It was a joy to hold her daughter in her arms, even though she was almost a year old.

The caramel color of her skin contrasted with that of her mother, but that was to be expected when her father was dark skinned.

Just when the Captain placed her daughter in the crib, the comm sounded. "Chakotay to Janeway."

"Go ahead." the woman answered.

"Captain, we need you in Engineering. There's something here you should see."

"On my way. I'll be back soon, T'Aimnu." and she kissed her daughter on her small forehead.

*//*

"What have you got?" the Captain asked as she entered the engineering section.

"Some bad news. The long range probe we sent out two months ago has stopped transmitting." the first officer replied.

Torres looked up from her monitor. "At first I thought it was a problem with the communications grid, then I cleared up the last few seconds of telemetry. Take a look at this."

It was shown on the monitor that the probe was taken inside a Borg cube.

The native American turned to the human woman. "This could be it, Captain. Borg space."

*//*

"We don't know exactly how many vessels are out there. but their space appears to be vast. It includes thousands of solar systems, all Borg. We are no doubt entering the heart of their territory. There's no going around it, but there may be a way through it." the Captain told.

"Before the probe was disabled, it picked up a narrow corridor of space devoid of Borg activity. We've nicknamed it the Northwest Passage." Chakotay said.

"Unfortunately, the passage is filled with intense gravimetric distortions. probably caused by a string of quantum singularities." B'Elanna reported.

Paris crossed his arms. "Better to ride the rapids than face the hive."

The former Maquis nodded. "Exactly. We're going to set a course for that corridor. and go into full Tactical Alert. Where do we stand with weapons?"

"I have reprogrammed the phaser banks to a rotating modulation, but I suspect a Borg vessel will adapt quickly." the Vulcan replied.

"We can use every edge. Ensign?"

"I've already configured the long range sensors to scan for transwarp signatures. An early warning system." Kim answered.

The Commander nodded. "Good work. Doctor, how are you coming on the medical front?"

"I've analyzed every square millimeter of the Borg corpse we recovered three months ago. I'm closer to understanding how their assimilation technology works, and I might be able to create some sort of medical defense."

Chakotay nodded. "Redouble your efforts." and he turned to the Talaxian. "This is your top priority. Neelix, I doubt we can resupply the ship any time soon."

"No problem, sir. I'm working on a plan to extend our food and replicator rations."

"We have to act fast. The Borg have captured one of our probes. They know we're out here. We'll do everything in our power to avoid a direct confrontation. but if and when we do engage the Borg, I'm confident that we'll be ready. I have faith in each and every one of you. Let's do it."

*//*

"I want to cut down on the time it takes to seal off the decks." the native American ordered the Ops officer.

"In case we take on some uninvited guests?"

"Exactly. And I want to increase the magnitude of the forcefields."

*//*

"These injection tubules are the first step in the Borg assimilation process. Once inside the skin, they release a series of nanoprobes into the bloodstream." the EMH said, pointing at something on the former drone's body.

"Maybe we can develop some kind of protective shielding against them." Kes suggested.

Commander Kirk shook her head. "Unlikely. The tubules are capable of penetrating any known alloy or energy field. Which means our battle must be waged inside the body itself." and the image on the monitor enhanced with 047. "The first tissue to be attacked by the nanoprobes is the victim's blood. Assimilation is almost instantaneous."

"They take over the blood cell functions like a virus." the medical assistant concluded.

"Which suggests to me that we should try to enhance the immune system. Create an assimilation antibody, as it were. I doubt we can actually destroy the nanoprobes, but we might be able to slow them down. Let's try a submicron dissection on the probes we've collected so far, see if we can discover the assimilation mechanism." the Doctor told.

Suddenly, the Ocampa had some sort of reaction.

"Kes, is something wrong? Kes?" the half-Bajoran went to the other woman's side.

"I saw Borg." Kes replied.

"You've had a telepathic experience?" even the hologram was worried.

"There were bodies. Dozens of them, dead."

*//*

"How's Kes?" Janeway asked.

"Unsettled and uncertain. Over the past two hours, she has experienced several telepathic visions about the death of Borg and the destruction of Voyager." Tuvok replied.

"Some sort of premonitions?" Chakotay asked.

"Possibly." the security chief answered.

Kathryn sighed. "We can't just ignore her intuition, but I see no reason to alter our plan. Tuvok, I want you to keep an eye on her."

"Captain, long range sensors are picking up transwarp signatures. Five point eight light years distant, closing from behind." the Ops officer reported.

"Red Alert." the Captain ordered. "Evasive maneuvers."

Suddenly, their speed dropped and the entire ship shook. "What's happening?"

"We've dropped out of warp." the helmsman replied, turning to the commanding officers.

"Bridge to Engineering What's going on down there?"

"I'm not sure, Captain. Some kind of subspace turbulence is preventing us from creating a stable warp field."

"Turbulence is increasing." Tuvok said, holding onto his station.

"I have readings of two Borg vessels. Make that three. Four. No, five. Fifteen Borg vessels. Distance two point one light years and closing." the science officer reported.

"Shields to maximum. Stand by all weapons." Janeway ordered.

"They're in visual range."

"On screen."

Chakotay's eyes went wide. "My God."

Several Borg cubes rushed past, which threw Voyagerto and fro in their wake. The last one slowed in front of them.

"Captain..."

"I'm picking up a polaron beam. We're being scanned." Harry reported as a green vertical beam passed around the bridge.

"Think good thoughts."

The Vulcan looked down on his monitor. "The last Cube has rejoined the others."

Kathryn turned to the Ops officer. "Did we sustain any damage?"

"No. Shields held. Warp engines are coming back online. All primary systems are stable."

The brunette nodded. "Stand down Red Alert. Harry, maintain a long range sensor lock on that Borg armada. They seemed to be in quite a hurry, didn't they? I'd like to know what they're up to."

The Japanese Ensign nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"I'll take this near-miss as a good omen. Resume our course, Mister Paris."

The Commander sighed deeply. "If we needed any more evidence that we've entered Borg space, I think we just got it."

"I'll be in my Ready room." and the woman left the bridge.

*//*

Janeway read the Starfleet Database entry on the Borg as the science officer entered.

"The latest sensor sweep has been completed. So far, the Northwest Passage is still clear of Borg activity." the half-Bajoran reported.

"I'd like to see a tactical update."

"I believe you should approach your husband for that one. Do you wish to eat?"

Kathryn shook her head. "No thanks, I'm not hungry. And I've got a lot of work to do."

"I see."

"I've been looking through the personal log entries of all the Starfleet Captains who encountered the Borg. I've gone over every engagement, from the moment Q flung the Enterpriseinto the path of that first Cube to the massacre at Wolf 359. Every battle, every skirmish. anything that might give me an insight into the mind of the Collective."

T'Luna nodded. "Which would be Captain Picard and Captain Amasov."

"Correct. In the words of Jean-Luc Picard. 'In their Collective state, the Borg are utterly without mercy, driven by one will alone: the will to conquer. They are beyond redemption, beyond reason.' And then there's Captain Amasov of the Endeavour. 'It is my opinion that the Borg are as close to pure evil as any race we've ever encountered.'." the human looked up. "You come from a long line of Starfleet officers, what's your opinion of them?"

Commander Kirk pondered. "I believe that the Borg are actually pretty weak. Though they appear strong, that is only because they can hear each other's voices as a Collective. Each drone needs the voice of another, individually they are just like us."

"I need an attitude like that. I hope my daughter will be much like you."

Then, the com went off. "Captain Janeway to the bridge."

*//*

"Gentlemen."

"Something strange is going on." Kim reported, still looking at his monitors.

Tuvok looked up. "The power signatures of those Borg vessels have terminated."

"They're dead in the water, about five point two light years from here." Harry told.

Janeway frowned. "Cause?"

"Unknown."

The Captain sighed. "Mister Paris. Set a course for their position. Warp two."

*//*

"We're approaching the ships." the Ops officer reported.

Kathryn nodded in acknowledgement. "Slow to impulse. On screen."

All they see is the cubes blasted to pieces.

"Lifesigns?" the Commander asked, turning to Commander Kirk.

"A few, but they are erratic." the half-Bajoran replied.

Beeping sounds came from the security station. "Captain, I'm detecting two residual weapons signatures in the debris. One is Borg, the other is of unknown origin."

"Who could do this to the Borg?" Paris asked as they cruised through the debris field.

"Someone more powerful than the Borg? It's hard to imagine."

"But they did it. Fifteen Cubes! We might've just found our ticket through Borg space. An ally, maybe?"

"Let's not jump to conclusions. Scan the vicinity for other vessels." the Commander ordered.

"There are none." the Vulcan reported.

"Hold on." Kirk held up her hand, turning all heads. "I am picking up some sort of bio-readings. They are coming from the outer hull of one of the Borg ships."

"Let's see it. Magnify, Miss Kirk."

The half-Bajoran worked on the buttons. "It is definitely organic, but our sensors cannot penetrate its surface."

"Send a standard greeting." Janeway ordered.

"No response." the Japanese Ensign said.

Chakotay turned to his right. "This could be a space-dwelling organism or a biological weapon."

"I'd like to know what kind of weapon could destroy the Borg." and she turned to Harry. "Can we beam it away from the ship?"

"I can't get a lock on it."

"Tractor beam?"

"No effect." Tuvok said.

Kim raised both his eyebrows. "Whatever that thing is, it's impervious to our technology."

"Tuvok, are you reading an atmosphere in the Cube?" Kathryn asked.

"Affirmative."

"Commander Chakotay, I want you to take an away team inside. Try to get a short range scan of the biomass."

"There are still Borg lifesigns, but they're unstable." Tuvok warned.

The Captain nodded. "We'll keep an open comlink and an active Transporter lock. We'll pull you out of there at the first sign of trouble."

"Tuvok, Harry, you're with me." and the three officers left the bridge.

*//*

Inside the Cube, the metal creaked and sparks flew around. The away team that beamed in was armed with phaser rifles.

"This way." Cakotay ordered.

A few meters ahead, they found a pair of Borg trying to make repairs.

"Lower your phasers. If we don't appear threatening, they should ignore us." the Vulcan advised.

"Looks like they're a little preoccupied." Kim commented.

The Commander looked down on the scanner he was holding. "The alien bio-readings are getting stronger. We're close. Let's keep moving."

The away team reached their goal.

"It looks like the bio-mass dissolved right through the Borg hull."

"This Borg is attempting to assimilate it."

The Ensign snorted. Doesn't look like he's having much luck.

The first officer looked on the scanner again. "There's a chamber beyond this opening. Forty meters wide, high concentrations of antimatter particles. It looks like a warp propulsion system of some kind."

Kim frowned. "It's a ship?"

"Starfleet has encountered species that use organic-based vessels. The Breen, for example." the Vulcan commented.

"There doesn't seem to be anybody on board. Chakotay to Voyager."

"Go ahead, Commander."

"Captain, we've found an entrance to the biomass. We think it may be a ship of some kind. Permission to go inside."

"Granted."

*//*

The alien bioship has a lot of curves, a stark contrast to the Borg angles.

"They seem to be organic conduits. They're carrying electrodynamic fluid." Chakotay read.

"Maybe an energy source." Tuvok theorized.

The Commander nudged his head. "Maybe. This looks like a binary matrix, but it's laced with neuropeptides. Could be their version of a computer core."

*//*

In another hallway, Ensign Kim heard some clanging sounds and went to investigate before returning to his work.

*//*

"This damage was caused by a Borg disrupter beam. The wall appears to be regenerating itself. Commander!" Tuvok called as he discovered a Borg being absorbed by the wall.

*//*

Kim finished the download assigned to him before a Borg walks past him. He heard even more clanging. "There's someone in here with us and it's not the Borg. I can't localize it but it's within twenty meters."

"Perhaps the pilot has returned." the security chief said.

"Voyagerto away team."it was their Captain."

"Go ahead."

*//*

"Stand by for transport. We're getting you out of there."

"Good idea."

Janeway turned to B'Elanna. "Energize."

"I can't get a lock on them." Torres said as she was working the transporter.

"What's the problem?"

"It looks like bioelectric interference from whatever's coming toward them."

Kirk sighed. "Try narrowing the confinement beam."

From behind Ops, the half-Klingon shook her head. "No effect. I'm going to try a skeletal lock. It you're gonna ask, I think I can get a clean lock on the minerals in their bone tissue. I just came up with it, but I think it might work."

"If it works, we are getting out of here."

"I've got them." the Engineer said.

Kathryn smiled. "A skeletal lock, huh? We'll have to add that one to the Transporter manual."

"Captain, the bioship is powering up, like it's charging some kind of weapon." T'Luna called.

The human turned to the helm. "Mister Paris, get us out of here. Maximum warp."

As they started to move away, but got hit by an energy weapons. The ship tumbled out of control before Tom even managed to crawl back to the helm and initiate warp.

"The alien ship is not pursuing." the science officer said.

The Captain turned to the Ocampa, who was now recovering from another telepathic vision. "Kes?"

"I could hear its thoughts. The pilot of the bioship was trying to communicate with me. They're a telepathic species. I've been aware of them for some time now. The premonitions. Captain, it's not the Borg that we should be worried about, it's them."

"What did it say to you?" Janeway asked, voice full of concern.

"It said, the weak will perish."

****

Captain's log, stardate 50984.3. It's been twelve hours since our confrontation with the alien lifeform. There's no sign that we're being pursued and we've had no further encounters with the Borg. I've decided to hold our course. The Northwest Passage is only one day away, and I won't allow fear to undermine this crew's sense of purpose, even if that fear is justified.

****

"Captain, what is going on?" T'Risa asked as she encountered the older woman.

"We might have found something more powerful than the Borg." the Captain replied.

The quarter Cardassian frowned. "More powerful than the Borg? Must be some species you do not wish to cross then."

Janeway handed the Ensign a PADD. "Try to figure out whatever they are, ship's security will need to adapt to it. Use all the resources necessary."

The 21-year old nodded. "Yes ma'am."

*//*

Kim was being absorbed by infection, just like the Borg on the bioship.

The EMH pursed his lips. "The infection is spreading. What began with a few stray cells contaminating the chest wound is now infusing every system in his body."

"It looks like he's being transformed in some way." Janeway commented.

The hologram shook his head. "Not exactly. The alien cells are consuming his body from the inside out. In essence, Mister Kim is being eaten alive."

"He's still conscious, Doctor."

"I tried giving him a sedative, but it was rejected immediately. In fact, every treatment I've tried has been neutralized within seconds. These are alien cells. Each one contains more than a hundred times the DNA of a human cell. It's the most densely coded life form I've ever seen. Even I would need years to decipher it."

As the Captain and the Doctor were debating, Kirk studied whatever was happening to the Ensign's cells. She closed her eyes and reached out telepathically to the young man's mind.

The infection tried to reach out to her, but couldn't reach her.

"Doctor, I might have something." the Lieutenant said.

"What is it?" the hologram asked.

"Telepathy is a temporary solution. It does not penetrate skin, thus no danger to the telepath." the woman replied. "It could help the Ensign to fight the disease until you have those nanoprobes ready."

"Good work Lieutenant." and Kathryn left Sickbay.

*//*

"We've analyzed the Borg's tactical database. They refer to these new aliens as Species 8472." Torres said as she turned away from the monitor.

"Over the past five months, the Borg have been attacked by them on at least a dozen occasions. Each time, the Borg were defeated swiftly." Tuvok added.

"The Collective has very little information about the species."

The first officer sighed. "Is anything known about where they come from?"

"I'm afraid so. They live in the Northwest Passage."

"Get that info to the Captain, immediately!"

*//*

"What are your readings on the Passage?" Janeway asked as she stood before her chief science officer.

"I have picked up one hundred and thirty three bioships. More are appearing from from a quantum singularity. Also, there are a lot of gravimetric distortions." Kirk told. "The atmosphere inside is organic fluid. It seems that only Species 8472 can live there."

"Tom, reverse course, maximum warp. Take us five light years out and hold position."

The helmsman nodded. "Aye, Captain."

"Maintain Red Alert. Commander."

*//*

Kathryn had gone back to her quarters, picking up the infant from her crib. "It seems we'll be stuck here for much longer. *sigh*How I wish to be back home again, to see my mother and my sister Lisa. They'd love you instantly, though a bit emotional."

While holding her child, the Captain went to the windows. "I'm not always this unsure about my decisions, but I can't help it very much. It's either face the Borg or settle down on some planet here in the Delta Quadrant."

T'Aimnu's eyes opened, revealing it's dark brown color. She clearly had Tuvok's eyes.

At that moment, she began realizing something. "Although... maybe there is another solution..."

*//*

Paris almost fell out of his chair. "An alliance with the Borg?"

"More like an exchange. We offer them a way to defeat their new enemy and in return we get safe passage through their space. In developing a treatment for Harry, the Doctor has found a way to attack the aliens at a microscopic level."

"It's still in the experimental stages, Captain. I've only made a few prototypes." the Doctor corrected her.

"Nevertheless, if we teach the Borg how to modify their own nanoprobes, they'd have a blueprint to create a weapon to fight the aliens." Janeway said.

The EMH had to give her that. "In theory, yes."

"B'Elanna, it's clear from the Borg database that they know practically nothing about Species 8472."

The Engineer nodded. "That's right. The Borg gain knowledge through assimilation. What they can't assimilate, they can't understand."

"But we don't assimilate. We investigate. And in this case, that's given us an edge. We've discovered something they need."

"But the Borg aren't exactly known for their diplomacy. How can we expect them to cooperate with us?" the Talaxian asked.

"Normally, the answer would be no. But if what I've learned from the aliens is true, the Borg are losing this conflict." Kes replied

Kathryn nodded. "In one regard, the Borg are no different than we are. They're trying to survive. I don't believe they're going to refuse an offer that will help them do that."

"What makes you think the Borg won't attempt to take the information by assimilating Voyager and its crew?" Tuvok asked, clearly fearing for the existence of his wife and child.

The Captain shook her head. "That won't get them anywhere. Doctor, you're the only one on board with full knowledge of the nanoprobe modifications. I want you to transfer all of that research into your holomatrix."

"Certainly." the hologram acknowledged.

"You're my guarantee. If the Borg threaten us in any way, we'll simply erase your programme. But it won't come to that, Doctor. It's in the Collective's own interest to cooperate. Voyageris only one ship. Our safe passage is a small price to pay for what we're offering in exchange. B'Elanna, assist the Doctor with his transfer."

The half-Klingon nodded. "Aye, Captain."

Then the brunette looked at the helmsman. "Mister Paris, locate the nearest Borg vessel and lay in a course. They shouldn't be difficult to find."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Dismissed." and everyone left except for Chakotay and Kirk.

"You were awfully quiet." Kathryn commented.

"I didn't want the others to hear this, but I think what you're proposing is too great a risk." the Native American stated.

The half-Bajoran sighed. "Mr. Chakotay, Starfleet is however not safe, whatever era it is and whatever a Captain decides to do. Sometimes, commanding officers have to take a risk to ensure the survival of the majority."

"Even if we do somehow negotiate an exchange, how long will they keep up their end of the bargain? It could take months to cross Borg territory. We'd be facing thousands of systems, millions of vessels." the first officer pointed out.

The Lieutenant didn't back down, staring the former Maquis right in the face. "But only one Collective, and we have got them over a barrel. We do not need to give them a single bit of information, not until we are safe. We need courage to see this through to the end."

"There are other kinds of courage. Like the courage to accept that there are some situations beyond your control. Not every problem has an immediate solution."

"You are suggesting we turn around." T'Luna concluded.

Chakotay nodded. "Yes. We should get out of harm's way. Let them fight it out. In the meantime, there's still plenty of Delta Quadrant left to explore. We may find another way home."

"Or we may find something else. Six months, a year down the road, after Species 8472 gets through with the Borg, we could find ourselves back in the line of fire, and we will have missed the window of opportunity that exists right here, right now." Kirk told.

"How much is our safety worth?" clearly, the man got frustrated.

The Captain, who had watched the exchange of words, frowned. "What do you mean?"

"We'd be giving an advantage to a race guilty of murdering billions. We'd be helping the Borg assimilate yet another species just to get ourselves back home. It's wrong!"

Before Kathryn could react, the half-Bajoran intervened. "The Borg assimilate, it is the driven mind of their collective. They may have killed many, but you cannot resent the entire Collective for the driven mind. Once open to negotiation, we might be able to form an alliance between the Federation and the Collective."

Janeway smiled. "Well said, Commander Kirk."

*//*

Back on the bridge, Tuvok raised his head as the three officers entered.

"There are three planets in this system. Inhabitants, all Borg. A vessel is approaching."

"All stop. Shields up." the Captain ordered.

The half-Bajoran quickly sat behind the Ops station. "They are hailing us."

"Open a channel."

"We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."

"They have locked onto us with a tractor beam." the Security chief said.

"Borg vessel, this is Captain Janeway of the starship Voyager. I have tactical information about Species 8472. I want to negotiate."

"Negotiation is irrelevant. You will be assimilated."

The brunette sighed but tried again. "Borg vessel. What you're receiving is a sample of the knowledge we possess. If you don't disengage your tractor beam immediately, I will have that data destroyed. You have ten seconds to comply. We know you're in danger of being defeated. you can't afford to risk losing this information. Disengage your tractor-" but she was beamed away before she could finish.

"Kathryn!"

*//*

Janeway was beamed aboard the Borg Cube.

"State your demands." the voice was mechanical.

The woman took a deep breath. "I want safe passage through your space. Once my ship is beyond Borg territory, I'll give you our research."

"Unacceptable. Our space is vast. Your passage would require too much time. We need the technology now."

"If I give it to you now, you'll assimilate us." the Captain stated.

"Species 8472 must be stopped. Our survival is your survival. Give us the technology."

"No. Safe passage first or no deal."

"State your proposal."

Kathryn straightened her back. "Let's work together, combine our resources. Even if we do give you the technology now, you're still going to need time to develop it. By working together, we can create a weapon more quickly. If you escort us through your space we can perfect the weapon as we-" again, she was interrupted.

Species 8472 was attacking.

*//*

"Where did that ship come from?" Chakotay asked.

"A quantum singularity has appeared twenty thousand kilometers away. The bioship is heading directly toward the planet." Tuvok replied.

"The Borg shields are weakening. We might be able to break free of the tractor beam." Torres reported.

"Can you get a lock on the Captain?" the native American asked, turning to the Vulcan.

"Not yet."

Scanners at Ops began beeping. "Commander, there are nine more bioships coming out of the singularity." and eight bioships surrounded a ninth to send energy to it.

That ninth ship send a massive energy beam towards a planet.

The targeted planet goes KABOOM!, taking several Cubes with it.

Voyagerwas thrown away at high warp.

*//*

"Report." Chakotay demanded.

"The Borg shields are offline. I've got a lock on Captain Janeway." the half-Klingon said.

"Get her out of there and break us free of the Cube. Stand by all weapons."

"I'm trying to energize. The Borg are scattering the beam."

"Compensate!"

"We're being hailed." Tuvok said.

Chakotay nodded. "On screen."

Their Captain appeared on the screen. "Commander. Cut the transporter beam."

The former Maquis frowned. "Captain?"

The woman shook her head. "Do it. I've reached an agreement with the Collective. We're going to help them design a weapon against Species 8472. In exchange, they've granted us safe passage through their space."

"The Cube is altering course. They're heading toward the Alpha Quadrant." Paris reported.

"That's part of the plan. We'll work on the weapon en route. Once we're across their territory, we'll give them the nanoprobes. They appear to be holding up their end of the bargain. I suggest we do the same."

"How do you propose we begin this collaboration?" the native American was clearly confused.

"I'm going to work here, on the Cube. They have technology that'll make the job go faster. I want to take advantage of it."

Chakotay shook his head. "It's not necessary for you to stay there. We can set up a comlink with the Borg and-"

Kathryn cut him off. "It's part of the deal. I work here."

The first officer sighed. "All right. As long as we're cooperating, maybe the Borg would be willing to disengage their tractor beam. We can match their course without a leash."

"I'll propose it. Mister Tuvok, transport to my coordinates."

The Vulcan nodded sharply. "Understood."

"We're going to make this work, Commander. Janeway out." and she disappeared.

Chakotay sighed as he sat back in his chair. "You heard the Captain."

*//*

When Tuvok beamed aboard, he immediately embraced his wife to reaffirm she was not assimilated. "May I ask where we're being taken?" he asked as they began walking with a couple of drones.

"Grid nine two of subjunction twelve. Our very own workspace. It's near the center of the Cube." Kathryn replied, holding her husband's hand.

With his free hand, the dark skinned man showed a small PADD. "These are my tricorder readings of the bioship we examined. I believe you will find them most revealing."

"Have you compared this to the Doctor's analysis of the alien tissue?" the brunette asked.

The Vulcan nodded. "Yes. Many of the cellular structures are identical."

"The aliens and their ships are made of the same organic material."

"Apparently so."

They were lead into a chamber.

"You have entered grid nine two of subjunction twelve. Proceed."

Janeway nodded. "All right. We've analysed one of the alien vessels, and it appears to be constructed of organic material vulnerable to the modified nanoprobes. I suggest we begin thinking about a large scale delivery system. A way to infect their ships and destroy them at the microscopic-"

"We will begin."

A Borg grabbed the woman and pushed her to her knees. Another grabbed Tuvok.

"What are you doing?" the Vulcan asked.

"A neural transceiver is required for maximum communication. We will work as one mind."

The Captain shook her head. "No. That wasn't the agreement."

"The neural link is temporary. You will not be damaged."

"I don't care. I prefer to communicate verbally, thank you." Kathryn almost yelled.

"Your primitive communication is inefficient."

The security chief disagreed. "On the contrary. We work better with our individuality intact. Surely, we've proven that to you by now."

"Irrelevant. You must comply."

"We must do nothing. Tell your drone to remove the transceiver. What about choosing a representative? A single Borg we can work with and talk to directly."

"Elaborate."

"You've done it before. When you transformed Jean-Luc Picard into Locutus. We will not be assimilated. Choose a representative or the deal's off."

The neural transceivers were removed from their necks. A door opened, and a Borg is released from its alcove. It walked towards them.

This one was clearly human female, with an hour-glass figure. "I speak for the Borg."

"I'm Captain Janeway. This is Lieutenant Tuvok." the brunette said.

"We are aware of your designations." the female Borg responded.

"What's your designation?"

"Seven of Nine, Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One. But you may call me Seven of Nine. You are proposing a large-scale weapon. We concur."

Janeway nudged with her head. "I thought you might."

Tuvok looked at his wife before looking at the drone. "We could encase the nanoprobes in some of our photon torpedoes. In essence, turn them into biomolecular warheads."

"Your torpedoes are inadequate. They lack the necessary range and dispursive force."

Kathryn looked skeptical. "Do you have a better idea?"

"We are Borg."

The security chief had a tendency to roll his eyes. "I take that as a yes."

Seven lead them to a computer monitor. "A multikinetic neutronic mine. Five million isoton yield."

"An explosion that size could affect an entire star system."

The human drone nodded. "Correct. The shock wave will disperse the nanoprobes over a radius of five light years."

The Captain raised both her eyebrows. "That's somewhat larger than I had in mind. You're proposing a weapon of mass destruction."

"We are."

"Well, I'm not. You'd be endangering innocent worlds."

"It would be efficient."

"We'd need approximately fifty trillion nanoprobes to arm this mine. It would take the Doctor several weeks to replicate that amount. You are losing this conflict. Are you willing to risk further delay?" Tuvok asked, reasoned with logic.

"Right now your enemy believes it is invulnerable. If we create smaller weapons using our torpedoes and destroy a few of their bioships, it may deter them, convince them to give up this war."

The female huffed. "You are individuals. You are small, and you think in small terms. But the present situation requires that we consider your plan. Voyager's weapons inventory. Photon torpedo complement thirty two. Class six warhead. Explosive yield two hundred isotons."

"How did you obtain this information?

"We are Borg."

"Naturally."

*//*

Back on Voyager, Kim entered the bridge.

Chakotay smiled. "Glad you could join us, Mister Kim."

Paris beamed. "Harry. Welcome back."

"Thanks. Reporting for duty, sir. The Doctor gave me a clean bill of health. Did I miss anything?" Kim asked.

"Not too much. Take your station, Ensign."

The engineer pointed at her own nose. "You've still got a tendril up your nose."

"Commander. I'm picking up gravimetric distortions twelve thousand kilometers aft. It's a singularity."

"They're charging weapons." the helmsman called out.

The first officer turned around. "Shields. Keep a lock on the Away Team."

"Direct hit to our secondary hull!" Torres reported.

At Ops, Harry was rushing all over. "Transporters are offline! Shields and weapons are down."

"We're being targeted!" Tom called.

"Brace for impact!"

The bioship fired at the Cube section next to Voyager. It's energy weapon lances its way inside, hitting a console right next to Janeway, knocking her out. The Cube changed course, hitting the bioship. They both go mega-KABOOM!

Voyagerrocked in the wake of the explosion.

"The Cube?"

Paris sighed. "Destroyed, and it took the bioship with it."

"Tuvok to Chakotay."the Vulcan's voice sounded rough.

"Go ahead, Tuvok. Where are you?"

"I'm in Cargo Bay two along with the Captain and a number of Borg. We were beamed over just before impact. We require assistance." and the line went dead.

"Tuvok. Tuvok? Secure that deck. Security Team to Cargo Bay two. Paris, you have the bridge."

*//*

Tuvok and Janeway were out cold lying on the floor.

Chakotay and two security guards, armed with rifles, entered the Cargo Bay.

There were some Borg computer components around, too.

"Lower your weapons." the female drone said as she lowered her own. "We are here with your Captain's consent. It was necessary to sacrifice our vessel to protect yours. We have an alliance, do we not?"

Kirk turned to the Commander as she too entered the Cargo Bay, not liking his expression.

*//*

"For now they're contained. They've assimilated Cargo Bay two and they're drawing energy from the secondary power couplings." Chakotay said.

"But they've gone no further."

The former Maquis pointed a finger at the Vulcan's chest. "Not yet. I've sealed off decks nine through thirteen and posted security details at every access point."

"I suggest we increase security around Sickbay as well."

The first officer smirked. "Already done. How far did you get on the weapon?"

"We are ready to construct a prototype."

Kes walked towards them. "You're fit to return back to duty, Lieutenant."

"And you, Kes?"

The Ocampa smiled. "Oh, I'm all right. The visions have stopped for now."

Janeway was still lying on a biobed.

The EMH stood beside her bed. "The plasma burns to her thoracic region I can treat, and I've already stopped the internal bleeding. But her neural injuries are going to require some creative thinking."

The dark-skinned man looked at his wife before taking her hand. "Before we beamed out, an alien energy discharge struck very near the Captain."

The hologram sighed. "Well, it appears to have disrupted all her neuroelectrical pathways. I'll have to induce a coma to protect her higher brain functions. But I must tell you, unless I can repair the damage, she may never regain consciousness."

"Make sure those Borg stay put. I want tactical updates every twenty minutes."

"Yes, sir. Shall I resume working with them?"

"Stand by for now."

*//*

 The Borg have been busy building regeneration alcoves and other equipment all around the Cargo Bay.

As the first officer entered, Seven turned to him.

"Where is your Captain? I must speak with her."

"In our medical bay, recovering. You'll be dealing with me now."

"Circumstances have changed.

The native American nodded. "I'd say so."

"The loss of our vessel requires that we modify our agreement."

"I've been giving that some thought. I'm willing to let you stay on board. We'll continue to work with you on the weapon. Once we're safely out of Borg territory we'll give you the nanoprobes, shake hands and part company."

"Insufficient. Our latest tactical projections indicate that the war will be lost by then. The nearest Borg vessel is forty light years away. You will reverse course and take us to it."

Chakotay rolled his eyes. "Even at maximum warp, that's a five day journey in the wrong direction. We're supposed to be heading out of Borg space, not deeper into it."

"There is no alternative.

The man sighed. "Look, I'll honour the original agreement, but I'm not turning this ship around. It's too dangerous."

"Denying our request is also dangerous."

"I'll think about it." and he left.

*//*

T'Luna was sitting in the back as the first officer reasoned his argument.

"A five day trip back into the heart of Borg territory. It's too risky. With those drones and the nanoprobes on board, we might as well have a bull's-eye painted on our hull. We're a prime target for Species 8472. We'd never survive another attack."

"What is the alternative?" Neelix asked.

Chakotay pursed his lips. "I'm going to end this alliance here and now. We're going to drop the Borg off on the next uninhabited planet, give them the nanoprobes and take our chances alone. They can wait for a Borg ship to pick them up and finish the weapon. I'm in command now and I have to do what I think is best for this crew. Tom, I want you to scan for the nearest uninhabited planet and set a course."

"Aye, sir." Paris said.

At that moment, the science officer chose to speak up. "You must be cautioned. Either the Borg will try to assimilate us and the ship, or someone is going to start a munity here."

"We'll see. Bring that female drone to the Ready room. Dismissed."

*//*

"Once we've beamed you to the surface, we'll send down the nanoprobes and all our research."

The drone didn't move. "Unacceptable. We don't have time for-"

The Starfleet officer cut her off. "This isn't open for discussion. I'm not turning this ship around. You're getting what you wanted. I suggest we part ways amicably."

"There is another option. We could assimilate your vessel."

Chakotay was enraged. "If a single drone steps one millimeter out of that Cargo Bay, I'll decompress the entire deck. You won't pose much of a threat floating in space."

"When your Captain first approached us, we suspected that an agreement with humans would prove impossible to maintain. You are erratic, conflicted, disorganized. Every decision is debated, every action questioned. Every individual entitled to their own small opinion. You lack harmony, cohesion, greatness. It will be your undoing."

The man sneered. "Escort our guest back to the Cargo Bay."

A hand went straight to the man's neck, a single pinch dropped him to the floor.

"What you were doing would only endanger us further." Kirk said before looking at Seven. "I already suspected his actions. His reasoning is compromised by his feelings, he is emotional unstable."

The formerly human drone nodded. "Have we seen you before?"

"You might have met a member of my family." and the half-Bajoran walked towards the door. "And if you dare to go against orders, we will decompress the Cargo Bay.

"You seem reasonable. We have new information. Species 8472 has penetrated Matrix zero one zero, grid nineteen. Eight planets destroyed. Three hundred twelve vessels disabled. Four million, six hundred twenty one Borg eliminated. This Alpha Quadrant vessel has to be taken into the alien realm."

"How do you plan doing that?"

*//*

This time, the Kirk woman sat in the Captain's chair again. "Everyone, ready yourselves for being pulled in."

"Yes ma'am."

As the crew readied themselves, a green beam was emitted from the deflector dish.

"We're emitting a resonant gravitation beam. It's creating another singularity." Torres reported.

"Deflector control offline." the Ops officer answered.

"We're fighting intense gravimetric distortion. No way back." Paris said. "We're being pulled in!"

"We appear to have crossed an interdimensional rift." the security chief said.

Tom blinked with his eyes. "We've definitely left our galaxy. No stars, no planets."

"Viewscreen." T'Luna ordered.

The viewscreen showed a murky brown green expanse.

The engineer was clearly busy. "I'm re-calibrating sensors. The entire region is filled with some kind of organic fluid. This isn't space. It's matter."

The com went off. "Commander Kirk. We have entered the domain of Species 8472. Report to the Cargo Bay."

*//*

"Our entry into fluidic space has created a compression wave. They know we're here. A fleet of bioships is already converging on our position. Time to intercept, three hours, seventeen minutes." the female drone told as the Lieutenant entered the Cargo Bay.

"You've been here before." the half-Bajoran stated.

"We must prepare this ship for the altercation. We will construct a complement of biomolecular warheads."

"Very well. Though, I am curious why you wish to assimilate them."

Seven looked at Kirk. "Species 8472 was more resistant than we anticipated. Their technology is biogenetically engineered. It is superior to that of all species we have previously encountered. They are the apex of biological evolution. Their assimilation would have greatly added to our own perfection."

T'Luna raised an eyebrow. "So you are searching for perfection? Huh, never heard that reason before."

"There is only one course of action. Destroy them first. My subspace link to the Collective has been weakened by the interdimensional rift. We cannot signal for help. We are alone. We must construct a compliment of biomolecular warheads and modify your weapons to launch them."

"Do whatever you need to do."

Then, the com went off. "Doctor to Kirk."

"Go ahead."

"Could you report to Sickbay? The Captain wishes to see you."

"On my way." and she left Cargo Bay two.

*//*

When T'Luna entered, Janeway was up and back in uniform. "Captain, it is good to see you awake again."

"As you can see, I've repaired her neural damage. Ensign Kim, the Captain, I'm two for two."

The brunette sighed. "Doctor. if you'll excuse us a moment."

The EMH looked at the women in front of him. "Hmm? Eh? Oh. Gladly. Computer deactivate EMH programme."

"Commander, although you despised orders and started a munity on your own, I find that I don't care. You did what I would've done as well in your shoes." Janeway said. "Chakotay didn't trust me, but you did."

"I thought about what my father and his parents would have done were they in our situation." the half-Bajoran told.

"At least you and I think as one."

*//*

Tuvok escorted Seven of Nine onto the bridge.
"Captain Janeway." the drone greeted.

"I've relieved Mister Chakotay of his duties and confined him to the Brig. I'm back in command."

"And you understand the situation."

The Captain nodded. "Completely. Tuvok, give her the nanoprobes. Work with her. Build as many warheads as you can and start modifying our weapons systems. I suggest we think about enhancing our defenses, as well. If we're going to fight this battle, I intend to win it."

"We are in agreement."

"Good. This is the plan. We engage the enemy here, in their space. We show them what they're up against. If they have any sense of self-preservation, they'll back off, pull their ships out of the Delta Quadrant. That's provided the weapons are effective. If they aren't, it's been nice working with you. We've got to get this ship armed and ready in under two hours. We're going to war."

*//*

About two hours later, everything is done and Kes was sitting in Chakotay's seat.

"Borg modifications are complete." Harry reported.

"Bring them online." the Captain ordered.

A few seconds later, small bits of Voyager'shull lighted up Borg green.

"Torpedo launch tubes active. Hull armour engaged. Shield enhancements stable."

"Biomolecular weapons are ready. Thirteen standard photon torpedoes. And one class ten, armed with a high yield warhead." the security chief reported.

Janeway sat straight in her seat. "All hands, this is the Captain. Ready your stations. Seal all emergency bulkheads and prepare to engage the enemy. Stand by for my orders."

"Four bioships have just entered sensor range." Paris told.

"Battle stations. And when you've got a visual, put it on screen."

"I can hear them. They want to talk through me. They say we've contaminated their realm." Kes said.

Kathryn turned to her. "Tell them we had no choice. We were only trying to defend ourselves."

"They say our galaxy is impure. Its proximity is a threat to their genetic integrity." the Ocampa said.

T'Luna too felt pressure on her mental walls.

"Tell them we have a weapon. A devastating weapon that can destroy them at the cellular level. If they don't stop their attacks on the Delta Quadrant, we'll be forced to use it."

"They said your galaxy will be purged." And the bioships started firing, people were thrown onto the floor.

"Shields and weapons are offline!" Kim called.

"Rerouting emergency power to the launchers." the Vulcan said.

Tom looked down on his station. "They're coming around for another assault. I've lost thrusters."

"Biomolecular warheads are charged and ready." Tuvok reported.

"Fire."

The biomolecular warheads directly hit the four bioships in sensor range, but there was no effect.

"They're charging weapons!"

But before they could fire at Voyager, the bioships went KABOOM!one by one.

"The nanoprobes were successful, if not prompt. All four ships have been destroyed."

Janeway sat back in her chair. "I think we've made our point. Now open a singularity and get us out of here."

Seven complied and the ship returned to the Delta Quadrant, followed by bioships.

"Captain..." the helmsman warned.

"Kes, are you still in contact?" the Captian asked.

The blonde Ocampa nodded.

"Tell them if they continue their attack, we'll use the weapon again."

"They're not responding."

Kathryn looked at the screen. "Evasive maneuvers."

"Aye, Captain. They're in pursuit."

"Prepare to fire the high yield warhead. Aft torpedo bay."

Tuvok pressed the buttons on his station. "Ready, Captain."

"Do it."

The torpedo exploded in the middle of the fleet, destroying thirteen and making the others flee.

"I have regained full contact with the Collective." the former human said.

"What are they saying?"

"All remaining bioships in the Delta Quadrant are returning to their realm. The Borg have prevailed."

The brunette snorted. "With a little help from us. Now it's time you fulfilled your end of the agreement. Tell the Collective we expect safe passage from here on out. We'll give you a shuttlecraft. You can head for the nearest Borg ship."

"Unacceptable. This alliance is terminated. Your ship and its crew will adapt to service us." And she went towards Paris.

He tried firing a hand phaser at her, but the beam bounced off her shields.

"Resistance is futile." But as she reached for the console, she suddenly stopped moving. Her face expressed horror and fear that came with failure.

"What's going on?" Janeway asked, turning to Kim.

But the Ops officer was looking to his right front... to the science station.

Kathryn looked too, seeing the science officer with her hand stretched out to the Borg.

"Our minds are linked. We are one. I can hear your thoughts." the half-Bajoran said, closing her eyes. "You are human. An individual. I can see your memories. You remember being human."

"We are Borg." The drone forced out.

"I see a young girl. A family."

"Irrelevant. Your appeal to my humanity is pointless."

"Listen to your human side. To yourself, the little girl. Seven of Nine. You were Annika."

Torres thought quick. "Initiating power surge now!"

Seven felt the effects of the energy surge as her neural transceivers were overloaded. She passed out.

T'Luna too fell to the ground, still catching herself on her arms. "Her connection to the Collective is severed."

"Get her to Sickbay. Are you going to be alright?" the Captian asked.

Commander Kirk nodded as she pushed herself back on her chair. "Maybe my nerves will be a little more sensitive than normal, but I will survive."

Tom frowned. "I was unaware that you were telepathic."

"It is the mix of Vulcan genetics and Hatorian genetics. An individual Hatorian is capable of taking control of a body when telepathy is used correctly. A Vulcan can reach the mind."

"Your father's side seems to be a save all the time." Chakotay commented.

"My genetics affect my abilities positively. By the way, I should note that Cargo Bay two has been decompressed."

**////**

TBC