"Will!" Goosebumps broke out across Beverly's skin as she heard Isabel's frantic voice echo through the comm link. "Will! Give me back my badge! We need to get out of here!" Why didn't she have her comm badge? Beverly's heart started racing at the thought of all that was unknown.
"Slow down. Breathe. What's wrong?" Beverly found herself automatically relaxing as the sound of Will's calming voice filled the room. She looked around her, noticing all eyes in the room were on her as she stood next to Deanna.
"The sky. They're here. We have to go!" Isabel's voice was shaking, and Beverly couldn't remember a time she had ever heard her daughter this scared. Scared and Isabel Picard just weren't two things that went together.
"No one is here. It just looks like a problem with the weather system." The silence that followed was broken by the sound of Isabel's labored breathing.
"Captain, there are reports coming in of an unknown event that has effected the weather grid." She glanced at Data whose fingers were rapidly flying over the conn, trying to ascertain as many details of the situation as possible.
"Source?" Jean-Luc crossed to stand behind the android, anxiously waiting for further information. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the chair in front of him.
"Still undetermined, Captain. Initial reports do not indicate any unknown ships in the area."
"I've seen this before. This is what happens to the weather grid when they scan a planet."
"Who is they, Isabel?" Deanna's fingers brushed her own and Beverly grabbed on to her friend's hand tightly as they eagerly awaited the answer to Will's question.
"The Borg." Her head snapped up to catch Jean-Luc's eye, not anticipating a response from him. He returned her gaze, worry settling across his face as he clenched his jaw. "Switch the comm link so it's coming through the bridge. Mr. Worf, get them out of there. Now!"
"Captain, I'm unable to get a lock on Isabel and Commander Riker. There is electrical interference." She closed her eyes at the sound of Worf's voice as she felt her stomach twist into a knot.
Isabel's somber voice echoed through the room. "It's too late. They're already here."
"We have to run." Hot tears continued to streak down Isabel's face as she looked into Will's eyes, pleading with him. "Now!"
The iridescent shimmer of multiple forms beaming to their location tore her focus from Will's face. As they materialized, she saw the tubes and jagged metal. Noticed pale, clammy flesh reflecting the bright moonlight. Heard the heavy steps as five Borg drones slowly started making their way towards them.
"Anytime now, Worf!" Will pulled her closer to him as he frantically looked for anywhere for them to hide. Her body continued to tremble, the pent-up anger within her only moments ago quickly morphing into a sensation of fear. Squeezing her eyes shut, she willed the phantom feelings of pain away from clawing their way to the surface, desperately pushing aside the horrific memories her dream had revealed to her the night before. This was not the time for a panic attack.
"Captain, Starfleet just enabled security protocol. We've lost the ability to beam anyone on or off the planet!"
"Will! Get out of there!" Hesitating for only a second at the captain's orders, Will grabbed her hand and turned to run in the opposite direction, only to come to a dead halt as they stared into the faces of another group of drones. They were surrounded.
"Captain…" She turned to look at Will. Watched the blood drain from his face as he squeezed her hand, his eyes darting from one grotesque figure to another. His other hand automatically moving to the phaser on his hip that wasn't there. "Sir, we're surrounded by almost a dozen drones." He looked down at her with such utter despair it caused her heart to crack wide open. "There is no path to escape."
She turned towards him, placing her hands on his broad chest as she took a deep breath and held it, curling her fingers into the fabric of his uniform as she centered herself. Closing her eyes, she mustered all the courage she had within her. She knew what she had to do. There was only one option. She couldn't let her fear take over – not now.
"They're here for me, Will. Just let them take me." He reached up to place his hands on her shoulders as he shook his head, mouth open ready to protest, before confusion clouded his eyes. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or in this case the one, right?"
"What? Why?" Shaking his head, he continued. "It doesn't matter. Isabel, I'm not going to let them take you."
She looked up at him, her eyes now filled with determination. "Will, they only want me. We're unarmed. They will kill you to get to me, and I will not let that happen…no matter how anxious I might be right now."
"Why?" Beverly's soft voice through the comm link reminded her they were still connected to the Enterprise. "Why do they want you?"
Isabel tilted her head as she answered, giving Will a sad smile. "Because in order for them to live, I have to die."
"What? Isabel, I don't understand." Beverly's head was spinning with confusion. There was so much she didn't know.
"There's no time to explain, but I left you a note. It's in your quarters."
"Well, I for one would like an explanation if you're wanting me to agree to let you walk to your death." Oh, Will. She loved him for being so protective. She also knew that Isabel was trying to protect him as well. The less he knew about her past, the safer he was.
"I'm sorry, Will, but I can't tell you."
"If you aren't going to tell me, then I'm not letting you go without a fight – even if that means I die too."
Shaking her head, Beverly sat down in Will's chair. Running her hands through her hair she exhaled deeply. Jean-Luc moved to join her in his own chair. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand and held it tightly. The warmth of his touch steadying her emotions as they continued to intently listen to the exchange.
"Damn it, Will, they are getting closer. There's no time for this!" Beverly heard the muffled, mechanical voice of one of the drones, though she couldn't make out the words clearly. Isabel's next words were faint, leading Beverly to believe she had moved away from Will. "Oh, shut up. I'm coming!"
"Fine, then I'm going with you." Beverly's heart started racing as she heard Will's boots against the pavement as he hurried to catch up with Isabel.
"Dammit, Will, just stay where you are! I'm no longer your problem, remember?
Choking back tears, Beverly opened her mouth to say something – anything – to stall Isabel as the unexpected hum of transporter engines filled the room.
"Captain." Will's sigh of relief washed upon them all. "I think reinforcements just arrived."
Glued to the comm system as though it were an old radio program from the early 1900's, everyone was still as they listened to the audio that filled the room. They heard the transporters land. Heard the various shouts from Starfleet personnel as they fired upon the drones. Heard Will's urgent yell for Isabel to get down, then heard the scuffle as they hit the asphalt. Heard more orders being shouted as the sound of phaser fire continued.
"Will!" Isabel's frantic voice cut through the commotion. "No! Get off me!"
"Miss, you need to come with us, now!" The arguing continued as Isabel resisted.
"I said let me go!" The sickening sound of a fist contacting flesh and bone reverberated across the room. Beverly closed her eyes as she knew, without a doubt, Isabel had been the one to throw the punch.
"Stop messing around. Just take care of her." This voice was deeper and further away, but from the tone it was clear it was an order coming from a commanding officer.
"Are you seriously going to –" The unmistakable sound of phaser fire rippled through the air, followed by the thump of a body hitting the ground.
Then, there was complete, unanticipated silence.
"Mr. Worf!" Jean-Luc twisted in his chair to look up at the Lieutenant.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but we have lost communication. Trying to establish a new –" Worf's words were cut off by the chirping of an incoming communique. "Sir, Admiral Nechayev is requesting to speak with you. Privately."
Squeezing her hand, Jean-Luc stood. "I'll take it in my ready room." Tugging down on his tunic, he walked quickly through the doors and out of her sight.
To say Admiral Nechayev was angry was an understatement. Jean-Luc had personally never felt the level of fury from the Admiral as they were receiving at the moment. Both he and Beverly had beamed down to Starfleet Headquarters immediately after the incident at the Admiral's request and had been sitting quietly before her ever since as the Admiral spewed her distaste of the situation as she paced back and forth behind her desk.
He adjusted himself awkwardly in his chair in front of the desk, chancing a quick glance at Beverly as he did so. Beverly caught his eye and gave him a quick, yet subtle, quirk of her eyebrow. Apparently, she was feeling as uncomfortable as he was at the moment.
Clearing his throat, he gestured towards the Admirals chair. "Admiral, please sit." Nechayev, who was in the middle of another rant, stopped talking and quietly sat down. Taking her seat, she looked at him to continue. "Beverly and I are just as concerned as you are. It seems new information has surfaced within the last day that even we are not privy to. Perhaps we could speak with Isabel and help you figure out what's going on."
Sighing deeply, the Admiral nodded. "She should be here any moment, along with Commander Riker." Looking to Beverly, then to Jean-Luc she continued. "Your daughter has been…feisty, shall we say, since we took her into custody, and is refusing to answer any questions. Hopefully we'll have better luck with you here."
At that moment the door to the Admirals office slid open and Jean-Luc watched as Isabel was led in, wrists bound behind her back, as she squirmed against the officer escorting her. Immediately he noticed the change in hair and eye color and wondered again why she felt the need to be so secretive. Following closely behind her was Will, looking tired and defeated. His number one officer nodded at him before taking a seat on the couch next to where Isabel had been deposited. Despite the visible irritation at having her wrists bound, Isabel was uncharacteristically quiet, and it was clear to Jean-Luc she was making a concerted effort to avoid making eye contact with both Beverly and him.
Nechayev nodded to the officer who promptly left and closed the door behind him. She turned to Isabel and let out a frustrated sigh. "Lieutenant Picard, as I explained to you earlier, Starfleet requires your statement regarding the events of this evening – which you have refused to give. In addition, you've denied providing information which is relevant and essential to this office for the investigation being conducted in order to piece together why the Borg is targeting you. As a Starfleet officer, I will remind you that you took an oath that you need to honor. If you continue to refuse to cooperate, I will have no choice but to court-martial you, which would likely lead to imprisonment. I would prefer it not come to that, but I wanted you to be fully informed before this conversation goes any further."
Taking a long sip of water, Nechayev glanced at Isabel over the rim of the glass. Jean-Luc recognized the action as a tactic to give Isabel a few moments to process the information she was just given. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Beverly reposition herself nervously in her chair as they all waited for Isabel to speak.
Isabel took her time, turning her head to look out the window at the San Francisco skyline that was just visible from the Admirals office. Finally, she addressed the Admiral – again avoiding Beverly and him completely. "As Commander Riker can confirm, I resigned my commission from Starfleet earlier this evening. I would appreciate it if you would let me go and allow me to be on my way. I promise to go quietly and can assure you that you will never see or hear from me again."
Nechayev laughed and Jean-Luc's eyebrows raised. He didn't think he had ever heard her laugh before, at least not in this manner. Shaking her head, she addressed Isabel again. "Lieutenant, part of the deal made earlier this year to allow you to join Starfleet in this universe was that you commit to at least two years of service. Seeing as you are still fit to serve, your request for resignation has been denied. Besides, you can't just throw your badge at a senior officer and think that would suffice. You know there are formal channels you need to go through in order to officially submit your resignation. As such, you are still an active member of Starfleet, and I strongly suggest you start talking as I can assure you this conversation will be far less painful than a court-martial would be."
Jean-Luc watched Isabel's shoulders slump as she leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes. "Fine. You win. What do you want to know?"
A slight smile crossed the Admiral's lips as she continued. "Why have the Borg targeted you?"
"I can't tell you that. Believe me, it's for your own protection." Isabel once again focused her gaze out of the window.
"Okay. Let's try another topic. What do you know about Project Lazarus?"
Isabel sat straight up, eyes snapping quickly back to Nechayev, who had clearly been expecting Isabel's reaction. "How do you know about Project Lazarus? That's…from my universe."
"Do you really think you have been the only person from your universe to grace our world with their presence?" Nechayev openly laughed. "We've known about Lazarus for years. It's an ongoing project being worked on by Section 31 – in both of our universes. It seems, however, that you might be able to provide information to us that could help speed up the process and solve the puzzle."
Beverly leaned forward. "What is Project Lazarus?"
Nechayev looked expectantly at Isabel. "It seems like this is a perfect time to let us all know why the Borg has targeted you, Lieutenant. Of course, I'm happy to explain to your parents what I know – and my assumptions as to how you are involved, if you prefer."
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence, then Isabel looked at him for the first time before shifting her gaze to Beverly. "Project Lazarus is an ongoing research project that revolves around a serum that would destroy the Borg. In a nutshell, it allows a body to reject Borg implants and can be administered either pre or post assimilation – which, over time, would provide a means to destroying the Borg forever. In my universe, it's desperately needed in order to end the war."
Jean-Luc watched Beverly's eyes widen in surprise, a look he assumed mirrored his own. Just as quickly, he watched his wife's eyes soften. "How are you involved?"
"It's my DNA." Beverly instantly shot Jean-Luc a look of confusion and concern. "Whatever is in there, it's able to support the serum, and apparently every other person they tested it on has died. The Borg sees me as a means to their undoing."
The pieces started to fit together in his head. "That's why they didn't assimilate you immediately when you were captured. They were studying you, but you escaped before they could finish."
Isabel nodded as tears began to fill her eyes. "I think so, yes. Somehow, they knew I was different. I don't know how, as I've never been given the serum, but…" Her voice trailed off as she closed her eyes, allowing the tears to fall. "…Drew was." Jean-Luc caught Will's shocked expression at the news and knew it must have been difficult for Isabel to share this secret with him. The more Will knew, the more in danger he would be.
Opening her eyes, she looked at him directly. "My memory is back, at least most of it, and it seems I was given false memories to cover up the truth." Her gaze shifted to Beverly. "Drew and I are twins, not just siblings. He was given the serum after the accident, and it worked. He lived, but he was kidnapped before…" Her eyes grew dark as she glanced at Nechayev. "…before Section 31 could use him for experiments like a guinea pig."
Nechayev ignored Isabel's snide comment and smiled. "And now your brother is hiding somewhere in the Federation in our universe and we need to find him – correction, you need to find him before the Borg does."
Isabel scoffed. "Me? Why me? I should be the last person to be anywhere near this mission. I'm a magnet for the Borg. If they find me, they will kill me – and the rest of the team too, no doubt."
"Yet you were willing to turn yourself over to them just a little while ago. Interesting." Nechayev cocked her head to the side.
Isabel rolled her eyes. "Beverly has my DNA on file. I knew that, so I knew that she would be able to do research into my DNA on her own whether or not I was there. I left her everything I know in a note. I wouldn't have offered to sacrifice myself if I wasn't sure I wasn't needed."
"Very well. You are still assigned to this mission, as you have knowledge and experience that I believe is essential for its success." Nechayev turned in her seat to address him directly. "Captain, you are to assemble a small crew and away team and report back to Starfleet Headquarters at 0800 tomorrow for further instructions. Isabel, before we release you today you will provide an official statement regarding tonight's events and a DNA sample for further research."
Jean-Luc nodded, relieved that Isabel was being released and that he would be able to keep an eye on her closely for the foreseeable future. "Understood, Admiral."
"Commander Riker, you will be made acting Captain of the Enterprise until Captain Picard completes this mission. Please report at 0800 tomorrow as well for further instructions."
"Understood." Will nodded and turned to look at Isabel, who was looking at him with apologetic eyes.
"Lieutenant, I trust you will refrain from physically assaulting any more of my officers this evening?" Isabel sneered but nodded in agreement. "Thank you. The ensign outside the door will uncuff you. You are all dismissed."
Will helped Isabel stand and guided her towards the door. Jean-Luc nodded at the Admiral and placed his hand on the small of Beverly's back as they followed their daughter into the hallway. It seems he had a lot of work to do before 0800.
"Just leave me alone, Beverly."
"Oh, I'm not leaving until you talk to me." Brushing off her curt reply, Beverly quickly followed Isabel into her quarters, hands balling into fists as her patience continued to deplete.
Upon returning from Starfleet headquarters, Jean-Luc had proceeded directly to his ready room without saying a word to prepare for his early meeting with the Admiral, which Beverly knew was in everyone's best interest. She cringed to herself imagining him having to deal with Isabel's current attitude. Isabel hadn't said a word since leaving Headquarters – going as far to blatantly ignore her and Jean-Luc – and her mood now was one Beverly had no desire to deal with after the whirlwind of a day they had all been through.
Toeing off her boots, Isabel kicked them dramatically out of her way before twirling to face Beverly, her eyes darkening in anger. "I'm seriously not going to talk to you, so you're just wasting your time. Please leave."
"I deserve an explanation after your behavior today, and I'm not leaving until I get one." Crossing her arms, Beverly took a step forward making sure not to break eye contact as she stood as tall as possible.
Rolling her eyes, Isabel haphazardly flung her jacket over one of the dining chairs as she made her way towards the bedroom. "Whatever."
"Isabel Yvette Picard!"
Stopping dead in her tracks, Isabel slowly turned towards her, the tug of a smile playing on her lips. "Did you just middle name me?"
Beverly's eyes narrowed as she crossed the room. "I'm going to say this once, and only once, so you had better listen." At her tone, Isabel crossed her arms and glanced down, finding a fascinating spot on the floor to focus on. "Your behavior today was unacceptable. Your attitude now is appalling, and one frankly I never expected I would ever experience from you. Now, I don't know what happened to you today, nor am I going to pretend to understand what you're going through, but I will not stand idly by and let you disrespect not only your friends on this ship, but yourself as well. So, I suggest you start talking, because it seems we have a lot to work through before you will be in a place to apologize to everyone you hurt with your actions today."
Shaking her head, Isabel bit her lower lip as she met Beverly's gaze. "You don't get it! I'm not who you think I am, so just leave before I hurt you too."
Beverly laughed. "Before you hurt me? I think it's a little late for that, Isabel!"
Isabel raised her hands in frustration as she marched past her. "What do you want from me?"
Grabbing her bicep to stop her, Beverly looked into her eyes. "I want the truth. I think that's the least I deserve."
"Fine!" Ripping her arm free, Isabel moved to step close into Beverly's space. "Do you want to know why I'm acting the way I am? Turns out this is the real me. I'm not the carefree girl you thought I was. I'm not a good person. I'm sorry for not being who you thought I was. I'm sorry for being a disappointment, but this is who I am." Isabel maintained eye contact for a moment before her gaze softened and she made her way towards the couch, plopping down unceremoniously onto the soft cushion.
Beverly stood still for a few moments taking in Isabel's words. Was she disappointed at Isabel's behavior today? Of course. Was she disappointed in her as a person? Absolutely not. Releasing the tension from her shoulders she slowly followed Isabel's path towards the couch, taking a seat in the chair across from her.
"You're obviously hurting, and I want to help you." Changing her tone, she tried speaking softly and calmly in hopes to steer the conversation in a more positive direction. "Please talk to me."
"I never asked for your help." Isabel sighed again in frustration as the clipped words spit off her tongue.
Utterly annoyed, Beverly threw her hands in the air as she matched Isabel's tone. "That's what families do, Isabel – they help one another! It's automatic. When you love someone, you want to help them despite being asked or not!" Taking a deep breath, she tried to center her emotions once again. "Why didn't you contact me today? I thought we were closer than that."
Isabel finally made eye contact with her. Once hazel eyes, now an emerald green, brimmed with tears. Voice barely above a whisper. "I can't lose you too."
Beverly sighed. "Sweetie, you are not going to lose me. I'm right here and I want to help you get through this."
"You say that now, but once you know the truth you'll have a different opinion. Trust me." Shaking her head, Isabel turned her gaze towards the window as she ran her fingers nervously through her hair. Another trait she had chosen to change, along with her eye color. It was though she was actively trying to change any feature that would remind her of her parents.
As that thought crossed her mind, suddenly a few pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. "I'm not your mother." Swallowing the lump in her throat, Beverly felt her stomach sink at her solemn statement. Truth be told, she wanted nothing more to have been Isabel's mother. Talking to Isabel while she still growing inside her, raising her and being here for her durig both the good and bad times. Sadly, she recognized there was a bond that would always be missing between them.
Isabel looked at her with immense sorrow. "I know."
In that moment, with that one simple statement, Beverly understood. She realized that as much as she wished Isabel was her daughter, part of Isabel may have been wishing the same thing too, and that realization was causing her an enormous amount of pain, and probably guilt as well. "Please, talk to me. What is going on?"
Isabel looked down towards her lap as her fingers started fussing with the hem of her shirt. "My memories came back…and I realized everything I thought I knew was a lie." A single tear slipped down her cheek as she tried to hold her voice and emotions steady.
Beverly moved to sit next to her, reaching out to steady the girl's fidgeting fingers. "Talk to me."
Isabel shook her head. "You're going to hate me."
Tilting her head to the side, Beverly smiled encouragingly. "Try me."
Isabel's shoulder's slumped as her resolve began to crumble. "All the memories I shared with you after Drew's accident were fabricated. All of them. I will give my loving mother credit for that violation as I assume she took the opportunity to plant false memories when she was hiding my memories of the Borg. The truth is…" She stopped, taking a deep breath before catching Beverly's eye. "I'm the one who killed Drew. It wasn't a heart defect."
Beverly's eyes widened at the admission. Out of all the scenarios she had imagined, this was not one of them. Softly, she squeezed Isabel's hand. "What happened?"
"I pushed him off our treehouse and he broke his neck."
Taking a deep breath, Beverly felt her heart start to pound at Isabel's admission. "That memory must have been very shocking and hard for you to deal with. Why didn't you come to me, or Jean-Luc – or Wesley?"
"Honestly, I didn't have the strength to lose my family a second time. It was just easier to leave knowing you'd be hurt, but that you would probably still care." Shrugging slightly, Isabel gave a weak smile as if signaling she was giving up.
"Your parents…" Beverly's words faded as she realized she didn't know how to phrase her question.
Understanding what Beverly was trying to ask, Isabel shook her head sadly. "My father has never forgiven me, and my mother…well she does what he tells her to do, so she distanced herself from me as well. And Drew…well he's alive and has endured a horrible life all because of my actions. I ran away today because I was scared of hurting more people…and I needed to find Drew. I owe it to him to save his life now since I didn't care about his life then. That's on me. His rescue is on me. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anyone else died because of a situation I caused years ago."
Beverly felt warm tears slide down her cheeks as she processed Isabel's words. Looking up, she realized Isabel had not been able to hold her emotions in any longer, and tears were flowing down her face as well. Not knowing what to say, Beverly simply pulled her daughter into her arms and hugged her. Giving her the strength and support she was unable convey with words.
"You don't hate me?" Isabel sniffled into her shoulder as she clung to Beverly as they cried together.
"No, sweetie, not at all." Rubbing her back, she kept hugging her tightly.
"But I killed him…"
Pulling back to look into her eyes, Beverly wiped the tears from Isabel's face. "Think back. Did you want to kill him? Did you want Drew to die?"
Isabel shook her head emphatically. "No, of course not."
"What happened that day?"
"We were playing in the treehouse, and Drew was teasing me about a boy I liked. He was always teasing me about something, and I remember getting angry – I just wanted him to stop talking and leave me alone. He didn't stop, so I shoved him. I didn't realize he was so close to the edge."
"See, you didn't set out to kill him. You wanted to hurt him, yes, but not kill him." Isabel nodded as a new wave of tears made their way down her cheeks. "He's alive, Isabel. He's not dead."
"He would have died if not for Lazarus. I killed him. No matter how he's alive now, he would have died by my actions that day. We all thought he was dead. That was enough to change everything."
Beverly smiled encouragingly, despite the sorrow growing in the pit of her stomach. Reaching up, she wiped away Isabel's tears once again. "You aren't a horrible person. Everything is going to be fine. I promise. We'll figure this out together."
Sniffling again, Isabel nodded. "Thank you for still caring."
"It's more than caring, Isabel. I love you." Pulling her daughter close once again, Beverly closed her eyes knowing there would be a lot more to discuss in the days to come. "Look, it's late, and it's been a very long and taxing day. Why don't you get some sleep, and we can talk more about this tomorrow, okay?"
Nodding, a genuine smile finally appeared on her face. "Sounds good." Beverly moved to stand, but Isabel caught her arm. "I'm really sorry for today. I know I handled it badly, but I just couldn't…not after…"
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, Beverly smiled and kissed her temple. "Just promise me if more memories return, you'll talk to me first. Remember, while we may look alike, your mother and I are different people with different experiences. I didn't have the connection to Drew that your mother did, but I'm thankful you and I have the connection we do, and I can assure you I will always be here for you."
Fresh tears brimmed in Isabel's eyes. "I promise."
Beverly stood and made her way towards the door, Isabel in toe. "Now, I'll speak with Jean-Luc tonight, but tomorrow be prepared to talk with him – and the rest of the crew as well." She turned and gave Isabel a teasing smile. "Don't think you're getting out of any apologizing."
Tilting her head Isabel returned her smirk. "Do you think I could apologize by throwing another party?"
"I think if you want to live to see another day, you'll pack up your party shoes. Now get some rest."
"Aye, Sir."
With that, Beverly walked out of Isabel's quarters and made the short walk down the hall to her own. A long, hot bath was definitely in order.
