Chapter 124.
(Leah POV)
The Doc finally let me out. But ordered me to take the next week off. As I got back to mine and 7's quarters where no one was in. As I went mine and 7's room and got everything off as I walked passed the mirror in the bathroom. As I saw what I still had inside me. I had the same eyepiece as 7 did. Small cobweb implant under my ear. I didn't have any implants on my arms or shoulders. But I had the same hand implant on my hand. And whatever the Doc had to leave inside me. Which I couldn't see. Thank god.
Then I went and got some clothes on me again. Then headed back into the main part of our room. And went and turned on my PS and then started up Call of Duty Black ops Cold war Zombies. I must of made it to round 5 before the door bell rang.
"Come in," I said as I paused it. As Chakotay came in.
"I'm not disturbing you right," Chakotay said.
"Get your ass in here," I said. "I'm stuck off duty for the next week, You got Voyager till then,"
"That's fine, We've made contact with the same species as the Twins are," Chakotay said.
"I take it we are on a rendezvous course," I said.
"Yes," Chakotay said. "They have asked to take Mezoti as well,"
"That is up to her," I said. "I'll get 7 to talk to her,"
"Okay," Chakotay said.
"Anything else," I said.
"How you feeling," Chakotay said. "I thought we would get all of the implant out,"
"We would have if there wasn't an explosion which hit me when the transport begin," I said.
"So how bad is it?" Chakotay said.
"The Doc said that he got all but 29% of the Borg technology out of me. The rest was busy repairing what hit me since I was beamed back," I said.
"Has he said anything about you needing to regenerate," Chakotay said.
"Nothing yet," I said.
"Is he going to get you for another medical scan," Chakotay said.
"He said he was. Just never said when," I said. "How long till we rendezvous with the ship,"
"Another week, They at least a week away at maximum warp, But it is a serious course change," Chakotay said.
"Set a course," I said "How longer will it add to our trip,"
"Another month at least," Chakotay said.
"We still go, At least those twins will have somewhere to go with their own species," I said.
"Got it," Chakotay said.
"That everything," I said.
"Yes," Chakotay said.
"See you later then," I said.
As Chakotay nodded and left.
XXX
I got to round 30 when 7 got back.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," 7 said. "How are you doing,"
"Fine," I said.
"Hungry," 7 said.
"Yeah, Come on let's grab something," I said. As I ended the Zombie session. As we headed over to the Replicator. We both got a Chicken Curry with a chip.
It was still as good as I remember. I could tell even 7 was enjoying it. But Once I was finished. 7 was just about done.
"Oh that was as good as I can remember," I said.
"It is quite strong," 7 said.
"That's the spice in the curry. That one is normal. There's a hot one and extremely hot spices of Curry. Never could get a handle on those ones," I said.
"I'd rather stick with this one then," 7 said.
"Don't blame you," I said. "I noticed you weren't here when I got back. Where were you?"
"Astrometrics," 7 said.
"Take it we are in the clear," I said.
"Don't pick up any Borg ships," 7 said.
"Good, Let's hope that is the last Borg ship we come across for a while," I said.
"Me as well," 7 said. "I spoke to the Doctor on the way here,"
"How bad is it?" I said.
"Apart from what he has told you. I saw the scans that he took," 7 said.
"What could you tell about it," I said.
"From what I saw," 7 said.
"7, just say it," I said.
"You'll need to use the alcove every now and again," 7 said.
"But we can use the same one in there, Right," I said. pointing towards the bedroom.
"Yes, We can," 7 said. "How's the eye?"
"It's fine," I said. "Just gets to used to it, The Doc should of just told me,"
"Guess he just didn't know how," 7 said.
That was when I started to tell 7 about what Chakotay told me about the twins and Mezoti if she wanted it.
"I will talk to them," 7 said.
"What about Mezoti," I said.
"I will see if it is what she wants," 7 said.
"Make sure you tell her, we aren't forcing her to go if she doesn't want to," I said.
"I will," 7 said.
"The Doc has me off duty for the next Week, It will be about the same time for the rendezvous point too," I said.
"What do you plan on doing," 7 said.
"Don't know, Stick around here or hit the Holodeck," I said.
After a while.
7 headed off no doubt to talk with them.
As the door opened again and Clara came in.
As Clara saw me. She rushed me, hugging me tight.
"Hey Kiddo," I said.
"Good to see you out of Sickbay, Mum," Clara said.
"Still takes getting used to you calling me that. Even with Chloe," I said.
"It just feels more right now," Clara said. "Chloe is with Naomi,"
"Kind of figured that," I said.
"At least you are back," Clara said.
"I saw you flying and shoot with the chair," I said.
"What do you think," Clara said.
"I have to admit, At least I know you got it if we every need to," I said.
"You mean," Clara said.
"Kiddo, That was brilliant," I said. "You kicked that cubes ass, If you have a lot more power hell An Ancient warship you could of destroyed it,"
"I wasn't planning to destroyed it, I needed to get you home," Clara said.
"Love you too Kiddo," I said. As Clara came over and hugged me.
"Love you too, Mum," Clara said.
As we laid down on the sofa. As Clara went and put something on which turned out to be Pacific Rim.
After a while I woke up with Clara still snugged against me still asleep. As I saw he screen and saw that the movie was over. As I managed to get up without waking Clara up.
Which then I went over to my desk and got to my Computer where I have everything rerouted there when I was here. I noticed all of the Damage reports all done and sent to me. So I could go over them.
As I went over them. Which took about 3 hours. That was when 7 came back. But as 7 got through the door. We headed straight into our room. As we got into bed and fell asleep in each others arms.
XXX
It's been 3 days already. Being stuck off duty was one thing. I wanted to get back in the game already. But we were still 4 days away from the ship. So I headed for the Holodeck and brought back one of my training programmes that I managed to finish after hearing about the Dominion from the crew of DS9. I used to program to get myself fully back in the game again. By the Time I was done. I had a cut on my shoulder since yeah I wasn't using safety protocols. As I left and headed for sickbay.
"Doc," I said as I got in.
"Captain, I thought I said not to work for another 4 days," Doc said.
"I was in the Holodeck," I said.
"And you got this from that, What were you doing and did you even use the safety protocols," Doc said.
"No, I'm trying to get back in the game again," I said.
"Well, you were lucky you did get hit somewhere critical to you. Even if anything hit what implants I had to leave in. That could have killed you. Now from now on you use those safety protocols," Doc said. As he was healing me.
"Alright," I said.
"There we go, Good as New. I want to see you in the morning just to check what the implants are doing?" Doc said.
"See you tomorrow then," I said. As I headed out and then I headed for home.
Where Once I got in. I swear that there was a bullet with my name on it. As I knew it was Chloe.
"Hey, Kiddo," I said.
"I missed you Mummy," Chloe said.
"Missed you too kiddo," I said.
As I pulled Chloe to me again. Then as I got in Clara was there. But I didn't see 7. Where was she. As I went and sat down on the sofa with Chloe still hugging onto me. As Clara came over and hugged into my other side.
Eventually I had to get up since I was uncomfortable. It has been since that last Borg mission I got back from after the Doc removed as much as he could. The only time I have been comfortable was when I was laying down in Bed with 7. I know that 7 could see it. 7 I know is pretty sure how uncomfortable I've gotten lately. Cause 7 has been working on something and hasn't told me anything about it yet.
I laid down on my bed for a bit. As I started to relax. Then I started to feel tired so I ended up closing my eyes and falling asleep.
XXX
When I woke up, I found 7 there waiting for me.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," 7 said.
"Just got off," I said.
"Yes, Came to see you, but you been asleep for the last 2 hours," 7 said.
"That long," I said.
"Yes, Looked like you needed it," 7 said.
"What you mean by that," I said.
"I have noticed you haven't been able to relax much over the last few days," 7 said.
"I thought you noticed that," I said.
"I did," 7 said. "I think I know what it is,"
"The Implants," I said.
"Yes, Ever since that mission you could never relax," 7 said. "That's why I have been working on something,"
"What," I said.
"Try this on," 7 said as she grabbed something on the table.
"What is it?" I said.
"Trust me and try it on," 7 said. As I took it off her and got up. As I unfolded it and it turned out to be almost the exact same Catsuit that 7 used to wear when she first came on board. "I changed it so it was fit perfectly,"
"You know I won't be able to wear that once I got back on duty right," I said. As I took off my clothes so I could put it on.
"I know but that is why the collar isn't as far up as mine used to be, So It can go underneath your uniform," 7 said. "At least you be comfortable then," As I finished taking off my last bit of my clothes and started to pull it on. As it managed to get into it mostly until I could get the rest on.
"Could you give me a hand," I said. As 7 came over and helped me to finish putting it on. Then zipped it up for me too.
"Well," 7 said.
"Tell you this 7, This is so comfortable already," I said.
"Not too tight," 7 said.
"No, It's nice," I said.
"Good," 7 said.
"Now I can finally relax now," I said. As I pulled 7 and hugged her. "Thanks,"
"You're welcome," 7 said.
"What time is it anyway," I said.
"1700 hours," 7 said.
"I don't know about you, But I could use just going to sleep right now," I said.
"Go on, You will need it after the last few days," 7 said.
"But wh," I said.
"Don't about Clara and Chloe, I got them," 7 said. "Get some sleep in you, Leah,"
"Fine," I said. As I laid back down onto the bed. "Night 7,"
"Night Leah, I love you," 7 said.
"Love you too, 7," I said. As I closed my eyes as I heard the alcove underneath the bed activate as I fell asleep.
XXX
When I woke up, I got up as I was back to normal. Well back to as normal as possible after that mission.
"Computer, time," I said.
"The time is 0900 hours," Computer said.
As I headed out. As I sat down on the sofa where I found a Datapad on the coffee table. As I took it and it was from 7 saying that Clara and Chloe went to Naomi. Before 7 had to go to Astrometrics. As I went and got some Coffee. Once I was finished.
"Sickbay to the Captain," Doc said.
"Go ahead Doc," I said.
"I believe I asked for you to come to sickbay today," Doc said.
"Yes you did," I said.
"Then Please report to Sickbay," Doc said.
"On my way," I said.
As I headed out and then headed down to sickbay.
Once there.
"Doc," I said.
"Over here," Doc said. As he turned and saw me. "Captain, Is there something wrong,"
"No why," I said.
"Just didn't expect you to be in that," Doc said.
"Just been uncomfortable lately," I said.
"I see," Doc said as he started to scan me. "I believe it was 7 who gave you this,"
"Yes," I said.
"Then I would guess the Implants are what has been keeping you uncomfortable lately," Doc said.
"That's what we have been thinking," I said. "That was why 7 gave me this, it is comfortable right now,"
"I'll get you some analgesic Cream," Doc said. "It should stop the irritations from the Implants. But I would recommend if you still feel the same just before you go back on duty, I say you should stick to that from now on,"
"In other words you want this to be my uniform from now on," I said.
"It would help instead of you be uncomfortable during you shifts, But I would like to see you here just before you head back on duty in 3 days," Doc said.
"Fine," I said. "You nearly done,"
"Just there now," Doc said.
"And," I said.
"From what I can tell, The Alcove you put into yours and 7 quarters is keeping them activate but they aren't trying to reassert themselves, I'm more than sure now that your human physiology has fully taken over again," Doc said. "But I still want you to take the next 3 days off. And Back here just before you go on duty again,"
"Got it," I said. "See ya Doc,"
As I left and headed for the Holodeck. Where I decided to started up a brand new Red Dead Redemption 2 Story line, Since the last one was destroyed thanks to the Hirogen. I modified it to fit into as if Arthur was a female character with a different name, Which could be what ever I programme it be. But For this run I just using my name.
XXX
After a while I got back to mine and 7's quarters as no one was there.
"Computer, Time," I said.
"The Time is 1645 hours," Computer said.
As I went and switched on my PS4 and started up one of the others games I have on. The Forest. A survival. Starting of with you being on a plane with people and what looks to be your son in the game. Then the Plane starts shaking up hard. Then the screen went black. But when your character comes around the Plane was broken like hell and something came out of nowhere and took the kid. Then you could finally start playing it.
Which I did until 7 came back. Where I was just finished building a base. Then I saved it.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," 7 said.
"Just finished," I said.
"Yes," 7 said. "What is this,"
"The Forest," I said.
"The Forest," 7 said.
"Survival game, kind of," I said.
"How you feeling," 7 said.
"You mean if I'm comfortable or not," I said.
"Yes," 7 said.
"Of course I'm comfy," I said. As 7 sat down next to me.
"How's your eye," 7 said.
"It's fine, isn't brothering me," I said.
"What about your vision," 7 said.
"Still a bit like it was but only through my left eye," I said. As I pulled 7 against me. "You okay,"
"Yes," 7 said. "Better now," As she put her head on my shoulder. As I put mine on top of hers.
"Missed you," I said.
"Missed you too," 7 said.
"What about Mezoti," I said.
"She came to see me today," 7 said.
"What she say," I said.
"She wants to stay," 7 said.
"Sound happy about that," I said.
"I am," 7 said.
"Good," I said. "You would seriously miss her,"
"What are you saying," 7 said.
"That you care about Mezoti the same way I care about Clara and Chloe," I said.
"Maybe," 7 said. "Maybe you are right,"
"More like you know I am right," I said.
As we must of sat there for a good hour or so before the door opened and Clara and Chloe came in. As my girls came over and hugged me.
"Hey Kiddos," I said.
"Missed you Mum," Clara said.
"Missed you girls too," I said. As I pulled them closer to me. As I saw 7 heading over to the replicator. As a few minutes later. 7 came back over with a couple of plates of Chicken Curry with chips. As we ate it.
XXX
The last 3 days were completely uneventful. And I only had 1 last day off before I was back on duty again. One more day before we reach the other ship for the twins. As I had woken up. 7 was gone, No doubt back to Astrometrics again. As I got up and headed for a shower since last night I had taken off the catsuit 7 had made for me.
After a gotten showered I headed back into my room and gotten dressed again. Putting on the Crimson Catsuit 7 had given me last night. It matched my eyes when their flashed. That was went After I got the Catsuit on I headed over to the Mirror and brought up my Wolf side. Not all the way, Just my Eyes as they Both glowed, Including the Optical Eye the Doc had to put in after what the Borg did to that eye before. They completely removed it. She did that on purpose. She wanted me to remember what they had done to me. Not like I didn't already.
As Let my eyes return to their brown colour. As I headed out and went straight for the Turbolift.
"Deck 8," I said. As the doors closed as it moved down there. Once there I got out of the turbolift and headed to one place I had on my mind right now. As the doors opened as I headed into to see Chakotay there with 7 looking at something. "What's this,"
"Captain," Chakotay said.
"I thought you were meant to be off," 7 said.
"I am, I was coming down here," I said. "So what's going on,"
"We have just received the next Data burst from Starfleet," Chakotay said.
"What's the News," I said.
"Bad," Chakotay said.
"How bad," I said.
"Judging what what we receiving," Chakotay said. "The Federation and the Dominion are at war, They have already Taken Deep Space 9,"
"What have they said for us to do," I said.
"Keep making our way home," Chakotay said.
"What ships did they send to DS9," I said.
"None," Chakotay said. "A Starfleet Klingon Taskforce hit and destroyed a Dominion shipyard on Torros 3,"
"While the Dominion was too busy dealing with DS9," I said.
"Dominion and Cardassian," Chakotay said.
"What," I said.
"The Cardassians Joined the Dominion, As the Dominion started to send shipments. The Crew of DS9 and Starfleet command did want anymore coming through so," Chakotay said.
"They minefield the wormhole," I said.
"Yes, They managed to get it done and activated before they had to withdraw from DS9," Chakotay said.
"At least no more ships can get through," I said.
"What do we do," Chakotay said.
"We meet with the ship for the Twins then continue heading for home. If we picked up any Dominion ships on the way," I said.
"We jump to Red Alert," Chakotay said.
"Exactly," I said.
"I'll inform the crew," Chakotay said. As he left.
"What else did we get," I said.
"I'm still decoding it," 7 said.
"What's it look like so far," I said.
"Weapon Upgrades, Engines upgrades and Shield upgrades," 7 said. "I'll get them to Tuvok, Tom and B'Elanna when I have it all done, But I'm still getting the rest,"
"How long is it going to take," I said.
"The rest of the day," 7 said.
"Guess I'll see you later then," I said.
"You could stay," 7 said.
"Then you may miss something, Don't want the crew to miss anything out, I'll see you back home," I said.
"See you then," 7 said.
As I kissed 7. "Love you," I said.
"Love you too," 7 said.
Then I headed out. Where I ran into Mezoti.
"Sorry Captain," Mezoti said.
"Where you off to," I said.
"See 7," Mezoti said.
"Not really surprised, See you later," I said as I headed on.
I ended up back at mine and 7's quarters.
"Computer Time," I said.
"1325 hours," Computer said.
As I went and started up my PS4 as I searched for any new Movies I haven't seen and One came up. Bad Boys 3, Bad Boys for Life. As I started to watch it.
XXX
I just finished watching Bad Boys for life. Damn it was good. They really did make that well.
Then that was when I went and started up Halo. The Master Chief Collection. Started to play Halo Reach.
I must of been playing that for at least an hour or so. Because the Door opened and Clara came in.
"Hey Mum," Clara said.
"Hey Kiddo," I said. As Clara Came over and snuggled into me. As I paused and Saved the game. "You okay,"
"Yeah, Just missed you," Clara said.
"Missed you too, Kiddo," I said. Pulling Clara closer to me before kissing her on top of her head.
"What about you, Mum you okay," Clara said.
"Am now, Clara," I said. "Am now,"
"Computer Time," Clara said.
"1645 hours," Computer said.
"I got to get Chloe, See you in a bit Mum," Clara said. Getting up and Kissing me before she headed out.
Then I started to feel a bit tired as I got up and headed for my room and Laid down on the bed. Closing my eyes.
XXX
When I woke up. I saw 7 there by my feet.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey," 7 said. As I started to get up as 7 came over and sat down next to me. As I put my head on her shoulder. As she placed her hand on mine. "You okay,"
"Yeah," I said. "When did you get here,"
"Just finished," 7 said.
"Got everything," I said.
"Yes, There is something for you but it can wait till tomorrow," 7 said.
"If it's important," I said.
"You're not starting again until tomorrow, Come on let's get something to eat, Plus, Clara and Chloe are waiting for you," 7 said.
"Computer time," I said.
"1730 hours," Computer said.
"Come on then," I said as we both got up and headed out to where my girls were.
As we got something to eat which turned out to be Roast Potatoes with Steak Pie. One of my Favourites. And it was perfect just as it always was. As My girls went and got ready for bed. As 7 and I was sitting down on the sofa. As I placed my head on her shoulder as I could tell she wasn't stressed.
"Okay, What is it," I said.
"You were right," 7 said.
"About what," I said.
"Mezoti," 7 said.
"I ran into her just after I left, She said that she was going to see you," I said.
"She did," 7 said.
"What she say that got you, I don't know relaxed then usual," I said.
"Mezoti did something which I thought she would never do, Not with me," 7 said.
"What she do," I said.
"She called," 7 said.
"She called you Mum, didn't she," I said.
"Yes," 7 said.
"Told you, 7," I said.
"Yes you did," 7 said. As I started to Kiss 7. As 7 placed her arms around me as she kissed me back. Then we heard a door open. I knew it was my girl's so we back off and leaned against each other as they came out as Chloe run over to me as she jumped and hugged me tight as normal.
"Hey Chloe," I said.
"Hi, Mummy," Chloe said.
As Clara came over and snuggled into my side.
As we must of still there for a while before my girls got up and headed for bed. As I went with them and got them all tucked in. As Clara pulled Chloe against her.
"Night, Night Baby Girls," I said.
"Night Mum," Clara said.
"Night Mummy," Chloe said as I kissed them on their heads. Before I headed out and closed the door behind me.
As I came back over to 7 who was still sitting down.
"Coming to bed," I said.
"Yeah," 7 said as I pulled her up as we headed into our room where as laid down on the bed and pulled 7 into me as no doubt we both felt the alcove underneath our bed powering up as I kissed 7 before we both fell asleep.
XXX
The Next day as I woke up 7 was gone no doubt to get the twins ready. As I got up and went for a shower. As I come back out dried off as I went and put on the Purple catsuit I replicated after getting 7 to put all of the means of getting them into the Replicator here. Then I went and put on my uniform over the Catsuit. I was only just finished putting it all on as my Combadge went.
"Chakotay to the Captain," Chakotay said.
"Go ahead," I said.
"We're an hour away from the transport," Chakotay said.
"I'll be there as soon as I can, McCall out," I said. As I went and got a Coffee and then went out of my quarters and down to Sickbay. As I headed in as soon as I got there. "Doc,"
"Captain," Doc said. "I see that you are wearing your uniform again, How's it feeling,"
"Fine," I said.
"You have that on underneath haven't you," Doc said.
"Only thing that will keep me comfortable. It's easily hide under my uniform," I said.
"Right will come, Sooner we are finished the sooner you will be happy to get back to work," Doc said. As he went over me with his scanner.
After 30 minutes the Doc was finally done scanning me.
"Well," I said.
"You in perfect Health, Captain, I see no reason why you shouldn't be back on Duty, but If you feel uncomfortable at any time, Come down here and I give you an Analgesic cream, For the skin irritation," Doc said.
"Thanks Doc," I said. As I headed out and went up to the Bridge. As the doors open as I came out.
"Captain on the Bridge," Chakotay said.
"As you were," I said. "Really,"
"Bit hard to resist," Chakotay said.
"Where are we with the upgrades we received for StarFleet Command," I said.
"The Propulsion upgrades is all finished Captain, B'Elanna is having a look over it now. If Everything comes back green we will be able to hold our Maximum Warp for at least 3 Days," Tom said. "But it will take a day for the warp coils to cool down,"
"Better than nothing," I said.
"The Shield and Weapons upgrades are nearly finished. The Shield upgrades are more done than the weapon upgrades are taking more time to install as expected," Tuvok said.
"Good," I said. "Harry Keep an eye out for any Borg or Dominion ships," I said.
"We'll been running sensor sweeps since we got you back. There has been no sign of any Borg Activity Apart from a Debris Field a few Lightyears away," Harry said.
"We are still another half an hour from the transport vessel for the twins," Chakotay said. "7 is down with them now,"
"I'll be in my Ready Room, you got the Bridge," I said as I headed into my ready room.
XXX
"Captain's Log Stardate 54129.4, It's a bitter sweet day for the crew of Voyager, We've finally found a home for some of our most precious cargo, For the Twins. I'm finally back on Duty again. But I remember of the Data Burst we received for Starfleet Command. The Federation is at War with the Dominion and Cardassins. I've ordered for long range scans for any Dominion ship, Just in case they are also in the Delta Quadrant, End log," I said.
As I was with 7 down in the Transporter room.
"Thank you for taking care of them Captain, we're very grateful," She said.
"We're just glad Rebi and Azan will have a chance to grow up with their own people," I said.
As they got onto the transporter pad.
"Energize," I said.
As I pulled 7 close to me as we headed out as I went back for the Bridge.
XXX
We were finally back on course for home. But Then I got a call from the Doc something was happen to 7.
As I got down there as I saw 7 on the bio bed. As the Doc woke her up.
"You lost consciousness in the mess hall," I said. "Your Body's begun to reject your implants,"
"I'm afraid it's a result of that glitch we found in your cortical node, Apparently it's more serious than we thought," Doc said.
"The node is destabilizing," 7 said.
"It's no longer able to regulate your implants, They're shutting down one by one," Doc said.
"When you've disconnected implants in the past, I've always adapted," 7 said.
"Minor Implants, An assimilation tubule here a few nanoprobes there nothing crucial to your human physiology, but these implants control your vital functions," Doc said.
"And without my cortical node to regulate them, I'll die, Correct," 7 said. "Borg technology is highly adaptive, My cortical node will repair itself in time,"
"I don't think so, 7, if anything the deterioration is accelerating," Doc said.
"You'll have to stay here for observation," I said.
"I think I've been sufficiently observed," 7 said.
"Would you excuse us," I said.
"The node will correct itself," 7 said.
"What if it doesn't," I said. "Is it possible to replicate a new one,"
"The technology is too complex," 7 said.
"What if this had happened when you were part of the collective," I said. "How would the Borg have repaired the damage,"
"They wouldn't have," 7 said. "Trying to repair a node would be a futile exercise, the Borg would simply replace it,"
"I'll be back," I said as I headed into see the Doc. "Doc, didn't the Borg put one of those in me,"
"Yes, But I couldn't remove it cause it will kill you as well as," Doc said.
"So that's not an option," I said.
As I left and headed straight for the Bridge.
"Harry, That Borg Debris field we passed just outside the Yontasa Expanse When was that," I said.
"4 Days ago," Harry said.
"See if you can find it on long range sensors," I said.
"Yes, Ma'am," Harry said.
"It's not every day we go looking for the Borg even just after you get back on your feet again. What's up," Chakotay said.
"7 needs a new cortical node," I said.
"Captain, Need I remind you, The Borg often return to salvage damaged cubes," Tuvok said.
"It's a risk, we have to take," I said.
"I want to help 7 as much as anyone, but if we're not careful we'll all end up with cortical nodes," Chakotay said.
"That's why I'm taking the Flyer Alone," I said.
"I've located the Debris field," Harry said.
"Transmit the Coordinates to the Flyer," I said. "Chakotay you have the Bridge,"
"With all due respect, The last time you took the Delta Flyer to confront the Borg, it ended up in a couple thousands pieces," Tom said.
"Oh She coming back in one piece," I said.
"A good pilot might be able to help you do that," Tom said.
"Particularity if he's accompanied by an experienced tactical officer," Tuvok said.
"Since when did you 2 gang up on me," I said.
"You shouldn't do this by yourself Captain," Chakotay said.
"Guess you're with me then," I said.
As we headed for the Flyer.
"Captain," Icheb said.
"I'll meet you in the shuttle bay," I said.
"Have you talked to 7," Icheb said.
"Just a few minutes ago," I said.
"Then you don't approve," Icheb said.
"Of what," I said.
"My request," Icheb said.
"Request," I said.
"I'm sure 7 will discuss it with you when she has the chance," Icheb said. "I'm sorry I bothered you,"
"Obviously, no one's told you," I said.
"Told me what," Icheb said.
"7 isn't well," I said.
"What's wrong with her," Icheb said.
"Her cortical node is failing," I said.
"Her cortical node, She's going to die," Icheb said.
"Not if we find a new one," I said. "We're on our way to search a Borg Debris field,"
"I have experience in Borg technology Let me come with you," Icheb said.
"I appreciate the offer, But it's too dangerous," I said.
"I'm willing to take the risk," Icheb said.
"I'm not willing to let you," I said. "I'll you know how we did as soon as we're back, Don't worry,"
As we left in the Flyer and taken off for the Debris field.
"We're at the Debris field," Tom said.
"I have isolated a section that contains the bodies of approximately 37 drones," Tuvok said.
"37 doesn't sound approximate to me," Tom said.
"These drones were killed in an explosion, there are only a few left intact," Tuvok said.
"Looks like there's still a breathable atmosphere inside," I said. "Any sign of active Borg ships in the vicinity,"
"Nothing on sensors," Tom said.
"That could change in a hurry," I said. "Keep running scans,"
"Yes Ma'am," Tom said.
"Tuvok, Lock and load," I said. As we went into the aft section and got weapons and beamed over.
"Got one," I said. "Tuvok here, Help me get this off him,"
As we moved some debris off.
"No apparent damage to the Cortical node," I said.
As I extracted it.
"Got it, let's go," I said.
"Captain you've got company," Tom said. "There's a ship," Then it was Static.
"2 to beam out," Tuvok said.
"Delta Flyer, Respond," I said.
"3 humanoid have just transported aboard this vessel," Tuvok said.
"Drones," I said.
"The only drones here are dead," He said. "They belong to us, "Who are you,"
"Captain Leah McCall of the Starship Voyager," I said.
"This is my debris field, Captain," he said.
"We weren't aware of that," I said.
"What have you taken," He said.
"A cortical node, We need it to save one of my crew," I said.
"Everything here belongs to us," he said. As he tried to grabbed it as I pulled out my M9 to his neck.
"Out down your weapons and I'll consider not shooting you in the fucking head," I said.
As He threw me off as Tuvok got 2 before he got stun and I turned and shot the prick in his leg knocking him down as I grabbed our gear and Tuvok as we beamed out Into the Aft section of the Flyer.
As I got Tuvok into the cockpit and into the Engineering station Chair.
"Sorry about the delay, They knocked our Transporters off line," Tom said.
"Get us out of here Tom," I said.
As we got hit again.
"I need you on Tactical, When I bring us around target their engine core," Tom said.
"Got it," I said as I got a lock. As we came behind them as I launched Photons at them. "Get screwed,"
"Nice shot," Tom said. "They're breaking pursuit,"
"Get us back to Voyager," I said.
"Already Am," Doc said.
As we got back.
"McCall to the Doc," I said.
"Yes Captain," Doc said.
"We're back and we have the node," I said.
As we got to the Holodeck and ran a few simulations. But every one of them came back as a failure.
"Why did you stop," I said.
"It wasn't working," Doc said.
"Run it again," I said.
"Captain this was our 12th simulation, Something tells me 13 won't be our lucky number," Tom said.
"The Salvaged node has been inactive too long," Doc said.
"Then we'll find one that hasn't," I said.
"No matter how many debris fields we sift through, A node from a dead drones isn't going to work," Doc said.
"Who said anything about a dead drone," I said.
"What's that supposed to mean," Doc said.
"We've infiltrated Borg vessels before, If that's what it's going to take to save 7, We'll do another heist if we have to," I said.
"Are you suggesting ending one life to save another," Doc said.
"I'm not giving up on her," I said.
"Neither am I," Doc said. "I'll do everything in my power to help her, Bit we both have to face the possibility that it may not be enough,"
As we headed for Sickbay.
"Oh well I should really see how things are going in the Mess Hall," Neelix said. "But I'll be back later for a rematch," As he left.
"Are you ready to proceed," 7 said.
"According to the simulations, the salvaged node isn't going to work," I said.
"I'm still researching alternative treatments, And Harry and B'Elanna are going to try to repair the faulty node using components from your alcove," Doc said.
"They'll fail," 7 said.
"We're not giving up hope, Neither should you," Doc said.
"With your permission I'd like to return to my duties," 7 said.
"That's not possible, I need to monitor your condition," Doc said.
"Captain," 7 said.
"I'm afraid I have to defer to the Doc," I said.
"If you'd like I can ask Icheb to bring some of your work here," Doc said.
As she agreed and I Left for my ready room.
XXX
"Earth's biggest ditch, That's what everyone I knew call it," I said. "Hiked the North rim when I was 14,"
"It's an impressive geological formation," 7 said.
"Too dusty, I'd rather go straight for Australia When I get back,"
"Isn't it not filled with deadly reptiles," 7 said.
"Hell yeah," I said.
"Beacon Hills you're hometown," 7 said.
"What do you think," I said.
"It looks nice," 7 said.
"When we get home, I'll take you there," I said.
"It's more likely everyone will reach Earth without me," 7 said.
"You don't know that," I said.
"You still refuse to acknowledge the severity of my condition, Just as I did at first," 7 said.
"You giving up," I said.
"I'm merely accepting reality," 7 said.
"If I'd accepted reality 6 years ago, I'd have settled on the first Class M planet we came across, Instead, I'm 30,000 lightyears closer to Beacon Hills," I said.
"Minus several members of your crew," 7 said. "Ensign Marie Kaplan, Crewman Timothy Lang,"
"Is there a point to this," I said.
"Every person on this list died under your command," 7 said. "You accepted their deaths, But I don't believe you'll accept mine,"
"That's presumptuous," I said.
"I'm not being Egotistical, On the contrary I'm trying to make a point," 7 said.
"Which is," I said.
"All of these crew members came to Voyager with unique personalities, While I need your assistance to develop my individuality," 7 said.
"And getting it back, That's coming a long way," I said.
"But not far Enough," 7 said.
"You're wrong, You more than just became an individual, A brilliant one, If I'm having trouble accepting your condition, It's because I don't want to lose you. I lost too many of my friends, While I'm here. Still going," I said.
"Doctor to the Captain," Doc said. "I need to see you and 7 right away,"
"On our way," I said.
XXX
"It would be a complicated procedure," I said.
"No doubt," Doc said.
"But you believe it'll work," I said.
"There are significant risks involved to 7 and Icheb, But if you're asking me if it's possible I'd have to say yes," Doc said.
"What sort of precautions," I said.
"No matter how many precautions you take, it's not worth the risk to Icheb," 7 said.
"7, This could work," Icheb said.
"I'm not willing to extend my life at the cost of yours," 7 said.
"But you haven't reviewed all of the data," Icheb said.
"As long as there is any chance you won't survive the data is irrelevant," 7 said. "I'd like to return to sickbay now,"
"As you wish," Doc said. As 7 left.
"You're the Captain. You could order her to do it," Icheb said.
"I have to respect her wishes," I said.
"Even if it kills her," Icheb said.
"I want to help her just as much as you do," I said.
"If that were true, you wouldn't let her die," Icheb said. As he walked off.
XXX
After about 5 minutes.
"Icheb to the Captain, Report to Cargo Bay 2 immediately," Icheb said.
As I headed down and ran into the Doc.
"You were summoned too," Doc said.
"Icheb doesn't seem to have grasped the chain of command yet," I said.
"Remind you of anyone we know," Doc said.
As I went in and there was some noise coming from alcoves.
"Icheb," I said. As I got over to him. "What the hell has he done,"
"He's disengaged his cortical node," Doc said.
"How," I said.
"My Alcove, I programmed it to disconnect my neural relays," Icheb said.
"Can you reconnect them," I said.
"He's locked me out of the controls," Doc said.
"How could you do this," I said.
"It was the only way I could prove to you that it would work," Icheb said.
"We need to get him to Sickbay," Doc said.
"Can we beam there," I said.
"Yes," Doc said.
"McCall to Kim," I said.
"Go ahead," Harry said.
"Harry, beam me, Icheb and the Doc to Sickbay now," I said. "Tom meet us down there,
"On my way," Tom said.
As we got beamed there.
"What's wrong with him," 7 said.
"Icheb decided to perform a little operation on himself," I said.
"You have to reconnect his node immediately," 7 said.
"I intend to," Doc said.
"No," Icheb said. "If 7 can refuse treatment, so can I,"
"We don't have time for this," Doc said.
"Check your scans, You'll see I'm already adapting," Icheb said.
"Some of your implants have adapted but not all," Doc said.
"Then apply the resequencing technique I researched," Icheb said.
"This debate is pointless I won't accept the node," 7 said.
"And I wont keep it," Icheb said.
"Someone had better use the damn thing, If it stays disconnected much longer it won't do either of you any good," Doc said.
"You're acting like a child," 7 said.
"I'm trying to save your life," Icheb said.
"Only because you've grown too dependent on me," 7 said.
"So you think I need to learn to rely on other people," Icheb said.
"Yes," 7 said.
"What about you," Icheb said. "You've refused to rely on a single member of this crew, you hid your condition from the rest of us, you deactivated the Doctor and now you're rejecting my help. You're the one who needs to rely on others. Isn't that what people on this ship do, they help each other,"
"Whenever we can," I said.
"If the Captain were dying, You'd risk your life to save her, wouldn't you. And when you respond to a distress call, you're risking the life of everyone on this ship to respond to the aid of strangers," Icheb said.
"He's right," I said.
"Captain, He's just a child," 7 said.
"I don't think he is, Not anymore," I said.
"Doctor," 7 said.
"Don't look at me," Doc said.
"Please, just let us help you," Icheb said.
XXX
As Tom got down here as we put Icheb under already. And Before anyone could do it to 7.
"I'll see you after this," I said.
As Tom put 7 under.
"Let's began," Doc said.
As We got the node from Icheb. As the Doc sealed it up.
"Icheb is stabilizing," Doc said. As they started on 7. "Transfer 7 functions to the computer,"
"Done," I said.
As they took out her bad one and put Icheb's one in.
"Transfer 7 functions to the new node," Doc said.
"Done," I said. "Doc,"
"It's working," Doc said.
As We moved 7 down to our quarters and placed her down on the bed. As I heard the Alcove fire up.
XXX
6 days later. The Doc were waking 7 up.
"Hey," I said.
"How long have I been regenerating," 7 said.
"6 days," Doc said. "We needed to make sure your implants had completely adapted to the new node,"
"The Good news is, they have," I said.
"Icheb," 7 said.
"He's in sickbay," I said. As 7 started to get up. "Wow, what are you doing,"
"I need to see him," 7 said.
"It's fine, As long as you take it easy," Doc said.
As they left heading for sickbay.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!