Captain's log, stardate 54129.4.
A bitter-sweet day for Voyager's crew.
We've finally found a home for some precious cargo.
Thank you for taking care of them. We're very grateful.
We're just glad Rebi and Azan will grow up with their own people
and that you've let Mezoti join them.
- You can still come with us. - You can still stay on Voyager.
Adapting to your absence will be difficult.
I'll miss you, too.
It's time.
I've been studying data relevant to the species, as you recommended.
Familiarising will help you adapt.
On Wysanti, it's customary not to say goodbye,
but I think I prefer the human way.
Energise.
- De-activate the children's alcoves. - Right now?
They're a drain on Voyager's power reserves.
Is there a problem?
It just seems like an insufficient amount of time has passed.
An emotional response to the children's departure.
They'll be fine. We should be happy for them.
- Seven. - Yes?
You're crying.
My ocular implant must be malfunctioning.
Crying is nothing to be ashamed of.
The first time I heard.
Puccini's "Tosca" in the holodeck,
I sobbed the entire third act.
You're a hologram. You can't cry.
Torres enhanced my subroutine
so I could appreciate the performance.
A technological enhancement.
Mine was a technological malfunction.
Saying goodbye was traumatic.
Crying's a normal response.
I was in control of my emotions.
Seems I owe you an apology.
Your tears were due to
a glitch in your cortical node.
Any other malfunctions lately?
Headache, dizziness?
No.
Really?
Mind if I check your bio-monitors,
just to be sure?
An occasional headache.
Why didn't you see me?
They have not affected my work.
If you have problems, let me know.
If it'll make you feel better,
I'll be more forthcoming in future.
You're all heart.
Some more tests,
and I'll report to the captain.
Keep it private.
I don't want to worry the captain.
We've always kept her informed.
It's my understanding that crew
have the right to confidentiality.
If you want to keep this between us,
that's where it'll stay.
Have you finished charting the nebula?
Several hours ago.
I've been thinking.
I'm grateful for the chance to assist in astrometrics.
But I'd like more challenging assignments.
- Additional diagnostics? - That's not what I meant.
- I want to work on the bridge. - You don't have the training.
That's why I'd like to take the entrance exam for Starfleet Academy.
I'd forward it to Earth in the datastream.
If I pass, I could take basic classes from Tuvok.
He was an instructor at the Academy.
- Your plan is ambitious. - You think it's a good idea?
Take the classes with me. Earn a commission.
I've had enough training.
I need the captain's recommendation.
I'll speak to her.
I have work in the cargo bay. Can you finish here?
Of course.
Computer, initiate regeneration cycle.
Unable to comply.
- Why? - Incompatible interface.
Run a diagnostic of alcove 01.
Alcove 01 is operating within normal parameters.
Initiate regeneration cycle.
- Unable to comply. - Clarify.
Your cortical node is malfunctioning.
Seven, I didn't see you.
- I was just leaving. - Before breakfast?
- What time is it? - 0500.
Have you been here all night?
I was unable to regenerate.
Anything on your mind?
My alcove is malfunctioning.
- You should ask B'Elanna to look at it. - I didn't want to wake her.
- What's all this? - Nutritional supplements.
I thought they would compensate.
- Your own recipe? - Metabolic enzymes and protein extract.
Let me make you a Talaxian omelette. No enzymes, but it tastes better.
That won't be necessary.
I think I'll wake Lieut...
Lieutenant...
Seven!
Neelix to sickbay. Medical emergency.
You lost consciousness in the mess hall.
- Your body's rejecting your implants. - It's the glitch in your cortical node.
Apparently, it's more serious than we thought.
- The node is destabilising. - It's unable to regulate your implants.
They're shutting down one by one.
When you've disconnected implants in the past, I've adapted.
Minor implants. An assimilation tubule, a few nanoprobes.
Nothing crucial to your human physiology.
- These implants control vital functions. - Without my cortical node, I'll die.
Correct?
Borg technology is highly adaptive. My cortical node will repair itself.
I don't think so. If anything, the deterioration is accelerating.
- Stay here for observation... - I've been sufficiently observed.
Excuse us, please.
I'm sorry. You've a right to be angry but it won't solve the problem.
- The node will correct itself. - And if it doesn't, for argument's sake?
- Is it possible to replicate a new one? - The technology is too complex.
If this had happened when you were in the collective,
how would the Borg have repaired the damage?
They wouldn't have. Trying to repair a node would be futile.
The Borg would simply replace it.
Harry? We passed a Borg debris field six days ago,
outside the Yontasa Expanse.
- See if you can find it. - Yes, ma'am.
It's not every day we look for the Borg. What's up?
Seven needs a new cortical node.
Captain, the Borg often return to salvage damaged cubes.
I'll risk it.
I want to help Seven, but we could all end up with cortical nodes.
- I'm taking the Flyer, alone. - I've located the field.
Transmit the coordinates. You have the bridge.
With respect, the last time you took the Flyer to confront the Borg,
it ended up in pieces.
- I'll bring it back in one piece. - A good pilot might help.
Particularly if accompanied by a tactical officer.
You shouldn't do this by yourself.
Well, gentlemen, I guess you're with me.
Captain.
I'll meet you in the shuttle bay.
- Have you talked to Seven? - Just a few minutes ago.
- You don't approve? - Of what?
- My request. - Request?
I'm sure Seven will discuss it when she has the chance.
- I'm sorry I bothered you. - Obviously no one's told you.
- Told me what? - Seven isn't well.
- What's wrong with her? - Her cortical node is failing.
Her cortical node? She's going to die.
Not if we find a new node. We're searching a Borg debris field.
I know Borg technology. Let me come with you.
- It's too dangerous. - I'm willing to take the risk.
I'm not willing to let you.
I'll let you know how we did as soon as we're back. Don't worry.
Seven.
- Why are you here? - The captain said you were ill.
- I'm fine. - Then why are you in sickbay?
- You've work to do in astrometrics. - I've finished my work.
- I'll assign you more. - Is there a problem?
I wish to be alone.
Come with me, please.
- Why is she angry with me? - She's not angry with you.
- She's just angry. - I don't understand.
A common response to serious illness. She's frustrated.
- Embarrassed to appear vulnerable. - She shouldn't be embarrassed.
- I'm her friend. - And her pupil.
She doesn't want anyone to see her, she's not at her best.
- It's not her fault. - Of course not.
But we have to allow her to deal with this in her own way, with dignity.
Give her time. She may decide she wants company.
If she does, you're the first person I'll call.
I've isolated a section with the bodies of approximately 37 drones.
- 37 doesn't sound "approximate". - They were killed in an explosion.
- There are only a few left intact. - The atmosphere's breathable inside.
- Any sign of active Borg ships? - Nothing on sensors.
- That could change. Run scans. - Yes, ma'am.
Tuvok, here. Help me get this off him.
No apparent damage to the cortical node.
Captain, you've got company. There's a ship...
Two to beam out.
Delta Flyer, respond.
Three humanoids aboard this vessel.
- Drones? - The only drones here are dead.
And they belong to us.
- Who are you? - Captain Janeway, starship Voyager.
- This is my debris field, Captain. - We weren't aware of that.
- What have you taken? - A cortical node.
- We need it to save one of my crew. - Everything here belongs to us.
Put down your weapons and I won't activate this laser scalpel.
Sorry about the delay. They knocked our transporters off-line.
I need you at tactical. When I bring us around, target their engine core.
Aye, sir.
Nice shot.
They're breaking pursuit.
- May I ask what you're doing? - I'm implementing a new filing system.
You should be in bed.
Delivery for Seven of Nine. Tarcanian wildflowers.
Cheery, don't you think?
- If you prefer gladiolas, I'll go back... - That won't be necessary.
The flowers are lovely. Aren't they, Seven?
Thank you. I'll admire them later.
I thought I'd keep you company.
- Seven prefers not to have visitors. - Even with a Kadis-Kot board?
- Correct. - But it's your favourite game.
Personally, I can't blame her.
- You're being insensitive. - Lam?
Seven is in a weakened state. She wouldn't stand a chance against you.
You're right. I don't know what I was thinking.
We'll play when you're feeling up to it.
- Green. - I beg your pardon?
I prefer the green pieces. You'll use red.
- Doctor, is she up to it? - Go easy on her.
- Janeway to the Doctor. - Yes, Captain?
We're back and we have the node.
Ready to disengage the damaged node.
- Transfer cortical functions. - Understood.
- Done. - Initiating the extraction.
- Functions stable. - Time?
20 seconds.
Not yet. I have to realign her primary neurodes.
The computer can't maintain her functions much longer.
Ready.
Neural relays will destabilise in ten seconds.
- Nine... eight... seven... - Almost finished.
...six...five...
Transfer functions to the new node.
- Something's wrong. - Anaphylactic shock.
Her implants aren't adapting. They're rejecting the node.
- It's losing synaptic cohesion. - Apply a 20 millijoule neurostatic pulse.
Now!
- No effect. - Again.
Increase the pulse. 30 millijoules.
Computer, end simulation.
- Why did you stop? - It wasn't working.
- Run it again. - This was our 12th simulation.
- 13 won't be our lucky number. - The node's been inactive too long.
Then we'll find one that hasn't.
No matter how many we sift through, a node from a dead drone won't work.
- Who said a dead drone? - What?
We've infiltrated Borg vessels before. We can do it again.
- End one life to save another? - I'm not giving up on her.
Neither am I! I'll do everything to help her.
But we have to face the possibility that it may not be enough.
Red. Grid 13-3.
- They should have finished by now. - I'm sure they'll let you know.
- Your move. - Don't you have more important duties?
Nothing that can't wait.
- Despite what the Doctor said, I'm fine. - Really? It looks like you're losing.
- Kadis-Kot. - I should have seen that coming.
Well, that makes what, 16-3 your lead?
- 16-2. - My mistake.
Oh, er... I should really see how things are going in the mess hall.
I'll be back later for a re-match.
Are you ready to proceed?
According to the simulations, the salvaged node won't work. I'm sorry.
I'm researching alternative treatments.
Harry and B'Elanna are trying to repair the node with alcove components.
They'll fail.
We're not giving up hope. Neither should you.
- I'd like to return to my duties. - I need to monitor your condition.
- Captain? - I have to defer to the Doctor.
If you'd like, I can ask Icheb to bring your work here.
Doctor?
- Computer, locate the Doctor. - The EMH is off-line.
Activate the EMH.
- ...forced to sedate you! - Doctor?
- Sorry, I wasn't talking to you. - Where's Seven?
I wish I knew. She overrode my autonomy protocols,
in the middle of a sentence.
Computer, locate Seven of Nine.
Seven of Nine is in sickbay.
He's looking for you.
The Doctor, I ran into him in the corridor.
He's about 30 seconds away from calling a ship-wide alert.
- Are you going to tell him where I am? - No.
I know what it's like to be stuck in sickbay.
I've escaped the Doctor myself, once or twice.
- Thank you. - Any time.
Lieutenant...
...when you die, do you believe your spirit will go to Sto-Vo-Kor?
You shouldn't be thinking about dying.
The Doctor's simulations show any bid to adapt the salvaged node will fail.
Sto-Vo-Kor, Lieutenant. Do you believe you'll go there?
I guess it all depends on how honourable my death is.
But you do believe there's something after death?
I hope so.
What about you?
The Borg have no concept of an afterlife.
But when a drone is de-activated,
its memories reside in the collective's consciousness.
As long as the hive exists,
so will a part of that drone.
You don't seem to take much comfort in that.
My link to the collective has been severed for nearly four years.
If I die, everything I accomplished in that time,
everything I achieved as an individual, will be lost.
My memories, my experiences...
It will be as if they...
as if I never existed.
I think... you're more memorable than you give yourself credit for.
You don't need the collective to validate your existence.
You've made an impact on every member of this crew.
That's your legacy.
There you are.
I knew she'd be the one to harbour a fugitive.
We difficult patients need to stick together.
- I want you to return to sickbay. - Have you devised a new treatment?
- Not yet. - I won't distract you from finding one.
If you continue to exert yourself, your condition will only deteriorate.
- Is that what you want? - What I want is to be useful.
I really could use her help. I promise not to let her overdo it.
You can stay. Provided you wear this cortical monitor.
Thank you.
- Are you feeling better? - My condition is unchanged.
I've spoken to the captain about your desire to apply to Starfleet Academy.
She's agreed to admit us to the entrance exam before the next datastream.
It's a list of crewmen who can help you study.
Lieutenant Torres is well-versed in warp mechanics.
Ensign Kim "aced" the quantum theory section.
What about astrometrics?
- You know more than most officers... - I need someone to review the material.
- I'll ask Lieutenant Paris. - I'd rather study with you.
You're too dependent on me. Learn to rely on others.
- And if I don't want to? - That is irrelevant.
Why are you acting like this? You think you're dying?
I am dying.
- I'm sorry. - You may have given up.
But I haven't.
I know how to save her.
- I'm open to suggestions. - I analysed the simulations you did.
They failed because you used a node from a dead drone.
- Correct. - You require a live drone.
- I've already been through that. - My node is operational.
- Remove it and give it to Seven. - Absolutely not!
- Review my research. - A suicide note!
- I disagree. - That's comforting.
You took scans of me. By your own estimation,
I emerged from my maturation chamber before I was assimilated.
- So I'm less dependent on implants. - They regulate many vital functions.
What about my age? I'm younger. It should be easier to adapt to the loss.
- Too young to understand the risk. - I understand perfectly.
- Do nothing and Seven will die. - With your idea, you could both die.
My research shows an 86.9% chance Seven's implants will adapt to my node.
- 867 - Point nine.
What about you? How will you regulate your implants?
Compensate with genetic resequencing.
This isn't suicide, Doctor. I believe it can work.
All I ask is that you consider it.
Earth's biggest ditch. That's what my father used to call it.
We hiked the north rim when I was nine.
An impressive formation.
Too dusty. I've always preferred farm country, myself.
Bloomington, Indiana. Your home town. You mentioned it on several occasions.
- So, what do you think? - It appears a pleasant environment.
When we get to Earth, I'll take you there.
- It's likely you'll reach Earth without me. - You don't know that.
You refuse to acknowledge the severity of my condition.
Just as I did, at first.
- Are you giving up? - I'm merely accepting reality.
If I'd accepted reality, I'd have settled on the first planet we found.
Instead, I'm 30,000 light years closer to Bloomington.
Minus several members of your crew.
Ensign Marie Kaplan, Ensign Lyndsay Ballard,
- Crewman Timothy Lang... - The point?
Every person on this list died under your command.
You accepted their deaths. But I don't believe you'll accept mine.
- That's presumptuous. - I'm not being egotistical.
- I'm trying to make a point. - Which is?
All of these crew members came to Voyager with unique personalities.
I required constant assistance to develop my individuality.
- You've come a long way. - Not far enough.
I've disappointed you. You feel your task is incomplete.
That's why my death will be difficult for you to accept.
Is that what you think?
- You haven't lived up to expectations? - Clearly, I haven't.
But I want you to know...
...that the failure has been mine, not yours.
You haven't failed, Seven.
You've exceeded my expectations.
You've become an individual, an extraordinary individual.
If I have trouble accepting your condition,
it's only because I don't want to lose a friend.
Doctor to the captain, I need to see you and Seven right away.
- A complicated procedure. - No doubt.
- But you believe it'll work. - There are risks.
To Seven and Icheb. But if you're asking if it's possible, I'd say yes.
- What sort of precautions... - It's not worth the risk to Icheb.
- I won't extend my life at your expense. - Review the data.
If there's a chance you won't survive, the data is irrelevant.
- I'd like to return to sickbay now. - As you wish.
Captain, you could order her to do it.
- I have to respect her wishes. - Even if it kills her?
I want to help her just as much as you do.
If that were true, you wouldn't let her die.
Anything I can bring from the cargo bay to make you feel more at home?
No, thank you.
Something from the mess hall? A piece of fruit?
Are you offering me my last meal?
I... Of course not. Is that what you thought?
I was attempting to lighten the mood.
Ah, yes... Well done.
Icheb to the Doctor, report to Cargo Bay 2 immediately.
- He's persistent. - Not to worry.
I'll make it clear to him that persistence is futile.
You were summoned, too?
Icheb doesn't seem to have grasped the chain of command.
Remind you of anyone we know?
Icheb?
- He's disengaged his cortical node. - How?
My alcove. I programmed it to disconnect my neural relays.
- Can you reconnect? - He's locked me out.
- How could you do this? - It's the only way to prove it'll work.
- What's wrong? - He performed an operation on himself.
- Reconnect his node. - I intend to.
No. If Seven can refuse treatment, so can I.
- We don't have time. - Check your scans.
- I'm adapting. - Some implants have adapted, not all.
- Apply the resequencing technique. - I won't accept the node.
- And I won't keep it. - Someone had better use it.
If it stays disconnected, it won't be any good.
- You're like a child. - I'm trying to save your life.
- You've grown too dependent on me. - So I need to rely on others?
What about you? You've refused to rely on a single member of the crew.
You hid your condition, you de-activated the Doctor.
Now you're rejecting my help. You need to rely on others.
Isn't that what people on this ship do? Help each other?
Whenever we can.
If the captain were dying, you'd risk your life to save her.
When you respond to a distress call, you risk everyone's life on this ship
to respond to the aid of strangers.
- He's right. - Captain, he's just a child.
I don't think he is.
Not any more.
- Doctor? - Don't look at me.
Please, just let us help you.
Let's begin.
Good morning.
- How long have I been regenerating? - Six days.
We needed to make sure your implants had adapted.
The good news is, they have.
Icheb?
His road to recovery has been a little bumpier than yours.
Has he suffered any permanent damage?
I don't think so. He's been experiencing some pain, but it's temporary.
Pain I caused him.
Pain he was willing to endure.
- You've recovered. - I expect the same from you.
The Doctor wants me here another week.
But I'm sure I'll be back on my feet in half that time.
I suggest you get as much rest as you can.
- You're going to need it. - Why?
I've decided to help you prepare for the astrometrics portion of the exam.
You can expect a rigorous and gruelling schedule.
- Seven? - Yes?
Your ocular implant. It's malfunctioning again.
Actually... it's functioning perfectly.