Unworthy - Kirsten Beyer [72]
“Borg implants contained self-regenerating power sources.”
“Yes,” the Doctor said with a nod, “and I expected to find something similar in the catoms. But it appears that they rely entirely on external power sources.”
“For the Caeliar living in one of their cities, that power source was their omega molecule generators.”
“Your biological processes now seem to be powering yours,” the Doctor added.
“Then it is likely that the catoms that replaced my implants would be more limited in their scope and potential uses than those used by the Caeliar,” Seven reasoned.
“Agreed,” the Doctor said. “They are integrated into your body seamlessly, more so than your Borg implants. This integration suggests to me that in time, you should be able to control them.”
“That does not necessarily follow,” Seven argued. “I realize that you and Counselor Cambridge are both intrigued by this possibility, but it is equally likely that the catoms were placed in my body with severely limited programming. Their only purpose might be to sustain the systems that once required nanoprobes. There might be no neural connection, apart from the catoms that replaced my cortical node, or that connection might be one-way.”
“You think they placed that voice in your head and denied you the ability to answer it?”
“It is possible.”
“It’s also barbaric, and not at all consistent with what little else we know of the Caeliar. I don’t believe they intended the voice to torment you.”
“Then they failed.”
“Or perhaps, we just haven’t figured out how to make appropriate use of the gift they have given you.”
Seven bristled at the thought of the transformation as a gift. However, it was possible that the Caeliar had unintentionally created her current dilemma.
“I need to disengage the inhibitor to run a diagnostic on it and to download the data it has collected about your neural processes,” the Doctor said. “Would you like me to sedate you while I do so?”
“I survived for months with the voice,” Seven replied. “Although I would not consider myself able to perform my duties without the inhibitor at this time, I believe I possess sufficient control to manage for a few minutes while you perform your tests.”
“Very good,” the Doctor said, and smiled. “Are you ready?”
Seven acquiesced with a nod.
The Doctor gently removed the inhibitor and Seven forced herself to take deep, regular breaths as she awaited the resurgence of the unwelcome presence in her mind.
You are Annika Hansen.
Seven ignored the voice and attempted to focus her thoughts on the most recent scans she had completed of the Indign system. Unfortunately, this led her to thoughts of the reverence the Indign seemed to have for the Borg too quickly. The notion that she and the Indign might share anything in common was decidedly troubling.
You are Annika Hansen.
Seven stole a glance at the Doctor, who hummed softly to himself as he performed the diagnostic. Her heartbeat began to accelerate as she attempted to calculate the length of time it would take for him to complete his work.
You are Annika Hansen.
I am Seven of Nine. I am a unique individual. Your interference is neither helpful nor appropriate. I am Seven of Nine.
Hello, Seven of Nine.
Seven’s eyes widened instantly at this abrupt change to the voice’s routine. Her breath came in quick, short spasms as she waited to see if it would return to normal, or if, somehow, she might have just discovered some of the control she had been seeking.
Seven of Nine?
“I am here,” she said aloud.
Seven of Nine, help me.
“Where are you?”
“Seven?” the Doctor said, puzzled.
“Something has changed,” she advised him.
He quickly returned to her side and began to scan her. “Your heart rate and respiration have increased,” he noted. “What’s wrong?”
“The voice … it has changed.”
Seven of Nine, hurry.
Seven quickly pushed herself off the biobed and moved to the door of the examination room.
Seven of Nine.
The voice seemed louder in her head, as if somehow she had stepped closer to it.
“But that’s impossible,” Seven murmured.
“Seven, tell me what’s happening,