Alpha - Chapter 8

Seven spent her first morning back at Starfleet filling out various personal information PADD's, looking over her contract and being assessed by security for her clearance. Finally after a short lunch with Kathryn, who was back in Voyager debriefing sessions, she was shown to her working area and offices, situated in the most secure area of the Starfleet Command science unit: the Advanced Technologies section.

The first priority was appointing a research team. Admiral Harris had given Seven a pile of PADD's to review, each with dossiers on the Federation's finest scientific candidates. The following day several delegates from the major players in the Federation were due to meet with Starfleet on the Gateway project. Many of these scientists had already expressed an interest in relocating to Earth to work on the project.

That night Kathryn and Seven went to Indiana to tell Gretchen and Phoebe about their engagement. It was going to be a short one: Seven had insisted upon that. Knowing Kathryn's track record she was determined to get her to the altar ASAP.

Janeway was a little taken aback at the fact that Gretchen apparently already knew.

"You asked permission?" she asked Seven incredulously.

"She thought that was what she was supposed to do," Gretchen said defensively.

Seven nodded in agreement. "The Doctor and his social lessons..."

"Should I wear one of the dresses I bought for your earlier engagements or should I buy a new one?" Phoebe asked.

Kathryn tossed her a glare, then tempered it with a smile.

With an early start in the morning, the pair went home straight after dinner. Both were attending the delegates' Gateway briefing the following day.

Kathryn was ultimately in command of the Gateway project as it fell under her new department. There had been early talk of a promotion for her, but Kathryn still felt too young to be an Admiral. Move this lower?

At 08:00 hours Admiral Harris introduced Seven to the delegation.

Seven prefaced the presentation with a few words on her origins, and explained that she had been a member of the Borg Collective. Starfleet had not deemed it necessary to tell all delegates this important fact.

Janeway watched with the others gathered at the delegation, her heart hammering nervously in her chest. She wasn't sure how good of a public speaker Seven would be. She needed to sell herself today: Seven WAS the project. She wasn't sure if her nervousness was empathetic or her own.

Seven's expression was unreadable as she took her place at the podium. She tossed her a quick glance before she began. Her voice was clear and confident, and Kathryn could feel some of her tension ease ? but it came rushing back to her as Seven began to explain that she had been a Borg drone for eighteen years. It probably didn't help that she listed it under "work experience,"

As it explained her expertise on alien technologies and her knowledge of transwarp, Seven felt the information was crucial. Just attending this meeting required a very high clearance, so this information was not likely to get out into the wider Federation community.

The room chilled considerably as the statement rippled through the audience.

"I have never heard of someone living with the Borg so long, much less surviving," someone stated sceptically.

"I was fortunate to have the best personnel in Starfleet to assist with my recovery," she said, casting a glance over at Kathryn, noticing the blood had drained from her face.

The explanation seemed to ease the room a little and she continued with the briefing.

Seven went over her initial work on the Gateway technology, including the transwarp component and the artificial wormhole technology. Her findings bought many gasps from the members of the audience, who were now all able to see why their own tests had not been successful.

Seven finished her presentation by opening the floor to questions.

"Lenara Khan, Trill science team. In our most recent tests we were using a subspace tensor matrix to open an aperture in the space-time continuum at which point it became self-sustaining for 20.4 seconds. What did you use to sustain the wormhole?"

"The use of a three dimensional vector field would seem an obvious choice, however I found that by using a tachyon pulse with the same modulation and flux density used to open a transwarp conduit, it enabled me to fortify and sustain the wormhole for travel." answered Seven briskly.

Dr Khan seemed content with the answer. A Bajoran man stood up.

"Zatak Emal , Bajoran wormhole monitoring team leader. In your tests did you monitor the difference in verteron particles between the artificial wormhole, and any previous natural wormholes you may have encountered?"

"Yes, the presence of verterons were higher in the artificial wormhole." responded Seven. "It is my theory that by boosting the level of particles even further we will create a wormhole far more stable than the naturally occurring variety. A significant amount of my initial work will concentrate on this area. Additionally, if another theory proves correct, we will be able to use a similar process to increase the stability of naturally occurring wormholes."

The audience was most impressed with Seven's response. The questions were fired fast and furious for another two hours. Her answers were precise, her manner responsive and professional and her expertise unquestioned. Kathryn was so proud of wife-to-be as she sat in the audience. Seven had come a very long way in such a short time.

After the presentation Admiral Harris escorted Seven from the lecture hall to the reception area where food and drinks were on offer to the delegates.

"Everyone seems to know their stuff, wouldn't you agree Seven?"

"Not well enough it seems, or they would have developed the technology by now."

"Very true." The Admiral smirked. Seven's manner was growing on him. "Did you get a chance to go over the resumes I left for you?"

"Of course, I have selected the most suitable candidates, all of whom I identified in the room this morning. I was satsified with the general calibre of the group, although I do want to conduct interviews."

"Very well Seven. You're the boss."

Seven very much doubted that, but acknowledged the Admiral with a curt smile. She then surveyed the room and saw that Kathryn was busy talking to a group of people. There was no reason for Seven to join her. Instead she wandered over to the table and poured herself a juice. Many eyes were on her. Eventually Admiral Harris dragged one high ranking Federation scientific expert after another over and introduced them to Starfleet's new shining star.

In the afternoon Seven met individually with the Vulcan, Trill and Bajoran teams. She went over data collected and test findings with the groups. At this stage the Trill were the most advanced. While Seven did not share her own detailed mission data with the delegations, she was able to get a better idea of who should be working with her. By the end of the day all candidates has been approached for interview times with Seven the following day.

Seven and Kathryn decided to walk home that afternoon. It was becoming a ritual for them, the view along the water was beautiful, the fresh air was still a new to them after so many years on board a starship, also it was a perfect time for the pair to catch up on their respective days work.

"You were brilliant this morning, my love." said Kathryn as the left the Starfleet grounds.

"I simply explained my research. It was not that hard."

"But you seemed so in control, and not at all intimidated by the people in the room." persisted Kathryn.

"Why should I be?"

Kathryn smiled. "No reason, those men and women were just some of the greatest minds in the Quadrant."

"I succeeded where they have all failed."

"Many have, darling." said Kathryn, "Speaking of... Mark sent a communication through to me this afternoon."

"And what did Mr Johnson want?" Seven was being playfully sarcastic.

"To catch up soon."

"And am I invited to this 'catch-up'?"

"Of course. His wife will be there too."

"So you have already accepted the invitation? I had thought you would have consulted me first."

"It's just a drink, Seven."

"Yes, but did you think I would be agreeable with this?" She tried to bite off the words before they could escape her lips.

"Quite frankly I didn't even consider if you would or not. I want to go, I just thought you would like to come with me." said Kathryn, a little too harshly.

"You want to go?"

"Well, Seven, I was engaged to the man for several years, and prior to that we had been friends since childhood. I am entitled to catch up with him."

Seven took this in. "Indeed."

"Anyway, I thought you'd like to be there when I tell him that we are getting married."

Seven tried to stop the smile that was starting with her lips, but Kathryn could already see the shine in her eyes. "That would be acceptable."

The following day Seven spent roughly two hours with each of the four scientists she wanted for the Gateway project. The first a Vulcan woman, Ai'la, was perfectly competent in transwarp theory and had been working with a Vulcan team who had been testing transwarp coil technology. Her manner was truly Vulcan, and as Seven was herself being constantly likened to the cool-mannered logicians, she suspected she would work very well with this woman.

The next candidate was Zatak Emal, the Bajoran wormhole expert. Zatak had spent his entire career monitoring the nearby wormhole. While he had no relevant experience with new technology, his sound scientific expertise on the components that construct a perfect wormhole were second to none.

Lieutenant Stephen Young, a Starfleet science officer was Seven's third choice. He had assisted both the Vulcans and Trill on their various experiments as a Starfleet representative. He was not much older than Seven, and she also noticed in his records that he had also been accepted into the Daystrom Institute.

"Lieutenant, why did you choose Starfleet over Daystrom?"

"I wanted to work on the practical applications of science, not just the research. I thought my chances of doing that would be greater with Starfleet and so far I have not been disappointed."

"During the Dominion war you worked on a project that tried to replicate a poisonous variant of Ketracel White, intended to kill Jem'Hadar soldiers. How did you benefit from this scientific pursuit?"

"We were unsuccessful in our attempts, therefore I would consider it a low point in my scientific career."

"And personally, you were attempting to create a weapon of mass chemical destruction. How did you feel about that?" A vision of Deanna Troi flashed in her mind and for a moment she felt what it must like to be a counsellor trying to get information out of people.

"With all due respect, we were at war." He paused not knowing to continue or quit while he was ahead, "You are Borg. Why would you care what I thought about this?"

"I was merely trying to ascertain your code of ethics. If the Federation were at war tomorrow, it is possible the technology we are working on could have applications that would be considered questionable. I wanted to know if you consider these issues in your scientific pursuits." Seven paused briefly. "The fact that I was Borg does not cloud my perspective on moral issues."

"Then may I ask what 'moral' code do you use when making potentially life threatening decisions?" asked Young.

"In anything I do, I choose to assess the nature of a problem in a measurable way. I then calculate the risks, and usually choose the most efficient way to perform the task." Seven continued, "This formula works if I am attempting to destroying a Borg cube, or simply change a plasma conduit."

The Lieutenant seemed a little a taken back.

"Mr Young, I have killed many Borg in the last four years."

"I see." Young was not expecting this revelation.

"Do you wish to work on this project?" asked Seven pointedly.

"Yes."

"It is my opinion that you have the necessary qualifications to do so. I will be recommending your transfer to the Admiral."

The last candidate for the day was Lenara Khan, the Trill scientist who headed their Artificial Wormhole team.

Khan came with the most experience in the Alpha Quadrant so there was no question that Seven wanted her on the project.

"Dr. Khan, thank you for meeting with me." said Seven as both women took a seat.

The woman simply acknowledged Seven with a brief smile.

"You certainly have the most comprehensive expertise in this field. Would you consider moving to Earth to work on the Gateway project?" Seven decided to cut to the chase.

"The program intrigues me, Seven..." she hesitated, "although I am not sure I want to work on Gateway."

"Would you prefer to concentrate on your own research?"

"I don't have any research to concentrate on. The Trill government pulled the plug when Starfleet informed them of Gateway."

"Are your concerns about moving to Earth? Or is it your status as joined Trill?" pressed Seven.

"No, that it quite irrelevant. To be perfectly honest I don't know that I want to work with you."

Seven had expected this from the candidates, however after reading Lenara profile, she was surprised it was coming from her.

"Because I was Borg."

"Yes". 'Like there would be any other reason' thought Lenara to herself.

"I'm sorry you feel that way Dr. Khan. It is one of the few things about myself that I am able to change." Seven continued, "Would you care to elaborate any further on your concerns? What is it about the Borg, in particular, that you do not like?"

Lenara couldn't quite figure if this woman was for real... what was there about the Borg to like at all?

"Seven, inventing technology through scientific pursuit is a noble profession - one I have dedicated my entire career to. From your presentation, all I gathered was that you were able to invent the technology using the assimilated knowledge of thousands of species. If you had not been Borg, you would not have made this discovery."

"True. Again, I cannot change that fact."

"I have a moral dilemma using the pain and suffering of thousands of species at the hands of the Borg as scientific gain as a basis for technological advancement."

"Dr. Khan, if it is any consolation I share your concerns. However I use my knowledge from the collective in everything I do. It is not a part of me that cannot be simply deleted, or ignored. I have had many different experiences since my link to the Collective was severed. I now know first hand the destruction and damage that the Borg inflicted across the galaxy. I also know the personal pain of being assimilated along with my own mother and father."

Lenara was momentarily shaken by this personal account of suffering.

Seven continued. "I am one of very few survivors of the Borg. From what I can gather, humans' motives are based on the experiences that have shaped their lives. In a joined Trill's case, it could be the experience from a dozen lives. Are you able to distinguish your individual motivations in isolation to the experiences of the past hosts of your symbiont?"

"Not always."

"And have the actions of those past hosts always been noble and moral?"

"Not ? always." admitted Dr Khan.

"Similarly, I am unable to distinguish my own intellect and abilities from those I gained as a Borg drone. The result is that I am more than a single entity. As I believe you are, simply by being a joined Trill."

Lenara was almost appalled at the thought of being liken to a Borg drone, but was rational enough to see there was merit in the analogy. "Seven, I understand what you are saying, and it is an interesting perspective, however I am still sceptical." Lenara paused briefly and took in the woman in front of her. "May I ask you a personal question?"

"Yes."

"What do you consider yourself; a former Borg or a former Human?"

"A human who was assimilated by the Borg." spoke Seven, "My body is 83% human, 17% Borg. But I believe my true nature is human. Although it took me some time to reach this conclusion."

"How did you?"

"By experiencing love."

Lenara was shocked. Sexuality was not something she had attributed to Seven. Of course she was beautiful, but her manner was so cold, and so closed. To know that she had the capability of feeling such a basic emotion - the most powerful of all, instantly changed Lenara's perception of this young woman.

Seven was surprised by the almost instant change in Dr. Khan's expression. Her features softened considerably, and for the first time since she entered the room, Seven felt that Khan was actually looking at her. All because she had experienced love? She would never understand the complexity of people. Still this seemed to strike a chord with the Dr. Khan, and as Seven dearly wanted her on the team, so she felt inclined to take this further.

"Does that change your perception of me, Dr. Khan."

"Somewhat. It was an unexpected response..."

"How so, Doctor?"

"I did not think you ? capable of such feelings. I had not allowed myself to see a human side to you."

"Most people don't Dr. Khan. I am accustomed to that. I am just fortunate that my partner does see my human side."

"Your partner was on Voyager?"

"She was the Captain."

"Captain Janeway?" Lenara was visibly shocked now.

"Yes."

"I met her yesterday. She is a very interesting person, extremely intelligent and quite capable by the sound of things."

"Those are just a few of her attributes." Seven continued, "We are getting married soon." There was no reason for her to tell Dr Khan this, but it occurred to Seven that she had not personally told anyone the news yet. The words felt great as they left her mouth.

"That will be wonderful for you both, I'm sure."

"Yes. Dr Khan, I'm afraid we have diverged from the purpose of this meeting." Seven went on, "I will make no secret of the fact that I want you to be second in command of the project. I understand your concerns, and if you choose not to take the position, I will understand. However I do strongly request that you consider the offer. I would like to work with you."

"Thank you. If it is all right with you I'll discuss it with my family before I decide. Please understand it is quite a big move."

"Of course." With the Seven stood up and extended her hand to Dr. Khan. "I hope to hear from you."

On their walk home that evening, Seven related her experiences of the day to Kathryn. She was visibly excited at the prospect of starting her work again.

"When I have my senior staff settled I would like to invite them over for dinner. I think they might benefit from seeing I have a human side. Would that be acceptable?" asked Seven.

"Of course Seven. Please don't think you need my permission to ask people over. It is our house."

"Yes. Although I am often uncertain as to how you feel about your fellow officers knowing about our relationship."

"Seven I wouldn't be marrying you if I wanted to hide our relationship. I love you more than life itself. I don't care who the hell knows about it. It is just when we are on duty together that I like us to remain professional, and not to discuss our status. It is not the time or the place."

"I understand. So it is OK with you that I told Dr Khan about our engagement today."

"Of course." Kathryn was intrigued, "How did that come up in the interview?"

"A long story..." and with that the couple walked hand in hand along the water to their home.

The rest of the week Seven, with the help of some senior science officers, picked the junior members of her research team from Starfleet's brightest young officers. On Friday afternoon, Seven met with Admiral Harris and Admiral Yuan, the head of Starfleet science and Captain Janeway to go over the staff placements and other matter concerning Gateway. Admiral Harris was pleased to announce that after much deliberation Dr Khan had decided to join the project. Harris and Janeway were concerned with the practical applications of Gateway, and were interested in Seven's initial time line. Yuan was more concerned with the integrity of the research and did not want the project rushed for the sake of Starfleet having a new card up their sleeve.

Yuan had been extremely helpful to Seven in her first week. As it turned out he had studied with her grandfather, and held Anders Hansen in extremely high regard. While many were excited about the military applications of Gateway, Yuan was captivated by the barriers this invention was crashing down, not only in scientific theory, but the technology itself would open up endless new doors in scientific research in all parts of the unexplored quadrants.

Seven knew she would be working to a tight schedule. Command was eager to test Gateway again as soon as possible. Though she felt it imperative to assess all objectives before putting her strategy to Starfleet. To do this she had to be sure of Starfleet's intentions. Seven was determined to use this meeting to get a clear picture before committing herself to an unreasonable workload or unachievable targets.

"Admiral Harris, could you please tell me exactly Starfleet wants to achieve with the Gateway in the short term?"

"Seven, we want the technology to be proven and tested before we send our ships to unknown reaches of the galaxy. With all due respect, we don't want another Voyager on our hands."

"Of course Admiral, but before sending ships to such places, I understand a great deal of training will be provided, hence Captain Janeway's involvement in the project. This will not happen over night, nor I can assure you will my research and testing. Therefore I need a short term goal to work towards?"

"Captain Janeway and I have been discussing strategy, we believe we could have six shipsready to go in eight to ten months. They will be primarily science vessles, although they will be well equipped to defend themselves."

"Very well, Gateway will be ready in seven months then." Seven had been expected the Admiral to say six months, which was an unacceptable time frame. She was relieved to see his schedule was at least realistic.

"After we have outfitted the six ships, I'm sure my team would like to continue research on other applications of this technology."

"By all means Seven."

The rest of the meeting was taken up with personal issues, and ended with some initial discussion on possible testing sites for the project.

Lenara Khan was waiting for Seven when she returned from the meeting.

"Dr Khan, the Admiral informed me you have accepted the position."

"I came to tell you personally. I was not aware the word was out yet." Lenara looked a bit miffed, "My government must have told him."

"Perhaps." said Seven, "I am pleased you accepted. Is 'welcome aboard' the correct saying?"

"I believe it is, thank you." smiled Dr Khan. "I will be able to report for duty in a week: there are things I must tie up at home."

"Dr. Khan, it is not 'duty'. This may be Starfleet, but you and I are not, so let's dispense with the military terminologies."

"That would be wonderful. Then you must also start calling me Lenara."

"Very well."

"Lieutenant Young, Zatak and Ai'la will all be starting the same day as you. I suggest that we have dinner at my home the Sunday before we all commence."

"What a great idea."

"Dr-... Lenara, if you have any questions while you are away, please don't hesitate to contact me."

"Of course, the same goes for you." Lenara started towards the door, "Seven I apologise for any judgements I may have made about you. I am looking forward to working with you."

"There is no need to apologise, but thank you." Seven watched Lenara walk down the corridor, and felt quite certain she had assembled the best team available for the initial stage of the project. Several engineers would have to come on board when they were closer to testing, but that was a little while down the track.

Seven looked at the time, she was going to be late for drinks if she didn't leave now. Kathryn was waiting for her... things had changed since their days on Voyager. They transported home rather than walking, and then ordered a transport to Curitiba, on the former continent of South America where Mark and his wife Louise lived.

Rather than visiting Mark's home, where he had lived when he was still with Kathryn, both Seven and Kathryn felt more comfortable meeting the couple at a nearby hotel. Kathryn was sure Louise would also appreciate this. It had become apparent when talking with Mark earlier in the week, that Kathryn had actually met his wife on several occasions before leaving to take command of Voyager. Louise was the daughter of Gerald Morgan, one of the senior philosophers at the Questor group. She had lived in Curitiba her entire life. Mark had been friends with her since he was first took up his position with the renowned group of philosophers well over ten years ago now. Mark's marriage did not surprise Kathryn one bit now, as she had recognised Louise's affection for Mark when they were still engaged.

Mark and Louise were waiting at a table as Kathryn and Seven entered the room. The stood and greeted each other. After his last experience, Mark looked a bit wary when Seven shook his hand.

"Kathryn, you must be so happy to be back on Earth." stated Louise very politely.

"Yes, it has been a wonderful few weeks. There were times I didn't dare dream about returning."

"Seven, have you been to Earth before?" asked Mark.

"No, I was born on the Tendara colony."

"Really? I hear it is a beautiful planet."

"I do not have any memories of it. My family left when I was about four."

"Oh." Mark really didn't know where to go from there. "So how do you like Earth then?"

"It is a interesting place. I enjoy the diversity as I have not lived on a planet before."

"Seven and I recently went to Cairns and also to France, we're trying to see as much as we can." offered Kathryn.

"Of course we have both resumed working, so our spare time will be limited now," added Seven.

"Yes, never could drag Kathryn away from her duty." said Mark, with a hint of bitterness that Kathryn heard loud and clear.

"On the contrary, it is I who was required at Starfleet Command, Kathryn could have taken six months off if she wanted to." Corrected Seven.

"Well then why didn't you Kathryn?" asked Mark who was rather curious.

"I didn't see the point if Seven was working. It was quite a simple choice." Kathryn went on, "Anyway, I have a new position that will see me stay in San Francisco for quite some time."

"A desk job?"

"Yes." replied Kathryn.

"You used to say you'd leave Starfleet before taking a desk job." Mark was quite shocked.

"That was before I was lost 75,000 light years away from home, with very little hope of ever seeing my friends and family again. I've had enough space travel to last me a life time Mark." Kathryn paused to take a breath. "My priorities have changed."

Mark tried not to choke. "Next you'll be telling me you want to have children, Kathy."

"We have discussed it on many occasions." said Seven. Kathryn nodded her head in agreement.

"Well, things have changed haven't they?" said a rather shocked Mark.

Louise sat there watching the conversation unfold. At least she had nothing to worry about: Kathryn was clearly wrapt in this Seven woman. Louise made a mental note to be particularly attentive in bed tonight, it must be hard for Mark knowing his former fiancé was now seeing a woman, she didn't care how enlightened people were in this day and age, it must be hurting his male pride.

"So what else is news then?" asked Mark rather sarcastically.

"Seven and I are getting married in two months." stated Kathryn.

'Correction, make that marrying another woman' thought Louise to herself, she was visibly ecstatic at this news, "Really, that is wonderful! Congratulations you two!" she went on, "Tell me all about it, when, where?"

Mark sank back into his chair as Louise fussed over Kathryn and Seven. The night went on with much of the same conversation. As much as he tried, Mark couldn't shake the feeling that he was with the wrong woman at the table.

Feeling like Kathryn and Mark probably need some time alone, Seven rather uncharacteristically asked Louise to show her around the outside garden area of the hotel, as the "terrain was remarkably different to that in San Francisco." Louise seemed hesitant at first, but realised there was no harm.

When they were alone Mark asked, "Kathryn, I've got to know, did you start seeing Seven before or after I sent the letter to you?"

"After. I remained single for four years." She hesitated, but then went on, "Although to be honest Mark, I was interested in her before receiving your letter. In a way it helped me get my act together."

"I'm glad I was of some service then." said Mark with a little bitterness.

"Mark, regardless of Voyager getting lost, I know now that we weren't meant to be together."

"Really, then how come I don't?"

"I can't answer that."

"Kathryn I was devastated when I thought you were gone, it was the hardest time of my life. When I finally accepted you weren't coming back... well, Louise was there, and?"

"You don't have to explain Mark."

"But I feel I do? I feel as though I cheated on you."

"Mark, things happen for a reason. I know I was lost in the Delta Quadrant to meet Seven, it was my destiny. I bare no grudge against you at all for marrying someone else."

"I considered ending it when I knew your were alive. That is part of the reason I came to meet you the day Voyager came home."

"Mark if you are not happy with Louise, I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do about it."

Mark was silent for a moment. "I am happy Kathy, it's just that she's not ... you."

Kathryn didn't know how to respond. They sat there in silence for a while. As Seven and Louise made their way back to the table Kathryn remembered something. "How is Molly, you mentioned at the arrival ceremony that you still have her?"

Louise's face lit up at the mention of Molly, "Oh, she's just great, she had puppies a few years ago, and they've all grown up just like their Mom."

Mark turned to Louise with a look that said 'don't say any thing else.'

"Kathryn, she is your dog. Would you like her back?"

Louise looked mortified. It didn't take Kathryn long to make up her mind. "No Mark, her home is with you and Louise now. But please don't ever hesitate to call if you need a babysitter."

Seven was relieved, the thought of a pet dog did not do much for her at all. Pets were an inefficient concept to her.

A few minutes later Kathryn and Seven made their excuses and walked back to the transport site. The evening had not been a complete disaster, and Kathryn was happy to have some closure on her relationship with Mark. It seemed unlikely now that they would ever become friends again in the future. Their lives had taken very separate paths. Still, Kathryn was extremely happy with the road she had chosen.