The bridge was eerily silent as the ship slowly coasted to the mouth of the
wormhole. Captain Janeway exchanged a glance with her first officer.
"It's do or die time."
Chakotay grinned at her before settling himself back in his chair. "All hands prepare for entry into the wormhole."
Tom maneuvered the ship towards the wormhole and with a blaze of light the ship entered it. Captain Janeway relaxed the grip she had on her armrests. She had expected the journey through the wormhole to be difficult, but the ship glided through it smoothly and then it was over. With a flash the bridge crew found themselves staring at an open star field.
"What is our current position Mr. Tuvok," Captain Janeway asked breathlessly.
"Sensors indicate we are in the alpha quadrant. Approximately 23 days from Earth at maximum warp."
The Captain stared at the view screen hardly daring to believe it true. "Hail Starfleet, Mr. Tuvok, tell them Voyager is home." Tom was the first to let out a woop. Then everyone on the bridge began cheering and hugging each other. The Captain sat back in her chair taking it all in and in a sudden onslaught of emotion tears began falling silently down her face. Chakotay, who had joined in on the celebration, was the first to notice her. He walked to her and knelt beside her chair.
"Kathryn? Are you Ok?"
She nodded unable to speak.
Realizing the emotions she had bottled up all these years were threatening to overwhelm her in a sudden release he took her hands and said firmly. "It's over Kathryn. You did it. You got your crew home."
Words that were meant to comfort only brought the emotions more forward. She cried, uncaring who witnessed. "It's over," she said. "It's finally over."
The mood of the crew as Voyager slowly coasted towards Earth was at first very jubilant, but as they got closer and closer an eerie calm settled over everyone, no one dared say anything, but all were thinking about the same thing, no one more so than the Captain.
Kathryn's thoughts were almost completely consumed with the fate of her former Maquis crewmen, Seven and the Doctor, and of course, Chakotay. Often she thought about the words he had spoken the night of Seven and the Doctor's marriage. She played them over and over in her head analyzing and trying to interpret their meaning. She was determined to sit and talk seriously with him, but not until they had settled back into their normal lives, whenever that was.
In their new quarters the Doctor and Seven sat quietly at a table each working on a project. "I sent a communiqué to Dr. Zimmerman at Utopia Planetia," the Doctor said.
Seven looked up from her data pad. "In regards to what?"
"Well, he is the closest thing I have to a relative. I would like to meet him. I also wouldn't mind having someone new to brag about my beautiful wife to."
Seven merely raised an eyebrow at him and returned to her data pad.
"Have you heard from any of your relatives from Earth yet?" he asked.
"Yes," she said quietly.
"Seven, that's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was irrelevant."
"Seven, a connection with your family is hardly irrelevant. Whom did you speak with? What did they have to say?" The Doctor was very excited with the idea of Seven finally having a connection with her past.
"The woman I spoke with was my mother's sister. She presumed my parents and I were dead," she said.
"I'm sure she was delighted to know otherwise. Did you have a pleasant conversation?" He asked.
"We did not," she said putting down her padd and leaving the table. She headed toward their bedroom and the Doctor followed. He found her sitting on the edge of their bed staring out the window at the streaming star field.
He sat next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, immediately she rested against him and his hands encircled her waist. "It's only natural to feel apprehensive about having contact with your family on Earth, but if you."
"I was not apprehensive," she interrupted. The truth was she had been curious about her family, almost excited with the idea of meeting them, but her conversation with her mother's sister had not gone pleasantly. She recalled her earlier conversation for the Doctor.
"Annika, I can't believe it's you." An older woman whose hair was graying at the temples sat smiling on her screen.
"I am no longer called by my human name. My name is Seven of Nine, but you may call me Seven."
"We had no hope you could have possibly survived all this time," her aunt continued seeming to ignore Seven's first comment.
"I have been aboard Voyager for several years now," she said.
"Yes we've heard. My sister was crazy to bring a child with her on such a suicidal mission, poor thing, but that's all the past now. I want to know everything about you."
"There is very little to tell. I am the ships astrometrics officer, my duties are quite extensive, but I enjoy them."
Her aunt smiled, "no Annika, I meant about you personally. Do you have many friends? Are you involved with anyone?"
Seven smiled slightly choosing to ignore the improper use of her name for the moment. "I was recently married."
"Married! How wonderful. Who is he? What's his name?"
"He is the chief medical officer aboard Voyager."
Immediately her aunt's face turned serious. "I'm not sure I understand, we were told that you're medical officer was a hologram and his nurse was the ship's helm officer."
"That is correct."
"Then you married the pilot?" she asked thoroughly confused.
"No," Seven said.
"Annika, I don't think we're communicating very well, you can't mean that you married the hologram."
"I did."
"How? Annika it isn't even real, it isn't a person, it's a program written into your ships system."
"He," she began heatedly, "is very real to me and the rest of the crew. He is respected as an individual aboard this ship. He is my best friend and we are very happy together."
"It is clear that the years aboard that Borg cube has left your judgment impaired. When you reach Earth we will discuss this further."
"That will not be necessary."
"Annika."
"My name is Seven of Nine," she said ending the communiqué.
The Doctor sighed and held her more tightly. "I'm sorry your first connection with your family was unpleasant. I had hoped you would finally be able to have a family."
She turned slightly in his arms and looked directly into his eyes. "You are the only family I ever wanted or needed."
The Captain sighed happily and sat back in her chair. She had just gotten through a long discussion with her mother and couldn't be happier. Her family was already preparing for her return to their home in Indiana. She had also been given the news that she was an aunt. Her sister, Phoebe, had given birth to a daughter only a couple of months ago. The Captain was practically giddy with the news. They had named her niece Kathryn, after herself.
"Captain, you have another incoming message from Earth." Tuvok's voice rang over the comm system. Kathryn knew it was impossible, but even her Vulcan security officer seemed to be in happy spirits.
"Patch it through to my ready room Mr. Tuvok." In front of her the screen on her computer console blinked and then Admiral Nechayev appeared. "Admiral," Janeway acknowledged.
"Captain, it is good to see you. I understand that you should be arriving at Earth within four days."
"That's correct Admiral. We would have arrived sooner, but some of my crew had family along our route to Earth and we have been joining with them."
"I understand Captain," she said pausing. "None of your crew has disembarked from the ship yet have they?"
Immediately Janeway tensed. "My crew is all accounted for Admiral. Every single one of them is anxious to see Earth again."
Nechayev nodded slightly before continuing. "Since your return I have been in continual meetings regarding the status of several members of your crew. I am transmitting a list of your crew that will need to be debriefed immediately upon their return to Earth. You should be receiving it now."
Janeway hit a few buttons and downloaded the information into a PADD. Quickly she skimmed the list and breathed a little easier. She had feared she would only find Maquis members on this list. In fact, Chakotay and Belanna were the only Maquis on the list. Along with them were Tuvok, Harry and herself. In fact every senior officer was on the list, with the exception of Tom Paris. "May I ask the nature of this debriefing Admiral?"
"I can assure you the debriefings are quite routine. You have been out of touch with the Federation for a long time. We felt these debriefings would be the best way to get everyone caught up with everything."
"I see. Then we'll see you in four days."
"I look forward to it. Nechayev out."
Captain Janeway sat back in her chair. She knew she was missing something. Admiral Nechayev had been very vague and she feared there was more to these debriefings than she was being told. Suddenly she was very uneasy. "Janeway to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here."
She softened her voice, "Chakotay do you have a minute?"
Seven arrived at the quarters she shared with her husband ready for a quiet evening. Voyager had been a bustle of activity and she hadn't had a chance to see him all day. Since their marriage they hadn't been separated for more than eight hours. Having never known this kind of intimacy and closeness with anyone, she was surprised with how completely it consumed her. She was content. She arrived at their quarters, but found them locked. 'Odd,' she thought, but she entered her command codes and entered. What greeted her was not the warm smile of her husband, but the cold stare of several men in red Starfleet uniforms. They eyed Seven, but said nothing. Seven's eyes darted to one of the men who was holding the Doctor's mobile emitter in his hand. "What are you doing," she demanded, but she received no reply. Rushing forward to retrieve the emitter, she was grabbed forcefully and held back. Struggling to free herself she watched in horror as one of the men placed the emitter on a table pulled out his phaser and fired. "No," she cried. Finally they spoke. "Did you really believe we would allow this technology to fall into the hands of the Borg?"
"Regeneration cycle incomplete."
Seven's hands flew wildly in front of her as she fell from her alcove. Her breathing was ragged as she tried to calm her mind. It was only a dream, she said to herself, only a dream. Standing slowly, she forced herself to slow her breathing down. She was about to return to her alcove when a sickening feeling filled her stomach. "Doctor," she whispered. Immediately she was out the door and in a sprint toward sickbay.
Arriving in less time than was humanly possible she searched wildly around sickbay, but he wasn't there. "Computer locate the Doctor."
"The Emergency Medical Program is currently offline."
"Activate the EMH," she demanded.
"Please state the nature." the Doctor didn't get the chance to finish. Seven flew into his arms and held him tightly.
Immediately the Doctor panicked. "What's the matter Seven, are you ill?" He had known Seven practically all of her human existence and had never seen her this way, not even during the initial months of her separation from the collective. "Seven?" he repeated.
She released the iron grip she had on him. "I apologize."
He took her face in his hands. "You're shaking. What's the matter?"
"Nothing, I am fine," she said unconvincingly.
"Seven, tell me what's wrong. Please." The Doctor felt frustrated. They had been married over a month, but still Seven kept things from him. He could talk to her about anything and he did, but the Doctor could sense she held a lot back.
"I'm fine," she said firmly increasing the distance between them.
"Dammit Seven, how can we possibly make this marriage work if you won't be open with me?"
She stared at him sorrowfully. "Maybe we can't," she said her voice shaking.
"What?"
"Maybe I can't," she said more firmly, and he watched as she quietly left sickbay.
By the afternoon sickbay was not a happy place to be. The Doctor was in the middle of checking the crew files to make sure they were all complete and his mind wasn't on them. His thoughts were consumed by the morning's events. All day he had been mentally berating himself. He felt like his marriage was over. How could he ever believe she could love him, a program, a simulation. Photons and force fields that was all he was and she had finally realized that. His greatest fear had come true, she regretted marrying him.
By the time Tom arrived the tension in the room was palpable. It was Tom who took the brunt of the Doctor's inevitable explosion. As usual he strolled into sickbay fifteen minutes late for his shift. "Morning Doc."
"You're late Mr. Paris."
"I know, I'm sorry, Ensign Kaplan threw a party and it ended pretty late."
"That's no excuse. I'm sure everyone else managed to be on time for their shifts."
"Yeah but Doc."
"I'm not interested in excuses Mr. Paris, if you can't make the effort to be on time than don't bother showing up." The Doctors volume had risen dramatically.
"All right Doc. I'm sorry I was late,"
The Doctor shot him a disgusted look. "Why don't you get started on these evaluations," he said handing him a pile of the data padds he had been working on.
Tom took the padds silently and went into the Doctor's office. There he watched as the Doctor moved restlessly around sickbay picking up various medical instruments and slamming them on the medical cart.
"You need some help Doc?" Tom asked.
"No Mr. Paris, just complete those evaluations," the Doctor responded curtly.
Tom kept watching him determined to find out what was bothering him. The Doctor stopped storming around sickbay momentarily and fingered the wedding band Seven had added to his program on their wedding day and Tom suddenly realized. "How's the wife, Doc?"
"You'd have to ask her," he said bitterly. "God knows she doesn't let me know."
"Trouble in paradise?"
The Doctor sighed, "disaster in paradise. Our relationship is over."
"I'm sure it's not as bad as all that. You just had a fight. If Belanna and I had given up after our first fight we wouldn't have lasted a week."
"That's because neither of you regret being together. I can't say the same about my wife."
"She said that. She said she regretted marrying you?" Tom shook his head in doubt.
"Not in so many words, but."
"I really think you're over-reacting," Tom interrupted. "You should go and talk to her." The Doctor looked doubtful. "Come on, it can't hurt to try."
Reluctantly the Doctor nodded and left sickbay.
While the Doctor got his marriage counseling from Tom, Seven was in her new quarters feeling completely miserable. There was an entirely new sensation in the pit of her stomach, unlike anything she had ever felt before and she didn't know what it was. It was somewhat like the panic she had felt in the morning, but it was also traced with guilt and heartache.
"Seven?" The Doctor called from the living room. He entered their quarters cautiously, not sure what state she was in.
"I am in the bedroom."
He approached, but stayed in the doorway. "Are you feeling better?"
"I was not ill," she responded.
"Oh," the Doctor said slowly. "I'm glad." There was an uncomfortable pause, and they looked everywhere but at each other. Suddenly the Doctor moved toward her and she started in surprise. "Seven, this is ridiculous. We should be beyond this level of communication, or lack thereof." He sat on their bed and pulled her next to him. "I understand that you're not accustomed to expressing you're emotions, but at least with me I wish you would try." He paused before continuing. "You don't have to tell me what was troubling you this morning, but at least allow me to comfort you. Just tell me what you want from me."
Seven took a deep breath and reached for his hand. "I want you."
The Doctor smiled and pulled her close, but something was still bothering him. "You don't regret marrying me do you?" He asked softly.
She broke away and looked him in the eyes. "Is that what you think?"
He shrugged. "I wasn't sure."
"I will never regret marrying you." She held him tightly. "Never."
"Captain Janeway to Seven and the Doctor."
"Yes Captain," Seven responded.
"Please report to my ready room immediately."
"We're on our way." They rose and left their quarters. Seven reached for the Doctors hand and entwined her fingers around his. As they approached the turbolift two crewmen approached them. The Doctor expected Seven to release her hold on his hand, but was delightfully surprised when instead she gave it a squeeze. The Doctor couldn't help but think there was just a hint of jealousy in the eyes of his crewmates.
Gathered in the Captain's ready room was the entire senior staff awaiting the arrival of Seven and the Doctor. Kathryn sat grimly at her desk with Chakotay behind her for support. Tom, Belanna, and Harry sat on her coach and Tuvok stood stoically in the corner of the room. A few hours ago Captain Janeway had received a communication from Starfleet Security. After reviewing the ship's logs they had determined that there was a security risk aboard Voyager that must be dealt with immediately and as discreetly as possible. Starfleet had determined that Seven's presence aboard Voyager was too coincidental and they must examine it thoroughly to ensure no new Borg threat existed. In an effort to expedite the matter they were demanding her presence at Starfleet security upon their immediate arrival at Earth. Immediately the Captain had contacted Admiral Paris. Besides being Tom's father he had been her mentor throughout her early career. He had promised to get back to her as soon as he was able to find anything out.
Of all the possible scenarios this was the last Kathryn had considered. She had assumed Seven might be distrusted, but never considered the possibility of having to turn her over to Starfleet Security. She knew she couldn't handle this crisis by herself so she called her senior staff together. They were stronger as a team and she needed all the strength she could get.
Seven and the Doctor entered the ready room hand in hand and the Captain couldn't help smiling. They were obviously very much in love. She hated shattering the peace that they had attained in each other.
She knew the Doctor was going to react violently against this. She decided the best way to break the news was directly. "I received this communiqué from Starfleet a few hours ago," she said handing the data padd to Seven. The Doctor read it over her shoulder.
"Captain, they can't be serious." The Doctor stepped closer to the Captain. "I will not allow them to interrogate her."
"In fairness to Starfleet," Tuvok piped up from the corner, "they are merely requesting an audience with her."
"They're not requesting, they're demanding." The Doctor continued enraged. "What if she refuses? What will happen then?"
"I don't know Doctor," Kathryn began. "The reason I called this meeting is to discuss some of our options. I'm expecting to hear from Admiral Paris at any moment. That will give us a better idea of what to expect." As if on cue the bridge summoned Captain Janeway.
"Captain you have a priority one communiqué from Admiral Paris." Tom's ears perked at the sound of his father's name and Captain Janeway motioned for him to join her and Commander Chakotay moved to allow room. "Patch it through, Ensign."
"Kathryn, I have some interesting news for you."
"It's good to see you again sir," Captain Janeway smiled at the elderly face, into the eyes of the man whom she had shared so much history. With the exception of her own father, this was the man whom she trusted more than any other in her youth. "I have someone here I thought you'd like to speak with." She beckoned Tom closer.
"Hello dad." Tom stood rigidly uncertain as to how his father would react. The older man took one look at his son, whom for so long he had thought dead and tears fell from his eyes. "It's good to see you son. We've missed you. I." he broke off unable to finish his sentence. Tom smiled, "I've missed you too dad. Tell mom I'll see her soon." The Admiral regained his control. "Your mother is eager for your return." The Admiral turned his attention back to the Captain. "I want to thank you for bringing my son home Kathryn." After a pause his face grew serious. "I've made a few inquiries and have found out some interesting information about your crewman."
"Any light you can give to the situation would be helpful Admiral."
"I had to call in a few favors to get this information Captain, apparently decisions about your crewman are being handled from the top. Starfleet was intrigued when over a year ago you sent your EMH program to the Alpha Quadrant through the array and they first discovered a Borg had been serving aboard your vessel. When you sent your logs and records to Starfleet upon returning to the alpha quadrant they began pouring over them. Their evidence is compelling."
"What evidence is that Admiral," the Captain asked.
"Starfleet believes your Borg was not accidentally left aboard your ship. They believe she is a plant, sent by the Borg to gather information about the Federation in an effort to assimilate us all."
"Forgive me Admiral, but that sounds somewhat paranoid to me. I can't believe anything in our logs would make them believe she was some kind of a spy for the Borg. Seven has been an exemplary member of my crew. She is also my friend, I would trust her with my life."
"I have no doubt you feel that way, but as I've said Starfleet has compelling evidence. Stardate 51003.7: you acquire a new crewman, a former human female taken at the age of six and turned Borg. You separate her from the collective and she becomes a member of your crew. With the exception of Jean Luc Picard this has never been done, it has certainly never been done with a person assimilated as long as she was. Stardate 51929.3: The entire crew goes into stasis for one month leaving only Seven and your EMH to run the ship. Stardate 52100.9: A transporter accident creates a 29th century Borg through a combination of your EMH's mobile emitter and Borg nanoprobes. When the Borg become aware of his existence they come for him. Stardate 52619.2: Your Borg crewman returns to the collective for a short time. And finally Stardate 52899.3: Seven marries your Emergency Medical Hologram."
"I hardly see what any of this proves Admiral."
"I have to add that this is all speculation, which is why Starfleet agreed to question her before pursuing any other course. I would suggest allowing them too."
"No, absolutely not." The Doctor moved to face the screen. "We won't agree to anything."
"Doctor," Seven began placing her hand on his shoulder. He turned to look into the eyes of his wife, the woman whom he loved more than anything. "I will agree to meet with them," she finished.
"Seven, no!" the Doctor protested.
"It appears we have little choice in the matter."
"Of course we have a choice, we can refuse."
"But we will not." Seven couldn't say this, not even to him, but she had greater worries on her mind. Her greatest fear loomed over her oppressively. The same fear that had driven all her actions over the past month. For the first time since she had rejoined humanity, Seven had allowed herself to know what it was like to depend on another person, to love someone deeply. She feared that this would be taken from her, and she would endure whatever she had to to avoid that.
The Doctor, seeing the determined look in his wife's eyes, knew it was futile to try and change her mind. She was so stubborn sometimes. Seven glanced at the Captain and nodded slightly.
The Captain turned her attention back to the Admiral. "She will agree to meet with Starfleet Security on two condition. The meeting will take place on Voyager and I must be allowed to accompany her." Seven opened her mouth to speak, but the Captain silenced her with a look.
"I believe I can get Starfleet to agree to that Captain."
"Thank you Admiral. We will arrive at Earth in less than twenty-four hours. Janeway out."
The return to their quarters was silent. Seven could tell the Doctor was angry and unsettled. Everything had been decided. When they arrived at Earth, Seven and the Captain would meet with three members of Starfleet Security and Admiral Paris. The Doctor had insisted on being there as well and the Captain might have agreed, but Seven had been adamant. She would not allow the Doctor to accompany her and would hear no argument in favor of it. Even Tom had tried to convince her, but she wouldn't listen.
"I just don't understand why you don't want me there," the Doctor yelled once they had entered their private quarters.
"There is no reason for you to be involved."
"No reason! I am your husband."
Seven remained silent. The decision had already been made and she would not rescind. The Doctor threw his arms in the air and left their quarters.
Seven knew he was going back to sickbay. She had observed he often retreated to his work when he was unhappy. She was the same way, but not this time. Instead she went to a computer console. "Computer access EMH photo file Alpha 1." She had not always appreciated the Doctor's slight obsession with holo-photography. It had only grown since their wedding and more than once the flash of his holo-camera had surprised her. As she looked through the numerous photographs on file, she came across one that surprised her. The photograph was of the two of them in sickbay. It must have been Tom who had taken it. She was reading a data padd unaware of the Doctor's gaze. What struck Seven was not the photo, but the Doctor's face. His eyes rested on her and his lips were turned upward in a slight smile. She could see so many emotions in his one gaze. Love, passion, tenderness, it was all there. He adored her, she who had been Borg, who had participated in the destruction of so many individuals, so many worlds. If anyone deserved a lifetime of loneliness and scorn it was she. She was unworthy of such a man.
She smiled sadly and decided to remain in their quarters for the night. The Doctor had probably deactivated himself and she wanted to feel close to him tonight. She removed her unitard and slipped into the soft green nightgown the Doctor had replicated for her. She was asleep almost before her head had hit the pillow.
Halfway through the night Seven rolled in bed only to be met by the warm body of her husband. She had no idea when he had joined her, but that didn't matter. He wrapped one arm around her and pulled her close to him. In response she caressed his face and kissed him gently.
"How long have they been in there?" The Doctor was pacing in his quarters driving Tom and Belanna out of their minds. Chakotay had gotten tired of the Doctor's repeated calls to the bridge and sent the two of them to keep him company. Most of the crew had disembarked and only a skeleton crew remained. Tom was waiting for his father, he would then take Belanna to go and meet the rest of his family. They had decided to spend a week on Earth then head to Quonos to see Belanna's mother.
"It's only been about an hour Doc," Tom replied.
Belanna decided to change the subject. "Where are you and Seven going to be staying?"
"The Captain has graciously asked us to stay with her until we can find residence."
"Have the two of you decided to stay on Earth?"
"Actually, Seven and I are going to Utopia Planetia. Dr. Zimmerman has invited us to visit him. After that who knows."
"That sounds great Doc," Tom began. "I."
They were interrupted by a chime. "Come," the Doctor called. The door opened and an older woman with admiral bars on her collar and two men in yellow security uniforms entered. The Doctor approached them smiling, "Can I help you?"
"Hello Doctor, my name is Admiral Nechayev. This is Lieutenant Billings and Ensign Jareth."
"Admiral, I'm delighted to meet you. This is Lieutenants Torres and Paris."
"Admiral Paris has mentioned you often, I am delighted to meet you," Admiral Nechayev extended her hand to Tom and he took it. Tom gave the Admiral a small look of distrust. He had heard many things about her, few good. She turned her attention back to the Doctor. "Doctor, I would appreciate it if you would accompany us to Starfleet Headquarters."
The Doctor glanced uneasily at Belanna and Tom. "I'm afraid I can't leave the ship right now Admiral, my wife is being questioned by Starfleet Security."
"I am aware of that Doctor, but I must insist you join us immediately," said the Admiral. The two security officers approached the Doctor.
"What is the meaning of this Admiral," Belanna spoke up. She was beginning to feel as uneasy as the Doctor looked.
The Admiral looked coldly at Belanna, "I assure you there is nothing to be concerned about. I must insist we leave immediately Doctor." The two security officers were now on either side of the Doctor.
"It appears I have little choice."
Tom tapped his combadge, "Paris to Chakotay." When he didn't hear a response Belanna hit her combadge. "Torres to Chakotay," a pause, "Torres to the bridge."
"I'm afraid you cannot communicate with your shipmates," the Admiral said. Tom made a move toward the Doctor, but the security officer was quick and had his phaser out in a second. "Please do not make this difficult Lieutenant. We are all Starfleet officers." The Doctor glanced helplessly at them as he was escorted from the room.
Tom and Belanna remained still for only a moment, then they moved toward the door. Once in the corridor they glanced around, but the Doctor and Admiral were gone. "We've got to get to the bridge," Tom said heading for the turbolift.
The bridge was relatively quiet. Commander Chakotay was there as well as Lieutenant Tuvok. The rest of the bridge crew were scattered on the planet. Tom and Belanna burst onto the bridge. "Chakotay, they've taken the Doctor," Belanna quickly filled him in on what had transpired.
"Chakotay to the Captain."
"Janeway here, what is it Commander?"
"Captain, Admiral Nechayev was here. According to Tom and Belanna they've taken the Doctor to Starfleet Headquarters." Chakotay waited for a response, but instead was startled to see Seven emerge from the briefing room. The Captain wasn't far behind her.
"Where is he?" Her normally calm composure was nowhere to be found.
"I'm sorry Seven, they took him to Starfleet Headquarters," Tom replied.
The Captain turned and stared hatefully at the emerging Starfleet officers. "That was the plan all along wasn't it. You weren't worried about Seven, you wanted the Doctor. Why?" she demanded.
Admiral Paris spoke up, "I'm sorry Kathryn, but Starfleet has determined that the Doctor is too big a security risk. His program could easily fall into the wrong hands and expose us all to threats we couldn't even imagine. There's also the possibility that his program could be manipulated and he could be used to spy on Starfleet and the Federation."
Seven advanced aggressively toward the Admiral. "What have you done with him?"
"I'm sorry Seven, I understand you have feelings for him, but his program is going to be inspected by Starfleet Medical and his memory engrams will be copied."
"And then what Dad?" Tom could barely control the contempt in his voice.
"He will then be initialized and his program will be returned to Voyager. I'm sorry son," the Admiral truly felt terrible over what was happening, but he couldn't ignore the obvious threat the Doctor posed to Starfleet.
Tom couldn't believe his ears. He had thought he had finally understood his father, but he was wrong. The only thing that would ever matter to him was Starfleet.
Seven's hands balled into fists and she flew at the Admiral. Fortunately Chakotay was close enough to pull her back. "I will not let you."
The Admiral looked at Seven sadly, "I apologize that you have to go through this. Please understand that we have considered all the options."
"That is difficult to believe," said Seven.
Captain Janeway glared hatefully at the Admiral. She had never felt more betrayed. "Get off my bridge."
"Kathryn, it's been a long time since you've been home. Things have changed in the Federation. The war with the dominion has taught us hard, but valuable lessons."
"We will fight this Admiral. Have no doubts about that."
The Admiral shoulders sagged slightly as he made his way to the turbolift. "You will lose Captain."
Chakotay grinned at her before settling himself back in his chair. "All hands prepare for entry into the wormhole."
Tom maneuvered the ship towards the wormhole and with a blaze of light the ship entered it. Captain Janeway relaxed the grip she had on her armrests. She had expected the journey through the wormhole to be difficult, but the ship glided through it smoothly and then it was over. With a flash the bridge crew found themselves staring at an open star field.
"What is our current position Mr. Tuvok," Captain Janeway asked breathlessly.
"Sensors indicate we are in the alpha quadrant. Approximately 23 days from Earth at maximum warp."
The Captain stared at the view screen hardly daring to believe it true. "Hail Starfleet, Mr. Tuvok, tell them Voyager is home." Tom was the first to let out a woop. Then everyone on the bridge began cheering and hugging each other. The Captain sat back in her chair taking it all in and in a sudden onslaught of emotion tears began falling silently down her face. Chakotay, who had joined in on the celebration, was the first to notice her. He walked to her and knelt beside her chair.
"Kathryn? Are you Ok?"
She nodded unable to speak.
Realizing the emotions she had bottled up all these years were threatening to overwhelm her in a sudden release he took her hands and said firmly. "It's over Kathryn. You did it. You got your crew home."
Words that were meant to comfort only brought the emotions more forward. She cried, uncaring who witnessed. "It's over," she said. "It's finally over."
The mood of the crew as Voyager slowly coasted towards Earth was at first very jubilant, but as they got closer and closer an eerie calm settled over everyone, no one dared say anything, but all were thinking about the same thing, no one more so than the Captain.
Kathryn's thoughts were almost completely consumed with the fate of her former Maquis crewmen, Seven and the Doctor, and of course, Chakotay. Often she thought about the words he had spoken the night of Seven and the Doctor's marriage. She played them over and over in her head analyzing and trying to interpret their meaning. She was determined to sit and talk seriously with him, but not until they had settled back into their normal lives, whenever that was.
In their new quarters the Doctor and Seven sat quietly at a table each working on a project. "I sent a communiqué to Dr. Zimmerman at Utopia Planetia," the Doctor said.
Seven looked up from her data pad. "In regards to what?"
"Well, he is the closest thing I have to a relative. I would like to meet him. I also wouldn't mind having someone new to brag about my beautiful wife to."
Seven merely raised an eyebrow at him and returned to her data pad.
"Have you heard from any of your relatives from Earth yet?" he asked.
"Yes," she said quietly.
"Seven, that's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?"
"It was irrelevant."
"Seven, a connection with your family is hardly irrelevant. Whom did you speak with? What did they have to say?" The Doctor was very excited with the idea of Seven finally having a connection with her past.
"The woman I spoke with was my mother's sister. She presumed my parents and I were dead," she said.
"I'm sure she was delighted to know otherwise. Did you have a pleasant conversation?" He asked.
"We did not," she said putting down her padd and leaving the table. She headed toward their bedroom and the Doctor followed. He found her sitting on the edge of their bed staring out the window at the streaming star field.
He sat next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, immediately she rested against him and his hands encircled her waist. "It's only natural to feel apprehensive about having contact with your family on Earth, but if you."
"I was not apprehensive," she interrupted. The truth was she had been curious about her family, almost excited with the idea of meeting them, but her conversation with her mother's sister had not gone pleasantly. She recalled her earlier conversation for the Doctor.
"Annika, I can't believe it's you." An older woman whose hair was graying at the temples sat smiling on her screen.
"I am no longer called by my human name. My name is Seven of Nine, but you may call me Seven."
"We had no hope you could have possibly survived all this time," her aunt continued seeming to ignore Seven's first comment.
"I have been aboard Voyager for several years now," she said.
"Yes we've heard. My sister was crazy to bring a child with her on such a suicidal mission, poor thing, but that's all the past now. I want to know everything about you."
"There is very little to tell. I am the ships astrometrics officer, my duties are quite extensive, but I enjoy them."
Her aunt smiled, "no Annika, I meant about you personally. Do you have many friends? Are you involved with anyone?"
Seven smiled slightly choosing to ignore the improper use of her name for the moment. "I was recently married."
"Married! How wonderful. Who is he? What's his name?"
"He is the chief medical officer aboard Voyager."
Immediately her aunt's face turned serious. "I'm not sure I understand, we were told that you're medical officer was a hologram and his nurse was the ship's helm officer."
"That is correct."
"Then you married the pilot?" she asked thoroughly confused.
"No," Seven said.
"Annika, I don't think we're communicating very well, you can't mean that you married the hologram."
"I did."
"How? Annika it isn't even real, it isn't a person, it's a program written into your ships system."
"He," she began heatedly, "is very real to me and the rest of the crew. He is respected as an individual aboard this ship. He is my best friend and we are very happy together."
"It is clear that the years aboard that Borg cube has left your judgment impaired. When you reach Earth we will discuss this further."
"That will not be necessary."
"Annika."
"My name is Seven of Nine," she said ending the communiqué.
The Doctor sighed and held her more tightly. "I'm sorry your first connection with your family was unpleasant. I had hoped you would finally be able to have a family."
She turned slightly in his arms and looked directly into his eyes. "You are the only family I ever wanted or needed."
The Captain sighed happily and sat back in her chair. She had just gotten through a long discussion with her mother and couldn't be happier. Her family was already preparing for her return to their home in Indiana. She had also been given the news that she was an aunt. Her sister, Phoebe, had given birth to a daughter only a couple of months ago. The Captain was practically giddy with the news. They had named her niece Kathryn, after herself.
"Captain, you have another incoming message from Earth." Tuvok's voice rang over the comm system. Kathryn knew it was impossible, but even her Vulcan security officer seemed to be in happy spirits.
"Patch it through to my ready room Mr. Tuvok." In front of her the screen on her computer console blinked and then Admiral Nechayev appeared. "Admiral," Janeway acknowledged.
"Captain, it is good to see you. I understand that you should be arriving at Earth within four days."
"That's correct Admiral. We would have arrived sooner, but some of my crew had family along our route to Earth and we have been joining with them."
"I understand Captain," she said pausing. "None of your crew has disembarked from the ship yet have they?"
Immediately Janeway tensed. "My crew is all accounted for Admiral. Every single one of them is anxious to see Earth again."
Nechayev nodded slightly before continuing. "Since your return I have been in continual meetings regarding the status of several members of your crew. I am transmitting a list of your crew that will need to be debriefed immediately upon their return to Earth. You should be receiving it now."
Janeway hit a few buttons and downloaded the information into a PADD. Quickly she skimmed the list and breathed a little easier. She had feared she would only find Maquis members on this list. In fact, Chakotay and Belanna were the only Maquis on the list. Along with them were Tuvok, Harry and herself. In fact every senior officer was on the list, with the exception of Tom Paris. "May I ask the nature of this debriefing Admiral?"
"I can assure you the debriefings are quite routine. You have been out of touch with the Federation for a long time. We felt these debriefings would be the best way to get everyone caught up with everything."
"I see. Then we'll see you in four days."
"I look forward to it. Nechayev out."
Captain Janeway sat back in her chair. She knew she was missing something. Admiral Nechayev had been very vague and she feared there was more to these debriefings than she was being told. Suddenly she was very uneasy. "Janeway to Chakotay."
"Chakotay here."
She softened her voice, "Chakotay do you have a minute?"
Seven arrived at the quarters she shared with her husband ready for a quiet evening. Voyager had been a bustle of activity and she hadn't had a chance to see him all day. Since their marriage they hadn't been separated for more than eight hours. Having never known this kind of intimacy and closeness with anyone, she was surprised with how completely it consumed her. She was content. She arrived at their quarters, but found them locked. 'Odd,' she thought, but she entered her command codes and entered. What greeted her was not the warm smile of her husband, but the cold stare of several men in red Starfleet uniforms. They eyed Seven, but said nothing. Seven's eyes darted to one of the men who was holding the Doctor's mobile emitter in his hand. "What are you doing," she demanded, but she received no reply. Rushing forward to retrieve the emitter, she was grabbed forcefully and held back. Struggling to free herself she watched in horror as one of the men placed the emitter on a table pulled out his phaser and fired. "No," she cried. Finally they spoke. "Did you really believe we would allow this technology to fall into the hands of the Borg?"
"Regeneration cycle incomplete."
Seven's hands flew wildly in front of her as she fell from her alcove. Her breathing was ragged as she tried to calm her mind. It was only a dream, she said to herself, only a dream. Standing slowly, she forced herself to slow her breathing down. She was about to return to her alcove when a sickening feeling filled her stomach. "Doctor," she whispered. Immediately she was out the door and in a sprint toward sickbay.
Arriving in less time than was humanly possible she searched wildly around sickbay, but he wasn't there. "Computer locate the Doctor."
"The Emergency Medical Program is currently offline."
"Activate the EMH," she demanded.
"Please state the nature." the Doctor didn't get the chance to finish. Seven flew into his arms and held him tightly.
Immediately the Doctor panicked. "What's the matter Seven, are you ill?" He had known Seven practically all of her human existence and had never seen her this way, not even during the initial months of her separation from the collective. "Seven?" he repeated.
She released the iron grip she had on him. "I apologize."
He took her face in his hands. "You're shaking. What's the matter?"
"Nothing, I am fine," she said unconvincingly.
"Seven, tell me what's wrong. Please." The Doctor felt frustrated. They had been married over a month, but still Seven kept things from him. He could talk to her about anything and he did, but the Doctor could sense she held a lot back.
"I'm fine," she said firmly increasing the distance between them.
"Dammit Seven, how can we possibly make this marriage work if you won't be open with me?"
She stared at him sorrowfully. "Maybe we can't," she said her voice shaking.
"What?"
"Maybe I can't," she said more firmly, and he watched as she quietly left sickbay.
By the afternoon sickbay was not a happy place to be. The Doctor was in the middle of checking the crew files to make sure they were all complete and his mind wasn't on them. His thoughts were consumed by the morning's events. All day he had been mentally berating himself. He felt like his marriage was over. How could he ever believe she could love him, a program, a simulation. Photons and force fields that was all he was and she had finally realized that. His greatest fear had come true, she regretted marrying him.
By the time Tom arrived the tension in the room was palpable. It was Tom who took the brunt of the Doctor's inevitable explosion. As usual he strolled into sickbay fifteen minutes late for his shift. "Morning Doc."
"You're late Mr. Paris."
"I know, I'm sorry, Ensign Kaplan threw a party and it ended pretty late."
"That's no excuse. I'm sure everyone else managed to be on time for their shifts."
"Yeah but Doc."
"I'm not interested in excuses Mr. Paris, if you can't make the effort to be on time than don't bother showing up." The Doctors volume had risen dramatically.
"All right Doc. I'm sorry I was late,"
The Doctor shot him a disgusted look. "Why don't you get started on these evaluations," he said handing him a pile of the data padds he had been working on.
Tom took the padds silently and went into the Doctor's office. There he watched as the Doctor moved restlessly around sickbay picking up various medical instruments and slamming them on the medical cart.
"You need some help Doc?" Tom asked.
"No Mr. Paris, just complete those evaluations," the Doctor responded curtly.
Tom kept watching him determined to find out what was bothering him. The Doctor stopped storming around sickbay momentarily and fingered the wedding band Seven had added to his program on their wedding day and Tom suddenly realized. "How's the wife, Doc?"
"You'd have to ask her," he said bitterly. "God knows she doesn't let me know."
"Trouble in paradise?"
The Doctor sighed, "disaster in paradise. Our relationship is over."
"I'm sure it's not as bad as all that. You just had a fight. If Belanna and I had given up after our first fight we wouldn't have lasted a week."
"That's because neither of you regret being together. I can't say the same about my wife."
"She said that. She said she regretted marrying you?" Tom shook his head in doubt.
"Not in so many words, but."
"I really think you're over-reacting," Tom interrupted. "You should go and talk to her." The Doctor looked doubtful. "Come on, it can't hurt to try."
Reluctantly the Doctor nodded and left sickbay.
While the Doctor got his marriage counseling from Tom, Seven was in her new quarters feeling completely miserable. There was an entirely new sensation in the pit of her stomach, unlike anything she had ever felt before and she didn't know what it was. It was somewhat like the panic she had felt in the morning, but it was also traced with guilt and heartache.
"Seven?" The Doctor called from the living room. He entered their quarters cautiously, not sure what state she was in.
"I am in the bedroom."
He approached, but stayed in the doorway. "Are you feeling better?"
"I was not ill," she responded.
"Oh," the Doctor said slowly. "I'm glad." There was an uncomfortable pause, and they looked everywhere but at each other. Suddenly the Doctor moved toward her and she started in surprise. "Seven, this is ridiculous. We should be beyond this level of communication, or lack thereof." He sat on their bed and pulled her next to him. "I understand that you're not accustomed to expressing you're emotions, but at least with me I wish you would try." He paused before continuing. "You don't have to tell me what was troubling you this morning, but at least allow me to comfort you. Just tell me what you want from me."
Seven took a deep breath and reached for his hand. "I want you."
The Doctor smiled and pulled her close, but something was still bothering him. "You don't regret marrying me do you?" He asked softly.
She broke away and looked him in the eyes. "Is that what you think?"
He shrugged. "I wasn't sure."
"I will never regret marrying you." She held him tightly. "Never."
"Captain Janeway to Seven and the Doctor."
"Yes Captain," Seven responded.
"Please report to my ready room immediately."
"We're on our way." They rose and left their quarters. Seven reached for the Doctors hand and entwined her fingers around his. As they approached the turbolift two crewmen approached them. The Doctor expected Seven to release her hold on his hand, but was delightfully surprised when instead she gave it a squeeze. The Doctor couldn't help but think there was just a hint of jealousy in the eyes of his crewmates.
Gathered in the Captain's ready room was the entire senior staff awaiting the arrival of Seven and the Doctor. Kathryn sat grimly at her desk with Chakotay behind her for support. Tom, Belanna, and Harry sat on her coach and Tuvok stood stoically in the corner of the room. A few hours ago Captain Janeway had received a communication from Starfleet Security. After reviewing the ship's logs they had determined that there was a security risk aboard Voyager that must be dealt with immediately and as discreetly as possible. Starfleet had determined that Seven's presence aboard Voyager was too coincidental and they must examine it thoroughly to ensure no new Borg threat existed. In an effort to expedite the matter they were demanding her presence at Starfleet security upon their immediate arrival at Earth. Immediately the Captain had contacted Admiral Paris. Besides being Tom's father he had been her mentor throughout her early career. He had promised to get back to her as soon as he was able to find anything out.
Of all the possible scenarios this was the last Kathryn had considered. She had assumed Seven might be distrusted, but never considered the possibility of having to turn her over to Starfleet Security. She knew she couldn't handle this crisis by herself so she called her senior staff together. They were stronger as a team and she needed all the strength she could get.
Seven and the Doctor entered the ready room hand in hand and the Captain couldn't help smiling. They were obviously very much in love. She hated shattering the peace that they had attained in each other.
She knew the Doctor was going to react violently against this. She decided the best way to break the news was directly. "I received this communiqué from Starfleet a few hours ago," she said handing the data padd to Seven. The Doctor read it over her shoulder.
"Captain, they can't be serious." The Doctor stepped closer to the Captain. "I will not allow them to interrogate her."
"In fairness to Starfleet," Tuvok piped up from the corner, "they are merely requesting an audience with her."
"They're not requesting, they're demanding." The Doctor continued enraged. "What if she refuses? What will happen then?"
"I don't know Doctor," Kathryn began. "The reason I called this meeting is to discuss some of our options. I'm expecting to hear from Admiral Paris at any moment. That will give us a better idea of what to expect." As if on cue the bridge summoned Captain Janeway.
"Captain you have a priority one communiqué from Admiral Paris." Tom's ears perked at the sound of his father's name and Captain Janeway motioned for him to join her and Commander Chakotay moved to allow room. "Patch it through, Ensign."
"Kathryn, I have some interesting news for you."
"It's good to see you again sir," Captain Janeway smiled at the elderly face, into the eyes of the man whom she had shared so much history. With the exception of her own father, this was the man whom she trusted more than any other in her youth. "I have someone here I thought you'd like to speak with." She beckoned Tom closer.
"Hello dad." Tom stood rigidly uncertain as to how his father would react. The older man took one look at his son, whom for so long he had thought dead and tears fell from his eyes. "It's good to see you son. We've missed you. I." he broke off unable to finish his sentence. Tom smiled, "I've missed you too dad. Tell mom I'll see her soon." The Admiral regained his control. "Your mother is eager for your return." The Admiral turned his attention back to the Captain. "I want to thank you for bringing my son home Kathryn." After a pause his face grew serious. "I've made a few inquiries and have found out some interesting information about your crewman."
"Any light you can give to the situation would be helpful Admiral."
"I had to call in a few favors to get this information Captain, apparently decisions about your crewman are being handled from the top. Starfleet was intrigued when over a year ago you sent your EMH program to the Alpha Quadrant through the array and they first discovered a Borg had been serving aboard your vessel. When you sent your logs and records to Starfleet upon returning to the alpha quadrant they began pouring over them. Their evidence is compelling."
"What evidence is that Admiral," the Captain asked.
"Starfleet believes your Borg was not accidentally left aboard your ship. They believe she is a plant, sent by the Borg to gather information about the Federation in an effort to assimilate us all."
"Forgive me Admiral, but that sounds somewhat paranoid to me. I can't believe anything in our logs would make them believe she was some kind of a spy for the Borg. Seven has been an exemplary member of my crew. She is also my friend, I would trust her with my life."
"I have no doubt you feel that way, but as I've said Starfleet has compelling evidence. Stardate 51003.7: you acquire a new crewman, a former human female taken at the age of six and turned Borg. You separate her from the collective and she becomes a member of your crew. With the exception of Jean Luc Picard this has never been done, it has certainly never been done with a person assimilated as long as she was. Stardate 51929.3: The entire crew goes into stasis for one month leaving only Seven and your EMH to run the ship. Stardate 52100.9: A transporter accident creates a 29th century Borg through a combination of your EMH's mobile emitter and Borg nanoprobes. When the Borg become aware of his existence they come for him. Stardate 52619.2: Your Borg crewman returns to the collective for a short time. And finally Stardate 52899.3: Seven marries your Emergency Medical Hologram."
"I hardly see what any of this proves Admiral."
"I have to add that this is all speculation, which is why Starfleet agreed to question her before pursuing any other course. I would suggest allowing them too."
"No, absolutely not." The Doctor moved to face the screen. "We won't agree to anything."
"Doctor," Seven began placing her hand on his shoulder. He turned to look into the eyes of his wife, the woman whom he loved more than anything. "I will agree to meet with them," she finished.
"Seven, no!" the Doctor protested.
"It appears we have little choice in the matter."
"Of course we have a choice, we can refuse."
"But we will not." Seven couldn't say this, not even to him, but she had greater worries on her mind. Her greatest fear loomed over her oppressively. The same fear that had driven all her actions over the past month. For the first time since she had rejoined humanity, Seven had allowed herself to know what it was like to depend on another person, to love someone deeply. She feared that this would be taken from her, and she would endure whatever she had to to avoid that.
The Doctor, seeing the determined look in his wife's eyes, knew it was futile to try and change her mind. She was so stubborn sometimes. Seven glanced at the Captain and nodded slightly.
The Captain turned her attention back to the Admiral. "She will agree to meet with Starfleet Security on two condition. The meeting will take place on Voyager and I must be allowed to accompany her." Seven opened her mouth to speak, but the Captain silenced her with a look.
"I believe I can get Starfleet to agree to that Captain."
"Thank you Admiral. We will arrive at Earth in less than twenty-four hours. Janeway out."
The return to their quarters was silent. Seven could tell the Doctor was angry and unsettled. Everything had been decided. When they arrived at Earth, Seven and the Captain would meet with three members of Starfleet Security and Admiral Paris. The Doctor had insisted on being there as well and the Captain might have agreed, but Seven had been adamant. She would not allow the Doctor to accompany her and would hear no argument in favor of it. Even Tom had tried to convince her, but she wouldn't listen.
"I just don't understand why you don't want me there," the Doctor yelled once they had entered their private quarters.
"There is no reason for you to be involved."
"No reason! I am your husband."
Seven remained silent. The decision had already been made and she would not rescind. The Doctor threw his arms in the air and left their quarters.
Seven knew he was going back to sickbay. She had observed he often retreated to his work when he was unhappy. She was the same way, but not this time. Instead she went to a computer console. "Computer access EMH photo file Alpha 1." She had not always appreciated the Doctor's slight obsession with holo-photography. It had only grown since their wedding and more than once the flash of his holo-camera had surprised her. As she looked through the numerous photographs on file, she came across one that surprised her. The photograph was of the two of them in sickbay. It must have been Tom who had taken it. She was reading a data padd unaware of the Doctor's gaze. What struck Seven was not the photo, but the Doctor's face. His eyes rested on her and his lips were turned upward in a slight smile. She could see so many emotions in his one gaze. Love, passion, tenderness, it was all there. He adored her, she who had been Borg, who had participated in the destruction of so many individuals, so many worlds. If anyone deserved a lifetime of loneliness and scorn it was she. She was unworthy of such a man.
She smiled sadly and decided to remain in their quarters for the night. The Doctor had probably deactivated himself and she wanted to feel close to him tonight. She removed her unitard and slipped into the soft green nightgown the Doctor had replicated for her. She was asleep almost before her head had hit the pillow.
Halfway through the night Seven rolled in bed only to be met by the warm body of her husband. She had no idea when he had joined her, but that didn't matter. He wrapped one arm around her and pulled her close to him. In response she caressed his face and kissed him gently.
"How long have they been in there?" The Doctor was pacing in his quarters driving Tom and Belanna out of their minds. Chakotay had gotten tired of the Doctor's repeated calls to the bridge and sent the two of them to keep him company. Most of the crew had disembarked and only a skeleton crew remained. Tom was waiting for his father, he would then take Belanna to go and meet the rest of his family. They had decided to spend a week on Earth then head to Quonos to see Belanna's mother.
"It's only been about an hour Doc," Tom replied.
Belanna decided to change the subject. "Where are you and Seven going to be staying?"
"The Captain has graciously asked us to stay with her until we can find residence."
"Have the two of you decided to stay on Earth?"
"Actually, Seven and I are going to Utopia Planetia. Dr. Zimmerman has invited us to visit him. After that who knows."
"That sounds great Doc," Tom began. "I."
They were interrupted by a chime. "Come," the Doctor called. The door opened and an older woman with admiral bars on her collar and two men in yellow security uniforms entered. The Doctor approached them smiling, "Can I help you?"
"Hello Doctor, my name is Admiral Nechayev. This is Lieutenant Billings and Ensign Jareth."
"Admiral, I'm delighted to meet you. This is Lieutenants Torres and Paris."
"Admiral Paris has mentioned you often, I am delighted to meet you," Admiral Nechayev extended her hand to Tom and he took it. Tom gave the Admiral a small look of distrust. He had heard many things about her, few good. She turned her attention back to the Doctor. "Doctor, I would appreciate it if you would accompany us to Starfleet Headquarters."
The Doctor glanced uneasily at Belanna and Tom. "I'm afraid I can't leave the ship right now Admiral, my wife is being questioned by Starfleet Security."
"I am aware of that Doctor, but I must insist you join us immediately," said the Admiral. The two security officers approached the Doctor.
"What is the meaning of this Admiral," Belanna spoke up. She was beginning to feel as uneasy as the Doctor looked.
The Admiral looked coldly at Belanna, "I assure you there is nothing to be concerned about. I must insist we leave immediately Doctor." The two security officers were now on either side of the Doctor.
"It appears I have little choice."
Tom tapped his combadge, "Paris to Chakotay." When he didn't hear a response Belanna hit her combadge. "Torres to Chakotay," a pause, "Torres to the bridge."
"I'm afraid you cannot communicate with your shipmates," the Admiral said. Tom made a move toward the Doctor, but the security officer was quick and had his phaser out in a second. "Please do not make this difficult Lieutenant. We are all Starfleet officers." The Doctor glanced helplessly at them as he was escorted from the room.
Tom and Belanna remained still for only a moment, then they moved toward the door. Once in the corridor they glanced around, but the Doctor and Admiral were gone. "We've got to get to the bridge," Tom said heading for the turbolift.
The bridge was relatively quiet. Commander Chakotay was there as well as Lieutenant Tuvok. The rest of the bridge crew were scattered on the planet. Tom and Belanna burst onto the bridge. "Chakotay, they've taken the Doctor," Belanna quickly filled him in on what had transpired.
"Chakotay to the Captain."
"Janeway here, what is it Commander?"
"Captain, Admiral Nechayev was here. According to Tom and Belanna they've taken the Doctor to Starfleet Headquarters." Chakotay waited for a response, but instead was startled to see Seven emerge from the briefing room. The Captain wasn't far behind her.
"Where is he?" Her normally calm composure was nowhere to be found.
"I'm sorry Seven, they took him to Starfleet Headquarters," Tom replied.
The Captain turned and stared hatefully at the emerging Starfleet officers. "That was the plan all along wasn't it. You weren't worried about Seven, you wanted the Doctor. Why?" she demanded.
Admiral Paris spoke up, "I'm sorry Kathryn, but Starfleet has determined that the Doctor is too big a security risk. His program could easily fall into the wrong hands and expose us all to threats we couldn't even imagine. There's also the possibility that his program could be manipulated and he could be used to spy on Starfleet and the Federation."
Seven advanced aggressively toward the Admiral. "What have you done with him?"
"I'm sorry Seven, I understand you have feelings for him, but his program is going to be inspected by Starfleet Medical and his memory engrams will be copied."
"And then what Dad?" Tom could barely control the contempt in his voice.
"He will then be initialized and his program will be returned to Voyager. I'm sorry son," the Admiral truly felt terrible over what was happening, but he couldn't ignore the obvious threat the Doctor posed to Starfleet.
Tom couldn't believe his ears. He had thought he had finally understood his father, but he was wrong. The only thing that would ever matter to him was Starfleet.
Seven's hands balled into fists and she flew at the Admiral. Fortunately Chakotay was close enough to pull her back. "I will not let you."
The Admiral looked at Seven sadly, "I apologize that you have to go through this. Please understand that we have considered all the options."
"That is difficult to believe," said Seven.
Captain Janeway glared hatefully at the Admiral. She had never felt more betrayed. "Get off my bridge."
"Kathryn, it's been a long time since you've been home. Things have changed in the Federation. The war with the dominion has taught us hard, but valuable lessons."
"We will fight this Admiral. Have no doubts about that."
The Admiral shoulders sagged slightly as he made his way to the turbolift. "You will lose Captain."