Part 7 - Desperate times

In a Devore research laboratory on Devore II Seven of Nine and Professor Derrish reviewed the tactical data from the 73 battles fought against the Borg by the Devore Imperium. All but four encounters had been lost despite the Devore fleet outnumbering and even outgunning the Borg. The Borg had conquered 63 planetary systems in only four weeks. There had been a slight lull since the last battle but terror had gripped the remaining four hundred systems in the Imperium. There was widespread panic and disorder; an unneeded distraction for the hard pressed Devore military machine.

Janeway sat quietly to one side and watched Seven of Nine, as the ex-drone studied the tactical analyses on two workstation view screens. Seven was still a little thin and pale but regeneration had returned the beautiful woman to something close to her normal physical perfection. Her customary body suit had been replaced by Devore military fatigues. Janeway thought the black rather suited the ex-drone.

Three armed guards stood behind the Captain watching them at all times; trigger happy and very nervous of Seven of Nine. We won't survive if Seven makes any rapid movements Kathryn thought as she pondered their overall tactical position. She wanted some kind of escape plan as a fall-back.

The laboratory was clean and tidy except for two tables where the components of a disembowelled Borg drone were laid bare for examination. Living tissue and organs lay dissected, prepared for microscopic examination. The inorganic components were also being disassembled, labelled and studied. An isolated Borg eyepiece, mounted in a network of experimental circuitry, glowed red as the scientist working on it adjusted and monitored the control circuitry. Kathryn observed that Seven of Nine turned her head away whenever she had to pass the Borg remains.

Despite the circumstances Kathryn felt a curious sense of freedom. She had allowed herself to admit her feelings for Seven and the customary sense of guilt that pervaded her thoughts whenever she looked at Seven or thought about the younger woman had vanished.

The Starfleet Captain had been constrained by fear of acting inappropriately towards a member of her crew. Starfleet ethical protocols were unanimous and absolutely prescriptive about relationships between the Captain and crew. These must be wholly professional. Captains were trained to understand that even friendships lead to problems and that essentially the Captain must be aloof and alone. Which just about worked in the Alpha quadrant where the Captain had lovers, friends and family, port side but was a damned sight harder for the Captain of Voyager lost and alone in the Delta quadrant.

I am not a Starfleet captain any longer. I have new friends and enemies, a different life. But if that life is to amount to anything, Seven and I must avoid assimilation by the Borg and torture and execution by the Devore.

Kathryn concluded with some amusement that perhaps she was being a little premature in planning a long term future. She also forced herself to consider the possibility that Seven might not be interested in a middle-aged former Starship captain. She wondered what Seven was thinking. The Borg seemed totally in control and had shown little emotion, only speaking to Janeway when required to do so, concentrating absolutely on the information being presented.

The laboratory's occupants were watching and listening to visual and aural records (retrieved from intelligence probes) of a recent battle. The events were played out on a large view screen on the wall.

Three Borg cubes had come out of a transwarp conduit close to the major manufacturing and mining colony on Malta VI only 130 light years from the Devore home system. The colony was well defended by a fleet of thirteen warships and massive planetary phaser cannons located on the two moons of Malta VI.

'We are the Borg'. The customary Borg hail rolled through the small laboratory with an echo of the fear that must have swept the doomed Devore fleet.

In the opening stage of the conflict the Devore fleet was successful as it concentrated its enormous fire power on the leading Borg cube. The moon based defences kept the other two cubes at bay, the great phaser beams slicing through the Borg shields. The leading cube was damaged severely as three waves of jet black Devore warships flew past and strafed it on three sides. The cube was finally destroyed by a blast of phaser energy from one of the huge planetary cannons. The second cube was also taking heavy damage but the tide was turning. One Devore warship was destroyed and three others were now non combatant. Soon several more of the warships had fallen silent or had left the fighting. The moon based cannons ceased firing soon after.

Battlefield communication logs revealed the desperate events aboard the warships as panicked Devore officers reported their ships boarded by squadrons of Borg drones. Six vessels managed to initiate self destruct sequences before being fully assimilated and hundreds of tiny escape pods could be seen floating away from the stricken vessels like thistle seeds in the wind only to be picked off by Borg weapons fire or caught in tractor beams and dragged inside the surviving Borg cubes.

The Professor's thin face was grey and pained, his voice hoarse as he spoke. "Only one ship, and three escape pods that were picked up, survived. The entire system of 23 million people was assimilated in a 72 hour period. We do not believe there were any civilian survivors."

He stopped and blinked and when he began speaking again he had recovered his customary detached nasal monotone. "Malta VI was a serious loss to the Imperium. Ten percent of all dilithium in the sector was found on planets in the Malta system and were processed on Malta VI for use by the fleet."

Now fully in control of his voice the Professor addressed the assembled scientists, engineers and technicians as though he was delivering a lecture. "This defeat followed the pattern of all the other conflicts with the exception of four early battles where reinforced shields prevented the Borg from boarding. Unfortunately the Borg have adapted to those modifications."

"Tactical analyses suggest we require a minimum ratio of 11 warships to 1 cube in any conflict. We must destroy each Borg cube within one or two minutes of engaging, or the Borg adapt to our shield frequencies and drones are transported aboard the fleet vessels to assimilate our soldiers and the warships. The firepower of a large Devore fleet can defeat the Borg but if our ships cannot be deployed in adequate numbers assimilation inevitably follows. Since we lack the transwarp capabilities of the Borg ships it has proved impossible to ensure sufficient ships are available wherever a threat is identified. The area of space is simply to large to allow rapid reinforcement."

Pausing to bring up a three dimensional colour coded image of Devore space he indicated the present location of Devore fleets. "Current strategy is to withdraw military units from all but the most important systems and mass our forces sufficiently to allow defence of key systems. This strategy will fail eventually but may give us a little more time to develop alternatives. As a side issue we are experiencing some problems with refugees fleeing from the unprotected areas to the defended systems. It has not been possible to prevent rumours about the strategy of selective defence circulating widely in the Imperium. The wide scale ship movements have made identifying invading Borg forces even more problematic."

"The Imperium's scientists and engineers must provide technological solutions to the tactical problems of fighting the Borg if we are to survive. The Imperium requires a new type of space propulsion system to rival the Borg transwarp engines and several teams are working in that area. Other groups are concentrating on developing better weapons and defences designed to exploit weaknesses in the Borg, be they tactical, physical, chemical or biological or even psychological."

"This team is to concentrate on identifying weaknesses in the physical and biological structure of individual Borg to allow us to develop weapons which may be used at close quarters and enable our soldiers to defend our warships."

Seven interjected.

"The Borg have no such weaknesses. They will adapt to whatever weapons you devise."

Seven said this with undeniable arrogance. The ex-drone had no wish to rejoin the Borg but part of her still believed in the strength and perfection of the Collective.

"I don't agree Seven" said Janeway calmly. The Professor regarded the former Captain cautiously but did not interrupt. "If the Borg cannot assimilate a life form or technology they cannot adapt to defeat that life form or technology. We learned this from the war between species 8472 and the Borg." She shrugged a little. "It is a weakness but I admit exploiting it is a different matter since we lack the biological advantages of species 8472."

The Professor was clearly interested.

"Expand please Captain Janeway."

The Captain recounted the history of the Borg war with species 8472 and that species subsequent defeat by Voyager. A defeat based on medical research on species 8472 by the Voyager doctor using modified Borg nanoprobes. The Starfleet crew, in alliance with the Borg, had then applied the same knowledge to building a military weapon to defeat the previously invincible species 8472.

"A fine solution."

The steely eyed Professor was regarding her with admiration verging on awe. Kathryn felt immediately uneasy. When species such as the Devore or Cardassians were complimentary about your methods then your ethics must be questionable.

"But I am puzzled Captain," the Professor said thoughtfully, "We found no mention of any of this in the records of Voyager when they were inspected."

"Any information that we deemed classified was hidden and encrypted by Seven of Nine. And that included all and any knowledge of superior technologies which we acquired in the Delta quadrant. In any case your inspection teams were more concerned with finding helpless families of telepaths than advancing Devore knowledge or understanding of other species."

Kathryn said this last part, knowing that Kashyk had just entered the room. He scowled but ignored her and nodded curtly at the Professor.

"Inspector. How may we assist you?" asked Professor Derrish politely enough though the tension between the soldier and the scientist was noticeable.

"I merely wish to observe and possibly contribute Professor, if that is agreeable" replied Kashyk equally politely though from his tone Janeway deduced that being agreeable was not the true motivation. "My knowledge of Devore military installations, tactics, ships and combat expertise may be of value to your research. There is not normally much need for such military knowledge in the day-to-day work of a penal colony." He smiled without humour.

Janeway did not like the idea of spending any time with Kashyk but objectively he was a more than competent scientist and a creative lateral thinker. They had worked together effectively while hunting for a wormhole and she shuddered to remember that she had even enjoyed working with someone of equal status, a colleague rather than a junior officer. That was something she had greatly missed in the Delta quadrant.

The Professor was studying the reaction of the ex-Voyager captain to Kashyk's suggestion with some concern and was slightly nonplussed when Kathryn remarked quite coolly "I have no objection Professor. Inspector Kashyk may be useful."

Seven stared at her with a very peculiar expression almost angry and hurt. Kathryn was not sure what was wrong and smiled uncertainly at the Borg. The ex-drone turned away and muttered fiercely "As you wish Captain, the Inspector's presence is irrelevant."

Her reaction reminded the Captain of how little she knew about Seven's motives and how or why Seven came to be looking for her without Voyager. However Janeway certainly did not want to ask direct questions about Voyager's whereabouts in front of the Devore soldiers and scientists, so she kept quiet.

Professor Derrish was also thinking of Voyager but his thoughts were more pragmatic.

"It is unfortunate that we do not have access to Voyager's database now. Your research on nanoprobe technology would be of great value. We have carried out extensive research on a few captured Borg drones but it is clear we have not reached the same level of understanding. It has so far proved impossible to devise a method of destroying the nanoprobes at a microscopic level."

Seven of Nine hesitated for one moment. "It is possible that data relevant to the Borg is stored in the Federation shuttle data banks."

"Unlikely Seven of Nine. Our technicians have thoroughly examined all the shuttle records and databases. Nothing with any reference to the Borg could be found. The technology aboard the shuttle is however of great interest particularly the weapons and shields."

"And did your technicians identify the Borg encrypted databases hidden within the astrometric database?" Seven asked without irony. Kathryn bit her cheek to avoid laughing when she saw the Professor flush a dark red.

"I will check. But you can be sure a thorough inspection took place." Derrish walked to the back of the lab and spoke quietly into his communicator. The anger on his face after a few minutes discussion did not require translation.

Inspector Kashyk was grinning openly at the Professor's discomfiture.

"This will be more entertaining than I had hoped," he murmured to Kathryn looking into her eyes with a hint of the charm he had employed on their first meetings on Voyager. A creaking noise drew their attention to Seven of Nine. She was watching Kashyk without expression while her Borg enhanced hand crushed a heavy alloy tube she had picked up off a lab bench. Kashyk's grin faded and he busied himself looking at a view screen image of a stasis field containing a few wriggling nanoprobes magnified many hundreds of times.

The Professor stalked back to their end of the lab.

"The shuttle databases will be transferred to this laboratory for further analysis by Seven of Nine and my team." he said shortly. "We must commence our research. Time is not on our side."

*~~~*

*48 hours later*

The latest war news display on the wall of the laboratory showed 68 planetary systems lost and 13 billion individuals assimilated. Like watching a scoreboard the numbers rolled over every time another battle was lost.

Kathryn leaned tiredly against the wall. The laboratory was nearly empty. The Professor was talking to one of his technicians at the far end and three guards sat at a table playing some kind of gambling game that resembled poker. Inspector Kashyk had left to deal with a matter of prison administration.

Seven of Nine and the shuttle databases had provided a great deal of information and assistance to all the research teams. The group working on the transwarp propulsion project were reporting a great deal of success and predicting an imminent breakthrough directly as a result of the Borg's advice. But that success was not being repeated in this team.

Seven of Nine was working on a calculation of staggering complexity but without any direct relevance to the problem of fighting and defeating thousands of drones in hand to hand combat. Most of the team's effort seemed to have gone into modelling the adaptive technology of the Borg and proving that the Borg could deal with every form of armament the Devore possessed.

Seven straightened, turned to face the former Captain who was still slumped against the wall. She scrutinised her steadily.

"You are tired Captain, you should rest." she observed.

Kathryn shook her head.

"Come here and talk to me Seven. We have had no opportunity to speak alone. I want to know what happened on Voyager after I left and how you came to look for me on your own."

The Borg reported the plain facts of her escape from Voyager. And by the end Kathryn did not know whether to be wildly flattered by Seven and B'Elanna Torres' loyalty or incredibly angry with both of them for behaving quite outrageously and breaking every Starfleet rule. It did not take much imagination to flesh out Seven's bald account and to sympathise with Chakotay having to handle a mutinous crew.

"Seven..." Janeway took a deep breath and placed her hands on Seven's forearms as the Borg looked at her expectantly. "Seven you should not have done this. Chakotay was following my express orders. He did not deserve to be treated this way."

Seven did not argue the point; the ex-drone's blue eyes blurred with unshed tears as she explained her disobedience with heart-breaking honesty.

"You are my connection to humanity Captain. Without you there was nothing to hold me on Voyager, nothing to bind me to that human collective." Her voice became softer and Kathryn could barely hear the next words.

"I did not believe that I would ever experience loneliness as great as being severed from the Borg Collective, but that was insignificant compared to the pain when I knew that Chakotay had abandoned you. I could not abandon you."

Kathryn gulped air and blushed.

This is your chance Kathryn Janeway. She has all but said she loves you, now tell her how you feel. But looking into Seven's troubled face the words would not form and the indomitable Captain felt her knees were going to buckle first. Mentally Kathryn kicked herself. What the hell am I thinking, standing here like a hyperventilating guppy? I may never get another chance.

She was spared trying to reply by Kashyk's return. Janeway dropped her hands from Seven's arms and stepped back quickly but not quickly enough. His shrewd dark eyes took in the scene and an unpleasant smile formed on his face. He opened his mouth to sneer "What a pretty pic...."

The smirk on his face enraged Janeway.

"Be quiet" she growled with such implacable fury that Kashyk stopped mid-sentence and gaped at her. The poker playing soldiers fell silent and stood up looking expectantly at their leader, waiting for his retribution against the insolent gaharay. He said nothing.

Kathryn ignored them and him. The anger had fuelled her determination to seize the moment and she had the irrational conviction that it was now or never. Taking Seven's hand, who did not protest but raised her eyebrow in question, Kathryn stood and thought for a moment.

What can you say to a woman who has returned to the heart of darkness because she could not bear your loss? The Starfleet captain in Kathryn might deplore the means but the romantic could hardly argue with the gesture. And then she knew what to say and it was so obvious that she grinned in relief and said simply, without thinking about consequences, responsibilities or even the practical impossibility.

"I know that this is sudden and my timing is off and this may be the last thing you ever expected or wanted me to say but I think that we may never have another chance, so I am going to say it anyway. Seven of Nine, I love you. I have loved you from the beginning. I hope and believe that you feel the same way about me. Will you marry me?"

The second she uttered the words, an avalanche of consequences, responsibilities and practical difficulties slid into her consciousness, but skating topmost was the fear that Seven might not want her. Maybe she had completely misunderstood Seven's feelings. The stunned expression on the ex-drone's face didn't help. Janeway started to back-pedal.

"I mean at least think about it, you know, you don't have to answer now, perhaps when this...", she gestured vaguely about, "is all over..."

Seven looked wide-eyed at her Captain. "You intend that you should form a legally recognised domestic partnership... with me..."

"I suppose that's one way of putting it."

"Today?" asked the drone.

"No! Of course not! I meant after we have left this prison and the conflict with the Borg is over."

"It is highly unlikely we will survive the war Captain or leave this place. If this plan is to be accomplished, an earlier resolution will be required," Seven remarked calmly.

Wanting to curse Seven's precision a frustrated Kathryn half-yelled "Seven! Will you stop analysing the timetable and tell me if you want to marry me!" The soldiers sniggered. Janeway glared at them with a look that had quelled many junior ensigns and the three young Devore fell silent. Kashyk was also silent, his anger overshadowed for the moment by fascination at the scene in front of him.

"I am sorry Captain, I did not understand that I had a choice." Seven was quite straight faced but something about her expression made Kathryn suspicious. The Borg went on "You have made many life changing decisions on my behalf, I assumed this would be the case now."

Kathryn was astonished. Was Seven of Nine teasing her? Now of all times the Borg was choosing to develop a sense of humour!

"Seven please answer the question. Will you marry me?" Kathryn pleaded quietly. The ex-drone canted her head slightly on one side and her ice blue eyes considered Kathryn Janeway carefully. Feeling helpless and incredibly vulnerable Janeway returned the gaze.

"Acceptable" said Seven of Nine without preamble and wrapped her arms around the former Captain of the Starship Voyager, kissing her thoroughly if not very expertly. The Universe shrank to include nothing but the two of them.

Finally needing to breathe, Seven lifted her head.

"I hope my actions are correct Captain, this behaviour is customary after such a declaration is it not?" she queried breathlessly.

"Quite correct Seven," mumbled Kathryn into Seven of Nine's shoulder where she was now resting her head. Relieved to know that her behaviour was acceptable, Seven tightened her hold and kissed the top of Kathryn Janeway's head. Kathryn raised her face and they would've kissed again except they were brought back to the moment by Professor Derrish exclaiming loudly.

"What! What is this? The professor had been shaken from his habitual detachment.

Kathryn turned within the gentle circle of her Borg's arms to face the scandalised scientist and leant her weight against Seven, feeling absurdly happy and safe. "We are disturbing you Professor?"

Kashyk intervened smoothly before the purple-faced scientist could formulate any coherent words.

"I offer my congratulations Captain Janeway. This was a touching interlude but if there is to be a happy ending I suggest we return to matters of more immediate importance." Menace entered his voice. "Other considerations must wait."

Kathryn Janeway could feel Seven of Nine warm against her back and for a few seconds Janeway just wished the Devore, the Borg, Starfleet, everyone would just go away and leave them alone. Her hatred of Kashyk and all he represented began to bubble to the surface. Feeling Kathryn's body stiffen suddenly, Seven released her from her arms causing Janeway look up at Seven. The ex-Captain reminded herself of what she had to lose and that this was no time to lose her control. She could see the uncertainty on the younger woman's face, so she took her hand and said quietly "There will be a time for us Seven. I promise." Then the Janeway nodded to Kashyk in acknowledgement.

"You are right Inspector, there are pressing concerns. As the senior command staff present perhaps you and I should consider the tactical data together," she suggested with a note of challenge in her deep voice. "Perhaps we have been approaching this problem in the wrong way."

Part 8 - Desperate measures

Another 4 hours have passed

The war news display now read 70 planetary systems lost and 16 billion individuals assimilated.

Inspector Kashyk, governor of the penal colony on Devore II, threw aside his padd and groaned. "This is hopeless, no one has proposed a single workable idea."

Kathryn leaned back and considered the same information on her own analysis padd. It certainly wasn't promising. All existing Devore weaponry had proved ineffective in fighting the Borg, even the newest designs of weapon were swiftly dismissed by Seven of Nine who easily demonstrated how the Borg would adapt. The Borg had defeated many species who were technically more advanced than the Devore.

Not as willing to admit defeat as the inspector, the human rubbed her eyes and said "OK let's consider again what we know about the Borg."

Kashyk shrugged his shoulders "For all the good it will do Captain....."

"Humour me Inspector." And she smiled disarmingly at her former persecutor.

"Right" said the tall dark man resignedly. He began to intone the facts already established and chewed over many times. "They are physically stronger than most organic beings and certainly two or three times stronger than the Devore, they don't use disruptors or phasers in hand to hand fighting. Instead they rely on their strength, body armour, adaptive shielding and assimilation of their opponents plus of course sheer numbers. The shielding is highly effective and will adapt to phaser and disruptor fire after just a few shots, chemical and biological weapons are ineffective against the nanoprobe technology which is again highly adaptive."

He paused and Kathryn took up the litany. "Successful attacks against the Borg have either used technology which is unavailable to the Borg or stealthy attacks on the collective mind. None of these have been successful long term strategies because the Borg eventually adapt to nullify the threat. The only identified weaknesses are the inability to adapt to technology/biology which they cannot assimilate, some vulnerabilities in the mechanisms used to control the collective mind and an occasional slowness identifying potential threats."

"And where has this analysis left us Kathryn? The Devore inspector asked politely.

Kathryn stopped pacing and stood very still behind Seven of Nine, looking at her ex-drone who was, unusually, seated. Half an idea began to form.

"You need soldiers who cannot be assimilated." Without being really aware she placed her hand on Seven's shoulder. Seven jumped but did not object as the Captain absentmindedly began stroking the back of Seven's neck.

The Inspector cast his eyes heavenward. "I don't think your mind is on the job Kathryn."

She ignored Kashyk's jibe and continued her train of thought "there is an old saying from Earth Inspector 'Fight fire with fire'. What you need Inspector are drones of your own."

"What a revolutionary idea Captain. Every home should have one, but I fear they are not all as charming as Seven of Nine." Kashyk said flippantly. Seeing the irritation on Kathryn's face he added more seriously "How or where would we obtain drones?"

The hand on Seven's neck stilled and Seven looked disappointed. The Captain considered Seven pensively. "Seven could you modify your nanoprobes to resist assimilation?"

The Borg turned to face Kathryn as she answered decisively. "It is possible Captain but the effect would not last. Assimilation nanoprobes are programmed to adapt to malfunctioning nanoprobes and destroy or repair them. It is the main defence against viral infection of the programming code."

"What would happen Seven if the Borg reassimilated you?" asked Professor Derrish. His thin face showed the strain of the last few days but he was interested if a little confused.

"I would be identified as Borg and my malfunctions assessed for repair or termination. If repairs were effective I would be returned to the Collective."

Janeway's head jerked up, interest sparking her eyes. "Seven what would happen if no malfunction were identified?"

"The assimilation 'probes would deactivate themselves," Seven replied, "but Captain only a fully functional drone would be accepted."

"Or," said the Captain, "something that appeared to be a fully functional drone. Seven, explain exactly what happens when someone is assimilated."

"The nanoprobes first take control of the main neural pathways and set up the neural transceiver link to allow connection to the hive mind. The nanoprobes then make the adaptations necessary for the future functioning of the drone."

"And those are?" prompted the Captain.

"Nanoprobe replication modules, neural processors, logic centres and memory units, skeletal enhancements, adaptive shield generators, units to monitor and control the host's biological functions, assimilation technology and internal connections to sensory systems."

Kathryn Janeway was now in full command mode, alive with energy, barely able to wait for the answers she requested. Seven knew that every person in the room could feel that energy and was being swept along; she had observed the effect many times with Voyager's crew.

"How much of this internal structure do you retain Seven?" the Captain asked, stopping her pacing for just a moment.

"I am Borg" replied Seven of Nine. She was going to leave it at that but observed Kathryn's impatient expression.

"The Doctor removed most of my external implants and a number of the internal additions but I retain all essential systems. The neural link to the Hive mind has been disabled and some of the suppressed human biological functions have been enabled. I retain an external interface to the nanoprobe control system," Seven indicated the implant above her eye, "and regeneration ports for linking to a regeneration alcove."

"Seven" said the Captain, "would it be possible to assimilate someone partially and to programme their nanoprobes and internal structures to deceive invading assimilation nanoprobes into believing that this is a fully functional drone?"

Seven stood as she gave the matter full consideration. After a long pause she replied carefully "I could reprogram my assimilation 'probes to perform a limited assimilation, all the necessary physical structures would be created. In theory Captain it may then be possible to programme dummy functions to mimic a properly operational drone linked to the hive mind."

"What of any missing external implants?" asked Kashyk, serious at last.

"These would be ignored on reassimilation as each drone is configured differently and repairs would normally be done by the drone's own nanoprobes. Each drone has standard external ports to allow linkage of external implants but the attachments may differ widely depending on the drone's function."

The Professor spoke and there was more than a little fear in his voice. "It is a fascinating and original idea Captain if I have correctly understood what you are suggesting. But how could we test such uncertain technology? Who could be recruited as subjects for such a project? Who would control these drones and would they remain individuals?"

Seven replied "The initial assimilation would fall short of collectivisation - the drones would remain individuals. We lack the necessary Borg technology to control a collective mind..."

Inspector Kashyk interrupted "I do not think that recruits will be a problem Professor, I can assure you that volunteers will be available." Seeing the concern on Janeway's face he went on smoothly, "after all better a few heavy bones than becoming a genuine drone, which is the fate that awaits our soldiers if we do not succeed. I am certain our army would welcome any protection offered."

Seven was still doubtful, "there is considerable risk Captain. Insufficient reprogramming would risk creating real Borg drones but if the reprogramming was too obvious the fake drone would fail to convince invading assimilation nanoprobes and the drone would be 'reassimilated'. There would be no second chance to correct the error."

In answer to Janeway's unspoken question Seven said simply "If a fake drone is assimilated the Borg will know our strategy Captain. The technology must work first time and then continue to do so on every subsequent occasion."

There was silence. Kashyk asked carefully "can we agree that this line of research should be pursued?"

The Professor stood in thought, he was troubled by Seven of Nine's assessment and his natural conservatism made the whole idea seemed outrageously imprudent. On the other hand there were no alternatives plans to consider.

The Inspector became impatient. "This is the only new possibility we have identified Professor. We must take it further."

After a long pause in which he visibly chewed over the ideas before him, the Professor spoke, very ponderously.

"Although I have many reservations about this proposal, as project leader I must follow any possible line which may help us resist the Borg. But Inspector, a full assessment of the risks is essential even if it takes a little longer, and I will not approve proceeding unless I am completely satisfied. After all we do not wish to create an army of drones within our walls."

Janeway had returned to earth and was a little shaken by where her thinking had taken them. She added in as firm a voice as she could muster "And Kashyk, our help is strictly on condition that only willing volunteers are used and then only if we are very certain of success. Is that understood?"

"Of course Captain." The Inspector smiled at her affectionately, "we are not barbarians."

An hour later

Derrish and Kashyk were watching the small Starfleet Captain go over yet another project plan with one of the three small teams of scientists she had organised to work on the project.

"Incredible isn't she? An hour ago the project and the team was on its knees, now look at them." said Kashyk observing the look of near awe on his companion's face. His voice tightened "that is what the High Command could not understand."

"From what I have read of your encounter Inspector, your own attraction to the Captain played a significant part in your failure with Voyager." Derrish needled the Inspector.

Kashyk turned towards him and the Professor paled at the ferocity in the man's eyes.

"They used her to destroy my career now I will use her to go even higher than before." With a cold smile, which even a man as unsentimental as Derrish found chilling, he said "now I must attend to the matter of obtaining volunteers."

Kashyk left the room. The Professor ran his hand nervously through his thinning air and wondered again why he had accepted a career so closely associated with the military.

72 hours after the drone project commenced

The war news display showed the score: Borg - 96 planetary systems and 23 billion individuals assimilated. The Devore - 18 cubes destroyed.

Professor Derrish was not the neat tidy bureaucrat of five days previous. He had slept less than fourteen hours in the previous eighty but he knew that was several more than the slight red headed human he was watching. Apparently indefatigable she led the teams of scientists, reviewing their data, pushing them on, giving encouragement and ideas freely. It amused him to see that even the guards now deferred to her rather than Kashyk.

The Captain and her Borg were also being watched by the Parath guardsman and Halquine telepath. Janeway had insisted they be freed and brought to the research laboratory several days earlier. The Professor had been appalled at the idea of a telepath being present but he had to admit they took better care of the Captain than he had managed, Kraal virtually force fed her at intervals. The only sleep she had taken was at the insistence of Seven of Nine who refused to regenerate unless the Captain slept.

The relationship between the Borg and the human was bizarre. How could anyone as vital as the redheaded human be in love with such a cold and unemotional being as the Borg even if she was almost unearthly beautiful? And yet as he watched, Janeway leant on the bench next to Seven of Nine reading some output from a recent test while the Borg looked down at her. After a few seconds Janeway stopped reading to look up into the former drone's eyes and the Captain's expression softened. Seven said something quietly and Janeway ran her fingers down Seven's cheek, pulling her face down to kiss her lightly on the lips. Derrish did not feel disgust as he might have done a few days before but an emotion he could only describe as envy.

There were many things about the current circumstances which should have disturbed him more but it occurred to Derrish that he had enjoyed the last few days. He was not experiencing the ambivalence that normally accompanied his work for the Imperium. He was an ambitious man and had accepted that working for the Imperium would often entail dealing with people and principles he did not like. But this time there was a common goal, a common enemy and colleagues for whom he felt unequivocal respect.

He was still worried by Inspector Kashyk, a ruthless and driven man. The Inspector came hourly to the laboratory for progress reports, he had informed the High Command of the new project and there was now increasing pressure being applied for early results despite the Professor's attempts to reduce expectations.

Kathryn Janeway approached the Professor clutching a gigantic beaker of steaming hot chealath, a Parath stimulant drunk widely throughout the Imperium. It was an acquired taste and not considered a healthy habit but the Parath guardsman, Kraal, and the Federation Captain apparently thrived on it. Janeway's face had lit up after her first taste and had muttered something about life being bearable in the Delta quadrant after all.

"The latest test results are much better Professor" said Kathryn. "Seven has successfully managed to reprogram nanoprobes to give false readings and laboratory tests with real assimilation 'probes have been one hundred percent successful, full deactivation after receiving the dummy information from the reprogrammed nanoprobes."

"Are we ready to test a real subject?" He sighed "I am sorry to push Captain but the High Command have become very insistent that we begin final tests on live subjects."

Janeway suddenly looked tired and he could hear the uncertainty as she replied.

"Seven has made the necessary adjustments to limit the assimilation process and considers the probability of success exceeds 95%. But Professor I would be lying if I said the first person tested was not running a real risk of becoming a drone, and even if that part is okay then we still have to field test an attack using captured Borg assimilation nanoprobes which will be even less predictable." She finished her report with a little bitterness.

"Perhaps I should learn to keep my bright ideas to myself. The lucky volunteers will have two chances of becoming a borg drone, not to mention the thousand other ways the tests may malfunction given we no so little about some of the underlying technology."

Derrish was not very used to ethical doubts being expressed by military personnel. However it did appear that the Federation captain was genuine in her concerns.

"Captain, it may help you feel less ambivalent about this project if I explain my personal involvement in defeating the Borg."

The Professor lowered his voice. It was less steady than normal.

"You may recollect the logged footage of the defeat of the fleet at Malta VI which was shown to the team at the outset of this project?"

Kathryn Janeway nodded.

"My son was present as a Lieutenant aboard one of the vessels which we saw being assimilated, the warship Invincible. Indeed it is his voice you may have heard announcing the arrival of the Borg drones aboard that vessel." Kathryn stared at scientist, horrified. The professor's own voice was detached as though he was trying not to hear his own words.

"It is not known whether my son was killed or assimilated but he was not amongst the survivors, I do not know whether it is worse to think of him as dead or lost to us forever amongst the Borg."

The professor was now shaking and Kathryn instinctively took his hands in her own and squeezed hard. "I will never recover my son and this work may even ensure his ultimate death but I do know that if I can save one other parent from such grief then my life, or death, will have meaning."

In a softer steadier voice he then said "I have informed Inspector Kashyk that I will personally volunteer for the initial tests."

Kathryn wanted to argue but seeing the determination in the pale grey eyes of the scientist she realised she had no right and said instead "Seven and I will do our very best Professor. You may inform Kashyk that we will be ready for the live tests in three hours."

Part 9 - Desperate remedies

The day of the live tests

Seven and the Captain were alone for the first time in several days. A guard was on duty outside but he was not really watching. In the laboratory a meal lay uneaten on a table. The Captain was in no mood to eat. Kathryn Janeway was feeling real apprehension. Seven was reasonably confident of initial success but much more pessimistic about the long term prospects.

Kathryn leaned against Seven and closed her eyes in exhaustion. The Borg was worried, her Captain seldom allowed anyone to see any weakness.

"Cap... Kathryn you are concerned about the coming tests?"

"Please Seven talk about something else."

"I would prefer not to talk Kathryn" the Borg stated and turned the small Captain in her strong arms. She kissed her. After a few minutes Janeway drew her head back breathless and smiling.

"You are a very quick study dearest one."

"I endeavour to improve." the Borg quirked her eyebrow and bent her head to continue the lesson.

Some while later she asked "Kathryn I am curious whether you were in earnest when you asked me to marry you?"

"What?"

"It seemed possible that when you asked me you were trying to anger Inspector Kashyk." The Borg's voice remained calm but Kathryn could feel the tension in Seven's body. For some reason the Captain felt she should be cautious.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because you are still attracted to him" replied the young woman, sounding distant and withdrawn. "Did you allow yourself to be arrested on Voyager because you wanted to return to him?"

"What are you trying to say Seven?" Kathryn released her hold on Seven and walked away a few paces before turning back to face the Borg, her confusion apparent. "I find your reasoning very hard to follow. I can assure you I never had any interest in the Inspector and of course I was serious when I asked you to marry me."

"Then why did you kiss him on Voyager and why do you accept his presence here, on the research team? He hurt you and yet you still do not reject him."

The customary lack of emotion had disappeared from Seven's face and voice, replaced by youthful despair. Janeway felt a wave of affection and was about to kiss and comfort her sweet drone when an uncomfortable question occurred to her.

"How do you know I kissed the Inspector?"

"Voyager's security logs" said the Borg evasively.

"You were watching me." Kathryn was now angry and her voice dropped to a lower pitch. "Seven it was not your business to spy on me."

"But I love you, I must protect you." Seven knew that Voyager's Captain would not take kindly to the idea of being watched even if she had done it with the best intentions.

Trying to control rising anger, Kathryn said "I had to play a difficult and subtle game with the Inspector which required me to pretend to feelings which I did not have. But Seven, even if my feelings had been genuine it was certainly not your part to interfere, I do not need that kind of protection."

Seven flinched and blurted out furiously "I should have eliminated him."

"Love does not give you the right to threaten violence or to invade another's privacy. Back on Earth I was in love with a man and we were to be married, if he were here now would you threaten him?" From Seven's expression Kathryn realised with a sinking feeling that the drone was unaware of her former fiancee.

Seven's voice trembled. "Captain it is apparent I have misunderstood the nature of such human relationships, obviously you feel free to move from one lover to another. We should return to our former relationship as I do not believe I could bear to be abandoned when you find the next true love."

It was Kathryn's turn to flinch but her temper had burst its restraints. "I'd have to agree Seven, at this time you obviously lack the maturity for a personal relationship, not to mention your obvious lack of trust. Just forget the whole thing - put it down to stressful circumstances."

The women stood and glared at each other, shaken by anger and fear. They barely noticed the arrival of two Devore soldiers who saluted smartly, the smaller one saying "Captain Janeway, Sir, Inspector Kashyk requests your presence in the main laboratory. The Borg is also required."

The Captain drew a sharp breath and the habitual mask of command came down over her features disguising the anger and distress that had been visible a moment before. She nodded her agreement and turned and led the way out of the room. The two soldiers waited as Seven of Nine stood looking after the Captain unable to comprehend how quickly her world had collapsed.

The soldier hesitated as he looked at Seven, he was at a loss to see tears rolling down the face of the Borg. "Ma'am, er Miss, Seven of Nine. You must accompany us now. To the laboratory."

Seven looked at him and did not understand what he was saying. Controlling herself she rapidly replayed the last few seconds of conversation. "I will comply." was all she could manage to say. Consciously she handed motor control to her analytical Borg brain and her machine-half took over, suppressing the pain, organising her thoughts and monitoring her actions. She left the room unaware that her walk and speech were noticeably more Borg than usual.

*~~~*

The laboratory was crowded, the full team of scientists were present, most standing by monitoring equipment and Professor Derrish was moving from one station to another fussing over the details.

Janeway entered the room with Nithqref and Kraal who fell into step on either side, Seven walked a little further behind.

The ex-drone looked unemotional and calm but Janeway had noticed her slightly jerky motion with some concern and cursed her own loss of control. Seven was young and wholly without emotional experience. Her inner voice was scornful If you couldn't be patient with her Kathryn you should have left her alone, Kahless knows how much you have hurt her.

Kashyk stood talking to two men that Janeway did not recognise, a high ranking inspector and a senior army officer.

The Inspector introduced them "Captain Janeway, this is Controller Goff representing the High Command and General Maryk, commander of the Marine regiments."

Goff, a corpulent and cold eyed man spoke in a soft voice, "Well Captain I understand you and your team are ready for testing on live subjects. The High Command are very interested in the outcome of this test, however we are not happy with the first tests being performed on Devore citizens or soldiers and I have asked Inspector Kashyk to obtain some subjects from amongst the prisoners."

He pointed towards the corner of the room where she could see three terrified looking prisoners cowering before their guards.

Captain Janeway stepped back sharply and glared at Inspector Kashyk. "What the hell are you talking about? That was not what we agreed Inspector, you said they would be volunteers."

Inspector Kashyk regarded her with lethal amusement. "Indeed they are volunteers Captain. Their future options were explained to them and they volunteered."

"Controller Goff I made it clear that our co-operation was strictly on the basis of using free volunteers, the tests will not take place unless this condition is met."

The fat controller was not used to prisoners arguing with him and was somewhat taken aback but he recovered quickly. "You and your team are in no position to bargain with us Captain Janeway." His low voice was menacing and many of the assembled Devore began to look frightened; Goff had not reached the elevated position of Controller of the Inspectorate through a reputation for good works.

Kathryn Janeway was icy and fearless.

"You still require Seven of Nine to complete the tests and you will find that a number of the key control protocols cannot be released without my personal authorisation." She sneered with a lot more confidence than she actually felt "Controller Goff, you may be able to torture compliance from myself and Seven of Nine eventually but I promise it will take several days you cannot afford." She gestured at the war display on the wall. "Likewise you may be able to work around the technological problems without our help - but that would take even longer."

Inspector Kashyk was smiling at her outburst, amused by Goff's obvious annoyance and the thought of his coming surprise. "Kathryn I was worried that you might be unreasonable about this so I took out a little insurance."

He nodded to a technician who adjusted a control panel. A two-meter view screen on the wall activated and they could hear loud terrified squealing noises. A large, but definitely feminine, Parath could be seen sitting on the floor of a room bound and gagged together with five young Parath who were the source of the squealing noises. Kraal swore but then kept silent except for some heavy bass growling noises emanating from deep in his chest.

"Either we carry out the tests with our three volunteers or I will have the Parath's family slaughtered now, your choice Captain."

"Kraal is that your family?" Kathryn asked.

The Parath nodded and ground his teeth.

Kathryn fought to keep her face impassive. She had steeled herself to the idea that the Devore might torture her or her comrades, even her beloved Seven of Nine. They were in a war and she understood the risks. But to choose which innocent parties should suffer was different, she did not know how to take that responsibility, had never been able to make those choices. Her father and a fiancee had both died because she couldn't make that kind of choice. Nithqref could feel her anguish and spoke to her 'Steady Kathryn, you can do this. Do not allow them to take away your choice, remember many lives depend on you.'

Kathryn looked at Kashyk and caught the triumph on his face. A flash of mental lightning illuminated his intentions as if they were her own. This dispute had nothing to do with defeating the Borg and everything to do with Kashyk's obsessive hatred and desire to outwit her and prove the weakness of her compassion. The answer was to give him what he wanted.

"Controller Goff, Inspector Kashyk, may we speak alone for a few moments?" Goff waved everybody away and the Devore scuttled off immediately even General Maryk.

Captain Kathryn Janeway turned on the diplomatic charm. Her voice was calm and reasonable "Controller Goff we all wish this project to succeed and I would like to offer a compromise to overcome the immediate problem. This project was my idea and it would seem just to test the results on myself first; if the first test is successful then two other free volunteers may be used at considerably less risk and if they are Devore the credibility of the project would be greatly enhanced."

Goff allowed his doubt to show "I do not believe that is a good idea Captain Janeway. These prisoners are expendable. At the moment you have a certain value."

By contrast Inspector Kashyk pounced on the offer as Janeway knew he would.

"On the contrary Controller I believe the Captain has provided us with an excellent solution. Assuming the procedure works, and I have every confidence, what better way of encouraging our troops than to show that the Captain had enough belief in her work to be the first subject? If the test fails then I do not believe that either the good Captain or this project will have much to look forward to."

Kashyk looked as pleased as a Klingon with a cornered Targ. Kathryn had to resist the impulse to wipe his smile off with her fists.

Goff looked suspiciously at the Starfleet Captain, "Captain it escapes me why you should risk yourself in this manner."

"The fair Captain cannot resist proving her nobility and superiority compared to barbarians such as ourselves Controller" said Kashyk.

Kathryn Janeway smiled broadly "I believe the Inspector feels he is a winner however the test works out. He is either a hero of the Devore Imperium or I die a horrible death. A somewhat personal motivation but perhaps the Imperium finds that acceptable?"

Goff laughed, or at least Kathryn guessed that was his intention, the result was nearer a cackle. "The Imperium finds any motivation acceptable if the outcome is in our interests, including yours my dear Captain, you may proceed."

*~~~*

Kathryn's team stood a little way off watching the apparent affability between their Captain and the Devore. "What in Freling's name are they saying Nithqref?" asked Kraal.

'Kathryn made it clear to me that I was not to intrude,' replied the telepath, 'but they appear to have finished.'

Goff raised his voice and addressed the room. "I have decided that the tests will proceed, Captain Janeway has volunteered to be the first subject,..."

"No, you cannot" Seven's voice was barely above a whisper but in the silence it was clearly audible.

Goff ignored the interruption ".... we will be seeking two additional volunteers for the subsequent tests"

Kraal stepped forward "Captain you will be a most unimpressive drone, I am far better suited to the uniform and I will go first."

"I am afraid that is not part of the deal Kraal, I go first or no one gets to play." Kathryn's tone allowed no argument.

For once Kraal did not try. "Then I will be next. So we have one Human, one Parath and no Devore, how unsurprising," the Parath sneered.

"I have already indicated my willingness to the Inspector" said Professor Derrish quietly, "Let us proceed, enough time has been lost."

Kathryn nodded and started to organise her team. She removed her battered Starfleet jacket and then looked at the Devore guards and said firmly "You had better be ready. If things don't go as planned you will have limited time and limited shots before the new Borg drones adapt. Whatever happens the drones must not be allowed to contact the collective, is that understood?" The Devore guards came to attention and saluted.

"Seven are you ready?" It was only now that Kathryn allowed herself to look at Seven of Nine. The drone looked lost and vulnerable, for the second time that day Seven could not process her feelings or make sense of events. All she could think was that somehow her argument with the Captain had caused this to happen.

"Kathryn please, I did not mean to ..., I cannot do this. I know you fear assimilation, why are you allowing this?"

Kathryn lowered her voice to reply "Seven this is not a personal matter. It is a matter of responsibility and duty and has nothing to do with us." The Captain paused and then continued a little hesitantly "Seven, er I.... look, earlier - I was hasty and .... unkind - You and me, we need to talk, to spend time, to get used to being in a different relationship. But I do love you, a few words spoken in anger cannot change that."

"We are unlikely to have that time if you are assimilated." Seven looked and sounded so forlorn that Kathryn nearly smiled.

"Why are you so pessimistic?"

Seven recovered some of her Borg detachment when she answered "This work was done with Devore volunteers in mind and many of the tests made specific reference to Devore physical characteristics. You are Human and the tests are much less reliable indicators. You and Kraal introduce other variables which we have not considered."

"The physiological differences between Humans and Devore are not so great from an assimilation point of view, are they?" Seven dropped her eyes in reluctant agreement. The Captain stepped forward and put her arms around her drone "Seven remember we have a few safety nets tucked up our sleeve. You will just have to be quick to implement them before our friends there terminate me."

*~~~*

The hypo entered her arm. A curious warmth began to flood through her veins and then the pain began as the 'probes began the destruction and reconstruction of her internal organs, bones and even her brain. The crowd saw her body go rigid within the bonds holding her to the chair. "Seven help me." She whispered and then could make no more sounds nor even move. Seven turned her head unable to watch anymore, Kraal put his hand on the Borg's shoulder.

Inspector Kashyk stared at the bound and helpless figure of Captain Janeway, a parody of a smile glued to his face, fascinated by the metamorphosis. Controller Goff was impassive, his small grey eyes betrayed no feelings beyond mild interest. There was utter silence as the seconds shuddered by.

The Captain had become visibly paler and a small implant exploded below her ear, several people gasped and the watching crowd collectively shrank back.

"Life signs, are they stable? I want a progress report now." Prof Derrish snapped angrily at the distracted technicians who were unable to drag their eyes back to their monitors and away from the spectacle in front of them. Other implants began to erupt on Janeway's hands and arms.

Reluctantly the senior technician returned to his post. "Transformation is proceeding as expected Professor. Estimated completion 27.2%, life signs are within acceptable parameters."

"Report progress at 30 second intervals."

The reports continued marking the passage of time until the terse response "estimated completion 93.4%." The technician's voice then rose slightly "the process is not slowing down Professor, there is a problem."

Seven of Nine pushed Kraal away and stepped closer. "What is wrong?" She sounded fierce and the technician replied quickly.

"The rate of conversion is accelerating - and does not accord with the specifications, unknown changes are being effected. The process should have stopped."

Seven was at Janeway's side so fast that the Devore had no time to intervene and without hesitation plunged her assimilation tubules into the Captain's neck.

"What you are doing Seven of Nine?" Kashyk snapped back to life.

For a few seconds Seven ignored the enquiry, concentrating on her task before replying "I am accessing the nanoprobe assimilation records, the 'probes have failed to recognise that assimilation is complete. I am now manually deactivating them."

Seven breathed out slowly "further assimilation has been stopped, I do not know if I was in time." The Captain's body twitched and relaxed.

Janeway eyes opened and focused. The world looked odd - she could see objects clearly, very clearly, but could not make out what they were. Then a bolt of pain shot through her. "I don't feel so good," she tried to complain. Her voice sounded wrong and the words were gibberish. Slowly the memory of what had happened returned to the ex-Captain. Doesn't look good for me - seems like Seven was right. God I wonder what I look like.*

"Captain can you hear me?" asked Seven and then jumped back as the small red head effortlessly snapped the braces holding her right arm and flailed it in her direction but the Captain was not even looking at Seven. She stared straight ahead while her arm waved about, she was making noises but nothing intelligible. The guards aimed their weapons.

One of the shapes made a sound - Janeway could not recognise the noise. She then tried to look round but her field of view didn't change and she could not work out where her head was or where her body began. She had a vague sensation of movement and she could see a long thin shape in motion somewhere close by. I wonder if that belongs to me whatever it is. Perhaps I am dead.

"Do not fire." said Seven of Nine as forcefully as she could. She and Kraal placed themselves between the Captain and the raised phasers. "Captain Janeway cannot yet control her body, without the collective voice she must learn to control her mechanical implants directly."

Kashyk advanced towards the group with a sneer. "You did not mention this before Borg. It appears to me that the Captain has become a drone, what if she is attempting to contact the collective? This must not be permitted."

Derrish intervened quietly. "The Captain is being fully monitored and has not attempted to communicate with the Borg collective. We must allow her some time to recover her senses, literally, her condition is not unexpected and monitoring her recovery is part of the test."

Kashyk became furious.

"I do not agree with you Professor. The experiment has clearly failed and we cannot risk attracting the attention of the Borg so we must eliminate her now." He appealed to his superior, "Controller Goff, in view of the dangers it is clear that the subject should be destroyed."

The fat controller hesitated a moment too long. Seven of Nine seized Inspector Kashyk by the throat and spun him round to face their audience. She increased the pressure on his windpipe until he was unable to breathe. "You will not attempt to harm her. Any sudden movement will result in the Inspector's immediate termination." To make her point Seven twisted the Inspector's head to within a millimetre of snapping his neck. He would have screamed if he had been able.

"Put him down Borg. No one will be hurt if you release the Inspector but I will not tolerate blackmail." Controller Goff's small eyes showed no emotion as he spoke. "The Inspector's loss will cause me little grief. As a hostage he was a poor choice," his jowls quivered slightly, possibly with amusement, and he gestured at the Captain, "However I am interested in the results of your project. You have ten seconds Borg before I order the guards to kill all of you."

Before his ultimatum could be tested, the emergency klaxons began and the hailing system began to issue warnings.