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Chapter 13
Seven of Nine, Spock thought to her. It will be interesting to learn how you have managed to enter this meld.
Once the doctor discovered the frequency of the Keeper's thoughts, it was not hard, she thought back. What is your status, Ambassador?
We are undamaged; however, we are unable to connect mentally with our physical bodies. This will prove to be a problem when our bodies need physical sustenance.
Agreed, Seven said. How long will it be before sustenance is required?
That would depend on how long we have been unresponsive, Spock replied, sounding slightly amused.
You mock me? Seven asked.
Hardly, Spock replied. I simply find it gratifying that you have found your… niche, is what a human would call it. Yet you remain Borg. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination.
I see. Do I take it that you find it ironic that the ship that destroyed the Borg still carries a drone as a crewmember?
I would not have put it that way, Seven, but I think that would be an accurate assessment. You have truly grown beyond what you were. You have become an individual in a way no other Borg ever has. You are unique.
Thank you, Ambassador. Now, however, I think it would be prudent to see what can be done for our shipmates.
Of course. How are you separating yourself from the illusion? Is there any way in which we could use your technique to help the others? Spock was immediately focused on the problem at hand.
Seven considered. I am certain others could not use my technique. I am separating my consciousness through my Borg implants. I have split my consciousness into two sections, and am using the implants to connect my senses to my mind. My organic systems are aware of sensory input, but the part that interprets that input has been 'disconnected'. It is as if my sense of self is in a box. Were it not for my implants, I would not be able to function outside this box. It would completely overrun my perception.
I see, said Spock, thoughtfully. And right now, you are able to confer with Voyager's doctor?
Yes, I am.
Facinating. And you are in Voyager's Sickbay?
Yes. What do you have in mind, Ambassador?
Is that a joke, Seven? I have you in my mind.
Ambassador, Seven's tone was positively exasperated now. I assure you that I am not joking.
No. I suppose you are not. Were I human, however, I might have found your statement amus…
Ambassador, please. We have other things to focus on right now.
I assure you, Seven, I am working on a theory right now. Is it possible for you to patch me into Voyager's computer so I could interface with the holographic systems?
She considered. It might be possible to patch you in so you could 'speak' through the ship's intercoms. That seems like a lot of work for a little gain, however. I can allow you to communicate directly with the doctor through me.
That is not what I intended, Seven. I am wondering if you could act as a conduit so that I could place my mind, or at least a copy of it into the ship's computer. This could then control a holographic body, as the ship's doctor does.
I am not sure. Let me confer with the doctor. For a few moments, things were quiet.
Spock, came the thought from the Keeper. If I understand things correctly, you are planning on controlling a photonic body with a copy of your mind which would reside in the vessel's computer?
Yes, Keeper. That is essentially correct.
I might be able to help somewhat also. With Seven of Nine's help, I should be able to separate my consciousness much as she has been able to. I do not have the benefit of implants, however, the Talosian mind is capable of segregating different sections of itself, and running what you would call a 'virtual consciousness'. In this way, I can connect my sensory organs to it, and transfer control of my body from my main consciousness to it. I should then be able to function. If I am successful, it will show me that I am able to completely segregate that part of my mind receiving the illusion, and I should then be able to help by projecting many of the crew of Voyager through my mind. You should be able to interact with them in a way that seems perfectly normal to you.
But my mind resident in the computer would not be able to perceive your illusions any more than those of the other Talosian.
No, said the Keeper, however if Seven can maintain a connection to the computer from your biological mind, we should be able to allow your doppelganger to see what is happening in my illusion.
Spock considered, then asked Seven, Did you hear what the Keeper proposes?
No, but the thought did appear in my head, Seven thought back at Spock in response to his earlier humor. I would say that his plan does appear to have a high probability of success. I would recommend that we try to revive Mr. Kim in the same way we intend on reviving you. Mr. Kim is an 'artist' when it comes to holodecks. He should be able to recreate any other person we need. The bridge has holo-emitters, as do most areas of the ship. The doctor insisted that he be able to make 'house calls' for those people who weren't critically ill, so even crew quarters have emitters now.
Seven explained in detail to the Keeper what she had done to split her consciousness, who then performed analogous operations in his own mind. With that accomplished, he was able to tune out the illusion and focus on reality. He sat up in sickbay, much to the surprise of the doctor. Then Seven and the Keeper set up the necessary conduit for Spock to control a photonic body. The doctor demanded that Spock's physical body be present in sickbay for observation when they activated the conduit. He and Seven made several trips to the underground city and retrieved their shipmates and the Enterprise crew. The doctor made them all as comfortable as possible.
Finally, things were ready to go. The photonic body was constructed for the ambassador, and the conduit was in place. Seven made the proper connections, and the photonic Spock sat up on the examination table where he had been built. One eyebrow went up, and he said, "Fascinating."