Program
I entered into a trance and suddenly batches of data were being loaded. Text, Pictures, Video and CODES. The codes were of the collective and seemed to be access codes to ships of all kinds, all Borg. It seemed I was being given the keys to the collective. Searching through the data being delivered I found that they were starting to form a file structure. Outlining command codes for all their ship designations. Armament profiles etc. This was interesting information but why was a drone giving me this info. The stream stopped. The tubes retracted and I came back to reality. 11 of 10 smiled wryly. "You just smiled" I said.
"Yes, I have been slowly consistently disconnecting my self form the collective for the last few days. The information I just gave you will be useful in the fight against he borg in the coming months. They are preparing an assault on the alpha quadrant."
I turned and left sickbay and headed to the nearest turbo lift. "Deck 1".
I entered the bridge passing by tactical towards my ready room. As the doors shut behind me the door sounded...
"Enter" I stated crossing to the replicator. "Coffee. Milk. Hot" I commanded.
Parker walked in and before he could say anything I held my hand up for silence. I sat down, sipped my coffee and tuned into Parker's face. "What is it?" I asked non-nonchalantly while motioning for him to sit down.
"Captain...we approaching Bajor and DS9. Are we about to rush off on some mission that you won't tell us about until we're there or do we have some time to dock at DS9 for some maintenance and repairs? I'd very much like to tune the plasma conduit relays."
"How much time do you need? Wait let me guess....2 weeks." I stated, knowing what he was about to say. Before he could respond I said "fine! Prepare my shuttle when we dock. You're in command until I return." I stood up and approached Parker motioning for him to stand. I hugged him for several minutes. "Now get out and get to work!" Silently he left. As the door slid shut there was another tweet at the door. I knew I wasn't going to get any peace until I was able to leave. "Come!" I barked.
There he stood, a sweet innocent look on his face, though I knew he was far from innocent. He was smiling until he caught the drift of my mood. He pursed his lips and walked through the door. Behind him was 11 of 10. They had deborgafied him to the best of their ability. He looked frail and weak but he was standing upright, walking without assistance. He almost looked humanoid. It was clear now that he was in fact Bajoran. "Hi babe" I said with a half smile. "I see you have a brought a friend".
"11 of 10 is here to ask you a favor" Colin replied with tight lips.
"I will be granting no favors" I snapped. "What do you want 11?"
"To see my home world once again", 11 of 10 replied. "I haven't seen Bajor for many years. I was assimilated before the Cardassians took control. It was such a peaceful planet."
"You wouldn't recognize it now." I stated dryly. "Besides the three of us have other business. I am taking you to Utopia Planetia on my way to Earth Space dock. There you will be returned to as close to your normal "Bajoran" state as possible. I was far worse off than you and look at me. Only the one (visible) implant. After that I will return for you and help you decide your future. It will be possible then for you to see Bajor but not before. They would probably not accept you in your current state."
"Fine!" Shouted 11 of 10 as he headed for the door. "I will be in my....I don't have any....place to go."
"Don't act like an infant. Sit over here, we will be leaving in less than an hour." Colin said and walked him to the couch. Outside the ship was docking at one of the lower stiles of the station. I tapped my comm badge, "This is the Captain all personnel are permitted shore leave during our 2 week stay at DS9. You must have the Permission of Commander Anderson. Engineering personnel are restricted to maintenance." With that I motioned for the other two and we headed to shuttle bay 1.
We departed the Phantom with great haste and set course for Utopia Planetia. The trip was uneventful but gave me time to reflect on the events of the past few weeks. I had pretty much withdrawn into myself after the events in the Mutara Nebula. I wasn't sure how I felt about having 11 of 10 around, fortunately he would be gone soon. I had abandoned Colin for Solitude but he knew I needed some time. The time we did spend together was amazing but was becoming less frequent. I was happy that this trip would serve several purposes: First was to drop 11 of 10 off then head to ESD for a briefing with the Admiral. Then it would be a solid week Skiing the vast hills of the Wasatch front range. I had been fatigued of late and the crew knew all too well that they should avoid me at all costs and for the most part did.
"We're in transporter range, Captain" Colin stated.
"Ok 11, we're here. I will transport you to the medical facility. I will check in on your progress and return for you..." I stated. I knew this to be a half truth. I wanted him restored as best as could be and while my ships doctor was good he just didn't have the time to save this one from himself. I knew it would be months before he would be able to live a mostly normal life. I didn't have the time or desire, at this point, to deal with it. After all I had been through the drama he was about to face and didn't want to see him in that state.
"This is the shuttle Baxter to UP Med Center, I am beaming over your patient now....energize" I ordered as I watched 11 of 10 disappear. "Set course for ESD."
