Star Trek: Collective
Chapter 1:
Sphere 1313 drifted by an uninhabited gas giant, engaged in a deep space reconnaissance mission. The mechanical craft was scanning for distinct life forms and technologies for assimilation into the Borg Collective. Inside the sphere, thousands of drones analyzed information, processed incoming astronavigation data, or regenerated in alcoves. One alcove was occupied by 11 of 14, the implants covering the majority of the drone's body drawing in power to replenish the Borg.
Suddenly, an alarm sounded throughout the ship, and the monotone voice of the Collective, countless brings speaking as one, echoed in the mind of every drone on Sphere 1313: "Starfleet vessel detected, Nebula-class. Begin analysis and prepare for assimilation." 11 of 14 awoke, and followed the instructions, walking to a nearby computer screen and reviewing tactical data on the alien craft. The diamond shaped implant on the drone's right eye made quick work of processing the scans, and the drone silently made an assessment.
The Starfleet ship, the USS Northern Lights, was primarily a science vessel, a variant on the Nebula design, with a large sensor dish on the stern. While the ship's weaponry would likely be a match for the sphere, this dish left a blind spot the Collective could exploit. If the Sphere could lower the rear shields and begin transporting drones onboard, they would have a chance of assimilating the ship and its crew. These thoughts were shared with the countless beings across the galaxy linked together to form a single hive mind. The Collective swiftly analyzed information, reviewed strategies, and agreed on 11's course of action, all in the span of a few minutes.
As Sphere 1313 moved towards the Northern Lights, the Borg opened a communication channel, and transmitted their standard hail: "We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ship. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile." The Northern Lights raised its shields and concentrated phaser fire on the Borg as the Sphere fired torpedoes. Three struck the bridge and the fourth hit midship, weakening the shields as the Sphere emitted a neon green plasma beam to cause further damage to the engines. The Northern Lights launched torpedoes of its own, causing slight damage o the Sphere's shields. The Borg hive mind quickly analyzed the type of torpedo, and adapted their shields to mitigate any further damage, all the while continuing fire.
As the Sphere concentrated fire on the stern, the Northern Lights began evasive maneuvers. The shields finally weakened enough to allow for transport, and the Collective made the decision to send several teams of drones to different decks to maximize efficiency during the assimilation process. One of the drones sent across was 11 of 14, who joined six fellow drones as they were surrounded by shimmering light, fading from the Sphere and reappearing on the Starfleet vessel. Starfleet security personnel happened to be nearby, and opened fire with handheld phasers. Two of the drones fell, while another was vaporized. By the time one officer fired on 11, the Collective had analyzed the energy frequency, and adapted their personal energy shields, which the phaser impacted harmlessly against in a flash of green light.
Through his link to the hive mind, 11 was aware of the drones moving throughout the rest of the ship, similarly adapting to the security teams and their weapons. The four remaining drones, including 11, went to work. They had arrived near what Starfleet had designated "Sickbay", and moved towards the medical area, phaser fire having no effect as the drones adapted. Upon entering Sickbay, the drones began assimilating the personal who had been unable to evacuate during the confusion. A young Andorian female in the red uniform of Starfleet Command managed to assist an injured patient out of the room just as 11 came up behind her, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her backwards. She gave a cry of fear as 11 raised his arm, metallic tubes shooting out from just above his fingers and into her jugular. The tubes injected thousands of nano probes into her bloodstream, and altering her physiology as the began transforming and merging with her cells. Her blue skin began to slowly turn grey, blue eyes wide with shock and her antennas twitching as she sank to her knees.
All across the ship, similar incidents were taking place as the crew and ship were gradually assimilated. As the cries of captured crew members slowly decreased, 11 heard more and more voices join the chorus already in his head as the crew joined the Collective, the unique species and experiences adding to their perfection. As 11 moved to assist in the finalization of the assimilation process, the Northern Lights altered course to join Sphere 1313 on a new course, eventually going to Warp. By the time Starfleet reinforcements arrived, both ships were nowhere to be found.
