Chapter 83.

In the Flesh.

(Scott POV)

I was down in Sickbay when Chakotay, Tom, Tuvok and Harry got back to Voyager in the Delta Flyer. They also brought someone with them from the facility.

I was heading into Sickbay.

"What do you find?" I said.

"Earth," Chakotay said.

"Captain, he is waking up," Doc said.

"Welcome aboard," I said.

"Where am I?" He said.

"On a starship," I said.

"What Starship?" He said. "Why have you brought me here? I'll be reporting this incident to the Admiral,"

"You can drop the charade, We know you're not human," Chakotay said.

"Who are you?" I said.

"Gentry, David, Rank Ensign, Starfleet service number 99 Beta 3278, Planet of Origin Earth," Gentry said.

"We're not interested in your knowledge of Human Culture, We're not part of your recreation, I'm Captain McCall of the Federation Starship Voyager. I'm from Earth, You're not," I said.

"Gentry, David, Rank Ensign, Starfleet Service number, 99 Beta 3278," Gentry said.

"Doc," I said.

"What are you doing?" Gentry said.

"I need a sample of your DNA," Doc said.

"Why?" Gentry said.

"Since you won't tell us who you are, we have no choice but to find out for ourselves," I said.

"You won't be harmed," Doc said.

"Gentry to Headquarters Security Alert," Gentry said.

"We've disabled your combadge," Chakotay said.

"No," Gentry said as the Doc tried to get a sample. "Don't touch me, Disease, Humans," As he Whined Snarling.

"Doc," I said.

"It appears he's released a cellular toxin into his blood stream, He's dead," Doc said.

"Find out what he is," I said.

XXX

"Captain's Log, Supplemental, Until we know exactly what's going on, I'm keeping Voyager, concealed behind a class 3 moon, End log," I said.

"Federation Council, Astrophysics, Starfleet Medical Complex, They even re created the officer club," Chakotay said. "The Quantum Cafe,"

"Computer, Return to Time index 4228," I said, "That's Boothby,"

"Captain," 7 said.

"The Head groundskeeper at Starfleet academy, Let's just say, I ran into him Even so often when ever I could," I said.

"It's safe to assume, This individual is not Boothby," Tuvok said.

"Whoever they are they've gathered incredibly accurate Information about Starfleet Headquarters," I said.

"Perhaps they had access to a Federation Database," 7 said.

"Or they've been to San Francisco," Chakotay said.

"The Habitat's Population Consists of Humans, Vulcan, Bolians, Ferengi," Tuvok said.

"All Alpha Quadrant Species," Chakotay said.

"What do we know about this artificial environment, 7" I said.

"I've used Tricorder data Holo images and astrometrics scans to extrapolate a cross section of the interior, I believe they used a combination of Holographic projection and Particle synthesis," 7 said.

"Power source," I said.

"There are 13 thermionic generators beneath the city, I can't Identify the energy signatures," 7 said.

"The Habitat's heavily fortified, They are well prepared to defend against an attack," Tuvok said.

"Sickbay to Captain," Doc said.

"Go ahead," I said.

"I've completed my post mortem Analysis, You'd better get down here," Doc said.

"On my way," I said. "If this is a training ground, It could mean they're planning an invasion of the Federation, We should prepare for the worst, Tuvok, See if you can find a way t penetrate their defenses,"

As I headed down there.

"Doc," I said.

"He may look human, he may sound human, He may even smell human, But there's no question he's alien," Doc said.

"Was he genetically altered," I said.

"On a highly sophisticated level, If it weren't for microcellular scans, I wouldn't be able to distinguish him from the genuine article," Doc said. "I've managed to isolate the Alien DNA, Fortunately most of his cells are still chemically active, If I use a cytokinetic injection, I should be able to trigger a genetic reversion,"

"Do it," I said.

As the Doc did and it turned out to be 8472.

"Talk about a wolf in Sheep's clothing," Doc said.

XXX

I was in the Conference room with everyone.

"Species 8472, The question is, Why are they training to pose as human beings?" I said.

"Back in the 20th century, the soviets used to build American towns to train their agent to infiltrate the United States. Species 8472 must be doing the same thing," Tom said.

"They're going to infiltrate the Alpha Quadrant," Harry said.

"Maybe they already have," Tom said.

"Tom's right, How else could they have gathered their information about us?" B'Elanna said.

"Perhaps they acquired it from the Borg," 7 said.

"It doesn't matter how they got their data, We need to find out what they intend to do with it," I said.

"If our previous experience is any indication, They will try to destroy Earth," 7 said.

"A logical assumption, They did threaten to purge our galaxy of all life," Tuvok said.

"Tuvok, Keep working on a way to target their habitat's power source, We're going to need Nanoprobe warheads and plenty of them, 7 see to it," I said.

"Yes Captain," 7 said.

"In the meantime, I've got a date to keep, I made contact with one of them, Commander Valerie Archer, Maybe I can capitalize on the relationship, get a better idea of what they're planning," Chakotay said.

"Tom, Harry, Take him back in the Delta Flyer, keep a constant transporter lock on him, If species 8472 Attacks Earth, The Federation won't have any defenses against them, And I don't need to remind you that we have no way to warn Starfleet Command, Voyager may be the last defense against an all out invasion of Earth," I said.

XXX

I went to Astrometrics where Chakotay was as I had to Doc examined Tuvok and the rest of the crew.

"Last minute Preparations," I said.

"Just planning my big night out," Chakotay said.

"I can recommend a Nice Japanese replimat on the Embarcadero," I said.

"I was never very good with chopsticks," Chakotay said.

"Starfleet Headquarters, Brings back memories, Even if it is just a re creation, I remember my last visit there, I was given my general orders for Voyager's first mission. Kathryn and Me. Proceed to the Bad lands and find the Maquis," I said.

"The Orders that brought us together," Chakotay said.

"What about you, When were you last at Headquarters," I said.

"Before today. March 3 2368. The day I resigned my commission," Chakotay said. "I can still remember the look on the Admirals face,"

"Which one," I said.

"Namimby," Chakotay said.

"He taught at the academy, Didn't he?" I said.

"That's right," Chakotay said.

"Interspecies ethics, Wasn't it?" I said.

"Tactical Analysis," Chakotay said.

"That's the one," I said.

"Scott, you think I might be one of them. you're testing me," Chakotay said.

"You and Tuvok were in the alien habitat for nearly 3 hours, Anything could of happened down there?" I said.

"True, Why don't you have Tuvok meet us in Sickbay? The Doctor can perform a microcellular analysis," Chakotay said.

"Tuvok's already there," I said.

"You could've just asked me to report to Sickbay," Chakotay said.

"Given Ensign Gentry's Reaction, Thought I be a little more tactful," I said.

As we headed out.

"You aren't taking any chances, are you?" Chakotay said.

"Don't feel singled out, I've asked the Doc to examine the entire crew, There's no telling how 8472 got their information About Starfleet, The Borg, Earth. For all we know there's been an impostor on board," I said.

As we got there.

"Cell Morphology normal, All of your nucleotide sequences are accounted for," Doc said. "You're 100% human,"

"That's a relief, Tuvok?" Chakotay said.

"Green Blooded Vulcan, through and though," Doc said. "Well, 2 down, 125 to go,"

"You'd better get going," I said.

"Right," Chakotay said. "I don't want to be late,"

"Just be home before midnight," I said.

"Yes Sir," Chakotay said.

XXX

I was in my ready room as my door bell rang.

"Come in," I said.

As 7 came in.

"The Borg Modifications are complete, 19 Standard photon Torpedoes and 3 class 10's armed with high yield warheads," 7 said.

"More," I said.

"We've depleted our supply of nanoprobes," 7 said.

"Replicate a new supply," I said.

"That is not possible," 7 said.

"Have the Doc extract them from your bloodstream, Grow them in petri dish, whatever it takes, If we do engage 8472, I don't intend to run out of firepower mid battle," I said. "You of all people should understand that, They killed what 4 million drones. Directive 010 Before engaging alien species in battle, any and all attempts to make first contact and achieve nonmilitary resolution must be made, In this case, We made first contact over a year ago and we barely got out of it alive, It seems to me a battle is inevitable, Maybe even War, So why can't I get that directive out of my mind,"

"This species intends to purge our galaxy of all life, It's time you resisted your starfleet philosophy," 7 said.

"Captain to the Bridge," Tuvok said.

As we headed out.

"The Away team is hailing us," Tuvok said.

"On Screen," I said. "Tom,"

"Chakotay's in trouble, He tried to contact us 10 minutes ago, but his signal was cut off," Tom said.

"Some kind of forcefield went up around the habitat, We can't get a lock on him," Harry said.

"Has you been detected," I said.

"I don't think so, At least no one's tried to take a shot at us yet," Tom said.

"Hold your position keep, trying to locate him, We're on our way," I said.

"Yes Sir," Tom said. Closing the link.

"Bring those Borg weapons on line," I said. "Red Alert, All hands to battle station," As the Klaxons went red. "Take us our of orbit,"

"We're approaching the habitat," Tuvok said.

"Shields to Maximum, Charge Weapons," I said. "All hands, this is the Bridge, Tactical alert, Report to your posts and stand by to engage the enemy,"

"I have a visual," Tuvok said.

"On screen," I said.

"We're being scanned," Tuvok said.

"Let them take a look," I said.

"The Delta Flyer is heading up from the Habitat," 7 said.

"Open a channel," I said. "Tom Status,"

"They've taken a couple of potshots at us, captain, We've lost our shields. Mind if we join you?" Tom said.

"You cleared to dock Shuttle bay 2," I said. "Any word from Chakotay,"

"I'm afraid not," Tom said.

"Bring us within range, Target their weapons array," I said.

"Captain we should target their power systems as well," 7 said.

"No, I don't want to risk shutting down their life support, If we can end this without casualties, So much the better," I said.

"This species does not deserve our compassion," 7 said.

"You picked a bad time for an ethical debate, Weapons array now," I said.

"We're entering range," Tuvok said. "3,800 kilometers, 3,500, 3,200,"

As Tom and Harry got up here.

"They're charging weapons," 7 said.

"Do the same," I said.

"We're being hailed," Tuvok said.

"On screen," I said. "Mr. Boothby,"

"Captain McCall," Boothby said.

"Good to see you after all these years, Enjoying the Delta Quadrant," I said.

"Don't get sassy with me, Young man, This recreation may be Starfleet, But our weapons are far more sophisticated, I can destroy your vessel with a single command," Boothby said. "Run along now,"

"I'm not going anywhere, Not until you return my first officer and give me a dam good explanation for what you're doing in our galaxy," I said. "I've targeted your recreation with Borg Nanoprobes, And we're willing to use them if you force us too,"

"Don't try to rattle my cage," Boothby said. "I'll disable your tactical systems before you,"

"The Last time our species engaged in battle, you suffered heavy casualties, Are you willing to take that chance again," I said. "An armed conflict isn't going to solve our problems, We could go on making threats, Spying on each other, Risking a war between our species, Or we could try a more direct approach,"

"What do you have in mind?" Boothby said.

"How about a class reunion," I said.

XXX

"Targ Manure, United Federation of Planets, Tolerance for all species, The Prime Directive, Targ Manure every word of it," Boothby said.

"Your metaphor is colourful but inaccurate," Tuvok said.

"Vulcan logic, Add that to the list," Boothby said.

"Obviously you've studied a starfleet Database, You must've learned something about our history, We adhere to our directives," I said.

"High minded ideals are one thing, But your actions tell a very different story, You infiltrated our recreation, Captured and killed one of our people," Bullock said.

"I told you he took his own life," I said.

"You created biological weapons to infect our species, You are allies with the Borg," Bullock said.

"No," I said.

"There's a drone sitting at this very table," Boothby said. "Look at her, all gussied up to look like a human being,"

"I am no longer part of the collective," 7 said.

"Once a Borg, Always a Borg," Boothby said.

"7 is a member of this crew," I said.

"The Borg are irrelevant," Bullock said. "It's the humans that pose a threat,"

"They think the Federation is a hostile invasion force, out to destroy their species," Chakotay said.

"I see," I said. "So you're planning a pre-emptive strike against Earth,"

"Maybe I am," Boothby said.

"You realize I can't let that happen," I said.

"Go ahead, Fire your damn Nanoprobes, Blow our recreation to high heavens, There are dozen more scattered throughout the Quadrant," Boothby said. "You'll never find them all,"

"What if I told you that Starfleet isn't planning an invasion, that no one on Earth has ever heard of you," I said.

"I'd say you're lying," Boothby said.

"Have another lock at that Federation Database of yours, You'll see there's no mention of your realm," I said.

"Immaterial," Bullock said. "Any Information regarding our species has no doubt been classified by Starfleet Intelligence,"

"Good point, You know we could keep this paranoid debate going all day, You have no reason to trust us, and we have no reason to trust you," I said.

"Hear, Hear, I knew this reunion would be a fiasco," Boothby said. "Admiral,"

"7, disarm the warheads," I said.

"Captain," 7 said.

"Do it," I said.

"What are you trying to prove young man," Boothby said.

"One of us has to take our finger off the Trigger It might as well be me," I said.

"Their weapons are offline," Archer said.

"It's a trick," Bullock said.

"Our defenses are down, What will you do now, Blow Voyager to high heavens or do we keep talking," I said.

"Human, you've got a flair for the dramatic, I'll give you that, You want to keep talking? Fine by me, But no more beating around the bush, Now what do you want from us?" Boothby said. "The Truth Captain,"

"Voyager is alone in the Delta Quadrant, We haven't been in contact with Earth for over 4 years," I said.

"Explain why you attacked out realm, hand in hand with the Borg," Boothby said.

"At the Time, we didn't Realize the Borg had started the war against you, We forged a temporary alliance with them because we thought you were the threat," I said.

"Your Galaxy will be purged," 7 said. "Sound familiar?"

"We were only trying to defend ourselves," Bullock said.

"If that's true why are you still in our galaxy? Your conflict with the Borg ended over a year ago," Tuvok said.

"Why recreate Starfleet masquerade as humans, It looks to me like you're the ones planning an invasion," I said. "The Truth,"

"Don't answer him," Bullock said. "He's manipulating us,"

"If you won't answer, I will," Archer said.

"Commander," Bullock said.

"Our mission is to infiltrate your homeworld, to place operatives in the Highest levels of Starfleet, monitor your Military installations, It's a reconnaissance mission nothing more," Archer said.

"We should listen to her, Captain," Chakotay said. "They've being driven by fear just like we are, Unless everything you said on our date was just part of an act,"

"It wasn't," Archer said.

"Enough," Bullock said. "We must not negotiate with these creatures,"

"Sit down Admiral," Boothby said.

"Sir," Bullock said.

"I said sit down, Or I'll knock you right on your human butt," Boothby said.

"You've been seduced by them both of you," Bullock said.

"I've had the chance to see through human eyes, And I'm beginning to wonder, Are they really so violent?" Archer said. "What if we're wrong,"

"We can't risk trusting them," Bullock said.

"You'd rather risk another war," Archer said.

"Keep talking son," Boothby said.

"Archer's right, We've got to set aside our preconceptions about each other, Granted our species don't meet under the best of circumstances, but maybe we can make first contact again," Chakotay said. "Maybe this time we'll get it right,"

"You believe in this fellow?" Boothby said.

"Yes," Archer said.

"There would have to be a few ground rules," Boothby said.

"Name them," I said.

"First off, I want to take a look at that nanoprobe technology It scares the hell out of me," Boothby said.

"All right, But I'll need some Tactical information in return, Your genetic alteration techniques for a start," I said.

"I'm sure something can be arranged, You on board Admiral, Good enough for me," Boothby said.

XXX

"Captain's Log Stardate 52136.4, We've managed to avoid a military conflict with Species 8472, at least for now, In an effort to Strengthen the truce We're exchanging technology, End log," I said.

"The Design schematics for our nanoprobe weapons, as requested," 7 said.

"This could go a long way toward allaying their fears," I said.

"Perhaps," 7 said.

"Have a little faith 7," I said.

"It's difficult to have faith in an idea which may prove tactically unsound," 7 said.

"Tactically unsound perhaps, It could also be the first step toward peace, It's a risk I'm willing to take," I said. "Are you sure you won't join us, It would be your first chance to see Earth,"

"I prefer to remain aboard Voyager," 7 said. "If Problems arise while you're in the habitat,"

"There won't be any problems, Nothing tactical at any rate, We're entering a stage of diplomacy where most of the problems will be cultural, How do you shake hands with an 8472, We'll be fine," I said.

"When you ordered me to disarm the warheads during the negotiation, I anticipated an immediate attack," 7 said. "I believe they would take advantage of your human weakness, I was wrong, If I had been in your position, We would most likely be engaged in a battle with 8472 at this moment, How did you know?"

"I didn't Like I said," I said.

"Faith," 7 said.

"Yeap," I said.

Then I beamed over.

"You didn't happen to recreate a little coffee shop on Market street, The Night Owl," I said.

"Afraid not," Boothby said.

"Damn," I said.

"You're welcome to stay, Put your feet up, We won't be returning to fluidic space for another day or 2," Boothby said.

"Thanks, But the real Earth is a long way from here, I'd like to get back on the road, What are the chances they'll listen to you?" I said.

"I can't promise you the Moon, Captain, My superiors aren't as forward thinking, Peace with humans, Wow, they're going to hit the roof, But I'll tell them what happened here today, And with a pinch of luck, A few of them might see the light," Boothby said.

"Well you've got Voyager's com frequency, You know how to contact us, I hope we can keep this process alive," I said.

"Don't call us, we'll call you," Boothby said.

"You got that joke right," I said.

"What now," Boothby said.

"Now, It's time we got on the road back home, Plan to get Voyager home sometime in my life time," I said. "I guess I must be going,"

"Safe journey," Boothby said.

"Here's hoping, Try to keep us updated how things go," I said.

"I will try," Boothby said.

"That's all I can ask," I said. "Bye, McCall to Voyager, one to beam back,"

As I was beamed home.

Then At 0400. We were back at Warp for home.

That's all for this chapter.

More to follow.

Stay tuned and safe.

Love Y'all

PEACE!