Part X.

"Computer lights"
The lights in her quarters came on.
"What time is it?" She asked the computer.

=/\= 08:30 hours =/\=

`Had the time gone so quickly` She thought to herself. She decided it was best to get out of bed and get started on removing the Borg Components again.

"Computer activate Sonic Shower" Before she stepped in it she asked the computer one more question "Where is Tom Paris?"

=/\= Lieutenant Tom Paris is on the Bridge =/\=

She smiled and entered the shower.

"This is... acceptable," the alien's voice came back. "Our away team located a large clearing about half a kilometer due south of our ship. Perhaps we could meet there in an hour?"

"Neutral ground... agreed. We will meet there in an hour." With that, Lintorhan closed the communication link and sank back into her chair with a heartfelt sigh of relief. That had gone much better than she'd hoped. Much better indeed. But now was not the time for self-congratulation. They had an hour to get their... guests to the meeting place and return them to their people. It could be tricky. Perhaps she should have arranged for more time to prepare? But what was done was done. She tapped another button on her console and had a brief conversation with the commanding officer the current guard shift before heading into the secondary chamber to inform the rest of the Five as to the agreement.

They ended the communication on that note. Captain Janeway sighed more hopeful, and praised T'Punn for her part in it. She strolled over to her chair. Tom Paris had listened attentively from his seat, and had questions.

"Captain. Just out of curiosity, why didn't you ask the name of the crewman that died?"

"That's an easy one, Mr. Paris. It's because it cannot make any difference to me who is dead; but if I found out that the dead human was perhaps Chakotay... as much as I tried, I would probably be unable to hide my bias."

"You know, somehow that answer seems surprising to me." he replied.

"Captains are all too human, Tom. Even the almighty Federation can't control some things, though they try."

They talked on that subject for several minutes. Captain Janeway then left the Bridge in Lieutenant Paris' charge, and headed to her quarters to freshen up before détente.

She exited the turbolift. As she promptly entered the doors to her quarters, Captain Janeway noticed her scrap encrusted dinner dishes still on the parlor area table.

She sighed at her lack of neatness and returned it all to the replicator for recycle. Looking around the little flat she called home in more detail... it was obvious that she had been neglecting the place for quite a while.

'This room needs a... maid. Maybe a holographic one. I bet she'd even do windows.' she thought jokingly.

Throwing her hands in the air, the mess was overlooked for now... and she headed for the sonic shower.

After showering and putting on a fresh uniform, the Captain stopped on her way out of the door. A book Chakotay had given her on her last birthday caught her eye from a shelf. It was 'Lair of the White Worm' by Stoker.

Not much of a horror fan, the day he gave it to her earned him an subtly odd look, though she accepted it graciously.

"There is an important meaning to it all." he said on that Spring morning. She never had gotten around to reading it to this day.

"Chakotay. You better be alive, or I'll never read this damn book." she muttered to herself as she now held it in her hands.

She was desperately worried about the dead human's identity, in spite of her office. Her revelation to Tom earlier was the soft version; the truth was that it simply had to be someone other than Chakotay that died.

She shook her head at that fact and put the book back in it's place. She left her quarters, with 30 minutes remaining until the meeting... and the news.

The intricacies which enable technology and biology to coexist... a race which didn't understand how to execute the miracle, only how to work it.....

The Doctor took a set of tongs from Kes which held a hair thin strand of titanium. Whomever coined the phrase "damage control" had to have been in a similar situation.

"Status?"

"Respiration normal. Neurotransmitters are accepting the 'detour' you've configured."

"Thank you, Kes," he mumbled. Head down, eyes razor focused, he carefully worked to re-attach the interface which housed Seven's cortical node to her cerebral cortex. He removed the damaged bits of Borg connectoids, their appearance black and brittle.

Seven of Nine required the Doctor to follow more traditional, hands-on procedures. Invasive surgery, cutting flesh manually, tying and twisting metallic thread. That technology was in part responsible for directing her higher functions was a blessing in disguise; he was able to reroute her neurological functions while working on tying up loose ends in her right frontal lobe.

When faced with such a challenge, he overrode the autonomous functions which caused him to blink. Nothing must interfere with the surgery while he was handling the titanium...

Acting High-Lieutenant Breshak once more found herself, dressed in a full - if currently inactive - camouflage suit, walking down the cell-block corridor. She was, however, understandably somewhat shell-shocked. *She* would be accompanying Justice when she made contact with the aliens. She, acting High-Lieutenant Breshak, would meet the commander of these aliens face to face, *her* and not some diplomat. Admittedly, no-one had any experience negotiating with other beings, but that was beside the point. She could, however, see the underlying wisdom in the Council's decision. Despite her low rank, she was one of the cell block commanders, and as such, had considerable contact with the prisoners - albeit most of it non-verbal and from the other side of force fields. She also suspected that she was the most pro-alien among her colleagues, and they needed a favourable outlook on this mission. She was handy with the new, modified weapons and, of course, her relatively low real rank made her excellent cannon fodder should the aliens turn out to be treacherous after all. She was to be part body-guard, part prison guard and part diplomat. And the promotion would stay should the mission be successful.

She approached the cell containing Commander and deactivated the forcefield, then took a step back.

Chakotay looked up, glanced in the direction of Tuvok and Horton's cell, then back again. "Where will you be taking me? Are you setting me free? Or taking me someplace else?"

"We have made contact with your ship and have agreed to return you to your people. Please step out into the corridor and wait while I release the other two. I add now that any hostile action or attempt to flee now will reluctantly be met by force."

He looked calmly at the concealed features and nodded. "I understand. You will get no resistance from us." Standing straight with dignity, he stepped forward. If the resident aliens had reason to deceive the three of them, they would be met with the same compliance. It would make their captives look the stronger for it. Breshak moved on to the next cell, containing the other pale-skinned alien, deactivated the force field and stood back, repeating the warning. When he too, came forward peacefully, she moved onto the third and final cell, the one containing the dark-skinned alien. She again deactivated the force field, repeated the warning and stepped back.

After B'Elanna had got dressed, she made her way to the Mess Hall.

`I hope Neelix is still serving breakfast` She Thought to herself.

She entered the turbo-lift.

"Mess Hall"

The turbo-lift took her there.

She wandered down the corridor and noticed that there were more people about than usual at this time in the morning. Most should be at their posts.

She entered the Mess Hall in hope of something to eat.

Neelix had kept the breakfast shift open for an extended period, as he recently remembered that the first security shift would be sleeping late after their double duty, due to the rescue of Tom and B'Elanna.

Thus, the Mess Hall was crowded later in the morning, than usual.

As he noticed B'Elanna enter the room, when she approached the service window, he took her order before she spoke a word.

"Pancakes or Waffles?"

"Bridge." the Captain said in the turbolift.

The trip upward only offered more time for her to worry. Her mind switched back and forth between the dead man and the fate of Seven of Nine.

As she came out onto the Bridge, she stepped directly to her occupied chair. Tom eagerly returned it to her. This pilot wasn't crazy about being in command.

"Anything remotely interesting happen while I was gone?" she mused.

"Let's see. Well, I did teach T'Punn a 20th Century Earth dance. You should've seen her 'shake her groove thing'..." he remarked, winking over at T'Punn.

The Vulcan looked irritated at him, then back at her console. Captain Janeway stifled a laugh with her hand. Though she was unfamiliar with that century - Tom Paris' realm of historic interest - it struck her as funny.

The half-hour would still refuse to seem less eternal, humor pending.

"Waffles today thanks Neelix" She replied.

Neelix came back from the kitchen with a plate full of waffles and a helping of maple syrup. He took it over to a table and motioned B'Elanna to take a seat.

"Thank you Neelix. It looks wonderful" She took a bite and smiled at him. "If you need anything else Lieutenant" He walked back to the kitchen.

"Well Neelix!"

He turned to look at her.

"It doesn't matter" She turned away from here and sat staring out the window whilst eating her pancakes.

Neelix's comment was just an absent minded one at best. He really wanted to say something else to her, but didn't think it was his place. Things seemed to change, though, as her staring out at the alien landscape prompted him to meddle.

"B'Elanna... may I join you for a moment?"

"Certainly." she replied, gesturing him to sit down as she continued chewing.

Neelix took a seat. He sat there and just twiddled his thumbs without saying a word... trying to think up a less awkward stream of syntax. B'Elanna kept eating, trying not to reveal how ill at ease his silence was making her feel.

He finally said what he intended. "B'Elanna... is everything alright between... between you and Tom?"

At that, she dropped her fork and looked at Neelix. "Everything is fine! Why do you ask?" She seemed uncomfortable about why Neelix asked her that question. `Had Tom said something to him?' she thought.

Neelix was somewhat embarrassed that he pressed on into this territory, but it was now too late to back out.

He replied to her question. "No real reason. But I've seen the, well, stormy way that you... that you both... react to each other. Many relationships start out that way. I thought maybe that was why you seemed so preoccupied."

"I'm just stressed out at the moment Neelix. I have a lot on my plate, but everything is fine. Honest!" B'Elanna stood up.

"I've got to get back to engineering. I'll see you later."

Neelix nodded and B'Elanna left The Mess Hall and headed to engineering.

As Kes continued to supply the Doctor with the materials and instruments for the surgical process taking place on Seven, she marveled at the unbroken concentration on his face. Any human surgeon would be displaying some physiological signs of strain by now, but Voyager's Doctor appeared calm and focused. He wasn't even blinking...

It was now ten minutes before the fateful meeting with the aliens.

Ensign Castillo arrived to the Bridge, and would command Voyager until the Captain and party return. She briefed him on their current situation... the developments which transpired while he was off duty. She then began to get the landing part organized.

"Tom, I believe the Doctor has his hands full right now with Seven of Nine. I may need a medic on this trip... and you're elected." the Captain said.

"Let me swing by Sickbay and get everything I need. I'll go now." Tom replied. He left the Helm and entered the turbolift.

"Janeway to Neelix."

=/\= Neelix here. What can I do for you this morning, Captain? =/\=

"I need our ship's goodwill ambassador, as it were, to go on a little trip with me in about five minutes. Are you up to it?"

=/\= Yes ma'am. Let's go. =/\=

"Good. Meet me in Transporter Room one." she answered.

She told T'Punn to have two armed Security officers meet them in the Transporter Room also. She then turned to Castillo who was sitting in Chakotay's command chair, next to her.

"Maintain yellow alert, Ensign. Keep a constant transporter lock on us, and the moment the missing away-team is visible on sensors... keep a lock on them as well. You have the Bridge."

Finishing her orders, Captain Janeway took a deep breath of confidence, rose from her chair and walked to the turbolift. She entered and descended to her destination.

As the doors closed behind B'Elanna, Neelix noticed that the other breakfast patrons had pretty much been taken care of. As he began to clean up the empty tables, his combadge signaled.

=/\= Janeway to Neelix. =/\=

"Neelix here. What can I do for you this morning, Captain?"

=/\= I need our ship's goodwill ambassador, as it were, to go on a little trip with me in about five minutes. Are you up to it? =/\=

"Yes ma'am. Let's go."

=/\= Good. Meet me in Transporter Room one. =/\=

As she signed off, Neelix untied his apron and removed his chef's hat. He tossed them through the galley window... and off he went.

Tuvok stood as his cell was opened. Not being inherently a being of violence, he only nodded in acquiescence as he was led away from his cell, the cell block and loaded into a transport.

As the transport lifted off and began moving, he wondered how they had come to an accord with Captain Janeway and made a mental note to find out what had transpired.

Eventually, the transport stopped and they were offloaded. It took less time for Tuvok's eyes to adjust to the sunlight, but he waited patiently as they were led towards a clearing where, logically, they would be meeting with the Captain.

He considered briefly that this might be a deception, to goad them into as sense of security before they were put to death, and although he did not believe that this was the case, he mentally prepared himself to fight for their freedom at the slightest notice of treachery.

From her chair at the front of the small ground vehicle, Lintorhan watched the scenery flash by. It was beautiful, and she got to see it so rarely… Her people long ingrained to an existence underground; many of the Whoontos never left their caverns at all, living their whole lives beneath the surface of the planet. Even though their possessed their own unique beauty, she mused, it was still such a waste.

They had an eighth of the 'hour' time unit (the translator experiencing difficulty extracting a related Whoontos time value from the alien ship system) Janeway had suggested until they were due to meet in the designated location. The pilot had indicated they'd arrive shortly, leaving them with some time to prepare themselves. Theirs would be a small party - just herself and the slightly nervous looking Breshak. There had been no indication of the numbers Janeway would bring. Even if only Janeway came, they'd still be outnumbered - one could not forget their 'guests', sitting in the back of the transport, unable to share the view. If worst came to worst, hopefully they would not be able to lead others back to where they'd been held.

The craft slowed, then stopped, disengaging the anti-grav to land silently on the ground, a short distance from the clearing. It decloaked to allow them and the aliens to depart, then re-cloaked and moved a short distance away. It would remain nearby in case a hasty exit was in order. It also held the body of the dead alien. They'd been unsure of just what exactly to do with it - vivisection had been a favourite among some circles - but in the end it had been put into stasis, where it remained now. It was doubtful that they had burial customs similar to their own.

Feeling oddly exposed now out of the safety of the craft, Lintorhan blinked in the unaccustomed bright light and checked her suit once more to ensure that it was still functioning properly, Breshak did the same, keeping a wary eye on the aliens, who likewise stood blinking. Satisfied that everything was apparently in order and they were as ready as they'd ever be, they set out for the clearing.

Tom quietly entered Sickbay. He noticed the Doctor and Kes over at the surgical biobed, and from what he could see at his distance... a major surgical procedure was underway on Seven's cranial area.

He shook his head in sympathy for the drone he hardly knew, and continued gathering the supplies he needed for the short away-mission.

As he headed to the Sickbay doors, he glanced again at the surgical participants, conveying a look of 'Good luck, Seven' in their direction. He then left.

The Doctor and Kes never were aware of his presence... exactly Tom's ever so professional intention.

Captain Janeway entered the Transporter Room. Neelix and the two security officers were there before her, waiting on respective transporter pads. She nodded at them, made some small conversation with Neelix, and checked over some locational details with the current transporter operator.

Lieutenant Paris soon arrived, med kit and all in hand. He looked a little grim.

"Tom. I'm guessing that you've seen what's going on with Seven in Sickbay. How is she?"

"I really couldn't see a lot from my vantage point... but it was obvious that major surgery was underway on her cranium near her optical implant."

"Well, hopefully this meeting will result in getting us closer to leaving this planet. If the Doctor can pull Seven through for awhile, perhaps it will buy us enough time to save her." she sighed, rubbing her forehead.

"Let's hope so, Captain; but I've never seen the Doctor look stressed before... until now." he responded.

The Captain looked seriously worried at Tom without saying a word. They stepped quickly onto the transporter pads.

"Energize." she ordered impatiently.

As they materialized on the surface, the sun was peeking in and out behind scattered cumulus clouds, reminiscent to the Captain of Indiana on an April afternoon. The moderate wind carried momentary scents of flora fading into the sterile smell of lifeless rock.

The clearing they stood in was on a flat surrounded by brush and hills. It gave Captain Janeway an uneasiness and vulnerability that she did not like, and though very near, Voyager could not be seen in any direction.

"Isn't it a lovely day?" Neelix nervously observed.

"If the circumstances were different... I'd agree. Right now, I would probably feel less uneasy going to Romulus and yelling 'I'm a Federation spy'." she mused.

Suddenly, though, the boredly observant Tom Paris interrupted. "Looks like the party is about to start, Captain..."

The Doctor had by now progressed to the brachial implants, while Kes held the skin away from the operating site. The node bridging Seven of Nine's right triceps to her biceps had been carefully dislodged. Beneath, it became apparent that one of the connecting threads had partially disintegrated. The loose portion had skewed at an angle and lodged into her biceps. "This had to have been very painful," he said with a note of sympathy.

Kes nodded in agreement "She's a very strong and brave woman, sometimes too much, I think, for her own good" She looked carefully at the Doctor's technique. This was something that had to be developed for a unique set of circumstances and Kes wasn't sure when, or if, she'd have the chances to witness this sort of surgery again. For their sakes, and that of Seven she hoped not.

He gestured she take hold of the tongs which gripped the node. A barely imperceptible tug on the remaining connectoids caused Seven's fingers to twitch as they positioned the cybernetic implant in a small traction frame close to the surface of the former Borg's arm and locked it in place. "I'm afraid it may be that she is as yet unfamiliar with how to properly express that pain." With a nod, he bade the Ocampan to keep the region pried open.

Kes nodded thoughtfully as she concentrated on the task she was set. "If we all get through this, I'd like to spend some time with Seven, to see if I can make friends with her and get through to her. Perhaps if I let her know how I felt when I was first here she might respond"

The hologram allowed himself a smile as he looked intently into the parted flesh. "If you could bring her out of her shell as successfully as you brought me out of mine..." He examined the condition of the remaining connectoid, then prepared a titanium thread.

A small knowing smile spread across Kes' lips. She'd enjoyed participating in the Doctor's 'shell opening' and would love the chance to do the same for Seven.

Captain Janeway looked on as the strangely petite alien vehicle approached the area. Tom stood silently and stared unintentionally.

The near silence of it's engine in relation to the veil of dust trailing it, added to the discomfort of the landing party. In this case... size did not matter. The vehicle stopped abruptly, several dozen meters away, and soon the aliens emerged.

'Are they that small?' Captain Janeway wondered as the members of the alien party stood in a group.

She sighed with relief as Chakotay stepped out, followed by Tuvok and Horton. The trio looked amusingly too large to be riding in such a craft. Further in the aft section, a large object resembling a casket was held - possibly housing the dead crewman.

Lintorhan blinked in the too-bright sun as she got her first look at the other aliens. Two wore the same red-shouldered suit as Commander Chakotay did and looked to be of the same species.

They were both tall, though one was considerably shorter than the other - perhaps the female? The third member of the party was almost as short as the female in red, but was much more stock and unusual looking than any of the others. It was not dressed in the same style of clothing - uniform? - that the others wore as well. Maybe the ranking officer? The Captain Janeway? She couldn't be sure.

Aware of Breshak and the prisoners walking a short distance behind her, Lintorhan stopped and took a moment to prepare herself mentally as the aliens closed the gap between them.

As Voyager's party came closer too, Captain Janeway and Chakotay eyed each other briefly... no words were needed to know that her First Officer had a lot to report. Neelix fought the urge to wave at Tuvok, thankfully.

The Captain greeted the aliens.

"I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway. I am certainly pleased that we could meet in such a peaceful way..." she said plainly. The aliens responded.

"It is our… pleasure… as well, Captain Janeway," Lintorhan replied. So the smaller one in red was the leader. Interesting. "We would like to begin by apologizing for the imprisonment of your crew… and the death of one. We have had extremely little contact with outsiders, and your arrival caught us off guard. We return them to you in good faith," she concluded formally.

"No need to apologize. Accidents like this sometimes happen, sadly. Is that the body of our crewman in the... container on your vehicle?" the Captain inquired.

Lintorhan confirmed the assumption with a graceful nod.

"Alright. I'm going to go ahead and have his body transported to our ship. Chakotay, why don't you, Tuvok and Mr. Horton return to Voyager as well. You must be quite tired from your... experiences."

"That sounds like a good idea, Captain." the First Officer replied.

"Lieutenant Paris, you'll need to go with them I imagine." the Captain said.

"I didn't bring my med-kit for nothing..." he mused.

At Chakotay's gesture, Tom and the rescued away-team members stepped over to an area away from the meeting place to await beam up.

Captain Janeway tapped her combadge. "Janeway to Voyager."

=/\= Castillo here. =/\=

"Beam up Chakotay's party and Lieutenant Paris. You'll also need to beam our dead crewman directly to the morgue until the Doctor can do an aut... I mean, make his report."

=/\= We have a lock on them, and the body. I've already notified the morgue attendants... so we can transport now. =/\=

"Good work, Ensign. Janeway out."

The trio soon dematerialized, and Voyager received the corpse also. Captain Janeway's attention then returned fully to Lintorhan and company.

"I apologize for the interruption, but I needed to get all of that taken care of as soon as possible. By the way, is there a title in which you would prefer to be referred? I certainly wouldn't wish to offend in that regard." the Captain tactfully addressed, as she unintentionally misplaced Lintorhan's name.

"I do not believe there is a... literal translation for my title in your language according to our translator. 'Justice' is the closest approximation. My companion is High-Lieutenant Breshak. She has been responsible for the care of your crew."

"Then 'Justice' it is. I also thank you High-Lieutenant for treating my crew as well as possible.. we were very concerned about them."

Breshak nodded her head in acknowledgement, but did not speak. As Captain Janeway was making more conversation, she was interrupted by a combadge signal. She excused herself for a moment as she turned away and tapped her combadge in reception.

=/\= Doctor to Captain Janeway =/\=

"Janeway here."

=/\= I thought you should be informed: Seven of Nine has slipped into a coma. We're doing all we can to repair her damaged cybernetic interfaces and maintain her vital systems, but it feels as though we're always one step behind =/\=

"Thank you, Doctor. I'll trust her to your continued excellent care and descretion. Janeway out." She sighed. As she turned back to face Lintorhan and company, the talk continued.

"Justice. This is our Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Neelix. He is a Talaxian - from a planet in another system in this quadrant."

"Pleased to meet all of you. And what a lovely little planet you have here." Neelix said, grinning really chipper. He bent downward slightly and shook Lintorhan's small hand.

Lintorhan stared at the ambassador as he grabbed her hand and pummeled it enthusiastically. Behind her, Breshak momentarily tensed. The shaking of hands was generally reserved only for family and close friends, not new acquaintances. Perhaps it had a different significance to their people.

"Er... thank you, Goodwill Ambassador Neelix. It is a lovely planet, but I'm afraid we see very little of the surface at present."

"Now that's very interesting. Why do you live underground? Is it for protection, or is it just the norm in your society?" he asked.

Captain Janeway knew that Neelix would probably ask some of her questions for her.. and they'd seem much less threatening coming from him. Lintorhan responded.

In the Transporter Room, Tom along with Chakotay, Tuvok, and Horton materialized after beam-up. As the foursome left the room, they headed to Sickbay.

"Whew. It's certainly good to be back..." said Horton.

"I bet. Hey, Tuvok... I guess even you're relieved to be home, huh." Tom joked, jabbing an elbow into the Vulcan.

Tuvok said nothing, but raised an eyebrow in contained irritation at Tom. Finding their way to the turbolift, the guy talk continued between the four, though taking a more serious turn.

"Chakotay. I haven't seen the personnel report of your away-team yet. Who died? This may sound selfish, but I hope it wasn't another friend of mine."

=/\= Thank you, Doctor. I'll trust her to your continued excellent care and discretion. Janeway out. =/\=

He'd hoped that the Captain's first contact negotiations would move along more swiftly...

Kes had Seven of Nine breathing with assistance as ordered. A neurostatic enhancement device had been placed upon the former Borg's forehead in an effort to preserve what trace neural activity remained. Another device for the tremors and twitching.

Things were not looking well. There were still three implants which required the rewiring process at once, or the flesh it interfaced with would become less than receptive. There was a characteristic of the original Borg wiring, which drew the nanoprobes in Seven's bloodstream to their task, but it was a local command. Under normal circumstances, that information wouldn't be dampened, and the nanoprobes would have compensated for the new material in her replaced cybernetic connectoids. They WERE her immune system.

He slowly moved toward the lower half of the biobed to work on the inside of her right leg. His expression must have betrayed his thoughts, because Kes squeezed his shoulder, squarely on the deltoid. He closed his eyes and lowered his head. Always one step behind. Like with Mister Kim. He couldn't lose another from lack of efficiency.

He raised his head, took a deep breath, and requested in a low voice: "Laser scalpel..."

"Crewman Thompson," said Chakotay, as the doors to the turbolift closed. "Sickbay."

The Commander stared at the bulkhead and thought about Crewman Thompson. His first name had been...Edward. Edward Thompson. Starfleet. Voyager had been his first assignment.

"What happened?" asked Paris.

Chakotay didn't answer. He hadn't known Thompson well. His record had been good. He'd never been reported for indiscipline or inefficiency. Chakotay couldn't think of anything to set Thompson apart from dozens of crewmen like him.

"Commander?"

Tuvok glanced at Chakotay. "The away team was ambushed," said the Vulcan. "Thompson was killed. The rest of us were wounded."

Wounded. Thompson had been wounded before, badly. During the plasma cloud disaster, when Voyager had been duplicated. It had taken him six weeks to return to duty.

That was it. That was all Chakotay could remember. Edward Thompson. Just another crewman. Just another casualty.

God, I'm tired, he thought.

"The aliens captured us unconscious and treated our injuries," said Tuvok, nodding at the cast on Horton's arm. "As you can see, their medical technology is not as sophisticated as ours. We require further attention."

"You've got it," said Paris.

The turbolift came to a halt. The doors opened, and the group headed for Sickbay.

Again to trivial, and back to serious was the level of continued conversation down the corridor. Tom confessed that although he knew Thompson cordially, he wasn't a close friend. And that Thompson was in Harry Kim's class at the Academy.

As they entered Sickbay... the talk instantly lulled to a whisper so as not to disrupt the Doctor. The trio of weary team members each sat on a biobed as Tom quietly treated them.

"I don't think I've ever seen this type of material before, that's on this cast." Tom said as he removed Horton's cast with a laser scalpel.

"Thank goodness that's off. It itched like hell." Horton said.

Tom examined the Ensign's arm with a medical tricorder and discovered the fracture in both his ulna and radius. They had been set properly, but the break was still new. Tom used the standard osteo-fusion device and it was quickly healed. Horton was otherwise in good health, and soon released to his quarters. Tom then proceeded to Tuvok.

"According to these readings, Tuvok... you are extremely dehydrated. Your electrolytes are way off balance. Horton was dehydrated slightly, but not this bad. Didn't they give you guys water down there?"

"They did. However, it was an insufficient quantity." Tuvok replied.

"I'm going to give you KNa-Hydrine for that." Tom said, preparing the hypo. He injected Tuvok and released him.

As he approached Chakotay's biobed, the First Officer was now lying down - sound asleep. Tom examined him silently, and took care of his dehydration, which was even worse than Tuvok's.

Chakotay also had a slight fever and was suffering from exhaustion. As Tom prepared a second hypo for his patient... he awoke and sat up abruptly.

"You okay, Chakotay?"

Chakotay looked around. Sickbay. This time, he really was in Sickbay. "I'm fine," he said. "Just tired. More tired than I thought."

Tom nodded. "The drone zone," he said, as he gave Chakotay his injection.

"What?"

Tom picked up a medical tricorder and scanned again. "The drone zone. That's what we called sleep deprivation training at the Academy."

"I've never heard that." Chakotay took a deep breath and straightened up. Whatever was in that hypo, it was working like magic. He felt much better. "I was there long before we encountered the Borg," he said. Suddenly, he winced at the pain in his side.

"Bad phaser burn here," said Tom.

"Yes," said Chakotay. He looked down, and fingered the charred edges of the hole in his tunic. "The aliens treated it, bandaged it with some kind of artificial skin."

Tom nodded. "They did a pretty good job." he closed the tricorder. "We can do better, though. Take off your tunic and shirt while I get the dermal regenerator."

"Right." Chakotay removed his tunic. As he was pulling his shirt off, he looked at the surgical bay. Seven of Nine was on the table. The Doctor and Kes were operating. Chakotay had seen them when he came in, but it hadn't really registered.

Time to get back to work, he thought.

"Speaking of drones," he said. "Give me a report, Lieutenant. What's been happening here?"

"A lot. For starters, B'Elanna and I were trapped all yesterday afternoon and last night in Jeffries tube eleven. The area near the fusion generators imploded on us. Half a bulkhead with it." answered Tom.

"Were either of you hurt?"

"Let's just say it wasn't anything our friendly EMH couldn't fix. But while we were still trapped, at the last I thought we were done for."

Chakotay coughed. Tom finished with the dermal regenerator, then brought Chakotay a glass of water.

"Thanks." he said, as he drank the water. Tom continued his update.

"The big problem we're facing now is removing every piece of Borg... stuff... out of every system on Voyager. Mainly Engineering. It seems something on this planet is slowly destroying everything Borg, which..."

"...which would damage every system with a Borg modification. Seven was right; and the rest of us are in danger too." observed Chakotay.

"Nope. It turns out that she - they were wrong on that part. Just the cybernetics and technology of the Borg are affected. Organic tissue isn't."

Chakotay sighed. He then discussed Seven of Nine's condition with Tom, though the Lieutenant knew no specifics on her surgery, or condition.

Tom also scanned Chakotay again, and found no other problems which needed medical attention; other than rest. Upon release, Chakotay stood to his feet, then put his shirt and tunic back on.

"Excuse me, Commander... but where do you intend to go? I've only released you to your quarters."

Chakotay put his hands on his hips and looked at Paris.

"Well, Lieutenant," he said, "I intend to go to my quarters. When I get there, I'm going to change my uniform and get a cup of coffee from the replicator. Then I'm going to the Bridge."

"Commander--"

"Tom." Chakotay glanced over at the surgical bay, then stepped closer to Lieutenant Paris and lowered his voice. "Listen to me. I am going back on duty. Is that clear?"

Paris crossed his arms and met Chakotay's gaze. "Commander, you just fell asleep right there on that biobed. You need rest."

"I'm aware of that," said Chakotay. "But I'm not incapacitated. And I'm needed on the Bridge. Your concern is noted. If you have any further concerns, take them up with the Doctor. Understood?"

"Chakotay--"

"Understood?"

"Yes. Sir."

"Good. Tell the Doctor I want a detailed status report at his earliest convenience."

"Yes, sir."

The First Officer turned, walked out of Sickbay, and headed for his quarters.

As the doors closed behind Chakotay, Tom sighed and prepared the biobeds and medical supplies for new patients - as the Doctor had always trained him. Upon completing the duties, he went into the Doctor's office to make his medical report on each of the three previous patients.

Twenty minutes passed. Ensign Vorik arrived in Sickbay with a deep cut along the length of his left arm... which was bleeding greenly through his torn sleeve. Tom walked over quickly and helped him onto a biobed.

They whispered more quietly, as things were appearing to be more urgent with the Doctor and Kes at the surgical bay.

"That sure looks like it hurts." he said, cutting Vorik's sleeve off at the collar bone.

"The injury does sustain... extreme discomfort; however an emotional response is not... required." Vorik stated, fighting not to wince.

Grabbing the dermal regenerator once again on his watch, Tom began to heal the wound.

"How'd this happen?"

"I had completed the task involving the sensor array, and promptly returned to Engineering. Lieutenant Torres next required my assistance, and assigned me to remove the port..."

"Vorik, you don't have to give me a run down of your entire morning. Just tell me about the cut." Tom said, fondly amused.

"As I was lifting out a Borg tachyon inhibitor from the port nacelle jeffries tube, the inhibitor released from it's housing more rapidly than anticipated. It then slid downward, chafing my left arm through the fabric of my tunic."

"In other words, you dropped it and it cut you. I assume B'Elanna has someone helping her with the starboard one?"

"Negative. She insisted that I report to Sickbay. As I was leaving, she began to profane the starboard inhibitor and it sounded as if she kicked the bulkhead on her way into the jeffries tube."

"Well... that's just her way. I guess." Tom sighed, as he finished healing the cut. "Now, would you like something for the pain? That arm will be sore for a few hours."

"No, Lieutenant. Thank you. I must now acquire a new tunic and then return to my duties." answered Vorik.

The Ensign left. Tom again quietly did the clean-up work and made his report on Vorik. He finished just in time for the Sickbay com to signal.

=/\= Torres to Sickbay =/\=

"Lieutenant Paris speaking. How may I help you?"

Ensign Castillo continued to hold the fort. As he sat boredly in the Captain's chair... the clock struck noon.

"Status report, T'Punn." he said.

"Captain Janeway and Neelix remain in the same general location. The group of aliens are in their same location as well. The transportation vehicle is still unoccupied."

"Ship's status. How many Borg components are still active?"

"Borg modifications remaining integrated into Voyager systems: 42.7%."

"Very well. Maintain scans." the commanding Ensign sighed. He shifted in his seat and yawned. When his stomach growled slightly, he realized how hungry the breakfast-skipping T'Punn must be.

"Ensign, you are relieved of duty. Go eat."

"Thank you. I do require nutrition at this time. I will return in approximately thirty minutes."

"Take an hour at least. You were up all night, weren't you?" Castillo asked.

"Yes. However, I can perform my duties for several days without requiring sleep. I shall now go to the Mess Hall; returning in one hour." she replied.

As she entered the turbolift, Lt. Carey exited onto the Bridge. He held a PADD.

"Hey. Joe is here... with something interesting to tell me." Castillo remarked.

"You know... why am I working my ass off as a Lieutenant; while an Ensign sits on his in the power chair?" Carey jokingly inquired.

"Them's the breaks, kid. Whatcha got?"

"The repairs to the deflector grid have begun, but we need a Borg command code to release the... magnaton pulse transpolar emission plate."

"Gee. I thought I wrote that code down somewhere." retorted Castillo.

"Seriously, now. B'Elanna told me earlier that those codes were in the databank of our Borg alcoves... but only the Captain or Chakotay can download those. Are either of them onboard?"

"Yep. They found Chakotay and them. I think they're onboard." Castillo said. Tapping his combadge, "Bridge to Chakotay".

"We were not always a subterranean species," Lintorhan sighed in response. "We were forced underground millennia ago by increasing numbers of Borg incursions. According to our records, they were not then as you know them now - they were primitive, but still a threat to a race just beginning to explore the stars, such as ours. And, where once we only fled underground only for safety, it soon became our home."

"But, the Borg appear to have left this entire planet alone for many years. If they ever did return, you could always evacuate underground. And in the meantime, you'd at least live in the warm sunlight." Neelix suggested.

"The Borg still make periodic attempts to establish a presnece here. But, at any rate, most of my race never see the sun, and most of those have no desire to. Living above ground, even if it were safe, would be almost impossible for us now. Over time we have adapted to a subterranean existence. We've grown smaller with each subsequent generation, our eyesight and other senses have adapted to living in the relative dark and quiet. I find the light here almost painful, the thousands of tiny noises disorientating, but I'm sure Breshak could lead you through the caverns to her home with but an ember for light and the sounds of your footsteps echoing off the walls to guide her. Is that not right, Breshak?"

"Perhaps Justice exaggerates slightly," Breshak replied, glowering slightly.

"Well... if that's what works best for your people; that's all that matters really." Neelix said. He smiled and stepped back behind Captain Janeway.

The Captain had been really distracted as Neelix spoke. At the passage of every minute, she became more and more worried about Seven of Nine. The urgency pressed her into moving talks toward a less comfortable direction.

"Justice. I'm sure we can tell you about our species at another time; but for now we may need your assistance. A member of our crew - a Borg drone of our species which we set at liberty from the collective - is becoming seriously afflicted in her cybernetics by some... mysterious radioactivity natural to this planet. Perhaps your medical community could advise us on a means of treating her." the Captain said, holding back founded suspicions on the radiation's source.

"We wish to see this 'ex-Borg' first," Lintorhan replied flatly, all evidence of good humor abruptly gone.

The Captain tried not to let her uneasiness show at the quick turn of Lintorhan's tone. She responded carefully. "You are certainly welcome to... view her. But she is in a coma and unable to respond. Would you like to visit our ship while I make arrangements for you to see her?"

"Please."

Janeway nodded curtly and tapped her combadge. "Janeway to Voyager, six to beam up."

The transport was completed and the party of six arrived. Lintorhan and Breshak stood in the back of the group - a coincidence of standing order on the planet - which added to their feeling of discomfort.

"Mr. Neelix. I sense hunger among the crew." the Captain said as she stepped off of the pad and saw the chronometer on the transporter control panel.

"I was headed to that very lunchroom, Captain. Nice meeting you, Justice. You too, Miss... High-Lieutenant." said Neelix. The Whoonto women nodded in a gracious adieu and he left.

Captain Janeway then released one of the Security guards to other duties. The female security guard stayed. As the Captain approached Lintorhan and Breshak, she tried to encourage and calm them.

"Justice. I assure you that no one on our ship will harm either of you in any way. If you'd care to follow me... I'd like to show you our ship. I rather enjoy showing it off."

"Thank you, but not now. Please take us to your... waiting area." Lintorhan replied calmly.

"Certainly. This way."

They followed the Captain slowly down the corridor and into the turbolift. They eventually arrived at the foyer outside of the Conference Room - bypassing the Bridge.

They entered and took a seat at the long table. The security guard remained at the door. The Captain offered her guests a tray of assorted refreshments fresh from the replicator... which they appreciated but turned down. It was left on the table in case they changed their minds.

Lintorhan then mentioned the ex-Borg a second time... more pressing than before.

"I am going to go speak with our Doctor now, though I may have to wait until he can get away from his patient. You may be waiting for me for quite awhile too... and I do apologize for that. Just stay here until I return. In the mean time, please help yourself with something to eat or drink." explained the Captain.

Leaving, she told the security guard to watch the two women. She then headed for Sickbay.

So intense was his concentration, that he was only barely conscious of the sound of voices entering and leaving Sickbay. One of them resembled Tom's pitch, so it was assumed patients were attended to.

The Doctor held Seven's left hand in his. The fingers twitched slightly in a slow, pulsing manner. He knew he and Kes were pursuing an incredible undertaking; it was likely that almost every biotechnological interface in Seven's body needed treatment. There was just no way to keep up with the effects of the degradation.

He deliberately left as much of the original Borg connectoids as possible as he rewired her throughout, with the hope that a solution might be found in a timely manner. That of course made Seven of Nine vulnerable to recurring problems that much sooner, as the ends of Borg connectoids would seemingly burn away from the mysterious frequency protecting this planet.

He looked past the arch at Seven's still face. Her jaw hung limp with her mouth ajar. Comatose, her body's usual duties shut down. Thankfully, her digestive tract had not been tampered with, and so Kes could set up the standard equipment for Seven's waste maintenance. Perish the thought: had the Borg tampered with her kidneys, then their patient would most certainly have been dead by now.

Kes stood beside the Doctor and squeezed his arm. It was as though she knew exactly what he was thinking. He was grateful to have a friend nearby.