Janeway: Generations Part 8
Title: Janeway: Generations (8/?)
Author: vicar_dibley
Rating: G
Fandom: Star Trek
Character/Pairing: Admiral Nechayev/Phoebe Janeway, Gretchen Janeway/Admiral Pulaski, Captain Janeway/Seven
Disclaimer: I do not own any of them.
Summary: Certain Starfleet officers take a certain interest in the females of a certain family.
Author's Note: It’s a different timeline and I took a lot of liberties with the characters, especially Admiral Nechayev. I can’t help it; I always kind of liked her. Hope you enjoy it. Comments are very welcome.
Janeway: Generations
8
Having worked all morning and into the early afternoon Admiral Nechayev felt tired and drained. Her body was still recuperating from the injuries and the emotional turmoil wasn’t helping either. After a light salad with white bread she took a nap on the couch in her living room. Alynna had hoped for some peace but even her dreams were invaded by the images of a certain green eyed artist. Only half an hour into she was roused from an uneasy sleep and a grumpy Admiral went to open the door.
“What?“ A still sleepy and bad-tempered Admiral barked when she opened the door.
“Good afternoon to you as well, Admiral.“ Phoebe smiled, seeing the other woman’s sleep ragged appearance.
“What do you want, Miss Janeway?“
“May I come in?“ Phoebe was unfazed by the Admiral´s use of her second name again.
“If you must.“ Stepping back Alynna allowed the younger woman to enter.
Leading Phoebe towards her living room the Admiral waved towards the couch and for Phoebe to take a seat while she herself remained standing in front of the French windows overlooking her backyard.
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“Too late now. So, what can I do for you?“ Admiral Nechayev hoped to get rid of the younger woman as soon as possible. Dreaming of her was one thing but having her in your living room, looking as beautiful as she did, was something else.
“I wanted to talk to you.“ Phoebe was determined to not let the Admiral’s attitude get to her.
“About?“
“Us.“
“Us?“ Now Alynna was surprised. “There is no us! There is you and there is me, but most certainly there is no us! If that is all, I would like you to leave.“
Taking a deep breath Phoebe did all she could to not shout at the older woman. Of course there was an us, how could Alynna not see that? Why was the woman so damn stubborn? Getting to her feet Phoebe crossed the room to stand in front of the Admiral, being slightly shorter than Alynna Phoebe looked in her clear blue eyes. Gone was the warmth she had come to expect when looking at the Admiral. All she could see was a coldness that would have made her shiver if Phoebe wouldn´t know better. Phoebe knew it was Alynna´s way to protect herself even if the price was too high.
“I will, don´t worry.” Phoebe softly said, her own eyes reflecting the sadness she felt. “As for the us, you can’t deny there is an us because I know there is.“
Raising an eyebrow at the presumptuous woman, Alynna Nechayev was determined to not give in to her feelings. Linking her hands behind her back and straightening to her full height, towering over the younger woman. Alynna put even more ice into her voice.
“Because you obviously have the habit of listening in on other people’s conversations doesn’t mean that you know me. You don’t, so don’t pretend otherwise. As for me being a bitch, I have told you the first time we met I know who I am and what I am and to be honest I do not care what you think of me. As for the us, there never was and there never will be an us. Now having made myself clear I would appreciate it if you leave. You know the way out, good afternoon, Miss Janeway.“
Taking a step towards the Admiral Phoebe cupped the older woman’s face in her hands and put the gentlest of kisses on her lips. Brushing her lips a second time softly over Alynna´s to savour their texture and taste she finally let go and without a further word she left.
Turning towards the window with unseeing eyes, the Admiral waited for the front door to close before she gave in to the tears. No sob could be heard, no shaking of the shoulders could be seen, silently the tears were running down her cheeks, unrestrained and unhindered. Closing her eyes and recalling the hurt look on the younger woman’s face at her cutting words made the tears run even faster.
Suddenly a thought hit Alynna full force, she had not been rejected quite the contrary. The younger woman had offered her love, she had not rejected her. Could it be? No, impossible. But she had kissed her, not once but twice. What did it mean? There was only one way to find out. Running out of the house and looking up and down the street for the artist, the Admiral glimpsed her retreating figure down the street on her way to get into a cab.
“Phoebe, wait!“ Alynna´s voice carried all the way to the younger woman, who lifted her head upon hearing her name. Seeing Alynna running towards her, Phoebe let the cab drive away and waited for the other woman to reach her.
Coming to a hold in front of the artist the Admiral had to catch her breath, before she could say what was on her mind.
“What is it, Admiral? I really don’t feel up for another lecture.“
“No“, Alynna didn’t know how to go on. “Please, I ... You were right, about us, I mean. Please, come back so we can talk. Please.“
Not sure if she could trust her voice Phoebe nodded her consent and followed the older woman back to her house.
Sitting next to each other on the couch, Phoebe decided to wait for Alynna to speak first. After a deep breath the Admiral turned towards the younger woman and swallowed hard before she could speak.
“I apologise for my earlier words. They were uncalled for, you meant well and all I did was hurting you. I am deeply sorry.“
“It’s all right“, Phoebe turned to her side, her right leg rested bent on the couch and her right arm was casually stretched out on the back, her hand slightly touching the Admiral’s shoulder.
“But can you tell me why?“
Sighing at the softly spoken words, Alynna looked at her folded hands in her lap.
“Because I have been Admiral Nechayev for so long that I don’t know how to be Alynna anymore.“
“I’ve seen glimpses of Alynna and liked her a lot. And I have to admit, to my own surprise, I also liked Admiral Nechayev.“
“You did?“
“I do“, Phoebe confirmed with a tender smile. “Why else would I be here?“
“You must beg me for a foolish old woman.“
“Look at me.“ Phoebe softly pleaded. When the Admiral wouldn’t look up, Phoebe scooted closer on the couch and with a gentle finger under Alynna´s chin she guided Alynna´s face towards her own. Alynna´s eyes were closed though and Phoebe couldn’t help but smile at the stubbornness.
“Alynna, look at me, please.“ It was a soft command Alynna Nechayev obeyed without a second thought.
“You are neither old nor are you a fool. I know you are scared and I think that at least to some degree I can understand why.“
“You do?“
“Yes and I would like to show you that you do not need to be afraid of me.“
“How?“ Alynna whispered huskily.
Instead of an answer Phoebe just simply showed her. She leaned forward, her one hand on the older woman’s cheek and the other at the base of her neck, she captured the Admiral’s soft lips in an equally soft kiss. Soon the kiss turned slightly more passionate and Alynna drew back with an apology in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, it’s just too much too fast.“
“It’s okay.“ Phoebe smoothed her thumb over Alynna´s lower lip, leaning her forehead against the other woman’s. “We’ll take it slow.“
“Thank you“, Alynna whispered. “So, uhm... would you like to have dinner with me on Saturday?“
“Why, Admiral?“ Phoebe laughed “Are you asking me on a date?“
Blushing an endearing shade of red, Alynna was nervous as hell. “Yes. I mean I would understand if you would prefer not to bee seen with me...“
A soft finger on her lips stopped her effectively.
“I would very much like to go out with you. And for the record, I would be honoured to be seen with you. Why would you even say that?“
“Well, I am an officer, with or without my uniform people do recognise me. And given your dislike for Starfleet I thought, well, you’d prefer to keep it quiet.“
Smiling at Alynna´s bent head and her insecurity, Phoebe put a finger under her chin to raise her head again to look into her beautiful eyes.
“I like you, even when you are an idiot.“
Leaning in again Phoebe brushed her lips over Alynna´s. This kiss lasted longer this time and turned more passionate with each passing minute. Finally breaking away for air Phoebe leaned her forehead against the other woman’s.
“Wow.“ The artist breathed with a smile on her lips.
“Wow, indeed.“
“I should go now.“
“I will be at your house at eight on Saturday.“
“I can’t wait“, Phoebe pecked her on the lips before she got up and left.
Falling back against the couch after the younger woman was out of the door, Alynna couldn’t keep the smile from her face that was tugging on her lips. She was still afraid but somehow she was convinced it was the right thing to do. The usually patient Admiral Nechayev felt herself getting impatient for the first time in her life. Saturday evening couldn’t come soon enough as far as Alynna was concerned.
On said Saturday the Admiral was frantically looking through her closet to find the proper clothes to wear. She couldn’t possible wear uniform for this date, this would certainly not do, no way. Nothing too formal but also not too casual. Sighing at her dilemma Alynna sat down on her bed and stared into her open closet.
Threading her hand through her short blond hair the Admiral finally settled on a dark blue suit, a white shirt and flat black shoes. Sadly enough though she couldn’t leave her comm badge at home but decided to put it in the breast pocket of her jacket, so it wasn’t visible.
Hailing a cab to the San Francisco transport station Alynna made the driver stop once at her favourite florist’s to buy a simple long stemmed dark red rose. In Indiana she had to hail another cab and give directions to Phoebe’s house.
Delicate rose in hand Alynna exited the cab with a nervous pounding of her heart. After ringing the door bell Alynna didn’t have to wait long for her date to open the door. Light from inside the house was illuminating the younger woman and the Admiral couldn’t help but get lost in the vision before her.
Phoebe’s long red hair was pinned up with some errand strands softly falling to her shoulders. She was wearing a dark green summer dress that came half way down her calves and showed enough cleavage to let your eyes linger. A long cream coloured shawl was carelessly draped around her shoulders and upper arms to ward off the chill of the early summer night and her feet were adorned by sandals.
When she saw the Admiral Phoebe’s face turned into a warm smile and she stepped out to greet the older woman with a kiss.
“Hi!“ Phoebe softly greeted. Stepping back with her hands still on Alynna´s jacket lapels Phoebe took in the older woman’s appearance.
“You look very handsome tonight, Admiral.“
“Thank you.“ Glad that she had made the right decision, the Admiral presented Phoebe with the red rose. “You on the other hand look absolutely gorgeous.“
Blushing slightly at the compliment, Phoebe took the rose, put her left hand behind the Admiral’s neck and drew her down for another, more intense, kiss.
Soon they had to break apart for air and smiled at each other. Phoebe turned off the light, closed the door and got into the cab.
Extending her hand to help the younger woman out of the cab Alynna wasn’t all too surprised when Phoebe refused to let go when they entered the restaurant. Though being someone usually not comfortable with any public display of affection Alynna didn’t mind when Phoebe held her hand, it felt rather nice.
The Admiral had known the owner for over a decade now and she led them to a quiet table in the back. When she held the chair for the younger woman, Phoebe couldn’t help but smile at the Admiral’s constant chivalrous behaviour. She should have known that Alynna would act this way, given the other woman’s attitude she shouldn’t be surprised at all. Fact was, she simply wasn’t used to it. Catching Phoebe’s smile Alynna wondered what it was about.
“What is it? Did I do something wrong?“
“Not at all“, Phoebe put her hand over the other woman’s where it rested on the tabletop. “Quite on the contrary. You make me feel very special.“
“Good.“
The food was delicious and the wine was equally excellent but the company was even better. Both women had a wonderful evening as they enjoyed their first date tremendously.
When they were having coffee and dessert a very well dressed man stopped at their table.
“Phoebe, what a pleasant surprise!“ The good looking tall stranger grabbed Phoebe’s hand and kissed her cheek.
“Hello, Peter“, Phoebe was more than surprised to meet the man in this place and also a little bit annoyed.
Alynna had gotten to her feet when the man had hijacked Phoebe’s cheek, waiting to be properly introduced.
Phoebe could sense the older woman’s apprehension and turned her attention to her.
“Alynna, this is Peter Mitchell whose gallery is going to host my exhibition next month. Peter meet Admiral Alynna Nechayev.“
Shaking the offered hand Mitchell looked curiously at the Admiral when suddenly recognition dawned on his face.
“Of course. Admiral Nechayev, Starfleet’s very own iron lady. No offence.“
“None taken.“ Alynna inclined her head, she had been called worse after all. She didn’t like the man though but most of all she didn’t like the way he was looking at Phoebe, he eyes were undressing the younger woman. The Admiral’s eyes were turning cold as ice, Phoebe sensed the subtle change in the older woman’s demeanour and decided it was time to get rid of Mitchell.
“It was nice meeting you, Peter. Would you excuse us?“ The artist pleasantly smiled.
“Certainly. Ladies.“ With that he left their quiet corner while Alynna sat back down again.
“I’m sorry“, Phoebe somehow felt the need to apologise.
„You have nothing to be sorry for.“ Alynna sounded slightly distant while she refused to meet the younger woman’s eyes.
When she felt a warm smooth hand covering her own Alynna looked up and found gentle green eyes gazing worriedly at her.
“What is it?“ Phoebe knew something was wrong.
“Nothing.“ Alynna didn’t want to give in to her own petty insecurities and jealousy. She didn’t want to ruin their evening.
“Would you like to go for a walk on the pier?“
Deciding to let it go for now the artist smiled and nodded her assent.
Even though it was a pleasant night not many people were out taking a walk. Strolling down the pier hand in hand both women were lost in their own thoughts. They found a bench and sat down. The slight breeze from the sea was chilly and Phoebe put her shawl across their laps while Alynna shrugged out of her jacket to put it around Phoebe’s bare shoulders.
Keeping her arm around the younger woman the Admiral drew her closer and Phoebe snuggled into the older woman’s body enjoying the warmth and smell of her perfume. Letting her head rest against Alynna´s shoulder Phoebe put her arm across Alynna´s belly and sighed contentedly.
“You all right?“ The Admiral asked against Phoebe’s hair.
“Perfect.“ The artist smiled when she felt lips being pressed into her hair.
When it became too chilly to stay any longer they decided to make their way back. Alynna brought Phoebe home and after a lot of kissing and touching they parted promising to meet for lunch the following week. That night both women fell asleep each with a smile on her face.
Next Monday being back behind her desk in her office at the HQ brought a whirlwind of activities for the Admiral. Her desk was nearly invisible under the amount of reports piling up and the meetings she had to attend were making it nearly impossible to breath for a moment during the day.
At 9 p.m. she finally called it quit, with bone tiredness she went home to her empty house. The last few weeks at the Janeway farm and her newly found relationship, even though it was in its early stages, made the loneliness and emptiness of her home even more unbearable than usual. If she was quite honest she had never felt it so clearly like this moment.
With a whiskey in hand she was pondering if she could call Phoebe or if it was already too late. Giving in to her desire Alynna went to her study and put in a call to Phoebe. She didn’t have to wait too long before the artist’s paint smeared face appeared on the screen.
“Hey, Admiral“, Phoebe smiled.
“Hey, yourself. Are you still working?“
“Yup. I have to get three more paintings ready for next month. And thanks to you my creativity is flowing high at the moment.“
“Well, I am glad I could be helpful.“ Alynna smirked.
“I wanted to thank you for the wonderful evening. I really enjoyed myself.“
“You are welcome. So did I.“
Phoebe couldn’t help but notice the fatigue in the older woman’s eyes, even though she tried to hide the exhaustion which was clearly visible if you cared to look. Alynna had a high profile job and the artist was sure that after such a lengthy absence she must be overloaded with work.
“Listen, I am going to be in San Francisco on Wednesday what about our lunch date then?“
“Sounds fantastic.“
“Great. Now get some sleep!“
“Is that an order?“
“Do I have to make it one, Admiral?“ Phoebe smiled softly.
“No. Good night, Phoebe.“
“Good night, Alynna.“
On Wednesday Phoebe was on her way to the HQ feeling slightly nervous because she didn’t know what to expect. Here the older woman wasn’t just Alynna, here she was Admiral Nechayev and Phoebe knew this made a whole lot of a difference.
Taking a deep breath Phoebe stepped through the doors of the HQ and made her way to Alynna´s office. The Admiral’s aid was sitting behind her desk looking expectantly at her when she stopped in front of her desk.
“Miss Janeway“, the Lieutenant greeted her.
“Hello, I have an appointment with the Admiral.“
“Yes, ma´am. I know. She is still in a meeting, but I’m sure it will be over soon. Can I offer you something to drink?“
“No, thank you. I´ll just sit down over there and wait.“ Phoebe pointed to the couch on the opposite wall.
“As you wish, ma´am.“
Sighing again, Phoebe went over to the couch and took a seat. Thinking of the last time she had been called ma´am, if ever. Starfleet officers, she shook her head, they were always so stiff and formal. Well, not always, while she was reliving pleasant memories from her date with Alynna, the door to the Admiral’s office burst open and an angry man stood in the door.
Before he finally left he shouted back into the office.
“This isn’t over, Nechayev, not by a long shot!“ Slamming the door with a loud bang.
Looking uneasily at the Lieutenant Phoebe wasn’t sure what to do. Should she knock or should she wait for the aid to announce her presence? Obviously the Lieutenant didn’t know either because she simply shrugged her shoulders leaving it up to her.
Phoebe decided to be brave, she got up and knocked on the office door. When there was no reply she knocked again and was more than startled when she heard Alynna´s irritated and angry voice barking through the closed door.
“What?“
Gently Phoebe opened the door and tentatively stepped into the office. Alynna stood in front of the large window, her back to the door, her hands linked behind her back, her body rigid and full of tension.
“What is it?“ The Admiral barked at the intruder, the annoyance and anger over the recent conversation still detectable in her voice.
“Uhm ... hi?“ Phoebe swallowed nervously and waved shyly at the furious woman.
Whipping around Alynna gazed at the intruder, her eyes cold as ice. She closed them, took a calming breath and when she opened them again the ice was gone replaced by the warmth Phoebe had come to know.
“Hello! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.“ Alynna´s pose began to relax slowly, but she kept her distance, unsure how to greet Phoebe.
Sensing the insecurity in the older woman Phoebe knew it was up to her. She went over to Alynna and simply embraced her. She felt the tensing of the Admiral’s body but refused to let go and slowly the other woman relaxed. Alynna´s arms went around Phoebe and the Admiral carefully leaned into the embrace. Phoebe closed her eyes, glad that she had taken the chance.
When she heard the younger woman’s content sigh, Alynna tightened the embrace revelling in the warmth and comfort she found in Phoebe’s arms.
“It’s okay“, Phoebe soothed the Admiral’s fears. “Tough day?“
“Horrible day.“ Alynna admitted. “But that´s no excuse.“
Holding the older woman at arm´s length Phoebe looked into troubled eyes.
“Hey. I’m a big girl, I’ll live. And it’s not as if you knew it was me.“
Shaking her head `no´, Alynna didn’t trust her voice.
“Come on, Admiral, I’m hungry. You promised to feed me.“ Phoebe grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the door.
“That I can do.“ With a smile the Admiral followed the younger woman, glad to be forgiven.
TBC