Disclaimer: CBS/Paramount own Voyager and the characters established on the show. The original characters and story are mine, from which I make no money.

Author's Note: To answer Firewolfe's question, Threm is the Bolian Chief Engineer on the Lindbergh. I live with these characters in my head and I forget other people don't, and so aren't as familiar with them. Threm was introduced in Reporting For Duty, and hasn't been seen for a few chapters. Please let me know when I seem to pop characters in which make no sense to you!

The main viewscreen on the Lindbergh's bridge showed the USS Voyager approaching. Captain Dax opened the comline to sickbay, "Dax to Sickbay, they are within visual range." Before she could close the line she and everyone else on the bridge heard the Lindbergh's CMO practically squeal, "They're here! They're here!"

From the science station, T'Phir, the Lindbergh's Science Officer, stated what they all were thinking, "It is fortunate the base of operations for this mission is now located in sickbay rather than on the bridge."

Dax, with one of her more mischievous smiles addressed T'Phir, "Why is that Lieutenant, are you suggesting that Dr. Franklin's enthusiasm might be too much for us to endure?"

T'Phir, with her usual Vulcan unflappable expression responded, "I would think that was obvious."

After the chuckling which had broken out across the bridge subsided, Icheb, from his seat pressed the appropriate buttons to open a connection, "Icheb to Voyager."

The viewscreen changed from the image of Voyager to the smiling face of Captain Chakotay, "Icheb, it is good to see you." In the background Harry Kim could be seen in the first officer's chair.

"Likewise, Captain, how are you?"

"I'm well, Icheb. May I ask where my wife and CMO are?"

"They are both in our Sickbay, as is Naomi Wildman."

"I look forward to seeing her. We should be in transporter range in half an hour." Chakotay's gaze turned to Captain Dax. "Captain, is there anything we need to do in the interim in order to prepare for this mission?"

Dax answered, "I assume you have all the supplies and personnel ready and waiting?"

"Of course, we have been compiling our inventories and personnel lists as requested."

"For now, I think that will suffice. It is my opinion, and both our Doctor and yours agree, that the effort should be coordinated here since our Sickbay is larger. Obviously we will need the resources of both Sickbays, but we have set up a command center on our ship. Ensign Wildman is in charge of coordinating all the data for the mission."

"Sounds good. We will see you shortly, Voyager out."

Dax turned to her first officer, "Icheb, would you please go to sickbay and make sure things are in readiness?"

"Certainly, do you mean I should go to Sickbay and make sure Todd hasn't worked himself into a frenzy?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."

As Icheb entered Sickbay he immediately recognized the wisdom of the Captain sending him to Sickbay. Todd was flitting around sickbay readjusting every piece of equipment in the room while the Doc, Seven and Naomi watched in fascination. Icheb tried to get his attention, "Doctor…Todd…TODD!"

The Doctor finally stopped and turned to the First Officer, "Yes?"

"What are you doing?"

"I'm making sure everything is ready for their arrival." Todd accompanied this statement with wild, almost frantic, arm gestures.

Voyager's CMO added, "He has been running around in circles since the Captain called to announce Voyager's imminent arrival. May I suggest a mild tranquilizer?"

Seven suggested to the Doc, "Perhaps since you suggested all the Borg regenerate until Voyager arrived, you should have suggested Dr. Franklin regenerate as well."

"Perhaps I should have. I had no idea he would get this worked up."

Todd was oblivious of the discussion Seven and the Doc were having because he had begun to interrogate Icheb, "When will they arrive? How long until they are in transporter range? Who will come to the Lindbergh?"

Icheb put his hands on his friend's shoulders in an effort to get Todd to stand still. "Todd, are you listening to me?" Icheb asked this because Todd didn't seem able to focus on anything. "They will be here in less than half an hour. You need to calm down. Perhaps the Doc should give you a mild sedative. You're slightly agitated."

The Lindbergh's CMO took a deep, calming breath. "No, I'm fine, really. Everything here is ready. We just need to coordinate with Voyager and get all our data sorted, then we can proceed. I suggest we don't disturb the drones until we have everything in place. How long do you think that will take Doc?"

"Knowing how efficient Chakotay is, it shouldn't take long. I have no doubt he has everything ready to go. We'll just need to get his resource lists and compare them with ours. We should be well and truly prepared by tomorrow morning. I want the patients to get as much rest as possible which is why I suggested they all regenerate until we are ready to begin the extractions. They'll be undergoing major medical procedures, the more rested they are at the outset, the better."

Icheb suggested, "Since we have a few minutes before they arrive, why don't we all go to the Mess Hall and take a coffee break?"

Naomi nodded her head, "I think that's a wonderful idea. However I think maybe Doctor Franklin should avoid any caffeinated beverages."

They entered the Mess Hall and noticed it was mostly empty. They all ordered their beverages and light snacks then gathered around a table. Voyager's EMH asked a question, "I assume Captain Dax informed Chakotay of our intention to coordinate efforts from here on the Lindbergh?"

Icheb, who was the only one who had been on the bridge answered, "Yes, and he agreed. Naomi, has Voyager started sending any of their data?"

"Not yet, I just assumed they would bring their PADDs with them."

"They probably will."

Todd, who seemed to be calming down from his earlier state asked, "Who's going to bring them over? Have they assigned a liaison officer?"

Icheb answered, "I don't know yet. I'm sure they will, but I don't know who it will be. My guess is Captain Chakotay will be part of the first contingent. He seems anxious to see you Seven. One of his first questions to me was to inquire as to the whereabouts of his wife and CMO, in that order."

The Doc smirked, "Well at least he remembered me."

Icheb's combadge sounded, "Dax to Icheb, meet me in the transporter room, our guests are arriving. And before you ask, yes Todd, you can join us."

Todd was surprised, "How did she know I would be with you?"

As he was pushing his chair back under the table, Icheb replied, "She's the Captain. She knows everything."

Dax was waiting for them in the transporter room. As they entered, two figures were completing the transporting process.

The taller of the two stepped off the platform and extended his hand to the Captain, "Captain Dax, I'm Captain Chakotay, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. May I present my First Officer, Commander Harry Kim."

Dax shook Harry's hand as well. "I believe you know most of these people. This is my Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Todd Franklin."

Todd bounded to the front of the crowd and shook both Chakotay and Harry Kim's arms vigorously. "It's such a pleasure to meet you both. I hope sometime during our mission I might be able to tour your vessel. You see, I am something of an aficionado of the Voyager, its history and crew."

"Of course, Doctor, you're more than welcome."

Dax felt they should exit the now cramped transporter room, "Shall we go to the briefing room? We'll have more room there."

As they filed into the corridor, Chakotay caught up with Seven and put his arm around his wife. They slowed their pace so they were soon at the back of the group. Chakotay kissed his wife on the cheek, "I've missed you."

"As I have you, but perhaps we shouldn't be seen publicly displaying affection here on the Lindbergh."

"Really?"

Seven separated from her husband and began to explain softly so the others wouldn't hear, "The Captain is somewhat sensitive about the subject. It seems that shortly after Naomi Wildman was posted here, she and Icheb began a romantic relationship."

Chakotay glanced at the group which was slightly ahead of them. He noticed Icheb and Naomi were at opposite ends of the group. "They seem to be keeping their distance from each other."

"They are, under the Captain's orders."

"Who would have guessed Icheb and Naomi Wildman would ever be under censure by their Captain?"

They broke off their conversation as the group reached the turbolift. Chakotay suggested, "Perhaps we should wait for the next 'lift. Seven people in a turbolift would be very crowded."

Icheb responded, "I'll wait with Captain Chakotay and Seven. We'll be right behind you."

As soon as the doors to the turbolift closed on the others, Chakotay asked Icheb, "What is this I hear about you and Ensign Wildman? Is it true the two of you are causing mayhem here on the Lindbergh?"