Chapter 3:

The Return of the Borg

Captain's Log: Supplemental. Despite my reservations, I have agreed to seek out the Borg, with the assistance of Commanders Data and LaForge. We will attempt to retrace our steps since we saw Hugh last, during our encounter with Lore, Data's "brother."

Conference Room

The crew of the Enterprise returns to the unknown planet with the EM interference where they last saw the Borg group of individuals in the underground. An away team scans the surface and underground areas. After an hour, "No traces of the underground group detected on the surface or their last known coordinates," Worf reported. Picard wonder whatever happened to them. "Perhaps it would be prudent to contact Admiral Haden in Starfleet. He was not apprised of our new step in our mission objective." Data suggested. "Quite right, Mr. Data. Please make the necessary communiques." "Aye, sir." As Data contacts Starfleet, Troi asks, "Captain, since the Borg attacked Wolf 359, and the underground group's interference with Lore later on, albeit a few years later, could the Federation been more accepting of the Borg? We honestly have had no word from the Borg since before the disappearance of the USS Voyager. Maybe something has changed." Picard replies, inhaling and exhaling in thought, "It is quite possible the Borg are limited to the Delta Quadrant. But what we know of transwarp technology now compatible with the new line of starships, including this Enterprise-E, it's best to be prepared for any Borg bombardment or attack/invasion."

Riker sends an alert, "Captain, Mr. Data has made contact with Starfleet. Admiral Haden and other brass admirals would like us to meet them at starbase 1." "Acknowledge. Set a course for Earth, maximum warp.!"

As the crew approaches Earth, Admiral Haden is on the viewscreen. "Mr. Data has informed me of your plan to contact the Borg drone known as 'Hugh". "Despite my personal reservations and better judgments, all other alternatives were not available, sir." Admiral smirked, "Oh, I have one. Beam down. No security necessary." Picard nodded, "We'll send an away team. Enterprise out!"

As they beam down to the base, Admiral Haden greets them, with Nechayev and others. "Captain, if you'll come with us." Haden leads them down to Earth's surface to H Q and Starfleet Academy. "When you said that all your alternatives were exhausted, someone beat you to the punch in getting help." Haden directed Picard to a gentleman who had his back to them. The gentleman turns and greets, "Welcome home, Captain." "Ambassador Spock!" The two men greet each with the Vulcan salute and shake hands. "I thought you were busy with the Reunificationists." "Indeed, I was. But that communique was several weeks ago. D'tan, whom you would remember is now leading the Unification Movement in my stead." Troi asks, "How is that going?' "It is proceeding a pace, Counselor."

Facing Picard, "Walk with me, please. I have read your report regarding the Borg drone you called Hugh. Mind you, it's been 2.45 years since your last encounter with Hugh. During that time, he has been made a Federation citizen and with improvements to the Medical database, I believe he has regained most of his organic material." "A Federation citizen?!" Picard exclaims surprisingly, "Not a prisoner?" "Oh, no, Jean-Luc," Haden answers, "He willingly asks to join us in our pursuit of ending the Borg once and for all. He turned himself willingly, along with all his fellow Xbs." "My word!" Spock directs Picard and crew down a corridor. "You will find Mr. Hugh in Medical ward 2. Down this corridor, second door on the left." "Ambassador, it is an honor to see you again. Live long and prosper." Spock gives the hand greeting once again, "And to you, Captain. Live long and prosper. Good luck in finding the Voyager." Troi, "Why don't you join us," "Your suggestion is most welcome, Commander; however I'm here also going through a medical sabbatical, if you will." "Bendii?" "Indeed, as you know my father suffered from the same ailment. For myself, it is in the early stages and treatment has already begun. But I had already decided long ago to retire from Starfleet after my 200th birthday. That day approaches more and more." "Oh, not for a long while, sir." "It is true, it is still only 59 years away; but the effects of Bendii syndrome are as you know, unexpected. If you'll excuse me." Spock left them at the corridor.

"To have him and his crew again..." Picard became lost. "Captain?" "Hm, yes of course." They walk down to the door the ambassador indicated. Picard presses a button. "Come in, please." The doors open. "Captain Jean-Luc Picard!" Picard is surprised, taken aback. "This can't be Hugh!" Hugh, Third of Five, was without his Borg uniform; but in a starfleet civilian attire. "It is good to see you, sir. Ms. Troi. Mr. Data, Mr. LaForge." Everyone is ecstatic of meeting Hugh again. Hugs all around. "My, what a change, I was not expecting this." "It's all thanks to that Doctor of yours from the Enterprise-D."

After meeting the rest of the crew and reporting on his whereabouts, Hugh went down to business. "Hugh, have you been in contact with any Borg drones, X-Bs, in the Delta Quadrant." Hugh nodded, "I have sent teams of X-Bs, to do what I did after you sent me back, Captain. I haven't heard from them in 2 years." "That's not good news. Do you know of our mission regarding the USS Voyager?" "Admiral Haden and others have kept me up to speed, including Admiral Paris, whose son was on that ship." LaForge, "Can you help find a way into the Delta using the transwarp tech?" Smiling, Hugh answered, "I'm the only one who can help you and I have no problem assisting my Federation friends. Since all major battleships and starships have this tech, after Wolf 359, it should be easier to use it since Lore's interference with us X-Bs." Everyone was overjoyed, "Why won't others allies help us? The Klingons, the Vulcans," Picard asks. "The Klingons would declare any ship in the Delta Quadrant missing with all hands lost. The Vulcans believe it to be illogical to use transwarp technology, too advanced. Starfleet is the only group; besides the Ferengi; but I don't have any contacts on Ferenginar."

"If you're ready; we're ready! Mr. Hugh, you'll be assigned to Mr. LaForge in Engineering. Let's find that crew and bring them home. Dismissed!"