Author Notes: Those events are happening in the year 2372, after the TNG's last season and first movie "Generation". All relevant background will, of course, be mentioned so you don't have to actually see everything. Everything that have happened up until that point is as described in the canon universe, however the mysterious apparition of the Shepards, will have unforeseen consequences on future events...
-No, no no! It's too soon!
Frantically typing on a tablet, a middle aged man was progressively panicking. Before his eyes were streaming numerous files at high speed, though he didn't seemed to enjoy the read. He violently threw the tablet on the ground an held his head in his hands, wailing of frustration.
-I suppose you know by now, declared a calm feminine voice at the door of the small control room.
-Dammit! Exploded Bran. What happened!
-It seems a distress signal was send, despite our precautions.
Jumping from his seat, Bran faced the young woman at his door and nearly shoved her aside as he burst to the corridor. His voice was trembling, he needed to take control of the situation.
-What are the risk of spilling, Gotoo? He asked to the woman he knew was following.
-At this stage, very few. Although the Borg will be back, it's certain.
-And what of the signals. Did you scrambled them?
-Not the initial one, but that was only a lone radio signal. A shuttle is currently emitting a distress signal but it won't pass through.
-Any ships that could have detected the initial call?
The loud silence of Gotoo was telling him a million things.
Both entered a larger room, bathed in the blue light of the strange enormous bags of liquid on the wall. The Bio neural Gel packs were functioning at full capacity, monitoring every activities in the quadrant.
-Bran, softly said Gotoo as he was seating, you should rest. You know you are not yourself when you're tense.
-I..! Began Bran, furious, before taking hold of himself. You're right. I'm sorry Gotoo. But this mission is extremely tricky, you can't toy with the Borg.
Slowly, he brushed his middle finger with his thumb, soothing his panic, putting his thoughts in order. The situation had to be controlled.
-Where is the Enterprise at the moment?
-Still at Deep Space 5, readying for a series of missions in the sector.
-We must assume they got the signal. Gotoo, ask Him to cover our tracks. I'm going to contact HQ.
-Don't you think we should abandon this operation?
-Too many lives are stake. We should adapt. Adapt, and vainquish.
