DISCLAIMER: Star Trek, Star Trek Voyager, and Characters, are property of Paramount. I am not making a profit on this story.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is set right after Voyager's return to the Alpha Quadrant. Background sources used are Voyager T.V. episodes 'Threshold', 'Omega Directives' 'Pathfinder' and 'Think Tank'. Many other episodes have facts taken from them, but the above are the main ones. Especially important is 'Threshold' and 'Think Tank' if you want to do a background search. Other background information for Kathryn Janeway can be found in 'Mosaic.' Other sources are DS9 episode 'Rejoined' and DS9 novels Chapter Six. Any scientific references to genetics is pure creation from my warped brain.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Distant Echo
By Cygirl1
BOOK ONE
Chapter One
"Please, this has all been a misunderstanding. Captain Janeway has deceived you. We can straighten this situation out for both of our benefits." Kurros reasoned softly, while managing to maintain his outwardly calm and non-threatening demeanor. He had found it usually worked to present a non-threatening appearance to those who did business with you. This time it appeared not to be working. "We can help you achieve any goal you desire; just let us be reasonable and discuss this."
The Hazari commander snorted in disgust. "You can give us nothing that we cannot take from you. Be thankful that we do not throw you and your friend out of an airlock. It is only for the bounty offered for your worthless hides by some of your… grateful clients… that we do not." He guffawed at his own joke, some of his crew joining in.
The Hazari were under the impression that there were only two members of the Think Tank, Kurros and Fennin, a tall reptilian alien, who stood meekly in front of a habitat tank holding Xyglys, another Think Tank member. When the commander asked what was in the tank, Kurros told him it was a Grutokian sea creature given to them by a client. Moreover, if removed from the tank and exposed to the air it would give off an odorless and colorless poisonous gas that would melt the flesh off their bones before they could take a breath. This caused the Hazari crew to move quickly away from the area surrounding the tank.
The Hazari Commander was in the process of having his crew strip the ship of her cargo that had been collected over hundreds of years as a price for the Think Tank's help in solving many planets' life threatening problems. Cargo that in most instances was vital to the client's planet in some way, but was demanded as payment. Kurros tucked his hands in the full sleeves of his long brown robe, which covered his wrists. Closing his eyes, he telepathically communicated his distress to the original Think Tank founder, Bevvox, a glowing bioplasmatic life form contained in a variable gravimetric environment, easily over looked by the Hazari, passing as a piece of the ship's machinery. "They are taking everything we have gained over the past century. What possible use could they have for items they cannot even comprehend?" He mentally wailed.
Bevvox's thoughts were received clearly in his mind. "It matters little. We have unlocked the secrets of each item and, in addition, have stored the information that is pertinent. We must now devise a plan to remove ourselves from this situation."
Kurros opened his eyes in time to see two Hazari trying to lift X92, an advanced artificial intelligence and another member of the Think Tank. He quickly accessed his implanted circuitry to communicate with X92. "X92, start a countdown and flash some lights as if they have activated some dangerous device." Just as the crewmembers started to lift X92, an ear-splitting siren and flashing red lights caused the two to cease their activities and drop X92 quickly back in place.
"What in the name of Potales' three balls is making that racket? Shut it off"! Bellowed the Commander.
Kurros screamed,"Do not touch it, or it will detonate immediately and obliterate this parsec of space and all in it! We must leave, and leave now! If we leave now at warp nine, we may have a slight chance of escaping its destructive power!"
"Abandon ship now, leave everything! Bridge, emergency beam out all crew now!" Demanded the Commander. Just to add further dressing to the ruse, Kurros ran screaming toward the Hazari Commander.
"Please, take us with you!" The last thing Kurros saw before the boarding party beamed off was the sneer on the Commander's face. "X92, you can stop that infernal noise now before you shatter Xyglys' tank."
X92 abruptly abated the ear splitting squeal and sinister flashing red lights. Following Bevvox's order to depart with great haste, the Think Tank's ship headed in the opposite direction and out of this sector of Space.
Chapter Two
"It is necessary that we find some method of neutralizing Voyager in her journey through this quadrant. If we fail to do so, we risk Captain Janeway informing other denizens in this quadrant of our method of conducting business. Voyager's path to the Alpha Quadrant is the same that we planned years ago. And in truth it is the only route we can choose without retracing our previous course and further placing ourselves in jeopardy from those with whom we have had past business ventures." Surmised Bevvox, founder of the Think Tank.
Fennin, a tall reptilian member of the five some, stated the obvious, "We underestimated Janeway's ability to realize that she had been deceived. What she lacks in superior intelligence is more then compensated by her innate cunning and ability to correlate sequences of events to conclude that a deception was enacted."
Rubbing his cheek in thought, Kurros replied, "Voyager may still be open to negotiations. Not for the Borg, of course. Captain Janeway will never part with her. However, for something of value to us besides buying their silence."
"Would it not benefit us more to destroy Voyager?" Xyglys noted.
Kurros held both palms out in a gesture of denial. "Voyager could not be so easily destroyed without risk to us. If we followed that course of action, others in the Delta Quadrant would know of our deed. Do not forget the old Bareto adage, 'The Universe has a billion eyes, ears and mouths.' Someone would come across wreckage they could analyze. Messages could be sent on all frequencies of what transpired. There could be survivors to spread news of the event. We would be ruined. No, we must find Janeway's weakness. We must discover what she, or better yet her society or species, holds most dear. What would they risk their lives for without question or thought of danger or death to themselves?"
X92's thoughts filtered through the translation device. "The micro-borer did attach itself to one of the Borg's finger pads when she touched my faceplate during communication. It was transferred successfully when she was accessing one of Voyager's computer terminals and was able to bore into the unit's subframe and broadcast much data before it ceased functioning. I have not analyzed the data but it may contain information we can utilize in discovering what factor would ensure Janeway's willingness to negotiate with us on our terms."
Kurros smiled knowingly. "Brilliant, X92. We will analyze the ship's logs and database. Perhaps we will discover a weapon to coerce Janeway to comply with our demands. In addition, we may discover something of value to us. X92, analyze the logs for any technology or discoveries that may be of interest to us. Especially any information pertaining to Borg technology. This Seven of Nine may have data and research stored. Leave no file unopened".
5.622 hours later, all data from Voyager had been analyzed, and the members of the Think Tank came to a meeting of the minds to share their findings. Kurros, standing with eyes closed and hands tucked into his sleeves, requested X92 to report any significant technological discoveries that would be of value. "There are various Borg components incorporated into Voyager's shields and sensors. In addition, there is some preliminary research into transwarp technology. I cannot access one log. This log has Borg encryption codes and safeguards that are proving most difficult to open . I will continue to work on unraveling this code. "
Fennin reported, "Janeway has no familiar ties on the ship that would elicit a strong desire to safeguard them against harm, but her medical records do contain one odd, but perhaps irrelevant, fact. She and her helmsman, Tom Paris, produced three offspring while in a mutated form. This mutation occurred due to the accelerated de-evolutionary process caused by exceeding warp ten. Voyager's doctor reversed the process for Janeway and Paris. The three offspring remain on the planet where they were spawned. There was no known procedure to de-evolve the offspring since their genetic material was not evolved, as was that of their parents. Janeway does feel a strong protective tie to her crew and their well-being. She has gone to great lengths to save various crewmembers from disaster when it would not jeopardize the majority."
Bevvox, the founder of the group observed, "Though the mutated young are interesting I do not think we can use them to our advantage. Borg technology is tempting. However, many cultures in this sector would be hesitant to utilize it. I propose that we forgo any dealings with Voyager and use our hyper drive to jump light years ahead of her. This will give us some leeway in conducting our transactions with other planets."
Xyglys observed, "As we know, the hyper drive engines are still in the experimental stage. They would be very risky unless we used them for very short bursts. It would take us months to get far enough ahead of Voyager to have leeway to execute our endeavors."
Kurros sighed in resignation. "While it is not an optimum choice, it is perhaps the best choice. It's a pity really. I would enjoy seeing Janeway bow to our demands."
It was agreed by all to follow Bevvox's recommendation.
Two days later brought about a radical change in plans due to X92's cracking of the Borg code.
"Daily log, Seven of Nine, Stardate 51781.4. For 3.2 seconds, I saw perfection. Omega. I have no words to describe this phenomenon. I would gladly spend the remainder of my life in studying...perfection. I am sure the scientist in Captain Janeway regrets the destruction of all records pertaining to our discovery. However, foremost she is a Starfleet Captain, and will follow their dictates. She can do no less."
The most powerful element in the Universe. The one who possessed the knowledge and the power to use it would rule not only the Delta Quadrant but also the whole Universe.
This was the Omega molecule.
"We have gone over all the ship's logs pertaining to the time frame preceding this log entry. The logs three weeks prior to this date and three weeks preceding do not show any irregularities or contact with other species," Reported X92. Kurros speculated,
"It is obvious that Janeway acted under orders. More then likely put in place by Starfleet should one of their ships ever come across this phenomenon. She has erased all evidence that anything out of the ordinary was ever discovered."
"We could trace their path."
"She has more then likely changed all of those records going back and forwards from Stardate 51781.4. We could spend decades searching for the source. And she would destroy all Omegas in her path."
Bevvox replied, "This, friends, is worth confronting Janeway. I have a plan that I believe can work. The one constant in humanoid societies is the protection and rearing of young. We may have a bargaining tool...her children."
"You forget, Bevvox, Janeway abandoned these offspring. She appears to have no nurturing instinct for her offspring and may have no desire to have them in her custody," Fennin observed.
Kurros rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Captain Janeway may not have any nurturing instinct, as of yet, due to the unique nature of her and Lieutenant Paris' mutation when these offspring were conceived and birthed. She has no memory of the event. The offspring in their current state are of a different species though evolved from current human genotypes. They may not be sentient, or may be so advanced we are but an amoeba to them. I believe that if these offspring were presented to her in human form and function she would do all in her power to secure them from us, regardless of whether she possesses a nurturing instinct or not. Females of most humanoid species tend to have an instinct to nurture young, even if not biologically their own. She will have, in all probability, the instinct to protect offspring of her own species. That they would be her biological offspring would likely invoke a stronger desire to protect them. Her relationship to her crew is similar. She protects them. She takes care of them. In addition, she feels it is her responsibility as both a leader and as a human to do so. She would regard the offspring as her responsibility. Her moral beliefs would also play a major factor in her decision to safeguard her young. You also have to factor in the father. Lieutenant Paris hails from the same social community. The probability is high that he shares with Janeway the same core beliefs and values . On a primitive and innate subconscious level, his offspring represent a continuation of his genetic makeup to future generations. He will die, but a part of him lives through his descendants. No. This will succeed if we present them with human offspring."
Fennin interjected, "All is moot unless we can transform these creatures into human form. I know of no safe method to decelerate evolution if the creatures were conceived and birthed by parents who were in the accelerated mutated form. The offspring would not be mutants. The anti-proton radiation therapy can only be used to return the accelerated genetic material to its original form."
Kurros continued his argument. "This may be, but we can use similar principles to those Voyager's doctor used in reversing the transwarp evolutionary syndrome."
Fennin cautioned, "You assume that the offspring have inherited the same protein sequence as their parents. In all the possibilities, this may have been a unique characteristic found only in those who went through the process of increased evolution. The genetic coding of the offspring may not contain this protein since they never evolved as did their parents."
Xyglys interjected, "You are aware that my species go through stages of evolutionary genetic changes before reaching adulthood? If we can combine the enzyme that contains the proteins that cause this effect with their genes, it may act as the catalyst we need. We would then need to expose the treated creatures to a small, contained artificial temporally distortion field with negative polarities. This, I believe, will de-evolve their genes, thus achieving the results we want. Using the temporal distortion field with positive polarities, my species has been able to speed genetic changes at a much greater acceleration, thus producing an adult in a manner of minutes instead of the decades it takes now. In lower life forms, the negative polarities were applied, and they did de-evolve. However, it has never been applied to our species or any sentient species. Be aware that any method we employ would render the subject with no memory other then the core memory or instinct. They will have a normal brain and the intelligence that they inherit from their parents, but with no knowledge to use that intelligence, much as a neonate. They must go through a long learning process, which may take years, just as it does in the normal development of their species, from neonate to mature adult. In addition, we would have to calculate the correct amount of time needed to expose the treated genetic material to the distortion field. We do not want to stop prematurely and have the offspring advanced physically or mentally above that of the current human evolutionary scale. Nor do we want to stop the process too late and have offspring that would be steps below the current evolutionary scale."
Fennin noted, "We have several other factors to consider. The offspring may no longer be immature. We do not know what the growth rates of this amphibious species are. They may already be mature and have gone through one or more mating cycles. And if there is any combination of male and female, they may have already mated and produced young."
Kurros, taking a deep breath, said, "We will span that crater if we come to it. Now, we need to discover if the offspring have survived."
Fennin, ever the pessimist stated, "We also must be willing to destroy the offspring if this experiment is a failure and they have either severe physical or mental abnormalities. Janeway would hold us accountable for any retardation in development."
X92, quiet up to this moment, gave his assessment. "They will be as intelligent as both parents. Both exceed the norm for intelligence in their species. Especially, Captain Janeway."
Placing his hands back in his sleeves, Kurros informed the other members, "There are certain procedures that can greatly accelerate the learning process and the retention of what is learned. This will not increase or decrease the intelligence level they have inherited. As we know, you may have eidetic memory, but it is useless unless you can take what facts are remembered as raw material to create new concepts and apply it to problem solving. They will learn to speak, to walk and, of course, to apply what they are learning at a quickly accelerated pace, within a matter of months instead of the years it may take."
There was silence for a moment as each individual examined the information so far presented." Fennin inquired, "I am assuming the method that you speak of does not utilize the technique of gene splicing. In my reading on Federation laws, it is unlawful to alter the gene sequence with splicing the genotype for intelligence. If this were done to the offspring, they would be prohibited from many professions in the Federation. Janeway would also hold us accountable for that outcome."
Kurros replied, "No, I thought to introduce certain enzymes to the learning and memory centers of the brain right before the devolution process. While minute traces of these enzymes may show up in certain testing procedures, it will be thought as a benign, naturally occurring product of the planet on which the offspring were born."
Xyglys inquired, "You are referring to the Oprepian enzyme? You know that is a prohibited substance. On many planets in sector 28-43 in the Delta Quadrant it would mean our deaths or incarceration for the rest of our lives."
Kurros smugly answered, "Who is to know if we do not keep records and the offspring are taken to the Alpha Quadrant?"
Fennin asked, "Where would we obtain this enzyme?"
Kurros, looking pleased with himself, declared, "I happen to have several samples in my possession. After all, I believe in being prepared for any transaction and providing our clients with many options."
"At maximum warp and utilizing the shortest route, it will take 21 months 14 days to reach our destination. If Voyager continues her estimated route to the Alpha Quadrant, it would take an additional 39 months to 45 months for us to be in short range of her coordinates. However, if we employ the hyperspace burst drive, in short 15 minute bursts every 26 hours, we would reach our destination in 17 months and Voyager in another 30-32 months", Kurros stated.
Fennin protested. "The drive has not been refined. It poses too great a danger. We may find ourselves stranded in hyperspace for a long time."
Kurros waved his hand in dismissal. "That is why we must use such a short burst and wait 26 hours for the antimatter phase shift to realign. If monitored carefully for even a minute flux, we could immediately drop out of hyperspace if needed."
The Group planned only to stop, if necessary, for supplies. Their ship was well stocked, and they could go a few years without obtaining additional plant materials to convert into foodstuffs. The ship's engine had an almost unlimited power supply and could go hundreds of years on the source used. Of course, their plans were tantamount on Janeway's offspring surviving. Even if the offspring should be found, Janeway could be reluctant to deal. She would try other, more devious, ways to get her children back. She was dangerous. They would have to be very cautious.
"I am detecting only one life sign, located at latitude 48.7, longitude 52, which closely matches both the mutated genetic codes of Janeway and Paris. This signature is currently stationary and is located near a briny estuary situated near the mouth of a river which empties into the planet's fourth largest ocean." Intoned the flat, tinny, artificially produced voice of X92 .
Kurros wondered briefly what had happened to the other two offspring but was nonetheless pleased that one had survived. One offspring would still insure their chances of success. "Good. The laboratory is ready; commence beaming the subject to the prepared examination area. Come, Fennin. Let us see what offspring Captain Janeway has left."
Kurros ran his medical scanning device over the one-meter long amphibious salamander-like creature. He had to sedate it as it attempted to bite him with its wide and muscular jaws. As he worked, he relayed his findings to the others. "Young female, appearing to be right at the cusp of late adolescence and full maturity. Slightly malnourished, but showing no long-term signs of severe malnutrition nor any history of severe trauma to the body or internal organs . Negative for any disease processes or congenital abnormalities. She should be able to go through the procedures with no terminable adverse reactions. I will leave her sedated and proceed with step one of injecting the enzyme to the areas of the brain discussed earlier, and then we will proceed with the rest."
Chapter Three
"Sprout, do not throw objects into Xyglys' tank". Exclaimed Kurros. "Would you like to have objects thrown on you while you were sleeping in your living area?"
There was a thoughtful look on the teenager's face for a moment. "No. I did not think."
"You should always think through the possible consequences of actions that you take, Sprout. Tell me, what did you think the consequence of your action would be?"
Sprout put her right thumbnail between her teeth and started to chew it. Immediately realizing that this action was one she was not to do, she quickly removed her hand and hid it in the left sleeve of her bright blue robe. "I thought that Xyglys would not mind if I used her tank to see which object would float and which would not."
"Did you seek her permission?"
She hung her head, her dark red, shoulder length hair falling forward onto her pale face. "No."
"Why not?" She took a deep breath through her nose and replied, "I did not think she would mind. She was sleeping, and I did not want to wake her."
Kurros went on in his soft but firm voice, "Could you not have waited until she awoke and then seek her permission?"
Sprout pushed out her bottom lip in thought then answered, "I did not want to wait. It would take hours for her to wake, and I did not want to wait that long."
"I see, and you thought since she was sleeping you would go ahead with your experiment. You did not even consider that your actions might have harmed her if one of the objects had struck her."
Wrapping her arms around herself, Sprout answered. "No, Kurros, I did not. I am sorry."
"Sprout, you must learn patience. You should have asked her permission. Moreover, always try to think through any action or experiment you conduct to include any possible dangerous outcome as well as the beneficial. It could mean your survival or that of a colleague. Now go to your quarters and think why you should have asked her permission. I will not require you to think of other possible consequences to your action of throwing your belongings into her tank. Tonight, after dinner, I want you to tell me why you should have asked her permission."
Still hanging her head, she answered, "Yes, Kurros", then turned to go to her quarters.
Kurros knew that she was not attempting to harm Xyglys in any way. Curiosity led her into throwing many of her learning toys into Xyglys' tank. Perhaps he was expecting too much too soon. She was, in reality, only eight months old. She had come a remarkably long way in only a short time, due to the Proprean enzyme treatment. He noted that she did study the different objects before tossing them in the tank. Holding each in her hands, touching them and lifting each simultaneously, one in her left hand and one in her right, to judge the heavier of the two. She watched each object after throwing them in the tank, noting which sank and which floated.
Earlier in her development she was into everything: fingers pushing buttons, opening panels, and generally keeping everyone vigilant and on guard least she harm herself or blow up the whole ship. You had to hide every loose object, or she would have it torn apart. She was taught quickly that certain areas and things were off limits due to the danger of injury or death. If she wanted to know the function of an object, one or more of the group would tell her and, in X92's case, show her through a holographic projection with any schematic she wished to view, and in addition, would be shown the function of different components. She was provided with puzzles and simple mechanical toys with cogs, gears, and winding mechanisms, which she could take apart and put back together. Later, she received primitive electronic devices to study and assemble. She had the ability to determine how these objects worked and in what sequence a component should be placed. Soon, he would give her more sophisticated objects to investigate and components to create different devices.
He surmised that it was her father from whom she inherited this ability. Records from Voyager showed that he had a high mechanical aptitude as well as superior spatial awareness, no doubt why he choose to be a pilot. He showed his mechanical abilities in his different hobbies of rebuilding antiquated petroleum-fueled vehicles and in his collaboration with Ensign Kim in the construction of the Delta Flyer. She had her mother's love of discovery and learning new things. She would spend hours in front of her computer's holographic screen, researching the spatial phenomena she saw, of course at her own level of current language skills and knowledge. She was at present on the reading and understanding level of a standard human 13 years old. This ability was increasing rapidly. In another four months, she should be able to read and understand at the level required for entrance into Starfleet Academy. This would be close to the time they would intersect Voyager's path. He thought Captain Janeway would be most appreciative of this. He would not inform her of the enzyme. He planned to tell her it was a new technique developed for those with severe brain damage, which, in effect, stimulated the brain cells for rapid processing of information. In fact, there was such a device, but it would only work on those with more evolved and higher functioning brains. Most humanoid brains at the developmental stage of Janeway's species would have their brain cells burned out if the technique were applied to them. If she objected, he would tell her that she would spend years teaching her daughter how to read, write and function on even the level of a 12-year old. He doubted Janeway in her capacity as Captain would have the time.
Sprout was quiet and observant much of the time. Always taking a keen interest in conversations around her, even if she were unable to grasp many of the concepts, she was to the point in her development that she would access her computer and ask for the meaning of different words and phrases she had heard. He knew this as he kept her computer monitored in order to gage her ability to initiate her own research and to know at what level she was learning. She had a mind of her own, no doubt inherited from Janeway. For the most part, she was eager to please and compliant with rules of the Think Tank although she could be a terror, putting any Kanodelerain Demon Cat to shame.
She was a horror those first few weeks after her emergence, engaging in temper tantrums if she did not get her way, flinging herself on the deck and screaming at the top of her lungs, thrashing and rolling around as in a seizure. Fennin said to ignore her, which is what they did to hatchlings on his world. When the young saw their behavior was not effective, they would learn to work with others to get what they wanted. Indeed, this advice worked after two long nerve-wracking weeks. Each member would go about his business, and she was completely ignored during one of her tantrums. If she threw her food on the floor because she did not like it, she did not eat that night. If she threw her possessions, she did not get them back. Soon she learned to control her temper and to work out compromises. If she did her studies and showed that she had learned, she was rewarded with a new toy or a game of chess or sooludi with him or one of the others. He had told her that everything has a price, and her price was to think before she acted and think of the consequences. She did ignore that lesson from time to time. If angry, her face turned the most intense shade of red he had seen outside a sunset on an M class planet. She would sulk, frown, and her eyes looked like they could shoot plasma beams. She would stomp to her quarters and not interact with anyone for hours before finally emerging and acting as if nothing ever happened.
Yes, he thought. Captain Janeway will not be disappointed. She was intelligent, had good manners, including not picking her nose, biting her nails, scratching intimate areas, or expelling various gases out of her digestive orifice and mouth in a loud and offensive way, especially in front of others. This was thought uncouth behavior in many cultures, including Janeway's. He thought that Captain Janeway would also find her an attractive girl in physical appearance. In human development, she was estimated to be 15.9 years at her emergence. She had shown no fear when she first awoke in her new state. She had stared at Kurros with bright-blue, inquisitive eyes, the intelligence behind them obvious. Physically she resembled both parents, having her father's build, taller and lankier than her mother. She stood at 5'7.5". She might yet grow another half-inch before reaching full adult maturity. She had her mother's general face shape, seen in her high cheekbones, the shape of her nose, eyes and chin. The eye coloring was more that of the bright-blue of her father. She had his mouth and placement of eyebrows. Her hair was a dark red, not the auburn of her mother's. He would be sad to see her go. He had developed a fondness for her, enjoyed teaching her, and was proud of her progress and accomplishments. He would miss her, but to harness the power of the Omega molecule was too overwhelming to give up.
She had lost something and realized that it was trust. Trust she had in Kurros and the others. Kurros stated that he had never meant to deceive her. He would have informed her in time of her heritage when she was at a stage in her development to understand. She had to agree that perhaps he was correct. Still, the knowledge had hurt her in some deep, fundamental way.
It had started out with what she thought was an innocent inquiry. Moreover, it resulted in a misinterpretation of what she thought were facts. She had assumed that Kurros was her parent as biologically she had very similar physiological characteristics to his own. They were both humanoid, and he was the only humanoid on the ship. He took an interest in her safety and well-being. He taught her how to take care of herself. He provided her with food, clothing and shelter. He was interested in her intellectual development. Was this not what a parent did for their offspring? She had asked him if he were her only parent by means of parthenogenesis, or if she had another parent with whom she shared her genetic makeup. He had said nothing at first. He stood and appraised her with an analytic stare. He had sighed slightly and informed her it was time she learned the truth about herself and what she was and why she was aboard their ship.
What she learned about herself and her origin was bewildering. She could not fathom that the story he told had anything to do with her. How her biological parents were aboard a starship just a few months away. That he was going to reunite her with her parents. She wanted no part of it. Kurros, and to some extent the four others on the ship, were more her parents then those who had abandoned her, to perhaps perish as her two siblings had apparently done. No. This was her home. She wanted to stay. He told her that would be impossible. They had already foregone their purpose for her sake. Their travels and mission had often led them into some very dangerous situations, which were more than often life threatening. She would be safer with her parents on their ship. She reasoned that if her parents had truly wanted her, they would not have abandoned her on that planet. Forget that they did not know how to transform her to a human. They should have still taken her with them and attempted to discover a way to do so. Why did he want to give her over to them? He had told her because they owed Captain Janeway a payment for her part in a prior mission. He would not elaborate on the details of the prior mission or what Janeway had done, but she had been taught to take nothing said or done at face value. She was sure the 'owe' part could have several meanings on many different levels.
He had allowed her to view selected information about this ship, Voyager, from tens of thousands of light years away. He had also let her view selected information on her parents. She had at first refused to look at this information. She would not acknowledge these humans as her parents. She had gone to the others and pleaded her case. They were the only family she had known. They had only agreed with Kurros. She felt unwanted. They had lied to her with their silence. What other information were they .withholding from her?
Finally, she gave in to her curiosity and accessed the information on the two humans. She was not impressed. This Captain Janeway had gotten herself and her ship stranded thousands of light years away from their home. She was not intelligent enough to find a way to get them home again. It hardly mattered that Janeway was an outstanding graduate of Starfleet Academy or that she was of more than average intelligence for her species. Her father was above the average, also, in intelligence. She knew that she had inherited her love of mechanics from him. So what. She did not know them, and they did not know her. Kurros could find another way to repay them for their assistance. She knew that the purpose of the Think Tank group was to solve problems. She knew they outstripped her in intelligence. That must be it. Kurros and the others did not think her intelligent enough to contribute. She remembered the times that they discussed theories and discoveries way beyond her understanding. Even when she had the computer research the meaning or explain certain theories, she still could not grasp the majority of concepts with any complete understanding. As for her genetic parents, they had thought her so unworthy as to abandon her. This fact was perhaps the one that hurt the most.
"Since our long range scanners have failed to discover Voyager in our vicinity, we should stay in normal space until we find some ship or a nearby planet that may have information. I surmise that Voyager should be within weeks or days of our present location," Bevvox rationalized. Fennin maintained that they should keep their ship cloaked and that any contact made with another vessel could be done without revealing who they were. "We do want to avoid any unpleasantness if our reputation has preceded us." All members agreed, except for Sprout, who was left out of any decision-making involving Voyager.
Three days later contact was made by a Talaxian freighter from a nearby colony. The news was, to say the least, distressing. Voyager had made it back to the Alpha Quadrant, of this they were positive, as her Captain had contacted a former Talaxian crewmember, by the name of Neelix, through an artificial wormhole, one only large enough for a small stream of energy to enter and to exit. This wormhole was known as the Midas Array. The Think Tank members were familiar with this Array as it had been mentioned in Voyager's logs. It could prove useful in contacting Captain Janeway in the near future. What was truly stunning was that Voyager had somehow managed to enter into Borg space and use the Borg transwarp hub for their trip home, and, even more amazing, Captain Janeway had somehow outwitted the Borg queen and half of the collective on their own turf. How she did it was any body's guess.
How did Janeway do it? Again, they had underestimated her abilities. They would visit the Talaxian Colony, which lay less then two weeks travel at maximum warp from their current position. This Talaxian, Neelix, had been aboard Voyager when the Think Tank had their encounter with Janeway. They would have to gain enough of his trust to do business. They would need to use this Midas Array to contact Captain Janeway. Of course, they would be willing to pay for use of the Array. A colony was always in need of some service or item. After all, their entire planet was occupied by an enemy and one inhabited moon destroyed. The Colony had no backup support. It would be in the Talaxians' interest to do business with them. Besides, the Think Tank had a key that would more then likely buy this Neelix's support: Sprout. Talaxians were strong on family ties and support. He would more than likely be eager to reunite his friends' daughter with them; of that, Kurros was certain.
Chapter Four
Sprout could not be more pleased by what had happened. Voyager and her genetic donors, as she referred to her biological parents, were back in the Alpha Quadrant where they belonged. True, Kurros had made it known that the fact remained that she could not stay. She was hurt and angry but did get some amount of satisfaction from their plans having failed. They had not thought through all the consequences. She inwardly laughed. They needed to follow their own advice. She had known something was wrong, as Kurros had not been his dutiful self in reminding her it was time to eat, or time for lessons. She had come out and asked him what was transpiring. He, at first, told her it was business between him and his associates. She informed him it was her business, too, as it concerned her and she was no longer a child. By Federation Standards, she was an adult, having turned 18 a month ago. He looked at her as if she were a stranger or some new discovery. She just looked right back at him with a calm, assured look, which told him she was right, and he knew it. He had nodded and told her he would discuss it with the others. She went over to one of the consoles and drew up one of the small view screens to search for anything of interest near their current location in normal space. She knew they were discussing something to do with her as they had shut down her implanted translator. It was much too quiet. No conversation, as they were using just their thoughts. X92, Kurros, and Fennin could communicate by voice, but Bevvox and Xyglys only by thought. It was easier for her to have the language translated than to communicate by thoughts. Thought communication gave her a terrible headache and made her nose bleed if she used it more than two minutes. That is why she asked Xyglys and Bevvox short questions, and they gave her short answers. She went days without ever communicating with them. She had a feeling that she would be told enough that she could get some sense of what was transpiring. It was so hard to be patient sometimes. However, what choice did she have?
Kurros stated matter of factually, "She is an adult, after all, at least in the Federation. She is able to formulate accurate decisions based on the evidence presented; we all made sure of that. In fact, I would say that her logical approach to actions and consequences is beyond her years. We need not inform her of the Omega Molecule".
Bevvox asserted, "Agreed. We invested a lot of time in her, time that we could have used to pursue our prior agenda. If there is no way for us to trade for the Omega, there may be some culture we can trade or sell her to". Kurros angrily retorted,
"No, she stays with us in that event.".
"Your reason is clouded by an attachment to this human. I founded this coalition, Kurros, the decision is mine, or better yet, we will cast a consensus."
"I will not participate, and I will leave. You need me, Bevvox. I am the only one that Janeway will deal with. She is humanoid and would be more inclined to accept my presentation of the offer. You need to consider what if this deal should fall through. The majority of species in the Delta Quadrant, as in all Quadrants, is humanoid. You would not be able to communicate with 90 percent of them. Xyglys is so alien to them they would think of her as non-sentient. X92 is a machine. They would deal with a Borg before they would deal with a machine. No Bevvox, you need me. Do not think you are going to find some new humanoid member to replace me. You will be searching for a long time. However, think. She is pretty and well spoken. Many cultures would more readily listen to her than to me. They would not look beyond her surface."
Xyglys laughed, or what passed for laughter in her species. "Kurros has become both father and mother to her. His fry is ready to leave the egg pouch, and he wants what is in her best interest. Is it not so, Kurros?"
Kurros nodded. "Yes, I admit I do think of her as my child in a way. She is mature now and already has a certain self-confidence and presence. With the proper training, I believe she would make a very good representative for us."
Bevvox acquiesced. "You have persuaded me. It is a disappointment that Voyager has reached home. Even if we contacted Captain Janeway, she does not speak for the Federation and may not have the information on the Omega that we need. However, she may be able to persuade Seven of Nine. What information she has will be part of her eidetic memory. After all, Janeway freed her from the collective, and she may believe she is indebted to her."
X92 stated, "If Janeway refuses to give us what we need, should we not ask in trade the research on Borg warp technology?"
Fennin stated dryly, "Are we to settle for the bitter juice of the Dri fruit when with just a little effort we can uncover the spring hidden in the rock? Let us not think that Janeway will refuse us in what we wish to obtain." Kurros, rubbing his chin, replied. "We need to turn our efforts to opening up a way from the Delta Quadrant to the Alpha so that the trade may be made. However, Janeway must come to us; we do not go to her. I do not trust Janeway. She would lay an ambush."
Xyglys stated that she would retrieve the information on the Midas Array from Voyager's records and see if there were some way to expand the pinhole large enough for a small craft to get from the Alpha Quadrant and back again. Bevvox, Fennin, and Kurros would also work on a method to get them back. Perhaps a slipstream or safer hyperspace burst drive. They just might be back in business.
Kurros informed Sprout that she was to be used for a bargaining tool to acquire an item that was needed by their association and which would assist them in helping those in the galaxy live better and productive lives. After all, that was their mission. She had inquired why they did not just come out and ask Janeway for the item. Kurros had sighed sadly and told her Janeway had misinterpreted an action on their part and would not help them. If they could show their good intentions by returning her daughter, then perhaps she would trust him and his colleagues and realize that they were only there to help others. Sprout had been taught never to take a word or discussion at face value, a simple explanation could disguise and hide very different meanings. She knew there was more to the story than Kurros had told. She would find out for herself. In fact, her curiosity had already spurred her to formulate a plan for garnering more information. Little did they suspect, when they excluded her from their discussions, that she was not only viewing the video screen as she was allowed to do, but had been able to obtain the codes to unlock the portion of Voyager's logs that had been denied her. She had broken the codes over several days by positioning her small hand computer close enough to the console to pick up voice commands and hand movements. They had been careless. They had overlooked her computer not realizing that it was active and recording their private codes each time they required information from the main frame. All she had to do was download the recording and she had the codes. After several days she had the main codes to Voyager's logs and others, dealing with the Think Tank's past transactions. She would have her computer display all information on Kurros and the others. Especially from Voyager's logs. Perhaps she could discover information to assist her in uncovering what she knew they had hidden.
Chapter Five
Neelix felt he was perhaps the happiest man in the Delta Quadrant. He now had a family and a community that looked up to him as a leader. He was also the sole Delta Quadrant Ambassador to The Federation, and kept in contact with Starfleet and his former Captain, now Admiral Janeway. This not only afforded him a fair amount of prestige among his own people but also among other races as word was carried through Talaxian cargo and trade ships. It did not take long for word to travel. The Talaxian Asteroid Colony was on its way to becoming an important place to visit, and the only place that had direct communication with the Alpha Quadrant. Indeed, it was worth going out of your way to visit and offer discounts on supplies and needed equipment just to stay in the Ambassador's good graces. Of course, it was also customary to send a few gifts to the Ambassador, just to be remembered. After all, the speculation was that it would only take a short while for the Federation to find a quick and safe way to travel to the Delta Quadrant. This would open up many new trade opportunities that could make one very, very, rich. In addition, the area around or near the Asteroid Colony would more than likely be the Alpha Quadrant's entry point when that happened. The Colony already had plans in the works to build a commerce area and docking ports. Long term plans were to commandeer other close by large asteroids for additional living space as well as areas of commerce. And there was not a plan or action that Neelix was not consulted about, however large or small. Neelix also served an important role for the Federation. He was the eyes and ears to any news, rumor, or gossip concerning the remnants of Borg and of any threat from other species in the Delta Quadrant or fluidic space that could now, or in the future, be a danger to the Alpha Quadrant.
Neelix's last visitor, a Nekrit Cargo ship's captain, had just left. Neelix had had a pleasant conversation concerning trade matters and the status of trade routes. He was just getting ready to leave his large Ambassadorial office when he was stopped in his tracks by the sudden appearance in front of him of a familiar being. "What do you want? Say, I remember you. You leave. We have nothing here for you." Neelix squinted his eyes and tried to look stern.
The holographic form of Kurros softly replied, "Hear what I have to offer first. I'm sure what I have to offer will not only be of interest to you, but for your Captain Janeway as well."
Still glaring at Kurros, Neelix responded sharply, "I doubt that. I need nothing from you and nor does Admiral Janeway. Now, depart from here or I'll find your ship and blow it to dust".
Kurros calmly replied, his hands tucked in his sleeves, "Admiral Janeway. All the better. As Admiral she may have the authority to retrieve something of value she left behind. You can help her do this, if you allow me to contact her through the Midas Array".
"Not a chance, now take your holographic self and leave."
Kurros bowed his head slightly. "You mean, Ambassador, she would not want her own flesh and blood? She would not want to be united with her child?"
Neelix was struck dumb for a moment. And, then, recovering himself, he snorted. "What trick is this? Admiral Janeway did not have a child. Why, I would have known about it. Now, you listen to me. I want you gone from here by the count of 10, or I will send out every ship we have to search you out."
Kurros put up his holographic hands. "I will send you my proof through your communications system. View it. If you need more proof, I will provide that also. I will be in contact with you in 12 hours. The decision is yours, Ambassador. With that, the hologram disappeared.
Kurros had sent an information packet detailing Sprouts discovery, and the methods used to augment her genetic material. He had also included her genetic chart, as well as a report on her physical and mental development and characteristics. Included in this information were holographic images of Sprout through her past three years, engaged in activities such as asking questions and studying her lessons. At first, Neelix decided he would not even open the communiqué, as it would contain nothing but lies. He did not have any doubt that Kurros and his cohorts could make up a plausible story. No. He would just ignore it. Nevertheless, it would not hurt to review the lies as it could give him future insight on how the Think Tank operated. For now, he had a lovely wife waiting for him with dinner on the table, and a son who enjoyed hearing about his many adventures. He would access the data later, when he had time.
Neelix had just tucked Brax in for the night, after telling him a bedtime story. Dexa was reading the latest novel from Be'ena, which had just come off a ship. Neelix decided he would spend some time going over different reports. He went to his computer console and saw that the message light was blinking. He had almost forgotten about the packet of lies Kurros was sending him. 'Well, why not. Let's see what this Tagglocian slime worm has sent.' Thirty minutes later, he did not know what to think. It all seemed plausible to him. "Dexa, come here and view this and tell me what you think. I must warn you, though, this Kurros and his cohorts are about as honest as Kazons." Neelix nervously rubbed his hands together and started pacing.
Dexa complained. "Neelix, I can't concentrate when you do that."
"Yes my sweets. I think I'll take a walk, get some exercise. I'll be back in around thirty minutes, give or take a few."
When Neelix returned, Dexa was still seated. Looking at the video of the young woman, she immediately turned and stated, "Get Dr. Podda over here as fast as you can. Let her view this. Neelix, I...I don't know what to think. It all looks plausible to me."
Neelix inquired, "Don't you think she looks like Admiral Janeway? Of course, I can see some of Paris in her too."
Dexa replied honestly, "These humans all look alike to me; I had a hard time telling them apart, except some were male and some female."
"Hee, hee, well after living with them for seven years I got pretty good at telling them apart, hee,hee, hee."
"I don't know Ambassador Neelix. This is beyond what Talaxian Medicine knows. I could scan the young woman and verify that she is human. Even get genetic evidence you could send to Admiral Janeway. The genetic test can be compared to components of both the Admiral's genetic makeup and that of Tom Paris, to rule out that this man has some impostor. Beyond that, there is nothing more I can do."
Neelix nervously rubbed his hands together. "Yes, yes, good idea. In nine hours, Kurros will contact me. I can demand that he bring the girl here and let you examine her and obtain the genetic sample you need."
Dr. Podda agreed. "Very well then. Contact me when you have the child." Neelix continued to rub his hands together. "Dexa, what will I do if it is Admiral Janeway's child? Moreover, what does Kurros want that we have in exchange for her? I can't leave her to those kidnappers."
Dexa put her arms around Neelix and hugged him. "You will think of something, my sweets. You always do"
"What if I don't want to meet with this…Ambassador Neelix?"
Kurros tilted his head to one side. "It will not change our decision if you do not cooperate with us. Why do you continue to defy us? We have had this conversation before. You will not stay."
Sprout growled. "Uhgggh. I don't know why I continue to waste my time arguing. I am the key to persuading this Janeway to give you something. Don't bother denying it. I was able to slip through your traps and access most of Voyager's logs. I know what you are, Kurros, what all of you are. You are predators. You prey on the needs of others for your so-called assistance. However, at too great a price, for they are left, in many ways, worse off then before. You taught me well, Kurros. Everything has a price."
Kurros bowed slightly. "You are brighter than we thought, or you have the cunning of your mother. Nevertheless, I will be honest. You are nothing but the means to obtain something we want. Nothing more. Even if this venture fails, you may find yourself traded or sold. This has already been discussed. "
Sprout was quiet and looked at Kurros with eyes starting to water and, with a sad voice, stated, "I will do as you wish." She turned then to go and ready herself to meet Ambassador Neelix, but stopped, and turned. Laughing derisively, she replied, "I do believe Janeway will not play your game. Not even for the technology of opening a larger wormhole through the Array. I am nothing to her, and I doubt she will want me. I am sure what you ask in trade is asking too much. She would get a poor bargain. If you hope to gain the Borg, Seven of Nine, you will have gained your own demise. She will destroy you as you have nothing to hold her here. I do admit I have a grudging respect for Janeway. She has outwitted the Borg, and you. That is no small achievement for one who is of an...inferior species." She turned and headed for her room.
Chapter Six
Daily Log. Pendolian Stellar Time. 7461.7213. All that I have known, since my first waking memory, has ended. I have no family, no friends, and no sense of who I am. I know what I am. I am a freak of science and of nature. An accident to be forgot by those who created me in the beginning. A clever weapon to be used by those who transformed me into this creature, who can think, and feel, and dream. Better to have been left to my habitat of murky waters and muddy banks, driven only by the instinct to survive. That instinct remains. They have their superior intellect but lack the innate ability to extrapolate from the actions of others, their intended path. I have read about my maternal parent, Captain Janeway. She has this ability to stay one step ahead of her enemies. She has the ability to put herself in their place and say, "If I were in their place, this is the next action I would execute." I am her progeny. I am developing this ability. I do not need their great intellect. Too much intellect and belief in your superiority leads to hubris. Hubris allows you only to see one aspect of yourself through a narrow tunnel. You fail to see the stones at your feet. And it is the stones that will trip you. I am a stone.
It had been four days since Neelix first met Sprout. If this was a trick, an illusion, then it was without a doubt the best that he had ever seen or heard. He could see both Admiral Janeway and Tom Paris in her makeup. Unlike Tom or even Admiral Janeway, she was reserved and mostly silent. Neelix did the talking for both of them. Telling her how he knew both of her parents well. How Janeway was the shrewdest, smartest and best captain in any Quadrant. How her father was the best pilot he had ever known, could create the best holo adventures, and loved to build fast ships. How kind and fair Admiral Janeway was, how everyone respected her, and liked Tom Paris. She just let him talk. Saying nothing really, asking a few questions about the technology used in building the colony or the various functions of equipment and items she saw. Dr. Podda took samples and ran various tests, including brain scans. She asked Dr. Podda what she was doing and asked to see the many instruments and how to read the information. She asked no questions about her parents, or the Alpha Quadrant. Neelix was flummoxed at her lack of interest in her parents and her roots. These were important matters to Talaxians. Perhaps these…kidnappers had done something to inhibit her emotionally, or something in the process to make her human had been left out. Well, that was the least of his worries. In two hours, Admiral Janeway would contact him for his monthly update, and he would send Kurros' request for a conference. He would also send the data he obtained from Kurros, along with their own data, for her to analyze. He acknowledged the possibility that Kurros could possibly intercept any messages that he sent and received. He pitied both Admiral Janeway and Tom Paris for there might well be heartbreak all the way around. Even if the girl turned out to be a fraud. He would do all at his end to assist Admiral Janeway and Tom Paris.