Shadows of the Night, Part XXXI

Main Unity Shadows of the Night

The Doctor put down the tricorder, his confusion evident. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with her," he commented, but there was no hiding his mystification at what had happened.

"Of course not," Seven said. "I've never felt better in my life."

"All the same," Dr. Bashir said, having returned to Sickbay after hearing the news of Seven's full, if not confusing, recovery, "I recommend plenty of rest for right now."

"That won't be necessary, I'm fine," she insisted.

"You should listen to the doctor, Seven," Riker said. "You shouldn't be back on duty so soon after," he floundered for a second, "dying," he finished.

"What do you mean, dying?" Janeway asked.

The doctors looked at one another. "Her body did shut down for several minutes during the procedure," Bashir explained, "during which time she was technically dead."

"Yeah," Seven said, "but I'm feeling much better now."

"No argument here," Han said. Leia glared at him. "Hey look, she's obviously better, and if she feels up to going back to her ship and getting on with her life, why stop her?"

"I knew there was a reason I liked you, Mr. Solo," Seven said.

"Commander," Dr. Bashir said, "you really shouldn't push yourself. Quite frankly, we've no idea how stable your condition is. This entire situation is unprecedented. We don't want you falling back into a coma."

"Coma?" Seven said, for the first time looking serious. "How long?"

The room was quiet. "You've been unconscious for seven months," the Doctor finally said.

Seven nodded her head a little as she thought. "Well," she said, "that would explain why I feel weak. Probably some atrophy in my muscles. I'll need to do some workouts on the holodeck, but it should pass."

"Seven," Borui said, "You really should take it easy."

"Oh, quit telling me to take it easy," she shot back. "It's getting old real fast. Now you've run your tests and I'll submit to exams, but I will not be told to lie around and do nothing when I feel more alive than I can remember. Now, can I have my uniform back, or are you going to make me walk through the station in this hospital gown?"

Riker scratched his chin while he thought. "Compromise," he said. "Stay on board the Enterprise. Let's make sure you're in tip-top shape before you mix in with the station's population."

Seven was about to protest, but then stopped. "Okay, fair enough. Now, uniform? I feel naked in this."

"Well frankly," the Doctor remarked, "you look more naked in your regular uniform."

"Perhaps, but I don't feel it, and that's the important thing."

"Seven," Borui said while the Doctor headed for the replicator, "we need to talk about what's happened."

"We will," Seven said. "But not now, there's-" She glanced over at Luke and just as quickly glanced away. "There's some things I need to think about."

"I can help you with that," Borui offered.

"I don't want help," Seven said, taking the outfit from the Doctor's grip. "I'll speak to you when I get a chance, not now." She headed out the door. "One side, naked cyborg coming through."

"Just what the hell happened in there?" Riker asked.

"Captain," Borui said with a shake of her head, "we both saw it, and I'm not all that sure myself."

"Are we sure that's Seven?" Janeway asked. "Not some alien lifeform that's taken her body over?"

"That happen a lot?" Han asked.

"Oh, you'd be surprised, captain," Janeway said.

"This is her," Borui said. "Or rather, this is exactly what she said. She's 7 of 9 and Annika Hansen, both rolled into one."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Luke said. "She's different, but I'd know Seven's lifeforce anywhere captain. For better or for worse, that's her."

"Doctors," Riker said. "I hope you understand why I removed her from the station-"

"The Enterprise is a controlled environment," Bashir said with a nod. "And I'm familiar with Dr. Crusher's reputation. I see no reason not to leave it in her capable hands, do you?" he asked the Doctor.

"Well," the Doctor said, "I was rather hoping to see it through to the end-"

"You have," Borui said. "I think, medically, this is as far as you can take her." She shook her head. "The rest is going to have to happen inside that head of hers."

Thrawn sat in his office, closed his eyes, and connected to the Collective. General tactical information was downloaded into his brain for later consideration; that was routine. There were, of course, a few housekeeping items. "Riker and Skywalker escaped?"

"Affirmative," the Collective answered. "The Jedi is highly adaptive; he must be assimilated."

"He will be, in time," Thrawn said. "The data the Federation gathered can be examined for weaknesses in the Pyramids defenses. It should be withdrawn immediately so that they cannot find it."

"This has been done."

"Any indication it was tracked?"

"Negative, though Species 01 continues to elude our sensors."

Yes, the Borg had filled Thrawn in on Species 01 in detail. They could've been dangerous if their species hadn't dispersed over eighty thousand years ago, most choosing to leave the galaxy and seek out new challenges. The one they encountered seemed to be an anomaly; most preferred to simply stay out of sight and watch, but this one was actually willing to interact with outsiders, even if only on a limited basis. He probably wouldn't directly engage the Borg, but he might provide information to others. He'd been recognized as a veteran of the war between their species, and that meant this might be personal. Thrawn noted to watch for anomalies and moved on. "Progress on construction?"

"Seventy-nine percent completion."

Good; they'd need ships to carry the assimilated species and technology out; Thrawn couldn't very well allow them to remain in Imperial space without suspicion brewing. Fortunately the nature of the Borg made the feat simple enough. Their Cubes, for example, ran on a skeleton crew of sixty-four thousand drones, but this was merely to allow room for the occupants of assimilation. Filled, a lone Cube could carry three quarters of a billion people. With the small fleet being constructed, evacuation wouldn't be a problem. "Still no attempts by the Federation to use their program?"

"Negative."

They must have learned their lesson. It had all worked so perfectly, too. Picard dead, his young friend brain dead, there was really no one left to help them. The only one who truly understood the Borg now was him, and he'd been smart enough to choose the right side. "Now is the time to move on Alion," he said. "You remember the details for the plan?"

"We are Borg."

"Good. Stick with it and I promise you will get everything you wanted."

On board the Enterprise, Picard waited for transport back to Earth. It was safer here; on the station someone might spot him. The door chimed. "Come," he said. The door opened, and he stood up in surprise. "Seven?"

Seven smiled. "Hello, captain," she said. She was back in her usual non-uniform, her battered old satchel on her shoulder.

Picard walked over and embraced her. "I heard you'd recovered," he said. "You gave me a hell of a scare for a while."

"Well, you deserve it," she said, but there was a smirk. "Just kidding; I'm touched that you still care, really. I haven't forgotten any of the things you've taught me."

Picard's face became a little downcast. "There's something that you need to know."

"About Thrawn? Your choice?"

"Yes," he said gravely.

"I know all about it," she said. "Don't worry about it."

"You almost died," he said with a hint of emotion in his voice. "I'm so sorry, Seven-"

"Captain," she said, "you told me that sometimes we find ourselves in a position where neither choice is moral, and in those situations we are sometimes forced to make a choice that is abhorrent to us." She shook her head. "I can't imagine what you've been through," she said, "but I understand why you had to do it, and hopefully your words will provide you the same comfort they provided me: in your place, I would have done the same thing."

Picard laughed a little. "You're lecturing me on humanity? How the universe changes."

Seven grinned at him. "Well, your little girl's all grown up."

"So I see," Picard said, offering a smile and a nod. "You're not afraid any more."

"Oh, I am," Seven said. "I'm terrified."

"Well, I must say, you don't look it."

"Because I'm not going to let it stop me any more," Seven said with resolution. "I'm not going to let the things I want get away from me because I'm too scared to fail."

"Glad to hear it," Picard said. Amazing. To think this was the woman who'd marched into his ready room and called herself by her full Borg designation.

"And I'm planning to start right now," she said. "I just wanted to let you know that I was okay, and that I'm grateful for everything. You've helped me become a better person."

Picard beamed at her. "I always knew you could be. So, where are you planning to start?"

"Oh, I'm going straight to the top," Seven said. "The big gamble, the high dive, cliche, cliche, cliche." She laughed a little. "Computer," she said, "where is Luke Skywalker?"

"Luke Skywalker is in his quarters."

Picard nodded knowingly. "You're going to tell him."

"Yes," she said. "One last little bit of advice from Data," she said, turning to her satchel. She pulled out the book; Picard knew of it, and what it meant to her. "There's a point in the story," she explained, "where the girl realizes that in order to bring the boy to her," Seven smiled, "she's got to leave her ivory tower."

He embraced her again. "Good luck," he said quietly. "If he's got any sense, he won't even need to think twice."

The door chimed. "Enter," Luke said, putting down the book he'd been reading. He was surprised to see who it was. "Seven?"

"Luke," she said uncomfortably. "Can I bother you for a while?"

"No bother," he said, pointing to the couch across from him. She stepped over and sat down, a little nervous he noticed. "What can I do for you?"

She opened her mouth, and then closed it with a small, uncomfortable laugh. "I don't know where to start."

"That's fine," Luke said. He couldn't get over how different she was. It was as if all this time she were in black and white and now had burst into colors. Not only that, but there had been changes in her appearance. She still wore her blue uniform with heels she seemed to prefer, but she'd also undone her hair, allowing it to hang freely. It was different, but it looked nice. He noticed the spiderweb of metal strands stretching up from the strip over her left eye. He also noticed the implant next to her right ear was gone. But more than that, the storm was gone, or rather, it was reigned in, like she'd tapped into it and controlled it instead of letting it run unchecked across her.

"I-" she began as she fidgeted a little, "I've been thinking about a lot of things today. About what's happened. I know, I seem different, and it's making everyone uncomfortable."

"Not uncomfortable," Luke said, but it was stretching the truth. The truth was, after what had happened in Sickbay, he'd wondered if he may have unwittingly destroyed the very thing he'd tried to save. He recognized that he loved Seven, and while he'd be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to her body, it was the person inside that he wanted. The one who showed such strength of character in the Tsunkatse arena, the one who saved his life on the Death Star, the one... the one who touched him so deeply he could sometimes lose control. "Just a little confused," he added.

"Everyone thinks I've changed," she said. "But I haven't. Luke, I'm the same person you've always known, except now, now I'm not afraid any more. I'm not afraid to feel things, I'm not afraid of interactions with others, and most of all, I'm not afraid of them any more."

"The Borg?"

"Yes!" she smiled at him. "They took those parts of me away, Luke. The parts that made me human. They tried to change me into one of them, and you might say they did."

"You're nothing like them," Luke insisted.

"Yes, I am," she said, standing up and walking around the room. "I am Borg. And I am human. And you know what," she turned and smiled at him again, "that's fine with me. It makes me what I am." She noticed the look on his face. "You don't seem convinced."

"It's just... the Borg are evil, Seven."

"Am I evil?"

"Of course not," he said firmly.

"Good, because I am Borg, Luke. Take a look at me." She gestured over her body. "Implants Luke, everywhere. I wouldn't be alive without them... they can't be removed. So, should I hate what I am? Is that right?"

Luke laughed a little. "I suppose not." He got to his feet. "I'm glad you're happy, Seven, but have you spoken to Commander Borui? You know, just to be safe."

She smirked at him. "Oh, I'll talk to her; I know protocol and all that. But, I wanted to talk to you first. There are many things I've wanted to tell you." She wet her lips and her voice softened. "You are the most amazing man I've ever met. The skill of a champion and the heart of a saint... the more I learn about you, the more I'm awed at what I discover. I never told you, but... I am so humbled that someone like you would consider me a friend... would do the things you've done for me. The way you hurt yourself at Wormhole Base to save me is- It's the most touching thing I've ever experienced." She smiled a little and shook her head. "Maybe you think it was a mistake, but I think of it as just one more sign of how selfless you truly are. Every time you enter my life, something good happens." Her face became downcast. "And then I thank you by lashing out."

Seven was quiet, and Luke truly had no idea what to say. He was shocked that someone as smart and successful and beautiful as her could hold some bumpkin from Tatooine in such high regard. "During the times I've known you," she went on, "I've sometimes been... inconsiderate, even cruel."

"No you haven't."

"Yes, yes I have," she insisted. "I've been pushing you away Luke, because I've been so afraid. And, I'm sorry for all the times I've hurt you."

"It's all right," Luke said.

"You know," and she walked over, looking at the floor, "I think this was the spot. Yes, this was where I made a complete jackass of myself."

"Seven-" Luke began, coming up behind her.

She whirled around and looked in his eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice seemed almost lined with tears. "I was so mean to you; I didn't mean it."

Luke gazed back. "It's okay," he said finally.

Seven smiled. "Good." She looked over his shoulder. "You want to see something?" she said, with a conspiratorial tone to her voice. She sat down on the arm of the couch, Luke following her over. "I've figured it out," she said with pride.

"Figured out what?"

"The nanoprobes!" she grinned. "Riker had already started on it, but I don't think he put it all together. Why do nanoprobes not assimilate me?" Luke shrugged. "Because I don't want them to."

"What do you mean?"

"I've been controlling them all this time," she said. "Subconsciously, of course, but nevertheless they do what I want them to." Luke was speechless; maybe he should call Borui down here to take a look at Seven. "You don't look convinced," she said with a small grin. "Watch this, I've been practicing." She closed her eyes and seemed to be concentrating. Suddenly, without warning, a metallic spike came out from behind her hand, only to spread out across the surface of her skin like a flower. She relaxed. "I think I'll be a big hit at parties," she said.

"What did you do?" Luke said, unsure of what to do.

"Touch my hand," she said, holding it up. Luke hesitated. "Oh go ahead!" He reached out, only to have his hand bounce off a force field. "Bet you don't see that every day," she said as the implant melted back into her hand. She looked up at him with a smile, but it slowly faded. "Is something wrong?"

"It's just," Luke stopped. This was so much to take in right now; he was so confused.

Seven stood up in front of him. "I haven't told anyone about this, not yet, not even Captain Picard. I wanted you to be the first; I wanted to share this gift with you." She was serious as she gazed into his face, her voice softening. "I said something to you when you were inside my mind." She stepped closer until she was right in front of him. "I know you may not think I'm the same person who said those words, but I am. Maybe I have changed, outside and in, but there's one thing I know can never change." His heart was thumping as she closed the distance to him. His own emotions were having a hard time of it, and he could feel hers were too... there was so much hope and so much fear in there. But she looked up into his eyes and he could tell that fear lost. "I love you," she whispered.

Luke felt his throat tighten at the words. She meant them, he could feel it, and whatever uncertainties he'd had moments before were now completely gone. This was Seven, this was the woman he'd fallen in love with. "I love you too," he whispered back.

Seven seemed to almost be on the edge of tears, but her face radiated pure joy. She was face to face with him now. "You don't know how much..." she closed in to kiss him. "...I've wanted to hear that." And her lips were on his, and Luke felt himself become completely lost in it.

Eventually the kiss broke, and she looked up into his eyes, and he knew that he never wanted to look at anything else again but what was there. She smiled and took his face in her hands, and she spoke with a loud, firm, Borg-like tone. "Luke Skywalker, you will be assimilated." She was trying to speak, but laughter was managing to slip out. "Your biological distinctiveness will be added to my own. Resistance is kriffing futile!" Then she kissed him again, and it was every bit as wonderful as it had been the first time.

Go To Part XXXII
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