Janeway: Generations Part 11
11
Upon their return to the HQ it seemed impossible for Alynna to avoid the reports that needed her attention or the meetings with her colleagues. It were moments like these when she envied Kate. The good doctor had been able to get off duty an hour after their return, keeping her promise to leave HQ right on time for Paris.
Now it seemed the whole universe was conspiring against her. She had been able to get rid of Owen and Jeremy. But when she thought nothing could stop her from getting ready to leave the Commander in Chief requested her presence in his office.
Although she greatly admired Admiral Henderson Alynna Nechayev thought he was too trusting where the Cardassians were concerned. She knew her visit to DS9 wouldn´t be without consequences, now she had to answer to the C-i-C.
Straightening her back and linking her hands behind it Alynna pressed the chime of the Admiral´s office. A muffled `Come in!´ was heard through the closed door and granted Nechayev access.
“Sir, you requested my presence.“ Admiral Nechayev stated cooly.
“Take a seat Admiral!“ Henderson, a white haired, broad shouldered man welcomed her.
“Thank you, sir. I prefer to stand if you don´t mind.“ Nechayev stiffly declined.
“Not at all, suit yourself.“ Admiral Henderson stapled his fingers under his chin, regarding his officer with questioning eyes. Not at all surprised when Nechayev didn´t falter under his gaze. He should have known that this wouldn´t work with Alynna Nechayev. The woman was a master at making people quiver in their shoes herself, why he even tried he didn´t know.
The only reason he had summond her was Edward Jellico´s whining about her recent visit to DS9. The man was a pompous ass but he did have a point, even if Henderson himself didn´t like to admit it. Henderson didn´t even agree with the decision of the board regarding the Maquis but Jellico had convinced them. Henderson knew Nechayev was right but he couldn´t go against the board at least not officially.
“I take it you just returned from DS9, Admiral?“ It wasn´t a question at all, more the stating of a fact.
“Yes, sir.“ There was no point denying it.
“You are aware that Admiral Jellico was anything but pleased when he heard about it. He thinks you went behind his back and against the board´s decision on the Maquis.“
“He does?“ Nechayev raised an eyebrow, not impressed by Jellico´s accusation, knowing they would come.
“Yes, Admiral“, Henderson raised his voice, unnerved by the woman´s cool demeanour. How he hated to deal with Alynna Nechayev. This woman was so damn arrogant, self-righteous and ice cold. But what was even worse she was usually right.
“This is serious, Alynna. Because if he can convince the others that you acted contrary to the board´s decision you have to suffer the consequences.“
“It was not my intention to give that impression. But it is my duty as the one responsible for tactical decisions within Starfleet to keep in touch with the most important outposts. My recent indisposition made it necessary to speak to Commander Sisko in person, because it is my firm believe that the Dominion is planning its next steps.“
Henderson couldn’t argue with that and neither could the board, Jellico had nothing in his hands. Thank goodness, because if he was honest to himself, Henderson trusted Nechayev with his life, Jellico on the other hand was an unreliable factor. Why the hell did they ever make this man an Admiral?
“And furthermore, sir, Admiral Pulaski found it a good opportunity to compare notes with the chief medical officer on the station. His expertise on the Founders and the Jem Hadar will come in handy in the future.“
Kate had assured her that she had no problem to back up Alynna on this. It was her idea after all to accompany her to DS9.
Regarding Nechayev for a few more minutes, Henderson simply sighed, glad that he could dismiss his officer without any reprimands. Nechayev wasn’t a fool, she knew her job and even if he didn’t like her he had to admit that the woman had nerves of steel. Which didn’t mean Jellico and his friends would budge so easily.
“Well, then that’s enough for me and of course you are right. Dismissed!“
“Sir!“ Turning on her heels, Alynna walked towards the door when the Admiral’s voice stopped her.
“Be careful, Alynna, Jellico will not let it go!“
“I know. Thank you, Kenneth.“
“Now get out!“ Henderson smirked at Nechayev. Yes, he did trust her, more than anybody. Alynna Nechayev´s loyalty was never in question.
Turning her steps towards the transporter room within the HQ after she had left Admiral Henderson’s office, Alynna knew she was impossibly late for the exhibition. It had started two hours ago, cursing her lateness, the Admiral barked at the Ensign who operated the controls to get her to the Paris station immediately.
Still in uniform when she exited the station in Paris made it easy to catch a cab, although she had wanted to change into something more casual for Phoebe’s big day. Too late now, again. Alynna could only hope the artist had been sincere when she had mentioned she could wear what she felt comfortable in in her message.
“Gallery duPont!“ Nechayev ordered the driver briskly.
“Oui, Admiral.“
Leaning her head against the back of the seat, Alynna closed her eyes remembering the spark and mischief in Phoebe’s eyes when she had listened to her message. All of a sudden Alynna felt tired and old. Who was she to presume she had a right to love and be loved by this beautiful woman.
“Here we are Admiral.“
“What?“ Jerking from her thoughts the Admiral looked with incomprehensive eyes at the driver.
“Gallery duPont.“
“Oh, yes, thank you.“
Reluctantly the Admiral got out of the cab. Straightening her uniform tunic she stood at the curb uncertain what to do. Taking a few steps towards the gallery´s front she had a good look of what was going on inside. The large windows gave sight to a brightly lit showroom, full of well dressed people, sipping champagne and enjoying a wonderful evening surrounded by the finest art.
In the back of the room Alynna had spotted Phoebe talking animatedly to the man they had met at their first date. What was his name again? Mitchell, yes, Peter Mitchell he owned this gallery. By the way he was looking at the artist it was obviously clear that he was completely enamoured by the younger woman. And why wouldn’t he be?
Phoebe looked radiant, her long, curly red hair was flowing down to the middle of her back, the dark green low cut dress she wore clung to her every curve, stopping just right above her knees. She looked gorgeous, beautiful and happy. Alynna couldn’t tear her eyes away from the vision, Phoebe laughed at something Mitchell had said, throwing back her head in delight, lightly touching the man’s arm.
Swallowing at the lump in her throat, Alynna thought they made quite a dashing pair. What was she doing here?
She was two hours late for this important event, still dressed in her uniform, weary and tired from her journey. What business did she have with someone like this young woman in there? None whatsoever that was what. She was not good at relationship. Better end it before it got too far. Phoebe deserved better than what she had to offer, which wasn’t much at all. Being the work obsessed, emotionally retarded old Ice Queen that she was Phoebe could certainly do better.
Turning to leave the Admiral was stopped by a familiar voice coming from the ally at the right side of the gallery.
“Where do you think you are going?“
Gretchen looked every inch the proud mother that she was. The opening of Phoebe’s exhibition had been a huge success and Gretchen could tell her daughter was thrilled. The only minor setback was the absence of a certain high ranking Starfleet officer. Although her youngest appeared cheerful and cordial Gretchen could tell that most of it was only a front. Phoebe’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, in fact they remained sad and kept longingly gazing over the crowd as if she could will the Admiral to appear if she only tried hard enough.
Gretchen wondered what had kept Alynna so long, the Sovereign had been back soon enough for her to be able to make it on time. Kate had been to the farm hours before the opening. She had excused her friend but assuring them she would be there. So where was she?
Feeling Kate’s hand on the small of her back while her lover was talking to a common friend Gretchen unobtrusively observed the front door when she caught a glimpse of red outside the building.
Handing her glass to Kate, Gretchen pecked her lover’s lips and excused herself. Slipping out the side door to the ally next to the building Gretchen went to the corner looking around, not at all surprised to find Alynna Nechayev standing on the sidewalk gazing inside, a myriad of emotions playing over the Admiral’s face.
Given the look on Alynna´s face Gretchen had a good idea about what was going through the other woman’s head. Gretchen rolled her eyes and stepped out of the ally when the Admiral turned to leave.
“Where do you think you are going?“ Gretchen watched a startled Admiral turn around again.
Recovering fast Alynna looked at Gretchen with the coldest of eyes, icy blue met soft grey and Gretchen suddenly knew without a doubt why Alynna was called the Ice Queen. But she also knew it was the only way Alynna knew how to protect herself. Only moments ago had she seen love and longing in those blue depths.
When nothing was forthcoming Gretchen sighed at the other woman’s stubbornness. Why did certain Starfleet officers always have to make it more complicated than it was?
“She is waiting for you.“ Gretchen pointed out the obvious.
“She is quite happy without me.“
“Content and satisfied because of the success“, Gretchen admitted, “but happy, no. My daughter will only be happy when you join her.“
“What makes you so sure?“
“What the hell is wrong with you?“ Gretchen was slowly losing her patience with Alynna.
“Nothing is wrong with me, but I have eyes.“
“Then for goodness sake use them!“
Not caring about Alynna´s reaction she stepped behind the Admiral, with her hands on the other woman’s shoulder she turned Alynna towards the gallery, keeping her hands where they were and forcing her to take a closer look.
“Look at her! Really look at her.“ Alynna felt Gretchen’s breath on her face while the older woman was forcefully whispering in her ear.
“Her smile never reaches her eyes, can’t you see that? All the while she is talking to her guests she constantly observes the crowd and keeps looking towards the entrance expecting to find you there. Only to be disappointed when you are not. Don’t tell me you can’t see that!“
“Why?“ Alynna spoke so softly Gretchen had to strain to hear her.
“Because my strong-headed, outgoing daughter loves you, believe it or not.“
“But why?“ The Admiral kept insisting.
“Must be your charming personality“, Gretchen teased. Turning the Admiral around to look into her pained eyes, Gretchen knew why Alynna had such trouble believing it.
“Stop asking why and simply accept the fact that she does.“
“Thank you.“ Alynna ruefully smiled.
“You are welcome“, Gretchen smirked. “No go in and make her happy. I want to see my little girl smile with her eyes.“
“Yes, ma´am.“
Waiting for Gretchen to return to the party, Alynna observed Phoebe and realised Gretchen had been right. How could she have been so blind, not to see Phoebe’s constant scanning of the crowd, her polite smiles because that’s what people expected. But polite was the only thing they were. She really was an old stupid fool.
When she spotted Gretchen in the background Alynna knew it was time to join the party. Straightening her back, head held high and with her usual air of self-confidence Admiral Alynna Nechayev entered Gallery duPont.
Still clad in her uniform, nearly six feet tall with her classic features and her steel blue eyes Admiral Nechayev was a striking woman. Focusing on the only person she was here for, Alynna waited for Phoebe to acknowledge her presence.
The young artist had given up on the Admiral, convinced the older woman wouldn’t keep her promise Phoebe found it easier to turn her back to the entrance. Otherwise she would keep on looking and being disappointed over and over again.
Talking to a nice couple that had purchased three of her most expensive paintings Phoebe suddenly felt as if somebody was watching her. The hair on her neck was standing up and slowly she turned around to find out what was going on.
Phoebe’s face went from sad and annoyed to gloriously happy in the blink of an eye when her eyes fell on the uniform clad figure near the entrance. Mumbling her apologies to the couple the artist broke into a short run to cover the distance as fast as possible and drew herself into the arms of the waiting Admiral.
Holding on for dear life with her arms around Alynna´s neck Phoebe buried her face in the older woman’s neck. Happiness flooded her body when she felt Alynna´s arms around her back holding her tight.
“Aly, you came. I was afraid you wouldn’t.“ Phoebe breathed into the blonde hair.
“Oh, darling.“ Searching for Gretchen over Phoebe’s shoulder she found her next to Kate in the back of the room, silently mouthing her thanks to the older woman, before she closed her eyes and revelled in the feeling of Phoebe’s body in her arms.
“I missed you“, Phoebe had loosened her hold to look into those sky blue eyes she adored so much.
“I missed you, too.“ Alynna knew it was true, she had missed the younger woman.
“Come“, taking hold of the Admiral’s hand, Phoebe dragged her along towards the first of a dozen paintings. “Let me show you around.“
Alynna had known that Phoebe was a gifted artist, but what she saw now was amazing. Each and every piece showed the essence of Phoebe Janeway, passion, fire, sensuality and true love for her work.
In the far back of the gallery hung a black and white painting of a woman asleep on the couch and Alynna knew with one look that it was her on the day when she had fallen asleep in the study.
For the first time she saw herself through the eyes of her younger lover. She was mesmerised by what she saw.
Alynna felt her eyes welling up, feeling even more foolish than before. This was how Phoebe saw her? So how could she have ever doubted what the younger woman felt for? Unnoticed and unhindered a tear escaped running down her cheek.
Seeing the tear on Alynna´s face Phoebe felt distressed for her lover, she hadn’t meant to hurt her it was meant as a surprise.
“Oh, Aly, please, don’t cry. I thought it would make you happy.“ Phoebe lay her palm against Alynna´s cheek and wiped away the errand tear.
“You did, darling.“ The Admiral brought up her hand to hold Phoebe’s against her cheek, turning her head to place a tender kiss on the palm.
“Then why the tears?“
“Because I’m a foolish woman.“ Alynna ruefully admitted.
“You’re no fool“, Phoebe cupped her face in her hands, „do you hear me, Admiral? Don’t dare say that ever again!“
“I won’t, I promise.“ Alynna smiled at Phoebe’s fiercely spoken words, elated at the words.
“Good.“
Leaning in to strengthen her point through a passionate kiss they were interrupted when the heard somebody clear their throat behind them.
Turning towards the intruder Phoebe was mentally rolling her eyes at Peter Mitchell, cursing the man’s timing.
“Yes, Peter?“ Phoebe’s frustration was clearly detectable in her voice, although Peter didn’t seem offended at all.
“Sorry to disturb you, Phoebe. Admiral. Your presence is needed, somebody is interested in your black and white study.“
“It’s not for sale, Peter. I’ve told you already.“
“But the offer is too good to let it pass“, Mitchell insisted.
“No!“
“All right, you are the artist. Please excuse me, I will inform them of your decision.“
Watching the man leave Phoebe finally turned back to Alynna, linking her hands behind her neck and letting her fingers play with the soft blonde hair she found there.
“Now, Admiral, where were we?“
Smiling at the playfulness Alynna put her hands on Phoebe’s hip drawing her against her body, leaning down she softly pressed her lips against Phoebe’s fuller ones. As their kiss grew more passionate they became oblivious to their surroundings, neither of them aware of the person observing them from the shadows of the corner. Hatred and determination was contorting the face of the observer into a grimace.
In the outer showroom of the gallery the arrival of another guest made the party worthwhile for the other attendants. The door opened and revealed a flamboyantly dressed woman, accompanied by a tall fierce looking man as well as a black haired woman with features similar to the first woman.
“Good evening, everybody! What a nice little soiree. Where is our accomplished artist?“ Lwaxana Troi asked no one in particular although it was clear that she was waiting for someone to answer her without delay.
TBC