"Isabel, you have to move!"

"I'm trying! I'd like to see how well you would move after having your head violently slammed into a biobed. Sort of hard to concentrate with a concussion." Faltering, she grabbed onto the rung in front of her, taking a moment to steady her body, focus her vision, and let her head clear. Her arms hurt. Her wrists hurt…and it felt as though they had been climbing forever.

"Isabel!" His voice hissed through the narrow shaft.

"Oh my god, James. If I knew you were going to be this impatient I would have stayed with Madred." Rolling her eyes, she willed her legs to start moving. One step at a time. Take it easy. You can do it.

"Remind me never to rescue you again." He smiled up at her, reaching out to squeeze her foot in a show of support. "You got this, and hey, if you fall I promise to do my best to catch you as you pass me."

Narrowing her eyes, she shot him a nasty look before smiling back at him. Returning her focus to the task at hand, she started to ascend once again up the narrow, dark shaft that would lead them to a, supposedly, not-currently-in-use transporter room.

She still couldn't believe James was alive. Couldn't believe he had come to her rescue. One minute she was pleading with Madred not to inject her with the truth serum, and the next she was watching in shock and awe as James phasered his way through the room like some sort of space pirate. Both Madred and his lackey were taken off guard, which gave James the advantage. Quickly undoing her restraints, they bolted from the room and into a maintenance shaft down the hall. Still in awe, she smiled to herself. She was extremely grateful he was alive.

"So, tell me how you escaped again? Honestly, I thought you were dead back on Marva."

James' laughter echoed through the space. "Me too. The damn blast hurt so bad I was surprised when I woke up in a holding cell. Not sure why they kept me alive – I assume to have some leverage with Starfleet, if necessary."

"How did you know they took me too?"

"Talkative guards. They mentioned a 'feisty Starfleet officer' being interrogated, and I knew right away it was you."

"Why does everyone call me feisty? Is there literally no other word that can describe me?"

"What would you prefer, Iz? You're feisty as hell. Turn a new leaf and maybe we can use another adjective."

"Please remind me to punch you in the arm once we are out of here." He laughed again, and she smiled. She really did love the sound of his laughter. It made her feel strangely at home. "Okay, moving on. How did you escape?"

"Honestly…I lucked out by getting the drop on an unexpecting guard. Once I had overheard enough information to ascertain your location, I did what I needed to do."

"Impressive, Lieutenant. You'll probably get a nice, juicy commendation for this…you know, if we make it out of this whole thing alive." As she glanced down to see his reaction, her foot unexpectedly slipped off one of the rungs and she dramatically grabbed onto the rungs in front of her, sighing loudly.

Shaking his head, he smirked. "Just keep moving, we're almost to the transporter room. Then we can get out of here."

"Speaking of, where is here? Where are we? I can tell we've been in orbit for a while, but I have no idea where we are. My accommodations didn't exactly come with a great view or a detailed itinerary."

"Feisty."

"I hate you."

"We're in orbit around Bajor."

"Bajor?"

"Did I studder? Keep climbing."

Sighing dramatically once again, Isabel held back the urge to giggle. "Do you know why we are here – and how the hell did we get here so quickly – or was I out a lot longer than I thought?"

"I don't have an answer to any of those questions, but thankfully I know a little village where we can hide once we beam down. We shouldn't have any issues contacting Starfleet from there. Grab that hatch, time to exit this ride."

"Yes, Sir. Let's get the hell off this ship."

"Dammit!" Slamming her fist on the small desk, the sound of glass vials jostling against one another echoed through the room as Beverly ran her hands through her hair. Sighing heavily, she plopped down into her chair, automatically pulling one knee up for her chin to rest on. This is what you're great at, Beverly. Just calm down, clear your head, and think!

For hours she had been locked away in the small lab on the Insurgent trying to put the final pieces of the puzzle together. Trying to figure out what exactly in Isabel and Drew's DNA had been altered in utero, and therefore why they were able to support the serum when no one else was able to. She had little information to go on, and all tests she had run so far hadn't generated any results. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

"No luck?" Deanna's soft voice reverberated through the small room, bringing an unexpected sense of calm, which she was grateful for.

Turning her head, which was still firmly attached to her knee, towards her friend, she offered a sad smile. "If I had the same resources and equipment on the Insurgent as on the Enterprise, perhaps then I'd be making actual progress."

"What are you trying to do? Weren't the details of the Lazarus serum in the file from the Major?"

"They were, yes, but I've been trying figure out what in Isabel's DNA was altered by the original drug that was administered in utero. The information on that drug was conveniently not in the file. Since I don't know it's composition or how it works, it's hard to know where to start looking for any irregularities."

Deanna nodded in understanding. "Because whatever was altered, is the reason why her system is able to support the serum."

"Exactly. That's the key to – " As the internal revelation dawned on her, her eyes widened and her head snapped up. "Oh my god, Deanna, that's it!"

Clearly confused and not following Beverly's line of thinking, Deanna stepped further into the room, a single eyebrow raised.

Beverly smiled. "It's the reason they took Isabel! They finally realized they couldn't get what they needed from Drew, as his DNA was altered again by the Lazarus serum. They didn't know about the underlying drug – or at least they didn't until now. They probably figured it out when their own trials had failed, and that's when they changed their focus to Isabel. Somehow they found out about her and that's why they took her – she's the key. It's her DNA that was only altered by the original drug – not Drew's – and that's why the Cardassians were so desperate to find her. Whatever is in her blood is the answer, as it allows one's system to support the Lazarus serum. Together they work to stop assimilation. One won't work without the other."

"And until now they were solely focused on duplicating the Lazarus serum itself, not realizing there was another piece to the puzzle."

"Exactly! They harvested what they needed from Drew, now they are looking for the final piece of the puzzle." Crossing to her desk she began programming a subspace transmission. "If I can isolate what's different in Isabel's DNA – and get Nechayev to share what she knows about the original drug administered – perhaps I can beat the Cardassian's to the finish line."

Moving to stand behind Beverly, Deanna leaned forward on the desk. "Are you calling the Admiral directly?"

Laughing, Beverly shook her head. "No, no, of course not. I doubt she'd even take my call. I'm calling Deep Space 9. I'm hoping Major Kira will be able to help."

As she said her name, the Major's face filled the screen in front of her. "Doctor Crusher – sorry, Doctor Picard – what can I do for you?" As expected, the Major looked a bit confused, obviously not expecting a call from this Picard. Beverly knew Jean-Luc had updated her as soon as they returned to the Insurgent, so she was certain this call was coming out of the blue.

"Hello, Major, thank you for taking my call. I'll cut to the chase. I need detailed information regarding the drug administered to Isabel's mother during her pregnancy. It was not included in the file provided to Isabel, and I believe that information is critical in order to successfully find the means to make the Lazarus serum work."

Beverly watched as Kira's face fell slightly, surely an indication her request was going to be denied. Leaning in close Kira's voice dropped to just above a whisper. "Trust me when I say I really wish I could help you, Doctor. Unfortunately, we were never provided specifics of that drug and its effects by…your counterpart. Section 31 of Isabel's universe was not as cooperative as we had hoped."

Feeling the color drain from her face, Beverly shook her head. "But why would they do that? Didn't they want to work with us in order to expedite finding the cure to assimilation?"

Kira nodded as her shoulders rose and fell in a dramatic shrug. "That's what we thought too, but they refused. I assume you've come to the conclusion, as we have, the information you are looking for is key to making Lazarus work. I'm very sorry."

Sighing, Beverly nodded solemnly in return. "Thank you, Major. I appreciate the update." Ending the transmission, Beverly looked at Deanna with solemn eyes. "Guess I'm back to square one."

"Beverly." Deanna crossed her arms and leaned against the desk. "Even though you've figured out the reason the Cardassian's took Isabel, don't forget our number one priority right now is to get her back. I know it's important to you to find the cure as well, but I have faith in time you will."

Starting at a particularly uninteresting spot across the room, Beverly nodded automatically, not fully paying attention to her friend as her mind sifted through every piece of information already knew. "That's why they didn't assimilate her."

"What?"

Turning, she looked Deanna in the eye. "When Isabel was being tortured by the Borg. It wasn't torture for the sake of torture…they were looking for the same thing we are. The same thing the Cardassians are after. The Borg realized what Isabel was – a means to their end – and that's why they didn't assimilate her. Who's to say they wouldn't have eventually, but she escaped before they had the chance. That's why they tried to capture her again on Earth. They need to know the basis of how the Lazarus serum works so they can develop a way to counteract it." As another realization hit her, she stood quickly. "Oh, Deanna, if the Borg knows…then they are without a doubt on their way to Bajor as well."

Bolting out of the lab she raced down the hall, feeling her heart start to pound in her chest. Tapping her comm badge, she took a deep breath and waited for his acknowledgement. "Jean-Luc, we have a problem."

Chunks of sharp stucco and fine white dust exploded around him as a hot phaser blast whizzed past his face and hit the wall behind him, exploding the stone and plaster into a million little pieces. Wincing as one of the jagged edges of the wall nicked his cheek, he ducked and quickly sprinted into a narrow walkway between two buildings and away from the barrage of phaser fire.

Making is way towards the end of the alley, he assessed his surroundings while maintaining his cover in the shadows. He was in a small, Bajoran marketplace. There were a handful of people casually making their way around from merchant to merchant, unfortunately not as many as he'd expected or hoped in order to blend into the crowd. He had stumbled upon the small town on his way through the forest and had been lucky enough to cross paths with another generous person who had gone out of their way to help mend his broken arm and offer him a warm meal. Afterwards he began wandering around in hopes he could offer his assistance in exchange for transport.

He laughed to himself. What skills did he actually have? If he was really lucky, he'd be able to talk his way into arranging a ride to the Capital, where he knew he would be able to, eventually, secure transport to Caldos.

Distracted by his dream of escaping, he didn't notice the armed Cardassian soldiers slowly making their way to him from behind. Didn't see them strategically place themselves around him until it was too late. It wasn't until they started closing in on him did he notice the sunlight reflecting off of their phasers as they all sneered at him with cold eyes. Shaking his head, he chided himself for being so foolish. He knew better then to let his guard down. Not having any other option, he lunged himself at the soldier directly in front of him. The act caught all is right fist connected with a hollow thud, while his left shoved the soldier to the ground. Immediately he took off running, looking for a means of escape as he dodged more phaser fire.

He made the first left he could, followed by a quick right, then another left. Praying he had at least bought himself a minute or two, he immerged out onto another deserted road. Quickly glancing to right he noticed a rusty old truck being loaded with wooden crates a few hundred yards away, a dingy gray tarp resting on the edge waiting to cover the cargo. From what he could see the final crates were being loaded and the driver was climbing behind the wheel. If he was fast enough, and if there was room, he would be able to stow away under the tarp and, if luck was still on his side, be able to evade his hunters once again.

Hearing fast footsteps echo through the alley behind him, he bolted out of his hiding spot – solely focused on his new target. He would only have one shot to pull off his plan.

"Drew!" Taken off guard by hearing his name resonate off the stone buildings, he froze. That voice. It tugged at his memory. Bore down into his brain. He could almost feel his synapses trying to connect the invisible dots that had so long ago faded away. "Drew, stop!"

Spinning around he saw a girl about his age, dark hair flowing behind her as she dashed towards him, arms waiving. Her voice…there was something so familiar about the way she said his name. As he started to turn away, children's voices echoed within his mind.

"Stop! Those are mine. Nana gave them to me!"

"That's not fair. You have to share."

"Well, I'm older and I don't want to."

"By five minutes! Nana always says to share. Besides, you don't even like the yellow ones..."

Shaking his head, he turned back to focus on his original mission. His adrenaline was high and he didn't have time for this. He needed to escape. As he turned to run once more, he stopped. His stomach turning into a knot as he gazed at the wide open space in front of him. The truck was gone.

"Drew, stop! Please!"

Ignoring her desperate pleas, he bolted down another alley, his name fading in the air behind him. He could not fall for another trap. He didn't know who that woman was, and he wasn't about to stop to find out. He needed to get out of this town. Needed to get off this planet and to a place where he could finally feel safe.

Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Jean-Luc looked at the view screen in front of him. It was smaller than the screen on the Enterprise, and he missed the big chair he was used to. Sighing, he knew his restlessness wasn't due to a small screen or an uncomfortable chair. It was due to the massive Cardassian warship inching closer and closer as they entered orbit around Bajor, and what he feared he would hear once they made contact.

The fidgeting to his right confirmed Beverly was just as restless as he was. The revelation the Borg were most likely on their way had created a dark cloud among the small crew that had Deanna working hard to counteract. After everything they had been through with the Borg, it was understandable emotions were running high.

"Sir, we are being hailed."

"On screen." Standing, he automatically tugged his tunic neatly into place as he stepped forward. He knew, without a doubt, who would appear on the screen before him.

"Ah, Jean-Luc, so nice to see you again. I trust you enjoyed your nap?"

Ignoring the fake pleasantries, he stood tall and responded with a firm and even voice, deciding to get right to the point. "We are here for our officer, nothing more. Release her and we will be on our way. There is no need to engage any further."

The maniacal laughter that filled the bridge caused his stomach to sink. Realistically, he knew it wouldn't be that easy, but a small part of him had hoped it would work. He just wanted Isabel safely back on the Enterprise.

"I'm sorry to tell you, Captain, but your officer – your daughter, if we're being honest here – escaped and transported down to the planet. She is a feisty one, isn't she? Her boyfriend too – now that I wasn't expecting." He chuckled to himself as Jean-Luc watched, anger beginning to bubble within him. "In any case, my officers are searching for her – and your son – as we speak. Small world, isn't it? Tell me, did you know your son was here as well?"

Clearing his throat, he ignored the question and looked directly into Madred's eyes, voice course and clipped. "I dare to guess you already have what you need from both of them?" Madred simply stared back. His mouth set in a straight line, face devoid of any other emotion. Nodding, Jean-Luc continued knowing he was on the right track. "I don't see a reason why you would need to continue to pursue either of them."

The slight, but sudden upward curl of Madred's lip sent shivers down his spine. "Oh, Jean-Luc. By now I would think you'd know that I don't like to leave anything, or anyone, behind. Yes, I have what I need…and now I must ensure no one else is able to get that information as well. I'm not looking for them to capture them, I'm looking for them so we can execute them. We both know what their DNA is capable of. With that knowledge in the hands of Cardassia…" He stopped, smiling wide as he relished the newfound power at his fingertips. "Oh, we'll be unstoppable, and everyone will bend to our will if they want to survive assimilation. The universe will be ours." He stopped once more, ensuring he had Jean-Luc's full attention. "I would have thought you, more than anyone, would have known the Borg are on their way…and this time I can promise you they won't lose."

"You're working with them, aren't you? That's how you have their new warp technology. You have no intention of helping other civilizations from assimilation, you solely want to protect Cardassia. Yes, you need to be the sole owner of the cure so you can provide assurance to the Borg no one else can duplicate it. In exchange, the Borg will leave you alone as they proceed to assimilate the rest of the galaxy."

Madred smiled wide. "And the first step in that process is to destroy the possibility of anyone else developing the serum." Jean-Luc stared at the figure looming in front of him. As he formulated a response, Madred continued. "I should warn you, my people just informed me they have located both targets. By the time to catch up, I can guarantee you it will be too late."

Growling, Jean-Luc urgently turned and signaled for the transmission to be cut. He was done with that man, in more ways than one. "Wesley, do you have a location on Isabel?"

Furiously tapping the conn, Wesley quickly spun around. "Yes, Sir. She's in a small village right outside of the capitol. I have the coordinates."

Nodding, Jean-Luc turned towards Data. "Data, you have the bridge. Wesley, I want you to stay here and ensure you have a constant lock on us. Once we find Drew and Isabel I want you to beam us out immediately on my signal." Glancing to his right he caught Beverly's eye as he nodded to her, signaling they were leaving. "We have to get to them before the Cardassians do – before it's too late."

To be continued…