String Theory_ Fusion (Book 2) - Kirsten Beyer [120]
The Doctor appeared pleasantly surprised to see Janeway enter sickbay along with Lieutenant Torres. But his obvious relief at this development was short-lived.
“Doctor, report,” Janeway requested, taken aback at the sight of Tuvok’s body covered by the pulsating mass of translucent energy.
“As you can see, Captain, the transformation begun when Tuvok was infected by one of the parasites is almost complete. A short time ago, Tuvok called to Ensign Vorik telepathically. Vorik initiated a successful mind-meld with him. He was able to communicate Tuvok’s wishes to me, including his request to speak with Assylia. As there is no record of her in the ship’s manifest, I have been at a loss as to how best to fulfill this request.”
Janeway turned to face Vorik, who was still standing beside Tuvok’s biobed.
“Why does Tuvok wish to speak with Assylia?” she demanded.
“I do not know, Captain,” Vorik replied. “He has a message for her, but that is all I was able to learn before he terminated our meld.”
“Captain,” B’Elanna interjected, “Tuvok has been unconscious in sickbay since he was brought back on board.”
“That’s not entirely true, Lieutenant,” the Doctor said. “He did regain consciousness long enough to disable my program, and even unconscious has successfully fought off each attempt I have made to separate him from the parasite.”
“My point, Doctor,” B’Elanna said with barely concealed irritation, “is that there is no way Tuvok could have known that Assylia is on board.”
Janeway didn’t know what to make of this, but for the moment, she had a more pressing concern.
“Doctor, you said Tuvok has resisted your attempts to separate him from the parasite. Does that mean…?”
“According to Ensign Vorik, Tuvok is well aware that his body will die when the transformation is complete. He is willing to sacrifice his life in favor of a new state of being which Tuvok believes is somehow superior to life as you know it.”
Janeway’s mind reeled. She had last left sickbay completely confident that the Doctor would be able to save Tuvok’s life. Nothing could have prepared her to accept the idea that Tuvok would willingly commit suicide.
“I’m sorry, Captain, but there isn’t much time left,” the Doctor said. “If it is possible for Tuvok to speak with Assylia, he should do so right away.”
Janeway nodded.
“Transfer Assylia’s holomatrix to sickbay, B’Elanna,” she said.
A few moments of tense silence later, Assylia appeared before them.
“Where am I?” she asked. “Where is Commander Chakotay?”
Janeway addressed her. “I am Kathryn Janeway. I am the captain of this vessel. We have transferred your program to our sickbay.”
“I was told you had departed,” Assylia said flatly.
“And as you can see, I have returned,” Janeway replied. “One of my crewmen has been infected by a parasite… a creature like that we believe was responsible for the death of your people.”
“Chakotay spoke to me of this,” Assylia replied. “I am sorry for your loss.”
Janeway winced at her premature condolences.
“My crewman, Lieutenant Tuvok, wishes to speak with you. Are you willing to do this?”
Assylia seemed disconcerted by the request, but replied, “Of course,” adding, “On one condition.”
“I beg your pardon?” Janeway said.
“I requested your Commander Chakotay’s aid when last we spoke. Have you discussed my request with him?” she asked.
“To what request are you referring?”
“I offered to help your ship escape the array in return for your help in destroying it. Are you willing to assist me?”
Janeway was dumbstruck. Only a few moments in Assylia’s presence had answered any question she had as to why Chakotay had terminated her program and ordered it to stay offline. She was demonstrating an appalling lack of sensitivity to their situation. She tried to allow for the horrible fate this woman had suffered, but even so, could not see herself acting the same had their situations been reversed.
“We will be leaving