Unworthy - Kirsten Beyer [99]
“Yes, but Seven’s seem to have been specifically designed to have a very limited capacity. Without an external power source, their transformational ability could not compare with those that made up an entire organism like a Caeliar. I’m also beginning to believe that in addition to comparatively minimal power, they might have minimal intended use.”
“You think they were meant to keep her alive and nothing else?” Chakotay inferred.
The Doctor nodded. “Yes. And, quite possibly, to ease her transition from Borg to human.”
“‘You are Annika Hansen,’” Cambridge mused softly.
“Correct,” the Doctor replied. “The Caeliar might have assumed that anyone in Seven’s position would have been comforted by this reassuring voice during and just after the transition.”
“Pity they don’t really know our Seven,” Cambridge noted.
“Indeed,” the Doctor concurred. “Because Seven could not or would not accept the message, the voice has grown stronger.”
“But if she had accepted it long ago, it might have disappeared altogether?” Chakotay asked.
“I think so,” the Doctor said. “Since she was unwilling to do that, however, we’ve asked her to try to control them—to force the issue, so to speak—”
“And her catoms are responding as best they can,” Cambridge agreed. “She is learning to control them, but by expanding their uses beyond what was intended, she’s also made herself vulnerable to them. They will do whatever her mind can clearly instruct them to do, including facilitate this telepathic link with the Indign species, but at great cost to her.”
“This last effort left her physically exhausted. I have already begun liquid nutrient infusions, but I don’t want to wake her until I can be sure that the neurological inflammation has diminished.”
Glenn followed their exchange carefully. “Thank you, Doctor,” she finally said. Turning to Cambridge, she asked, “How exactly were these injuries sustained?”
“Seven was able to make telepathic contact with one of the Neyser on the fourth planet,” he replied.
“The Neyser in question had been seriously injured by a Starfleet-issue weapon. A dozen others in its village were dead when we arrived,” Chakotay added somberly.
“Who could have …?” Glenn began.
“There’s more,” Cambridge cut her off.
“More?”
“Before she lost consciousness, Seven said that the canister the Indign sent to Voyager was not intended to be a method of communication.”
“What was it?”
“A weapon.”
Glenn turned to the Doctor, who immediately said, “I have thoroughly evaluated Ensign McDonnell’s physical condition and I can assure you that she was not harmed during the—”
Suddenly the sickbay was awash in flashing red lights. Alarm Klaxons blared harshly.
Glenn’s gut tightened as she tapped her combadge. “Glenn to the bridge.”
“Lawry here,” the terrified ensign’s voice replied.
“Who ordered Red Alert?” Glenn asked, conscious of the brittle edge in her voice.
“I did, Captain. I’m locked out of helm controls. The warp drive has come online but the helm is not responding.”
“Glenn to Lieutenant Benoit,” she called.
“Go ahead, Captain,” the harried chief engineer responded.
“I want the warp drive shut down immediately,” Glenn ordered.
“We’re trying,” Benoit assured her. “We’re locked out of the system and I’m trying to find a way through but the code is pretty dense and the system is not responding to my overrides. I could use some help.”
“I’ll see to that. Keep me advised,” Glenn replied. “Glenn to Lieutenant Barclay.” When there was no immediate response, she called, “Computer, locate Lieutenant Barclay.”
“Lieutenant Barclay is in the holographic research lab.”
“Barclay, this is Commander Glenn,” she attempted again. “Please respond.”
He didn’t.
“Computer, dispatch a team of security holograms to the lab and have them bring Lieutenant Barclay to me on the bridge. And bring the Emergency Engineering Holograms online to assist Lieutenant