Chapter 78.
One.
(Scott POV)
"What have we got here?" I said.
"Looks like a Mutara Class Nebula With a few traces constituents that aren't in our Database, But they're showing up in minute quantities," Harry said.
"The Nebula is Vast, Captain, It's extends beyond the reach of our sensors," Tuvok said.
"Then I guess we won't try to go around it," I said. "Tom Take us in at 1 half impulse,"
"Yes, sir," Tom said.
"I'm detecting a slight Radioactive field, It's," Harry said Then Gasped.
"Harry," I said.
"Nothing," Harry said. "Its just a headache coming on," Then He winces.
"Maybe you should do to Sickbay," Chakotay said.
"Yeah maybe so," Harry said as he grunts.
"Captain," Tom said. As he was too. As was Tuvok.
"Oh god," Harry said. As there was something on his hand.
Then Chakotay starts groaning too.
"Tom Get us away from that Nebula Now," I said. But he fell. "McCall to Sickbay,"
"Yes Captain," Doc said.
"We need help up here," I said.
"What happened, I'm being inundated with calls," Doc said.
"Hurry, Get someone up here now, Everyone here but me are down," I said.
As I went over to the Conn and Changed our course and got us clear of the Nebula and It worked everyone started coming back.
"We've cleared the Nebula," Harry said.
"All stop," I said
As 7 got here.
"7" I said.
"He's dead," 7 said.
"Astrometrics now," I said.
XXX
"The Nebula extends for 110 lightyears possibly more," 7 said.
"At the least it would take us well over a month to get through it, and more than a year to get around it," I said.
"The crew was unable to tolerate the Nebula for even a few minutes, They certainly could not survive a month," 7 said.
"We've Come 15,000 lightyears, We haven't been stopped by Temporal anomalies, Warp Breaches or Hostiles aliens, And I am Damned if I'm going to be stopped by a Fucking Nebula, I'll be in Sickbay," I said.
XXX
As I got there.
"I've analyzed the sample the gases from the Nebula, I think the damage came from Subnucleonic Radiation, Even the Briefest exposure is devastating to Organic tissue," Doc said.
"Why wasn't I affected," I said. "And Can you give us any protection against the effects,"
"Yes Stasis Chambers, Independent life support for each unit," Doc said. "As for you captain, I Can't tell my it has something to do with your heal ability,"
"Are you suggesting That the entire crew apart from myself be put in suspended animation?" I said.
"Yes, I of course would stay on line in order to monitor everyone," Doc said.
"Well, this is a drastic step Doc, Are there any other options?" I said. "Adjust the shields inoculations?"
"I assure you I've considered all possibilities, This is the only way," Doc said.
"There's more to getting through the nebula than monitoring the crew, Who would regulate ship systems. Make course adjustments, That one I can do, But I can't do all of it," I said.
"I think I've demonstrated that I have a command of the rudimentary aspects of piloting," Doc said.
"Of course you do, But I have that. But you'll need backup. Other than me, We have no idea what effect the nebula radiation might have on your holomatrix, What if you went offline," I said.
"Apart from you, There was only one crew member besides myself and you, That seemed unaffected by the Nebula," Doc said.
"7," I said.
XXX
"I want you to understand the seriousness of this responsibility The lives of the entire crew will be on our shoulders," I said.
"You doubt my ability to fulfill this task," 7 said.
"Ordinarily, Not at all, But this is an unusual situation, After being in the collective it wasn't easy for you to adjust to a ship with only 152 people on it, was it, 7," I said. "How would you feel with only the Doc and I for company,"
"I will adapt," 7 said.
"Most humans don't react particularly well to long periods of isolation, Borg drones have even more difficulty," I said.
"As you pointed out I am neither Human nor Borg, I can do this, Captain," 7 said.
"All right, I'll work with my senior staff to draw up a list of duties but let me make it clear, I'm still in command," I said.
"I understand," 7 said.
XXX
"The Doctor's preparing the stasis units now," Chakotay said. "They should be ready by 1700 hours,"
"And, How long will this be for?" Tom said.
"We don't know for certain, At least a month, Maybe longer if the nebula is larger than we estimate," I said.
"I've never been in long term stasis, Are there any side effect," B'Elanna said.
"The Doc assures me it'll be just like taking a nap, You'll go into the units, Your Cardiopulmonary system will be slowed, Neural activity suspended and you'll wake up feeling as though you'd had a good night's sleep," I said.
"There are things that can go wrong," Harry said. "At least that's what I've read,"
"You will be carefully, monitored by 7, the Doc and I, Who will check your vital signs 4 times a day and take care of any other problems," I said.
"I assume that we've explored all the Alternatives," Tom said.
"I think You're all feeling uneasy about this, And I'd be lying if I said I don't have concerns myself, And I think it's about loss of Control," I said. "We always fell better if we think we're in charge of our own circumstances, In stasis, We're giving up that control, And no Starfleet officer likes to do that. But crews have been in stasis much longer than a month, I think we can handle this, All right, You're free until 1700 hours, I'll make a shipwide announcement when the Doc is ready, Dismissed,"
As everyone left. But Chakotay.
"Something else," I said.
"I want you to tell me that this isn't a mistake," Chakotay said.
"Your turn to get reassurance?" I said.
"Maybe, But my concern isn't about going into stasis, It's about who you're leaving in charge," Chakotay said.
"I'm, For some reason my heal ability stops this stuff, I don't know how or Why. And you're worried about 7," I said.
"Maybe you need to stop outside yourself for a minute, look at the fact, That here's someone who's butted horns with you from the moment she came on aboard, Who disregards authority and actively disobeys orders when she doesn't agree with them," Chakotay said.
"And this is the Person I'm giving responsibility for the lives of this entire crew and My Girls. I suppose you want me to tell you I'm not crazy," I said.
"In a nutshell," Chakotay said. "But what happens if this ability of yours goes,"
"The Doc has one on standby for me to use if that happens," I said.
"I know your bond with 7 is unique, different from Everyone else's From the beginning you've seen things in her that no one else could, But maybe you could help me understand some of these things," Chakotay said.
"I don't know if I can, It's just instinct, There's something inside me that says she can be redeemed, In spite of her insolent attitude, I honestly believe she wants to do well by us," I said.
"That's good enough for me," Chakotay said.
"See you at 1700 hours," I said,
As I then left and headed for my quarter as Clara was there with Chloe.
"Daddy," Chloe said as she saw me and ran over and hugged me.
"Dad," Clara said hugging me too.
"Hey kiddo," I said.
"Daddy I dont want to," Chloe said.
"Listen to me Chloe. It's to keep you safe," I said.
"I'll be with you all the time, Sis," Clara said.
"I love you Daddy," Chloe said.
"Love my girls too," I said.
XXX
I was with my girls as we headed.
"If I have to take a nap for a month, I really would rather do it in my quarters," Tom said.
"Everyone's being Relocated here to Deck 14, So we can monitor you more easily, Hop in," Doc said.
"Come on tom Sleepy time," Harry said.
"What if we had to get out in a hurry?" Tom said.
"You can unlock the unit from the inside Tom," I said.
"Do I detect a hint of Claustrophobia, Lt," Doc said.
"Why do they have to design these things like coffins," Tom said.
"Should we replicate you a teddy bear," Harry said.
"Sleep tight," Doc said.
"Right Chloe, Clara you're Next," I said. As They got in. "See you soon, Kiddos,"
"Love you Dad," Clara and Chloe said.
"Love you to Kiddos," I said. as it seal up and they fell asleep.
"I have a stasis chamber prepped for you in case, that thing does happen," Doc said.
"Then Let's get to Work, I'll be on the Bridge," I said.
As I left and Headed there. Then Turned us around and into the Nebula.
As I went over and sat down on my chair on an empty Bridge.
XXX
"Captain's Log Stardate 51929.3, It's be 10 days since we entered the Mutara nebula, I heard from the Doc, All the Crew's lifesigns including my girls are stable, Leaving Voyager in Mine and 7's hands for a while. I'll put Voyager to closer to Grey mode to try and save as much power as we can. Hopefully, We will be out in 21 days, Here's Hoping, End log," I said. "Computer adjust heading by .347 degrees starboard,"
"Course adjusted," Computer said.
"7 To the Captain and Doctor," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Lt Paris has left his Stasis unit and is unconscious," 7 said.
"On our way," I said. "Deck 14," Once I got into the Turbolift as I got there so did the Doc, and We got him back into the Stasis Unit. And back in it.
"Apparently he's more claustrophobic than I thought, But he doesn't seem to have suffered any ill effects," Doc said.
"Is this likely to happen again," 7 said.
"It's not unheard of for people to come out of stasis and start wandering, Leave it to Mr. Paris to be just as much trouble now as when he's awake," Doc said.
You knew this might happen, Why complain about it?" 7 said.
"If you had even the slightest sense of humour, You'd realize I was making a small joke," Doc said.
"Doc, it was crap," I said. "I'll be on the Bridge," As I left and went back to the Bridge.
It was a good 2 hours and Nothing was going on then. The Klaxons went Red.
"Computer Report," I said.
"Emergency procedures in effect," Computer said.
"Computer what is the nature of the Emergency?" I said.
"The Antimatter storage tanks are failing," Computer said.
"Bridge to 7," I said.
"Go ahead, Captain," 7 said.
"Get to Engineering The Antimatter Storage Tanks are failing," I said.
"A cascade effect is in progress," 7 said. "The Warp field Coils are compromised, Primary Deuterium Tank is rupturing, And the Plasma conduit are ready to Breach,"
"We have to Eject the Antimatter Tanks, 7 you're closed to Engineering Can you do it," I said.
"Yes," 7 said.
Shit. "McCall to 7," I said.
"Yes Captain," 7 said.
"It's worse than we thought, Engineering is flooded with Plasma, you'll never get in," I said.
"I believe I can survive long enough to eject the assembly," 7 said.
"It's too late," I said. "Sensors show Plasma conduit rupturing on Deck 7 and 13,"
"I can do it," 7 said.
"7 There's been another plasma discharge in Engineering, the Hull is Breaching Get out," I said. "7 Do you hear me get out of there,"
"It's all right, Captain, False Alarm," 7 said.
"Run a diagnostic down there, Find out what happened," I said.
XXX
I just got down there.
"7," I said.
"The Problem is a malfunctions in a number of Neural gel packs, As a result false readings were fed to the sensors, Which detecting an emergency when there was none," 7 said.
"We must repair them," I said.
"They seem to be in sequence 6 theta 9, We'll need a replacement packs and a repair," Doc said.
"Repair Kit," Doc said.
"Good you 2 get on it, I'll be back on the Bridge. Call me once that is done," I said.
"Aye Captain," Doc said.
As I went for the Bridge. Once I got there. About a minute later.
"7 to the Captain," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"The doctor mobile emitter was damaged, No doubt by the Nebula. the Electro optic modulator is damaged," 7 said.
"It's worthless," Doc said. "There's no way I can risk using it now I'm stuck here,"
"Doc you stay in Sickbay. 7 Can you cover the Doctor's rounds too," I said.
"Aye Captain," 7 said.
"Good. Doc Keep me updated with the repairs to your emitter," I said.
XXX
I woke up and got into casual clothes and grabbed a coffee and went to the Bridge.
"Captain's Log Stardate 51932.4, The 29 the day in the Mutara nebula, Being isolated this long is not helping me. I missed my Girls and Crew being around. The Doctor is still stuck in Sickbay as 7 has taken over his rounds. But the ship needs constant maintenance in order to advert disaster, End log," I said.
As 7 got here.
"Captain," 7 said.
"Morning," I said. "Computer trim heading by .31 degrees port, Computer respond, Computer Trim heading by .31 degrees port,"
"Attempting to make correction," Computer said but distorted. "please stand by, Attempting to make correction, Unable to comply,"
"Computer Manual override," I said. As I changed it myself. "Computer run a level 4 diagnostic of your command processors,"
"Diagnostic in progress," Computer said.
"I got this 7, Go on," I said.
"Aye captain," 7 said. Leaving the Bridge.
"Diagnostic Complete," Computer said.
"Analyse," I said.
"Quantum failure are present in 33% of gel pack relays," Computer said.
"Reroute all functional relays through Subprocessor Chi 1 4," I said.
"Rerouting complete," Computer said. "Relay failures bypassed,"
"Astrometric to Bridge," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Captain we got another 6 days 5 hours, to clear the nebula," 7 said.
"Good," I said.
It's been a good 2 hours.
"7 to the Bridge," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Captain we have an intruder on aboard," 7 said.
"What, I'm picking up any ship," I said.
"I can't explain it captain, But Someone is on board Voyager," 7 said.
"Intruder Alert," I said. As the Klaxons went red. "7 get to the Doc, I see if I can find him up here,"
"Acknowledged," 7 said.
"Computer are there any other lifesigns expect myself and 7 of 9," I said.
"Negative, No other Lifesigns on board," Computer said.
"Computer, Put up level 10 forcefields on All critical systems access Ports and Lock down to authorizated command codes only, Myself, 7 of 9 and the Doctor," I said.
"Confirmed Forcefield in place Authorization access only to Captain McCall, 7 of 9 and the Doctor," Computer said.
"7 To the Bridge," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"I am with the Doctor but we can't find him," 7 said.
"I ran every scan I can from the Bridge there is nothing out in space," I said.
"He must have a cloaking device," Doc said.
"I never seen a Cloak like this well," I said.
"Sensors show no alien life signs and no evidence of a ship," Doc said.
"I know that Doc, I just scanned for that," I said.
"Captain, I've been working on my mobile Emitter, I think I'm making progress, But I still can't leave Sickbay," Doc said.
"Stay there, Doc," I said. "7 Meet me in the armoury, We split up and go Deck by Deck see if we can find this prick, Doc Is Deck 14 where all of the crew sealed off,"
"Yes, To Mine, 7 and Your Authorization codes," Doc said.
"Good," I said. "I meet you in the Armoury 7. Computer Seal off Main Bridge, erect Forcefield to all access port. Not Authorization apart from myself 7 of 9 and the Doctor," As I got into the Turbolift.
"Confirmed Main Bridge sealed off," Computer said.
"Armoury," I said as the Turbolift headed to that Deck.
Once I got there, I headed straight there, as 7 was still coming here.
"Warning Deuterium Tanks are fluctuating beyond Acceptable tolerances," Computer said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"Ready," I said. As I got a Phaser Compression Rifle, As did 7.
"Ready," 7 said.
"Set Phasers to Maximum stun. Of that doesn't work, Set the Phaser to Kill, I'm not taking any chances," I said.
"Understood," 7 said.
"See you once I Checked Deck 1 through 8, I'll meet you in Engineering When I'm finished," I said.
"Understood," 7 said.
As I left for the Bridge. And Checked around the Deck 1. Quarter by Quarter. Section by Section. Then went to Deck 2. Done the same there and Checked the Mess Hall. As I was headed for Deck 3.
"7 to McCall," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Captain, I'm in Main Engineering, He spoke to me on the Com said that he almost collapsed the Structure integrity of the warp Coils," 7 said. "But I have just checked them. They are Fine. No sign of any Structure Integrity Collapse,"
"He is playing with our heads here 7, Lead us away from him, But Just be careful, I'm on Deck 3 Now," I said.
"Understood," 7 said. Then the lights went.
"7," I said. "7 respond, McCall to 7 Respond,"
"I'm here, Captain, He claims to be on the Bridge," 7 said.
"Computer, has there been any disruption on the Bridge Forcefields," I said.
"Negative," Computer said.
"McCall to 7," I said.
"I'm here, Captain," 7 said.
"There is no one on the Bridge, The Forcefields are intact," I said.
"Captain he just called me again, He claims to have arms a Photon Torpedo but hasn't ejected it," 7 said.
"Computer has any activation of a Photon Torpedo," I said.
"Negative," Computer said. "All Weapons are offline,"
"7 he is playing with your mind here, He is focusing on you," I said.
"7 to Captain McCall," 7 said.
"Go ahead," I said. As I was on Deck 4.
"The Alien has been incapacitated," 7 said. "We will not trouble us again,"
"Acknowledged, Doc what your Status," I said.
"I have my Mobile Emitter back on line, I'm heading for Engineering," Doc said.
"I'll meet you there, McCall out," I said. As I got to the Turbolift and went straight there.
As I meet up with the Doc as we headed there.
"7," I said.
"Where did he go," 7 said.
"There's no one else here," Doc said.
"He was, He was right here," 7 said.
"7, You're hallucinating," Doc said.
"No, I saw him," 7 said.
"There was no one else in this room," I said.
"You mean I imagined him," 7 said.
"Yes," I said. "He spoke only to you, You the only one who saw him, As he played with your mind,"
"I heard Lt Paris call for help," 7 said. "I saw him and the others, Did I imagine them, as well,"
"I believe so," Doc said. "When I studied the gel pack, I discovered the radiation was producing a degradation in the synaptic relays, I'm guessing there's been a similar Effect on your Borg implants, The Radiation could be altering the neurotransmitter levels in your sensory nodes, That would be explain why you're hearing voices Seeing Images,"
"But they seemed real," 7 said.
"They usually are," I said. "Computer Cancel intruder Alert, Shut down all lockdowns and Forcefield,"
"Confirmed," Computer said.
"That's what makes them so frightening," I said.
"Once When I was a drone, I was separated from the Collective for 2 hours, I experienced panic and apprehension, I am feeling that way now," 7 said.
"We'll do everything we can to help you," I said.
"We'll get you to Sickbay," Doc said. "An anti-psychotic may help at least until I determine just what neural functions are being affected," As there was an explosion.
"What was that?" 7 said.
"Warning, Primary EPS Conduits are overloading," Computer said.
"I tied my Mobile Emitter into the EPS conduits," Doc said.
"7 transfer him back to Sickbay," I said.
"Computer access the EPS Conduits," 7 said.
"Unable to Comply," Computer said.
"My Program's going offline," Doc said.
"No," 7 said.
"Warning, Primary EPS Conduits overloading," Computer said. "Secondary systems are failing,"
"7, you've got to hang on, Repair the EPS conduit, Everything depends on you and the Captain Now," Doc said.
"I cannot function alone," 7 said.
"You're not alone," I said.
"You 2 are the only way we can survive," Doc said. As he disappeared. As his Emitter fell. As I went over.
"His program is still in there, but we can't reactivate him," I said. "It's up to us now, Come on 7. Astrometrics now,"
As we headed there.
"Display Voyager's current position within the Nebula," 7 said.
"We're nearly there," I said.
"Computer, how long before Voyager is out of the Nebula," 7 said.
"17 hours 11 minutes," Computer said.
"17 hours, That's not bad," I said.
"Warning Propulsion System failure in progress," Computer said.
"Me and My big mouth," I said.
As 7 and I left. As we headed for a Turbolift.
"Bridge," I said. "7, hey, stay with me,"
"I'm losing it," 7 said.
"Hey 7, Stay with me," I said. As we got there. But 7 stayed. "7, Come on," As 7 finally snapped out of it.
"Warning Propulsion system failure in progress," Computer said.
"Damn, We need to keep the Engines on line," I said.
"We didn't have enough power," 7 said.
"Computer how long till Voyager is out of the nebula," I said.
"41 minutes," Computer said.
"Computer reroute available power from Weapons, sensors and Environmental control to the Engines," I said.
"Warning Propulsion system failure in progress," Computer said.
"Computer reroute all available power to the Engines," I said.
"Propulsion systems have failed," Computer said. "All engines are offline,"
"Captain, we don't have enough power," 7 said.
"Computer, Divert power from Stasis units 1 through 10 and reroute to the Propulsion systems," I said.
"Engines are back online," Computer said.
"Resume course," I said.
"Captain what about," 7 said.
"I'm already on it," I said. "Computer Take life support offline, From all deck apart from Main Bridge and reroute that power to Stasis unit 1 through 10,"
"Transfer complete Stasis units back online," Computer said.
"Now it's just us, Here for now," I said.
XXX
"We're clearing the Nebula," 7 said.
"We're free," I said. "Computer Restore all systems, Including Life support to all decks,"
"Doctor to Bridge," Doc said.
"Go to have you back Doc, Get to the Stasis units and get everyone woke up. We're free from the Nebula," I said.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!