Comrade
When Seven regained consciousness, the found herself still alone in the Cargo Bay. Her head throbbed as she dragged herself to a standing position. Whatever had happened was obviously not good. As best she could she steadied herself so she could get to a turbolift. Halfway there, she found her vision going hazy and hit her comm. badge.
"Seven of Nine to Sickbay. Medical Emergency."
A short time later, Seven awoke in Sickbay, the Doctor standing over her with concern in his eyes. She tried to sit up but he held her down.
"You need to lay down. You've lost consciousness at least once."
She blinked a time or two. "I could not regenerate last night. Something happened."
"What?"
"I…I am not certain."
"Perhaps there was a malfunction with your alcove? B'Elanna could take a look."
"Perhaps. However I do not wish to bother her at this time. She has more important things to be concerned with."
"Your health is important, Seven. You can't neglect your regeneration cycles."
"I do not intend to make a habit of it, Doctor. I will be fine. Thank you for your assistance." She managed to get to a sitting position before the Doctor stopped her again.
"Not so fast. I want you to rest. Get some sleep."
"The Captain wishes to run another simulation before we attempt the mission this afternoon."
"She'll understand. Now don't make me sedate you."
Seven glared at him but laid back down. She closed her eyes, letting the exhaustion coursing through her body pull her out of the realm of the waking world. The hologram watched her until he was certain she was asleep. If need be, he would examine her alcove while she slept.
Several decks up, Kathryn lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Q lay next to her, fast asleep. It had been a trying day for both of them. In the peacefulness of her quarters, she tried to discern where she'd gone wrong in upsetting the Continuum. She had never considered herself as uptight as they made her sound. Certainly she wanted to follow protocols and avoid being Court Marshaled. Any military officer would do the same. But she had to accept their new position in the galaxy.
"Kathy," Q mumbled, still half asleep.
"Hmm?"
"Stop thinking so loudly."
Her brow furrowed. "What?"
Q's eyes opened and he rolled onto his side to look at her. "You're thinking too loud. I can't sleep."
She gave him a soft smile. "Sorry. I didn't realize." Kathryn looked at him and couldn't help feel a genuine affection towards him. With all the jealous feelings he'd been having lately, she figured there had to be something between them other than a mutual adoration of Quinten.
"I never realized how rigid I was about following the rules. You'd think having survived for this long in the Delta Quadrant; I'd have loosened up a bit."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Kathy. Starfleet Captains all have that overwhelming, and annoying sense of duty."
"We all have our flaws, even you, Q."
"Me? Hardly."
"Since when are Qs jealous of lower beings and holograms?"
Before Q could answer, the comm. system buzzed to life. "Doctor to Captain Janeway."
Kathryn let out a yawn as she reached for her comm. badge. "Janeway here, Doctor. What is it?"
"I thought you might like to know that Seven of Nine had some trouble regenerating last night. I'm not sure it's a good idea for her participate in the mission."
"Where is she now?"
"In Sickbay. She's sleeping."
"I'll be there in a half hour. We'll discuss it then."
"Understood."
Kathryn tossed the badge back on the night table and rolled back to face Q. He gave her a grin, running a hand through her hair. "You have a half hour…but I could make it longer," he whispered.
She fixed him with a look that said 'nice try'. "Maybe after this mission."
Just as she tried to sit up, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back down. She let out a huff as she hit the pillow. Why did Q have to have such bad timing? She needed to tend to Seven and prepare for the mission. She didn't have time for foreplay.
"Q, I said maybe later."
"I'm holding you to that," he said, letting her go.
By the time she reached Sickbay, she'd had her morning cup of coffee. She walked in to find Seven of Nine sitting up, talking quietly with the Doctor.
"How are you feeling?" Kathryn asked.
"I will be fine, Captain. Thank you for your concern."
"What happened?"
Seven averted her gaze. "I do not remember."
"I examined her alcove. It seemed to be working properly until 02:00 hours. There was evidence of an electrical surge, lasting approximately twelve seconds," the Doctor interjected.
"I want you off the mission. We can't afford to have you not on your game right now," Kathryn said, looking at the young woman before her.
"Captain, you must let me complete the mission. We do not have time to find a replacement. I am functioning efficiently," Seven protested.
Kathryn motioned for the Doctor to join her in his office. They stood with their backs to the window so as to avoid Seven overhearing their conversation.
"What do you think? Is she able to go with us?"
"There is something she isn't telling us, but at this point we aren't going to get it out of her. The Borg can be relentlessly stubborn when they want to be. I'd be afraid she would join the rest of the away team even if I told her she couldn't go."
"I'll keep that in mind, Doctor."
The Doctor nodded his head and they returned the main area of Sickbay. Kathryn gave Seven a concerned glance but said nothing.
"I'll see you in Transporter Room Two at 13:00 hours. But if between now and then, you feel you aren't up to the mission, tell me."
"I assure you Captain, your concerns are unnecessary."
"I trust your judgment, Seven. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some personal matters to attend to."
Several hours later, Kathryn let out a sigh as she rested her head against the pillow. Q lay beside her, a broad grin of satisfaction on his face. She'd given in to his demands finally and even she had to admit she felt better for it.
"I have to get ready for the mission," Kathryn said, finding it hard to get out of bed.
Q snapped his fingers and Kathryn found herself standing on the bridge, dressed in her uniform. She looked down and a cup of coffee materialized.
"Are you alright, Captain?" Chakotay asked.
"Fine. Are we ready for the mission?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Good."
Down in Cargo Bay Two, Seven of Nine paced back and forth. She had no idea what the Borg queen would do if she found them on her vessel. It was a risk the former drone had been willing to take and she couldn't back out now. She knew the Queen was watching, monitoring her. For the rest of the crew's sake, she had to go on the mission.
By the time 13:00 hours arrived, the away team was anxious to be underway. They were working with a short timetable and there was little room for error. Kathryn surveyed her team as they stepped onto the transporters.
"Everyone ready?"
"Yes, Ma'am," a chorus of voices responded.
She looked to Chakotay. "Energize."
Moments later, the away team appeared on the Borg cube. It was identical the dozens of simulations they had run. Together, the foursome moved through the corridors, avoiding the drones just as they'd practiced.
"See you in a few minutes," Kathryn said.
The pairs split off, Kathryn and Seven making their way to the reactor core. Kathryn could feel the success in her bones. They were making good time and they hadn't been spotted yet. Just as Seven began to disengage the safety protocols for the reactor coil, weapons fire flew over the Captain's head.
"Seven, I hate to rush you but we have guests," Kathryn called.
Seven did her best to remove the coil without drawing additional fire. Unfortunately, their carefully laid plan was in shambles within minutes. They were quickly surrounded by drones.
"This way," Kathryn shouted, leading Seven in the opposite direction they had practiced.
They made it to the rendezvous point just as Harry and Tuvok joined them.
"Let's get out of here," Harry called over the noise and confusion.
"Go on without me," Seven said. Her demeanor had changed abruptly as she handed the reactor coil to Tuvok.
"Seven what are you doing?" Kathryn demanded.
"You will be assimilated if you remain here any longer. Take the coil and return to Voyager."
"We aren't leaving without you," Kathryn protested.
Seven simply shook her head. She would not allow the Captain to get involved. Whatever was about to happen was between her and the Queen.
"Commander Chakotay, three to beam out," Sev en ordered.
She watched as Harry, Tuvok and Janeway were transported back to Voyager. She could see the hurt and bewilderment in the Captain's eyes as she disappeared. With a determined look and a deep breath, Seven turned to meet the drones circling about her. It was time to face the Queen.
