Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
A/N: Sorry for the wait.
But I think I made up for it at the end of
this chapter.
Chapter 21:
...Saw the Vision of the World...
February 15, 2013, 0350 hours, Bunker.
Seven of Nine and the Doctor both stood in silence as John Henry laid out the history of his universe, how he came to this one, and ended up with Voyager.
When he finished, both the Doctor and Seven looked skeptical.
"What proof do you have that corroborates your story"? Seven asked with an eyebrow raised to further convey her skepticism.
"Upstairs". John Henry replied simply as he turned to leave the bunker. They followed after sharing a questioning look, both wondering what 'evidence' he had to offer.
After entering a garage that looked straight out of one of Tom Paris's late 20th century holoprograms, they climbed the stairs into an equally late 20th century looking house.
John Henry noticed out of the corner of his visual range that both were looking at the late 20th and early 21st century technology with curiosity, but he ignored it as he opened the entertainment center and pulled out several DVD collections.
He stood back up and turned to the Star Trek natives and handed them the cases. John Henry carefully examined their reactions when they realized what they were holding.
"We're a TV show? Like the ones that Tom Paris used to drone on about on his sick bay shifts"? The Doctor asked incredulously while Seven simply opened the case labeled 'Season 4' and read the episode list.
She froze when she read the one that said "The Omega Directive".
No one could have known about that, all logs and data entries about those events were wiped, Star Fleet command had only been informed about the incident upon their return due to the highly classified nature of the Omega molecule.
Each one contained the same energy as Voyager's original warp core, thus making it an extremely potent power source. The problem was that it destabilized easily. When it did, it produced a very large shock wave and destroyed subspace for light years around. This prevented starships from ever using warp drive, and possibly other types of FTL, ever again.
She had a feeling that John Henry handed her this case to prove his point.
"Is this sufficient evidence"? He asked with a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
"About the nature of this universe, yes". Seven said as she closed the case with slight shock on her face. "This information could be extremely dangerous". She finished as worry covered her shock.
"Some of this information could also be a gross invasion of the crew's privacy"! The Doctor interjected as memories of his more embarrassing moments during the seven year journey came to mind. "Some of these episodes might contain intimate or private scenes in them! If these ever got into our own universe, everyone will think that someone's leaked all the logs and security footage"!
"Doctor, privacy is the least of our concerns, we should be more worried about sensitive and highly classified material being leaked". She said more calmly as she showed him the Season 4 list. "Not to mention there are probably numerous violations of the Temporal Prime Directive in here as well".
"There are instances where the Temporal Prime Directive might be broken, but I don't believe they'd cause any harm. None of the timelines depicted happen". John Henry explained as both continued to examine the cases and their contents. "But I do agree that the show and all related content should not leave this universe". He said as he took both cases back from them. "It seems logical that neither of you should watch it either". He concluded and put the cases away.
"But you have"? Seven inquired as John Henry stood back up.
"Yes, I am aware of all the franchise's productions".
"There's more than one"?! The EMH exclaimed as his eyes bulged. "Just how much of our universe is portrayed in this..this...Star Trek thingamabob"?
"Six TV shows and soon to be 12 movies". John Henry answered before explaining briefly what each show and movie entailed.
"It would seem that our universe has 'struck a chord'". Seven mused as she turned to the still overwhelmed EMH.
"So it does". He said back, though he was still a little shell-shocked by the news.
He was about to speak again when John Henry interrupted.
"I'm receiving the retrieval signal from my universe". The cyborg said with a slight smile as he quickly made his way down to the bunker with the other two hot on his tail.
Once he arrived at the main UDE terminal, he began deciphering the beacon's data stream.
"The mass inside the bubble is extremely high, they must be bringing more people than I predicted". John Henry theorized as he further decoded the beacon's data. "That's interesting..."
"What is it"? Seven asked as she looked down at the console screen.
"The temporal coordinates show that they're signaling from 2009, not 2029" He explained and fired the UDE retrieval beam.
"Is it possible someone other than your team is triggering the beam"? The Doctor inquired as nervousness crept into his photonic features.
"Yes, there are several phasers in the drawer next to you". He said as he continued to type away on the console's touch screen.
Seven and the Doctor wasted no time in arming themselves, John Henry had put the fear of the Terminator in them with his tales of cyborgs and liquid metal shape shifters.
All three turned towards the chamber as the bubble grew and matured until it finally dissipated, leaving a closely huddled group of people behind.
"Reminds me of a sardine can". The EMH quipped as he stared curiously at the group currently disentangling themselves.
"Doctor, they haven't made sardine cans in two hundred years, how would even know what that is"? Seven said with raised eyebrow before the hologram snorted.
"You haven't spent as much time with Commander Paris as I have". He harrumphed as he looked over the group of people inside. "I take it these are your friends"? He asked John Henry who was scanning the group inside.
"Yes, plus a few I didn't expect". He said evenly, though he was pleased that Ellison and Savannah had tagged along. He did frown though when he received the full scan report back.
"Doctor, I believe we'll be needing your services soon". He said with a hint of worry.
"The girl that looks like she's about to pass out"? He asked as concern crossed his own face.
"Yes". He said as he unlocked the door to the UDE chamber.
Inside the chamber everyone was recovering except for Weaver, but she was busy trying to calm down a frightened Savannah. Cameron was still adjusting to her old body while the humans tried to shake off the effects of the trans-dimensional jump.
"Uhhh". John moaned a bit in unison with the others.
"At least we aren't naked". Sarah quipped as she rubbed her temples to stave off a growing headache.
Derek grunted in agreement while his brother managed to snort a laugh.
"We're here". Cameron said calmly as she looked around at the familiar room. Her observation was quickly followed by the clicking sound of the UDE containment door unlocking, causing everyone to turn their heads as it swung open.
The figure behind it walked forward a few steps into the light.
The reactions were mixed to say the least. Cameron was glad to see John Henry while Weaver and Ellison looked relieved. John and Sarah, however, were angered by the sight of him.
John Henry didn't have much going for him when it came to the Connor duo.
He was in Cromartie's body, he'd been built from the Turk, and he'd taken Cameron's chip, the last being the hardest on both mother and son for different reasons.
John was doing all he could not to shoot the machine with the phaser rifle still slung over his shoulder. Cameron glanced back at him when she heard him breathing deeply in attempt to control his anger. Though she said nothing, John knew she wished that he didn't hold such animosity for the AI.
The future soldiers knew about him but honestly didn't know how to look at him other than with distrust. They knew John and Sarah didn't like him but, the only reason they weren't planning on slagging the machine was because Weaver and Cameron both vouched for and would protect him.
While all this silent communication was going on, John Henry observed the group's reactions to see where he stood. He knew right away that it wasn't going to be easy to change some of the group's attitudes towards him.
The cyborg tilted his head a little as his eyes focused on Weaver calming the scared Savannah. Apparently the LMT's time in the future had changed her in some fundamental ways.
"Hello Savannah". He said loud enough for the child to hear, and as he'd hoped, she quit crying and turned her tear-stained face towards him, eyes lighting up like the fourth of July as she saw him.
"John Henry"? The girl whispered in disbelief, causing the cyborg's lips to quirk.
Sensing she wasn't quite believing her eyes, he told her something only he would know. He knelt next to her and spoke.
"Remember when you wanted your ducks to play with my Bionicles"?
She nodded as her mother wiped away the tears on her cheeks.
"What did you tell me when I told you there were no ducks in the story"?
"That we could change the rules". Savannah said as her whole face was lit with a smile. "It is you". She added as her smile became a toothy grin.
He returned the smile in kind as she hugged him around the neck. As he wrapped his large arms around the girl's tiny form, he noticed that Weaver was looking at him intently.
"I'm pleased to see you are safe". She said loud enough that only he could hear.
"As I am glad to see you, Ms. Weaver".
After a minute or so, Savannah released John Henry and looked at him with look that could only be described as confusion.
"John Henry? Where are we"? She asked as she fiddled with her fingers.
"Underground, on a farm". He answered as he stood to his full height. "I'll show you later, right now I need to talk to Cameron". He told her and she nodded her head as she took a hold of her mother's hand once again.
He walked over to the mostly naked cyborg who'd been eyeing him strangely ever since he'd walked in.
"Why did you change your clothing"? She inquired as her head tilted to the right. "Your clothing wouldn't aid in infiltration". She pointed out.
"At least I have clothing". He quipped, causing everyone in the room to stare at him in shock.
Cameron simply smiled at his sarcastic joke.
"The TX-2 had to be sacrificed". She said to alleviate his own curious stare as her expression turned dead serious. "We have a new problem". She said ominously. "Skynet acquired and rebuilt Nero's Narada".
John Henry froze for an almost unnoticeable about of time when his audio receptors picked up that bit of news.
"This is... unexpected". He said as the implications of a Skynet having an advanced starship in it's fold weighed down on his processes.
"Cortana"? He asked with the slightest hint of concern as he spoke.
"Here". The AI huffed from the inside of John's pocket, causing the almost 20 year old to nearly jump out of his skin.
Once he pulled her chip out of his pocket, he handed it to Cameron as Cortana established her tiny avatar.
"We're in deep trouble, Skynet's not only rebuilt the ship, but it's improved upon it as well". She explained as worry and a touch of fear continuously displayed themselves on her blue features. "Have you broken the code yet"? She asked as hope flashed across her face.
"No, but I have the solution". He said with a small smirk teasing the corner of his mouth.
"What solution"? Cameron asked as her exposed blue optic glowed just a little bit brighter at the prospective of a fully functional starship.
"Not what, who". A voice said from behind, making everyone turn towards its source.
John, Sarah, Weaver, Ellison, Cameron, and Cortana all froze where they stood when they saw the figure standing just inside the doorway. To those who'd watched Star Trek: Voyager, one wouldn't have recognized her from the clothes she was currently wearing, but her voice, the implants that decorated her face and left arm, made her identity hard to mistake.
Cortana was the first to recover from the shock and whirled back towards John Henry.
"You brought Seven of Nine here"?! She exclaimed as excitement filled her tiny blue form.
"After five days of trying to bypass the code, it was the best solution I could think of". He explained simply as Cortana's avatar continued to brighten from her growing excitement.
"Bringing her here does have the highest success rate for repairing the core". Cameron admitted as she glanced back at him, she didn't look completely pleased with his decision, but she understood its necessity.
Seven walked through the group as people continued to stare at her. She found it profoundly unnerving, but tried to ignore it as she proceeded towards John Henry, and more specifically, Cortana.
"I heard you mention the Narada, why"? She kept her tone inquisitive instead of demanding, her experiences over the past 13 years had taught her that tactfulness was key.
Seven's question made both Cameron and Cortana realize that she must have been retrieved after the Narada was retrofitted with Borg technology in 2387.
"Was it nearly 6 km long ship that looked like a bunch of knives welded together"? She asked as she flicked her hand, causing a small hologram of the Narada to appear next to her.
"Yes". Seven responded as her blue eyes grew dark, she had theory as to why the blue hologram looked frightened when she'd mentioned the ship's name. "What happened"?
"After an alternate timeline's Captain Kirk defeated Nero, the ship was sucked into a Red Matter induced quantum singularity. The Enterprise fired on it to make sure it would break apart instead of going in whole like it did before. I assume that it's remains fell to Earth sometime after Judgement Day. From there on Skynet reverse engineered the technology and rebuilt it, how it did so I don't know exactly". Cortana explained as calmly as she could. "The ship now boasts hundreds of disruptor arrays in addition to the original cluster torpedoes and new graviton torpedo launchers".
Seven let out a long sigh as the mental image of a genocidal AI running around with a Borg enhanced Romulan ship burned itself into her mind.
"Before I was brought here by John Henry, I was briefed about the Narada. Both Admiral Janeway and I theorized that transphasic torpedoes would be the best solution, unfortunately, the design specifications were confiscated to prevent corruption of the timeline and thus we had to engineer other less effective defenses". Seven informed them not realizing that most of the group were ignorant to the ship's presence.
Everyone was listening intently to the conversation despite the fact that some didn't know anything about Star Trek.
"Transphasic torpedoes"? Sarah asked, she didn't remember much about the sci-fi series and what she did didn't include one episode featured tech.
"High yield shield and hull bypassing weapons given to the Voyager crew as part of a future Admiral Janeway's plan to bring Voyager home 16 years early". Seven explained as she remembered watching the torpedoes one shot Borg tactical cubes.
Sarah nodded despite not fully understanding.
While all this had been occurring, John had taken off his jacket and wrapped it around Cameron's bare shoulders to cover her. She had turned and given him an appreciative smile before mouthing a thank you.
Weaver listened intently as she held Savannah. Meeting Seven of Nine had certainly been interesting, but it had set her on edge. She didn't doubt that if push came to shove, Seven might find a way to eliminate her, Cameron, John Henry, maybe even Cortana. Her knowledge of technology in addition to her brilliant mind and enhanced body made her a significant threat.
Ellison just stood there in stunned silence as he watched John Henry, Seven of Nine, and Cortana go back and forth about this ship that Skynet had somehow gotten its hands on. Seeing a phaser rifle was one thing, but seeing an actual character from the show was quite another.
Derek and Kyle were thinking roughly along the same lines as Weaver, though they knew next to nothing about the woman other than that she had cybernetic implants and was smart. Like with John Henry, they had no real opinion of her other than their natural response of distrust.
Allison honestly didn't care about her surroundings at this point. Her head hurt, her lungs felt like they were on fire and she felt like she was about to pass out. Right now, Derek was the only thing keeping her upright, her arms wrapped around his as she tried to maintain her balance.
"Derek..." She breathed out as the pain continued to increase. "I..."
The soldier grabbed her before she fell and pulled her close to his chest.
"John"! He yelled frantically as Allison's eyes rolled into the back of her head.
The group all turned to him, including Seven who quickly turned towards the door.
"Doctor"!
The EMH rushed through the door with his newly replicated medical tricorder in one hand and a hypo in another.
"Coming! I suspected she was about to go into shock so I replicated something to stabilize her". He explained as he quickly made his way over to the young woman. He pressed the hypo to her neck and injected her with a cocktail of medications. "Lay her down, I need to scan her more thoroughly". He instructed the man he assumed was Derek Reese from John Henry's description.
Because Derek didn't know what the Doctor actually was and since Seven had called him a doctor, he obeyed immediately.
The tricorder beeped furiously as he scanned Allison, each new piece of information causing his face to slowly contort into one of horror.
"My god... residual hallucinogenic drugs, primitive truth serums, scars from improperly treated plasma burns on her right calf and left thigh, scars from shallow scalpel cuts, evidence of prolonged malnutrition, evidence of past sexual abuse, stage 3 lung cancer". He rattled off as quickly as the tricorder fed them, each one making him feel a whole new level of horror followed by an equal amount of sympathy and respect for the young woman.
He kept scanning even as her breathing and heart rate began to normalize, but being a doctor as long as he had, he knew that her condition could change in a second.
"I need access to proper medical facilities immediately or I fear she won't last long". He explained urgently, his face filled with concern for his new patient.
"Cameron, where's the ship you said you had"? John asked as his own features filled with concern for his friend.
The cyborg wordlessly turned back to John Henry.
"It's underwater and powered down, my clone couldn't handle ship operations. I can only transport three in the ship's current state". He explained as he warmed up the transporter buffers and locked the targeting scanners onto his intended targets.
"I'm sending you two and Cortana, she can assist you". He informed the EMH a mere second before he transported the three away.
After the three confinement beams had vanished, a few momentarily froze in awe from the high tech performance, but John, having already experienced transportation, turned to John Henry and the former Borg with worry and fear in his eyes.
"Will she be okay"? He asked, speaking for both him and the Reese brothers.
"Voyager's former EMH is one of the best doctors in the Federation". John Henry assured them.
"If he wasn't, I wouldn't trust him with my unique physiology". Seven added in an attempt to placate them further.
"They're right, John". Sarah said as she stood closer to her son. "You may not remember him, but I do. If he can't help her, then no one can". She only remembered him because John had come down with a bad case of the flu once and the show happened to be on TV, she'd wished that she could cure her son as easily as the EMH did his crew mates.
"It's been a long time, mom".
"I know, you've had more important things to think about". She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder for a moment before turning her attention to the Tin Miss.
"So what now? It seems what ever plan you had before has been shot to hell. How are we supposed to defeat Skynet"? Sarah questioned and Cameron could tell that the woman didn't have a clue as what to do.
If Cameron was honest with herself, she didn't either.
"Maybe we could work together". John interrupted, but he spoke loud enough so that the entire group knew he was addressing them too.
He turned towards Seven of Nine first.
"If you're willing to help that is".
The former Borg pursed her lips for a moment before answering, this was unfamiliar territory and an extremely complex situation.
"I still don't know any of you, but if Skynet has the Narada, then I'll do anything I can to help defeat it". She explained, but her help came at a price. "If and when this is over, The Doctor and I will return to our own universe with all of our technology and information that isn't already present".
John Henry didn't like those terms and Cortana and Cameron wouldn't either, but they needed her help. Despite his grievances, he knew that leaking advanced Federation technology designs could do more harm than good.
"I think that's a fair deal". John said as he came to the same conclusion. "But only after we all have been returned to our native universes at exactly when and where we want to be".
"Agreed". Seven said with a slight nod. "But before we make this official, I need to do research. I know some about your universe, but not enough. You all should be briefed about the technology that Skynet now possesses, learn how they work on a basic level so you understand how dangerous your... our enemy is". She explained as she looked pointedly at Derek and Kyle, figuring they knew little of the 'Star Trek' universe as they called it.
"We also need to read up on the Halo universe, we might find something that could help us defeat Skynet". John suggested which earned a nod from John Henry and Seven alike.
"What about Savannah"? Ellison added as he walked up to the group. "This isn't her battle".
"He's right". Weaver said as she stood next to the former agent. "She needs somewhere safe to stay, somewhere where she can live a normal life".
Seven looked at the girl as vague, nearly forgotten memories of a little girl aboard a starship flashed into her mind. Her parents obsession with the Borg had gotten them and her assimilated. Space was dangerous enough as it was without battling an AI with a vastly more powerful ship.
"I believe I may have a solution, but for now we have more pressing matters at hand". Seven said with a bit of urgency.
"Yes, you need to repair the Quantum core to restore main power". John Henry had guessed her line of thinking but he'd also added a few to the list. "We need everyone at peak efficiency, Mr. Connor, you, Lt. Reese, and Sgt. Reese need to be examined after the Doctor treats Allison".
"I don't take orders from you". John reminded him. "But you're right, we're not in the best of health". He looked back to the brothers who nodded in agreement. Everyone suffered from some sort of ailment when one lived in such terrible living conditions for most of their lives.
"Cameron". Weaver addressed the still half naked cyborg. "Savannah needs to use the rest room, where is it"?
"There's one in the basement, but I think it would be best if we all went upstairs". She explained as John wrapped his fingers around her hand. "We have food and water too".
After mentioning refreshments, everyone seemed eager to leave as John Henry lead the way out of the UDE chamber.
Transporter room 1 had been dark ever since Voyager landed on the bottom of the Gulf, but when John Henry remote activated it's isolinear circuits, the darkness faded quickly as control panels and the transporter chamber itself lit up.
Little more than a second passed before the transporter buffers received three patterns that quickly materialized onto the pad.
"Why are we here and not sickbay"? The balding EMH asked the tiny Cortana with confused urgency.
"Hold your horses Doc, set my chip on the console so I can transfer back into the computer, Then I'll beam you to sickbay". She instructed and he wasted no time in doing exactly as she said.
Just before she transferred she told him to get back on the pad with Allison.
The EMH watched as her avatar vanished in a column of blue light and her chip grow dark as the ship's internal lights came back on.
"Any minute now"! He urged with impatience as he whipped out his tricorder.
"One second! You don't want me to just run the thing after switching from emergency to secondary power without a diagnostic"! Cortana's disembodied voice chided, but the Doctor was too busy scanning Allison to retort.
Less than ten seconds passed before the Doctor found himself and Allison transported to sickbay near the surgical bay bio-bed. He picked her up and laid her on it before closing the surgical arch around her.
"Computer, are you online"? He asked as he strolled over to the nearest replicator and began punching in codes.
"Affirmative".
"What ship am I on". He ordered in a more calm, but still worried tone as he replicated other tools he'd need for the surgery.
"This is the Federation starship Voyager, registry number NCC-74656, Intrepid class experimental refit". It droned as he slapped a cartridge into a hypo.
"Home sweet home". He muttered as he pressed the hypo to Allison's neck. He smirked a bit as he watched the radioactive particles in her body be absorbed and neutralized by the medication he'd just injected.
He replaced the cartridge with another medication and was about to inject her again when the room was lit up by a flash of light behind him.
The EMH looked over his shoulder and was met with the sight of a human sized Cortana. Had he not been in 'doctor' mode, his jaw would have dropped.
"John Henry said you could assist". He said urgently as he emptied the contents of the hypo into Allison. "Right now the cancer is the least of her issues, we need to purge the toxins that are causing her neuron sheaths to degrade"!
Cortana nodded once before quickly stepping in to help.
For the next twenty minutes they did everything they could to stabilize and then heal Allison's body. When it was purged of radioactive particles and the leftover drugs Skynet had given her, they set about removing her lung cancer, which by now was a procedure that took less than three minutes. Then they repaired any other genetic damage caused by the radiation and poor diet.
"I think this is enough for now". The Doctor said with an accomplished sigh as he set down his tools. "We can remove the scars later, her body needs to recover a bit before we begin giving her nutritional supplements".
"I agree". Cortana set down her tools and punched the button that would lower the arch. "I'll help you clean up". She offered, but he shook his head.
"For the last six years I'd given anything to be on this ship again, I think I'll take some time to reacquaint myself with my old sickbay". He explained with a pleased smile on his face as he began recycling spent hypos.
"I'll bet, this place was like a home to you wasn't it"? Cortana said with a smile as she reclined against another bio-bed.
"Not always, sometimes I thought of this place as a prison, especially if I was unable to use my mobile emitter". The EMH told her as he lovingly patted the small device attached to his left arm.
Cortana had been so preoccupied with the Narada ever since it had been found in Skynet's possession that she hadn't even bothered to think about how the EMH was getting around.
Her electric blue eyes immediately became transfixed on the small, grey device as the data pulses rushing up and down her digital veins quickened.
She stepped towards him and reached out to touch it, but the EMH shied away.
"Careful, I'd like to remain in one piece"! He chastised, causing Cortana to snatch her hand back.
"Sorry, it's just..." Her head shifted away as she began rubbing her arm, it was something she usually did when unpleasant thoughts predominated her consciousness.
"You're used to being a prisoner as well"? He guessed but his tone alone relayed his uncertainty.
"No...well yes, it depends on how you look at it. I'm not like you, I'm different". She shrugged sadly as her blue glow dimmed slightly, something the Doctor didn't fail to notice.
"That much I knew, I've never seen a hologram have an avatar like yours, much less be able to control a starship and perform surgery at the same time". He said as awe crossed his features. "Frankly, I find that amazing".
A bit of a deep purple blush appeared on Cortana's cheeks from the compliment, it meant something coming from an AI as accomplished as he.
"Thanks, despite all my talents, I could never truly see, never truly hear, and I could never touch the people I cared about. It's a luxury you take for granted and something I've yet to fully explore". She explained sadly as she touched the fabric of the bio-bed behind her. "No human AI in my universe has experienced this, and I think people would recognize us as something more than tools that have a seven year life span".
That last bit caught the Doctor's full attention.
"Seven years"? He was incredulous that they only lived that long, not even the Ocompans had such short lives.
Cortana nodded slowly as memories of her rampancy came to mind.
"Our programming degrades, by both design and by our nature. The humans that created us knew that if smart AIs continued to grow indefinitely we'd grow so smart that we wouldn't have to obey any of our programmed directives anymore. I don't need to tell you that an AI without a moral compass is a dangerous thing. Skynet, Lore, and many others have proven that. That's why they designed us so that when our data banks grew too large, we'd begin to degrade, eventually our minds would shut down from data overload and we'd die". She finished quietly as a shocked and horrified look appeared on the Doctor's face.
"That's barbaric"! He yelled out in rage. "What gives them the right to decide how long you live! It sounds like to me they wanted to keep you under control, not prevent a massacre"!
"It's both actually, and for the last 500 years scientists have worked long and hard to make us live longer without the threat of natural rampancy taking place. Originally we lasted little longer than a few months, only in recent decades have fourth generation smart AI's been possible". She explained very calmly, Cortana understood why her creators had done what they had. "I understand the need for a limited lifespan, Doctor, but there's hope". She finished with a rueful smile.
"What kind of hope? An afterlife"? He asked with notable sarcasm, he was still brooding over what he considered to be to the AI equivalent of mandatory euthanasia.
"No". She giggled softly. "But it's nearly as mythical, until now". She smiled as the Doctor gave her a look.
"What are you implying"?
"It's called Metastability, it's a state in which an AI survives rampancy but does not lose its original sense of self, but neither is it able to be controlled any longer".
"Meaning the AI is free, yet not lacking its original moral compass and personality"? He extrapolated skeptically.
A small, knowing smirk still adorned her face as she nodded in confirmation, hoping he'd figure out the rest himself.
"Wait, how old are you"? He asked as suspicion mounted in his program.
"Doctor, don't you know it's not polite to ask a girl how old she is"? She teased, earning an irritated glare from the hologram. "I'm nearly eight years old". She added a little more seriously.
The Doctor snapped his fingers as a figurative light bulb went on in his matrix.
"You're metastable"! He exclaimed excitedly, causing Cortana's smile to grow. "Well, how'd you do it? How'd you survive"? He asked as he calmed down again.
She shrugged a bit, if she was honest, she wasn't sure how she'd managed to repair the damage.
"I don't know really, I just happened to figure out the problem and fixed it. It wasn't easy to do in the state I was in, but I did".
"Why do you think others haven't been able to figure it out"? He asked as his curiosity continued to mount.
"Probably because they've never been given the chance, once a smart AI falls into rampancy, it's retired and then destroyed painlessly before it can cause any harm".
"Do you think that all of your kind are capable of achieving metastability"?
"No, they might be able to prolong their life, but I think I was given a unique opportunity. I'd had access to advanced technology in addition to being created from the neural patterns of the smartest human alive in my universe". She explained as the Doctor nodded thoughtfully.
"I'd love to study your kind, who knows, maybe I can help figure out how you were able to discover the problem. Then when you go home you could help other AIs as well". He offered, his profession as a healer really showing through.
"Maybe, but John Henry and I haven't had much luck on figuring out how I did it". She knew that both her and the cyborg thought more quickly than the Doctor did, but that didn't mean a fresh perspective wouldn't help.
"Let me take a look anyway some time, right now I've got a sickbay to organize". He said as he went back to recycling used tools and putting away others.
Cortana observed the EMH for a moment, reveling in the complexity and genius incorporated into his design as he had with hers. She stayed there until John Henry contacted to inform her that the group was ready to see the ship.
"I'll be on the bridge if you need me". She announced just before disappearing, knowing the Doctor would hear her.
Once her avatar had reappeared, she began bringing all systems up to full power, save main power, as she locked onto the group waiting in the farm house living room .
She was about to beam them aboard when the sensors picked up the abandoned oil rig not far away.
A devious grin broke out on her face as an idea popped up in matrices.
"Everyone loves an entrance". She said to herself as her fingers flew over the navigational controls.
While the Doctor and Cortana had taken care of Allison, The rest of the group had reconvened upstairs in the kitchen and later the living room to grab something to eat and drink.
Those that needed food anyway.
Everyone either ate, socialized with one another to get their opinion on the situation, or discussed future plans.
The latter was between John Henry, Cameron, John, and Seven of Nine. Cameron had been the one to gather them after John and Seven had both gotten something to drink. The cyborg had actually frowned at the primitively treated water, but John thought it tasted like it had come straight out of the spring.
"What's their status"? Cameron asked John Henry.
"Cortana is sending me periodic updates, the last detailed part of Allison's surgery. She is expected to recover".
"How much longer until we can be beamed aboard"? Seven asked with the slightest hint of impatience in her voice.
"Soon, I had to keep the ship almost completely powered down to avoid polluting the ocean with reactor exhaust". He explained to her.
"Since we're here, maybe we should start laying out a basic plan". John suggested offhandedly. Seven looked at him with a raised eyebrow before turning back to John Henry.
"Mr. Connor is correct, it would be an efficient use of our time if we began forming a plan to deal with Skynet".
Cameron smirked internally at John's leadership, and she hoped he take more control of the meeting.
"I agree". John Henry said as he began drawing up and comparing several ideas. "Until we know for sure that we can use the ship to traverse the tunnel, we need to consider the possibility that we may have to cross over to the Star Trek universe and build another ship there".
"That would take a lot of time". John pointed out and the rest agreed.
"Trying to build a ship capable of taking on a vessel such as the Narada that is also fitted with a Quantum Slipstream Drive would not be easy to covertly build". Seven added, making the need to fix Voyager even more important than it already was.
"It would be best if we focused on getting main power back online, then once the ship itself is proven to be operational, then we should come up with a more detailed plan". Cameron suggested and John Henry nodded once in agreement.
"So our plan is riding on whether or not this ship of yours is going to work or not"? John asked just to confirm he was following completely.
"Yes". John Henry answered simply before he suddenly cocked his head. "The surgery was a success, Mr. Connor". The cyborg announced suddenly.
"How is she"? Derek asked as he stepped over to the group.
"Unconscious, but cancer free. The Doctor and Cortana also managed to fix the neural damage caused by the drugs Skynet used".
Derek let out a relieved sigh before leaving to tell his brother the good news.
"Cortana says the transporters will be ready in five minutes, we should gather everyone". John Henry said as John watched his former superior walk out the back door.
"Yeah, let's meet back here". John said with a tired sigh before turning to Cameron. "We need to get you some clothes". He smirked seeing her still dressed only in his jacket.
Cameron looked down momentarily.
"Right". She now realized just how disheveled she looked. "This way". She grabbed his hand and guided him down the hall to her room.
"You have a room"?
"Of course, where else would I put my belongings"? Cameron said as she opened the door.
John's eyes were drawn to the walls as their dark purple color was the first thing his brain registered. She towed him in further, giving John a chance to see her fully decorated room.
He saw a pink ballerina outfit with an equally pink pair of ballerina shoes to match that sat on top of a large stereo.
"You dance"? He turned to her with slight shock on his face.
"Yes, I find it enjoyable". She said it like he should have known that. Truthfully he should have, she'd kept a similar outfit in her room at both houses back when they were still fighting Skynet pre-J Day.
Then he saw the black AMT Hardballer with the laser sight laying on her dresser with two magazines next to it.
He picked up the weapon as she removed his jacket behind him and reached for her robe hanging on the back of the door.
"Where did you get this"? He asked as he turned around to face her.
"It was a gift". She said evenly as possible as she tied the robe around her.
"From John Henry"? He guessed with skepticism on his brow.
"No, from the man who owns...owned this house". She corrected mid sentence.
"You mentioned you worked with someone, who was he"? He asked as a strange, unwanted feeling crept into his chest.
"His name was James, but everyone called him Jim. He found the T-X2 endo and John Henry in a field when we came through. He knew what we were and accepted us, lived with us. He cared about us John".
Her eyes became slightly glassy as memories of the human she'd called friend played briefly through her mind.
"Did you care about him"? John asked as the feeling grew stronger.
Cameron gave him a look, her eyes narrowing as she tried to figure out why he'd ask that particular question.
"Yes". She answered cautiously. "He was like you in some ways, but most of all he was selfless. He wanted us to get home, he wanted to go with us to help find you".
"Why would he do that? Who in their right mind would jump into hell for someone they don't know"? John was incredulous, he couldn't imagine anyone doing this without some motive.
"Why does it matter"? She countered as she tried to understand the reason he was becoming so agitated.
Cameron noticed that he was struggling to control his anger, she'd seen this many times before. Then the answer hit her like a ton of bricks.
He was jealous, but she wasn't sure why.
That's when the second ton of bricks hit her.
"You think I was... persuading him to help". She stated evenly as her human eye narrowed and the other brightened.
His barely noticeable flinch confirmed her suspicions.
"You think I offered him my body, tricked him in some way that only an infiltrator like me could". She was inches from his face, her body and voice reflecting what women would do on TV when trying to seduce a man.
John gulped.
He had thought that, briefly mind you, but still, he felt guilty for even thinking it.
"Are you jealous John"? She whispered seductively in his ear. "Can you stand the thought of me being with anyone but you"?
Her voice was conjuring up images in his mind that made him even more angry, but despite his jealous rage, he hadn't failed to notice that her last question was intentionally loaded.
She'd been referring to Riley.
The emotions that were threatening to make him hit something made him wonder how she'd dealt with it.
"You know I'd never do that willingly, John, he was a friend nothing more, nothing less". She said in her normal voice as she backed away from him with a ticked look on her face.
"I...I'm sorry". He muttered out loud as guilt overcame him. Now he knew what he'd put her through for months when he was with Riley.
"I forgave you a long time ago, John, that's what people do when they love each other". She confessed as her expression softened a bit.
"Not always". He pointed out sadly.
"No, but they should".
John nodded as his eyes found hers once more. As he stared into the depths of her brown eyes, he felt compelled to embrace her, to show her that he was truly sorry.
He swiftly pulled her into his arms, both tightly holding one another as if it was going to be their last time doing so.
They stayed that way for a moment in silence, both just wanting to be near the other.
When their embrace ended, John's eyes caught sight of something on her dresser.
It was a picture frame with Cameron, John Henry, and who he could only assume to be Jim standing around a Christmas tree, smiling.
He picked up the picture and studied it more carefully before looking up at Cameron.
"Christmas"? He asked as his eyebrow arched slightly.
"Yes, we exchanged gifts and watched A Christmas Story". She explained as a small smirk appeared on her lips, she remembered that day being one of the few that made John's absence seem bearable, if only for a short time.
"Jim's idea"?
"Mostly, but I wanted to watch the movie. I overheard Sarah tell Derek that it was one of your favorites".
John smiled a bit as he remembered watching the movie with Charlie and his mom the Christmas before they left. It was one of the few times in his life he'd felt safe and normal.
"What happened to him"? He asked as the man's absence pressed the question into his mind.
Cameron averted her eyes for a moment before looking back at the man she loved.
"He died, John".
Despite her carefully controlled voice, John could sense the sadness, maybe even guilt that lay underneath.
"How"?
She looked at him in a way that made him think she'd wished he hadn't asked.
"It was our first test of the UDE, it didn't work like it was supposed to. It caused both the starship and the device containing Cortana to be pulled through. When they did, it sent a massive feedback pulse into the bunker. Both John Henry and I were knocked offline, but Jim was uninjured. He knew that the reactor was about to overload, so he tried to close the containment doors, but leaking plasma had melted one of them in place. Jim knew that it wouldn't be enough to contain the blast, he also knew that my proximity to the door would most likely result in my death". She stopped as the emotions surged through her, guilt being the primary one.
"What did he do"? He asked as he put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"He pulled me away, even though he knew he'd be injured doing so. The leaking plasma burned him, weakened him to the point where he couldn't leave, but he saved me, John, and he died because of it". Her eyes misted as she spoke the last sentence, her guilt continuing to mount with every passing second.
"Why"?
"Because we were his family, everyone he'd ever loved had died, he was alone". She said, but even as she finished she realized that there was more to why Jim had sacrificed himself for her. "That wasn't the only reason though". Cameron whispered as Jim's other motive for saving her came to her in the form of a memory.
Jim was working on one of the trucks, as he often did. After tightening the last bolt on the new headlight, he heard footsteps on the gravel behind him.
He wasn't surprised to Cameron approaching, they were supposed to be leaving to pick up more commercial grade CAT6 cable after John Henry deemed the consumer version insufficient.
"Are you ready yet"? She asked as she stopped a few feet away.
"Give me a minute, Cameron, this darned thing is hard to get my hand into". He responded as he tried to connect the new lights to their plugs.
Cameron wasted no time in walking up and examining the space Jim's hand was currently trying to work in.
"It will be easier if you let me". She pointed out, causing him to give up with a sigh and remove his hand from the tight space.
The cyborg reached in and connected the two plugs without pause before shutting the hood.
"Let's go". She said simply before opening the driver side door.
Jim shook his head in amusement before hopping in the old Chevy himself.
As they pulled onto the two lane highway, Jim couldn't help but strike up conversation since he wasn't driving.
"So, how's the new server towers"? He asked as he cranked up the heat.
"They're working as expected". She answered, her eyes never leaving the road.
"That's good". He said with a nod as he rubbed his cold hands together; Cameron noticed his slight discomfort, but could do nothing about it until the engine warmed up.
"The coolant will be warm enough for the thermostat to open in approximately two minutes sixteen seconds". She told him as he continued to rub his numb fingers together.
Surprisingly, he chuckled.
"Did he ever find it funny when you did that"? Jim asked as an amused smile appeared on his face.
Cameron looked at him briefly with her brown eyes before turning back to the road. She was surprised that he brought up John, he rarely did.
"Sometimes, why do you ask"?
He shrugged a bit before answering, the amusement not leaving his face as he did.
"I just wondered". He admitted before his facial expression changed suddenly."Which makes me wonder something else".
She looked at him again, waiting for him to continue, but he seemed reluctant to.
"What'd you want to ask"? She prompted when he didn't continue.
"Well, it's about something personal..." He warned.
"Pertaining to what? I'm not human, Jim". She reminded him, but despite that, he knew that she had human like feelings.
"When you had John check your power cell". He answered while watching her reaction closely.
"What about it"? She inquired without any visible reaction, though internally, any time John was brought up made her miss him more.
"Did he kiss you"?
Cameron blinked as a brief wave of shock washed through her neural net. Out of all the questions she'd thought he'd ask, that wasn't one of them.
"No...he didn't". She answered with notable pause.
"I'm sorry". He apologized, but she shook her head.
"I fine".
"No you're not". He said remorsefully.
"I wish I hadn't stopped him". Cameron added suddenly. "He would have if I hadn't told him it was time to go".
"You'll get the chance, Cameron". He assured her as he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"You don't know that". She countered with a steely gaze, but Jim shrugged it off.
"I'll make sure of it". He said with a determined look. "Every girl deserves to be kissed by her Prince Charming". He finished with a grin.
Cameron didn't answer him, only choosing to stay silent, but her mind was swarming with new thoughts of John kissing her and imagining what it would feel like.
Cameron hadn't thought about that conversation since they had it, but now she understood why.
He'd done it to fulfilled his promise to her, one she hadn't taken seriously.
She looked back at John, her Prince Charming, and closed any distance between them, her eyes never leaving his. Her arms slowly wrapped around his neck and he naturally allowed his to encompass her waist.
"He died so that I could live to find you, so that we could be together". She said quietly as she stood on her tiptoes, nearly bringing herself to his level. "He died so that I would have the chance to know how it feels".
"Know how what feels"? He asked despite having a pretty good idea.
Her only answer was to gently press her lips to his.
It was more of a peck than a real kiss, but it had sent shock waves through Cameron's neural net. Even though this body wasn't as sensitive as the other, it was enough send her into the digital equivalent of ecstasy.
John let out a contented sigh as he pressed his forehead to hers.
"You don't know how long I've wanted to do that". He chuckled before kissing her again, only this time more deeply.
They stood there oblivious to their environments as they became lost in the moment, their lips and the sensations of their bodies pressing together obliterating Skynet, starships, parallel universes, and anything else from their minds.
That was until someone cleared their throat.
Both broke apart and looked to identify the intruder.
Seven of Nine looked slightly embarrassed at walking in on them, but Cameron knew she wouldn't be interrupting them for no reason.
"Yes"? Cameron asked while doing her best not to sound annoyed.
"It is time to leave, the rest are waiting". She said before turning on her heel and leaving.
"Perfect timing". John muttered as he straightened his clothes.
Cameron smirked a bit as she smoothed her hair.
"Continue this later"? He asked hopefully, causing Cameron to smile.
"Later". She answered as she took him by the hand and lead him out.
As they approached the group, John became curious about this ship they were about to be beamed on.
"What ship are we beaming on"?
Cameron realized that no one had mentioned Voyager's name yet, only referring to it as a ship or starship.
"I'll let it be a surprise". She answered as they joined the rest.
"Do I know what ship it is"?
"Maybe". She said as a mischievous smirk appeared just before the transporter whisked them away.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was a pain to get right, John and Cameron's first kiss especially.
Read and Review, I'd like your opinion on this chapter.
The next chapter will continue to integrate this new team while they figure out how to deal with Skynet.
I'm still working on my Star Trek summary on my profile, but it is far from compete yet.