Admiral Nechayev stopped short when she entered the conference room on board the Enterprise. She knew about B4, but even she was unprepared for just how much like Data he looked. Except for his clothing, he was an exact match.
"Join us, Admiral," Picard motioned to his chair as he rose.
Nechayev sat down at the head of the long and polished curved wooden table while Picard took a seat at the other end. In this meeting, he was the presenter and she was in charge of what to do with that information. He didn't want her to think anything else.
"Admiral, this is B4, the 'brother' of Commander Data that I spoke of. There have been some interesting developments that I think you should be aware. I think it will make your decisions much easier."
Nechayev looked to the android sitting comfortably in the chair near her, surrounded by the other Bridge officers and one ensign.
"Well, I'll say one thing, Captain. He's certainly a good match for Data. Dr. Soong wasn't very original when he gave Data, Lore and now B4 their looks."
"Yes, Father was somewhat vain in that aspect when he used his own appearance to mold the face plates for all his creations."
Nechayev stared at him. The clothing was different, but that was undoubtedly Data's voice emanating from the android. After Picard's description, she expected something else. All she could do is turn to Picard for an explanation. For the first time in a very long time, the strong-willed Admiral was speechless.
"Admiral, this is Commander Data."
Nechayev looked back at the android that sat still and then looked back at Picard. She still couldn't find the words within her. Data himself had to speak up to break the thick and pregnant silence.
"Admiral, let me explain in detail. I was severely damaged when Shinzon's ship was destroyed and a passing Borg cube discovered me. At the time, the Borg was not planning a major offensive against the Federation. As you know, when the USS Voyager returned from the Delta Quadrant, they were able to destroy several Borg ships in the trans-warp conduit they had managed to utilize as well as cripple the entire Collective by installing a virus within the Queen. Like Earth bees, when the Queen is too old or dies, another Queen is immediately selected and order is restored, as was the case when Captain Picard and I destroyed the last Queen when they tried to assimilate the Enterprise-E and stop first contact by Zephram Cochran. They discovered at that time that they did not have the technology to assimilate me, but that shortcoming was solved when they assimilated another race within the Delta Quadrant. That might have been their objective later, if, by happenstance, they did not come across me in open space. The Borg did not assimilate me; just my body and they created a new personal in Phoenix. I was able to transfer much of myself into B4's body but it is limited. It certainly will not last. In fact, I have to exert myself to control my brother's body in a way that would be considered distasteful to humans. I can help you, but I will soon die."
"Not necessarily," Geordi spoke up, "we can replicate much of you body parts and..."
"Geordi," Data interrupted, "you do not the time or resources to accomplish that."
"Data, we can't just let you die."
"I'm afraid I have to agree," Nechayev spoke up. She had finally found her voice. "Commander Data is correct, Mr. LaForge. We are in a state of war and cannot spare the resources. In any war, there are casualties and as much as grieve for them, we have to accept their sacrifice. Mr. Data, what can you tell us."
~xxx~
Captain's Log: Supplemental. Commander Data has informed us of a way to utilize a trans-warp conduit and other information that should make a preemptive strike feasible. Admiral Nechayev is developing a task force to do exactly that within the hour. Data himself has relinquished control of his new body back to B4 until needed.
"Now then, Captain, we understand each other. You will command the task force on board the Enterprise and go through the conduit and your job is to destroy the Borg known as Phoenix at all costs as well as do as much damage to the Collective as you can. I've assigned the Prometheus, the Crazy Horse, the Valiant and the Venture. I may send more through if more ships arrive before you return. My task force will remain here and wait in case you fail to stop any invasion force from returning. Let us understand each other Captain Picard, this will be either a successful mission, or a suicide mission. The Borg and Phoenix must be stopped at all costs. Do I make myself clear?
Picard nodded his head and turned smartly away from the Admiral. The addition on Data on board the Enterprise gave him some measure of comfort that he may yet prevail in this battle, but he couldn't get past the nagging feeling that this time, the Federation is up against more than it could handle. Then, there was Data's assertion that his resurrection was only temporary. He was here, with them in the battle for their very existence and yet, he died that day in Romulan space, never to return. Picard hoped Data was wrong, but as he was forced to point out to Data himself once, he rarely was. He tapped his comm. badge and turned to salute Nechayev.
"Picard to Enterprise, beam me directly to the Bridge and signal the task force to prepare to get underway."
"Aye, Captain," and he found himself near his familiar chair on the Bridge in seconds.
"Task force is in position and ready to move at your command, Captain."
Picard sat down and suddenly realized how fatigued he was. B4 sat in the counselor's chair at his left side. B4 smiled slightly and looked around the Bridge like a child that had just entered somewhere amazing for the very first time. Data would appear when he was needed, but for now, Data seemed content to allow B4 the opportunity to enjoy this new experience.
"Very well, open the conduit and take us in."
LaForge pushed several buttons and waited for the invisible beams emanating from the deflector dish to work its magic. In moments, a great bloom of malice opened and seemed to pull the starships to it, like a hunger that would never be fully satiated.
"Its operating like a giant tractor beam, Captain. I'll adjust the impulse to compensate."
Picard turned to face his security officer standing behind him.
"Notify to fleet to follow suit and go to red alert."
The klaxons sounded and Picard knew something else that he didn't realize before. He hated the sound of those damned alarms.