DISCLAIMER AND AUTHOR'S NOTE: All Star Trek stuff is the legal property of Paramount. I think. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fiction. All other characters that appear belong to me. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies may be made for private use only and must include this copyright notice and disclaimer.

Directions
By Kristjan Brezovnik

Part 1: Alone

"Captain's log, Stardate 53108.7. There have been no more attacks in the past week and it seems that we have finally left behind the Devore Imperium. We are currently repairing the ship and hoping that it's really over. End log."

Janeway got up from her desk and slowly walked to the replicator.

"Computer..." she started, but was interrupted by a chirp from the comm badge. "Janeway."

"Captain, we have just picked up a Federation distress call," Chakotay reported.

That got Janeway's attention.

"I'll be right there," she said and quickly walked to the Bridge. "Report."

"It's an automated distress call," Chakotay continued the report," but it's so corrupted that we barely managed to track where it came from. Harry."

"It's coming from the second planet in the Teuger System. According to our data, they have barely had warp drive for a few years. The distress call is coming from the largest continent on the southern hemisphere."

"Can we contact them?"

"No, Ma'am. The atmosphere is interfering with our communication. We will have to get a bit closer."

"Good. Tom, when will we reach the planet?"

"In six minutes."

"Good. Chakotay..."

"Captain, I just picked up some unusual readings," Kim interrupted her.

"What is it?"

"Just a moment... Captain! It seems that a wormhole mouth was located near by."

"A wormhole?" Janeway was excited. "Is it still here?"

"No, Ma'am."

"Can we bring it back like we did the Barzan wormhole?"

"No, Ma'am. There is strong ionization in that region. It appears that the ship which came through was badly damaged."

"I see. Chakotay, prepare an Away Team. Janeway to Sickbay."

"Doctor here."

"Doctor, prepare for medical emergency."

"Understood."

"Bridge out. Harry?"

"I'm trying to get through the interference, Ma'am."

"Get me the authorities."

"Yes, Ma'am... Ah, Ma'am, they don't seem to have subspace radio yet."

Janeway looked at him, surprised.

"Then we'll have to wait. Tom, get us out of warp sooner than usually and then gradually slow down as we approach the planet. We don't want to spook the natives."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Ma'am, I got them!" Kim reported.

"Put them on."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Crew of the Federation starship, can you hear me?"

There was some interference.

"Yes, we can hear you," someone said. "Who are you?"

"I'm Captain Janeway from the Federation starship Voyager."

"Voyager? I thought you were destroy..."

"It's long story. Who are you?"

"Comm... Daniels, first off... of the Geneva."

"Geneva? That's a transport ship, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"What happened?"

"We were transport... refugee... from the Gamma Quad... when we were attack... by the Jem'Hadar and we were badly dam... Fortunately, the Columbia came to help and manage... destroy the Jem'Hadar ship, but it was so badly damage... battle that it had to be abandoned. We only manage... a third of the crew. We drifted for three... and then fell through a worm... finally crashed here."

"I see. How many survivors are there?"

"Twenty-nine, I think."

"Twenty-nine? Out of how many?"

"370."

"What?!"

"Most were killed in the... with the Jem'Hadar and some... when we crash... A couple were killed by the locals."

"What? Why?"

"We have no idea, they just attack..."

"I see. Hold on, we'll be there in a couple of minutes."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Janeway out. Tom?"

"Three minutes."

Janeway rolled her eyes.

The three minutes finally passed and Paris decelerated.

"Harry, get me the authorities."

"Yes, Captain."

Nothing happened for a couple of seconds.

"Harry?"

"I don't know, Ma'am, they're getting the message."

"I guess they don't know who's good enough to talk to the aliens," Tom commented.

"I have them," Kim finally reported.

"Put them on."

"Yes, Captain."

A Teugeri appeared on the screen and he looked a bit uncertain. Janeway put on a smile.

"I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation ship Voyager," she introduced herself.

"I am the Supreme Prefect Bel Nag of Teuger."

Janeway got straight to the point.

"We have received a distress call from one of our ships, which crashed on your planet, and we would like to retrieve the survivors."

"I'm afraid that is impossible," Nag said. "They have violated our space. We claim them as our possession."

Janeway dropped her jaw.

"But..."

"Leave our space immediately or suffer the consequences."

The Teugeri broke the connection, but Janeway still stared at the screen, surprised.

"If it weren't so serious," Paris commented dryly, "I'd laugh."

"Like the Lilliputans and Gulliver," Kim commented.

"Harry, put them on again."

"Yes, Captain."

"Captain, they're sending their fleet at us."

"On screen. How many?"

"Twenty-four ships."

"Are they a threat?"

"No, Ma'am."

"ETA?"

"Fifteen seconds."

"Are we in transporter range?"

"In ten seconds."

"Janeway to Chakotay."

"Chakotay here."

"Arm yourselves."

"Captain?" Chakotay asked, surprised.

"The natives are attacking the survivors and they're also about to attack us."

"Understood."

"Janeway out. Harry, coordinate the shields and the transporter activity."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"We're in range," Paris reported.

"Notify Commander Chakotay."

"Yes, Ma'am... And here they come."

"Are they firing?" Janeway asked when she didn't feel anything.

"Oh, yeah. They have some sort of laser weapons and cobalt missiles, no big deal. We can knock out their shields with one shot at 15% and we can easily outrun them, their ships can only reach warp 2, maybe 3."

"Good."

"The Away Team is down," Kim reported. "Ah, Ma'am, we won't be able to beam out all of the survivors. Some are trapped in areas where there is interference."

"Understood. Notify Commander Chakotay and guide him."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Janeway to Engineering."

"Torres here."

"B'Elana, try to link to the Geneva's computer and download the logs and crew and passenger manifests."

"Yes, Captain."

"Janeway out."

When the Away Team materialized, they immediately had to duck. Chakotay looked around and saw the Teugeri fire at the wreck like crazy.

"Tuvok, take the Delaneys and find Commander Daniels. Seven, Dalby, come with me."

Tuvok and the twins left and Chakotay contacted the Voyager.

"Harry, where do I go?"

"Toward the aft. There's an opening on your side. And you better hurry, the Teugeri troops have nearly reached the ship from the other side."

"Understood. How many are there?"

"Six in the Mess Hall and four near the opening on the other side. They're trying to reach it, but the Teugeri are there."

"Understood."

Chakotay started to run and Seven and Dalby followed him. They quickly reached the opening and entered.

"Where to now, Harry?" Chakotay inquired.

"To the left and then the second corridor on the right. There's a Jeffries tube there. You will have to climb up three decks."

"Okay. Is the way clear?"

"Yes, Commander."

"Good. And the other group?"

"You have to go to the right."

"Just a second. Seven, you and Dalby go there."

"Yes, Sir."

Chakotay went to the left, and Seven and Dalby to the right. They had to clear some of the debris that was blocking their path, but they quickly reached the other said.

"Hurry up, Seven, they have just reached the opening and the Teugeri will reach it in less than a minute."

"Understood."

She started to run and Dalby followed her. They quickly reached the opening and looked around.

"There they are," Dalby said and pointed at the survivors.

"So are the Teugeri."

They started to run toward the group, which was being surrounded by the Teugeri.

"Set your phaser for wide dispersion," Seven said and reset her phaser.

Dalby followed her example. Seven waited a bit and then fired. Dalby did the same and the Teugeri stopped for a moment, confused. Then they split their forces and half of them attacked Seven and Dalby, who fired at them and made them duck for cover.

"Come," Seven said when they got closer. "We are from the Federation ship Voyager."

"You're a Borg," someone said.

Seven looked at her.

"I was a Borg," she corrected her.

"They're getting help," Dalby reported.

"Come," Seven said, "we have to get back to the opening and to the other side. Dalby, you take the lead, I'll cover our backs."

"Understood. This way."

The survivors followed Dalby and Seven covered their backs. The Teugeri learned to stay in cover, so Seven reset her phaser for narrow dispersion. Suddenly Seven heard a scream. She turned around and saw that one of the children was shot in the leg and couldn't walk. She walked to the girl and picked her up, being the closest to her. Then she turned around again and fired a couple of shots at the Teugeri to keep them at bay.

When they got to the opening, Seven waited for a while for the survivors to get further on. Then she backed away from the opening, fired at the corridor walls, which collapsed and blocked the opening, and ran after the rest.

When she got to the other side, only Chakotay and Dalby were still there.

"I have blocked the opening," Seven reported.

Chakotay nodded.

"Beam us up."

When they were safely aboard, Seven wanted to give the girl to another officer, but the girl hung on to her like her life depended on it. Chakotay smiled.

"Take her to the Sickbay, Seven, and be with her for a while."

"I have other things to do, Commander."

"I'm sure. Right now, however, I'm assigning you to this girl."

Seven glanced at the girl, who was scared.

"Yes, Sir," she said and went to Sickbay.

"Everybody's aboard, Captain," Kim reported. "There are thirty-eight survivors."

"Good. Now give me the Supreme Prefect."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The Teugeri Supreme Prefect quickly responded.

"How dare..." he started.

"Shut up, Prefect," Janeway interrupted him. "We need to clear a few things, you and I, but first, tell your people to get away from the wreck because I will destroy it. They have exactly five minutes." She turned to Kim. "Harry, when the time is up, I want you to fire the appropriate amount of photon torpedoes."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Janeway turned back to the Prefect.

"Tell me, Prefect, how many years have you had warp drive?"

The Prefect thought.

"Four."

"Really? Now, let me think. We have had ours for something over three hundred years, three hundred and thirteen, if I'm not mistaken. Tell me, how many alien species have you met? Beside us."

"One."

"One?" Janeway quirked her lips, amused. "Now, I'm in a pretty good mood, considering what has just happened, so I will give you some advice. The galaxy is a pretty hostile place and one needs to have allies. You will not survive long with your silly attitude, because sooner or later someone will get really annoyed with your behavior. If you're lucky, you will only lose your warp drive and a handful of people. If you're not, you will be wiped out." She turned to Kim. "Harry, prepare a map of this and the surrounding sectors and the data we have on the species there. And also a map of the galaxy with the major forces we know of and send it to them."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Are their troops still there?"

"They are moving away."

"Good." Janeway turned back to the Prefect. "If you don't like aliens, that's okay with me, and probably with most of the others, but if you attack every alien you meet, don't expect to get away with it, especially not with your puny technology. So, the next time a ship crashes on your planet, help the survivors, not attack them, because they might have bigger brothers, who won't be happy if you do. Now, you will receive a transmission shortly. I suggest you study it very carefully before going any further out into space. Have a nice day, Prefect. When the time is up, we will destroy the wreck and leave. Oh, yes, and do tell your ships to stop wasting their energy, will you? Janeway out." She turned to Chakotay. "Everything all right?"

"Yes. We've rescued thirty-eight survivors. One of them, a girl, seems to be very attached to Seven, so I assigned Seven to take care of her for now."

Janeway smiled.

"Captain, I've sent the data," Kim reported.

"Good. How much time?"

"Two minutes."

She turned to Chakotay.

"I want that wreck destroyed. Then get us back to our original course. I'll be in Sickbay."

Chakotay nodded and Janeway got up.

"Tuvok, I want the survivors identified and I want you to assign them their quarters. And I want them in the Mess Hall at 1700."

"Yes, Captain."

"Captain," Seven said when she noticed her, "I must object."

"To what?" Janeway asked, amused.

"Commander Chakotay has assigned me to take care of this girl. I must point out that I have other things to do and that I am not qualified to take care of a child."

Janeway smiled.

"What makes you think I am?" she asked. "The only ones with any experience in child care are the parents of those children, Ensign Wildman and Tuvok. And besides, it should be a very educating experience."

Janeway looked at the girl, who was holding Seven's hand and observed her.

"Hello," she said softly, "I am Kathryn. And who are you?"

The girl glanced at Seven.

"Shiri," she then said.

"Shiri. Tell me, Shiri, would you like to stay with Seven?"

Shiri was confused.

"Who?"

"Seven. Her," she said and pointed at Seven.

"Why is her name Seven?"

"Well, it's not. Her name is Annika, but you see, she used to be a Borg and there she was called Seven of Nine, so she prefers to be called Seven."

"Oh."

"So, would you like to stay with her?"

Shiri nodded, and Janeway turned to Seven.

"Looks like that settles it," she said.

"But I don't know how to take care of a child."

"I'm sure you'll manage. And besides, there are four other children aboard and you can ask their parents."

"It seems such a waste of time. The Borg were much more effective."

"Well, we are not Borg and we do it differently. And it most definitely won't be a waste of time, you'll see. Now excuse me, I need to talk to the Doctor."

Janeway left the reluctant Seven and went to the Doctor.

"Doctor?"

The Doctor looked at her.

"Ah, Captain."

"How are the patients?"

"Nothing serious. Some shot wounds, some burns, bruises and some broken bones. They'll be out of here in no time. I found out that one of the civilians is a nurse and she's helping me and Seven."

"Excellent. I'll have her assigned here."

"Good. It was about time I got some serious and dedicated help."

Janeway smiled.

"I know. I'll be in my Ready Room if you need anything."

"Good."

Janeway went back to the Bridge.

"Captain, I have completed the identification of the survivors and the quarters assignment."

"Good, send it to my Ready Room. Chakotay. You have the Bridge, Tuvok."

Chakotay followed Janeway to the Ready Room, where she downloaded Tuvok's data onto two PADDs.

"You examine the officers and assign them, and I'll examine the civilians. And I want all survivors and the senior officers in the Mess Hall at 1700."

Chakotay nodded.

"Understood."

Then they both started to examine their data.

When the Doctor released Shiri, Seven didn't know what to do with her, so she took her to the Astrometrics Lab, having some work to do.

"Wow," Shiri said and looked around.

"Stand there and don't touch anything," Seven told her and went to the consoles.

Shiri stood still for a while, but the sight of all those flashy graphics and the boring tediousness of standing still quickly prompted her to go exploring.

"Don't touch that!" Seven ordered when she spotted the girl trying to take a better look at one of the consoles. "I told you to stay there and don't touch anything."

Shiri pouted and her eyes got wet.

"Why are you crying?" Seven asked, confused.

"You're mean," Shiri said.

Seven was even more confused.

"Mean?" she asked and ran the events through her mind again. "I am not aware of being mean. I was merely telling you what you should do, which you disobeyed, and I stopped you from ruining a simulation. I was not aware that doing this meant being mean."

Shiri stared at her, confused, but she calmed down a bit.

"I'm hungry," she said.

The question startled Seven.

"It is not yet time for lunch."

"But I'm hungry," Shiri insisted. "The replicators on our ship were down and we had to eat that dog poop."

"Dog poop?" Seven asked, confused.

Shiri thought.

"Rations," she explained when she remembered the term.

"I see. Then I will take you to the Mess Hall. Wait here until I finish my work and don't touch anything."

Shiri nodded, and Seven returned to her work. Shiri tried to stand still, but it was just so boring.

"Seven?" she said after a while.

"Yes?" Seven asked and looked at her.

"Can I look at what you're doing?"

Seven stared at the girl for a few moments.

"Yes," she then allowed and Shiri went to her. "But don't touch anything," she warned the girl again.

Shiri nodded, and Seven returned to work. Shiri observed her, amazed at how fast she was.

Seven quickly finished and then turned to Shiri.

"I have finished. Come."

Shiri took her hand, which startled Seven for a few moments, but then she started walking and Shiri followed her.

"Ah, Seven, what can I do for you?" Neelix asked when they arrived.

"Shiri r... needs food."

"I see," Neelix said and turned to Shiri, who observed him curiously. "And what would you like?" he asked.

Shiri thought for a moment.

"Do you have pancakes?" she asked.

Neelix shook his head.

"No, not today, but I can make them tomorrow, if you want."

Shiri nodded.

"Today I have Talaxian draq stew, something called lasagna, then Mr Paris wanted spaghetti..."

"I like spaghetti," Shiri stopped him.

"Then spaghetti it is. And there's Vulcan remenberry pie for dessert. You like it?"

Shiri nodded and he looked at Seven.

"And you, Seven?"

"Nothing."

Neelix shook his head and looked at Shiri.

"Sit down and I'll bring it to you."

Shiri looked at Seven, and Seven took her to a free table. They sat and waited. Shiri looked around for a while and then started to observe Seven. Seven noticed that and looked at her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Shiri shook her head and kept staring at the ex-Borg. Seven was confused and she looked at herself.

"What are you looking at?" she finally asked.

"You," Shiri said, and Seven lifted her eyebrows.

"Here you go," Neelix said as he brought the spaghetti.

Shiri started to eat as though she had never eaten before. Neelix smiled.

"I'll get you the pie later," he said and left.

Shiri murmured something and continued to throw the food into herself. Seven was amazed at how fast the food disappeared into Shiri's mouth, she had never seen anyone eat that fast, nor was she aware that it was possible.

Shiri quickly finished, and Neelix was right there.

"You want some more?" he asked.

Shiri considered the offer and then shook her head.

"Shall I bring you the pie?" Neelix asked as he picked up the plate.

Shiri nodded and burped.

"Sorry," she said with a sheepish smile and covered her mouth.

Seven merely lifted her right eyebrow. Neelix was quickly back with the pie, and Shiri's eyes brightened. She started to slaughter the pie and Neelix left, smiling. Seven observed Shiri and considered what to do next. She realized that she had no idea of how to take care of a child and she needed help. She knew Neelix had some experience since he took care of Naomi Wildman. She got up.

"Where are you going?" Shiri asked, alert.

Seven looked at her.

"I need to talk to Mr Neelix. Wait for me here," she said and went to Neelix.

"Seven?" Neelix asked when he saw her approach.

"I need your help."

Neelix smiled.

"I am happy to assist you. What is the problem?"

"I was assigned to take care of Shiri."

"Assigned?" Neelix asked.

"Yes. Commander Chakotay and Captain Janeway though it would do us both good if I took care of her."

"I see."

"I am aware that you also take care of Naomi Wildman."

Neelix flashed a big smile.

"Yes, I do."

"I need to know what children do."

"I see, "Neelix said and thought. "Well, there are a few things you need to know first. Children are curious and they poke their noses into anything. They also quickly get bored. You have to set the limits of what she may and may not do. You don't have to yell at her, but you must make it clear to her that you are in charge, but also that you are her friend and that she can come to you when she needs help or comforting. You will probably have to repeat yourself a couple of times, but that is only because Shiri will be trying to find out where the limits are. You may have to punish her by forbidding her something. And if you forbid her something, make sure you explain why, because otherwise she will do it just to find out why you forbade it. If it helps, remember how Captain Janeway and the rest of us tried to teach you right from wrong."

Seven lifted her eyebrows at the last remark, but she understood.

"Thank you," she said and returned to the table, where Shiri was waiting for her.

Shiri curiously stared at her. Seven considered what to do, but she had no idea what children did. She was about to ask Shiri when she remembered that it would be good to find out something more about her.

"Come," she said and turned around.

Shiri quickly got up and took Seven's hand. Seven looked at her, surprised, and then continued.

Neelix shook his head, amused.

"She needs to learn a lot," he said to no one in particular.

"Sit," Seven told Shiri when they got to her room.

Shiri sat and looked at Seven expectantly.

"Tell me about yourself," Seven said and went to the terminal.

She started to access Shiri's file when she noticed that Shiri wasn't talking. She turned and saw that Shiri was staring at her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"I thought you wanted to talk to me," Shiri said.

"No, I wanted to listen to what you have to say about yourself."

Shiri stared at Seven for a few moments, not sure what to make of the strange woman.

"Well, I'm eight," she started and Seven turned back to the terminal.

Shiri stopped and Seven turned.

"Go on."

"But you're not listening."

"I am."

"Then why are you using the computer?"

"Because it is more efficient. Please proceed."

"I..." Seven turned back to the terminal. "I was born on Betazed, but my parents soon returned to Earth. We stayed there for a while and then we went to Bajor. My parents wanted to settle in the Gamma Quadrant and we went there to look for a suitable place. Then we were attacked and they died."

Shiri stopped and tears started to come out of her eyes as she remembered her parents and their death. Seven heard the sobs and turned.

"Why are you crying?" she asked, confused, but Shiri didn't respond.

Seven stared at her for a few moments and then returned to the terminal, deciding that Shiri won't be going anywhere for a while. She quickly read through Shiri's file and then called up some files on raising the children.

She was reading for a while when she heard that Shiri had stopped sobbing. She looked at her and saw that Shiri was hugging her knees and pouting. Then she returned to reading.

A while later, Shiri quietly got up, and Seven looked at her.

"Where are you going?" she demanded.

"I need to pee," Shiri said.

"Oh."

Seven returned to reading again, and Shiri stared at her for a few moments before going to the toilet. When Shiri returned, she sat on the couch and observed Seven, who was still reading.

After a while, when she didn't hear any movement, Seven turned around to check up on Shiri and saw that she was asleep. She decided to use the chance and do some work in the Astrometrics. She got up and wanted to leave, when she realized that Shiri would probably be more comfortable in bed. She went to the couch, picked her up and carried her to the bed. She laid her down and covered her with a blanket.

"Lights off," she said when she exited.

Several hours later, Shiri woke up and saw that everything around her was dark.

"Seven!" she called, scared, but there was no response. "Seven!" there was still no response. "Lights on," she ordered and blinked when the lights came on.

She got up and looked around her quarters, but Seven was not there. She went to the door and looked out.

"Seven!" she called, but Seven was not there either.

Shiri hesitated. She wanted to find Seven, but she didn't know where she was and she didn't know the ship either. She finally stepped into the corridor and looked both ways, not sure where to go. She finally decided to go left.

She wondered around for a while, but Seven was nowhere to be found. She finally decided to return to her quarters, but she quickly found out she was lost.

"Hey, little one."

Shiri turned, surprised. B'Elanna approached her.

"You're not supposed to wander around the ship alone. Are you lost?" she asked when she saw that the girl was scared.

Shiri nodded and wiped her tears.

"Who are your parents?" B'Elanna asked.

"They're dead," Shiri said.

"Oh. I'm sorry," B'Elana apologized and thought for a moment. "Who is taking care of you?"

"Seven."

B'Elanna was surprised.

"Seven?"

Shiri nodded.

"Computer, locate Seven of Nine."

"Seven of Nine is in Astrometrics Lab."

"Come," B'Elanna said and offered Shiri her hand, "I'll take you to her."

Shiri hesitantly took her hand, and B'Elanna took her to the Astrometrics.

Seven looked up when she heard the door open.

"Shiri?" she asked, surprised.

"Seven!" Shiri said, ran to her and hugged her.

"I found her wandering around the ship," B'Elanna explained. "She was looking for you."

"I see."

"You're taking care of her?" B'Elanna asked.

"Yes," Seven confirmed. "Commander Chakotay assigned me to her."

"Assigned?"

B'Elanna shook her head and left. Seven looked at Shiri.

"Why were you wandering around the ship?" she asked.

Shiri broke the hug and looked at Seven. Seven noticed that she had been crying.

"I was looking for you," she said.

"You should have stayed in your quarters."

"But you were not there," Shiri said accusingly and pouted.

"I had work to do."

Shiri didn't respond.

"Wait for a few minutes and then we will go to the Mess Hall. The Captain wants to speak to the survivors," Seven said and returned to her work.

Shiri stared at Seven, confused. She was nothing like her mother.

The time finally came and Janeway quickly looked around when she entered the Mess Hall. It was pretty crowded with thirty-eight of the survivors plus her senior officers.

"Welcome," she greeted the survivors when the noise subsided. "I am Captain Janeway of the USS Voyager. As you probably already know by now, we are in the Delta Quadrant, over sixty thousand light years away from home. I know you would rather be back home, so would I. But, since you are here, we will try to make the best use of your skills. You have all been assigned you duties. Those of you who are Starfleet officers, I think rules are clear. You are now assigned to this ship and you follow orders just like anywhere else." She paused." You may have noticed some of the non-Starfleet officers. They belonged to the Maquis and their ship was destroyed while trying to save ours. They all have ranks and they have the same authority as any of the Starfleet officers. In fact, my First officer and my Chief Engineer belonged to the Maquis." She made another pause. "We also have two, how shall I put it, well, civilians. One of them is Mr Neelix, who is a Talaxian and a native of the Delta Quadrant. He has been an invaluable guide, morale officer and of course the cook. You can give him suggestions, recipes and requests. He's also in charge of the entertainment, so if you have any ideas, let him know." She turned to Seven, who was holding Shiri's hand and feeling out of place. "This is Seven and she used to be a Borg. I know some of you have negative feelings toward the Borg, but let me assure you, she dislikes the Borg as much as we do. Now, I am also sure you all have questions about how we got here and what had happened to us and I'm sure the crew would love to share their stories with you. What I want from you is to write down anything you might think would be important once we get back home. Oh, yes, I almost forgot." She turned to the Doctor. "This is the Doctor. He is a hologram, but since he is the only medical officer aboard, he is our Chief Medical Officer. You may wonder how he can move outside the holographic environment. Well, we have come across a device which enables him to do so. Although he is a hologram, he is also a Starfleet officer with the same rights and privileges." She looked around. "Everything clear so far?" There were nods. "Good. Starfleet officers report to Commander Chakotay over there to receive your assignments."

Janeway waited for the officers to move away.

"Mrs Dham, you used to be a teacher, right?" she then continued.

"Yes, Captain," the old woman confirmed.

"Good. You will be our teacher. Talk to Mr Neelix about what you need."

"Yes, Captain."

"Miss Eda, you are a nurse, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Excellent. You will go with the Doctor and he will show you around."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Mr Erbakan, you are in Stellar Cartography?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Then you will work with Seven in the Astrometrics Lab."

Erbakan glanced at Seven.

"Yes, Captain."

"Mr Fedirka, you are a lawyer?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Hmm. I had quite a difficulty assigning you, but your skills will do us good when we encounter new species. For now I want you to analyze the data we have on the species which we will encounter and I want you to point out any legal traps we might have missed."

"Yes, Captain."

"Eh, is there anything else you can do?"

Fedirka thought.

"I used to be a hairdresser for a short period of time."

Janeway glanced at her PADD.

"It doesn't say."

Fedirka smiled.

"I know."

"Well, then I guess I can tell the crew that they can look forward to some professional hair-cutting. Talk to Mr Neelix about what you need and then come to my Ready Room."

"Yes, Captain."

"Miss Ghezali, you are an, em, exotic dancer?"

Ghezali smiled.

"Yes, Captain."

"Well, no more dancing for you, at least for now," Janeway said and they both smiled. "I see you are studying Economics."

"Yes."

"Excellent. We could use an expert on that. Ah, I also see that you have won a cooking contest."

"Yes, Captain."

"You still cook?"

"Occasionally."

"Excellent. You are assigned to Mr Neelix."

"Yes, Captain."

"Mr Ghosh, you and Miss Talalay served on a freighter?"

"Yes, Captain."

"You used to be the navigator?"

"Yes."

"Good. You will be assigned to conn and you, Miss Talalay, to Engineering."

"Yes, Captain," the two said in unison.

"Mr and Mrs Hadden, you are musicians?"

"Yes, Captain," the man said.

"Hmm. I guess you can help Mr Neelix. He will also direct your activities. He will also tell you which crew members are musicians, so maybe you could form a band."

"Yes, Captain."

"And see Mrs Dham about curriculum for Jane."

"We will."

Janeway then turned to the four Klingons.

"You are Karr, K'Rog, K'Qinn and Kurak?"

"Yes," K'Rog said while the other three nodded.

"I couldn't find out much about you. I assume you all served aboard a starship?"

"Yes."

"What were your duties?"

"I was Chief Tactical officer."

"Good. You will work with Commander Tuvok. Karr?"

"I worked in Engineering."

"Then you will work in Engineering. K'Qinn?"

"I was a navigator."

"You will work with Lieutenant Paris. Kurak?"

"I was in command of the ground troops."

"You will also work with Commander Tuvok. I assume you all had ranks, so go to Commander Chakotay first. Any problems?" she added, her voice serious, when she noticed that the Klingons grinned at each other.

"No, Captain," Karr said and said something in Klingon to his friends, who laughed.

Janeway quickly reprimanded them with a fast series of curses in Klingon, which made the Klingons stop and look at her, surprised, as well as all the rest.

"Am I clear?" Janeway concluded.

"Yes, Captain," Karr said and nodded and so did his friends.

"Good." She looked at the next person. "Miss Darriin. You are a Betazoid?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Excellent. I will need you on the Bridge when we encounter new species."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"You study psychology?

"Yes, Ma'am, third year."

"Do you feel you're up to some counseling?"

"I... Well, I did some counseling, but it was under supervision."

"Well, there's a first time for everything," Janeway said with a smile. "This crew could use some professional counseling, although Mr Neelix did a more than excellent job so far," she said and nodded to Neelix. "He will help you set up an office."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Good." She turned to the Bajoran. "Mr Loran?"

"Yes, Captain."

"You are a botanist?"

"Yes."

"Good. We have an arboretum, but I'm afraid it's been left pretty much to itself since the last person who took care of it was killed. I believe that he and the previous caretaker left behind some notes on increasing the growth of food plants, which you will find useful."

"Yes, Captain."

"And see Mrs Dham about Faja."

"I will."

"Good. Mrs Matsui."

"Yes, Captain."

"You're a chemist?"

"Yes."

"Good, you will help the Doctor."

"Yes, Captain."

"And see Mrs Dham about Eric."

"I will."

"Okay, I believe that's everybody. Now, let me point out again, we are alone out here and it is vital that we stick together and that you obey your superior officers, those that have them. Go to your superiors now, or to those I directed you to and they will take it on from there. They will show you where you will work. You have tomorrow off to get to know this ship, unless you feel ready to start working. I will have some officers sent here tomorrow and they will give you a tour of the ship if you want. Well, that's it from me. Any questions?"

There weren't any since they were all new to the ship and the whole reality of the situation hadn't completely sunk it yet.

"No? Good. Oh, one more thing. That goes for the parents. I noticed that Shiri's parents were killed. Since she got attached to Seven, I told Seven to take care of her."

"A Borg?" Mr Lorin asked.

"Ex-Borg," Janeway corrected him. "Yes. I think it would be good for both of them. But, since Seven doesn't have any experience at taking care of children, I'm asking you to give her a hand. She will make mistakes and she probably won't be aware of them, so if you notice that she's doing something wrong, tell her and explain. Okay?"

The parents looked at each other and at Seven and then nodded.

"Good. You can go to your superiors now."

Janeway took a deep breath and relaxed now that the speech was over. Now it was up to her officers.

Erbakan slowly approached Seven.

"I was assigned to you," he said.

"Yes," Seven confirmed. "I will show you where you will work now. Follow me."

Seven started for the door, and Erbakan followed her, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Wow," he said when they got to the Astrometrics Lab. "You sure have covered a lot. In fact," he took a closer look at the main chart, "you covered much more than is possible for a single ship in quite some time. How did you do that?"

"We have discovered a Hirogen network of relay stations and were able to tap into it. Unfortunately, the network broke down."

"I see." He looked around some more. "I just can't wait to get to work."

"You may begin tomorrow, if you wish."

"I'd love to, but I think I better get to know the ship first."

"As you wish."

Erbakan looked around some more and then left.

"I'm hungry," Shiri stated.

"Come," Seven said and they left the Astrometrics.

When they got to the Mess Hall, Seven took Shiri to a table.

"Hello, again," Neelix said. "Would you like some sandwiches?"

Shiri nodded eagerly.

"Okay," Neelix said and left.

He quickly returned.

"Here you go. If you want some more, let me know."

Shiri nodded, her mouth already full.

In the evening, when it was time to go to bed, Shiri came to Seven, who was reading.

"I'd like to wash and go to bed," she said.

Seven looked at her.

"What is the problem?"

"I don't have any pajamas or other things," Shiri pointed out.

"You may sleep in your clothes or in your underwear," Seven said.

Shiri shrugged. She undressed and went to the bathroom to wash herself, and Seven continued reading.

"Seven," Shiri said when she washed herself, "where do I sleep?"

Seven looked at her, confused.

"In your bed."

"And where is it?"

"It's the one you slept in before," Seven said, even more confused.

Now Shiri was confused.

"And where do you sleep?"

"In Cargo Bay 2."

"In a cargo bay? How come?"

"I was a Borg. I regenerate there."

"Oh." Shiri thought. "Will you stay here tonight?" she asked.

"Why?" Seven asked.

"I'm scared and I miss Mom and Dad."

"I see." Seven thought. "I will stay with you until you fall asleep. Then I need to take care of a few things and then I will return here."

"You promise?"

Seven was confused.

"Promise?" she asked, and Shiri nodded. "Should I promise?" she asked, and Shiri nodded again. "I promise."

Shiri smiled and gave her a quick hug before going to bed. Seven stared at her, confused.

"Will you hold my hand?" Shiri asked when she covered herself.

"Why?" Seven asked, confused.

Shiri stared at the ex-Borg. She was confused because she didn't know why Seven was asking so many questions.

"I don't want to be alone."

"I see."

Seven sat on the bad, and Shiri took her hand. Seven didn't quite understand it, but she figured that it apparently made Shiri feel safe.

When Shiri finally fell asleep, Seven went to Neelix.

"Seven. What can I do for you?"

"I need clothes and toiletries for Shiri."

"I see. Do you have anything specific in mind?"

"I don't know what children need."

"Oh. Well, don't worry, I'll take care of it. Come back tomorrow."

"Thank you."

Seven then went to the Haddens, who were surprised to see her.

"Seven, right?" Mrs Hadden asked.

"Yes."

"What can we do for you?"

"I need some advice on child care."

"I see. Come on in."

Seven entered and they sat on the couch.

"So, what is the problem?" Mr Hadden asked.

"There are some things I find confusing."

"Shoot."

"Shoot?" Seven asked, confused.

Mr Hadden smiled.

"I meant, tell us."

"Oh."

Seven repeated the dialogs with Shiri verbatim and the Haddens listened to her, amazed and amused.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked at the end.

The Haddens looked at each other.

"I'm sorry," Mrs Hadden said.

"Well," Mr Hadden started, "children require constant attention. When you wanted her to talk about herself, you should have sat with her and at least pretend you are interested in what she had to say."

"I was interested."

The Haddens smiled.

"If your expression was the same as now, she couldn't tell. You shouldn't have used the computer."

"But it is more effective," Seven argued.

"I'm sure," Mr Hadden agreed. "You could talk like that with a grown-up, but not with a child."

"I see."

"And you shouldn't yell at her like you did in Astrometrics Lab."

"I wasn't yelling," Seven protested. "I merely told her not to touch the consoles."

"I know. But you were ignoring her and she got bored. And with all those shiny consoles in the lab, she got curious."

"You should have let her watch what you were doing and explain it to her," Mrs Hadden added.

"But she wouldn't understand."

"That's why you have to make it simple for her and use metaphors. It doesn't have to be scientifically accurate, just simple enough for her to be able to grasp the basics."

"I see."

"And you should never leave her alone. And if you do, you should leave her a message saying where you are, so she knows where she can reach you."

"And when a child asks you to promise something, you usually promise. I know you do something if you say you would, but a child needs extra assurance," Mr Hadden said.

"Yes. Shiri is very sensitive now because she had lost her parents and you need to make her feel safe."

"I see."

"Tell me, do you ever smile?"

Seven looked at her, confused.

"No."

"You should, especially with a child."

"Do you understand humor?" Mr Hadden asked.

"Humor is useless."

"No, it isn't. Humor and crying are two of the most important emotional valves. If she laughs, you should laugh with her and if she cries, you should hug her and make her feel safe."

"I see," Seven said and thought.

"I have an idea," Mrs Hadden said. "We have a day off tomorrow and we're supposed to get to know the ship better. So why don't all the parents, the children and Mrs Dham gather and you give us a tour of the ship. That way you will be able to observe how we interact with our children. Then we could go to the Holodeck and you could watch them play and we could answer your questions."

"Yes, it's a good idea," her husband agreed.

"Yes," Seven also agreed. "I will contact the other parents and Mrs Dham. We will meet in the Mess Hall at 0800."

"That is a bit too early," Mr Hadden said. "Children usually sleep until eight and then they have to get dressed and eat the breakfast. I think nine o'clock would be better."

Seven considered. She did not like wasting time, but she knew that the Haddens had much more experience at taking care of children that she did.

"Very well," she agreed.

"Then we'll see you tomorrow."

Seven nodded and got up.

"Thank you for your help."

"No problem," Mrs Hadden said. "You can come any time you like."

"Thank you."

Seven left. She went to the other two parents and to Mrs Dham and then returned to Shiri's quarters. She read for another two hours and then went to bed. She stared at the bed for a few moments, uncertain. Then she removed the blanket, sat, took off her boots and lay. She felt strange, lying in a bed for the first time since she wasn't a Borg anymore. Sickbay and detention cell didn't count. She found it disturbing that she couldn't immediately fall asleep and that her mind kept wandering.

Part 2: Learning

When she woke up in the morning, she noticed that there was something on top of her. She looked and saw that it was Shiri. She considered waking her, but decided against it. Since she could do nothing but lie until Shiri woke or got off of her, she decided to think over what she had learned.

Shiri finally woke up. She slowly opened her eyes and when she saw that Seven was lying next to her, she smiled. Seven smiled back, deciding that was the proper course of action.

"Good morning," she said.

"Morning," Shiri moaned and yawned.

"It is time to get up."

Shiri groaned and sat. She rubbed her eyes and yawned again. She looked around the room.

"Did you get any clothes?" she asked when she didn't see any.

"Neelix said that he would provide them today," Seven said as she got up.

"Oh."

Shiri went to the bathroom, refreshed herself and then came back and dressed. Seven, in the meantime, read some more on child care.

"I'm hungry," Shiri said.

Seven realized that she was hungry herself, not having been regenerating in her alcove over the night.

"Come," she said.

Shiri took her hand and they went to the Mess Hall.

"Hello, Seven. Shiri. A breakfast?"

"Two," Seven said.

"Two?" Neelix asked, surprised.

"Yes. I have not been regenerating in my alcove last night."

"I see. Well, two breakfasts coming up."

Neelix left and quickly returned with two portions.

"Here you go. Enjoy."

"Thank you."

Shiri attacked her breakfast, but Seven ate more slowly, not quite used to the whole eating procedure.

After they ate, Neelix came to take away the plates.

"Neelix," Seven inquired, "have you managed to provide clothes and toiletries for Shiri?"

"Yes. They're right there in that box."

Seven looked.

"Thank you. I will pick it up later."

"No problem," Neelix said and left.

"What do we do now?" Shiri asked.

"I will give the parents, their children and Mrs Dham a tour of the ship."

"Can I go too?" Shiri asked, excited.

"Of course."

"Great!"

"There is Mr Loran with Faja. You can go to her if you want."

"Yes," Shiri said and went to Faja.

Seven slowly followed her.

"May I join you?" she asked Loran, who looked at her, surprised.

"Yes."

"Thank you," Seven said and sat down.

"I've managed to review some of the data the previous two caretakers of the arboretum compiled and I found it fascinating," he said as he continued to eat.

"Yes," Seven agreed and watched Shiri and Faja interact.

"I'm really looking forward to go into details. Ah, there are the Haddens and Mrs Dham," he said and waved to them as they went to their tables. "So, how long have you been on this ship?"

"Three years," Seven said, opting not to be too specific.

"Really? Ah, Mrs Matsui. Looks like we're complete," he paused to get another bite. "Eh, you work in Astrometrics Lab?"

"Yes."

"Must be pretty interesting, especially as you are the first to chart this area of space."

"I am not the first to chart this area of space."

"Well, I know. I mean of those from the Alpha Quadrant."

"I see."

Loran decided that Seven was not too talkative and he concentrated on his breakfast, while Seven divided her attention between observing Faja and Shiri and also how Eric and Jane interacted with their respective parents.

The children finished before their parents and they joined Faja and Shiri. Seven observed them. Finally the parents and Mrs Dham also finished their breakfasts and they came to her.

"We are ready, Seven," Mrs Dham said.

Seven got up, and the parents called their children. Having no one to play with, Shiri came to Seven and took her hand.

The tour of the ship lasted longer than normally because Seven decided to take the time to study the interactions between the children and their parents. She walked slowly and explained things in what she hoped was an interesting way.

When they finally got to the Holodeck, Seven consulted the parents on what sort of program should she run.

"Allow me," Mrs Dham said. "I know of a program."

Seven stepped aside and let Mrs Dham access the file list. Mrs Dham quickly browsed through it.

"Ah, here it is," she said and activated the program. "Let's enter."

They entered and Seven saw that it was a savanna-like scenery with low trees and some animals in the distance. There was also a table.

"I've used this program on other ships and the children loved it." She turned to the children. "You can go and play."

The children looked at their parents, who nodded, and then ran away to play. Mrs Dham went to the table and the parents, and Seven followed her.

"Do you have any questions, Seven?" Mrs Dham asked when they were sitting.

Seven indeed had questions and the parents and Mrs Dham did their best to help her out. Even though they weren't sure whether Seven was capable of taking care of a child, they just wanted to make sure that Shiri got the best care possible.

"Oh, yes, before I forget," Mrs Dham suddenly remembered. "As you know, I was assigned to teach the children. I did some research yesterday and I also talked to the Captain and she has agreed. I will teach your children primary and secondary education. The Captain has agreed to let the children observe the officers at work. When the secondary education is complete and they decide what they want to be, the senior officers will be in charge of their education. Is that okay with you?"

The parents nodded.

"Seven?"

"Yes."

"Good, I'll tell the Captain then. Oh, yes, the curriculum is in the ship's computer, but I will probably modify it a bit."

"When will the classes start?" Mr Loran asked.

"Tomorrow."

"Already?" Mrs Haden asked, surprised.

"Yes. Mr Neelix said he will take care of the equipment today. You just come to the Mess Hall at eight and I will take you to the classroom. I will expect the children to be at the classroom every weekday at eight and I will watch them until you get from work."

The parents nodded.

"I thought the children usually sleep until eight," Seven said and looked at Mr Haden, who smiled.

"When they don't have school," he said.

"Oh. So when they have school, they have to get up at seven?"

"Yes."

"Okay," Mrs Dham said and turned to Seven. "Do you have any more questions?"

"Not at the moment."

"Okay then, I believe it's time for lunch," she said and the parents nodded. "Children!" she called. "Lunch time!"

After she was finished, Seven got up and waited for Shiri, who had already eaten her pancakes and now quickly joined her. Together they went to Neelix.

"Neelix, I will take the box."

"Oh, sure. Can you handle it alone?"

Seven let go of Shiri's hand and picked up the box.

"Yes."

"Okay."

Seven carried the box, and Shiri followed her.

When they got to Shiri's quarters, Seven put the box on the ground and opened it. They examined the contents and put the clothes in the closet and the toiletries in the bathroom. When they were done, Seven decided to talk to Shiri again.

"Tell me about yourself," she said and sat next to her on the couch.

Shiri looked at her dubiously.

"Will you listen?" she asked.

"Yes."

Shiri thought.

"I was born on Betazed, but my parents soon returned to Earth. We stayed there for a while and then went to Bajor. My parents wanted to settle in the Gamma Quadrant and we went there to look for a suitable place. Then we were attacked and they died," Shiri repeated her speech.

She stopped as she remembered her parents. Seven noticed that she was sad and considered what the proper course of action would be. She decided for a caress. She caressed Shiri, and Shiri looked at her, surprised. Shiri then smiled, and Seven smiled back.

"And what do you like?" Seven asked after a pause.

Shiri was confused for a moment.

"You mean my favorite food, my favorite color and stuff?"

"Yes."

Shiri thought.

"Well, I like pancakes and pizza and spaghetti and... junk food and..."

"Junk food?" Seven interrupted her, confused.

"That's what Mom called it, Dad said fast food. That's the food you get in special restaurants. Mom said it was bad for health, but it tastes good."

"I see. Proceed."

"Well, my favorite music is rap. My favorite color is red."

"So was mine," Seven said as she remembered bits and pieces from her childhood.

"Was?" Shiri asked, confused.

"Before I was assimilated by the Borg."

"And now?"

"I don't have a favorite color."

"Oh." Shiri thought. "What's it like being a Borg?"

Seven thought. She had never been asked that question and she wasn't sure how to answer it. She remembered what it was like, but how to explain it to someone, that was the hard part.

"I was a drone. I was a part of the Collective. I was told what to do and I did it. That was it."

"Sounds boring."

Seven lifted her right eyebrow, that was definitely not the description she would think of I connection with being a Borg.

"Do you miss being a Borg?" Shiri asked.

"No," Seven said without hesitation.

She had missed, no, she was afraid of not being a Borg at first, but now, she didn't want to be one anymore and she felt uneasy just thinking about the possibility.

"Can you show me where you sleep?" Shiri asked.

Seven observed her for a few moments and then got up.

"Come," she said and automatically offered Shiri her hand.

Shiri got up, took Seven's hand and they went to Cargo Bay 2.

"Wow," Shiri said when they got to Cargo Bay 2 and looked around curiously. "Is this Borg?"

"Yes."

"And where do you sleep?"

Seven took her to her alcove.

"Here."

Shiri was confused.

"Where?"

"Here," Seven said and pointed at the alcove.

"In there? But there's no bed here."

"I sleep standing up."

"Isn't than uncomfortable?"

"No."

"Will you always sleep here?"

Seven wanted to say yes, but the lessons she had learned from the parents told her to say no.

"No."

Shiri looked around.

"Were there supposed to be more Borg here?" she asked, noticing that there were more alcoves.

"Yes."

"Where are they?"

"Dead."

"I'm sorry."

"Why?"

Shiri looked at Seven, confused.

"Weren't they your friends?"

"Borg don't have friends."

"Oh."

"They were tools, like me and like the rest of the ship," Seven explained. "We served the Collective."

Shiri thought.

"Did they also have such funny names like you?"

Seven was confused.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, Seven. Were they also named by numbers?"

"Yes."

"Didn't that get complicated?"

"No."

Shiri thought.

"Didn't the Captain say you had another name?"

"Annika," Seven confirmed.

"Yes. Why don't you use that one? Seven is so weird," Shiri said. "Can I call you Annika?" she asked when Seven didn't immediately respond.

Seven considered for a moment.

"You may," she finally allowed.

"Great," Shiri said and looked around the Cargo Bay again. "Let's go, this place is scary."

They went back to Shiri's quarters, and then Seven went to Janeway.

"Seven! What can I do for you?"

"I have decided to move in with Shiri," Seven said.

"Really? How come?"

"I have learned that children are very dependant on their caretakers."

"Yes."

"I will require a bigger quarters, for two."

"Oh, yes, Shiri has single quarters."

"Yes."

"No problem." Janeway went to the terminal and called up the available quarters. "Will these do?"

Seven looked.

"Yes."

"Good."

Seven waited for Janeway to make the necessary changes.

"I believe I will require help with personal hygiene," she then said.

Janeway was confused for a moment.

"Oh, yes," she said and smiled. "I believe Shiri can help you with that. I'll get you the toiletries."

Seven lifted her eyebrow.

"It is so time consuming and unhygienic," she said.

Janeway smiled.

"Nobody's perfect." She gave Seven a once over. "Hmm, you'll need something else to sleep in and some clothes for the time you spend with Shiri."

"Why?"

"It's not very hygienic to wear the same clothes for a long time, day and night. And besides, Shiri would feel more comfortable if you wore something else. Don't worry, I'll get you something suitable."

"Thank you."

"Good. Oh, I'm calling a meeting of the senior officers in one hour. I want you to be there."

"Yes, Captain."

"Good. Anything else?"

"No."

One hour later, the senior officers and Seven gathered in the Observation Lounge. They all wore casual clothes as the meeting was semi-official.

"I called you here so I can tell you about the educational plan for the children," Janeway started and looked around. "Mrs Dham can only teach primary and secondary education, so I have agreed to let the children observe you at work in a year or two, when they get used to the ship. When the secondary education is complete and they decide what they want to be, you will be in charge of their education."

"So, if one of them decides he wants to be a pilot like me, then I'd have to show him around?" Paris asked.

"Yes."

"Oh, boy."

"You have a problem with that?" Janeway asked, giving him a sharp look.

"No, Ma'am, it's just that I'm not good with children."

"Don't worry, by the time they get to you, they will be in their late teens."

That seemed to calm Paris.

"I want you to also let your department heads know about this." She looked around. "That's it, unless one of you has anything to say."

No one did, so they all left.

In the evening, Janeway brought Seven some clothes and the toiletries, along with a PADD with instructions on how to use those clothes and toiletries.

"Will you help me with my personal hygiene?" Seven asked when Janeway was gone.

"Sure. What would you like to know?"

"Everything."

"Oh."

Seven started to undress, but then she realized that the sight of her implants might make Shiri nervous.

"Would the sight of my implants disturb you?" she asked.

Shiri shook her head.

"No."

Seven continued to undress.

"What are you doing?" Shiri asked.

Seven looked at her, puzzled.

"I am undressing."

"Why?"

"So you can show me what I need to know about personal hygiene. I believe washing requires you to be naked."

"Oh."

Seven completely undressed and waited for Shiri to give her instructions, but Shiri was just staring at her implants.

"Do they disturb you?" Seven asked.

"No, I was just curious. Come."

They went to the bathroom, and Shiri showed Seven everything from how to go to the toilet to how to brush her teeth. When they were done, Shiri picked a nightgown from the clothes Janeway had brought and Seven put it on.

After Shiri had gone to bed, Seven studied Janeway's PADD. She remembered some things from her youth, but it was so long ago, she wasn't certain if she remembered correctly.

During the night, Seven was awoken by Shiri's moans. She got up and went to Shiri's bed. She listened for a few moments and then realized that Shiri was having a nightmare. She wondered if she also talked in her sleep. She sat on Shiri's bed and gently shook her.

Shiri awoke with a scream. She looked around and when she saw Seven, she hugged her and started to cry. Seven was surprised and confused for a few moments, but then she recalled that it would be a good thing if she hugged Shiri back. She did and she held her until Shiri calmed down. Then she released her and Shiri started to wipe her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Seven asked.

Shiri nodded.

"I dreamed about Mom and Dad," she said. "I miss them."

Seven didn't know what to say, so she kept quiet.

"Do you ever miss your parents?" Shiri asked after a few moments.

Seven was surprised. She had never really thought about it.

"No," she finally said.

Shiri was surprised, but she didn't comment. She lay back, holding Seven's hand, and went back to sleep. Seven held her hand until Shiri fell asleep and then returned to her own bed.

The little girl was alone in her room, waiting, when the ship suddenly shook and alerts started to sound danger. The ship shook again, this time more violently and the girl knew they were under attack by the Borg. She looked out the window and saw the strange, ominous-looking ship shaped like a cube. The ship shook again as it was trapped in a tractor beam and the girl ran out of her room to find her parents.

The ship wasn't big, but it was still spacious. The little girl ran as fast as she could when suddenly a creature out of nightmare materialized right in front of her. The girl screamed and the creature looked at her with its dead eyes. It turned toward her and reached out, but the girl ducked and started to run again, trying to find her parents, so they would protect her.

She ran through the ship and saw more of the nightmare creatures materialize. She finally reached the Bridge and saw that her parents were fighting the nightmare creatures and they were losing.

"Mommy!" she called.

The woman looked at her.

"Go away, Annika!" she cried. "Run!"

Then one of the nightmare creatures did something to her and the woman stopped struggling.

"Run, Annika!" her father also called as he struck one of the nightmare creatures without effect.

The girl, Annika, stood in shock for a couple of moments and then turned to run away. But just as she did, a heavy hand dropped on her shoulder. Annika screamed and backed off, barely escaping the creature's grip.

She ran away from the creature, past her father, who for some reason stopped struggling. She ran around the Bridge, trying to find some place to hide, but there seemed to be none. She finally noticed a possible spot beneath the central console and she slipped under it and curled like a fetus, hoping that the monsters would go away.

But they didn't and Annika screamed as one of the monsters reached for her.

Suddenly she heard someone call her name.

Shiri had heard Seven's moans and she went to her, worried. She shook her, but Seven remained asleep.

"Annika!" she called and shook her stronger.

Seven awoke and half screamed. She jerked when Shiri hugged her and she automatically hugged her back. She was surprised when she realized that she was shivering and sweating and that she was actually terrified. It was a disconcerting feeling, one she hadn't felt in a long time. She let go of Shiri, and Shiri let go of her.

"Are you all right?" Shiri asked.

"Yes," Seven said.

She wanted to record her nightmare, but she realized that Shiri might find it strange and she decided to do it later.

"Did I wake you up?" she asked instead.

Shiri nodded.

"Yes. What did you dream about?" she asked.

Seven found herself shivering at the memory.

"My parents. I was aboard the Raven when the Borg assimilated us."

"Oh."

"I'll be fine," Seven said, not wanting to talk about it. "Go back to sleep."

"Are you sure?" Shiri asked, concerned.

"Yes. I'm fine."

"Okay."

Shiri gave her a quick hug and then returned to bed. Seven waited for a few moments.

"Computer, personal log." She paused. "I had a nightmare. I dreamed that I was aboard the Raven when the Borg came. I ran to my parents, but they couldn't protect me. I was terrified, even after I woke up. It was a most disconcerting feeling. End log."

She lay back and tried to fall asleep again, but the nightmare kept her awake for a while. She had had a few nightmares before, but none had been so disconcerting and scary. It had also been very vivid, like all other dreams, and she had relived the entire event, complete with the feelings and emotions. She remembered the fear in her parents' eyes when they tried to stop the Borg from capturing her. For the first time she realized that they were ready to die to save her.

She understood the sacrifice concept, but not the emotions behind it. The Collective often sent drones on suicide missions for the good of the Collective, but there were never any emotions involved. Yet now that she lived among Humans, as an individual, she noticed how Captain Janeway valued the life of every single crewman. Of course, there were less crewmen than there were Borg, but she knew that most races valued the lives of every individual.

She had also noticed the bond between the children and their parents and she was slowly starting to understand it. She couldn't explain it, but she was starting to feel the need to be with Shiri and protect her.

Later that day, when Seven was in the Astrometrics, she noticed a familiar reading.

"Seven to Bridge."

"Janeway."

"Captain, I am detecting Borg activity in the area."

"What? But we're nowhere near Borg space."

"I'm detecting seven... thirteen ships."

"What are they doing?"

"One moment." Seven observed the courses. "They appear to be searching for something."

"Have you any idea what?"

"No."

"Transfer your sensor readings to the Conn."

"Yes, Captain."

"Bridge out. Yellow alert. Tom, make sure we don't get into their sensor range."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Thirteen ships," Chakotay said thoughtfully. "It must be something very important."

"Yes," Janeway agreed. "I wonder what."

"Captain, I'm picking up a small Borg ship," Paris reported several hours later. "It appears to be drifting."

"Red alert, battle stations. Bridge to Astrometrics."

"Seven here."

"Seven, we've detected a drifting Borg ship."

"Yes," Seven confirmed. "It appears to be fully functional."

"Captain, we're receiving a message. It appears to be a code or something."

"Let me see."

Paris transferred the code to Janeway's display, and Janeway frowned.

"Take us closer," she ordered and got up. "Chakotay, you have the Bridge."

"Captain?" Chakotay asked, confused.

"I'll explain in a moment," Janeway said and went to her Ready Room.

She returned several minutes later. She went to the Comm station and sent out a long code. The reply came back almost instantly.

"Take us as close to the ship as possible," she then ordered. "Then turn us around, open the Shuttle Bay doors and let them land."

"Captain?" Chakotay and Paris asked in unison, surprised.

"If I'm not mistaken, they are ours. Trust me."

"Aye, Captain," Paris said.

"Tuvok, take a Security team to the Shuttle Bay. Chakotay, you have the Bridge. Tell Seven and the Doctor to also go there."

"Yes, Captain."

When Janeway, Tuvok and the Security team came to the Shuttle Bay, the door was already open and the Borg ship started its approach. It slowly penetrated the force field and set itself down at the side wall. A moment later, all its systems started to shut down.

"Captain?" the Doctor asked when he arrived, followed by Seven. "Oh my, the Borg."

No one responded as they waited for the crew of the Borg ship to come out.

Finally, after a couple of long minutes of nervous waiting, the cube opened and three Borg came out, two of them connected via a cable. The Security team immediately surrounded them and they stopped. Janeway stepped closer.

"I am Captain Janeway of the USS Voyager. Identify yourselves."

The single Borg stepped one step forward.

"Commander Jennifer Ahonen, Starfleet Security. These are Commander Kiara Serneherdt and Lieutenant Commander Raelyn Crawford, both Starfleet Security. They need to be immediately separated from the Collective."

"But how..."

"Later. I suggest you put a damping field over the ship," Ahonen suggested and turned to Seven. "We will need your assistance, Seven of Nine. Take us to the Sickbay."

Seven looked at Janeway, who nodded.

"Follow me," Seven said.

In the Sickbay, the Doctor started to scan Serneherdt and Crawford.

"This isn't a Borg device," he observed when he scanned one of Serneherdt's implants.

"It is a Starfleet implant designed to help us remain individuals."

"Interesting."

"Commander Serneherdt needs to be disconnected first. Seven of Nine."

Seven stepped closer and helped Ahonen disconnect Serneherdt. Serneherdt collapsed, but Crawford caught her. She lifted her and laid her on the bio-bed. Then she disconnected herself from Serneherdt. The bio sensors immediately sounded alarm and the Doctor stepped into action with Seven assisting him.

"How do you feel?" Ahonen asked Crawford.

"I can remain connected for another hour or so before I start shifting."

Ahonen nodded and turned to Janeway.

"I suggest you hide and lay low for a while." She paused as she processed some data. "There are two Borg ships in the vicinity... One forty and the other... forty-seven light years away."

"Janeway to Paris."

"Paris here."

"Are you picking up any Borg ships?"

"Two."

"Take us to the closest star and hide us there. And try to hide our warp trail."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Janeway out."

Ahonen nodded, went to Crawford and helped her remove the implants.

"She is out of danger," the Doctor declared a few moments later, and Janeway turned to him.

"How is she?"

"She will live. After I remove her implants, she should become her old self again."

"Good." Janeway turned to Ahonen. "Commander?"

"You're next," Ahonen said, and Crawford nodded. "Seven of Nine."

Seven stepped closer and together they disconnected Lieutenant Commander Crawford from the Collective. Crawford staggered a bit, and Ahonen supported her.

"I'm fine," Crawford said and let Ahonen escort her to the next bio-bed.

Ahonen then turned to Janeway.

"Captain, I will remain connected to the Collective until we are out of danger or until I start to shift."

"Why?" Janeway asked, confused.

"Because I can simulate a drone on that ship and destroy it."

Janeway was impressed.

"You can do that?"

"Yes. But first I need to have the unnecessary implants removed," Ahonen said and started to remove her implants.

Another couple of hours later, Serneherdt was still recovering and Ahonen was in Cargo Bay 2, in one of the alcoves. Janeway called a meeting of the senior officers and called Crawford, who was reluctant to disclose any information.

"Look, Commander, we are in the Delta Quadrant and we need to know as much as possible about the Borg. Not to mention that the whole crew already knows you are aboard. I need to tell them something."

Crawford hesitated, thinking.

"I need to consult with Commander Ahonen and Commander Serneherdt," she then said.

"Very well," Janeway agreed. "Tuvok, escort her."

"Yes, Captain," Tuvok said and got up.

They returned ten minutes later and Tuvok sat down.

"As you may know, the Enterprise discovered a crashed Borg scout ship and rescued a drone, whom they named Hugh," Crawford started. "That drone became an individual and after it rejoined the Collective, it caused a terminal failure aboard the cube. They were helpless until the android Lore came. After they regained independence from Lore, Starfleet Security dispatched a vessel to their planet. They allowed us to study them and in return they received our help with the new way of life and medical help for the drones which were injured by Lore's experiments. This implant is the result of that cooperation." Crawford paused and pointed at her implant. "There were five of us, all volunteers. We were trained by Vulcans and Betazoids and then we were sent on a mission. It was a real mission, but we knew that we would fall into Borg hands. One of us died when the Borg tried to assimilate his implant. The other died for the same reason, only later. We were planning on returning back to the Alpha Quadrant, but the Borg somehow managed to find a way to penetrate Commander Serneherdt's implant and we were forced to destroy the ship. I had to establish a link between us so she wouldn't be pulled into the Collective. Unfortunately, the Borg managed to send out a signal and now they're after us."

Everybody listened to the story with interest and when Crawford was finished, they thought about it.

"You volunteered for the mission?" B'Elanna finally asked.

"Yes," Crawford confirmed.

B'Elanna was confused.

"Why? I mean, I wouldn't want to be assimilated by the Borg."

"We were all dying," Crawford. "I had the Sarkissian Syndrome. We also knew that if the Borg tried to assimilate the implant, we would die, so it didn't really matter. But if we survived, the Borg nanoprobes would keep us alive."

"Oh."

"Will you require quarters or will you stay in the Borg alcoves for now?" Janeway asked.

"Alcoves."

"Very well. I would give you some time off to relax, but there are Borg ships out there looking for us, so we might need your help."

"Of course."

"Where did you serve before you volunteered for the mission?"

"I was an Engineering officer aboard the USS Sovereign."

"And Commanders Ahonen and Serneherdt?"

"They were also Engineering officers."

"I see. Hmm. Seems we have a little bit of a problem since you outrank our Chief Engineer."

"You can temporarily demote us to lieutenants," Crawford suggested.

Janeway lifted her eyebrows.

"Yes, I could do that. Very well then. Any suggestions as to how we remain hidden?"

"We should turn around and retrace our course for a day," Crawford suggested. "There are several transwarp conduits in this area, the Borg will expect us to try to escape through one of them. We should fly around this area."

Janeway nodded in agreement.

"Yes," she said. "Questions?" There were none. "Dismissed."

"Hello, Mrs Dham," Seven said when she entered the classroom after her shift was over.

"Hello, Seven."

"I have come for Shiri."

"Yes."

Shiri came immediately.

"Hi," she said. "Is it true that there are Borg aboard?" she asked both excited and concerned.

Seven lifted her eyebrows.

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Are they here to assimilate us?"

"No. They are Starfleet officers and they have joined the crew now."

"Oh."

"Come, let's go to our quarters."

Shiri took Seven's hand.

"Good bye, Mrs Dham," she said and then she and Seven left.

"Good bye, Shiri."

"Annika," Shiri said as they walked to the turbolift, "I would like to learn how to dance."

Seven lifted her eyebrows.

"I cannot teach you."

"I know. I asked Miss Ghezali and she said she could."

Seven looked at Shiri.

"I believe that her kind of dancing is not suitable for children your age," she said.

"I know. But I don't want to learn that. She said she could teach me other dances."

"I see. I will talk to her."

"Okay."

Part 3: Family

The next morning, just after Seven talked to Miss Ghezali, red alert was sounded.

"Stay here," Seven told Shiri and went to Engineering.

In Cargo Bay 2, Serneherdt, who had been released from Sickbay, and Crawford woke up and stepped out of their alcoves. The Security officers got ready, in case something was wrong. Serneherdt and Crawford checked Ahonen, who was obviously connected to the Collective.

"Go to the Bridge," Serneherdt said.

Crawford nodded and left, followed by a detail of Security officers.

"Report!" Janeway ordered when she got to the Bridge.

"We've been discovered by a Borg ship. They have stopped and... They are closing in."

"Evasive Delta 4, fire when ready."

"Yes, Captain."

"Captain?" Chakotay asked when he arrived to his post.

"Borg," Janeway said.

"Captain, Lieutenant Ahonen is attempting to destroy the ship," Crawford reported when she arrived. "I need a station to monitor her activity."

Janeway was confused for a moment, but then she realized that Ahonen was probably using her implant.

"Harry," she said.

"Over here, Lieutenant," Kim said, and Crawford went to him.

The ship shook.

"Shields at 79%."

"Evasive Gamma 3. Prepare for attack pattern Alpha 5."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Now."

"Captain," Crawford reported, "the ship has been cut off from the Collective. Weapons systems are shutting down."

"Give them all you have, Tuvok," Janeway ordered.

"Yes, Captain."

This ship shook violently.

"Shields at 45%. Hull breaches on decks 2 through 7."

"Evasive Delta 3."

"Aye."

In Cargo Bay 2, Ahonen fought the Collective. The Borg had apparently found a way to block off her implant and she grabbed the sides of her alcove, twisting the metal.

"Kiara," she suddenly said, blood streaming out of her nose.

"Here."

"Stand by... to disconnect... me."

"But..."

"I can't... hold... it much... longer."

Serneherdt nodded. She took hold of the implants and waited.

"Now!" Ahonen finally screamed.

Serneherdt ripped the implants out of her body, and Ahonen collapsed. Serneherdt caught her and gently laid her down. She touched her comm badge.

"Serneherdt to Transporter Room. Medical emergency, two to beam directly to Sickbay."

A couple of moments later, the two ex-Borg disappeared.

"After them," the lieutenant in charge said and the whole team left the Cargo Bay.

"She has disconnected," Crawford reported. "Captain, I suggest you set a course 165.045 and engage on my mark."

"Tom."

"Aye... Course set."

"Maximum warp."

"Aye."

"Captain, I'm picking up strange readings from the Borg ship," Kim reported.

"It will self-destruct," Crawford explained.

"What?"

"I'll explain later. Stand by... Engage."

"Aye," Paris said and the Voyager jumped to warp.

A few moments later, the Borg ship became a huge jigsaw puzzle.

"That was close," Paris said.

"Captain, Lieutenants Ahonen and Serneherdt are in Sickbay," Tuvok reported.

Janeway looked at him.

"Why?"

"Apparently Lieutenant Serneherdt had to disconnect Lieutenant Ahonen from the Collective."

"Oh. Damage report."

"Shields at 42%, hull breaches on decks 2 through 6 and on Deck 9. ODN is down on Deck 13 and gravity on Deck 7. Transporters are inoperative. I'm also picking up a fire in the Mess Hall."

"Can you put it out?"

"No."

"Damn."

"Casualties?" Chakotay asked.

"Three dead, seven wounded."

"Damn it."

"Chakotay, you have the Bridge, I'm going to the Mess Hall."

"Yes, Captain."

In the Engineering, Seven was repairing something and running a diagnostic when she discovered that the Mess Hall was under fire and cut off from the rest of the ship. She stood still for a few moments as strange emotions overwhelmed her and then stormed out.

"Seven!" B'Elanna called after her, but Seven ignored her.

"Report," Janeway ordered when she got to a team of Engineering and Security people who were trying to gain entry into the Mess Hall.

"There are nineteen people trapped in there," their leader reported. "We're trying to remove the debris so we can get them out."

"Good... Seven?"

Seven passed the surprised Captain without a glance and attacked the debris. The crew stepped back to avoid being hit by it. Some debris was pretty heavy, even for Seven's enhanced skeleton, but Seven didn't care, she just dug through.

"Seven," Janeway said, but Seven didn't listen, so Janeway went after her. "Seven," she said and put her hand on Seven's shoulder, but Seven simply pushed her back without a glance.

The surprised crew helped the equally surprised Janeway get up. Janeway wanted to reprimand Seven, but Seven had already reached the doors of the Mess Hall and was starting to open them. They were hot, being burned by the fire, but Seven ignored the pain and continued to open them. When she succeeded, she walked right through the fire and looked around for Shiri. Behind her, the Engineering team already started to put out the fire manually.

On her way through the havoc, Seven removed some of the debris, freeing the trapped people, but Shiri wasn't among them. She kept looking.

"Over here!" she heard Neelix call.

She followed the voice and found Neelix.

"Have you seen Shiri?" she asked.

"She's here, somewhere," Neelix said, and Seven started to remove the debris.

"Annika!" Shiri called from beneath the debris, and Seven increased her speed.

"Uh, thank you," Neelix said when she reached him, but Seven ignored him and moved on.

Neelix wanted to help, but very quickly discovered that he was only in the way, so he left.

Seven quickly reached Shiri and hugged her. Shiri hugged her back.

"I'm fine," she said and coughed.

Seven just held her for a while, confused by the strong emotions she was experiencing.

The fire being put out, Janeway came in to inspect the damage. She noticed Seven hugging Shiri and she understood why Seven was in such a hurry. She smiled and left.

"Seven, you look a mess," Doctor said when Seven brought Shiri there and sat her on a bio-bed.

He wanted to examine her, but Seven stepped back.

"Check her first," she said.

Doctor lifted his eyebrows.

"Very well," he said and started to examine Shiri.

Lieutenant Serneherdt came closer and observed Seven for a few moments.

"Don't you have any other name?" she then asked.

Seven looked at her.

"Annika Hansen," she said.

"You know who you were before the assimilation?" Serneherdt asked, surprised.

"Yes."

"I see. Then why does everyone call you Seven?"

Seven hesitated for a moment.

"I prefer it."

"I see." Serneherdt observed her and then Shiri for a few moments. "Is she your daughter?" she then asked.

Seven looked at her, surprised. Although she had been thinking about her relationship to Shiri, she somehow never thought of her as a daughter. She looked back at Shiri and thought for a few moments.

"No," she then said, "I take care of her."

"I see," Serneherdt said and returned to Ahonen.

"She's okay," the Doctor declared a few moments later and turned to Seven. "Your turn," he said and started to scan her with his tricorder. "Hmm, these surface wounds and burns are pretty severe," he declared a few moments later.

He fetched the tissue mitigator and Seven had to let go of Shiri's hand so the Doctor could heal it.

"There," the Doctor said when he was done. "I suggest you take a shower," he then said.

"Yes," Seven agreed and helped Shiri from the bed.

After they both took a shower, Seven took Shiri to Mrs Dham and then went to see Captain Janeway.

"Captain."

"Seven."

"I came to apologize for my behavior, I should not have hit you."

Janeway smiled.

"True, but I believe you had more important things on your mind."

Seven lifted her right eyebrow, a bit surprised.

"Yes," she said and paused to think. "I... I was worried. When I found out that Mess Hall had been cut off from the rest of the ship and that there was a fire there, I felt the urge to go there and help Shiri. It was extremely strong and I was completely overwhelmed by it."

"I understand," Janeway said and smiled.

"I believe that's how my parents felt when the Borg attacked us," Seven said after a moment of contemplation.

"Yes," Janeway agreed. "It seems you have developed maternal instincts toward Shiri." She paused as an idea occurred to her. "Perhaps you should adopt her."

Seven stared at Janeway for a few moments, surprised, and thought about it.

"I will have to talk to Shiri about it," she finally said.

Janeway smiled.

"Take your time," she said. "Anything else?"

"No."

"Dismissed."

Seven left and went to Engineering, all the time thinking about Captain Janeway's suggestion.

After her shift was over, Seven picked up Shiri and they returned to their quarters.

"Is everything okay?" Shiri asked, noticing Seven's absentmindedness.

"Yes," Seven said and sat on the sofa. "We need to talk. Sit."

"About what?" Shiri asked and joined her on the sofa.

Seven hesitated for a moment.

"Captain Janeway has suggested that I should adopt you."

"Really?" Shiri asked, excited. "Does that mean I can call you Mom?" she asked after a moment of hesitation.

Seven frowned for a moment, a bit surprised.

"If you wish," she then said.

Shiri hugged Seven, happy, and Seven hugged her back after a moment of hesitation. She frowned for a moment when she realized that her adopting Shiri meant that she had a family again. And Shiri also. She hugged Shiri tighter, suddenly feeling how very important Shiri was to her and vice versa.

The End