Chapter 123.
End Season 6 and Start of Season 7.
Unimatrix Zero Parts 1 and 2.
(Leah POV)
Everyone was on the Bridge but Harry. As Harry finally got here.
"You're late, Harry," I said.
"Captain," Harry said.
"According to the ship's chronometer, by 22 seconds," Tuvok said.
"I'll make it up at the end of my shift," Harry said.
"See that you do," Chakotay said.
"Take your Station," I said.
As Harry noticed the box on his chair.
"Open it, That's an order," Chakotay said. "Not only late but improperly dressed, That belongs on your collar,"
"Tom," Harry said.
"What," Tom said.
"Did you know," Harry said.
"Maybe," Tom said.
"And you never told me," Harry said.
"And what ruin the surprise," Tom said.
"Allow me," I said. "It's been a long time coming. As ship's captain, I hereby grant you to the rank of Lt, With all the privileges and responsibilities therein. Your performance on this ship over the past 6 years has been exemplary. I expect more of the same,"
"You won't be disappointed," Harry said.
"Congratulations Starfleet," B'Elanna said.
As the Helm bleeped.
"Captain, you didn't hide a cake in the helm did you?" Tom said.
"No," I said.
"Looks like a distress call," Chakotay said.
"Put it through," I said.
"I'm getting a carrier wave, but no message," Chakotay said.
"Origin?" I said.
"An asteroid, Approximately 2 light years from here," Tuvok said.
"Yellow Alert, Tom Set a course," I said.
"Ready," Tom said.
"Warp 8, Engage," I said.
As we jumped to Warp.
XXX
"We're in range," Tom said.
"Drop to impulse, On Screen," I said. As we drop out of warp. "Magnify,"
"I am reading artificial structures, It's a colony of some kind," Tuvok said.
"Harry Open a channel," I said.
"Channel open," Harry said.
"This is Captain McCall of the starship Voyager. We've received your distress call," I said. "Never mind, wow," As it was looked destroyed. "Lifesigns,"
"None," Tuvok said.
"Captain, I'm detecting residual weapons signatures, they're Borg," Harry said.
"Any vessel," I said.
"One, A cube at the edge of this system," Tuvok said.
"Tom Resume our previous course Warp 6, Engage when ready," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tom said.
"Make a note in the ship's record, We responded to a distress call at 0900 hours, Arrived at the colony 2 hours later, No Survivors, We don't know who these people were, Only that the Borg destroyed them," I said.
XXX
"Another round with the Borg," Tom said.
"We'd only need to infiltrate a single vessel," 7 said.
"Oh just one," Tom said.
"I am prepared to take a shuttle and do this alone," 7 said.
"No offense but how do you know that this wasn't some kind of a dream," Harry said.
"7 was wearing a cortical monitor, She never reached REM sleep she wasn't dreaming," Doc said.
"Unimatrix Zero is real and so are the people who go there," 7 said. "They need our help,"
"What else can you tell us about this place?" I said. "how many drones,"
"No one is certain, Axum told me there could be tens of," 7 said.
"Wait, Axum," I said.
"He's someone I used to know, He told me there could be tens of thousands perhaps more," 7 said.
"How was it created," I said.
"Some of them believe it began as a random malfunction during the assimilation of a single drone and eventually spread to the others," 7 said.
"Well, this is all very interesting, but are we sure it's worth putting our lives on the line," B'Elanna said.
"It's my understanding that when we receive a distress call, we respond, Starfleet protocols," 7 said.
"She's right, this is no different," Harry said.
"I understand your reluctance, but 7's discovered a potential weakness in the collective, Before we decide how to proceed, I'd like to learn as much about it as we can," I said.
"Too bad you don't have the luxury of an interlink node," Chakotay said.
"Don't need one, Tuvok," I said.
"There is a possibility, A Vulcan technique known as the bridging of minds, I would need to initiate a mind meld with both you and 7 acting as a telepathic conduit," Tuvok said.
"You make it sound like a conference call," Doc said. "Captain it is my professional opinion that we wait until,"
"Objection noted," I said. "How long do you need,"
"2 hours to prepare," Tuvok said.
"Get started," I said. "Looks like we're turning in early tonight,"
XXX
As I was heading to Mine and 7's quarters. "Stay at Yellow Alert, Maintain long range scans for Borg vessels," I said. "Any sign of trouble you know where to find me,"
"This will be one away mission for the record books," Chakotay said. "No offense here. But you want to go up against the Borg again. After,"
"Chakotay if this is real and we can find a way to help them fight back. This could end up either destroying the Borg. Or," I said.
"Creating a Splinter Faction," Chakotay said.
"Exactly," I said. "Mind melds, the last time I heard the Words, My mind to your mind, I had a headache for a week,"
"I'm willing to volunteer if you'd rather hold down the fort," Chakotay said.
"I appreciate your trying to protect me, but a chance to see this place it's worth a headache This time," I said. As we got to our quarters.
"We're ready Captain," Tuvok said.
"Then Let's ride," I said.
As the Doc got it on and we laid down.
"As the conduit, I'll be aware of both your perceptions, If something goes wrong, I'll break the meld," Tuvok said.
"Got it, See you in there," I said.
"Your minds to my mind, Your thoughts to my thoughts, Your minds to my mind, Your thoughts to my thoughts," Tuvok said.
Then When I opened my eyes. I was in the forest.
"You have got to be kidding me," I said.
"Welcome to Unimatrix Zero," 7 said.
"7 Wow," I said.
"Annika, That's what I'm called here," 7 said.
"Maybe after this you may go back to using it," I said.
As I heard laughter.
"Drones," I said.
"Yeah, Come on let's find Axum," 7 said.
As we found him.
"Annika," Axum said.
"Axum, Meet my captain," 7 said.
"Captain Leah McCall USS Voyager," I said.
"You can see why we want to protect this place," Axum said.
"We're prepared to help you, But I'm concerned that we'd only be putting off the inevitable," I said. "Even if we succeeded, And you could remain hidden for a year, 10 years, the Borg would eventually find you again, have you ever considered a more permanent solution?"
"More Permanent?" Axum said.
"You've got a remarkable sanctuary here, But that's all it is, Maybe it's time to stop hiding and find a way to fight back," I said.
"That's not possible," Axum said.
"If you could find a way to carry your individualities into the real world, to wake up from your regeneration cycles with your memories intact, You could begin to undermine the Borg's control over you," I said.
"That sounds like you're suggesting a civil war," 7 said.
"I'd prefer to call it, A Resistance," I said.
"That's very ambitious, Captain," Axum said. "But we can't retain our memories,"
"Not yet, But we know a good deal about Borg technology, Maybe we could," I said Then I heard shouting. As we went to see what was going on. When we saw A Klingon down by a Borg Drone. As I saw his weapon on the ground as I went and got it. Knocking the last one off. Then Finishing it. As it fell it vanished.
XXX
We were finally back on Voyager.
"How's your headache," Chakotay said.
As I went into my ready room. As he followed.
"I'm guessing it didn't go well," Chakotay said.
"Let's just say we ran into a little trouble," I said. "Best have a seat for this,"
"I prefer to stand," Chakotay said.
"The Collective's found a way to infiltrate Unimatrix Zero, It won't be long before they learn enough to destroy it from the inside out," I said. "I plan to stop them,"
"What have you got in mind?" Chakotay said.
"The people there are vulnerable, They don't have the ability to take action in the real world, We're going to give them that ability," I said.
"How?" Chakotay said.
"The Doc and B'Elanna are working on it," I said. "I know what you're thinking, We'd be violating half a dozen Starfleet protocols, And if the collective ever learned we were involved, We'd be putting Voyager in the middle of a civil war, Valid objections, Chakotay. We've had our disagreements, and there have been times when I've chosen to proceed without your support, But this can't be one of those times,"
"The way I see it, Risking the safety of Voyager is a small price to pay, If we help these people. This could be the turning point in our battle against the Borg," Chakotay said.
"I'm glad we agree, Cause I nearly talked myself out of it," I said.
"Somehow I don't think you were ever in danger of doing that," Chakotay said.
"You'll inform the crew," I said.
As I got to Sickbay.
"This is the nanovirus Axum designed to prevent the Borg from detecting those with the Genetic mutation, But I've modified it to nullify their cortical inhibitors instead, Once they're infected they should retain their memories of Unimatrix Zero After they leave their alcoves," Doc said.
"Would they be able to pass it on," I said.
"Yes," Doc said.
"Does that mean they'll be able to function as individuals?" 7 said. "Stand up to the collective,"
"There's no way to tell," Doc said. "This is highly experimental,"
"How do we deploy it?" I said.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, But each Borg Vessel has a device that links it to every other Borg Ship," B'Elanna said.
"The Central Plexus," 7 said.
"If we can gain access to one of those and release the Virus there, it should be transmitted throughout the collective, instantly," B'Elanna said.
"Any Borg activity in the region?" I said.
"They just dropped out of Transwarp 3.6 lightyears from here," B'Elanna said.
"This is a Class 4 Tactical Vessel, Heavily Armed, the Central Plexus is protected by multiregenerative security grids," 7 said. "We'd be detected long before we could reach it,"
"Meet me in Engineering, we're going to find a way in," I said. "Prepare the Virus,"
"Aye Captain," Doc said.
"I think it's time for you to take another nap, Pay a visit to Unimatrix Zero, Tell our friends we haven't forgotten them, I couldn't help but notice you were a little different in Unimatrix Zero and I don't mean your lack of Borg implants, You seemed more," I said.
"Human," 7 said.
"If you don't mind my saying so, it suited you," I said. "But What that Class 4. Is there any way to bring down the security grids,"
"Only for a few seconds, Enough to get one in but then the Borg would adapt so that person will be trapped in there. And the only other way through is," 7 said.
"Borg," I said.
"Yes," 7 said.
"Shit," I said.
"I've been told I spent a great deal of time there, But Since I don't remember Unimatrix Zero any more than I remember Earth, It's irrelevant," 7 said.
"To you maybe, But if what I saw was any indication, You would so disagree," I said.
XXX
We were in Engineering going over the plan.
"Can't we find another Borg ship, A sphere maybe. Something less imposing," Doc said.
"I rechecked long range Sensors there's nothing," B'Elanna said.
"This is our target, You'll keep a transporter lock on me, Once I make it to the Central plexus and release the Virus, you can beam me back," I said.
"In how many pieces," Doc said. "It's Ridiculous,"
"Agreed, I should go," 7 said. "I'm the only one with experience,"
"You're our only connection to Unimatrix Zero, 7 You're needed here," I said. "It was my decision to help these people, This is my responsibility,"
"Starfleet tactical Directive 36, The Captain will not engage a hostile force without the protection of a security officer," Tuvok said. "The probability of success is greater if there are 2 of us,"
"Make that 3," B'Elanna said. "If you're going to pull this off, You'll need an engineer in there,"
"B'Elanna," Tom said.
"Tactical Directive 36A," B'Elanna said.
"There is no Directive 36A," Tom said.
"There is now," B'Elanna said.
"I appreciate the offer, But if that cube attacks Voyager, You'll be needed here," I said. "Now you have your orders, Set a course Tom,"
As I headed out. Then I noticed Chakotay next to me.
"Remember what I said I didn't have any objections," Chakotay said.
"Can't this wait till I get back," I said.
"I realize I'm not going to talk you out of this, but I'll be damned if you're going in there alone," Chakotay said. "Besides they could do something worse this time,"
"They already have. How much worse can it get. We've got a lot of work to do," I said.
"You said you wanted my support, Then take Tuvok and B'Elanna with you," Chakotay said.
"And if I don't," I said.
"I may only be First officer, but I still pull a few strings around here, The Doctor could be persuaded to question your medical fitness," Chakotay said.
"I was hoping for your unconditional support," I said.
"This is the best I can do," Chakotay said.
"Tell them to pack light," I said. As the light started to go weird. "McCall to bridge report,"
"Someone's trying to tap into the main computer," Harry said.
"Source," I said.
"It's some kind of transwarp signal, It's activating the com system," Harry said. "Captain, I think it's for you,"
As Chakotay and I headed up there where it was the Borg Queen.
"Captain," she said.
"It's been a long time, How are things in the collective?" I said.
"Perfect, For the most part," She said. "Voyager?"
"Never better," I said.
"I understand you've established contact with Starfleet, Perhaps you'll be getting home sooner than you expected," She said.
"Perhaps," I said.
"We could help you," She said.
"How," Chakotay said.
"Transwarp Technology, You'd find that we can be quite accommodating," She said. "But we'd expect the same in return,"
"I'm not sure I know what you mean," I said.
"You know exactly what I mean, Tend to your own crew, Stay away from things that don't concern you," She said.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, But thanks for the offer," I said.
"I won't be as accommodating next time," She said. "Reconsider,"
"I'm sorry," I said.
"We'll see you soon, Harry," She said as she cut it as everything went back to normal.
"What does she mean by that?" Harry said.
"Why this stab at diplomacy," Chakotay said.
"She's trying to find out what we're up to, She's worried," I said. "Have B'Elanna and Tuvok meet me in Sickbay,"
XXX
"We're in Visual range," Tuvok said.
"On screen," I said. "Magnify,"
"Torres to Bridge," B'Elanna said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"The Delta Flyer is ready for launch," B'Elanna said.
"On my way," I said. "Guess I'd better be going,"
"Anything you'd like done around here while you're gone?" Chakotay said. "Gravity plating recalibrated, carpets cleaned,"
"Surprise me," I said. As I got up as Clara came on the Bridge.
"You sure you want to do this," Clara said.
"As sure as I will ever be," I said. "What are you doing up here anyway,"
"Someone may need to shoot those drones," Clara said.
"You have the bridge," I said.
"You better come back," Clara said.
"Plan on it kiddo," I said.
As Tuvok and I headed down to the Delta Flyer.
As we launch in the flyer.
(Clara POV)
"The Flyer has launched," Harry said.
"What's the Plan," I said.
"Think you can handle weapons from the chair," Chakotay said.
"Thought you never ask," I said.
"What you say shall we get on with it," Chakotay said.
"I'm ready," I said.
"Go ahead, I know how much you been waiting for it again," Chakotay said.
"You guys ready," I said.
"Yeah," Tom said.
"As I ever be," Harry said.
"Red Alert," I said. As I sat down on the chair as it came online. As the Klaxons went Red.
"Attack pattern Theta, Tom," Chakotay said. "Clara, Torpedoes full spread,"
"Ready," I said.
"Fire," Chakotay said.
As I launched 3 at the Cube as we passed by.
As we got hit back already.
"Report," Chakotay said.
"Direct hit to their shield emitters. No damage," Harry said.
"Clara, Increase phaser yield," Chakotay said.
"On it," Clara said.
"Where the Flyer," Chakotay said.
"They approaching heading 017 mark 3," Tom said.
"Evasive pattern Lambda," Chakotay said.
"Firing Phaser Banks," I said. Firing them off.
(Leah POV)
"Status," I said.
"Voyager has sustained damage, but they are continuing their assault," Tuvok said.
"Come on Chakotay," B'Elanna said.
"One of the cube's shield grids is fluctuating, Ventral axis, Secondary emitter," Tuvok said.
"Cut primary power, Thrusters only," I said.
(Clara POV)
"We got one of their shield grids, Ventral axis secondary emitter," Harry said.
"Clara, keep firing on those sections," Chakotay said.
"On it," I said as I kept the phasers on those sections.
"Shields down to 50%," Harry said.
As we got hit again.
"Forward shields are down," Harry said.
"Harry use the ZPMs and get them back," I said.
"Already done," Harry said. "Shields are back to 78%,"
"The Flyer," Chakotay said.
"They're closing," Tom said as we got hit. "50 kilometers,"
"Clara keep firing," Chakotay said.
"30 kilometers, 20, They're in range," Tom said as we got hit again.
(Leah POV)
"Shit they picked us up, Full power to shields," I said.
"Done," B'Elanna said. "It's time,"
"Their ventral shield grid," I said.
"Still fluctuating at a rate of .06 terahertz," Tuvok said.
"Align transporters to match," I said.
"Aye," Tuvok said. "Ready,"
"Energize," I said.
As we beamed in.
(Clara POV)
"They're detected them," Tom said.
"Chakotay, We can do some damage to them," I said.
"How," Chakotay said.
"That shield grid is still fluctuating at .06 terahertz, I can realign the Drones and launch a few damage a few of their subsystems," I said.
"Do it," Chakotay said.
"The Borg destroyed the Flyer," Harry said.
"Beam what's left back," I said.
"Already did," Harry said.
"What about Tuvok, B'Elanna and Mum," I said.
"Their inside the cube," Harry said.
"Confirmed their inside," Doc said.
As we got hit.
"Direct hit to the port nacelle we're venting plasma," Harry said.
"Should I back off," Tom said.
"No," Chakotay said.
"Chakotay we need some more maneuvring room," I said.
"Already just a bit. But keep us close enough if we have to beam them out," Chakotay said.
(Leah POV)
As we started to head for the Plexus. As 2 drones got in front of Tuvok and I as we shot them. Taking them out. As 2 more come from behind as B'Elanna tired to shoot them but they adapted.
"They're adapted," B'Elanna said.
"Come on," I said. As we got away.
(Clara POV)
"Tom Attack Pattern Omega 3, I got a idea," I said.
"On it," Tom said.
"What are you doing," Chakotay said.
"Just watch," I said. As I launched another 3 photon torpedoes, 2 dozen drones and a few Phasers shot.
But we got hit on the way pass.
"Hull breach, Deck 11," Harry said.
"Forcefields," I said.
"They're in place," Harry said.
"They're targeting our Warp core," Tom said.
"No chance yet," Doc said.
"Chakotay, I don't know how much more we can keep this up," I said.
"Tom Get us more room," Chakotay said. "Keep targeting their shields and weapons,"
(Leah POV)
We got clear but then as we came up to another junction, I hit a forcefield.
"Damn, We have to go around," I said. As B'Elanna backed up as she hit one next.
"They've blocked this side too," B'Elanna said.
"Shit," I said. As I saw 2 drones. "Tuvok,"
As they came through as came through. As Tuvok got them first. Them 2 came at my and got my side. As I heard them get B'Elanna. As one got a grab of my chin and pulled it so they had a clean access to my neck as I felt them go into my neck. After that I got knocked out.
(Clara POV)
"Their life signs are destabilizing," Doc said.
"So far so good," Chakotay said.
"Tom, Get us out of here," I said.
As we got back after getting shot 2 more times as we jumped to warp.
"We're clear, they're not following us," Tom said.
"Stand down Red Alert," I said as the Lights went normal. "We need to get Voyager ready again fast,"
"I know, Get Repair teams going now," Chakotay said.
"Tom, keep us in sensor range of that cube, Just in case we have to go for them," I said.
"Already on that," Tom said.
(Leah POV)
I finally came around as I was up and I could feel all those implants inside me. Let's just get this done quick and get the hell out of here. But I needed to find Tuvok and B'Elanna. Then my vision went weird and stayed like that, Then I headed for the Central plexus as I went through a field. This is a bit to easy. But then I got there and started trying to get the doors open. As I went to feel my head as it was going a bit. Then I noticed that they put one of those Eye things on my left side. Oh I'm going to kill them.
(Clara POV)
"We got repairs done," Chakotay said.
"Get us close to them but not to close," I said.
"On it," Tom said.
"Red Alert," I said As the Klaxons went red again.
"Time," Chakotay said.
"17 minutes," Tom said. "We should have heard something by now,"
"Doc," I said.
"Their higher brain functions are stable," Doc said.
"Cube's changing course, New heading 121 mark 6," Harry said.
"Matching course and speed," Tom said.
As I went with Chakotay down to Astrometrics.
"7 give us something good," I said.
"The Damage to their propulsion system is regenerating, They'll be capable of transwarp in less than 2 hours," 7 said.
"I want you inside Unimatrix Zero, When the virus is released your friends there will be the first to know," Chakotay said.
"You alright," I said.
"Yes, but I wouldn't call them my friends," 7 said.
"Acquaintances then, If you're having issue with these people, I suggest you set them aside," Chakotay said.
"Understood," 7 said as she left.
"Come on Mum," I said. "As soon as we know that virus is released we need to get them out,"
"Let's just hope it's soon," Chakotay said.
"If we go down to 20 minutes before they have transwarp back, We should go and hit them again," I said.
"It will only buy us a small amount of time and only for so long," Chakotay said.
"It's the only option we have," I said.
"Agreed," Chakotay said. "Stay here and keep an eye on the cube. When it close to being that close, Come up to the bridge and we'll head in,"
"Got it," I said.
"We get them back, All of them," Chakotay said.
"Some of it may not be the same anymore, but I still have Chloe and Mum," I said.
"When did you start called her that," Chakotay said.
"To be honest I don't really remember, but not like it isn't true now though," I said.
(Leah POV)
Come on damn it. I can't get this to just open already.
Then I noticed a shadow coming behind me as I moved fast.
"Captain," Tuvok said.
"What left of me," I said. "How are you holding up,"
"Fine," B'Elanna said.
"I can't access the plexus without shutting down the power grid for this section, that's bound to draw attention, They come running. Is there another way in," I said.
"The Primary access port, I think It's isolated from the main power grid," B'Elanna said.
"Where," I said.
"About 30 meters from here," B'Elanna said. "Captain you're eye,"
"I know, Deal with that when we get back," I said. "Tuvok, Tuvok,"
"I can hear the collective," Tuvok said.
"Shit the neural suppressant must be wearing off," I said.
"I'll be all right," Tuvok said.
"Come on let's go," I said.
As we got there.
As I was waiting for B'Elanna.
"Tuvok," I said.
"Stardate 38774 Vulcan's lunar colony, The time and place of my birth," Tuvok said. "Recalling the details of my life helps me remain focused, Captain if I succumb to the collective, I'll pose a security risk, You must be prepared to deactivate me,"
"Without the Doc help that could kill you," I said. "Stayed focused and stay you, That's an order,"
"Captain, I've bypassed the access codes," B'Elanna said.
"About time, Open it," I said. As she did as we headed in.
"Welcome to the central plexus," B'Elanna said.
"Alright let's release this virus," I said.
As we found the place to release it and B'Elanna and I got the panel off.
"Wow, Download the virus then we can get out of here," I said.
"This is weird," B'Elanna said.
(Clara POV)
We still have another 30 minutes at best as I got to the Bridge.
"What's wrong," Chakotay said.
"We got 30 minutes before they can go to Transwarp," I said.
"There's a problem with Commander Tuvok, Hus synaptic pathways are destabilizing," Doc said.
"We should pull them out now," I said.
(Leah POV)
As B'Elanna tubules went in. As I grabbed the panel
"We have to get out of this chamber and call Voyager," I said.
But Tuvok got in the road.
"You're Commander Tuvok, Tactical officer of the Starship Voyager, I'm your captain, Step aside. That's an order," I said.
"Captain you must deactivate me," Tuvok said.
As I went to try but a field went up.
"Damn," I said.
"My designation is 3 of 12," Tuvok said.
As More showed up.
As B'Elanna and I split up.
(Clara POV)
"Range, 40,000 kilometers," Tom said.
"Harry," Chakotay said.
"Too much shield around the central plexus," Harry said. "I can't get a lock,"
"Stay on it," Chakotay said. "Closer,"
"Battle Stations," I said As the Klaxons went.
(Leah POV)
"This way," B'Elanna said but we got cut off by Tuvok.
As I headed another way.
As they cornered me and pulled my away somewhere. But I didn't see B'Elanna.
(Clara POV)
"Clara, Target their shield generators," Chakotay said.
"Weapons locked on," I said.
"Commander," Tom said.
As the Cube launched a torpedo.
"Shield to full, Brace for impact," Chakotay said.
"Someone's accessing our tactical controls, Our shields are down," Harry said.
As I activated the chair as I got the hull plating online.
"Hull plating online but I don't think it will hold against that," I said.
"Evasive maneuvers," Chakotay said. just as it hit.
"Sensors are offline, I've lost the away team," Doc said.
"Hull breaches Deck 5,6,7," Harry said.
"Chakotay, We can't take another hit," I said.
"Reverse course," Chakotay said.
"We can't just leave them," Tom said.
"The Borg have our access codes, Get us out of here," Chakotay said.
As we got clear.
"We need to get repairs done fast," I said.
"Harry get on it," Chakotay said.
(Leah POV)
As I got pulled to an alcove as I felt it lock me in. As a field force went up.
Then I showed up somewhere to familiar.
"I altered the transmission to restore your original appearance, I know how vain humans can be," She said.
"Hardly the same," I said. "Why am I here,"
"You've caused a great deal of suffering, I wanted you to see it for yourself," She said. "You are the cause of his death, Captain. You disconnected him from the hive mind,"
"You didn't have to kill him," I said.
"He was confused, irrational, I had no choice," She said.
"There's always a choice," I said.
"Many more will die, unless you tell me how to counteract the virus," She said.
"Sorry, we didn't think to develop an antidote," I said.
"I'll assimilate Voyager then, Your Doctor created the pathogen, he can find a cure," She said.
"My first officer has orders to delete the Doc's program if you go anywhere near Voyager, the resistance is already underway," I said. "It won't be long before thousands of drones begin to fight back,"
"They will fail," She said.
"Maybe, Probably, But a lot of damage will be done before they do," I said.
"Yes a lot of damage," She said as a image of a cube showed up. "Spatial grid 94, Cube 630, Complement 64,000 drones, But I can no longer hear 3 of them, No doubt they've joined your resistance, Are they trying to sabotage the vessel and liberate others, I don't know because I can no longer hear them, Initiate self destruct," As It blew up. "An effective solution don't you agree, Spatial grid 091 Sphere 878, Complement 11,000 drones, only one is silent but I have no choice, I must silence all of them, Initiate Self destruct," As it blew up to. "I know how this must upset you, Captain, As a Starfleet officer, you value all life, Even drones, How many more are you willing to sacrifice, Thousands, Millions, You can put an end to this, I want you to go on a diplomatic mission, It's one of your primary functions isn't it, negotiations,"
"Go on," I said.
"Tell them to rejoin the collective and I'll stop the destruction," She said.
"They will never agree to that," I said.
"They're individuals now, they have a choice," She said. "What are you afraid of, that they may cooperate, You've been waiting for a chance to damage the Borg, Now you've found one, You're only using them,"
"If you really wanted to negotiate, You'd visit Unimatrix Zero, You found a way to send drones, surely you could go yourself, Or are you afraid that a taste of individuality might make you realize it is something worth fighting for," I said.
"Comply or you will be responsible for many more deaths," She said. As another cube showed up.
"You'll have to destroy the entire collective to find them all," I said.
(Clara POV)
"Several drones have reported that they retained their memories of unimatrix Zero after their regeneration ended," 7 said. "The Virus has been deployed,"
"Good, we're going to need all the help we can get, The away team's still trapped on that cube," Chakotay said.
"And we are in no shape to mount a rescue, Can you get back in, find out if they have anyone else aboard this cube, Or ship nearby," I said. As 7 nodded. "If they do, Tell them to hurry, they're the only allies we've got,"
As 7 left.
(Leah POV)
"I took your advice, Leah, I paid a visit to Unimatrix Zero, It's far more primitive than I expected," She siad. "I don't understand how anyone could prefer a crude environment, to Borg perfection,"
"Spend a little more time there, You might find out why," I said.
"I've seen enough," She said. "It's an illusion,"
"Even so, the people who go there are real, and they won't give it up without a fight," I said.
"They'll fail, I thought you'd like to see our latest accomplishment, Recognize it," She said.
"No," I said.
"I think you do," She said.
"It's your nanovirus with a few modifications," She said. "We've reprogrammed it to target your mutated drones, Once it's released it will erode their autonomic functions, they will die within minutes,"
"You have no way to deliver it," I said. "Those drones have been separated from the hive mind, They aren't linked to the central plexus anymore,"
"No but there's another way, I can reach them," She said. "I'm prepared to go back to Unimatrix Zero and release it myself, But I'm willing to reconsider, It all depends on you,"
"Me," I said.
"If they rejoin the collective I'll spare their lives, They listen to you, Tell them it's time to come home, You were responsible for many deaths, Now you can save thousands," She said. "Decide,"
"Fine," I said.
(Clara POV)
"Let's try this again," Chakotay said.
"Harry," I said.
"The warp core is online, Navigational array, Shields at 20%," Harry said.
"We've got Sensors short range only," Neelix said.
"It's a start, try to get a fix on the away team," Chakotay said.
"I see if I can get weapons back," I said.
"Now what," Tom said.
"Someone's tapping into our holographic systems," Harry said.
"Source," Chakotay said.
"It's a Borg signal," Harry said.
"Doctor to Bridge," Doc said.
"Go ahead," Chakotay said.
"Someone's here to see you and 7, commander," Doc said. "You'd better come down here right away,"
(Leah POV)
"Leah," Chakotay said.
"The Borg Have established this link so I could propose a compromise," I said.
"We're listening," Chakotay said.
"They've developed a nanovirus that can kill every Borg with the mutation, they're prepared to release it inside Unimatrix Zero, Unless all the drones there return to the collective for reassimilation immediately," I said.
"That's not compromise, that's surrender," 7 said.
"I won't be responsible for any more deaths, At least they'll survive as drones, Tell them Unimatrix Zero Can No Longer Exist, That's an order, That clear Commander," I said.
"Yes Captain," Chakotay said.
As It cut off.
(Clara POV)
As we rumbled.
"Chakotay to bridge Report," Chakotay said.
"A Transwarp conduit just opened off our port bow," I said.
"Clara," Neelix said.
"They're on an intercept course," Harry said.
"Tom Evasive maneuvers," I said. "Battle Stations,"
"They're Hailing us," Neelix said.
"Open a channel," I said.
"Starship Voyager, I'm General Korok, This vessel is now under my command, We've come to join you in battle," Korok said.
"Now things are looking up," I said.
(Leah POV)
"Your crewmates are coming to retrieve you, You were wise to comply," She said.
(Clara POV)
"Chakotay to 7, We're almost in range," Chakotay said.
"Stand by," 7 said. "I've isolated the frequency,"
"Clara Charge Weapons," Chakotay said.
"Already have," I said. in the Chair.
"Get Korok," Chakotay said.
"Our emitter are fully charged," Korok said.
"You should be receiving the interlink frequency," Chakotay said.
"We have it," Korok said.
"Wait for our signal," I said.
"We're in range," Tom said.
"Full power to the Shields," Chakotay said.
"Weapons ready," I said. "Voyager to Korok, It's time, 7, Go,"
"Bridge it's working, Unimatrix Zero is shutting down," 7 said.
"Acknowledged," Chakotay said.
"Voyager to Korok, Now," I said.
(Leah POV)
"What are they doing?" She said.
"You wanted to destroy Unimatrix Zero, We're just lending you a hand," I said.
"Get me the virus," She said.
"You're too late, there's no one left to infect," I said.
"Is this your compromise," She said.
"I don't Compromise With Borg," I said.
(Clara POV)
"Tom attack pattern Delta 4," I said. "Torpedoes Ready,"
"Korok ship is moving into range their targeting the Cube's shields, And Firing," Harry said.
"Clara, Fire at will," Chakotay said.
"Firing torpedoes," I said. As we got hit.
"Phaser Banks," Chakotay said.
"Ready," I said.
"Fire," Chakotay said.
As I start firing them off.
"I'm picking up the away team," Neelix said.
"I'm isolating their bio signatures," Harry said.
"Get a lock," Chakotay said.
"I still can't penetrate their inner shields," Harry said.
"I'm on it," I said Launching a couple of drones with the Phasers.
"Voyager to Korok, Status," Chakotay said.
"Patience, Commander, They're trying to remodulate their secondary shield gird, I'm attempting to compensate," Korok said. "Shields in sub junction 42 are destabilizing Target that section,"
"On it," I said. Firing Phasers at it hard.
(Leah POV)
The Field went offline. But before we got beamed out. A console blew right next to me hitting me hard as we beamed out.
(Clara POV)
"They're shields are down," Tom said.
"Energize," I said.
"We got them Transporter Room 2," Tom said.
As we got hit by the shockwave.
"Tom, Get down there," Chakotay said.
(Leah POV)
I started to come round.
"Doc," I said.
"Easy," Doc said. "You've been out for 48 hours,"
"Everything go alright," I said.
"Not exactly, You got hit by an explosion went we were beaming you out. I managed to remove all the technology I could without killing you. But I'm afraid some will have to remain," Doc said.
"How much?" I said.
"I have to at least leave the last 29%," Doc said.
"B'Elanna and Tuvok," I said.
"B'Elanna is on the mend but Tuvok is going to take some time to recover," Doc said. "I want you here for the next day just to be on the safe side,"
"Alright," I said.
XXX
As the Doors opened and 7 came in.
"General Korok has finished his repairs, He's already been contacted by another Borg vessel in the region, It's also in control of former drones," 7 said.
"Ow, Damn it," I said. "But a while before I'm playing hoverball again, If I ever imply it's been easy on you these last few years, remind me about today. Not like I will need it,"
"Noted," 7 said.
"Well Unimatrix Zero may be gone, But the resistance is alive and kicking," I said. "With any luck the collective may never be the same. Should of seen her face when she realized what I did,"
"Korok said. he would try to maintain contact, Keep us informed," 7 said.
"Good," I said. "Doc is letting me out tomorrow, So I get back to our quarters,"
"I shall see you then," 7 said.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all.
PEACE!