Disclaimer: I obviously don't own the idea of Harry Potter or Star Trek, or any money making forms of them.

A special thanks to Chereche, who acted as a soundboard and beta for this fic ^_^


Chapter 8

Back on the bridge, Picard stared at the viewscreen. He had just sent Riker to get some sleep when the Borg vessel suddenly seemed to stabilize in space. It was no longer adrift.

"Captain, we are being hailed," Worf said.

"On screen," Picard said.

The image of the Borg cube suddenly disappeared and was replaced with two former-drones standing on a platform in front of a deep gap within the Borg ship. On either side of the gap were levels and levels of Borg alcoves, and sporadically stretched across the narrow gap were bridges. The image quickly gave them a deeper appreciation of how large the ship was, and how many former-drones were likely onboard.

Seeing as they had yet to speak, Picard decided to take the initiative.

"I am Jean-luc Picard, Captain of the Federation Starship Enterprise," he said. "To whom am I speaking?"

The left drone answered. "One of Seven, newly elect of Liberated Cube 0-1, former Cube 4-3-1."

"How may I help you?" Picard asked.

"We seek the one called Ian," One of Seven said.

"How do you know of Ian?" Picard asked, hiding his surprise fairly well.

The former-drone to the right stepped up. "I am of Unimatrix Zero."

Picard was instantly struck by the use of 'I' and the mention of Unimatrix Zero, the place where certain drones apparently retained their individuality.

"And I have reclaimed my birth name, Korel. I saw Ian when he appeared in Unimatrix Zero, and know he is responsible for freeing us from the Collective. We must speak with him and act soon before the Borg can move to counter us," she said. Half of her face was obscured by a large implant that curved around her jaw, but both of her eyes were visible.

Picard turned to Worf and nodded, signaling him to send a message to Deanna requesting Ian's presence.

"He's on his way, Captain," Worf said after a moment.

"While we wait for Ian, I propose a partnership," Picard said, deciding this was as good a time as any.

"A partnership? You mean an alliance?" Korel asked.

"At this stage, an alliance may be a little premature, but we could certainly work toward that degree of trust. However, for the moment, let us agree to aid one another against our common enemy," Picard said.

"The Collective," One of Seven stated before tilting his head. "Agreed."

"Captain, we have lost the connection to the Collective, but the connection to our number remains. The generosity you have shown to our people on your vessel astounds us. Thank you," Korel stated with a nod in thanks.

"You're welcome," Picard said as Ian and Deanna stepped onto the bridge. "Counselor Troi, Ian, this is One of Seven and Korel. They are no longer Borg drones," Picard introduced. "They asked to speak with you, Ian."

"Hello," Ian said.

"Ian, I come with word from Axum. We must move quickly. Would you be willing to do what you had done again?" Korel asked.

Ian blinked. "If you mean enter in a command to free more people from the Borg, definitely."

Korel smiled. "Thank you. We believe several Borg Cubes are coming to attempt to terminate us. We don't have much time. Right now, three Liberated Cubes are heading this way to help defend us. The fifth that had been freed will remain away. In case we fail, they will be the last hope of freeing any more from the Borg Mind."

Picard and Ian exchanged looks before Ian closed his eyes. Everyone remained quiet for a long moment before Ian looked back up.

"She's right. There's eight Borg ships heading this way. Six are cubes, two are spheres," Ian said as Data turned.

"There are five Borg vessels in sensor range," Data said. "One is spherical in shape."

"The three nearest are liberated, Captain," Koral promised, deciding not to question how Ian's abilities were able to provide more information than the scanners of the Enterprise.

"How far are the others?" Picard asked.

"Less than a quarter of a light year behind," Data replied.

"Captain, we are sending you coordinates. We must head there for Ian to be able to enter root commands through one of us. Whether or not the Collective continues to pursue us, it will only be a matter of time before they learn how their subspace frequencies had been used against them," Korel said.

"Helm, to those coordinates, maximum warp," Picard said, glancing back up at One of Seven and Korel who both nodded. "Engage."

Wasting no time, the two vessels sped through space side-by-side while keeping hailing frequencies open.

"We are going to another beacon. The beacon that had carried Ian's previous command has self-destructed," One of Seven said. "We are constructing a device to amplify the distance of the beacon's subspace output to reach more vessels, as it is unlikely Ian's ability will succeed again after this."

"Because the Borg adapt," Picard said.

"Correct," One of Seven said.

"With any luck, those Borg ships coming for us now will become Liberated through this," Riker said.

"That is our hope," Korel agreed.

Data stilled at his station before looking at the Captain. "Captain, if I may, I have a suggestion."

Picard nodded for him to go ahead and Data turned back to the viewscreen where Korel and One of Seven were waiting.

"Concerning Unimatrix Zero, if you still have access to it, could we use that in conjunction with the beacon to send out commands to affect more Borg vessels?" Data asked.

Korel paused before slowly breaking into a full grin, which was slightly scary due to her Borg implants. "I will need to return to Unimatrix Zero and converse with those there, but . . . yes, it may be possible," she said, her eyes alight with pure elation. "I will inform you of what I learn."

"Very well. Let us know if there is anything we can do to assist," Picard said.

"We will. Thank you, Captain," One of Seven stated before the viewscreen went back to showing space.

O

The following hours were hectic, but very productive.

Pulaski, LaForge, and others on the Enterprise worked with the liberated drones onboard. With their help, Pulaski learned about their physiology and was able to confidently treat the partially assimilated crewmen. She also became certain she would be able to remove almost any Borg implant the former-drones had—should they wish it—but that would be for another time, if at all.

In Engineering, half a dozen former-drones worked with LaForge and his team. With their help, the shields were given a slight upgrade and LaForge learned about ways to improve their other systems. LaForge was ecstatic and couldn't wait to implement them.

Other liberated Borg were with Worf and Riker, going over Borg weapon systems and strategies in general. They also gave tips on how to improve the Enterprise's offensive capabilities, although most improvements would have to wait to be installed later.

Within that time, Ian, Deanna, Korel, Picard, Data and Four of Six (the former-drone who volunteered to speak for the Borg on the Enterprise) went over what would need to be done once the Enterprise reached the beacon. It was decided Four of Six, who now called himself Forix, would act as the link between the beacon, Unimatrix Zero, and Ian for the sake of transporter convenience and so Ian could meet him before going to the beacon. After sending specs to the Enterprise, Data set to work on modifying Forix's implants to allow him to enter Unimatrix Zero, accommodate the influx of information that would come from Unimatrix Zero, and enable him to connect (however temporarily) to the beacon.

"Forix will need to be in regeneration mode, so a Borg Alcove will need to be attached to the beacon," Korel said.

"How long will that take?" Picard asked.

"No more than fifteen minutes," Korel answered.

"Alright, so Forix will begin regenerating and be able to enter Unimatrix Zero," Picard said.

"Correct. Once he's in, Ian will send in the commands he had used before. If it works as we believe it will, those commands will be sent through the beacon and through Unimatrix Zero. That will free any vessels within range of the beacon and any Borg vessels with a drone currently in Unimatrix Zero due to their immediate tie to their vessel," Korel said.

"How many Borg vessels do you estimate will be affected?" Data asked.

Korel paused, thinking. "There are approximately fourteen thousand individuals who come to Unimatrix Zero, but not all of them will be regenerating when the commands are sent. However, we are confident that at least six thousand vessels will be freed if Ian is successful."

"How do you feel about this, Ian?" Deanna asked.

"Good, Mommy. I want to do this," Ian answered. "I can do it."

Deanna smiled, doing her best to be supportive while quelling the unease in knowing he would be off the Enterprise and on a beacon exposed to space while a spaceship battle likely commenced within sight.

"I will be with him, Counselor," Data assured.

"Thank you, Data," Deanna said, although she wasn't all that reassured.

O

"Stop once we are two thousand kilometers from the beacon," Picard ordered.

The time of preparation had ended and the beacon was in range.

"Aye, sir," said the Ensign at the helm.

"Enterprise, we have begun installing the subspace frequency amplifier and the alcove," One of Seven said. "It should be fully installed in twelve minutes. Is Ian ready?"

"Almost. He is putting on the adapted space suit as we speak," Picard answered. "We will beam Ian, Lt. Commander Data, and Forix to the specified coordinates in twelve minutes," Picard said.

"Very good," One of Seven replied.

"Captain, the hostile Borg ships will be within firing range in eleven minutes," Worf said.

Picard wondered if the universe hated them.

"Shields up. Red Alert," Picard said as he gave Worf a nod.

"All personnel, initiate Precaution Red point One and Two," Worf said.

"We will defend your vessel and the beacon, Captain," One of Seven stated, determination and sincerity bleeding through his electronic-like voice.

"Thank you. . . . We will certainly be cutting this close," Picard said, although he whispered the last portion to himself. Only Riker heard him.

O

Looking up, Ian took hold of Data's hand as they stepped onto the transporter pad with Forix and three other free-Borg. Clad in a miniature space suit (made specially for him), Ian couldn't believe he would actually be walking in space in a few moments.

"Ready, Ian?" Data asked.

Unlike him, Data didn't need any special equipment to live outside the ship, but he was armed with a phasor Forix had adapted for him, along with a club Worf insisted he have, just in case.

"Yeah," Ian said with a nod. His voice sounded funny from within the suit, coming out amplified and slightly warped.

"Captain, we are ready," Data reported.

"O'Brien, energize," Picard said from the Bridge after ordering the shields to be lowered during their transport.

O

Picard stared at the viewscreen with eight Borg vessels 50,000 kilometers in front of them.

Four were Liberated Borg vessels, while the other four were not—two cubes and two spheres.

"They are hailing on all frequencies," Worf said.

"Let's hear them," Picard stated.

"Cubes 4-2-5, 4-3-1, 4-6-3, and 4-7-2, power down your systems and prepare for re-assimilation. You will rejoin the Collective. Comply," the Borg said.

"We will not comply," One of Seven answered.

"Why do you resist?" the Borg asked. "It is futile."

"We seek freedom," One of Seven stated.

"Freedom is irrelevant. Rejoin the Collective or be destroyed. Resistance is futile."

"No."

The screen flashed with bright, explosive lights. Back and forth they went, with rays of destruction the Federation had never seen before.

"Liberated Cube 0-3 is taking heavy external damage, but all of their systems are still operational," Worf reported. "Two of the enemy Borg ships have suffered minor system failure. Nothing critical."

One of the Borg Spheres suddenly moved, darting toward the Enterprise while trying to go between two liberated cubes.

"Evasiv—!" Picard began to order, but suddenly one of the liberated cubes moved to intercept.

The Sphere smashed into Cube 0-2, penetrating through a quarter of 0-2's decks as it too was crushed.

Picard wanted to assist in the fight, but agreed with Korel and the other liberated Borg that holding position near the beacon was the best course of action. If Ian could help liberate these Borg, the better for everyone. He only hoped it wouldn't be much longer. Both sides were clearly taking casualties.

O

Ian stepped beside Data as Forix went around a platform and into the Borg Alcove. He then plugged his transceiver, which was on the side of his palm, directly into the beacon's communications array that they had retrofitted the subspace frequency amplifier onto.

With a nod, Forix closed his eyes as the Borg alcove activated.

The beacon was the size of a shuttle surrounded by a large deck with machinery throughout. They were near the center where the heart of the beacon sat. The platform in front of the alcove was for Ian, so he could safely and easily make eye contact with Forix.

Swiftly climbing up, Ian got into position before waiting for Data to confirm Forix was ready. Upon Data's nod, Ian gently opened Forix's left eye and mentally stepped forward, ignoring the flashes of light far to the right.

O

"Captain, the second Sphere is within transporter range of the beacon!" Worf warned sharply.

"Data, you may have incoming!" Riker shouted.

A split second later several enemy-Borg transported onto the beacon.

O

The free-Borg that had accompanied Data and Ian to the Beacon immediately went after the enemy-Borg that had appeared on the beacon's deck. Data remained with Ian and Forix to defend them.

Marching forward, Borg on both sides exchanged blows. Some were instantly terminated and floated off the deck to drift limply through space. Data fired his phasor, helping two free-drones against two enemies, but after that the phasor was useless.

Five more enemy-drones materialized, making it eight against three.

Two approached Data who quickly raised the metal club Worf had given him. Slamming it into the first drone, chunks of implants broke off as the drone was thrown off his feet, spinning around like a top off the deck. Turning toward the other, Data jabbed the end of the club into the drone's chest as if using a sword. Its sternum was instantly crushed.

Four against two.

Working together with the last remaining free-Borg able to fight, Data swung the club with one hand and punched with the other.

Three against two.

But then eight more enemy-Borg arrived, instantly re-crowding the deck.

"Enterprise, some assistance is necessary," Data stated, still guarding Ian and Forix behind him.

"Understood," Picard said.

As the eight went forward, five free-Borg from the Enterprise materialized among them—which had been risky, considering how crowded the deck had become.

O

"Cube 0-2's main life support has gone down," Worf said.

"I hope Ian is almost finished," Riker stated.

All of the Borg vessels were now severely damaged, but One of Seven was keeping his word. The Liberated vessels continued to defend the Enterprise and the beacon, for no weapons fire had reached either.

O

Ian strained against the mental onslaught. The Borg seemed to have placed a few barriers between him and the subcommand paths he had apparently used before.

Frowning, he redoubled his efforts, and soon found the Borg's defenses were beginning to crack. Encouraged by that, he pressed harder, gearing himself up to deliver the commands.

Finally, he felt himself slip through the crack and found the raw essence of the Borg before him.

O

Data could hear Ian's labored breathing, but he couldn't stop to look what was happening as he continued to battle the enemy-Borg back. Doing so was becoming increasingly difficult because he not only had to keep them from Ian and Forix, but also help the free-Borg protect the beacon itself.

The Borg were becoming desperate. They were now trying to outright damage the beacon to stop it from projecting subspace frequencies before Ian could send a command.

Sweeping the club before him, batting several Borg aside at once, it suddenly happened.

It was the strangest sensation. Data could 'feel' a static-like energy pass through his circuits as the enemy-Borg before him froze before simply going limp. Instantly, their boots were no longer magnetized due to their systems going to minimal power from Ian's command and the weightlessness of space soon led to them floating.

"Grab them," Data stated to the free-Borg still standing as he turned to Ian and Forix.

The sound of Ian's breathing had suddenly become frantic wheezing. Forix struggled to remain upright and Data saw blood leaking from the former-drone's nose as he took hold of Ian.

Ian's eyes were wide behind the clear face mask of the space helmet as he began gasping for breath.

"Enterprise, beam us all directly to sickbay!" Data ordered.

O

Upon materializing, Data removed Ian's helmet and scooped him up before placing him onto the nearest biobed. Ian's lips were now blue and his chest was heaving, desperate for air. His hands were clawing at the front of his spacesuit, trying to take it off.

Pulaski was immediately there and scanning him as she grabbed a hypospray.

Can't breathe!

He had no breath for verbal speech and his mental cry gave everyone around him a start.

"This should help," Pulaski said, pressing the hypospray against his neck.

He laid back, a little less tense, but still wheezing painfully as Pulaski inserted a different medicine into the hypospray and gave a quick order to one of her staff.

"Breathe in as deeply and as slowly as you can," Pulaski said, taking a special mask from one of her assistants before placing it over his nose and mouth. She then put the hypospray against the side of his neck again.

He did his best to do as he was told and soon his breathing eased.

Thanks, he mentally told her as he closed his eyes to center himself.

Pulaski smiled before turning her attention to the injured Borg in her sickbay.