Chapter 8

MONTGOMERY WAS just returning from another meeting with his staff when Kaz stopped him in the hall. Sighing, Montgomery said, “Don’t tell me, let me guess. You want a regeneration chamber for the Borg.”

Kaz glared at him. “They’re not Borg, and it’s too late for that.”

Montgomery started so violently he spilled his coffee. “What? Are they—”

“No, not yet, thank God. I’ve had both of them in my sickbay this morning and their vital signs are showing severe distress. We’ve got to do what we discussed.”

Montgomery frowned. “I don’t much like that,” he said.

“I like even less the thought of these two dying on our watch,” said Kaz.

[97] “You’re absolutely certain?”

“Stasis has its own risk, especially when the subjects are this weak. I would indeed have to feel this was the only alternative, and I regret to inform you that I’ve reached that point,” Kaz answered.

“Damn it. I don’t like the idea of them being difficult to question if an emergency arises,” said Montgomery. Kaz said nothing, almost literally biting his tongue to avoid exploding at his commanding officer. Finally Montgomery said, “We can wake them if I need them, right?”

“As I told you earlier, sir, it’s risky, but if need be, we can revive them, yes.”

“Very well. You may proceed.”

 

Janeway, Data, Chakotay, and Tuvok entered the correctional facility. Janeway felt she was becoming far too familiar with this place. She was getting to know all the security personnel by name. Of course, now every time she met someone, she wondered who was human and who was one of Baines’s decoys.

“Good morning, Lieutenants,” she said to Andropov and Robinson. She was almost on a first-name basis with Robinson, but Andropov was new. “I think you know who we’re here to see.”

“Indeed we do,” said Robinson, motioning them to step through. “Good morning, Commander Data. It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

“Good morning,” Data replied. “I only regret that our meeting is taking place under such circumstances.” Everyone but he passed through the security systems. Data set off the alarm. Of course, Janeway thought, [98] calming herself. Data was a machine. The bioscanners wouldn’t recognize him as human. Lieutenant Andropov scanned him with the tricorder, after apologizing profusely, then waved him through.

He touched a pad on his console. “This is Lieutenant Andropov,” he said. “Admiral Janeway and Commanders Data, Chakotay, and Tuvok have arrived to see Seven of Nine, Icheb, and the Doctor.”

There was a pause. “I’m afraid they’re too late,” came the voice from the other end.

“What?” cried Janeway. “What do you mean?”

“Seven of Nine and Icheb are going into stasis. It’s a precautionary measure suggested by Dr. Kaz,” the voice continued.

“Put me through to Dr. Kaz immediately,” Janeway demanded.

“Admiral,” said Andropov, “if the doctor is readying stasis fields, then it’s not advisable to—”

“That is an order, Lieutenant,” snapped Janeway. She felt the blood rise in her cheeks and knew her eyes were probably bright. She only hoped that the lieutenant would take it for anger, not the apprehension she was really feeling.

“Yes, Admiral, of course,” said Andropov, visibly subdued. “Dr. Kaz, this is Lieutenant Andropov from Admissions. May—”

“Not now, Lieutenant,” came Kaz’s voice.

“Dr. Kaz,” said Janeway, “It’s Admiral Janeway. Is there any way we could talk to Seven and Icheb, or are you too far along in the process?”

There was a pause, then Kaz replied, “If you come up right away you might have a moment or two, but no [99] more. I’d advise haste, Admiral. They won’t be coherent for very long.”

“You heard the doctor,” Janeway told the two security guards. “Let us through. Now.”

 

The four strode briskly along the corridors. To Janeway, the turbolifts seemed unusually slow, but she was certain it was just her anxiety. Human or hologram, Andropov and Robinson had alerted the other guards at each of the three security stations en route to sickbay. They were all prepared to rush them through as quickly as possible, providing of course that all proper security measures were observed. Janeway felt sure they could see the sweat gathering at her hairline each time they stopped, but they made it through without incident. While she was grateful for Baines’s thoroughness in this particular situation, it was alarming how easily the security systems at such a pivotal institution could be breached. Once her promise to Baines had been satisfied, she’d notify Starfleet immediately.

She always hated deals with the devil.

The guard posted outside sickbay stepped aside so they could enter. The door hissed open. Kaz turned around to see who his guests were. He looked preoccupied. Seven and Icheb lay on the beds. Icheb had his eyes closed and Seven turned her head with apparent effort to gaze at them with half-lidded eyes.

“You’re just in time,” Kaz said. He nodded at the guard. “Dismissed, Lieutenant. Thank you.”

The guard nodded and returned to his post. The minute the doors closed, Kaz let out a huge breath.

[100] “We did it,” he said.

Seven swung her legs over the bed and stepped lightly to the floor. Icheb did likewise. There was no hint of grogginess about either of them.

“You are premature, Doctor,” she said. “We still have to effect our escape.”

“We got this far, that’s a good sign,” said Kaz. He glanced at his four visitors, then his mouth curved in a wry smile. “So, which of you are the holograms?”

“We are,” said Chakotay and Tuvok. “Were you able to adjust the system?”

“Indeed I was,” said Kaz, “though I’m no engineer and I regret to say that it took me a while to figure out how to bypass the alert system. Seven and Icheb were able to double-check it for me when she arrived about a half-hour ago.”

Of course, Janeway thought. In order for the ruse to work, the holographic emitters placed in every Starfleet medical facility would have to be operating. Otherwise, there’d be no point in having an EMH. However, if they were activated, someone would notice. Kaz had had to figure out how to activate the emitters without attracting attention.

“They’re on. You may, uh, transfer your briefcases,” he told “Chakotay” and “Tuvok.”

They looked at each other, then nodded. With the touch of a button in their briefcase-size portable emitters, they shimmered and reformed as Seven of Nine and Icheb. There was a brief, uncomfortable moment as the real former Borg stared at their doubles.

“I realize it is unusual to see oneself so [101] realistically portrayed,” said Data, “but we do not have much time.”

“Data’s right,” said Janeway. “Let’s do this and get the hell out.”

The holograms of Icheb and Seven walked to their flesh counterparts.

“Here,” the false Icheb said to the real one, “this button will activate the holographic field. You will look and sound like Commander Chakotay, and if you’re stopped and searched, the briefcase will look as if it just contains ordinary items. They won’t be able to see the controls.”

“When you are safely away, this button will shut down the field,” said “Seven.” “It will also reveal the controls in the portable emitter, just so you know.”

“I understand,” said Seven, and then, hesitantly, “Thank you.”

The hologram smiled at her, then he-she-it lay on one of the beds. The one who looked like Icheb followed suit. The doctor pressed a few buttons, and a stasis field sprang into place around the two of them.

Data examined the display. “Well done, Doctor. Everything appears to confirm the illusion that Seven of Nine and Icheb are present and in stasis.”

“Thank you, Commander Data.” Kaz turned to face Janeway. “I’ve done everything I can to play up how ill Seven and Icheb are, which, unfortunately, is not much of an exaggeration. They’ll need several hours of uninterrupted regeneration as soon as possible.”

Janeway nodded. “I’ll see that they get it, though I’m certain Seven will argue that she’d be more valuable plowing ahead.”

[102] Seven raised a blond eyebrow in indignation. “I had hoped to begin work on analyzing the Borg virus immediately,” she said.

Janeway grinned. “See?”

Kaz grinned back. “Tie her down if you have to, but make sure she regenerates. Icheb, too. His newfound ability to sleep a little bit has helped stave off much of the damage, but he needs several hours as well.” He hesitated. “I’m not certain I approve of your choice of allies, but as the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“I’d say these are desperate indeed,” said Janeway. “We’ll be in touch.” She glanced at the holograms. “You’re sure they won’t be disturbed?”

“I’ll do what I can, of course, but Montgomery does have the right to sever the stasis if he sees fit.”

“Let’s hope he doesn’t.” Her gaze shifted to Seven and Icheb and she smiled slightly. “Suit up, you two. It’s time for our next abduction.”

 

Janeway, Data, “Chakotay,” and “Tuvok” were admitted into the Doctor’s cell. A guard, as usual, stood outside. It was Lieutenant Debby Garris, who smiled when she caught sight of Janeway. The admiral was a frequent visitor, and she always made a point of being pleasant to the guards she encountered. Although she disagreed with them this time, she knew they were good people just doing their jobs.

She returned the smile. “Good morning, Lieutenant Garris.”

“Good morning, Admiral. Commanders.” She looked slightly troubled and glanced into the now-empty cell [103] across from the Doctor. “They were put into stasis this morning, for their own safety,” Garris said quickly. “They’re all right.”

“Your compassion for my concern does you credit, Lieutenant,” Janeway said warmly. “We were just in time to talk to them before Kaz completed the process.”

She relaxed, relieved. Janeway briefly glanced up to see the small red light glowing steadily. Not unexpectedly, she saw they were still under surveillance.

The Doctor had risen to greet them. “Commander Data,” said the Doctor, clearly surprised. “May I ask why you’re here?”

“A few years ago, I was put on trial for my own rights as an individual, Doctor,” said Data. “When Admiral Janeway informed my captain of your situation, I realized that it was necessary for me to assist you in your own quest for the same recognition. A Federation citizen should not be held against his will with no charges.”

“They think I’ve got something to do with Baines, but they’ve yet to present any sort of case,” the Doctor said.

Data nodded. “I see.” He turned to Garris. “Lieutenant Garris, I am here to act as the Doctor’s legal counsel.”

Garris looked confused. “But he’s just a hologram,” she began.

“And I am just an android,” said Data. “And yet I am recognized as a person.”

Janeway felt a bit sorry for poor Garris as she opened and closed her mouth, uncertain as to how to reply. She stepped in and saved the younger woman the trouble.

“Whether or not the Doctor is a person has yet to be proved, but until it is, it might be a good idea to err on [104] the side of caution and assume individuality until that’s proven not to be the case. Therefore, he’s entitled to a private conversation with his legal counsel.”

“I really should get permission from Admiral Montgomery,” said Garris.

“Go ahead,” Janeway said. She said it lightly, as if the outcome was certain, but in reality, such was not the case. Montgomery might deny her just to be unpleasant.

“He’s unavailable right now. Perhaps if you return tomorrow—”

Data shook his head. “That would not be advisable,” he said.

“Commander Data’s an extremely busy man,” said Janeway. “Captain Picard would be disappointed that he gave his crewman leave and Data didn’t even get to meet with his client.”

She wasn’t above exerting a little pressure if need be. They’d gotten used to her and her crew by now, which was well and good; but the names of Data and Captain Jean-Luc Picard still dazzled the younger members of Starfleet. The name-dropping had the desired effect. Pushing her advantage, she said, “I’ll take full responsibility if Montgomery has any sort of problem with this.”

That did it. Relief spread over Garris’s young, attractive face. “Very well, Admiral.” She lowered the force field and Data stepped inside. The field snapped back into place, but Data and the Doctor remained standing.

Janeway indicated the red light. “Private conversation, Lieutenant,” she reminded her gently.

“Oh, yes, “of course.” Garris touched another button beside the door and the light went off.

[105] “Would you care to sit?” said the Doctor, indicating the small bed.

“I do not tire, nor do you,” said Data logically.

Gently, Janeway took the lieutenant by the arm and steered her down the hall, out of earshot. “Tuvok” and “Chakotay” followed.

“I understand you’ve just returned from your honeymoon. How’s married life treating you?” she asked in an amiable fashion.

She listened with half an ear, nodding in the right places as Garris told her about her honeymoon in the tropics. But her mind was not on sunny beaches and waving palm trees. She was trying to figure out how long they would need. She suspected that the plan would be carried out in a matter of seconds, but that Data and the Doctor would linger over their conversation so as to make the fabrication of legal consultant and client more believable.

It was a full half-hour before she heard Data’s voice calling, “I have completed my consultation, Lieutenant Garris.”

Garris hurried down the hall. The Doctor sat on the bed, his hands clasped loosely. A small padd sat beside him. Data stood, hands folded behind his back, awaiting them. The force field was deactivated.

Data turned back to the Doctor. “I will be visiting you again soon. In the meantime, please review the documentation I have provided.”

“Thank you, Commander Data. I will,” said the Doctor earnestly. He turned to Janeway. “Thank you, Admiral, for believing in me.”

[106] She smiled. “We’ll drop by again soon, Doctor. Good-bye, Lieutenant. I enjoyed our chat.”

“As did I, Admiral. Good day.”

They strode down the hall. Janeway muttered under her breath, “How did your consultation go?”

“Successfully,” said Data, but nothing more. Elation filled Janeway.

They might just be able to pull this off, after all.

 

It seemed to take forever before the four of them safely materialized in Paris’s apartment. The real Chakotay and Tuvok were anxiously awaiting their arrival, along with Tom and Harry. When Janeway met her former first officer’s gaze and said, “We did it,” sighs of relief and not a few whoops filled the room.

Grinning fiercely herself, Janeway nonetheless held up a calming hand. “Let’s make sure it went as well as I hoped first.” She turned to the doubles. “We’ll start with you two. Disengage holographic camouflage,” she said.

The false Tuvok and Chakotay opened their briefcase-size portable emitters and touched a few buttons. There was a humming sound, and then Seven and Icheb stood before them.

Even as their friends rushed toward them to offer hugs and pats on the back, the former Borg both stumbled. Tuvok caught Seven as she fell.

“I apologize for my weakness, Admiral,” Seven mumbled. “Perhaps Dr. Kaz was correct in his assessment of my need to regenerate.”

Tuvok gently led her to a couch and sat her down. Icheb wasn’t far behind her. Pale and shaking, he [107] propped his head up on his elbows and held his head in his hands.

“We’ll get you both to a chamber as soon as we can,” Janeway promised. “But we have one more person to check on.”

Data reached up to his head and deftly removed a chunk of his skullcap. There was a sharp intake of breath all around the room. It wasn’t every day one watched a friend remove a piece of his anatomy so casually.

Red and green dots chased each other on Data’s head. He walked over to one of the holographic emitters and his face went slack. His head twitched.

“Processing ...” he said in a dull voice.

There was a crackle, and then the Doctor stood before them. His dark eyes were wide with delight. He clutched his chest as if ascertaining the reality of his form.

“I’m here. You really did it! Thank you so much, Mr. Data.”

“Do not thank me yet, Doctor,” warned Data. “You may still have your program altered or perhaps deleted entirely. We have not yet proven your viability as a unique individual, which would be the only means by which—”

“It’s good enough for now, Commander,” said Janeway, walking over to the android and putting an affectionate hand on his shoulder. Her eyes took in the scene fondly. It was good to see her friends on the right side of a prison force field.

Her next task was to see to it that they stayed there.

“I’m afraid I have to ask you to download the [108] Doctor once more, Data. And you two,” she said to Seven and Icheb, “will have to hang on for a little bit longer.”

“Where to now?” asked the Doctor.

Janeway smiled, softly. “We’re going to go visit an old friend,” she said.