***
The Ministry was on full alert following the attack on the planet's premier research facility. Military personnel lined the perimeter and teams were being despatched to assist the security guards at the laboratories. Sparing a thought for Anik's safety, Eryn turned her attention back to line of people pushing their way towards the foyer.
Like every member of the Minister's staff, she was required to remain within the boundary whenever the city or the Minister was under threat. While the senior advisors were gathered in the private rooms upstairs, a host of lesser clerks and department heads filled the downstairs meeting rooms, along with a number of visiting dignitaries from other provinces, all seeking shelter from the hostilities. Support staff moved back and forth, providing the officials with meals and arranging accommodation for them in the event of further attacks.
Shouting was clearly audible from the upstairs windows as she hurried towards the staff entrance. Slowing her pace, Eryn tried unsuccessfully to make sense of the noise. Determined to get a posting to the senior offices, she pushed her way to the front of the queue.
The upper corridors were blocked by a line of guards who strictly denied access to every petitioner who sought to join the Minister's enclave. Several of the higher ranking officials balked at the obstruction, demanding to speak to the Minister himself. Having reported to the guards that she was required to serve the dignitaries, Eryn stood her ground at the base of the main stairway, leaning unobtrusively against the wall.
She was beginning to consider returning to the lower levels when the doors to the suite swung open and the Head Advisor to the Minister stepped into the hall.
"Assemble the Consulate!" he called to the guard. "Minister Chan has issued challenge!"
The room immediately went silent as the news was absorbed. Just as suddenly, it erupted with shouted questions and demands for details. In the midst of the uproar, a guard moved smartly to inform the Heads that their presence was required in the Great Hall. Trailing behind him, Eryn made sure she was the first to present herself as attendant.
***
Taking careful note of her path, Anik turned into another long corridor. Her knowledge of this part of the facility was limited. Conversations with her fellow workmates had given her a rough idea of where some departments were located and the young woman hoped she was moving in the right direction. The hallways were mostly silent, except for a dull humming sound in the background; a whining noise that was quite possibly the fission reactor. Following the sound, Anik weaved her way through the building.
A bright blue band joined the pattern on the floor tile. Hesitating slightly, Anik approached the next intersection cautiously. The absence of duty personnel in these areas was unexpected. While it was possible that no staff members with level seven qualifications had reported in, it was unlikely. It was also unlikely that the security station in such a restricted area would be left unmanned during such a crisis, yet the large console remained blank as the young woman moved towards it.
Stepping behind the counter, she scanned the board. An image of her own face reflected off the blank display monitor as she studied the host of switches and buttons that covered its surface. Her pale skin smeared with dirt and ash, forehead creased in thought, pale blue eyes flicking back and forth. Her gaze finally rested on the data-link cables that hung from the wall. An impulse made her touch the cables and several semi-familiar tubules sprung from the back of hand. Moving on instinct, she pierced the conduits and paused. Isolating herself from the swarm of data, Anik listened.
*Security breach in section zeta-five, zeta-six, zeta-seven. Evacuation in progress. Saryton-shielding restoration in progress. Activating impact buffers in section theta-one. All zeta personnel accounted for. Preparing for shutdown of stasis field in section theta-one. *
Slipping into the data-stream, Anik accessed the security monitors in section theta-one. An image of the laboratory filled her mind; one wall partly crumbled, instruments scattered across the smooth white-tiled floor. A silver-grey cylinder hung suspended from the ceiling, abandoned by the scientists assigned to unravel its secrets when the blast had occurred.. Orange lights trailed across one end of the cylinder, a series of symbols etched into the metal underneath it. Increasing the magnification, Anik focused on it. The symbols tugged at her mind, their meaning buried deep within her brain. Finally they formed words and as their message became clear, her stomach churned.
*USS Voyager. High Yield Explosive Magnaton.*
Pushing back against the force of the connection, Anik waded through the data-stream, searching for the right path. The impact buffers were moving into place, ready to absorb the force of the blast the ignorant facility technicians were expecting from the overloading explosive. Locating the shield control, Anik moved in behind it, studying the jumble of relays and feed-lines. Satisfied that she would be able initiate a surge when the time was right, she retreated, pushing against the current.
An electronic pulse flooded her body, attempting to identify her, to link her more completely to the security network. Anik relaxed, allowing the invasion. As the pulse moved through her consciousness, she adapted to its presence, both isolating and granting access to areas of herself to accommodate the scan. Confirming and authorising her presence, the pulse moved on. Granted access to the system, Anik continued through the network, gently floating on the surface of the stream.
The communication network was vast, each message being re-routed through the security monitors. Bypassing standard procedures, Anik created a feedback signal from within the network, a single frequency transmission relayed randomly into space. An insignificant anomaly.
*Evacuation of zeta section complete. Saryton-shielding restoration complete. Impact buffers have been activated in section theta-one. Preparing for shutdown of stasis field in section theta-one.*
Accessing the visual monitors once again, Anik activated the screens above the magnaton charge. Reading the power-level on the weapon, Anik made several rapid calculations, their results less than encouraging. An uncontrolled explosion would destroy not only the complex, but likely half the surrounding city as well. Anik hoped their associates knew how to deal with the weapon once it had been taken from the facility.
As the section prepared for the explosion, Anik moved into position. Maintaining the bare minimum of a connection with shield control she watched the countdown progress.
Eight .... Seven ....
If her signal had not been received, she would have point three of a second in which to regret her actions, her choice of profession and every other decision she had ever made to cause Eryn's death and the destruction of the city.
Six .... Five ....
The buffers were in place and would absorb approximately fifteen percent of the explosion if she failed. The Saryton-shielding, specifically designed for this very purpose, was holding at ninety-six percent efficiency and would possibly absorb another sixty percent; if she had intended to allow them to remain active.
Four .... Three ....
Ready to take control of the shielding, Anik stood poised on the edge of the connection. Her body all but forgotten as she lay slumped across the security desk, every spare processor focused on her task.
Two .... One ....
A surge moved through the communication network, amplifying her transmission.
Zero ....
The stasis field collapsed, oxygen and nitrogen atoms connecting with the detonator. A flash of orange light filled her view of the room as she was blasted from the network. A deep roar reverberated through the building causing the floor to shake and the walls to crack and crumble.
Eyes closed against the pain that stabbed at her mind, Anik curled herself into a ball, pressing her back against the desk. Minutes past as she lay huddled on the floor.
Realisation that she was alive came slowly. With it came the knowledge that she had succeeded.
Forcing herself onto her knees, she crawled out around the desk and peered along the corridor. Her vision was blurred, black and white images against a wall of grey. Retracing her steps, Anik moved slowly back the way she had come, leaning against the wall to support her unsteady feet. Glass lined a floor that had previously been clean, evidence that not all of the explosion had been prevented by her interference.
Anik's body moved of its own accord as her mind closed in on itself, seeking to repair the damage caused by the shock of the explosion against the unprotected circuits of her brain. Finally, the office door came into view, the blue light still active above the door frame. Stumbling inside, Anik sank to the floor, resting a moment before dragging her body over the mound of rubble, back towards the breach in the exterior shield and out of the facility.
***
The thirty seated officials waited respectfully while both the Minister and the challenger for his seat crossed the floor. Each one anxious for the initial vote that would announce the future of their planet. In the history of their government, this was only the second time that direct challenge had been called to unseat the current leader of their people.
As soon as the men were seated, a small woman in a white and brown cloak called attention to the speakers and the debate began.
"You have lost the faith of the people, Jark! They have grown tired of fighting! They have grown tired of the cities! When can we return to the land as we once said? When can the people live free from the eyes and ears of your guards?" Chan called, his rousing speech gaining support from the assembly.
"It is too soon to relax our guard! The Ila'Cor are only days from attacking our borders! The threat to our way of life is real! We must work together, my friends, if we wish to triumph in this great battle!" the Minister called, standing in his seat.
"There is no threat from the Ila'Cor, each one of us knows that! There will be no great battle. Our neighbours have grown tired of our squabbles, as have our own people!" The two men turned to face each other, the assembly all but forgotten.
"You are wrong, Chan! The people will not follow you. There is nothing to be gained by following a coward!" Jark spat at his enemy.
"Perhaps not, but there is much to be gained by following your heart!" Chan turned to the assembly, calling to his peers. "How do your hearts speak, honourable friends?"
The assembly cheered. Calls of "With you!" and "For freedom!" echoed though the chamber.
Eryn smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling, as the doors to the hall were thrown open and the new Minister greeted his people.
***
Blinking her eyes against the pale yellow light, the young woman turned her head away from the noise that had woken her. She could hear voices close by her and fought her body to react. The ground was firm underneath her, the light bright above her eyes yet she felt no heat from the sun on her face.
A hand touched hers and she turned back towards the familiar voices. Opening her eyes, she saw a blurry form with auburn hair beside her, her voice was gentle as she spoke.
"Can you hear me?"
"Eryn?" she choked out, her throat feeling dry.
"Seven, it's the Captain. How do you feel?"
The young woman paused, her mind rapidly processing the events of the last several days.
"I am functioning, Captain," she replied steadily, the note of sadness in her tone evident perhaps only to the Captain.
"You were injured in the blast," she explained.
"The magnaton charge?"
"The majority of the explosion was contained by our transporters, the remains are safely on board. Well done, Seven."
"Thank you, Captain."
The Doctor stepped closer to stand beside her bed, moving a medical scanner over her long form.
"You have suffered extensive damage from the link to the security network. Several of your Borg implants have overloaded. B'Elanna and I are working on repairing the damaged components."
"I understand," Seven replied softly, her voice expressionless.
"You're free to return to the bridge, Captain. I'll inform you of any changes," the Doctor said reassuringly.
"Give me a moment, Doctor," she asked and waited for the holographic man to return to his office before allowing her eyes to drift towards the bio-bed.
She stood silently beside her officer, her fingers idly stroking the soft lines of metal that ran the length of Seven's Borg-enhanced hand.
"I am glad the mission was a success," Seven said eventually.
"There will be a full briefing tomorrow morning, if you feel up to it."
"I shall attend," Seven agreed before falling silent once again.
A jumble of memories assaulted her, confusing images and emotions that left her feeling weak and alone. The closeness of the Captain felt both wonderful and frightening.
"Your presence in sickbay is not required, Captain. I am recovering. You may return to the bridge."
The smaller woman regarded her friend openly, allowing the command mask to drop. "I know. I just don't want to leave," she said honestly.
Seven met her gaze, hesitant to reply. Too much had happened to them, between them, for her to forget. The Captain had been her world since she was severed from the Collective. The love she felt for her was real. But the love they had shared on the planet, was that real?
The ache in her chest, the tightness in her throat that prevented her from breathing; they were real. Were the emotions and feelings that swirled though her mind any less genuine?
"We never did get to go out for dinner," the Captain stated, her voice gentle.
Unsure how to respond, Seven waited for her to continue, afraid of allowing herself to want more than the Captain was willing to offer.
"Seven," she began again. "I was wondering if perhaps you would like to join me in my quarters for dinner?"
Swallowing against tears that threatened to fall, she smiled. "I would like that," the young Borg replied, preparing to sit up on the bio-bed.
"Not now!" Kathryn said with a laugh, pressing her gently back onto the bed. "You're seriously injured, Seven, you need to rest. Tomorrow night will be soon enough."
"Not soon enough," Seven responded. "But I will wait." Her voice was rough with undisguised emotion.
The Captain bent to kiss the top of her forehead, holding her lips against the warm skin, remembering.
"I will miss you tonight, Kathryn," Seven said quietly.
"I know. We have a lot to talk about," Janeway agreed, squeezing the hand she held.
"I did not intend to talk," Seven said with a playful smile, sliding the tips of her fingers over the Captain's knuckles.
Laughing, Kathryn lowered her eyes, a faint blush creeping up the side of her neck. "Neither did I."
"I'll see you in the morning?" the young Borg asked.
"You will. Sleep well, my love," she whispered, gently stroking the young woman's temple with her thumb, encouraging her to rest.
There was more to be said, but it could wait until they were alone, until they could sit tangled together on the couch in the Captain's quarters listening to music as they had done before.
Kathryn stood beside the bed waiting for Seven to close her eyes once more. As her breathing became more regular, she untangled their fingers and turned to leave. Crossing the room, the Captain took a final glance at the sleeping woman behind her, before disappearing into the corridor.
the end.
The Ministry was on full alert following the attack on the planet's premier research facility. Military personnel lined the perimeter and teams were being despatched to assist the security guards at the laboratories. Sparing a thought for Anik's safety, Eryn turned her attention back to line of people pushing their way towards the foyer.
Like every member of the Minister's staff, she was required to remain within the boundary whenever the city or the Minister was under threat. While the senior advisors were gathered in the private rooms upstairs, a host of lesser clerks and department heads filled the downstairs meeting rooms, along with a number of visiting dignitaries from other provinces, all seeking shelter from the hostilities. Support staff moved back and forth, providing the officials with meals and arranging accommodation for them in the event of further attacks.
Shouting was clearly audible from the upstairs windows as she hurried towards the staff entrance. Slowing her pace, Eryn tried unsuccessfully to make sense of the noise. Determined to get a posting to the senior offices, she pushed her way to the front of the queue.
The upper corridors were blocked by a line of guards who strictly denied access to every petitioner who sought to join the Minister's enclave. Several of the higher ranking officials balked at the obstruction, demanding to speak to the Minister himself. Having reported to the guards that she was required to serve the dignitaries, Eryn stood her ground at the base of the main stairway, leaning unobtrusively against the wall.
She was beginning to consider returning to the lower levels when the doors to the suite swung open and the Head Advisor to the Minister stepped into the hall.
"Assemble the Consulate!" he called to the guard. "Minister Chan has issued challenge!"
The room immediately went silent as the news was absorbed. Just as suddenly, it erupted with shouted questions and demands for details. In the midst of the uproar, a guard moved smartly to inform the Heads that their presence was required in the Great Hall. Trailing behind him, Eryn made sure she was the first to present herself as attendant.
***
Taking careful note of her path, Anik turned into another long corridor. Her knowledge of this part of the facility was limited. Conversations with her fellow workmates had given her a rough idea of where some departments were located and the young woman hoped she was moving in the right direction. The hallways were mostly silent, except for a dull humming sound in the background; a whining noise that was quite possibly the fission reactor. Following the sound, Anik weaved her way through the building.
A bright blue band joined the pattern on the floor tile. Hesitating slightly, Anik approached the next intersection cautiously. The absence of duty personnel in these areas was unexpected. While it was possible that no staff members with level seven qualifications had reported in, it was unlikely. It was also unlikely that the security station in such a restricted area would be left unmanned during such a crisis, yet the large console remained blank as the young woman moved towards it.
Stepping behind the counter, she scanned the board. An image of her own face reflected off the blank display monitor as she studied the host of switches and buttons that covered its surface. Her pale skin smeared with dirt and ash, forehead creased in thought, pale blue eyes flicking back and forth. Her gaze finally rested on the data-link cables that hung from the wall. An impulse made her touch the cables and several semi-familiar tubules sprung from the back of hand. Moving on instinct, she pierced the conduits and paused. Isolating herself from the swarm of data, Anik listened.
*Security breach in section zeta-five, zeta-six, zeta-seven. Evacuation in progress. Saryton-shielding restoration in progress. Activating impact buffers in section theta-one. All zeta personnel accounted for. Preparing for shutdown of stasis field in section theta-one. *
Slipping into the data-stream, Anik accessed the security monitors in section theta-one. An image of the laboratory filled her mind; one wall partly crumbled, instruments scattered across the smooth white-tiled floor. A silver-grey cylinder hung suspended from the ceiling, abandoned by the scientists assigned to unravel its secrets when the blast had occurred.. Orange lights trailed across one end of the cylinder, a series of symbols etched into the metal underneath it. Increasing the magnification, Anik focused on it. The symbols tugged at her mind, their meaning buried deep within her brain. Finally they formed words and as their message became clear, her stomach churned.
*USS Voyager. High Yield Explosive Magnaton.*
Pushing back against the force of the connection, Anik waded through the data-stream, searching for the right path. The impact buffers were moving into place, ready to absorb the force of the blast the ignorant facility technicians were expecting from the overloading explosive. Locating the shield control, Anik moved in behind it, studying the jumble of relays and feed-lines. Satisfied that she would be able initiate a surge when the time was right, she retreated, pushing against the current.
An electronic pulse flooded her body, attempting to identify her, to link her more completely to the security network. Anik relaxed, allowing the invasion. As the pulse moved through her consciousness, she adapted to its presence, both isolating and granting access to areas of herself to accommodate the scan. Confirming and authorising her presence, the pulse moved on. Granted access to the system, Anik continued through the network, gently floating on the surface of the stream.
The communication network was vast, each message being re-routed through the security monitors. Bypassing standard procedures, Anik created a feedback signal from within the network, a single frequency transmission relayed randomly into space. An insignificant anomaly.
*Evacuation of zeta section complete. Saryton-shielding restoration complete. Impact buffers have been activated in section theta-one. Preparing for shutdown of stasis field in section theta-one.*
Accessing the visual monitors once again, Anik activated the screens above the magnaton charge. Reading the power-level on the weapon, Anik made several rapid calculations, their results less than encouraging. An uncontrolled explosion would destroy not only the complex, but likely half the surrounding city as well. Anik hoped their associates knew how to deal with the weapon once it had been taken from the facility.
As the section prepared for the explosion, Anik moved into position. Maintaining the bare minimum of a connection with shield control she watched the countdown progress.
Eight .... Seven ....
If her signal had not been received, she would have point three of a second in which to regret her actions, her choice of profession and every other decision she had ever made to cause Eryn's death and the destruction of the city.
Six .... Five ....
The buffers were in place and would absorb approximately fifteen percent of the explosion if she failed. The Saryton-shielding, specifically designed for this very purpose, was holding at ninety-six percent efficiency and would possibly absorb another sixty percent; if she had intended to allow them to remain active.
Four .... Three ....
Ready to take control of the shielding, Anik stood poised on the edge of the connection. Her body all but forgotten as she lay slumped across the security desk, every spare processor focused on her task.
Two .... One ....
A surge moved through the communication network, amplifying her transmission.
Zero ....
The stasis field collapsed, oxygen and nitrogen atoms connecting with the detonator. A flash of orange light filled her view of the room as she was blasted from the network. A deep roar reverberated through the building causing the floor to shake and the walls to crack and crumble.
Eyes closed against the pain that stabbed at her mind, Anik curled herself into a ball, pressing her back against the desk. Minutes past as she lay huddled on the floor.
Realisation that she was alive came slowly. With it came the knowledge that she had succeeded.
Forcing herself onto her knees, she crawled out around the desk and peered along the corridor. Her vision was blurred, black and white images against a wall of grey. Retracing her steps, Anik moved slowly back the way she had come, leaning against the wall to support her unsteady feet. Glass lined a floor that had previously been clean, evidence that not all of the explosion had been prevented by her interference.
Anik's body moved of its own accord as her mind closed in on itself, seeking to repair the damage caused by the shock of the explosion against the unprotected circuits of her brain. Finally, the office door came into view, the blue light still active above the door frame. Stumbling inside, Anik sank to the floor, resting a moment before dragging her body over the mound of rubble, back towards the breach in the exterior shield and out of the facility.
***
The thirty seated officials waited respectfully while both the Minister and the challenger for his seat crossed the floor. Each one anxious for the initial vote that would announce the future of their planet. In the history of their government, this was only the second time that direct challenge had been called to unseat the current leader of their people.
As soon as the men were seated, a small woman in a white and brown cloak called attention to the speakers and the debate began.
"You have lost the faith of the people, Jark! They have grown tired of fighting! They have grown tired of the cities! When can we return to the land as we once said? When can the people live free from the eyes and ears of your guards?" Chan called, his rousing speech gaining support from the assembly.
"It is too soon to relax our guard! The Ila'Cor are only days from attacking our borders! The threat to our way of life is real! We must work together, my friends, if we wish to triumph in this great battle!" the Minister called, standing in his seat.
"There is no threat from the Ila'Cor, each one of us knows that! There will be no great battle. Our neighbours have grown tired of our squabbles, as have our own people!" The two men turned to face each other, the assembly all but forgotten.
"You are wrong, Chan! The people will not follow you. There is nothing to be gained by following a coward!" Jark spat at his enemy.
"Perhaps not, but there is much to be gained by following your heart!" Chan turned to the assembly, calling to his peers. "How do your hearts speak, honourable friends?"
The assembly cheered. Calls of "With you!" and "For freedom!" echoed though the chamber.
Eryn smiled broadly, her eyes sparkling, as the doors to the hall were thrown open and the new Minister greeted his people.
***
Blinking her eyes against the pale yellow light, the young woman turned her head away from the noise that had woken her. She could hear voices close by her and fought her body to react. The ground was firm underneath her, the light bright above her eyes yet she felt no heat from the sun on her face.
A hand touched hers and she turned back towards the familiar voices. Opening her eyes, she saw a blurry form with auburn hair beside her, her voice was gentle as she spoke.
"Can you hear me?"
"Eryn?" she choked out, her throat feeling dry.
"Seven, it's the Captain. How do you feel?"
The young woman paused, her mind rapidly processing the events of the last several days.
"I am functioning, Captain," she replied steadily, the note of sadness in her tone evident perhaps only to the Captain.
"You were injured in the blast," she explained.
"The magnaton charge?"
"The majority of the explosion was contained by our transporters, the remains are safely on board. Well done, Seven."
"Thank you, Captain."
The Doctor stepped closer to stand beside her bed, moving a medical scanner over her long form.
"You have suffered extensive damage from the link to the security network. Several of your Borg implants have overloaded. B'Elanna and I are working on repairing the damaged components."
"I understand," Seven replied softly, her voice expressionless.
"You're free to return to the bridge, Captain. I'll inform you of any changes," the Doctor said reassuringly.
"Give me a moment, Doctor," she asked and waited for the holographic man to return to his office before allowing her eyes to drift towards the bio-bed.
She stood silently beside her officer, her fingers idly stroking the soft lines of metal that ran the length of Seven's Borg-enhanced hand.
"I am glad the mission was a success," Seven said eventually.
"There will be a full briefing tomorrow morning, if you feel up to it."
"I shall attend," Seven agreed before falling silent once again.
A jumble of memories assaulted her, confusing images and emotions that left her feeling weak and alone. The closeness of the Captain felt both wonderful and frightening.
"Your presence in sickbay is not required, Captain. I am recovering. You may return to the bridge."
The smaller woman regarded her friend openly, allowing the command mask to drop. "I know. I just don't want to leave," she said honestly.
Seven met her gaze, hesitant to reply. Too much had happened to them, between them, for her to forget. The Captain had been her world since she was severed from the Collective. The love she felt for her was real. But the love they had shared on the planet, was that real?
The ache in her chest, the tightness in her throat that prevented her from breathing; they were real. Were the emotions and feelings that swirled though her mind any less genuine?
"We never did get to go out for dinner," the Captain stated, her voice gentle.
Unsure how to respond, Seven waited for her to continue, afraid of allowing herself to want more than the Captain was willing to offer.
"Seven," she began again. "I was wondering if perhaps you would like to join me in my quarters for dinner?"
Swallowing against tears that threatened to fall, she smiled. "I would like that," the young Borg replied, preparing to sit up on the bio-bed.
"Not now!" Kathryn said with a laugh, pressing her gently back onto the bed. "You're seriously injured, Seven, you need to rest. Tomorrow night will be soon enough."
"Not soon enough," Seven responded. "But I will wait." Her voice was rough with undisguised emotion.
The Captain bent to kiss the top of her forehead, holding her lips against the warm skin, remembering.
"I will miss you tonight, Kathryn," Seven said quietly.
"I know. We have a lot to talk about," Janeway agreed, squeezing the hand she held.
"I did not intend to talk," Seven said with a playful smile, sliding the tips of her fingers over the Captain's knuckles.
Laughing, Kathryn lowered her eyes, a faint blush creeping up the side of her neck. "Neither did I."
"I'll see you in the morning?" the young Borg asked.
"You will. Sleep well, my love," she whispered, gently stroking the young woman's temple with her thumb, encouraging her to rest.
There was more to be said, but it could wait until they were alone, until they could sit tangled together on the couch in the Captain's quarters listening to music as they had done before.
Kathryn stood beside the bed waiting for Seven to close her eyes once more. As her breathing became more regular, she untangled their fingers and turned to leave. Crossing the room, the Captain took a final glance at the sleeping woman behind her, before disappearing into the corridor.
the end.