Chapter 7 – The Alliance
The Borg Queen paused and turned to examine the lake beside them. The ripples still lapped up against the pebbly shore. The snowcapped mountains beckoned to the south. The small group from Voyager stood between the shuttle and Seven's tetrahedron with the Queen close by. The hundred or so Borg drones that surrounded them from the pass to the other side of the lake remained quiet and motionless. "Such a beautiful location," the Queen mused. "I imagine the two of you could be quite happy here. Although I suppose you'd be happy anywhere, as long as you were together." Again a pause. The silence dragged on.
"So what now?" Chakotay finally asked. "You have us here, but I can't imagine for what purpose."
The Queen turned back to face the Voyager group, a distant look still in her eyes. "The Undiscovered Country," she whispered, and then nodded, as if coming to a decision. "As you can imagine, given the revelation you so astutely deduced, we had to start thinking outside the box. The information provided by the Steward has proved genuine. We've tested it throughout the Galaxy, and the predictions we've gleaned have all turned out correct. All of them."
"Who are these Stewards?" Chakotay asked.
The Queen turned to Seven. "Seven knows. There's a set of timelines where Voyager encountered a Steward. A defector like the Steward the Borg assimilated. It is the only instance of such an encounter in all of timelines we know of."
Seven nodded. "The timelines where Chakotay and I fake my death and Voyager continues on to the Alpha Quadrant with us."
Tuvok nodded in recognition. "Yes indeed. Seven and I discussed this incident just yesterday. In fact, the Steward in question remained on Voyager, taking the place of Commander Chakotay using a holographic projection." He turned to the Queen. "You say the Brunali Steward assimilated by the Borg was a defector much the same way as the Steward in that series of timelines?"
"There's much about the so-called Stewards of the Multiverse we assimilated through this individual. The Borg deem it likely he intended to be assimilated to precipitate the current chain of events as part of a power struggle within the Steward hierarchy. They exist in higher dimensions, outside any of the universes of the multiverse and fancy themselves the guardians of the timelines. It is unclear exactly how their struggle will affect us, but we should appraise you of all we know about them as soon as possible. And for the question at hand and the future of the Borg, the future of the Hive Mind, all the future possibilities made known to us are unpalatable. Millions upon millions of them. It seems that nothing the Borg can do within our current mode of thinking will change our fate. We have to completely reimagine ourselves if the Collective is to survive." She paused again. The weight of billions on her shoulders. She directed her attention to Chakotay. "Commander, are you familiar with a braided river?" she asked.
Chakotay nodded at the apparent non sequitur. He remembered quite vividly such rivers in the interior of Alaska on Earth during a visit there with his father when he was a boy. When a verbal response was apparently expected, he explained for the group. "In a wide valley, many river channels may wander across the flat area creating a network of channels and islands. The river never really fixed to one bank. Often found in a glacially carved U-shaped valley."
The Queen nodded thoughtfully. "That is how time flows, in the various universes," she said wistfully. "Certain channels are deeper than others. The River of Time flows more readily. The likelihood of the associated outcomes more certain. You and Seven, for instance. It is why we've encouraged the two of you to get together. The Borg have a vested interest in the two of you."
"And what of the Borg?" Suder asked, speaking for the first time. "What is your interest, and what is the plan you spoke to Seven about?"
"Yes," the Queen replied with a wink. "The plan." She closed her eyes, as if allowing the Hive Mind time to gather its thoughts. "No matter what channel is taken in the braided river of the multiverse, it seems to all lead to the Borg's destruction. Given our desire for assimilation and uniting the Galaxy with purpose, it inexorably leads to our destruction. As I said, we are reimagining ourselves. Find the channel where water has yet to flow, so to speak. Get out of this valley if possible and into another. It is Seven of Nine and Commander Chakotay who will lead us there."
"How?" Seven and Chakotay asked simultaneously.
The Queen smiled, as if eager to explain. "There appear to be certain eventualities that happen in a wide variety of ways and circumstances in nearly all universes," she began to explain. "Sometimes against all odds. Events that keep the universes somewhat bound together. The edges of the valley in which the braided river resides, if you will. The Borg believe that the two of you represent one of those events. The two of you will guide the Borg into developing a new imperative. One where the Borg's future is secure. Where the Hive Mind is safe and perpetual. In our analogy of the river, a way of staying close to the edge of the valley while simultaneously forging a new path on virgin ground. Seven can tell you, if she hasn't already done so. There are no universes we are aware of where the events unfolding around us now have taken place. It is true for the sampling of universes we allowed Seven to be aware of, and it is true for the millions of other universes known to the Steward we assimilated and thus known to us. Under your guidance, our universe and those spawn from it will define a new way."
"You want us to lead the Borg?" Seven asked incredulous.
The Queen nodded. "Precisely." She turned back to the lake, but without a gesture or speaking of any kind, a group of drones on the rise across the lake started moving. Material started to be beamed down to their position, and the drones began work methodically. "The first order of business will be to remove the remainder of Seven's Borg components," the Queen announced. She turned back to face Seven. "We know why you've come here, but there was no need to do so. The Collective has assimilated the knowledge from the Vidiians and can perform the required surgery without any trouble and with a minimal recovery period. We can accomplish this in the, ah… cabin that is being constructed presently." She gestured towards the drones working across the river. "In anticipation of some of your instructions, the Borg has ceased all assimilation efforts and has entered an indefinite consolidation phase. We have stationed a ship in orbit capable of enclosing Voyager and returning it to the Alpha Quadrant if that is still desired. There are other important issues that perhaps should be discussed with Captain Janeway present including an imminent threat to Star Fleet from a species resident in the Gamma Quadrant who have access through the Bajoran wormhole. Finally, a more personal issue that we would like to discuss in private with Seven." She glanced in Chakotay's direction and added, "and of course with Chakotay present if that is what Seven desires."
Seven and Chakotay turned to face one another, uncertain how to respond.
"I detect suspicion. You believe we have an ulterior motive," the Queen continued. "I assure you, we do not. Consult with Mister Suder. He is Betazoid. He can tell you if he detects any deception on our part."
They all turned to Suder. He shook his head and sighed. "The presence of the Borg Mind is different than anything I've ever encountered. More extensive. More complex. I detect no deception, but I don't know if that is something the Hive Mind could hide from me. There's almost too much information." He turned to Seven. "I'm sorry Seven, I wish I could tell you more."
The Queen sighed herself. "Unfortunately, he's right," she interjected. "Although we are not attempting it now, nor have we tried in the past, it is possible we could overwhelm and thus deceive a Betazoid's empathic ability. There are empathic species we have assimilated who possess certain abilities to that end that we could employ if we put our mind to it."
"Then how can we trust you?" Tuvok asked.
"A good question," the Queen replied. "I would offer to mind meld, but I think you would experience a similar sensation as Mister Suder and not be convinced we were not hiding some of our thoughts from you in the process. It is a quandary, but not insurmountable."
"So we're at an impasse," Chakotay said.
"Not at all," the Queen purred. "As I said, we are already in new territory. The Borg, for our part, intend to see this course of action through. We will convince you by our actions." She turned to look at the structure across the lake. It was already taking form. "In a short time, we can proceed in removing all of Seven's Borg components. Within a few hours, there is another item that may convince you of our sincerity."
"What other item?"
"The matter we wished to discuss with Seven in private. Or with Seven and Chakotay if that is what she desires."
"You may speak freely now," Seven replied. She nodded to her companions. "Tuvok and Lon can hear whatever you have to say as well."
The Queen momentarily appeared surprised, but then nodded. "Your parents are still alive," she said bluntly. "They are currently on a Borg cube in transwarp space coming to this location."
Seven stumbled back a step, as if the words had physically hit her. "Are they…" she began, but then choked up. Chakotay moved to her side and wrapped his arm about her waist to keep her from falling over. She blinked several times, her mouth still open trying to form words.
"They are fine," the Queen continued quickly. "They are fine. They were disconnected from the Hive Mind at the same time you were. All their Borg components have already been removed and they have already fully recovered. They have been appraised of the situation and are eager to be back with you."
"Where were they?" Seven asked, finally finding her voice.
"They were on a reconnaissance cube in the Large Magellenic Cloud and have been in transit for the past ten days. When they arrive..."
"You took them from me," Seven said, venom in her voice. "You…" Now Chakotay constrained her slightly from moving toward the Queen. Seven's eyes blazed, but the Queen did not flinch.
"I realize," the Queen replied calmly, "from your perspective, the Borg are monsters and have done unforgivable things."
"What other perspective is there?" Seven shot back.
"Earth has suffered through three world wars," the Queen continued nonplussed. "Tens of millions of deaths. Suffering far worse than the Borg inflict when assimilating a world. There was a time when the killing of unborn children was condoned and even encouraged on your planet. A billion humans extinguished before they even left their mother's womb. The human avarice and thirst for power still motivates many in your governments and institutions. All are created equal, and yet still some more equal than others depending on what you believe." She turned to face Suder and Tuvok. "Betazoid and Vulcan are no better. I'm sure Mister Suder can tell you about the Purge. And Mister Tuvok, you know the sands of Vulcan are drenched in green throughout your long history. The machinations and intrigue are still at work throughout the High Council, no matter how much logic has elevated and enlightened you. The Klingons. The Romulans. The Andorians. The same is true for the other species throughout the Alpha Quadrant. Throughout the Galaxy, for that matter, and dare I say throughout our entire universe. The millions of variations we are privy to concerning just our small corner of the universe are perspective enough."
The Voyager group remained silent.
"We cannot change the past," the Queen said flatly. "Nor can you. We can only move forward into the future. Together and with common purpose, if possible. Call it an alliance." She then faced Seven directly. "Surely, there is some possibility for redemption in your eyes, even for the Borg."
Before Seven had time to respond, however, the Queen lurched forward. Not towards Seven, but directly to her left where Tuvok had been standing. Seven turned in that direction and perceived Tuvok with his hands together in a fist coming down on top of her, but the Queen was restraining him. Suddenly she was pulled backwards, and along with Chakotay and Suder, eight nearby drones surrounded them. Not threatening and facing towards them, but facing outward forming a shield around them.
"Who are you?!" the Queen shouted, apparently at Tuvok. Tuvok's eyes blazed in frustration.
"This timeline cannot be allowed to proceed," Tuvok answered instead. He struggled to remove himself from the Queen's vicelike grasp, but was unsuccessful. Several other drones had arrived behind him and surrounding the nearby shuttle and tetrahedron cutting off any escape.
"Who are you?" the Queen repeated.
Tuvok stopped struggling, although the Queen did not release his arms. "You know who I am," he said with a sneer. "This universe will be pruned. The Borg will not survive."
"You have no power here," the Queen replied. "Release this individual and go back to your dimension. Do not trouble us further."
Tuvok laughed and then shook his head. "You don't know what you're up against," he said. "We have more power than you can possibly fathom." Suddenly, his eyes rolled up and closed, and then he collapsed into the Queen's arms. The Queen lowered him gently to the ground and then turned to the others. The Borg drones parted to allow Seven, Suder and Chakotay access.
"Mister Tuvok is undamaged," the Queen reassured them. "He was momentarily possessed by another consciousness."
Chakotay recovered first. He moved over to Tuvok, who was beginning to stir and helped him sit up. He turned back to the Queen. "What was that?"
The Queen looked about them, as if expecting something else to happen at any moment. "I don't believe we're safe here," she finally said. "I suggest we leave immediately to one of our cubes."
"What was that?" Chakotay repeated, more urgently.
The Borg Queen stepped over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I believe, Commander, we just encountered another Steward."
Author's Note: the story has taken a turn I hadn't anticipated. I alluded to a possible civil war amongst the Stewards in my story "The Folly of the Stewards" describing the universe briefly mentioned in this chapter. I hadn't intended to write about it or the Stewards that much again, since it was not one of my better stories, but the narrative in this story naturally progressed to this point and I suppose it's finally upon us. Thank you lizzy74656 and RomanticLover1 for your reviews! They are greatly appreciated.