(Diclaimer still applies. Oh, and thank you Cat C for pointing out that I didn't accept anonymous reviews. I hadn't realized that, but I now do. I must have X-ed the box on accident. Anyways, on with the story! Though I think this chapter is a little shaky..)
A bright light... life tingles into prospective as I awaken. The hiss of the hypospray's release still echoed in my misted phase. I felt disoriented, like a newborn into a bright new world. My senses seemed to flare, and I pick up every distinct occurrence. I look around, there was a muffled voice.
"... Seven, can you here me? Seven?"
"Affirmative," I say, my voice shaky with uncertainty. An odd sensation to hesitate with my answer, when the response is oh so clear.
"How is your vision?" The doctor asks, tapping on a PADD.
"Slightly obscured, but functional," I reply. There's a new zest to my voice, something I can't quite distinguish. I reach above my left eye, feeling the bandage. "What is the meaning of this dressing above my eye?"
"Your implant was deep, and it caused severe bleeding. I was going to use the dermal regenerator on it later on, along with several other lacerations."
I glance down at the bandage my hand, where the tubules used to lay engraved into my flesh. "Are the results from the surgery.. successful?" I ask, feeling anxious and hesitant. My feelings are so mixed and ironic – I want to know, but I don't. What if it's bad news?
"Completely, Seven, completely," the doctor says with a proud and satisfied smile, setting the PADD down and picking up a dermal regenerator of the nearby cart. He then removes the bandage along my hand, and I cringe at the sight. You can see my bones, my veins. The doctor quickly runs the regenerator over my hand, seeing my ... emotional reaction. After my skin has returned, I run my other hand over it, as if feeling it for the first time. But in a sense, I am. He then removes the wrapping above my eye and it too is 'healed'. As I rub a fascinated hand over my face, a nurse walks in and speaks quietly with the doctor. "It seems you have a guest," he says, with a raised brow, as if questioning. The nurse looks at me questioningly, as if asking permission to let the guest in. I nod; a simple answer. Efficient, though it seems a little emotionless. I briefly wonder how long my hollow replies have bothered others as the nurse goes to return with my guest.
"Seven, it's so good to see you! Or should I say Annika now?"
"Doctor," I say, completely surprised, and slightly hurt. I was hoping it was Chakotay, so I could excuse my behavior.
"Are you feeling alright?"
My disappointment must have been displayed. "No," I say quickly. "Please feel free to call me Annika, as that is my new.. form."
"Very well then," the EMH says, smiling brightly. "You're absolutely stunning, Annika."
"Really?" I ask, unsure of myself once again.
"Allow me," the doctor says, holding up a nearby mirror. My reflection raises so many emotions. Tears corner my eyes unintentionally. I don't know what's happening to me, I feel a warmth surge through me as the EMH lays a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm so proud of you, Annika," he says, low, tender and yet somehow enthusiastic. I lower the mirror and attempt to read his emotions, though it is flawed – he is, after all, a hologram. But his eyes, for once in my life I see them bright and loving. Loving? Is that really the proper word? "I hope you don't mind, but I brought a friend along with me. Reg?" He turns and calls behind him. Reg Barclay enters the room, timid and yet somewhat not.
"Seven," he seems to say in a breath of relief. "Or-or is it Annika?"
"Annika," I state simply, my brow rose in perplexity.
"Since our return from the Delta Quadrant," the EMH pipes in, "I've been working with Reg at Jupiter Station, along with a formidable team of doctors. I've been showing them some of my techniques that I taught myself on our little away mission," he says, pride gracing his every holographic feature as he rocks on his heels. "And we were wondering, since all the debriefings have ended, if you'd like to come and work with us?"
"Pardon?" I ask, though I frown – since when do I say pardon?
"Let me try to explain," Reg says, his comfort still not obviously placed. "Your first hand experience with the doctor's treatments could help us greatly. We're also doing other countless studies that you'd just love."
"Please, Sev- Annika, I assure you. You'll enjoy living on the Starbase," the EMH said, coaxingly. I hesitate, looking briefly away. For the first time in my life, my conscience seems to be piping up, and it confuses me only further.
"Alright," I say with a small smile, looking at the EMH. If I thought his face was bright before, his photons were exploding now. For a moment, I see a part of Chakotay in him. I have to move on though. I've started a new chapter in my life, and a new job is just what I need.