Star
Trek Voyager and all of its crewmembers belong to Paramount, except when they
hop into my universe, and get involved in all sorts of reprehensible and
definitely non-canon behavior.
This
is a J/7 Post Endgame with an NC-17 rating.
Thank
you to Lara Z for her eagle-eyed editing.
All
comments are welcome.
_____________________________________________
Before the Beginning
"Thank you, Tuvok," Janeway said wearily sinking
into a deep sofa nestled in a darkened alcove. "You’re a good friend.”
"You are welcome, Kathryn."
Janeway watched her ex-crew member cast an alert
eye around the bar he’d accompanied her into moments earlier. She smiled
faintly, aware that the Vulcan, given a choice, would never frequent this type
of place - the bar was too dark with too many unknowns. In a place like this,
Tuvok's professional vigilance would not allow him to relax, even though he was
now no longer a security officer.
Slowly, Tuvok took a seat on the sofa opposite
Janeway then focused on her. "I understand that this time is difficult for
you, Kathryn," he said positioning himself in his usual straight-backed
manner.
Although she heard concern in Tuvok’s voice,
Janeway focused on the elegant blonde waiter who placed her whiskey and ice on
the low table in front of her. Janeway smiled up gratefully at the young woman
when she straightened and made eye contact.
"Thank you," Janeway said her voice
deeper than usual from all the talking she had done throughout the day.
The younger woman smiled at her warmly then nodded.
"You’re welcome," she replied her eyes lingering on Janeway's face.
Janeway recognized the look; a mix of curiosity and
desire to get to know her better. The waiter, she knew, was wondering if she
was available.
Since Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant, some months ago, the crew's anonymity, and in particular hers had been completely removed in one fell swoop. Nowadays, obscurity was almost impossible for her. But here, in this bar, in the downtown quadrant of San Francisco, the staff seemed to respect her need to be lef