Storm Shadows – Suspiration:

A Star Trek Voyager/Next Generation Crossover

Part 7:

The EMH Doctor faintly sighs uncomfortably, "being temperamental about it won't help. Admiral Ross and Reia knew what really happened on that Borg Cube. And, no matter how much you can insist that it didn't happen… So do you."

Gemma Elinor chillingly says, "I'm not saying it didn't, Doctor: Not with you anyway. I just don't think it's a good enough reason."

Glaringly, the EMH Doctor remarks, "well, what kind of reason would you expect? I'm a doctor with ethical subroutines: Not a spy drone!"

Roughly one point five months ago…

The mission was extremely risky. One miscalculation would mean assimilation: Even if it was a very slight one.

The unthinkable had happened: A Borg probe with a single unidentified drone abducted Patrick and Lauren from the Section 31 vessel.

With help from Gemma Elinor, Jack managed to find a way to send a overloading power surge into its transporter systems in time to prevent himself and Sarina from being abducted along with them. But…the calculations of the drone against them were nearly as advanced as Jack. And, the Borg Probe went to warp before Section 31 could get a lock on it.

While Section 31 worked to improve their vessel's key systems… The EMH Doctor and Jack were given a mission: A mission to rescue Patrick and Lauren from assimilation. If they should fail…the processing power of the Borg itself would double. And, any resistance left in the galaxy would be easy targets: Along with hundreds of billions across neighboring galaxies.

There was already plenty of room for second thoughts with Jack, Patrick, Lauren, and Sarina many months ago. But, the stakes were too high for Section 31 to consider another second choice.

They were given Particle Subspace Bubbles: Enhanced by research on the USS Dauntless by Gemma herself, including its usage of particle synthesis. It's usage of virtual particles on a quantum level generated very advanced holographical like camouflage with the surroundings. But, it was Jack's modifications that made them undetectable to the Borg: Since the knowledge of particle synthesis was also assimilated by the Borg.

Within a tracked down Borg Cube… Jack and the EMH Doctor quickly made their way to the Borg Vinculum.

In what appeared to be a mainly empty corridor, Jack whispers nervously, "what if they already know we're here, Doctor? What if…?!"

The EMH Doctor pauses, facing his direction. He reasons lowly, "settle down, Jack. In the worse case scenario…I'm sure I'm capable of turning the tide."

Jack more calmly nods, "I knew that. I knew that. Didn't I?"

The EMH Doctor rolled his eyes annoyedly to himself as they treaded on.

But…he was also right. The Borg knew the basic plan: Even before Jack made it.

In two side Borg alcoves…were Lauren and Patrick: Partially assimilated and in a deep sleep. Very dark gray Bynar Borg neural link implants were sustaining that unconscious state, while slowly assimilating their conscious thoughts piece by piece. Their double set interplexing beacons were being rerouted as the backup assimilation buffers: In case they try to resist by thought alone.

Behind the shadow cast by the Borg Viniculum was a darkly familiar face of a woman with a bob hairstyle. She seemed to be observing…and nothing more.

Jack got right to the task at hand.

He took out a hypospray with a Borg assimilation tubule like needle at the end: With a biomolecular neurological agent, genetically engineered by Sarina to strengthen original neural patterns taken over by the Borg.

But, just as he started to administer it… Something went wrong.

A nano-spatial charge planted on Jack's Particle Subspace Bubble generator went off: Resulting in disrupting the subspace bubble as it started to overload.

Jack and Section 31 may have both wanted to free his friends from the Borg Collective. But, Jack and Sarina wanted to take it further: They planned to have a slow acting neurological agent to override the Collective inside out, and awaken every individual voice from within. The Collective would cease to exist.

And, even if Section 31 knew ahead of time what they set out to do… They were already very suspicious of the Cooperative: Ever since Voyager returned from the Delta Quadrant, with their operative Gemma Elinor onboard.

No Borg drones came. But, the Borg quickly detected Jack.

The shadow stepped forward: Revealing herself to be no other than the hologram Minuet in her red gown and bob cut dark brown hair. Or rather, a very convincing android replica of Minuet with Borg assimilation tubules coming out of her hands. But, the assimilated persona of the Bynar master computer who called herself Minuet is nevertheless within the machine: Processing power and all.

With a coldly charming voice…she taunted with a outstretched hand, "care to dance, Jack?"

In those seconds… For the first time in his life… Jack was frozen with fear.

But, through his Mobile Emitter… The Doctor saved him.

The Particle Subspace Bubbles were relying on his Mobile Emitter for power distribution. And so…he simply rerouted the power overload to his Particle Subspace Bubble in those same seconds.

The EMH Doctor's Mobile Emitter though was heavily damaged in the process: Taking his program offline before he could shut his eyes.

Jack quickly discarded his disrupted subspace bubble generator: Letting it be completely damaged in a cloud of smoke in front of a disoriented Borg Minuet.

With no time to try his plan again before the Collective could adapt… It bought Jack enough time to directly administer the neurological agent to two kind of familiar linked Borg Bynar drones: Who were grateful enough to offer Jack a hiding place behind one of their Borg alcoves, while blending in with the Collective as Borg until all three of them could get off the Cube.

While this was going on, the Mobile Emitter was found by Borg Minuet and brought to a assimilation chamber.

The Borg tried to assimilate the Mobile Emitter. But, when Borg nanoprobes interfaced with it… The Mobile Emitter began to assimilate the Borg.

They terminated the link almost immediately. But, not before the Mobile Emitter incorporated nanoprobes into its damaged circuitry as its own repair crew: With almost subconscious direction from the Doctor's program.

The EMH Doctor reactivated himself and stunned the three Borg drones with a surge of neuro-electrical power: Coming from the repurposed nanoprobes.

He quickly interfaced himself with a nearby Borg alcove: Hoping to finish the mission through his new capabilities.

But…he didn't know what Minuet was truly capable of. And so, his program was being blocked at most every turn by Borg Minuet: Who was interfacing with a Borg alcove to match his moves.

The EMH Doctor knew more Borg were coming to try to assimilate him anyway. And, his Mobile Emitter's power was already low from releasing the neuro-electrical power surge. So, the EMH Doctor settled for the next best thing: Random Borg drones from several different Borg vessels.

He beamed himself over to a emergency Borg Sphere within the Cube…just as more Borg with two Borg Queens came into the assimilation chamber.

The EMH Doctor commandeered the Sphere…launching it and going to Transwrap before the Borg could lock all their tractor beams on it: With help from some sabotage on Jack's part. But, the EMH Doctor got a transporter lock on Jack and the freed Bynar Borg drones seconds before taking the Sphere into Transwarp.

It was only a matter of time before the EMH Doctor rescued most of the Borg drones he freed from the Collective. And, with the new capabilities of his Mobile Emitter…the rest is self explanatory.

Presently…

Looking slightly amused, Gemma Elinor adds, "we're in a treacherous galaxy, Doctor. You might want to reconsider. If you weren't speaking my language, I would have a good mind to send your program to Hell."

With mixed feelings, the EMH Doctor looks up at her, "so why don't you?"

For the first time since he's known her… Gemma Elinor breaks into a fit of laughter: Like chimes breaking up in the wind one by one. And, much to the holographic redness coming over the EMH Doctor's face.

She catches her breath soon after, composing herself like it never happened. That is, except for faint tears of laughter. But, neither of them really care to notice.

Bizarrely calmly and softly, Gemma Elinor explains, "ok. I thought it was obvious. But…fine. I won't delete you unless I have to. You know all too well how the Borg adapt. And, if we're going to put a end to the Borg…you're the only one who can. I knew that long before I discovered your not so little incident."

The EMH Doctor puts forward, "not that I don't somewhat appreciate the gesture: However questionable you are as a person. But…what about Cass?"

Sounding a little embarrassed, Gemma Elinor slightly laughs, "that's what the Borg are supposed to think. But, unlike the rest of Section 31… I know how capable you are. But also, while we may have had a lot of friction… I on some level like your program."

The EMH Doctor comments, "well, you certainly have a funny way of showing it."

With her voice getting nearly shrill again, Gemma Elinor says, "funny has nothing to do with it. Even now, I'll let you continue with your "more suspicious" activities. Because, if Section 31 were to be destroyed…I know you'll do what's right. But, under Section 31 protocol…I'm taking a preemptive measure."

She straps one of her nano-spatial charges onto his Mobile Emitter before the EMH Doctor realizes what she's doing.

The EMH Doctor faintly mutters, "I don't suppose you have a alternative?"

Gemma Elinor sarcastically comments, "deletion. But, something tells me you wouldn't want that." The EMH Doctor reluctantly agrees, "fine."

All too content now, Gemma Elinor insists, "just be a good little spy program, and we'll both be fine."

She starts to walk away, heading deeper into the darkness of the Sphere.

The EMH Doctor figures, "it's not my ethical subroutines that I don't trust."

Out of the darkness though… A still completely unassimilated Jack shows himself: Very sweaty and not giving a damn about it.

Amused with himself, he backhandedly comments, "small universe. Isn't it, Elinor? Thought you could get rid of me for having the better plan. Didn't you?"

As she passes him by… Gemma Elinor just mutters, "ugh! Just shut up!"

Meanwhile, out on the other side of the galaxy…

On the USS Voyager, in the dim lighting of Chakotay's former Quarters…

The time displaced Past Chakotay and the Past Captain Kathryn Janeway are getting ready to take a much well needed rest in bed: Under the silvery sheets.

To his troubled companion, Past Chakotay turns uncertainly, "you know…you've been pretty quiet. Is something wrong?"

With a hand behind her head, she heavily sighs, "where do you start? I thought seeing Voyager again would be like coming home: Even if it was from another place for a short time. But…this timeline doesn't seem very welcoming."

Past Chakotay reasons, "or these people that call themselves Section 31. Fair enough. With two of you though? Faint chuckle. I don't know about you. But, those seem like really good odds to me."

Past Kathryn bittersweetly grins at him.

She reflects, "for many months now… You've always known the right things to say. But…somewhere in the back of my mind… I can't help but worry about where the rest of her family has gone: Here on this Voyager. And…if more are going to be lost any day now."

Past Chakotay suggests, "faint sigh. Kind of feel the same way myself. But, we may not be getting the whole picture." Past Kathryn solemnly nods, "true."

Past Chakotay goes on, "but… That's not the only reason. Is it? You're mostly worrying about the other two… Well, the alternate versions of the Doctor and the other other Kes… Am I making any sense to you?"

Past Kathryn faintly chuckles, "hmm. I know that feeling."

Past Chakotay says, "thanks. But, you still haven't addressed my concern."

Close to tears, Past Kathryn reflects, "we lost Kes in our timeline: The day when Seska's aide almost took out Sick Bay singlehandedly. Sniffle! I just don't think I could live with myself if I let something like it happen again: Alternate timeline or no alternate timeline."

Past Chakotay offers, "we could always plan a mutiny together: In case Section 31 tries to give the other Janeway trouble."

Past Kathryn faintly chuckles, "well, I'm not sure I'm "that" concerned. The other me and Seven seem to be keeping a eye on them just fine. But…thank you."

Past Chakotay muses, "it's the least I could do for my woman warrior."

Swept in the moment… They kiss.

Past Kathryn is quick to point out though, "still… We should rest up so we can fight another day." She's still faintly grinning as she says it.

Slightly amused, Past Chakotay nods, "you'll get no argument from me. Good night, Kathryn." Past Kathryn says, "good night, Chakotay.

She then turns off the lights. Very soon after...they both start falling asleep.

Not long after, over in the Beta Quadrant…

With a brief agitated sigh, Oren checks, "and those polaron beam weapons?"

He looks like he just woke up. But, he's hiding it fairly well.

From the viewscreen wall in front of Oren… A Section 31 member reports, "fifty located and accounted for, sir." Oren figures, "good. Let me know when we can assemble the phased anti-proton wave generator."

The Section 31 member reasons, "you'll be the first to know." The viewscreen wall times out and goes to black.

Then, as if on cue… Sarina comes in.

Glaringly, she pinpoints, "Oren. Last I checked, you're supposed to be on the edge of the Gamma Quadrant."

Oren faintly smiles, "obviously, Reia recognizes my superior intellect. Well…to Admiral Ross of course. Eugenics are equal only to my own."

With some mixed feelings stirring from within her, Sarina says, "your thought process is more short sighted than you like to think."

Oren mutters coldly, "is that a challenge, Sarina?" Sarina concludes uneasily, "no. It's not worth fighting over. I only came because Admiral Ross doesn't think you can command this base in Reia's place. And, I agree with him."

Oren suggests smugly, "faint laugh. Well…maybe you just haven't looked at my new specifications. Frankly, I'm surprised this base has held as long as it has without more of my specifications."

Sarina answers back, "I already have. Salvaging wreckages from Jem'Hadar fighters to make a bigger anti-proton burst, while we already have Metreon gas planetoids ready for detonation? You're not building a wave generator: You're building a black hole out of your own shortcomings."

Oren takes it as a challenge, "all right. If that's how you feel about it… Why don't I just mind the base all by myself to prove you both wrong?"

A little teary, Sarina figures, "fine. But, I'm going to clear out all the same if you wouldn't mind."

Oren just laughs, "fine. Any chance to prove you wrong will do just fine."

Sarina adds back, "fine." She heads out of his Quarters, not looking back.

All the while though… Sarina is thinking to herself, "I hate leaving anyone to be disposed: Even if he does deserves it. Sniffle. But, if Reia or Gemma come back and I don't get out of here soon…I'll be next. Their whereabouts were kept secret from me last night for a reason…and there can only be one explanation in Section 31 for that kind of behavior."

Further out in space, among the grim looking stars…

There's a shuttle, looking a lot like the Delta Flyer. But, with a very dark blue over white color scheme.

Voyager's shuttle complement is only ten. But, they're all Mark II Delta Flyers: All enhanced with Borg Transwarp coils, bio-neural gel packs, and multi-adaptive matrix shielding from Captain Janeway and Tuvok's own modifications.

Within this Delta Flyer shuttle…is Cass and Four. In the back is the case from earlier: With hypospray dosages to last for a good six months.

Four is at the chair at the Helm. Cass is facing her: Faintly teary eyed after having just told her of her messed up history with the Federation and Section 31.

Four uneasily concludes, "perhaps…there are times when more personal thoughts are more personally efficient. I admire your personal strength."

Still sounding quite shaken, Cass half jokingly says, "slight chuckle. About time you chose to admire someone that isn't in the mirror."

Almost glaringly, Four states, "I do not place high value on my appearance."

Cass sighs hard. After drinking down a cup of half finished warm milk in her hand… She then finds the words to say more.

She apologizes, "sorry. It was just a joke, Four. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Four heavily sighs, "your concern is appreciated. It is hard to tell out here what should not be taken seriously…with anyone."

She turns back to the Helm, thinking the conversation is over. But, as she pilots the Delta Flyer shuttle… Cass has more on her mind.

She uneasily wonders, "I know the Andorian Empire wasn't exactly the best place to take it easy. I know you're not one to take it easy. But…didn't they have at least some humor when you were growing up?"

With a very intense blend of mixed emotions, Four admits freely, "we used to be a much more pleasant society. At least, that's how our grandparents spoke of it. But… Deep sigh. Sniffle! …with most all emotions out in the open…more and more fighting came. Sometimes, all we could think of is preservation of our Shelthreths and the Empire…and all the lives lost along the way."

On the verge of more tears, Cass sniffles, "I'm sorry you had to go through so much."

With a faint smirk on her face… Four mostly assures her, "I appreciate your sentiment. But, with your assistance…I have the personal strength to keep going."

With a comforting hand on hers… Cass faintly smiles, "I don't doubt it."