As she pressed the hypospray against her neck and heard the soft hiss. She
felt momentarily dizzy before a sense of peace enveloped her. It only took a
couple of seconds before she felt her strength returning. It was truly an
amazing experience very different than when One had tried to obtain her
knowledge by assimilating her. That had been quite painful bringing her to
the edge of tears this was actually pleasurable. She picked up the pad to
reread the captains report once again before writing a reply.
Seven, Although Naomi had already explained your background we were
working
under the erroneous assumption that you either no longer had the need to
regenerate or had more time before your next cycle was necessary. It took a
little time to isolate the appropriate number of nanoprobes from my
bloodstream, sorry for the delay. My brother, Chief Medical Officer Qel,
decided I would be the better candidate between the two of us since unlike
him I am unbonded. We have had to sedate Naomi she became quite agitated
when I am informed her we were receiving a faint hail from Voyager searching
for the 2 of you. Due to her response I have commanded that we remain
cloaked and do not answer their hail. If you would like me to do otherwise
let me know. Captain Tas
Captain Tas, You are correct in your assumption that I would prefer no
contact with Voyager. I am unable to come up with a way to inform them of
Naomi�s wellbeing without the knowledge of my continued survival not being
transmitted to Star Fleet command. Until such a strategy is possible no
contact is the best option. I know that Qel is Klingon for Doctor is it an
erroneous assumption to presume that you are Klingon also? I have many
other questions for you; but, must conclude now. Thank you for your
assistance. Seven
Shortly there was a whine as the pad disappeared and Seven was beginning to
drift off to what she assumed was sleep when she was startled by another
whine and a pad dropping this time right on her nose. She picked up the pad
massaging her nose gently looking forward to learning more about her would
be rescuers.
Seven, no I am not Klingon. I am three quarters Romulan and one quarter
human. My assimilation by the Borg occurred 20 years ago when I was eight
years old. I was liberated from the Borg by the United Front after only two
years. Qel and I were adopted by the same family and raised as brother and
sister. Our parents were either unaware or not impressed by the blood hatred
between are species. My designation while Borg was 17 of 30 and was
attached to Unimatrix 62. Which brings me to a difficult subject I need to
discuss with you. Naomi made it clear you preferred your Borg designation;
but, it is considered improper in this culture for various arcane reasons we
can discuss later. I can not imagine what it was like remaining with the
Borg for so long before your link was severed especially considering your
position in the hierarchy. Do not fear I have not told Naomi what you
designation meant. But, an alternative to Seven must be found if that is
acceptable. Naomi told me your human name was Annika although I can
understand why that would be distasteful. Neither Qel or I returned to our
given designations. So let me know your thoughts on this matter and any
other questions you might have? The spatial anomaly is expected to
dissipate enough for transport within 24 hours. My brother is
already
isolating another hypo of nanoprobes; hopefully it will be unnecessary.
Captain Tas
Capt. Tas, I hope Naomi is doing well she has suffered quite a bit of late
and I do not want to add to her distress. Thank you for not elaborating to
Naomi about any meaning relating to my designation. It is now irrelevant
since my link was severed. Although I am uncomfortable with Annika, I wish
to conform with your cultural mores and would appreciate any suggestions you
might have. I am no longer Borg I just do not feel human either. You also
stated that you were a better choice to provide nanoprobes since you were
unbonded and also that you hoped a second injection were unnecessary I am
curious why.
part 7 P.G.
If you have not read the disclaimer by now you probably just are not going
to anyway.
Captain Tas looked at the pad a look of wry amusement , sadness and even
embarrassment crossing her face. Her brother seeing this bewildering play of
emotion across his sisters usually stoic face tilted his head and asked if
he could read the contents. His eyes widen as he read through to the last
log entry. He looked at his sister expectantly waiting for one of her
sarcastic comments. Instead he realized only his enhanced hearing allowed
him to hear her quiet comment, �she must have been so very alone�.
Although
he and his sister shared a bond closer than blood he also knew that in her
own way she too had always stood alone. It was not the fluke some members
of the United Front assumed it was that she had become the youngest Captain
in there history. It was due to her daring, intelligence, and a
singlemindness of purpose unparalleled in this sector if not the galaxy
which had been the basis for her meteoric rise to her current rank. Some in
the ships pool had chosen as early as 30 she would be an Admiral; but, just
once for his sister sake he wished there would be a pool on anything of a
more personal nature. The mere thought of the ships pools had reminded him
of his promise to his bond mate he would get her the time slot she had
determined most likely for retrieval of the marooned alien. The ship pools
after years of war were like an obsession on this ship as they were on all
ships in the United Front. At some point he would have to write a paper
analyzing compulsive gambling and the stress induced by constant life
threatening situations. He reigned in his errant thoughts and looked at
his
sister and asked would you like me to answer her. No, was her simple and
quick response; but, in that moment he allowed a glimmer of hope to enter
his heart and made a mental note to talk to Naomi alone in the future about
her wayward best friend and was glad his latest readings combined with the
continued delay in transport had made the second hypo almost certainly a
necessity. Tas finally finished her note rereading one last time before
transporting it and another hypo of her nanoprobes.
Seven, I can comprehend your feeling of no longer being Borg; but, not being
human either. I am the youngest captain in the United Front so I really do
not have a group of peers in that matter, that combined with my background
definitely keeps me separate from those around me. Perhaps, if we focus on
what you would like to become we can choose a more appropriate designation.
What was your position on Voyager and also what position did you most
admirer? My brother knew from a young age he wished to be a healer that is
where his name came from, hopefully that will help. As for your
other
question as to why I had hoped the second injection would not be necessary
is do to the fact that the sharing of Nanoprobes will link us psychically
for a period of time. It maybe wise to still put off injecting yourself
until it becomes medically critical to do so if you find this idea
uncomfortable. To paraphrase the Vulcan�s are thought will be one for an
indetermanent amount of time. I do not want to invade your privacy in this
manner and apologize ahead of time if this becomes a necessity. However,
it
is not unusual for bond mates to share such a link. For that reason a link
as may be formed with me is preferable to the one that would be formed
between you, Qel, and his bond mate, Mor. I am sure that Naomi would
appreciate a note from you when she awakes. I have had her installed in my
quarters. Hopefully, she will find that more comforting than waking up here
in the sterile atmosphere of sick bay and am leaving immediately for my
quarters to check in on her. I must admit I have had very little experience
with children; but, find Naomi to be quite articulate, and bright. I am
looking forward to meeting you in person, Tas.
Seven found herself almost grinning as she heard the whine of the
transporter. That quickly turned to a look of annoyance as she felt the pad
hit her foot . The hypo landed on her stomach and without a second thought
she injected the nanoprobes into her neck alleviating the increasing
discomfort she was in. As disconcerting it was to have the pad materialize
above her face it was preferable to reaching the pad by her feet. The
contortions she had to do to reach the pad in these small confines were
almost beyond human/Borg flexibility. As she read the note she realized
her
decision to inject herself before reading the pads content�s may have been
rash; yet, a part of her was slightly intrigued; in a purely scientific
sense she assured herself. After all she had spent 18 years without one
private thought how difficult could this be to share thoughts with just one
other individual. She had just begun writing her reply when she heard the
whine again much louder this time and realized she herself was being
transported. In the moment before transport she looked ruefully at the empty
hypo spray. She felt herself materializing and in the split second of
disorientation after transporting she heard a voice within her own head that
was clearly not her own say, By the Gods she is the most beautiful woman I
have ever seen. Seven felt herself blushing bright red for the first time in
her life and trying vainly to stop her own thoughts as she shifted her gaze
from Captain Tas to Naomi . How difficult indeed she wondered to herself as
her gaze focused solely in on Naomi.
part 8
Disclaimer: I never claimed to be sane.
How difficult indeed she wondered to herself as her scrutiny fell solely on
Naomi.
That had been over 270 days ago and still she could occasion feel Tas�s
thoughts within her mind. When she had first arrived on board the stray
thoughts followed her throughout the ship. But, as time passed the effects
had gradually lessened till now they had to be same room to pick anything
up. And in situations like this when they were seated at the same table.
Well, she tried very hard to focus on what Naomi and Qel were discussing,
and keep her stray thoughts to a minimum especially thoughts concerning the
sandy haired Captain seated beside her. She was brought out of her musings
by Qel�s rumbled comment, �we will just have to see about that little one.�
Naomi looked at her questioningly, embarrassed by her apparent lack of
concentration, Tas jumped to her rescue and explained that Naomi had
challenged Qel to a shuttle race on the holideck. She found her self shaking
her head yes, at the same time her inner voice was saying to herself what
you going to do now Chief. As Naomi and Qel left she smiled at Tas and
commented on the fact that even her inner voice was starting to say Chief or
Nik with an almost equal frequency as Seven.
Tas returned the smile as she returned the dishes to the replicator.
Chief it was somehow fitting for this woman who always seemed in control at
least outwardly. Over the last several months she had been privy to the
tidal waves of anger and joy which coursed through her veins; but, never
showed on her face. Ruefully, Tas reminded herself that Chief had been the
recipient of her emotional outbursts also. She would never forget the look
on the Chief�s face as Tas read her report about her time on Voyager. Her
Chief thought she had been treated extremely well; but, she had simmered
about her Chief living in a Cargo Bay, the nasty comments from supposed
friends, and her final situation which had forced her to fake her own death.
HER CHIEF her inner voice snickered at her and once again she pushed down
her inner voice not wanting to upset Chief. Although it whispered to her
before it disappeared she found you beautiful also that first day in
sickbay.
The table cleared they went and sat on the couch talking about the
improvements her head engineer,Tri, and the Chief were trying to institute
in Engineering. Chief, it was immediately after her arrival that she had
volunteered for duty in engineering. Engineering had been a mess and its
section head still wet behind the ears; it was at the first dinner she and
Seven had shared along with Naomi,Qel and Mor that she had admitted to
always feeling that being Chief of Engineering would be more of a challenge
than Astrometrics had been. Qel had pounced on the name Chief and since it
had no roots in any of the local cultures. Seven had decided it was
acceptable. The conversation slowly dwindled down to companionable silence
both slowly sipping their Romulan Ale. Chief had programmed it into the
replicator and although she had been to young to drink it before her
assimilation it seemed to be a taste home in some almost genetic way. A
comfortable silence fell between them neither realizing that the way they
were keeping their hands clasped together would have revealed more to any
knowledgeable outsider than either was willing to admit.
Qel and Naomi were walking down the corridor on their way to the holideck.
Suddenly, Naomi began to giggle, �did you see the look on both of their
faces when we left.� Qel smiled at her knowingly and laughed himself. Then
Naomi�s look grew mischievous �so what is are next maneuver, Qel.� Qel
grew
thoughtful and replied, �let me think about it during your turn of our
race.�
The race it had started as a contrivance to leave Tas and Chief alone,
giving Qel, Mor, and Naomi a reasonable excuse to depart after dinner.
Tonight Mor was on duty; but, Naomi no longer needed her help in guiding the
shuttle. And as Naomi�s skill as a shuttle pilot grew this contrivance had
grown quite competitive. Qel was aware of the pool over when Naomi would
finally successfully complete the battle simulation faster than him. It had
only been luck which had allowed him to defeat her 3 nights ago. He watched
on as Naomi went first since according to tradition the loser of the
previous match always went first in the rematch. He knew that she had been
receiving tips and lessons from the best pilots on board; including his bond
mate. The introduction of Naomi, once again the only child on board, had
solidified both of their decisions to resign their commissions and return
home to raise a family of their own. Home, they would have leave back on
Tas� and his home world in another 2 weeks. A plan began to form in his mind
and with Naomi�s help it appeared foolproof. He was startled from his
musings by a loud clang. After looking at the display showing Naomi�s time
he considered conceding; but, something perhaps it was his Klingon genetic
makeup would not allow it.
Naomi, watched as Qel began the course. She was certain that her time was
unbeatable and began going over her time aboard this new ship. As much as
she missed Neelix and the rest of there friends at times she was actually
happy here. After her mom had been killed it seemed that every part of
Voyager had brought sad memories. But, here except for Chief, although Naomi
preferred to call her Nik, everything was new. She even realized that Nik
was new here also in some way she did not completely understand, perhaps
when she was older. Although the ongoing skirmishes with the Art combined
with the occasional run in with Borg lead to some tense moments she knew Tas
like Janeway was a most formidable Captain. Tas she knew that Nik liked her.
At first Naomi was jealous thinking that Nik was going to make a new friend
and not have as much time for her. She laughed at herself thinking how young
and foolish she had been. After all she was almost 10 now practically grown
up. Finally she had come to realize that more than anything she wanted Nik
to be happy, she was the only family Naomi had now and nothing else
mattered. She heard the clang and a huge grin covered her face. She had done
it, she had defeated Qel, and he had a class 2 pilot rating. She wondered
briefly who she should challenge next, perhaps Mor. But as they walked back
to the cabin Naomi refocused on the task at hand Tas and Nik. It was
difficult though, it seemed her victory was already common knowledge with
many stopping to congratulate her. As they came around the corner to her and
Nik�s quarters she and Qel began to speculate on how closely their quarry
would be seated on the coach this evening. As the door slid open and they
entered Naomi found herself restraining a laugh. The usual suspects were so
close they had to be working on not touching. In some ways it reminded Naomi
of a time she had entered Capt. Janeway's quarters to a similar situation;
but somehow this was different or perhaps she thought to herself it is
because I am grown up now. She said good night to both Tas and Nik and
surprised everyone by asking Qel to tuck her in. It was the most efficient
way to get Qel to commiserate with her some more before tomorrow and
although she had truly out grown the practice she said to herself. After
preparing for bed and tucking herself in Qel came in to tuck her in and they
both burst into laughter as soon as their eyes met. Once they both could
control there outburst Qel explained his plan to commence the day before
shore leave began and Naomi with some trepidation agreed.
part 9.
I reserve the right to change the time line if necessary. Why? because I can
and I have decided this is like when I cook nothing ends up getting done at
the same time. And yes poor Janeway still hanging there in sick bay; but, we
need to catch up with the happenings on board the (insert name here) and the
home world of the Speckles.
Disclaimer: Instant gratification takes to long. (Carrie Fisher)
Chief found herself at loose ends without any major crisis� in Engineering
all that was left to do was some minor housekeeping. Nik reminisced over her
time on board this new home and realized much to her surprise she was happy,
confused, but happy. She had felt this confusion before she realized with
a
start. Her eidetic memory displaying the image of Captain Janeway. She had
not expected her to be on the bridge as she sent her final messages to
Voyager. The Captain had looked so helpless and sad that she had wanted to
do nothing; but, comfort her and let her know everything was going to be all
right. But, that had been impossible to do given the situation. Her thoughts
about Captain Janeway caused her thoughts to stray to her current Captain.
She realized in hindsight that her feelings for Janeway had been deeper than
friendship and not of the maternal nature the rest of the crew assumed they
were. But, any relationship between Janeway and her was impossible not
only
because the Captain would never have thought about her in that manner; but,
her one dalliance in romance had been so mortifying to her proving she would
always be alone.
Chief thought about Cray, he had been young, athletic, and most of Voyagers
crew seemed to think he was esthetically pleasing. She had enjoyed the time
they had spent together working out the problems integrating their
technology to Voyagers systems. Looking back, the relationship that
developed was caused by three things none of which had been a romantic
attraction on her part. First, the pain caused by the Captains distance
after the beginning of her holo-romance. Second, the Doctor had been trying
since her one truly disastrous date to try again and she had let him sway
her. And finally the approval of the Voyager crew. They seemed to regard her
more warmly as news of her burgeoning relationship was disseminated through
the crew. To the crew it made her appear more human perhaps. But, the night
she and Cray had tried to escalate their intimacy had been a disaster and
she had refused to share details with anyone including the Doctor, saying
that she had come to learn they were incompatible. Incompatible, her mind
echoed once again clasping her hands tightly together behind her back in
unspoken shame. Incompatible, no wonder B'Elanna Torres had called her the
Queen of the Understatement.
Tri looked at Chief and realized the young woman was lost in thought. Once
again she found herself shaken by the transformation this intelligent
reserved woman had gone through since coming aboard. With the CMO�s
knowledge the biometric suit had become unnecessary and since Chief had
refused a commission she was just dressed in a pair of black uniform pants
and blue crew neck of engineering forgoing the uniform tunic an outfit which
identified her as being part of engineering; but, outside the command
structure. Tri wondered when was the last time she had seen the original
severe hairstyle noticing once again that Chief had arranged it in a simple
French braid down her back. Which could easily be tucked under her collar
for safety if the situation warranted it. She knew that a pool had begun on
the nature of Chief�s and Captain Tas� relationship. Perhaps she could get
some inside information which would help her odds she thought as she
approached Chief. Those thoughts quickly evaporated as she felt confusion
and self-loathing radiating from the young woman. As concerned as she was
for Chief a rueful smile covered her face it appeared the Doctor�s were
right she was redeveloping her empathic abilities which her short time in
the collective had seemed to quash. Once again she thought of her old life
as an em path and ships counselor aboard the U.S.S. Viking. Ships counselor
had become a cliche job for Betazoids she realized amused by the wonder her
Head of Engineering status would bring to her family. But that was secondary
to the pain it was obvious her young friend was in and she hoped after all
the Chief had done for her in Engineering she could return the favor.
Chief looked up as she saw Tri heading towards her and found herself
smiling that half-smirk which seemed so more frequent now and sometimes felt
like transforming to a full blown smile. There was none of the animosity
between Tri and her as there had been between Lt. Torres and herself. Due to
her innate personal honesty she realized that part of that was a change in
her own attitude and approach to those around her. She started as she
realized she considered Tri more than a shipmate; but, a friend a startling
revelation. Aboard Voyager she had only had 5 friends and few acquaintances.
Here she had many who considered her a friend and many acquaintances none
who showed any of the fear that was constant reminder of what made her
different on Voyager. Perhaps, that is why she felt more human here where
being Borg like was acceptable as opposed to there where her Borg nature was
unacceptable. She readily agreed to Tri�s invitation to Lunch in her office.
The Doctor would be proud of her she thought, eating 3 meals a day , and
while she rarely slept eight hours the human norm, she did sleep nightly and
weaned herself down to regenerating an two hours a day.
The usual discussion of engineering matters was brief there just was not
much to discuss. Chief was considering discussing upcoming upgrades when she
was startled by Tri�s question as to what was bothering her. Chief noticed
Tri�s hands resting on the table and reached over and grasped the left one
lightly as she examined the barely noticeable scarring weaving across the
top of her hand.
�You had your assimilation Tubules removed.�
Tri was startled by the question could all the loathing that was filling her
mind from the Chief be caused by self hate of the part of her which was
Borg. Although discussing yourself was considered bad counseling she felt
only by explaining her painful decision could she help this young woman
become whole.
�I had them removed for two reasons, first I was only a member of the
collective for 3 months at the age of 35. Due to the length of time and the
fact I was an adult before assimilation being Borg was not an innate part of
who I am as it is for you.�
She noticed that Chief flinched over the last part of her statement and her
heart wept for this young woman and it gave her the strength to discuss the
second more painful reason.
�The second reason I had them removed was love. Soon after my separation
from the collective I fell in love with a woman who had never been
assimilated. Due to the risks of.... Bonding between us I agreed to the
painful procedure. She left me soon after the procedure was complete. �
Chief felt guilty that her question had caused her friend so much pain. But,
than the content of the second answer hit her like a spanner at warp. Tri
had said she was involved with a female, a warm feeling suffused her as a
mental picture of Tas sitting so closely to her on the couch that she could
feel the heat the beautiful Captain radiated. A heat that warmed her
almost
to the point of completely melting the ice around her soul, ice Captain
Janeway had cracked and Naomi had melted to a point with her warm loving
smile. But, as quickly as the warmth appeared the self hatred she had felt
after the incident with Cray reappeared. The risks of Bonding her mind
echoed so perhaps it was not some flaw in her which had caused..... Chief
realized as embarrassing as the questions were she required answers
part 10. P.G.
Disclaimer: I do not want life to imitate art. I want life to be art. (Carie
Fisher)
The Chief quickly released Tri�s hand and in a response that had become
instinctual clasped her on hands tightly together in front of her. Before
she could even begin to formulate the proper question to begin her inquiry
Tri spoke in a quiet tone.
� You are aware of the difficulties of becoming intimate with someone...
unlike yourself�
�I believe so� was the quiet and shaky reply.
In a voice filled with quiet understanding Tri said, �tell me about it�.
How to explain the situation with Cray? Where to even begin? Chief allowed
that part of her that would always be Borg try to answer the question; but,
as time went on the more human side of her took over the story. How at times
when she found herself so very angry with different members of the crew;
but, especially Commander Chakotay the time he had disobeyed a direct order
and almost caused their deaths in the anomaly she wanted nothing more than
to reach out and assimilate him. She had truly felt that by assimilating him
at that moment he would finally comprehend what she was feeling. Even now
after all this time she had to fight to prevent the tubules which caused so
much revulsion within her former crew mates to remain retracted. And the
crew revulsion to this aspect of herself was always present and she feared
termination if she ever slipped and allowed anyone to know how little
control she had over this aspect of herself. She talked about her pain the
moment she had been in the Fair Haven simulation and realized that this
hologram had been involved with Captain Janeway. How very confused and
devastated this announcement had left her; although, she had been very
careful to mask these feeling as she masked all others especially from the
Captain. And her subsequent relationship with Cray. A man who had fit her
criteria to be a suitable mate; but, whom she felt no emotional attachment
for. Tri cringed internally as she already could guess the consequences of
this relationship.
Chief�s voice trembled as she said, �We were attempting to engage in
recreational coupling when...�
�You attempted to assimilate him�, Tri kindly finished for her.
�Yes and it was at that moment I knew that I would truly be forever alone�,
Chief said this as the tears she had been trying to restrain slipped
unbidden down her face, �and that I was unacceptable as a human being and
would always remain so�.
Tri slowly came around the desk kneeling before her, and after much effort
managed to pry her hands apart, gently taking the left hand within hers and
using every bit of the counseling training she knew she slowly began to heal
the wounds so deep within this young frighten woman�s soul. �Chief what
happened was not your fault, I am actually amazed by the control you exhibit
given the length of time with the Borg and you do not need to be alone their
are 3 options having the tubules removed as I did, find a mate willing to
risk assimilation, or find a mate who is like yourself.� Tri had been
surprised to realize the Chief had not considered this possibility because
of Qel and Mor; but, realized she had just assumed that the fault was
within herself. After Chief left Tri wondered about Chief�s relationship
with Captain Janeway. She had begun to speculate during the course of the
conversation that perhaps this Janeway was running from her feelings for the
young woman. She could understand the Chiefs attraction to this woman if her
description was accurate. She wondered if she would have the opportunity to
meet this brash Captain and found herself hoping that perhaps one day she
would and than she shook her head ruefully at the thoughts that followed.
As Chief walked slowly back to her quarters she realized she was actually
singing to herself an occurrence that had never happened before. She and Tri
had talked all through the rest of the shift. The engineers questions had
been emotionally difficult to answer at times; yet, she felt such relief in
knowing she was not unworthy . She skidded to a halt as she entered her
quarters seeing Naomi, Mor, Qel and Tas deep in discussion over what to
replicate for dinner. Naomi ran up giving her a hug and asking her opinion
on the dinner selection. It was at that moment she felt Captain Tas� eyes
upon her and once again felt herself blush remembering Tri�s words of