for her to go.

"Understood, Captain."

Seven found the Doctor examining his patient. Naomi was close to tears when Seven slipped the small hand into her own. The child immediately relaxed.

"How are you feeling, Naomi?"

"I appear to be damaged," Naomi replied, smiling weekly at her own little joke.

"She came in with symptoms of dizziness and a general weakness," the Doctor interrupted.

"How do you feel, now?"

"Better. At first I couldn't move at all. It scared me."

"She experienced total paralysis and I haven't been able to find a cause."

"Doctor, your patient," Seven snarled, reminding him that the young girl could hear every word he said.

"Sorry, you're going to be just fine," the Doctor said, trying to muster some bedside manner.

"Naomi, the doctor and I must confer. We will be close at hand. If you call, we will return. Will you be all right?"

"You won't leave without telling me?"

"I will not. Rest." Seven adjusted the blanket to make sure she was snug then walked out of earshot, followed by the doctor.

"Is it possible her symptoms were psychosomatic?" Seven asked.

"It's possible the stress of a red alert could have induced these symptoms, but Naomi has been through dozens of serious attacks and never shown any ill effects. It could be a coincidence that it happened at the exact moment that the ship was hit. Fear can be overwhelming and manifest itself in ways we don't expect. Anyway, she seems to be recovering. I'll run a few more tests."

"Your efforts would be greatly appreciated."

Seven returned to the bed, where Naomi was intently inspecting the medical tricorder the Doctor left on the tray.

"Seven, look at the different modes I can display," Naomi proclaimed as she demonstrated by cycling through them.

"You are very proficient. Perhaps one day you will be a physician."

"Can I be a doctor and the captain of a starship?"

"Perhaps," Seven replied as it occurred to her that Naomi might very well one day command a starship, the only home she had ever known.

Shortly after Ensign Wildman arrived in sickbay, Seven returned to the bridge, partly out of curiosity and partly because she suspected that the Captain would still be there.

"How's Naomi?" Janeway asked Seven when she could free herself.

"She is recovering," Seven replied. "The Doctor was ready to release her when her mother arrived. However, I have some concerns..."

"Captain," Paris called, "we're drifting off course. I tried to adjust, but the helm won't respond."

"Have you run a diagnostic?"

"Yes, ma'am. Everything checks out. Just a second." Paris worked the helm. "Our speed is increasing. Controls are not responding."

"Bridge to engineering. We've lost helm control."

"It's the same here. I've tried to shutdown power to the warp core, but all attempts to take the drive offline have failed."

"What's our present speed?"

The whites showed around Paris's iris and he swallowed hard before answering. "Warp 13!"

"That's impossible," said Janeway, moving to check the information for herself. "The hull won't stand that kind of stress. Mr. Kim, check shields and hull integrity."

"Shields at 100%. Hull integrity...normal."

"This can't be," Janeway gasped.

"Nonetheless, it is," Seven stated with her usual calm. "We have lost control of the ship to some unknown source."

"An accurate assessment if not very promising," Janeway commented, "and I'm guessing that ghost has something to do with our unknown source. Chakotay, I want you to coordinate the departments. I want them to evaluate every scrap of information we've gathered since that cloud first appeared and go over it with a tweezers. Have them report to the senior staff. We'll meet in three hours."

"Aye, Captain."

"It's as if our present course and speed were hardwired into the system," B'Elanna explained. "Propulsion and navigation subsystems aren't responding to commands. Any action we might take to circumvent the one subsystem, such as manually disabling the power relays, is too risky as long as we can't control the others. We'd have to coordinate a simultaneous shutdown of all systems. One mistake could result in serious damage to Voyager, including a core breach."

"I guess we'll save that as a last resort," Janeway said, her grave tone belying the seemingly casual remark. "What is our present course and speed?"

"We can't be sure of the speed," Chakotay replied. "Nothing we have is designed to measure this kind of velocity. Our best calculation puts it somewhere between warp 16 and 19. Our course is still in the general direction of the Alpha Quadrant."

A glint came into Janeways eye as she realized that they were still on their way home, but at twice the speed they were normally capable of attaining. "Still no signs of damage?"

"We should have turned to smoldering ash hours ago, but there have been no problems."

"Have there been any illnesses reported besides Naomi Wildman's?" Janeway asked, turning her attention to the Doctor.

"No there haven't, I'm happy to report and there don't appear to have been any lasting effects from the incident, but I was reviewing the case and ran across something interesting. Naomi's cells are generating an energy signature that is not typical of either Human or Catarian physiology. I isolated the signature to the molecular level, but it's possible that there have been alterations at the atomic or subatomic level. It's as if the elements of the ghost have bonded with the atomic structure of the cell."

"When the Doctor informed me of his findings," Seven interjected, "I began a ship wide scan for the energy signature. It is ubiquitous. All matter comprising Voyager and her crew have been affected."

"Including its EMH," the Doctor resumed with a glum expression. "Only one person showed no trace of the energy signature. Seven of Nine."

"Do you have any idea why?"

"At this point I can only theorize that her nanoprobes have adapted to give her immunity. I'll need time to know for certain."

"If it can control the ship, would it also be capable of controlling the crew?" Chakotay asked.

"It's a distinct possibility."

"Why was Naomi Wildman the only one who became ill?" Seven asked.

The Doctor scowled. "If I had to guess, which at this point is just about all I can do, I'd say her age was the determining factor. It's the only explanation I have."

"It sounds like we still don't know much about what we're dealing with," Janeway sighed, her face lined with tension. "We don't even know if it's sentient."

"It must have chased us down for some reason," said Paris.

"You are assuming it had a means of propulsion. It may have been attracted by Voyager and drawn to it," Seven suggested.

Janeway nodded. "It could be operating out of instinct, but I'll bet it's not. Chakotay, I want you to work on establishing communications with it."

"I'm not even sure where to start, but I'll do my best."

"Doctor, keep digging. See what else you can find out about this energy signature."

"And the nanoprobes, Captain?" Seven asked. Janeway gave her a puzzled look and then realized what she was saying.

"Yes, Doctor," Janeway added, "Have Lt. Torres assist you in exploring nanoprobes as a means to immunize the entire ship."

"Captain," Seven interrupted, "would it not be more effective for me to assist the Doctor?"

"We need your expertise in astrometrics. I want to know precisely where we're going. If there's danger ahead and we can't regain control of the ship, we can at least be prepared."

"Yes, Captain," Seven said, not all together comfortable with the turn of events.

"Dismissed."

Seven's back stiffened as she heard the door to astrometrics open and close behind her. She didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Any progress?" The resonant voice that usually warmed Seven's heart was like an icy breeze.

"There is a spatial distortion along our projected path. I am unable to determine the possible threat at this time. Perhaps as we get closer..."

"Keep on it." Janeway scrutinized the display in front of Seven. "You're working on something else."

"Yes, Captain." An unfamiliar sensation of nervousness grew in Seven's stomach and spread through her body. Her eyes shifted in indecision. "While I was waiting for the data to compile I ran a few computer simulation to determine the effects of nanoprobes on the energy signature."

The Captain was quiet for a long moment. "Any results?"

Now it was Seven's turn to hesitate. "I believe I've found a means to regain control of Voyager."

"And you've tested it?"

"I have. The nanoprobes alone are ineffective. A narrow focused beam incorporating an inverse energy signature must be combined with them. The beam neutralizes the area while the nanoprobes provide the same immunity they do to my system. As you can see, this area of console shows no sign of the energy signature." Seven passed a tricorder over her station and gave the instrument to Janeway, avoiding eye contact.

"You weren't going to tell me about this, were you?" Janeway asked.

"I had considered withholding the information."

"Why?"

"Because I know you will not allow me to use it." Seven watched as Janeway delicately set the tricorder on the console in a controlled gesture then leveled her gaze, awaiting an explanation. "I have two concerns. The ghost may have the ability to control minds as well as ship's systems. If so, it could manipulate your judgement to achieve it's own ends with no concern for the risk to Voyager. Aside from this possibility, I suspect that you have considered attempting to forming an alliance with it, to use the enhancements it has provided to Voyager's existing technology to hasten our return to the Alpha Quadrant."

"Would there really be any harm in that?"

"You would make deals with it after it abducted Voyager?" Seven scoffed. "We may feel safe for the moment, like the spider's prey that has been cocooned, only to be devoured later."

"So you were considering mutiny?"

"I assure you that I was motivated by concern for the ship not by a wish to usurp your authority."

"It amounts to the same thing." Janeway bit back on her anger, mollified by the fact that these were actions Seven had only considered taking. She contemplated her own options. One was to throw Seven in the brig until the incident was over. She did not like the consequences of that in more than one sense. "I admit that I would try to make some kind of arrangements with it if we could find a way to communicate. This isn't like anything we've ever encountered before. It has become a part of Voyager. It's impossible to guess what it thinks and how if perceives us. I have to rely on my instinct and they are telling me that it does not intend to destroy us, it just needs our help."

"Can you be certain of your instincts?"

"No, I can't be sure, but that is one of the ways I know that it's not controlling me. If it were controlling me, I'd have no doubts. You have to trust me." Janeway propped an elbow on the console top. "You remember how I told you that I wasn't sure what would have happened to the ship if you hadn't turned species 8472 over to the Hirogen. That didn't make what you did right. Often a commander has access to option that those under her do not and can perceive consequences that they could not anticipate. If you're going to disobey an order, you should examine all the consequences. That said, I'm ordering you to put the neutralization process in place so we can regain control of the ship."

"Captain?"

"Options and consequences - it's what command is all about. If it looks like we're running into trouble, I want the option to take back Voyager. Also, if you have reason to believe that I am not in control of my actions, I order you initiate the process yourself."

"How will I know if you have lost control?"

"You'll have to trust your own instincts." For the first time since their conversation began, Seven looked Janeway in the eye and found nothing but warmth and assurance. Activity on the console attracted her attention.

"I'm receiving more information about the distortion. It is stationary and unless our heading is altered, we will arrive there in 18 hours. It would seem that it has a destination."

"It does indeed," Janeway agreed. "We keep referring to this phenomenon as it. What if it isn't an 'it' but a 'they?'"

"Are you suggesting that it might be composed of individuals?"

"Probably not as we think of them, but it's possible. For a collective they are very adaptable. Maybe the Borg could learn something from them."

"I'm sure the Borg would be happy to assimilate it." Seven knew Janeway was trying to break the tension, but she couldn't ignore the burden that had suddenly descended on her shoulders nor hide the strain from the woman who knew her so well.

"Don't worry, Seven," said Janeway, as she gazed into the sad, blue eyes. "We'll get through this."

The bridge crew idly sat their posts, watching as stars and gases weaved about the heavens like a ship's crew on the last day of shore leave. The distortion, or more precisely its effects, filled the view screen as Voyager dropped to one quarter impulse. By the time it was one kilometer from the distortion, Voyager had achieved a full stop.

"Captain, I have helm control," Paris announced.

"Reverse thrusters. Back us out of here."

"I've lost controls again," said Paris. "Forward thrusters have been initiated. Full stop. We're right back where we were and helm is back on-line."

"I think it's trying to tell us something." Janeway turned to Chakotay. "Too bad you didn't have any luck with communications."

"Maybe it is communicating. Action producing reaction."

"Like a master trying to teach a puppy a trick. I suspect it wants this dog to jump through that hoop. It's had control all this time. Why relinquish it now? Why not take Voyager through itself? Mr. Kim, scan for an energy signature." Janeway was on her feet, pacing the confines of the bridge, occasionally casting the view screen a speculative glance.

"There is a weak energy signature. It is the inverse of the ghost's."

Janeway stopped and looked to Seven, stationed just behind the captain's chair. Without moving her eyes away from the woman's, Janeway announced, "We're going through the distortion."

"Captain, are you sure," Seven asked, anxiety furrowing her brow.

"I almost wish I was."

The muscles in Seven's face relaxed and she lowered her eyes to the board.

"Mr. Paris," Janeway ordered, "ahead one quarter impulse." A curious Paris turned back to his controls. Voyager surged forward, but bucked as it hit the edge of the distortion.

"We're being deflected," Paris reported.

"Increase to full impulse." Tremors vibrated up through deck of the bridge, rattling teeth. The sound of loose objects clacking against fixed surfaces was accompanied by a violent squeal that sounded like hull plates being skinned off the ship. Voyager held its course until the squeal suddenly stopped and the vessel was whipped by rapid acceleration. "Report."

"There are no traces of the anomalous energy signature anywhere on Voyager and the distortion is gone," Seven informed her.

"I'd like to know what this has all been about, but something tells me that's one wish that's going to go unfulfilled. Scan the area and then resume our original course. I'll be in my ready room."

Janeway stopped at Seven's station and appeared to study the monitor intently. Seven casually dropped her hand to the side nearest Janeway and was rewarded with the gentle caress of her captain's fingertips across her palm.

"Indulging in scandalous behavior?" Seven whispered in a throaty purr.

Janeway smiled. "A small expression of my appreciation," she responded in an equally subdued tone. "You decided to trust me?"

"Yes, but I also reasoned that since the ghost was required to release Voyager to our control in order to pass through the distortion and separate from us that it was unlikely to maintain any influence over you."

"Then I'm grateful for your superb powers of reasoning and later I'd like to show you just how much." Janeway made one last pass over the back of Seven's hand and exited the bridge.