Conversations

Seven had fully recovered from the surgery to bypass the Borg failsafe in her cortical node, much to everyone’s relief. She’d had to regenerate for several days before Kathryn or the Doctor would allow her back to her duties. Icheb had been grateful to have her back in astrometrics. While he enjoyed the work, it was certainly lonely without her. Presently Seven and Chakotay sat across from each other in the Mess Hall, enjoying an early breakfast. He watched her eat, saying nothing.

"You are staring," she finally commented.

"Hmm?" He blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm just thinking."

"Of?"

'Well...I get the feeling the Captain may ask Q to just get us home in a few days. I don't know why but I just have the feeling. So I've been thinking about what I'd do when we get back to Earth."

"What have you determined?"

"To be honest, not a lot yet. I didn't exactly leave the Alpha Quadrant on the best of terms with Starfleet."

"I am sure the Captain would speak to your exemplary leadership."

"Thanks." Another pause. "What about you? What would you do if we got back?"

"I suppose I would be debriefed by Starfleet Command and then try to find a useful position for myself."

"I think they'd be lucky to have you anywhere."

Just outside the Mess Hall, Kathryn toted a still sleepy Qiana. She knew her daughter would want to continue to sleep but her brother needed breakfast.

"Why don't you go in and ask Neelix to help you," Kathryn instructed, nudging the four-year-old through the doors.

HE raced in, darting behind the counter in search of Neelix. Kathryn followed a moment or two later, spotting Seven and Chakotay.

"You two look very contemplative."

"We were just discussing what we would like to do if we returned to Earth in the near future."

"Is that a not so subtle hint to tell Q to snap his fingers?"

"No, of course not," Chakotay answered, giving her the tiniest of winks.

"Well, I have some good news. We should be able to get in contact with Starfleet Command later today."

"Really? I know the crew's been growing restless. We've been able to communicate with Earth for brief periods of time for months now but we haven't really made use of it."

"I know. The time we have is just so limited."

Behind her, Q wandered in. He had only a moment to prepare himself as his son launched himself forward.

"Dada, eat with me."

"Come on, Junior. Let's sit down. Don't want Mommy yelling at us," Q muttered. They'd been at odds the last few days over whether or not he should just whisk the ship back to the Alpha Quadrant or not.

With a final nod to Chakotay and Seven, Kathryn went to join her family. Qiana had now woken up and climbed into a seat next to her mother. The meal passed in silence until Kathryn looked up, realizing the Mess Hall was nearly empty.

"Neelix, do you have the time?"

"It's 08:49, Captain."

Kathryn set her napkin down and stood up. "I'm going to be late for a transmission from Starfleet."

"I'll take care of the kids," Q muttered.

Kathryn didn't have time to acknowledge his statement. She was out the door in seconds. He let out a sigh as Quinten began to play with his food.

"Junior, stop that. You know better."

The boy gave his father a sad look but took his hands out of the syrup on his plate. Neelix moved from the kitchens to try and help clean the boy up.

"I don't mean to pry, but is everything alright between you and the Captain?"

Q looked to the children. Being Q, he knew they would understand the conversation and he didn't want to upset them. "Junior, take your sister and go play with Naomi."

"Ok, Dada." The four-year-old took his sister by the hand and led her out of the Mess Hall.

"Kathy's not speaking to me right now."

"Why?" Neelix took up residence in one of the vacant chairs.

"Oh I don't know. I told I would just snap the ship back to Federation space and she got grumpy. I don't know why. Honestly, it's not like she doesn't want to get there."

"You offered to do this?"

"Yes. I don't want the Continuum to start getting upset because I’m not using my powers. Besides, we aren't exactly on the best terms with them either."

He paused to look at Neelix, almost critically examining the Talaxian's face. "You know...I think it's her curiosity that is keeping us here."

"What do you mean?"

"Kathy's a scientist at heart. She loves picking things apart, learning. Which is great for when Junior and Qiana are older but...I think she wants to spend as much time here as she can."