Chapter 71.
Prey.
(Scott POV)
I was on the Bridge as Tuvok picked up a ship.
"Verify," I said.
"Monotanium hull plating, Dicyclic Warp Signature, The Vessel is definitely Hirogen," Tuvok said.
"They're moving to intercept," Chakotay said.
"Evasive Maneuvers," Tom said.
"No, We need to settle our difference here and now, Hard about, Full impulse," I said. "Red alert," As Klaxons went Red.
"They're in visual Range," Harry said.
"On screen," I said. "Hail them,"
"No response," Tuvok said.
"They're closing," Tom said. "50,000 Kilometers, 45, 40,"
"Maintain Course, Tom," I said.
"Curious," Tuvok said. "They are not charging weapons,"
"They're slowing, Sir," Tom said.
"Life signs," Chakotay said.
"Only one, and it's erratic," Tuvok said.
"They're stopped Captain," Tom said. "Their engines just went offline,"
"This could be a trap," Chakotay said.
"Agreed, Harry Sensor Scan now," I said. "Any there any other Hirogen ships out there?"
"None," Harry said.
"Take us within transporter Range," I said.
"You intend to board their ship," 7 said.
"Yeap," I said.
"The Hirogen vessel is a potential threat, We should destroy it," 7 said.
"7 what you call a threat, I call an opportunity, To gain Knowledge about this species And in this case maybe even show some compassion, There seems to be a wounded pilot over there," I said.
"Our Experiences with the Hirogen indicates that compassion would not be reciprocated," 7 said.
"And All of my experiences says we've got to take that chance anyway, Commander," I said.
"Tuvok, Paris you're with me," Chakotay said.
"Harry have a transporter lock on them just in case, Keep scanning for other Hirogen ships," I said.
"Aye Captain," Harry said.
After about 10 minutes.
Chakotay, Tuvok and Tom was back onboard with the injured pilot in Sickbay. As I called them into the Conference room to find out what they found out. Also brought 7 in with me.
"What did you get from that ship," I said.
"The Data we downloaded from the ship's computer included navigational records, Can you give us a map of this region?" Chakotay said.
"This is the Hirogen's flight path over the past 5 years," Tuvok said.
Holy shit. "They've certainly covered a lot of space," I said.
"This ship alone has visited over 90 star systems in the last year," Tuvok said.
"I analyzed some of their logs, From what I can tell this is a hunting species, We saw the skeletal remains from dozens of alien races displayed like trophies, There was also evidence they may be using some of their victims for food," Chakotay said. "The entire culture seems to be based on the hunt, Social rituals, art, religious beliefs, They're nomadic, Their existence is driven by the pursuit of prey, And it's carried them across huge distances,"
"There is no evidence of a home planet, Their ships travel alone or in small groups, On occasion several will join forces in a multipronged attack," Tuvok said.
"Like Wolves," Chakotay said.
"How's the so called wolf in Sickbay," I said.
"Still unconscious behind a level 5 force field," Tuvok said.
"You were right, 7, this species is a threat, but despite the risk of sending an away team, We know a lot more about who we're dealing with now," I said.
"You were correct captain, It was worth the risk, This time," 7 said.
"Now here is the Real question who is hunting the hunters," I said.
XXX
Not long after that I was called down to Sickbay since our so called wolf was awake.
"I was trying to remove his body armour to treat the internal injuries, when he suddenly regained consciousness, Needless to say he's not happy to be here," Doc said.
"Can you sedate him?" I said.
"I've already tired, His immune system neutralizes everything, I could synthesize a more potent compound, but that would take hours, He could be dead by then," Doc said. "His wounds are severe,"
"Your crewmate is dead, And your ship has been damaged beyond repair, I brought you here to treat your injuries," I said. "What happened to your ship? Who attack you? The first time I met your species, It wasn't on the best of terms, But that doesn't mean you and I can't find a way to change that,"
"Our Prey," He said.
"You were on a hunt," I said.
"Yes, A formidable alien," He said. "We captured it 2 days ago, But it broke free of its restraints attacked us, Release me, I must continue the hunt,"
"Not without your ship and not in this condition, You'll die without treatment, Let us help you," I said as he nodded. "Doc,"
"All right, I'm going to enter the force field now and start with a few scans of your midsection, You should know I'm a hologram and Can't be bent spindled or mutilated so don't bother trying, hmm. Please lie down. or stand," Doc said.
"I'll be on Bridge. Keep me informed," I said.
As I headed there. But once I got there.
"Captain, We've detected 6 more Hirogen ships, They're converging on us from all directions," Chakotay said.
"The one in Sickbay may have sent a distress call from his vessel," Tuvok said.
"How long do we have?" I said.
"The nearest ship is half a light year away, 4 hours at most," Chakotay said.
"Tom Analyse their approach pattern, Evade them as long as you can," I said.
"Yes Sir," Tom said.
"I want to buy the Doctor enough time to treat our hunter," I said. "If I can gain his confidence he might call off his friends, Good old fashioned diplomacy could get us out of this yet,"
"Don't count on it," Chakotay said. "From what I found in their database, Diplomacy isn't part of their lifestyle, They don't see us as equals, To them we're simply game,"
"It's time we convince them otherwise, or Like a real Wolf. We'll show our teeth," I said. "Harry Put ready with the ZPM's and Hull plating, Tuvok check on the drones too. Just in case," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said.
"Yes sir," Harry said.
Then there was a rumble. "There's been a hull rupture on Deck 11 section 3, damage is minor. It appears a plasma conduit overloaded," Tuvok said.
"Increase power to the Structural integrity field," Chakotay said. As we rumble again.
"A bulk head has collapsed in Jefferies Tube 84" Tuvok said.
"Another overload," Chakotay said.
"No, Plasma network is stable this wasn't caused by any power surge or system failure," Harry said.
"Harry, Tuvok, Get to Deck 11 and check it out," I said.
As they left.
Not too much longer.
"Tuvok to Bridge," Tuvok said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We may have an intruder on board, I am anaylzing what could be a sample of it's blood, The Reads are consistent With Species 8472," Tuvok said.
"Intruder Alert. Bridge to Security, Seal off Decks 10 to 12," I said as the Klaxons went red.
"Internal sensors aren't detecting any intruders," Chakotay said.
"Last time we encountered this species we couldn't pick them up on sensors, We have to track it with our eyes," I said grabbing a phaser.
"How did it get passed our shields," Tom said.
"We can't worried about that later, Chakotay the Bridge is yours, I'll be on deck 11, Have a security team meet me there," I said. "Deck 11," As I got into the Turbolift.
I was halfway there when.
"Bridge to the Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Captain, We've picked up Phaser fire on Deck 11. In Engineering," Chakotay said.
"Re route the security team to meet me at the Door to Engineering," I said.
"Acknowledged," Chakotay said.
Once I was there. I went in with the Security team with me.
"Report," I said.
"4 crewmembers are wounded, 2 seriously," 7 said.
"Get them to sickbay," I said.
"Species 8472 accessed Engineering through the antimatter injector port," 7 said.
As I went over to check.
"Our phaser fire was insufficient, It attacked us then escaped through Jefferies tube 17 Alpha," 7 said.
"McCall to Tuvok," I said.
"Tuvok here," Tuvok said.
"The Intruder just left Engineering seal off the area," I said.
"Understood," Tuvok said.
"Secure the Warp Core," I said. "7," As we headed out. "It seems the Hirogen underestimated their lastest prey,"
"You believe they were hunting the creature," 7 said.
"Yes, When the Borg were fighting Species 8472, Did they ever engage in physical combat?" I said.
"On many occasions," 7 said.
"Do you remember one which can help here," I said.
"Each time they boarded a Borg vessel, They went to the central Power Matrix and disabled it," 7 said.
"But the Creature was just in Engineering didn't touch any of our power systems," I said.
"It has obviously adjusted its strategy, Species 8472 is devious and highly intelligent, It will seek the most efficient means of destroying us," 7 said.
"Let's get to Sickbay," I said As we got to a turbolift and went there.
Once there I saw the Doc working on B'Elanna. As Chakotay joined us.
"Doc," I said.
"She is going to be just fine Captain," Doc said.
"Is it alone?" I said. "Have you seen any others like it?"
"Why?" He said.
"6 months ago, this species invaded our galaxy with thousands of ships, We were barely able to fight them off," Chakotay said.
"Your prey could indicate another invasion, If it does we're all in trouble, So How many ships have you seen?" I said.
"Only one, Damaged," he said. "We tracked it across 50 light years, We thought that we had killed the creature, but this prey is unlike any other, It has many lives, Lower the force field and I will finish the hunt,"
"Your attempt to destroy it will fail, Species 8472 is highly resistant to all technology, All but one Borg Nanoprobes," 7 said.
"Nanoprobes," He said.
"Microscopic weapons that can attack the species on a cellular level, We've tried it before and it worked," Chakotay said.
"I'll modify the phaser rifles to fire Nanoprobes discharges," 7 said.
"I want you to incapacitate the creature, not kill it, Can you make that modification," I said.
"Yes but it would require additional time, We must stop it as soon as possible," 7 said.
"She's right," He said.
"Not until we know why it returned," I said.
"You will be exposing this crew to unnecessary risk," 7 said.
"I disagree," I said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"You have your orders 7," I said. "6 of your vessel will be here in under 4 hours, I hope you'll let them know that we saved your life and we want to avoid any further conflict with your people,"
"Let me resume the hunt, And I will grant your request," he said.
"We have enough problems on this ships as it is without him running around," Chakotay said.
"He tracked it for the last 6 months. No doubt he studied it's behaviour," I said.
"That is correct," He said. "I know how to track him, Let me continue or I will have the other destroy you,"
As we rumbled again.
"Tuvok to McCall," Tuvok said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We're holding position in Section 94, But the creature has accessed the environmental controls, Deck 11 is losing life support," Tuvok said. "Artificial gravity has also been compromised,"
"Evacuate the Deck Regroup on Deck 10," I said.
"Aye Captain," Tuvok said.
"He's trying to barricade himself, He did the same thing to us," He said.
"You want to be part of the hunt? Now's your chance, He'll be under your supervision Commander, If he steps out of line. Stun his ass," I said.
As I left to head back to the Bridge. Where once I head the Turbolift ran into Clara.
"Where," I said.
"Chloe is with Sam and Naomi, They are heading for the mess hall," Clara said. "What's going on?"
"8472, one is onboard, It's on Deck 11," I said.
"What is it doing?" Clara said.
"No idea yet, Get to the Mess hall and stay there," I said.
"Okay, Dad," Clara said. "Be careful,"
"I will, Now get going," I said.
As Clara hugged me and we got into the Turbolift.
"Deck 2," Clara said.
"Bridge," I said.
As the Turbolift went and Stopped on Deck 2 as Clara got out as I got to the Bridge.
XXX
Then I got the call that we got it on Deck 11 and it was sealed off. As I got down there.
"Report," I said. As I stepped out of the Turbolift.
"The Hirogen's back in Sickbay within a forcefield," Chakotay said.
"And Species 8472," I said.
"We've established a security perimeter, Basically we've turned this entire section into a brig," Chakotay said.
"As an added precaution have B'Elanna start working on a way to lock onto the creature, In case we have to beam it off the ship," I said. "You mentioned it was injured in what way?"
"I wish I could tell you for certain, It's body is generating some sort of Bioelectric field making it impossible to scan, So I could only make a visual diagnosis, It's conscious but immobile, It's epidermis displays any number of injuries, Punctures, energy burns, and it demeanour is that of a wounded animal," Doc said.
"The Hirogen said they'd been chasing it for several months, Is there anything you can do?" I said.
"I don't know enough about its physiology to treat the surface wounds, Let alone any internal damage," Doc said. "Frankly I'm at a loss,"
"Captain just before we cornered it, Species 8472 accessed deflector control from this panel," Tom said.
"I've analyzed the transmission protocols, It was attempting to open a singularity into its realm, But it failed," 7 said.
"It was trying to get home," I said.
"That's what it looks like," Tom said as we went on and found Tuvok there.
"Tuvok?" I said.
"The Creature initiated telepathic contact with me," Tuvok said.
"What's it saying?" I said.
"Its ship was damaged during the conflict with the Borg, When the other members of its species retreated into fluidic space, It was left behind, It has been trapped in the Delta Quadrant ever since, Alone, pursued by Hirogen hunting parties," Tuvok said. "It has no desire for further conflict, It only want to return to its domain, It is dying Captain,"
"You have nothing to be afraid of, We're going to help you get back to your realm. Does it understand Tuvok," I said.
"It does," Tuvok said.
"It will take time to open a singularity, And we have no way to treating your injuries, But if there's anything you can tell us about your," I said. As It snarling groans.
"It has lost consciousness, Our Telepathic link has been severed," Tuvok said.
As I then Left to Sickbay. With Tuvok and the Doc.
"Where is my prey?" He said.
"Lying at the end of a corridor on Deck 11, Nearly dead no thanks to you," I said.
"Take me to it," he said.
"No," I said.
"Take me to it," He said.
"In less than 3 hours your ships will arrive, By that time, Species 8472 will no longer be on Voyager," I said.
"What do you mean?" He said.
"I'm sending it back where it came from," I said.
"Surrender the Creature to me and you will not be harmed," He said.
"This isn't a hunt anymore it's a slaughter, And I'm Calling it off Right now," I said.
"We will not be denied our prey," he said. "Give us the creature, Or your crew will take its place,"
"If he tries anything. Before we can beam him back. Kill him," I said. "Tuvok," As I left. "Have 7 report to my ready room,"
"You intend to ask her to open a rift into 8472's realm," Tuvok said.
"She's the only one on board who knows how," I said.
"Given her feeling toward the Species, She may not want to cooperate," Tuvok said.
"We'll see," I said as we got onto the Turbolift. "Bridge. Get Every bit of Weaponry we got online,"
"You intend to fight off the Hirogen," Tuvok said.
"If I have too, I won't turn that creature over just to save ourselves," I said.
As we got to the Bridge as I headed for my ready room. "Harry be ready with those ZPM's Just in case," I said.
"Aye Captain," Harry said.
As I went in.
After 10 minutes. My door bell rang. Here we go.
"Come in," I said. As 7 came in.
"You wish to see me, Captain," 7 said.
"I've made a decision about Species 8472, I'm going to return it to Fluidic space," I said. "In order to do that, I need you to open a quantum singularity,"
"I don't believe that is a prudent course of Action," 7 said.
"I realize it my be difficult for you to help save this creature's life, But part of Becoming human is learning to have compassion for those who are suffering, Even when they're your bitter enemies," I said.
"Why?" 7 said.
"I remember when I was a Lt. It was during a Cardassian border conflict, My away team was cut off while we were defending a Federation outpost, We'd been exchanging phaser fire with a group of Cardassian for about 3 Days, I was only 3 months out of the Academy, And I was Already a Lt. A stalemate, One night during a break in the fighting, We could hear this low moaning sound coming from somewhere in the brush, We knew that none of our people were out there, So it had to be a wounded Cardassian, Well you have to understand, We'd been killing each other for the last 4 weeks I was there on that planet, It was brutal, but our commanding officer decided that we couldn't just sit there and listen to that poor man suffer, So he ordered me and An Ensign to crawl out there and bring that Cardassian back to our camp, I thought he was crazy. He was risking our lives for someone who would have shot us without hesitation. And if those roles were reversed the Cardassian who have sat there and done that. But We did it, And the Cardassian lived, 3 days later we secured the outpost, It was a major Victory, We were all decorated by Starfleet Command, But in retrospect The thing I'm most proud of was the night we saved that man's life," I said.
"Explain," 7 said.
"A single act of compassion, Can out you in touch with your own humanity, And because of what we did, It lead to a ceasefire. Then a Treaty," I said.
"You are trying to justify your present decision," 7 said.
"No, I'm trying to help you see this as an opportunity to grow," I said. "I know you don't want to do it, 7, But I did once. And I'm telling you as your Captain, And As your friend, your won't regret it,"
"No," 7 said. "Your decision is tactically unsound, We will be surrounded by Hirogen ships in approximately 2 hours, If we do not surrender the creature, They will destroy us, A lesson in compassion will do me little good if I am Dead,"
"It is wrong to sacrifice another being to save our own lives," I said.
"I have observed that you have been willing to sacrifice your own life to save the lives of your crew," 7 said.
"Yes, but that's different That was my choice, This creature does not have a choice," I said.
"It invaded our ship, put our lives at risk to save its own, In my view it has already forfeited its freedom," 7 said.
"I'm giving you an order, Report to Deflector Control and begin working on creating a singularity," I said.
"I will not comply," 7 said. "I have agreed to remain on Voyager, I have agreed to function as a member of your crew but I will not be willing participant in my own destruction or the destruction of this ship,"
"Objection Noted, We'll do this without you," I said.
"You will fail," 7 said.
"And you have just crossed the line, End of Debate, Report to the Cargo bay and remain there until this is over, Is that understood?" I said. As 7 left.
XXX
We were being fired on by 3 Hirogen ships.
"Shields down to 84%," Harry said.
"Return Fire," I said.
"3 more ships are closing from Port and Starboard, All escape trajectories have been cut off," Tom said.
"Our Weapons are having little effect on their hull plating, I'm scanning for weaknesses in the molecular structure," Tuvok said.
As we got hit.
"Shields at 79%," Harry said.
"They are hailing us," Tuvok said.
"Better late than never, Open a channel," I said.
"You've taken our prey and one of our hunters, Surrender them," He said.
"Call off your Attack and we'll return your crewman, As for your Prey It's under our protection now," I said.
"It belongs to us," he said.
"It Belongs to no one," I said. "Now order your ships to withdraw and this can end peacefully,"
As It cut the link and we got hit again.
"All vessel are firing," Tuvok said.
"Any luck finding a crack in their armour," Chakotay said.
"Not yet," Tuvok said.
"Doctor to Bridge," Doc said. "Species 8472 appears to be regenerating," As we got hit. "I'm no exobiology's, But I'd say this fellow is becoming highly agitated,"
"It could be sensing the Hirogen attack," Chakotay said.
"Doctor Can you sedate it," I said.
"I believe so, But I'll need another dose of Borg Nanoprobes," Doc said.
"Stand by," I said. "Bridge to 7,"
"Yes," 7 said.
"Report to deck 11 immediately with a supply of nanoprobes," I said.
"Understood," 7 said.
"B'Elanna how's it going down there?" Chakotay said.
"Transporters are ready, I can establish a lock on the creature at any time, But I still haven't duplicated the deflector protocols to open a singularity," B'Elanna said.
"How long?" Chakotay said.
"I need another hour maybe 2," B'Elanna said.
"Captain we can out maneuvers the Hirogen's ships for a few more minutes but beyond that," Tom said. As we got hit.
"Direct hit the EPS manifold, Main power just went down," Harry said.
"Force fields on all decks are offline," Tuvok said.
"Switch to auxiliary power," Chakotay said.
"Harry, ZPM's 1 and 2, Shields and weapons," I said.
"Done, Force fields have been restored, Shields 98%," Harry said. "But I don't know how long they'll hold, Captain If I can use ZPM 3 they could last another 2 hours,"
"No we may need that for the Engines," I said. "Bridge to Doctor, Report,"
"It's all right, Captain, The Creature is contained," Doc said.
"Bridge to Sickbay, Security respond," Chakotay said. "Security Despatch team to Deck 5, The Hirogen maybe loose,"
"Security Delay that, Dispatch teams to Deck 11," I said. As we got hit again.
"Direct hit to our port nacelle," Tom sand we got hit again. "Now they've taken out our Starboard Nacelle,"
"They've crippled us," I said.
"Tuvok, Divert Warp power to Phaser Banks, Maybe that'll help us penetrate their Hull plating. Harry Drones," I said.
"They're still online," Harry said.
As I went and got it online.
"Drones activate," Harry said.
"Launching Drones," I said. As I let them go as it hit 4 of the ships.
"Direct hit to 4 Hirogen Vessels, But they are still on us," Harry said. As we got hit again. "We've lost forcefield on Deck 11. Captain, Someone's Accessing the Transporter system from Deck 11,"
"Lock them out," I said.
"I can't, They're overriding my Commands, With Borg Encryption Codes," Harry said. "Captain, The Hirogen and 8472 was just beamed to one of the attacking ships,"
"All 6 vessel are moving away at high warp," Tuvok said.
"Tom, Can we pursue?" I said.
"I'm sorry, Captain, Warp Engines are still offline," Tom said.
"Get us back on Course for home, Full impulse," I said.
"7," Chakotay said.
"7," I said.
XXX
"Captain's log, Stardate 51652.3. It's been 12 hours and our sensors show no sign of any Hirogen vessels, But their people are scattered through this region, I've Doubt we have seen the last of them, And the Hunt for Voyager is far from over, End Log," I said.
I was down in Cargo bay 3. As I went over and Woke 7 up.
"Captain," 7 said.
"Step down, Please," I said. "7 You disobeyed my direct orders and as a result, You condemned a sentient being to its death,"
"By doing so, I also diverted the Hirogen attack, An attack which would have destroyed us," 7 said.
"Maybe not," I said. "In any case, The decision wasn't yours to make,"
"The Creature broke the Force fields, I had no choice," 7 said.
"I didn't come here to debate your decision, I came here to inform you of the Consequences, When you first came to Voyager, I decided to grant you the same liberties and freedoms of any crew member, Because I wanted you to be a part of this family, And I've been willing to accommodate your unique way of doing things, Even when you rubbed somebody the wrong way or violated protocol, But this time, I can't accommodate you, From this point forward you will no longer have access to any primary system on this ship, Not without my direct authorization, If you attempt to circumvent me, I'll throw you into the Brig, I still need your expertise in the Astrometrics lab if you're willing, If Not you can spend your time here in the cargo bay," I said. "Is that understood?"
"Yes," 7 said.
As I was heading for my quarters to see my kids.
"It is puzzling," 7 said.
"What's that?" I said.
"You made me into an individual, You encouraged me to stop thinking like a member of the Collective, To cultivate my independence and my humanity, But When I try to assert that independence, I am punished," 7 said.
"Individuality has its limits, Especially on a starship where there's a command structure," I said.
"I believe that you are punishing me because I do not think the way that you do, because I am not becoming more like you, You claim to respect my individuality, But in fact you are frightened by it," 7 said.
"As you were," I said leaving.
That's all for this Chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!