Continues:
Captain Janeway is rescued, but refuses the chance of escape in favour of helping the Colonel's war effort.
Voyager and characters (except the Colonel) in this story are copyright of Paramount. No resemblance is intended to any person alive or dead.
The story line and the Colonel are my own.
Constructive criticism and comments are welcome on e-mail story@rgower.plus.com.
If like me you like to know why things occur like they do, I would heartily recommend you start with the Colonel
This story is rated PG13
The Captain looked around her when she materialised. Even if she had not known the fate awaiting her, she would recognise the dark surrounds and dull green lighting anywhere. A brief head count showed that the three remaining members of her party were also with her, as was Vesa.
I thought you weren't invited? she growled at the unfortunate dwarf, grabbing him by the arm and shaking him.
I'm sure there was a mistake. I will be released directly, he stammered.
The Borg do not admit to mistakes, she snapped sourly. They certainly won't correct one. You are one of the damned as well.
She turned to Tuvok, who was already examining their cell. She asked.
Negative, Captain, he reported mildly. We have no weapons or tools. I may be able to deactivate the force field. However how we would proceed after that I am uncertain.
Keep on it. Tom and Vorick help him. We will deal with what to do afterwards. At least they don't seem too interested in us at the moment.
We are the Borg. You will be assimilated, your racial distinctiveness will be added to the Collective and enhance our own. Resistance is futile! The familiar litany played at them echoing through the ship, accompanied by screams.
Put another record on! Tom Paris shouted at the message, then turned apologetically to the Captain. It sounds as if the Borg are taking hostages, Captain?
They span around as the familiar hum of a transport in progress came from behind them. The transport revealed the slender figure of Seven of Nine and the rather more war like figure of the Colonel. His rifle already levelled and scanning the surrounds. It locked on Vesa.
Start talking Lieutenant, before I splatter what you have across the bulkhead, the Colonel barked. Start with the other Federation Star Ship and how you people took it without a serious fight?
The Captain exclaimed in surprise. Why are you here?
He ignored her. You have ten seconds to start talking, Lieutenant!
Vesa looked around in alarm for somewhere to hide. Finding no where and the gaze of everybody upon him he started to speak.
One hundred years ago the first Borg cube arrived. We had no defences against such a ship and they took over a million of our people. They came back a few years later, and again a few years later still. It was becoming a regular feature, they stole any advanced technology we had. Before we thought they were due again we trapped an alien vessel. It was more advanced than ours and we offered it to the Borg to leave us alone. It worked after a fashion, the numbers of our people they took were reduced to no more than a couple of hundred. It worked the next time as well, so we started to collect for them. The Star Ship you stumbled upon was captured in the same way yours will be. We stowed nearly two hundred warriors aboard the vessel. They will take control of key parts of the ship and force them to surrender. The ship and captive crew will be placed in orbit around the magnetic anomaly you went to investigate. Please don't shoot me! I didn't know.
You may well be begging me to shoot you, Lieutenant. You aren't 16 either, are you? I heard the Captains logs aboard Argonaut.
Vesa shook his head. I am 53 in your years, but our lives are much longer than yours. Our short stature makes people unfamiliar with our race believe we are younger. It was my father that helped take the Argonaut. Please I had nothing to do with it. I have only just found out the truth myself from the General!
The Colonel glared at him for a few moments and watched him squirm. It satisfied him that he had received the truth. He lowered his rifle and stood stiffly, before saluting the Captain. Sorry, Ma'am. But I had to get a better view of the truth.
Never mind. I have more pressing problems, she snapped. Why are you here and where is Voyager?
Mrs Nine and I are the rescue party, the Colonel answered cheerfully. As for Voyager, even if she wasn't before, she is a long way away now. This bus dropped into transwarp as soon as it beamed you aboard. It is why we were a little late getting here. My apologies, Ma'am.
And you have a plan? the Captain asked carefully.
Yes, Ma'am, he declared brightly. I intend to ask the Borg to surrender!
Everybody, except Seven of Nine, choked on the easy declaration.
Just how are you intending to do that? the Captain demanded.
Well first I will have to do a few things, like place a couple of bombs and of course declare war. But otherwise I haven't got a clue, he admitted. Now. As you are all safe for the time being, you will excuse Mrs Nine and myself. We need to see the conductor and arrange for us to stop at a suitable bus stop.
Seven, what is he babbling about? the Captain cried turning to Seven of Nine and hoping for a more sensible conversation. There were times when the Colonel's form of speech dropped into cryptic and analogous similes, that were probably as clear as a bell to his own men, but meant nothing to her.
The shuttle cannot be released while we are in transwarp, Seven explained. The Colonel intends to bring the cube to a halt so that you may be safely beamed aboard and escape.
You said Tuvok interrupted. Did you not mean
Seven of Nine shook her head. The shuttle will be destroyed, if we are unable to create sufficient damage. The cube is enroute to Unimatrix 01. Colonel Samuels intends to destroy the Collective.
Silence reigned amongst the captives again as the statement sank in.
the Captain asked at last in resignation. There must be millions of Borg aboard the Unimatrix. He isn't intending to kill them all with his sword. Is he?
It is unlikely that would have the desired effect, Seven of Nine pointed out. However I am uncertain of his real intentions. It is safer for him that I do not. My implants may broadcast his intentions to the Collective if I did.
Then why are you here, Seven? the Captain asked more gently, stepping close to Seven of Nine.
I will not allow him to attempt the task on his own, Seven whispered back. He believes he will succeed, but he will die in the process. He is my collective. I should be with him.
Mrs Nine, can you rig the force field across this aperture so that the Borg can't get in? the Colonels question interrupted the Captain and Seven's discussion.
The Captain turned and found the Colonel on the outside of the force field, with Seven of Nine stepping after him. How did you do that? She demanded in surprise. Feeling she was rapidly losing control of the situation.
I'm bloody minded, he reminded her. 'It can't be done' is not in my admittedly rather limited vocabulary. Besides I have Borg bits, so I can walk through. He grinned at her.
I'm not leaving you aboard this ship! The Captain exploded. You won't survive!
He smiled apologetically. I'm sorry, Ma'am. But this is a situation where you will have to take my orders, like them or not. Mrs Nine leave the Captain the remote for the transporter. You will know when to use it, Ma'am?
Captain Janeway nodded uncertainly and grabbed the torch like device Seven of Nine handed her through the force field.
Seven turned for the force field controls and tapped a few pads before announcing, The field will no longer accept Borg directives.
The response from the Colonel was characteristically simple. He smacked the panel she had been working on with his fist, smashing it. And now they can't persuade it to accept them again, he declared.
Mrs Nine, you may escort me to the main power system, he announced, offering her his arm.
The Captain watched them casually stroll away arm in arm as they often did aboard Voyager, then step around two drones that appeared. There was no way the Colonel could achieve what he was intending. She was sure of that. It would only lead to his assimilation.
She turned back to the other captives. I am not going to let him try what Seven claims, she announced. Tuvok, find me a way out of this cage! I've got to stop him!
Your life will be in danger and you may compromise his plan, Tuvok warned quietly.
You think he has one! Tom Paris entered the discussion with an exclamation.
I do not know, Tuvok admitted honestly. However, the Colonel has an objective. I have observed that is often adequate. He would not allow Seven of Nine to be present unless he believed he could succeed.
Find me a way out of this cell! The Captain growled again at Tuvok, terminating the conversation. If they manage to stop the cube. You will take Tom, Vorick and Vesa and return to Komos and find Voyager. I will stay here.
It was a mistake to give Captain Janeway the control for the transporter, Seven of Nine opined as she strolled beside the Colonel. She will not return to the shuttle with the others.
I am not happy with how easy this is, he replied as they stepped past another party of Borg work drones.
As was customary the Borg were tasked to a single function and seemed to ignore the interlopers. It surprised the Colonel. He knew that the few Borg implants and the probes in his body might help reduce the probability of him being detected. But he had not expected this level of invisibility without extra effort on his part.
It has all the hallmarks of being a trap. The Captain running interference, with her own brand of chaos might be helpful, he finished.
That is my function? She demanded, stopping to look at him squarely in the face. To provide interference?
I sincerely hope not! I need you to show me where I can cause the most damage! I've told you before. I will protect you until my last breath and I will!
But you have no objection for the Captain to sacrifice herself? Seven demanded angrily.
He considered the question, knowing Seven of Nine's feelings for the Captain. If I can help it, she won't, he said carefully. But if she decides to stay behind, then to my mind, she has accepted the risks.
They entered a large room, full of pipes and consoles.
That is the main power system, Seven of Nine declared, pointing at a large panel in the far wall. Seven drones were working at the console on one side, two more were testing pipes and trunking on the other.
Well I won't make much of a dent in that with plastic, the Colonel breathed. Besides the locals might notice. Where are the power leads?
They run from all sides, the ones for propulsion exit from overhead. Seven of Nine pointed at a series of heavy pipes that ran a full fourteen feet above their heads.
I like that, the Colonel enthused. We will have all the time in the world up there. Come on! He slung his rifle over his neck and moved to a wall covered in trunking and nodes then started to climb. Reaching down to help Seven of Nine if she needed the assistance.
She proved more nimble than he expected and actually overtook him. He caught up with her again as she sat astride a thick pipe examining the readings on her tricorder.
This one! She insisted. The vessel will be without weapons and propulsion. It will take at least one hour to repair.
He grinned and kissed her. I've told you how wonderful you are? he asked, pulling his pack from his back and pulling two packages from the top.
she agreed calmly, breaking the packs up and helping him mould the contents around the pipe. The sentiment is irrelevant, but acceptable.
Right we have about fifteen minutes to find somewhere to hide before this lot goes pop, the Colonel sighed when they finished. Then you had better find the Captain and give her this? He handed her a small device.
A Hansen Bio-damper? The Borg are aware of the technology, they will adapt to discover it. Why did you have one? Seven demanded after a quick examination.
I didn't, the Colonel protested. But I have read the ships logs, so I duplicated some. They are better than nothing and you are more than able to modify it to make it difficult to find. He smiled at her encouragingly. I have one for you and me as well.
You can't go after the Captain! Tom Paris argued with Tuvok. The Colonel will blow his top if he finds out!
Vorick had succeeded in disabling the forcefield across their cell ten minutes previously and the Captain had hurried out to try and trace the Colonel and Seven of Nine. Now Tuvok had decided to follow the Captain's example.
Besides, what can you do to help her? Tom Paris added. You haven't anything for a weapon.
You are forgetting I am martial arts master, Tuvok reminded the Lieutenant. It is my decision.
A lot of good it did you when you tried them on the Colonel, Paris snapped, remembering the occasion on the holodeck when Tuvok had attempted to demonstrate the superiority of his martial arts to the Colonel. You got two good kicks in, then he nearly broke your neck! Face it Tuvok, you are being irrational! Not even the Colonel can destroy the Borg. All it is going to do is get three people killed or assimilated!
Lieutenant Paris. You will follow the Captain's orders, Tuvok commanded as a muffled thud resounded through the ship. The Colonel has attempted to disable the drive. You will leave now!
Thus said he ran in the direction the Captain had taken.
Sadly Tom Paris activated the button on the remote device and transported the three remaining captives to the shuttle.
He found that the Colonel and Seven of Nine had made the craft as ready as possible for the flight back to Komos. Even leaving the sensors running so that it would decipher their location the moment the cube dropped from transwarp. The few seconds between the explosion and the small party of refugees appearing had been all the time the small ship had required to identify it's location and configure a course.
He examined it carefully. In the three hours they had been aboard the cube they had travelled a 150 light years. It was going to take the shuttle two months to cover that distance. It was going to be a long and cramped flight, he decided as the docking clamps released and the shuttle drifted into space. He pointed the ship in the right direction and fired the drive.
Captain Janeway hid herself in an alcove as soon as she heard the explosion. Certain that things were going to become more active now that damage had been detected. If they didn't know there were captives on the loose now then they never would. For a moment she regretted the impetuous decision to remain behind. It had been fired more by bravado then clever thinking. The cube must still be days away from the Unimatrix, even at Transwarp speeds. She doubted she would be able to remain concealed for long enough to help the Colonel there. But perhaps when the Borg found her, they would not look for another saboteur.
Her reflections were broken by the familiar voice of Seven of Nine.
Captain, you should attach this bio-dampener and follow me, Seven ordered dispassionately.
How did you find me? The Captain gasped in surprise slapping the small device to her arm as ordered.
The Colonel predicted you would remain behind and would attempt to follow us, Seven declared. We will leave now. Before I am detected and tracked. They will know that the damage is sabotage by now.
She turned to follow the corridor when Tuvok stumbled up.
Commander Tuvok. You were not expected, claimed Seven. Your presence is not logical.
Never the less, I am here, Tuvok panted.
I do not have a dampener for you. You will both follow me. Quickly!
They hurried after Seven of Nine as she marched rapidly down corridors and narrow passages until they entered a room barely three metres square and rather less than two tall.
Welcome to the Ritz, Captain! A calm voice greeted them. I apologise, but as you can see the bell boy has the day off as have the maids.
Peering in the gloom they could just make out the shape of the Colonel sat in the corner, his rifle on his knee covering the entrance.
Mrs Nine tells me that this is one of only two places on the ship where the sensors can be avoided. Can't say I'm surprised. It appears to be a rubbish skip, the Colonel continued. When the hull-a-ballooh has died off, perhaps we can find somewhere a little more comfortable.
From beside him he picked up his Cathor sabre and activated it. A dim light projected from the end allowing them to see more of their surrounds. It was as the Colonel had described, a rubbish tip. Parts of machinery and limbs littered the floor around them, making the already claustrophobic surrounds more so. There was also a faint smell.
What is the smell? the Captain asked eventually.
You don't want to know, the Colonel assured her. Suffice to say I removed the cause using my sword. There are things even I won't touch.
He turned to Tuvok. Now Commander, would it be rude to ask why you are here and what you hope to achieve? You are the last person I expected to remain behind. The Captain. I can understand that. She is a stubborn bitch that can't resist the idea of solving a challenge. But you? I thought you had your head screwed on better.
You will need assistance, Tuvok opined stoutly.
Very probably, the Colonel admitted. But you have ruined your reputation as a thinker and we are going to break every Star Fleet protocol in the book. Still. If you are prepared to fight to my rules, you are very welcome. It is going to be a short but exciting ride.
Okay. We fight to your rules, the Captain agreed, cautiously sitting on the floor. You have something more in mind than running around Unimatrix 01 cutting heads off. What is it?
I intend to give the Collective the mother of reprogramming, he agreed. But we have to find a way to keep everybody busy, to give us the chance to get close enough to the central core. Mrs Nine, could you explain please?
Seven o f Nine nodded. The Collective is decentralised in that the main storage is located and duplicated over numerous Unimatix's. However the central control is handled by three vehniculum located in Unimatrix 01. The loss of one of these units would disrupt the Borg organisation for several months. Two would be catastrophic.
But the Vehniculum are almost indestructible. How are you intending to destroy it? The Captain demanded.
It is still a computer. I am very good at breaking computers, the Colonel assured her. Why do you think Mrs Nine can rebuild a replicator blindfolded and won't let me touch her Astro Metrics suite on Voyager?
Okay. You don't want to tell us. How do you want to keep them busy?
Again the Colonel looked to Seven of Nine to explain.
There is a design flaw in the alcove mechanics. It is possible to cause massed failures in the regeneration alcoves, Seven of Nine declared. There are two data inlet manifolds at the back of each bank of six alcoves. If the cables are exchanged, the alcove will fail and terminate the drones in regeneration.
That is a big flaw in perfection! the Captain whistled. If it is such a major error why haven't they corrected it?
The space behind the alcove is insufficient for maintenance drones to dismantle the connections. The Alcove would have to be dismantled to correct the error.
So you want us to wander around the Unimatrix reprogramming alcoves and murdering sleeping drones, while you and Seven break into the Vehniculum? The Captain challenged.
Broadly. Yes, Captain. Do not try and take on walking drones. You will lose, the Colonel opined.
With a degree of irony the Captain stood and came to a fair semblance of the Colonel's alert state and saluted. She proclaimed. When do we start, Sir?
The Colonel grinned at her and returned the compliment and salute. When we arrive will do. Mrs Nine says in about 48 hours.
From his seated position Tuvok could tell the difference in style and attitude and had a sudden flash of realisation as to what they meant. One with the snappy enthusiasm of somebody trying to make a point. The other with the cool casualness of somebody who had made their point a long time ago. He hoped the Captain would learn the difference quickly.
The Colonel turned to Tuvok. I have my rifle and its bayonet that you and the Captain may use, he said quietly. It isn't much, but it will give you some chance. There are six clips with thirty rounds each. I recommend you keep two rounds for emergencies.
He handed the weapon to Tuvok, then addressed his small company. As we have some time to kill. I suggest we have a little to eat, then get as much rest as possible. Whether we survive this little escapade, or not, has already been written somewhere in one of those alternate universes Mr Tuvok has told me about. I intend to be in the Universe where we not only succeed, but are able to tell the Galaxy about it. I can only do that if we are all awake.
He allowed that to sink in for a few moments before opting for a lighter tone. Now I have standard Star Fleet Emergency Rations, or I can offer you a real treat, Tommies'. Nobody has ever gone hungry when they are available.
The Captain tried to enter in the spirit of his light hearted vein. I've never heard of them. What are they?
Very simple pancakes. Flour, water, a pinch of salt flavoured with a stock cube, the Colonel grinned. You can march for weeks on them, but definitely not horte-de-cuisine.
I think I'll stick with the ration packs, she decided with a worried grin. They sound terrible!
They are, he admitted. But they are welcome if you have nothing else.
Quietly they settled to wait.
It proved to be a nerve wracking 48 hours of waiting for everybody, except possibly the Colonel. Each in turn took turns to guard the entrance to their hideaway, squatting in the entrance and watching. The Colonel seemed to have made himself comfortable in the corner of the room, from there he talked and joked quietly to those that wished to come near. Silently held long and solitary vigils of guard duty. Offered comfort and slept. How he did it baffled the Captain, who found that sleep was almost impossible to achieve, because of the anticipation. Eventually she challenged him about it.
Experience, I suppose, he explained with a shrug.
She demanded.
As far as I can see. When a Star Ship goes into battle, it doesn't usually last for long. You press a few buttons and either you win or you don't, there is no second round. A couple of days will sort out all but the most obstinate and there is no real waiting. In a land battle you have to learn to feel' when the next action will appear. A ground offensive can last months, sometimes even years. But the actual fighting only lasts an hour or so at a time before somebody backs down to recuperate. Then they might have another go, the lull can be minutes, hours, days or months. You have to make the most of that lull.
Aren't you afraid of what will happen? She challenged.
He slid his arm around Seven of Nine and pulled her protectively close. Only that I might fail Seven of Nine. I want her to be free of the worry that she might still be a target.
And that is why you are going to try and destroy the Borg. Is it? She demanded.
I can't think of a more honourable one, he agreed. Why are you here, Captain? Don't give me the guff about service to Star Fleet and races of the Universe. Even you don't know enough of them to know if they will thank you, he challenged her, his voice hard now.
She swallowed, it was an impossible question to answer. She did not know herself why she had done it, only that it seemed right to try. It seemed like a good idea at the time, she excused.
He volunteered with a grin.
There are three Borg approaching! Tuvok whispered from the doorway, rescuing the Captain from further uncomfortable questions turned on herself.
The Colonel slid silently forward. He whispered.
Tuvok shook his head. They are carrying detection equipment.
Wait until they come in. We take them silently and quickly with blades. No shooting, the Colonel ordered, pulling Tuvok away from the door.
The three Borg stopped suddenly and turned back the way they came, leaving them peering after their rapidly receding backs.
If I was a suspicious man, the Colonel opined at last. I would say that they want us alive and onboard the Unimatrix. Happily, that suits me fine!
Why do you say that? Tuvok demanded quickly.
Because if they hadn't detected us, they wouldn't have turned so quickly. An extra few yards wouldn't have made any difference, even if they need to regenerate.
The ship has stopped, Seven of Nine suddenly announced. We have arrived.
Have they picked up your implants yet? The Colonel asked quietly.
She shook her head. I do not know.
Okay. We will risk it, he decided. Lets find somewhere you can transport us from.
They materialised in a corridor aboard the Unimatrix. In a fit of inspiration Seven of Nine had modified the coordinates of their beam down point by 20 Metres at the last moment, putting them in an adjoining corridor. It proved to be a good idea, it was discovered, there were a group of drones surrounding the original location. As one the posse of drones turned and starting to move in their direction as they realised the deception.
I think a rapid change of location is called for? The Colonel suggested mildly. Follow me.
He turned and lead them at double march up and down assorted corridors for a full twenty minutes before coming to a halt in another vacant corridor.
We are lost! The Captain panted.
We couldn't use the same point as an evacuation point anyhow. We haven't got anywhere to go, or anybody to pull us out, the Colonel pointed out mildly. So this is as good a start point as any. You have a tricorder, so you can find somewhere to start doing some damage. I have Mrs Nine, so I can find the place to really hurt them.
You mean you really have no idea of how to get us out of here? the Captain demanded incredulously.
The Colonel considered her gravely. Captain Janeway. You have seen all the resources I have at my control. You, Commander Tuvok and Mrs Seven of Nine. Equipment wise, we have a rifle with 180 rounds, a service revolver, 10lbs of Thermite based plastic and several large knifes. We distinctly lack transport and troops. Against that we have the entire population of this establishment. How do you expect me to get us out of here?
So you are going to make it up as you go along? She demanded.
Best way, he agreed. How we escape will depend upon how well we do and how cooperative the queen is. Without something more positive I am not going to predetermine anything, it will go wrong. I am here to destroy the Unimatrix. That is the criteria for success.
You were given the opportunity to escape, Captain. You chose to stay, he reminded her. Now you are in my world. It is too late to decide you don't like the odds. I require you to perform your duty. To sabotage as many Borg alcoves as you can. Let me worry about escape when it is appropriate.
However. If you care to make your way in the general direction of the throne room, or whatever they call it, in say three hours. I will endeavour to get you home as a living hero. If it is any help I can offer what a captain once told me, when I was a rifleman? he added gently. For a soldier in battle, the only thing that matters is duty. His duty to himself, then the Queen of England, finally the Regiment. Take out one of the enemy and your duty for yourself is complete. Complete the task and your duty to the Queen is over. Win and survive the battle, the honour of the Regiment is satisfied. I have never failed in my duty.
No, it isn't a help, she sighed heavily. We will see you in three hours in the central complex.
She turned and crept away, with Tuvok following quietly behind her.
I'm sorry Tuvok. He doesn't think we will survive, she said contritely.
Tuvok almost shrugged. The mathematical probability of success states that we will fail in the Colonel's goal, he commented. However the Colonel rarely appears to be affected by probability.
That's true, the Captain responded reflectively. Where should we start?
The Colonel watched the Captain and Tuvok disappear before turning back to Seven of Nine.
Do you know where we are? he asked mildly, letting slip a little of his uncertainty. I assume this is a big place. If you don't then we could be searching for something you recognise for quite a while?
I can sense the location of the Vehniculum, Seven of Nine asserted. A sizeable number of drones will be operating in and guarding its location.
Can we find a way in that they can't guard?
Uncertain. I believe they may be able to triangulate our position using my implants. You would however be safer operating alone.
That is not an option, the Colonel snapped. It is because of you I am here. I am not giving you up. Besides if they could track you we would be upto our ears in drones by now. So lead on.
Captain Janeway and Tuvok roamed the corridors in silence for a full fifteen minutes until they came upon what looked like a good starting point. Two long rows of alcoves located back to back leaving a narrow opening between them.
This will do nicely. Tuvok watch for interruptions, the Captain was almost gleeful in the anticipation of the carnage and dived into the opening like a terrier after a rat. It was pay back time for nearly five years of running and hiding everytime Voyager detected a Borg vessel. Even better, she found that the cables Seven of Nine had described were long enough to be swapped with the alcove behind. She set about the task with zeal, not only swapping the upper and lower connector as Seven of Nine had described, but sharing them between alcoves.
It was a task that Tuvok interrupted her from within a few minutes and barely halfway along the two ranks of sixty alcoves. he called quietly. You may wish to observe the effect your reprogramming' is having? The drones are not being deactivated as Seven of Nine has predicted.
The comment alarmed her enough to race back to where Tuvok was kneeling and peer over him.
The sight that met her could only be described as comical. As she had swapped the plugs, the drones had come alive and as one stepped smartly from their respective alcoves. After that things descended into bedlam. Some turned left, some right. But there was no coordination in their actions leading them to blindly march into each other. Some seemed to be almost dancing in a close tango as they tried to pass each other, each shuffling left and right in unison as they attempted to get past. Others simply stood still in the centre of the walkway when they met, seemingly challenging the other to work around them. Others were attacking each other, repeatedly plunging assimilation leads into each other, except nothing else seemed to be happening.
If that isn't chaos at work. I don't know what is, the Captain suggested. That must be causing somebody a headache! Just think what they are reporting to the Collective! It could be better than deactivation. Let's get the rest replugged and start on another bank!
She turned back to her task with even more enthusiasm than before, taking Tuvok with her.
Seven of Nine stopped suddenly, cocking her head to one side as if listening to something almost inaudible. A puzzled frown passed across her face before she straightened up again.
I believe the Captain is being adaptable, she explained to the patiently waiting Colonel. There is some confusion present in the Collective. A number of drones are reporting obstacles in their path. Additional drones are being despatched to clear the obstacles. The level of disorder suggests the Collective may not be tracking our movements as closely as before.
Well there is some good news! I hope the Captain remembers to leave herself a gap to move on in, the Colonel commented mildly. Have you worked out where we are?
A small smile lit her face. We are above the Vehniculum room, she announced with some pride. You asked for a method by which we may enter unobserved. I believe there may be an access port on this level.
You are a genius, he declared, giving her a quick kiss.
She pointed to a column that rose through the deck and disappeared above. That is a data transmission conduit. I can remove sufficient panels to give us access. However it is unlikely that we will have more than ten minutes before drones appear to repair the damage.
Carry on. I'll keep the interested at bay, the Colonel agreed. Once in we will find another way out.
Have you thought that you might find an answer to our question here? The Colonel asked quietly as Seven of Nine set to work removing the control panels.
Seven of Nine paused in her struggle to look at him with raised eyebrow. Which question? She demanded.
The question that has had you locked in a Science Lab for a fortnight, he responded. The one that had you crying on my shoulder because you can't find a satisfactory answer. Whether we can safely have a baby!
Borg do not have children, she said stiffly. And we have other priorities.
There is no harm in asking the question, he suggested. You will never be able to ask again and this is the centre of all Borg wisdom!
she agreed returning to the panel again.
Five minutes later there was a clatter from the back of the column as Seven removed the last of the panels and allowed it to drop to the floor. It sounded like a thunder clap in the eerily silent corridor.
The panel has been removed. We should vacate this location at once, she decreed.
The Colonel examined the gap she had created and the shaft she was intending them to descend carefully. It was going to be a close fit for him, less so for the slimmer frame of Seven of Nine and he would have to take the risk of simply dropping his pack down the shaft. Nor was there any form of ladder to make the descent easier. It was however home for several thick cables.
It will do, provided we can get the bottom open, he agreed. I think, ladies first. In you get. Quickly he scooped Seven of Nine up into his arms and offered her feet first to the opening.
I'll give you a few moments start, he whispered, pecking her on the cheek. I think you can use the cables to stop yourself falling. I'm just going to make things a little more difficult to repair.
Seven nodded and allowed herself to slip into the aperture, the Colonel supporting her under until she took a firm grip of the cables and started to lower herself carefully into the dark confines.
The Colonel took quickly scanned the area, and tested a pipe by touch. Feeling it vibrate slightly in his hand he guessed it was for something essential, hopefully power. Working quickly, he moulded a few ounces of his precious explosives to it. Next he ran a length of cotton from a second pipe across the corridor. From a pocket he took a small electric detonator and unscrewed that, carefully laying the cotton across the contacts, then closing it again before pushing it into the explosive and triggering the firing pin. With a little luck the cotton was still holding the contacts apart. The detonator would be triggered by a passing Borg and a little under five minutes later they would have another emergency repair to make and several terminated drones. Otherwise there would still be another repair.
Satisfied his booby trap was as well laid as possible he followed Seven of Nine into the shaft, dragging his pack after him.
He found Seven of Nine about twenty feet down, struggling with the back of another access panel.
The panel is stuck, she complained feeling his legs slide past her face. I will require your assistance to percussively dislocate it.
Kick it out? He sought the clarification.
In that case, can you climb up past me and take the pack? He asked. Its balanced on my head. If I start swinging around I'll drop it.
I will have to get you in a tight place like this again! he teased as Seven of Nine started to squeeze past him. It is very pleasant!
It is also cramped and difficult to move, she pointed out, finally coming face to face.
In the dim light she saw him smile. I know. It makes it difficult for you to escape!
It was you that tried to escape, she grunted, sliding up again. I have the pack. You may commence adjustment.
It took six solid kicks from the Colonels heavy boots to dislodge the panel. As soon as it clattered to the floor he swung through and rolled to a stop, looking for any threat. The room was clear of danger. Satisfied he stood and turned in time to see Seven of Nines legs swing through the hole he himself had come from a few moments earlier. Quickly he caught her and helped her through, then caught the pack as it slid after her.
The Vehniculum are over here, she announced immediately, marching towards a console in the centre of the room and activating a control.
Silently a panel slid open in a dais infront of the console, revealing three tube like objects three feet long and one in diameter. The Colonel approached them in something akin to awe.
Those control the thoughts of how many drones? He whispered, as he watched the centre portions of the tubes pulse in shades of purple.
150 billion, Seven of Nine said, stepping up to join him. However we cannot turn them off. Their internal power will keep them operational for upto three decades. Long enough for them to be recovered if disaster were to befall the Unimatrix.
And I don't suppose I could simply drop them on the floor either. They look as if they could survive a long drop.
So we need to be inventive?
You are correct, Seven agreed again.
None. In addition if I am caught any attempt of sabotage you attempt will be discovered, Seven of Nine pointed out unhelpfully.
The Colonel inspected the Vehniculum more closely. These tubes attached to the ends, are they the power couplings? he asked, thoughtfully.
They are not connected to the power system directly, Seven advised. They are powered by the metalic induction tubes beside. The tubes act as aerials for signals to and from drones.
And they are tubes are they? he asked, searching in his pack.
Seven agreed cautiously. What is your intention?
You said you did not want to know, he chided gently, finding what he was after and looking up.
She recognised the box he had pulled out. It was the one that housed the Cathor crystals.
You are intending to put the crystals in the tubes, she challenged. They will be discovered and you will have allowed the most powerful weapon in the Universe to fall into the hands of the Borg!
But not before it is to late. If we can stay out of their hands long enough, the Colonel offered. Just think of all those billions of mindless thoughts passing through. I would say it would be ideal for the crystals to do what the are supposed to do, wouldn't you?
Seven watched him pull the cables from the units and drop a crystal into each before jamming them back in place again. The last he dropped into his pocket, before kicking the case under a console.
A distant thud reached them, dust and smoke emerged from the entry they had used and the lights dimmed momentarily.
Oh dear! I think the Borg have arrived to fix the damage. I think we had better leave. Are there Borg behind the door? The Colonel asked.
Seven of Nine moved to check the door as instructed, listening carefully before opening it. The corridor was clear. It puzzled her. In her experience the corridors around the Vehniculum were normally full of Borg.
So where are they? The Colonel echoed her own uncertainties as he slid his arm around her waist.
The touch made her jump and he held her closer.
Why do I get the feeling that your ex-monarch is playing games with us?
I do not know, Seven of Nine admitted. This corridor has fourteen major distribution nodes. There should be at least sixty drones to maintain them.
Are what we just fed the real Vehniculum? the Colonel mused. Not mock ups?
Seven of Nine declared.
Are you sure? Could they have moved them to some other location and just using the old location for a trap? The Colonel persisted.
They were real! Seven protested. The Vehniculum form the centre of the Borg Collective. To move them would require the building of a new central Unimatrix!
The Colonel thought for a moment. We are wandering around in a damned big rat trap. Can you use one of those terminals to see how the Captain is doing?
Seven of Nine nodded uncertainly.
Good. Then we can go and find somewhere the Borg don't expect us to go and before they come and collect us.
Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok, in their own estimation, were doing exceptionally well. In the two hours since they had begun their destructive trail they had re-attached the leads of some sixty alcoves, affecting more than three hundred drones. Added to the growing throng there were an even larger number of drones that had appeared to repair the damaged alcoves.
They stopped for a few moments to take in the carnage that they had wrought so far.
Another bank and we had better try and get to the central complex, the Captain said. If the Colonel hasn't done what he set out to do by now, then he isn't going to.
Tuvok nodded. Agreed, Captain. There is a clear path to the bank four rows down. If the alley is not blocked we will be able to circumnavigate the throng, he suggested. Of the two, he had been attempting to keep track of their progress and avoid being blocked in by their own sabotage.
Quickly he led the Captain to another bank of back to back alcoves and they set to work.
They were half way down before they realised that things were different this time.
Feeling uneasy Tuvok looked around as he replugged a set of leads and spotted a Borg enter the end of the narrow corridor they were in. This one did not appear to be as confused as the others.
A glance in the opposite direction showed another had entered at the opposite end.
Captain. We have been discovered, Tuvok declared quietly, breaking off what he was doing to bring up the Colonels rifle.
His thumb sort and found the safety catch and slipped it off, aimed and fired. He had never fired the weapon before and was surprised by the recoil. He could feel the Colonels palpable disapproval for the way the weapon jerked. However at a range of ten metres he could not miss and he saw the impact of the small bullet in the Borgs chest, knocking it backwards. It's place was taken by another. He tried shooting the one at the other end.
This time nothing appeared to take its place.
Come on! Quickly! The Captain hissed. Before they block it again!
They ran, bursting out the end, skidding to a halt in the main corridor, turned and ran on again. Rounding a bend they ran into a party of thirty Borg drones. There was no time to resist. Tuvok drove the bayonet affixed to the end of his weapon into a drone, struggled to tear it out again and was thrown into a console, stunning him. The Captain was gripped firmly between two others.
She cried as she saw a drone lean forward over him.
We are the Borg. Your consciousness will be added to the Collective. Resistance is futile!
She heard herself scream as she struggled in a desperate attempt at defiance. It was the last thing she remembered.
The Captain has been caught, Seven of Nine announced after a few minutes at one of the consoles.
The Colonel asked quickly.
Seven of Nine shook her head. She was rendered unconscious. Tuvok was injured in the struggle. They are both being taken to the central control. I do not know why!
Because they want us as well, the Colonel grinned.
She looked at him quizzically.
It's the only thing that makes sense so far, he assured her. They know we are here. But don't know where we are. I think you are going to receive a steady stream of threats as to what the Captain and Commander Tuvok are going to suffer if you don't surrender.
The Borg do not threaten, Seven of Nine observed in a worried voice. We should surrender ourselves!
Do that and we will all be Borg in an hour. They daren't do anything until they are sure they have recovered all of us. Otherwise we might do something rash and the Captain has proved that we can do that. Remember that! The Colonel insisted.
he continued. Where can we do some severe damage? How about the main power plant. I assume they use anti-matter?
Reluctantly Seven of Nine led him down more corridors.
Almost reluctantly Captain Janeway regained consciousness from the stunning blow that had laid her out. Not daring to move for a moment, she carried out a mental check to identify who she was. The fact that she was wondering who she was seemed to signify that she had not been assimilated yet, though there was little comfort in the realisation. It meant she could also still feel the bruise on her scalp where she had made violent contact with a control panel.
The terrible crick in the neck signified she was also upright. That was not comforting either. Nor was the seeming silence that surrounded her.
Finally she could stand the suspense no longer and opened her eyes to find she was standing in a Borg alcove. Straps around her chest and waist held her upright and effectively pinned her arms to her sides.
So far the only good news was that the alcove was not active. That prompted her to look around a little more.
She found Tuvok almost immediately. He was trapped in a similar fashion in a second booth next to her. Beyond him there were another two alcoves, both empty. She allowed herself the hope that they had been prepared for the Colonel and Seven of Nine and that they had not been caught yet. Then wondered how long she had been unconscious and whether they had succeeded in their attempt at sabotage yet. Their success seemed to be their only chance of survival now. Certainly with the Colonel in the mood he was in she could not see him even considering escape until he had carried out what he intended.
The Captain tried to make out more details further afield. A task hindered by the classic Borg subdued green lighting. They were in a large room, she could tell that and the walls were littered with Borg consoles. The alcoves were not against the wall, but were not in the centre either. That honour fell to a circular dais with a single stalactite like structure suspended over it and ending about two metres from the floor. Dimly she could see small indicator lights running around the suspended structure. A vague memory suggested she had been here before, it was the Borg queens lair.
As if on cue, the floor infront of the booth opened and a torso arose. Two smaller apertures also appeared and what looked like legs and arms appeared. As the bemused Captain watched the two sets of limbs were brought into contact with the torso and locked into position.
Seven had described this operation to the Captain from her short stay on the Unimatrix and the reasons for it; to unsettle those that entered and allow the Borg queen to take on an appearance that those present may recognise. It did not mean that the Captain was any less impressed.
Finally satisfied that the body was suitably assembled an arm appeared from above bearing the Queens head, shoulders and spinal cord. This was lowered towards the waiting body and threaded through the top, small clamps gripping it into position. The overhead arm disappeared as silently as it had arrived and the Queens eye's snapped open.
Still in silence the Queen twisted her head left and right, then rolled it around her neck as if it was stiff, before exercising her newly regained shoulders, rolling them luxuriously.
Bored up with the small display of aerobics, the Captain cleared her throat. "Very impressive," she declared. "Can you bend forward and touch your toes as well?"
"Can you, Captain Janeway?" The Queen demanded. "There is little need to do such things as a drone."
"But I'm not a drone yet," the Captain pointed out mildly. "Are you saving us for something special?"
The Queen ignored the question, simply moved slowly and gracefully towards her.
"Your attempt at sabotage was pointless, Captain," she declared, gripping the Captains jaw and forcing her to look into her eyes. "The loss of three hundred drones is of no consequence. Seven of Nine's attempt at sabotaging the vehniculum is similarly pointless. Our technology has moved on since we were reliant upon such crude devices for connecting drones from the Unimatrix."
Despite herself, the Captains face displayed her shock and horror at the suggestion. Their mission was destined to fail.
"I see that the meaning is not lost upon you," the Queen sneered. "It will not be lost upon Seven of Nine either. Nor will the loss of efficiency that Seven of Nine has displayed since she has tried to become human."
There was something wrong in what the Queen was saying, the Captain realised. She had not mentioned the Colonel!
It was a grain of hope that was dashed just as quickly.
"You are thinking of the primitive that is with Seven of Nine?" The Queen suggested. "He lacks the intelligence to severely damage the Collective. He will make an excellent tactical drone. You were foolish to place so much trust in somebody that believed that he could destroy the collective. But as he means so much to you and Seven of Nine I will delay your assimilation so that you may watch him being assimilated first."
The Captain bit her tongue so as not to blurt out what she was thinking. The Queen was making a major mistake in underestimating the Colonel. If he realised that the vehniculum were now redundant he would find another target just as quickly.
The Queen mistook the Captains open eyed look as more horror and revulsion and smiled. "I am still considering how you will best serve me," she confided. "Seven of Nine is no longer suitable for a tertiary adjunct, perhaps you may take her place?"
"The main power complex is in the next corridor," Seven of Nine said quietly.
For twenty minutes she had led the Colonel down unidentifiable corridors and past countless drones, all seemingly going about their own business. It was making the Colonel increasingly nervous.
He knew that Borg did as they were instructed, but even so he did not like the way they were being ignored.
"There are twenty tactical drones outside," Seven added quietly, peering around the corner.
He almost grinned in relief. "At last! At least they are doing something about guarding delicate spots."
"Is there another way in that we could use? Like in the Vehniculum room?"
She shook her head. "All conduits into this department large enough for us to climb through carry plasma."
Idly the Colonel peered into the corridor. "I could take them out," he mused. "But that may prove counterproductive. We'll be upto our ears in them before we work out what to do."
Seven was not listening to him, but to her inner ear. "They are after me," she whispered. "They do not believe you can carry out your mission without my direction. I can hear the Queen, she has made a tactical error. If I surrender they will escort me to the central complex. It will give you time to place your explosives."
The Colonel grasped her arm firmly. "I told you she would and I'm not letting you go! Listen to me. You know how this lot works better than I do. I need you to tell me where to slap what we have, to do most damage."
Seven of Nine shook her arm free. "Your mission is to destroy the collective. If we fail we will die for no purpose," she hissed.
She slammed him against the wall and kissed him hard. "I love you! But I must surrender to allow you to complete your mission. Then you can rescue the others. I will remain if necessary."
With that she rounded the corner and marched towards the waiting drones.
"Seven, No!" The Colonel hissed in despair reaching after her.
She caught him and pushed him away, then boldly marched towards the waiting drones. She was by no means certain that she would not be assimilated, if that was the case, she doubted if the Colonel would be able to respond quickly enough to save her, but this had to be done.
"My designation is Seven of Nine Tertiary Adjunct to Unimatrix Zero One. I am Borg. You will take me to the Command Centre," She announced coldly to the group.
As one the group turned to greet her. We are the Borg. Your distinctiveness will be added to the Collective. Your assimilation will add to your perfection. Resistance is futile.
Your declaration is unnecessary and inefficient, Seven of Nine argued. You will escort me to the Command Complex. Comply!
She turned and started to march away from them and they followed her, hurrying to overtake her.
Despite himself the Colonel smiled at the sight of Seven leading a the small force of tactical drones. She had effectively removed all the guards from outside the central power generator and there was going to be enough confusion caused by the way she had ordered the drones for him to slip inside.
Tucked away in the space beside the alcove he blew her a kiss as she led her contingent past. She saw it and blushed appreciably. She hid it by trying to march faster than the Borg would allow.
Satisfied they had all passed him by, he slipped from his hiding place and approached the opening to the power room and in the door. Again all the drones seemed intent upon their small duties and ignored him, but he preferred not to risk them seeing him and chose to shin up the stout cables and pipes that ran up the walls and seemed to link the boxy control panels and machines. Safe on this new perch he looked around him. Most of the drones efforts seemed to be concentrated upon a box in the centre of the room. At over forty feet in diameter and twenty tall it dominated the room, the level of attention it was receiving suggested that it might be his target. From there he looked for ways of reaching it. It seemed to be supplied by three broad tubes that fed it from overhead and fanned out in three directions. The nearest was less than twenty yards from him, he moved to investigate it, crawling silently along the top of the console.
The tube was a conduit and passed less than five feet above where he was kneeling. Touching it proved that it was warm and hummed. It prompted him to test it with a steel knife. It clinked to the pipe. A magnetic field was operating. The pipe must be one of the main plasma conduits he reasoned idly.
Quietly he climbed upon the pipe and started to slide forward towards the generator.
The result when he reached the power unit were better than he had hoped for. The shrouds around the generator were not continued over the top. It meant that when he slid down the pipe he was physically standing upon the generator and hidden from the drones that were milling around. Quickly he examined how the pipework was attached to the generator. There was no joint he could attack, It ended in three smaller pipes. One led directly into the generator the other two trailed off around it. Four steps took him to the second plasma conduit, it was terminated in the same way.
He sat down, leaning back against the pipes and tried to think of how Voyagers power plant was configured.
The core was cooled by two columns of neutrizine gas, he remembered. The gas was fed in at the bottom and collected at the top using numerous flexible pipes and all were fed by seperately controlled circuits. It would require the destruction of both radiators to destroy the core. Power output was achieved using two main outlet cables. Those were liquid cooled, he remembered a breach in one of the cooling circuits. The antimatter injection was done by the injector, fed by a magnetically shielded hard conduit. That suggested the pipe he had worked along was the antimatter feed. That seemed like a good point to attack the Borg power system, he could create an antimatter leak! The next problem was how to prevent the Borg containing it before it created major destruction. He felt in his pocket and withdrew a crystal, the red one. The largest of the quartet. The one that was claimed feeding the feelings of missed opportunity. It was also the one that had flared aboard Voyager and had almost killed Seven of Nine, when it had sensed the injection of antimatter. What would it do with a major leak he wondered.
That muse gave him the answer and he set to work, dividing his remaining explosives between the three inlets. Satisfied with his placement, he withdrew a handful of detonators from his pocket and placed them, carefully configuring several as booby traps as he did so. He stood and shined back up the pipe and worked his way back towards the wall. Halfway back he stopped and felt in his pocket for the crystal. This he taped carefully to the top of the tube and continued on his way.
Finally he dropped to the floor and slipped silently and unnoticed out of the room again. He chose a direction in the corridor and set off at a quick trot. The timers he had placed he had set for their maximum countdown- about forty-five minutes. He had to find his way to the Central Complex he had heard Seven of Nine demand she was taken, but he had to get as far as he could from the power complex first. If he was found there they would start their search there.
Using guess and best judgement he made his way back to the vehniculum room again. He allowed himself the few moments to regain the crystals he had pushed in the end of the tubes and the box he had used to house them.
From the box he pulled the lining and weighed it carefully. The lining he had made himself, using the crushed energy absorbing rock he had found, that adventure seemed a long time ago- almost in a different lifetime, he thought, before stuffing it into the tubes and sealing them again.
Carefully he pocketed the crystals and set off for the door again. Intent now on finding a guide.
Three corridors later he found a drone working on a control panel.
Boldly he stepped up behind it and tapped it firmly upon the shoulder. Excuse me, old chap, he claimed. Could you direct me to the audience chamber? It is quite important.
The drone ignored him.
He tried again, spinning the drone around to ensure he would be taken notice of. This time the drone attempted to throw him off. It received a knife in the throat as reward.
Rude bugger! The Colonel muttered setting off again.
He had no real idea as to where he was going, but he was not finding anything cooperative here.
Seven of Nine. You have failed in your attempt to sabotage this complex, the Queen greeted Seven of Nine with disdain, as she was marched before her, a drone holding each arm. You have become inefficient, flawed, as you would expect from an individual.
Seven of Nine regarded her back, showing the same level of disdain on her face. I am not an individual, she declared haughtily. I am Seven of Nine, Primary Adjunct to Unimatrix Samuels. We are efficient. It is the Borg that are inefficient. It required my surrender to allow you to capture me. Perhaps if you release Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok I will explain how we will destroy the Borg?
The Queen laughed at her. Do you think sabotaging the Vehniculum will destroy us. You are so small in your concept of the Borg and how we can track your efforts. We do not need the Vehniculum. All you have done is bring the Cathor Crystals to us. You will see how we can use them to add to the Collective.
Captain Janeway, still captive in her alcove watched in bemusement. This was Seven of Nine at her best. Calmly and logically attempting to intimidate the Queen, as she had done with her numerous times, but she wondered how long she could keep it up. She saw the fleeting look of alarm cross Seven's face at the comment about the Vehniculum. But it did not deter her.
The crystals will destroy you as they destroyed their creators, Seven almost sneered in the rebuke.
The Borg Queen lost patience. Seven of Nine. You will take station in your alcove. It has been adapted for use. But I will not have you assimilated until you see the scale of your failure. Comply!
Seven turned slowly towards the alcove the Queen had indicated for her and almost sauntered towards it. So the Borg have also become small as well as inefficient, she sniped. You have become vengeful. The crystals have started their work to destroy the Collective.
She stepped up and turned around facing the queen, waiting for the rebuke.
It didn't come, the Queen merely turned and walked away.
A small victory to Seven of Nine, the Captain decided.
Where is the Colonel? Tuvok whispered to Seven.
I do not know, she admitted truthfully. I surrendered myself so that he could complete the mission. He did not trust the damage to the Vehniculum. He believed it was proving too easy.
It looks as if he was right, the Captain declared. I don't suppose you would care to deactivate these clamps while we are waiting for him to appear and there is nobody watching? I assume he will come for us?
He will come, Seven of Nine predicted confidently. However our premature release will lead to our instant assimilation. We must wait.
They waited, studiously ignoring drones as they passed them and worked upon the alcoves.
Eventually a new sound smote there ears. The sound of a marching song, sung as if its owner was trying to chivy those around him into a faster step. It stopped for a moment then started again, with the refrain of It's a long way to Tipperary.
They looked at each other. There was nobody else it could be, the Colonel, marching at his own pace. The Captain grinned at the others, at the pace he was singing the drones would be struggling to keep up with him.
He appeared a few moments later, his mottled dark green battle dress giving him an indistinct shape in the subdued green lighting. More obvious were the twelve tactical drones that were trailing him. Strangely they had not taken his long sword from him.
A quick glance around the complex and he was marching purposefully towards Seven of Nine.
Don't you ever do that to me again! The Colonel declared sternly. If those daft beggars had decided to get stroppy I might not have had the time to deal with them.
It was necessary, Seven excused herself, stepping from the alcove. She rose on tip toes and gave her husband a kiss that made him blush.
Seven of Nine. You will return to your alcove. Comply! The queen rounded the corner of the alcove and faced the two of them.
It will not be necessary, Seven of Nine declared imperiously. You have failed. The Colonel has arrived under his volition. His sabotage has been completed.
Your attempts will be futile, the queen sneered. He is a primitive, the technology he is able to use will be of no use. You will be assimilated. The primitive will be destroyed.
Excuse me? The Colonel intercepted politely. But may I be permitted to put a word or two in? He had the distinct feeling that a cat-fight was going to occur, as both women struggled to be as rude as possible to each other.
The two women fell silent for a moment, allowing him to address Seven of Nine.
Could I ask you to introduce me to the Meccano Lady, Ma'am? He asked formally.
Seven of Nine glared at him. It is the Borg Queen.
The Colonel immediately came to attention before the queen, bringing the right knee high before slamming with a crash to the deck again, his right hand rising to his forehead, then bowed low before her.
Your Majesty! Lieutenant Colonel Alan Samuels of Her Majesties 60th Regiment of Rifles. At your service! He announced himself.
The Colonel's strange antics mesmerised the queen. She had seen almost every emotion from blind fear to violent rage from those that the Borg had assimilated. But one where her victim was cheerfully offering service was new, she did not have a clue how to deal with it.
Seeing her indecision the Colonel muttered to Seven of Nine. Free the Captain and Commander. Find a ship of some sort, then get out, before she recovers.
Seven of Nine nodded and silently stepped back to the alcoves.
He turned his attention back to the Queen. I owe you a great debt of thanks, Your Majesty. I understand that Miss Seven of Nine was one of your subjects. I must apologise that I neglected to ask your permission before requesting her hand in marriage, I hope you will not take too unkindly to that fact. I also apologise for her rudeness. I'm sure it was nothing to do with the upbringing she had here. Perhaps it is the time of the month for Women's' problems. I am fully aware of how they can affect young ladies, my first wife tended to become quite broody.
He was speaking speaking loudly and quickly enough to keep the queen in an almost constant state of bemusement. Trying to give Seven of Nine the time she needed to release the captives.
If I may be permitted to say so, Your Majesty. But you are nothing like as ugly as Captain Janeway has described. The tubes out the back of your head are quite fetching. As such I feel I must offer you a gift.
He reached into his pocket and withdrew the green Cathor crystal.
I do apologise. I haven't had the opportunity to set it in the way it deserves, he declared. But you will agree that it would look simply splendid on a black choker? Deftly he tucked it under one of the clamps holding her neck to her cybernetic body. It glimmered at them dully.
What is he doing, Seven? the Captain hissed as the restraining straps holding her eased.
Creating a diversion, Seven of Nine declared. I will attempt to transport us to a vessel in preparation for escape.
But he's just given her a Cathor Crystal!
He is being adaptable, Seven of Nine asserted uncomfortably, then hurried to a terminal.
Silently the Captain released Tuvok and helped him over to where Seven of Nine was working, never taking her eye's off the Colonel and his increasingly strange behaviour.
There is a scout vessel without a crew, Seven whispered. I may pilot the vessel. I shall arrange suitable transport.
The Captain whispered back. He might need help!
Now if you will permit me, Your Majesty? The Colonel continued remorselessly. I would like to make some observations on the performance of your people. It was really most distressing the way I had to terminate a dozen of them before they even effected to notice me. If they were my men I would have shot the lot by now. The level of their incompetence was really quite astounding, allowing strangers to wander around like they have been!
As it is, no harm has been done to my party, so I am prepared to offer terms for your surrender?
The final statement shook the queen from her reverie. You have failed, she stated simply.
Have I? The Colonel queried innocently.
He looked at his watch. By my reckoning we have about twenty minutes before we find out. I can wait that long. Can you, your Majesty?
After all. If my little bangs don't work, I can resort to more long winded methods. And your drones have failed to impress me on at least three occasions, his voice dropping several octaves and became more dangerous. I never thought I would ever commit a regicide. Failing to surrender would inevitably mean I would have the opportunity.
He grinned suddenly. Now my terms. You will allow Mrs Nine, Captain Janeway and Commander Tuvok to leave unmolested. In exchange I will tell you where I have booby trapped and give you assistance to disarm the ones I can reach in time.
I could assimilate all of you, then use your knowledge to disarm your devices, the queen claimed confidently.
The Colonel seemed to ponder the concept for a moment, then shook his head. Won't work, Your Majesty. By the time you have assimilated me it will be too late. Even if you did, with all that padding they won't get near them.
I can also jam the primitive devices, she tried, there was less conviction in her voice this time.
This time he grinned more openly. There you have me. I didn't think you can do that with chemical detonators? Certainly I have never found a method of doing so.
My drones are searching for them, she added, thoroughly uncomfortable now.
They may even find them, the Colonel admitted. Plastic smells of almonds by the way. But if they touch the detonators the wrong way it will all go up anyhow and we will find the answer as to whether I have succeeded, or not, that little bit quicker.
He glanced at his watch again, there was still ten minutes left. Perhaps while you are thinking, Your Majesty. You could allow me to be so forward as to ask a personal question? It is not for my benefit you understand, but Mrs Nine would never ask for herself.
She gazed at him blankly.
Mrs Nine would like to have a baby. Only we don't know if she can, because of the probes? He smiled weakly at her. I thought you, as the centre of Borg knowledge, might be able to offer some advice?
Any child produced is placed in a development cell until matured, she declared automatically. They cannot be assimilated until they are released.
Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm sure that will be a great relief to Mrs Nine, when I tell her.
He glanced at his watch again. I think the time for negotiations has expired, Your Majesty. I do not think your drones could guide me to where I have planted my infernal devices quickly enough to prevent them detonating. If you wish I will remain to see your destruction? But the others will leave now!
He turned to his three partners and nodded to them. He called. Seven, you must see the Captain and Commander safe. I will wait to ensure things go right.
The Captain held up her hand. We wait! I'm not leaving you alone Colonel, she decreed.
She received a slightly puzzled, but grateful, glance from Seven of Nine and a cold glare from the Colonel.
You have a ship to see to safety, Captain. You are under my orders, remember? He said.
I'm working to your rules, the Captain flashed back. I reserve the right to act independently if I believe it is necessary. I'm not in your army!
Silently the Colonel grinned and turned back to the queen. It seems as though we are both destined to fail, Your Majesty, he said quietly. I have failed in my secondary objective. The safety of the crew of the USS Voyager. We both go in disgrace.
You will fail! Assimilate them! The queen suddenly screamed.
In one blur of movement the sword appeared in the Colonel's hands and he was swinging it violently at the queen. Desperately she brought a hand up to deflect the powerful blow. It smashed through the metalic hand, but enough impetuous was lost to prevent it decapitating her head as he had planned. It simply gouged the neck as he withdrew the giant blade.
You are slow, she managed to taunt, before he lunged forward again. This time taking her in the chest and she staggered.
Colonel! Behind you! The Captain screamed, as six drones tried to take him from behind.
The Colonel ducked, tearing the blade from the queens chest and swinging desperately. The sword rent a huge gouge through the nearest Borg, sending it cannoning into the two beside it. It gave the Colonel the chance to roll away and leap to his feet again, ready for the next onslaught.
I wild glance around revealed the others of the party under attack, three Borg approaching him , another squad of a dozen or so entering the room and the Borg Queen on the deck, but still alert and directing the situation. A moments indecision hit him. Given the choice he would prefer to despatch the queen, but it did not look as if Tuvok was going to hold out under the concentrated attack without support.
Ayee! The Rifles! He screamed diving to the defence of the hard pressed Vulcan.
The first swing decapitated a drone, the back swing disarmed a second and he was barging through the middle of the cordon that had formed.
He heard Tuvok shout a warning and was pushed hard sending him stagger as Tuvok bundled into him in time to avoid the arm and assimilation lines from a drone. They caught Tuvok in the back. He stiffened and went pale before the Colonel's eyes as he regained his balance and charged again, now in a fighting frenzy.
Get us out of here! The Captain screamed at Seven of Nine. Even given the way the Colonel was now fighting it was only a matter of time before they were overcome, as more and more drones appeared.
A dampening field has been engaged. I am unable to complete the transport, Seven of Nine screamed back.
The Captain looked around and spotted the queen slowly regain her feet.
I'll deal with it! She shouted and made her purposefully towards the queen. The kick she administered sent her reeling again. She was on her in an instant, screaming in frustration and rage, gouging for the queens eyes in a glorious cat fight. The queen clubbed at her with the severed arm, then grabbed at her hair with the other, pulling her sideways, before rolling on top and extending her assimilation lines, aiming for the Captains throat, the Captains own hands still seeking her face.
The queen stiffened suddenly, her mouth opening in a silent scream of rage, then slowly toppled off again. Quickly the Captain rolled and aimed a blow at her face, smashing her fist into it, then watched in detached fascination as the head rolled away.
She looked up and saw a figure standing over her and instinctively lashed out with a foot. She caught it in the midriff and it doubled up. It was only then she realised it was Seven of Nine she had kicked.
She screamed in sudden remorse. Crawling to the winded woman and wrapping an arm around her. I'm sorry!
Seven of Nine flashed her a look of fury. The field will be down, she wheezed. Assist me!
Together they staggered to their feet and helped each other back to the console where the Colonel was still fighting hard. Deftly Seven hit a control and they dematerialised along with four drones as a rumble shuddered the very structure of the Unimatrix.
As they rematerialised again, Seven of Nine immediately staggered for another console and started to punch pads. There was a lurch.
The three drones screamed and collapsed into each other, before being despatched by the Colonel with swift stabs from his blade. He looked wildly around him, seeking more victims. There were none and his fury slowly subsided as he sank to his knees gasping for breath.
If there is a view screen on this thing, put it on! He demanded in between gasps. I've got to know if I've succeeded!
Seven of Nine worked another control and a panel over her console lit up, then sank still breathless beside her husband, sliding an arm around him.
In silence they watched as a plume of red fire erupted from the gangling boxy sections of the Unimatrix, then it seemed to implode upon itself. Their small ship caught in the implosion, rocked violently then plummeted towards where the Unimatrix had been. It had Seven of Nine diving for the control panel again, fighting with the controls to stop it plummeting after the Unimatrix as it disintegrated. Finally it settled again and she sank back down beside the Colonel again.
Well that is that, he said hollowly. You are safe to make your own way.
That is that, Seven agreed quietly. My way is with you.
The Captain glared at them, feeling the lack of emotion and jubilation was unjustified, but found she could find no words suitable. Instead she sank beside Tuvoks body and felt for a pulse.
He is still alive, she declared.
The Colonel crawled over to where she was kneeling, leaving Seven of Nine gazing blankly at the screen.
He won't be for long, Ma'am, the Colonel opined quietly, silently handing control of their destiny back to her by the change in address. He got a full dose of probes. Without the Collective to drive him he won't survive. I can try and inject him with mine? I can't guarantee a good result.
Try it, please! The Captain pleaded. It was only then that she realised there was an arm dangling from the Colonels neck. They got you as well?
Several times, Ma'am, he admitted. This one was particularly insistent.
He reached up and tore the offending limb from his neck and threw it away, leaving a bloody welt where the lines had penetrated his throat.
She left him to it as he divested himself of jacket and shirt, stretching his own decanting lead and placing it against Tuvoks neck.
She paced after Seven of Nine as she examined one of the fallen drones. Somebody you knew? she asked seeing her kneel and examine one in particular.
It was Papa, Seven of Nine said softly, tears brimming in her eyes.
The Captain gazed at the vacant face and reached an arm around Seven of Nines shoulders.
I'm sorry, she said simply, pulling Seven of Nine closer, resting her head in her shoulder and feeling her give in to the emotions.
It was necessary? Seven sobbed.
Yes, it was.
Quietly they rocked each other in comfort until they were disturbed by the Colonel some fifteen minutes later.
The Captain asked quietly looking up.
Time will tell, the Colonel said quietly.
He also knelt beside them and gently covered the fallen drone with his jacket before extracting Seven of Nine from the Captains arms, cuddling her close in his own.
It was Seven's father, the Captain whispered, indicating the fallen Borg, then crept away to allow them to comfort each other.
I didn't know. Forgive me? The Colonel whispered in Seven of Nines ear.
She clung to him desperately, pulling him tighter to herself. Fighting the new rush of emotion she could feel building.
Thank you, she pleaded eventually. Papa never wanted to be a drone!
The Colonel blinking away his own tears, slowly and silently collapsed, dragging Seven of Nine with him. She struggled for a moment, then finding no response struggled harder in alarm as she caught sight of his face. It had gone a pasty white. She knew what that meant. Borg probes were starting to gain control. In desperation she plunged her own lines into him, calling for the Captain as she did so.
What is it? The Captain demanded in alarm racing back.
The Colonel has been assimilated. He injected too many of his probes into Commander Tuvok, he has insufficient to combat the Borg probes, Seven of Nine announced coldly. I have injected some of mine, but he will need constant care, until he recovers. The ship has been programmed to retrace our route to Komos, but it will take a fortnight. It seems likely we will meet Voyager enroute. I will care for the Colonel.
Carefully Seven of Nine rose and dragged the Colonels body behind an alcove. There she settled herself beside him, cuddling upto him fiercely. The only thing she knew she had in the Universe. She was not going to let it go.
The Captain, still numb from the previous few days, spent three hours investigating the ship, exploring it top to bottom. She found eight more Borg bodies. They had died in great pain, she could tell that from the expressions on the normally expressionless faces. There was no external injury and she lacked a suitable tricorder to make a closer examination to find the cause, it left a mystery to be solved later. Instead she dragged them into a quiet alcove, then dragged the three that had been with them when they boarded into the same place. Their limited living space looked neater without bodies, she decided.
Finally she rounded the alcove that Seven of Nine had dragged the Colonel into and found that she had fallen to sleep, her legs and arms curled protectively around him, her head on his chest.
The sight deeply moved the Captain. Almost angrily she turned and walked away blinking tears away.
It was not until she settled herself into a corner that she realised why the tears had come so readily and unbidden.
After everything Seven of Nine had something to cling to, that responded to her, never turned away, bring her comfort. What did she have? The Captain of a Star Ship? She did not even have her own ship anymore. It was light years away. All she had were two men, both unconscious and might not recover and an ex-Borg who had only just discovered what love and friendship were. A single human aboard a stolen enemy ship that she could not control and might yet kill her. Who would grieve if that happened. The thought terrified her.
Seven of Nine's voice reached into her plummeting consciousness and kicked her awake with a start.
She answered looking up at the tall woman standing over her.
You have been emotional, Seven of Nine observed, showing the gulf that still existed in her comprehension of human frailties. Explain the reasons.
The Captain flashed an angry look at her. Yes, I was. What of it? She snapped defensively.
Seven of Nine, hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. She had never seen the Captain as distraught as this. Eventually she sat herself down in front of the Captain and attempted to lock her blue eyes upon the Captains soft brown ones.
I have learnt that explaining the reasons for emotions and confused thinking often lead to their understanding, Seven of Nine explained cautiously.
Despite herself a weak smile broke on the Captains face. A Colonel opinion?
Seven of Nine nodded. In such matters he is often correct. It brings order to chaos and is therefore desirable, Seven of Nine observed stoically. You should attempt to follow the advice.
I am also a good listener and attempting to develop a selective memory, she added.
The Captain sighed deeply, Seven of Nine was doing a Colonel' on her, she was not entirely certain she liked the idea. If she perfected the art, there would be two of them aboard Voyager.
I was feeling sorry for myself and jealous. Jealous of you, the Captain admitted at last.
Seven of Nine raised a questioning eyebrow, but said nothing, still gazing steadily into the Captains eyes.
It forced the Captain to continue her confession. I suddenly realised the difference between us. It has nothing to do with humanity, understanding or being a Borg. It's that you have something you can hold and posses. All I have is a Star Ship and I could lose that at anytime. It's not mine!
I'm not expressing it right, am I? She asked suddenly.
They are your thoughts, Captain, Seven of Nine commented impassively. You will make sense of them. Continue.
The only thing I ever really wanted was to command a Star Ship. I had dalliances, but they were never like you and the Colonel. I was even engaged before I came away. But I wanted to command a Star Ship. Now I haven't even got that!
I've really screwed my life haven't I? The Captain asked in the end.
Seven of Nine shrugged non-commitally. You have followed the path you chose, she observed. Perhaps a better one has not presented itself?
The Captain grinned, leaned forward and hugged Seven of Nine. You couldn't have put that more diplomatically if you were the Colonel. Thank You! She declared. The truth is I have never looked for another path! She finished by kissing the stunned Seven of Nine on the cheek.
We had better see what we need to do to keep this ship flying. Perhaps you can give me lessons? The Captain continued, suddenly feeling a lot happier as new visions crossed her mind. How is it the Colonel describes it? Ship shape and Bristol fashion'?
A little uncertainly Seven of Nine nodded. The Captains change of mood puzzled her. She had simply been emulating the Colonel's approach to a difficult emotion. She had never believed it would work as quickly.
The Colonel awoke forty hours later. He stirred slowly, feeling around him. His hand found a fabric covered leg and explored upwards until it was stopped by a firm hand.
You are late, a familiar voice declared. The time is 05:40. We must work on attaining perfection to your internal chronometer.
Task master, he muttered, slowly opening his eye's and smiling up at Seven of Nine.
She presented him with a mug. The contents are cold, because you were late, she chastised. But otherwise to your specification.
He reached up and took the mug gratefully, swallowing the contents in one shot, then discarded it in favour of pulling Seven of Nine down towards him.
Good Morning! The Captains amused drawl interrupted him.
The Colonel blushed, almost crimson. Good morning, Ma'am. I did not realise you were there. Forgive me, Ma'am. I was saying Good Morning to my wife!
And that was all? she teased. Well you've missed the hard work, so I guess we can spare another five minutes. But first you can answer a question for me. Why did the original crew of this ship die so quickly?
He thought for a moment then responded. I taped the red crystal to an anti-matter feed in the power complex. I was hoping the flare, when I blew the injectors, would cause enough confusion to allow the reaction to get out of control, Ma'am. Perhaps that had an effect?
The Captain nodded. It figures, I suppose. I won't ask why you had the crystals, but what are you going to do with the other two, to keep them safe?
I'll find somewhere for them, Ma'am.
Good. Now I can see Seven wants to say good morning' to you. So I will have the formal debriefing at some other time, with that she turned and walked away leaving the two of them in each others arms.