ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. SICKBAY

JANEWAY
(on the bridge, V.O.)
What is it Doctor?

DOCTOR
Seven's synaptic activity is returning. I'm going to
attempt to remove her from life support.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Do it Doctor.

DOCTOR
Here goes nothing.

The Doctor gives the voice command to transfer neural activity to his patient and waits patiently for a sign.

DOCTOR
(relieved)
It's working Captain; her brain function is returning.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
That's a big step Doctor. Do you think you can revive her?

DOCTOR
Not yet Captain, I don't want to rush her recovery. The brain
is very sensitive and needs to heal. We don't want to aggravate
it anymore then we already have.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
I understand. Call me when there's a change in her condition.

DOCTOR
I will Captain.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Janeway out.

A few days later...

INT. BORG CUBE (SEVEN'S DREAM)

Millions of regenerating Borg are tucked away in their alcoves while the same familiar drones approach the female musician. As the Borg mantra continues, it is overlapped by the sound of Chopin. This time the music is drowning out the Collective voice. As the cybernetic beings approach the woman we notice she is not alone. On the bench sitting next to her is a male figure who continues to listen and smile at the young blonde. She doesn't seem affected by his presence and continues to play. For some reason, the drones don't approach her, they merely keep their distance and observe. The music stops. The male figure takes her hands in his own and brings her closer to him. She turns towards him, looks up to his eyes and notices it is Commander Chakotay. She doesn't pull away, instead she gives in to her passion and allows herself to be kissed. She returns his kiss, they embrace and then she is blinded by a bright light.

INT. SICKBAY

Seven's eyes begin to open. Everything appears blurry and she is unable to focus. The Doctor is overjoyed by this and summons the Captain immediately. Seven tries to regain her composure but is too exhausted to care. She looks down at her hand and notices it is being held. She turns her head and sees it is Commander Chakotay.

CHAKOTAY
(smiling)
Good morning, you gave us quite a scare. How are
you feeling?

SEVEN
(confused and disoriented)
I don't know. What's happened? Where am I?

CHAKOTAY
You're in sickbay. It's a long story, we're just glad you
made it back. I should leave you to rest.

SEVEN
(dazed)
Thank you Commander. I must get up.

CHAKOTAY
(smiling)
Get some rest Seven, you have lots of people waiting to
see you. I'll check back with you later.

Chakotay exits sickbay. Seven slowly regains her orientation and realizes she's gone through a procedure without her knowledge.

DOCTOR
(smiling)
Seven, how are you feeling?

SEVEN
Impaired...what have you done to me?

DOCTOR
(hesitating)
What is the last thing you remember?

SEVEN:
I was regenerating...why... what happened?

DOCTOR
That was 16 days ago. While you were regenerating, you
began to dream. My guess is you became emotional and
your cortical node shut down which caused you to lose
conscious. When I transported you to sickbay you were in
synaptic shock and on the verge of dying. I had to break our
confidence and inform the Captain. I explained that the only
way to save you was for you to have that operation. Since
you were in no shape to make the decision, the Captain made
it for you.

SEVEN
(shocked)
Doctor! You didn't!

DOCTOR
Seven, there was no other choice.

SEVEN
(angry)
You should have let me die!

JANEWAY
(standing behind the Doctor)
Oh really? Let you die? That wasn't an option. Seven, I
know you may not agree with our decision, but you'll see
in the long run, it was the correct one. Doctor, have you
given her the specifics?

DOCTOR
Not yet Captain, she's been too angry with me to listen.

JANEWAY
Seven, before you condemn us for what we did, you
should listen to the Doctor.

SEVEN
(feeling violated)
Proceed!

DOCTOR
Mr. Paris assisted me in re-routing your cortical pathways.
When we began the procedure, we noticed it was possible to
bypass the cortical node all together. In other words Seven,
you no longer needed it. It was a sensitive operation but we
managed to re-map your neural pathways, remove your
cortical node and maintain your autonomic nervous system
using your own human physiology. We also managed to remove
most of your remaining implants. The best part is because you
no longer have a cortical node, you won't need to regenerate
anymore. You can regenerate like everyone else.

The Doctor crosses his arms and is pleased with himself.

Seven sits up and takes in the information, she begins to touch her face. She notices there are no implants to feel. The only indication she's Borg is her cybernetic hand. The Doctor brings a mirror to Seven who is reluctant to see her image.

JANEWAY
(smiling)
Go ahead. Take a look.

Seven slowly brings the mirror up to her face and noticing the lack of visible implants. She looks as human as the next person. Seven smiles and is overwhelmed with emotion. She drops the mirror to her side as her eyes begin to flood with tears. She brings her hands to her face to conceal her expression as Janeway instinctively reaches out to embrace her. She holds the ex-drone for a few minutes and explains to a confused Seven that these are called tears of joy.

DOCTOR
Well, at least we know she can feel emotions without
short-circuiting. This is a relief.

Both Seven and Janeway glance over at the Doctor and begin to laugh.

JANEWAY
Doctor, when will Seven be released from sickbay.

DOCTOR
Well, I'd like to observe her for the next 48 hours and run
a few more tests but after that, she's free to go.

JANEWAY
Excellent. Seven I'll be back later to check up on you.
Get some sleep.

SEVEN
(wiping her eyes dry and regaining her composure)
Captain, I'm okay, I'd like to leave now. I'm needed in
Astrometrics.

JANEWAY
You've been through a traumatic ordeal. Let the Doctor run
his tests, when he's satisfied with the results you'll be released
in a couple of days. That's an order!

SEVEN
(smiling)
Yes, Captain.

The next day Seven receives a visit from her youngest friend.

DOCTOR
Seven, you have a visitor.

SEVEN
Naomi Wildmon, it's the middle of the day, don't you have
studies to attend to?

NAOMI
I'm all caught up. The Doctor says you're going to be all right.
I brought my Kadis-Kot board, I thought you might want to play
a couple of games?

SEVEN
Well, since Icheb isn't much competition, I suppose you could
use the challenge. How would I know that?

NAOMI
Seven...you look different. You're so pretty.

SEVEN
(smiling)
Thank you. The Doctor was successful in removing some
of my implants. Green!

NAOMI
Huh?

SEVEN
I prefer the green pieces, you can be red. It's your move.

After several games Seven manages to beat Naomi 10 games to 3. A frustrated but happy Naomi says goodbye to her grown-up playmate and leaves sickbay.

EXT. VOYAGER

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
"Captains log stardate 54172.91. After a few days of investigating the nebulae, we have determined there are no elements of use that we can convert to a power source. Though a waste of time, the crew doesn't seem too disappointed since Seven of Nine regained conscious. According to the Doctor, Seven's nanoprobes have increased her recovery rate and there is no permanent damage to Seven's neural processes. Taking on the role of ships morale officer, Neelix is planning a welcome back party for Seven with the help of the Doctor, Harry, B'Ellana and Tom. They have been secretive and meeting after their duty shifts. Computer...end log."

The next day after several tests, the Doctor is pleased with the results and releases Seven. The Doctor and Janeway escort Seven out of sickbay, to the turbo lift to deck 9.

INT. TURBO LIFT

SEVEN
This isn't the way to cargo bay 2, where are you taking me?
My belongings are there.

JANEWAY
Not anymore.

Looking confused, Seven goes along. The three of them stop in front of B'Ellena's old quarters and enter. It's dark at first until the lights come on and a roar of "surprise" come from Voyagers crew. Seven is shocked and looks around seeing familiar surroundings. She notices that these particular quarters resemble the quarters she decorated in her holodeck simulation. She looks at the Doctor who non-chalantly looks away. When he had told her over a month ago that she had good taste because her simulated quarters suited her, she knew the doctor had something to do with the décor.

INT. NEW CREWMEMBER QUARTERS

JANEWAY
This used to be B'Ellana's quarters before she was married,
now it's yours.

SEVEN
(confused)
Captain, I don't understand.

JANEWAY
Now that you don't have to regenerate what are you going
to do? Snuggle up to your alcove? You're a member of this
crew and deserve your own comfort and privacy.

SEVEN
Thank you Captain.

CHAKOTAY
(approaching Seven)
I wanted to give you a house warming present and thought
this was an appropriate gift since you'll be sleeping instead
of regenerating.

Seven opens a box and notices it is a Native American Dream Catcher. She holds it up and examines the artifact. She turns toward Chakotay, smiles and thanks him for his gift. She thought for a second she saw Chakotay wink at her. Moments later, the Doctor informs everyone that Seven is still recovering from her ordeal and needs plenty of rest. With the exception of Janeway, everyone vacates Seven's new quarters.

JANEWAY
Seven, we haven't discussed this but are you angry with me
for putting you through the procedure?

SEVEN:
(sarcastic)
Why should I be angry? You continue making decisions for
me that ultimately change the fate of my life.

JANEWAY
Does that bother you?

SEVEN
No...not anymore. I was angry at first until I knew what
the circumstances were. (pausing) When the Doctor informed
me that my cortical node was working properly, I wanted to
give up. You and the Doctor have given me back my life.

JANEWAY
Seven, I only charted the course, you're the one who made
the journey. The credit is yours.

SEVEN
I'm curious...when the Doctor informed you of my personal,
Experiments, did he mention who my romantic interest was?

JANEWAY
Yes. I know it was Chakotay. Don't worry, nobody else will
find out.

SEVEN
Thank you Captain. May I ask you a personal question?

JANEWAY
Sure...go ahead...I think.

SEVEN
I know that you and the Commander have a special relationship,
are you romantically involved with him?

JANEWAY
(surprised)
Seven, I'm getting the impression you're interested in him.
Are you asking my permission to pursue Commander Chakotay?

SEVEN
(arms behind her back looking uncomfortable)
I was just curious.

JANEWAY
Chakotay and I are friends. If you are interested in him,
by all means go for it. You could do a lot worse and so can he.

SEVEN
I will give it some thought.

JANEWAY
(smiling)
You do that Seven. By the way, I'm giving you another week
to recuperate. I want you fully functional when you return
to your duties. If you need anything, call me. Get some rest.

SEVEN
I will, Captain...goodnight.

With everyone gone, Seven walked around her new quarters, unsure of what to do. She sat down on her new couch and stood up again. She entered her kitchenette and glanced at her counter and cooking utensils. She entered her bathroom and contemplated her first sonic shower. When she had become familiar enough with her new surroundings, Seven walked over to Chakotay's Dream Catcher and decided to place it above her bed. According to Native American mythology, this would protect her from nightmares, something she desperately needed. As the evening grew late, Seven grew tired, replicated a nightgown and positioned herself underneath the blanket of her bed. She dimmed the lights and closed her eyes. Within minutes she drifted off to sleep. But this time there would be no Borg drones present and no piano music being played. For the first time in a while, she dreamt of nothing.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

---------------

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

EXT. VOYAGER

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
"Captain's Log star date 55132.61. Long range sensors have detected an ample supply of deuterium on a M-Class planet. According to our calculations, it will take approximately two months at high warp to reach this destination. Since our reserves are low, we have altered our course to replenish our supply. In the meantime, the Doctor has released Seven of Nine to her quarters who is showing impatience and becoming irritable due to her time spent recovering. Since removing some of her vital implants, her body will need additional time to adjust to their absence. Computer...end log."

With the Captain's permission, Seven has replicated herself a blue Starfleet uniform signifying her role in a scientific capacity. Seven appears to be bored and restless and has made several attempts to assert herself in different departments on Voyager. However, the Captain has made it clear to her and the crew that she is not to exert herself until the Doctor releases her back to work. As a last attempt, Seven enters the Mess Hall to assist Neelix.

INT. MESS HALL

NEELIX
Seven! This is a pleasant surprise. How are you?

SEVEN
Bored! I am unaccustomed to relaxing. The Borg have no
concept of this.

NEELIX
Well, haven't you heard Seven, you're no longer Borg.
Can I interest you in some of my Shacacab, it's a Talaxian
favorite.

SEVEN
I do not require oral consumption at this time. Can I assist
you with this evening's preparation?

NEELIX
I see you're taking up culinary science again. That's wonderful
Seven. I would love to have your help but the Captain gave
us strict orders to resist your efforts.

SEVEN
(frustrated)
The Captain is overly concerned with my progress.
She's in error. I am fully recovered.

NEELIX
Seven, we're all concerned about you. Did you ever consider
the fact that she may be the one who needs time before you
return to work? You know you gave us quite a scare.

Thinking it over, Seven begins to understand.

NEELIX
You should enjoy your time off. Have you thought about
spending some time in the holodeck? Why don't you create
a program or two. It might make the time go by faster.

SEVEN
The Doctor has given me piano lessons, perhaps I'll practice.
Thank you Mr. Neelix, I will consider this.

Seven receives a com signal from the Doctor.

<<beep>>

DOCTOR
(V.O.)
Sickbay to Seven.

SEVEN
I'm here Doctor.

DOCTOR
(V.O.)
It's time for your weekly check up.

SEVEN
On my way.

Seven exits the Mess Hall.

INT. SICKBAY

Seven enters sickbay and is motioned to lie down on a biobed where the Doctor runs his diagnostic tools over the length of her body.

DOCTOR
I see your electrolyte levels are back to normal.
Your hippocampus is a little agitated and your
dopamine levels are elevated. Do you have any
complaints? Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, restlessness,
dreams...?

SEVEN
No Doctor. When can I return to my duties?

DOCTOR
Soon. I'm a little concerned about your visual acuity.
Have you had any problems with your vision?

SEVEN
Briefly, but only after sleeping six hours or more. I'm
finding sleeping is inferior to regenerating. It is a waste
of time that could be used efficiently.

DOCTOR
(smiling)
...and irrelevant if you're a hologram.

SEVEN
(looking annoyed)
Are you finished Doctor?

DOCTOR
Almost. I want to run a few more tests on your visual
processes. Sit up and follow this object with your eyes but keep
your head still. Tell me when you can no longer see the object?

Seven does as she is instructed.

DOCTOR
(looking puzzled)
Hmm...That's odd. You've lost some peripheral vision
on both sides.

SEVEN
(concerned)
Can you repair it?

DOCTOR
I don't even know what's causing this. I'll have to run
some more tests.

Seven quickly jumps off the table.

SEVEN
Perhaps another time. I think I've been sufficiently
examined for the time being. Will this flaw inhibit
my abilities to function properly?

DOCTOR
No, but...

SEVEN
(interrupting the Doctor)
Then I can return to work.

DOCTOR
Not yet. I'd like to re-examine you in a couple days.
If the results are favorable, then I'll tell the Captain
You're fit for duty.

SEVEN
(sighs deeply)
I will comply.

DOCTOR
I'll inform the Captain of my findings. For the time
being, I want you to rest.

SEVEN
Yes Doctor.

On that note, Seven exits sickbay.

Seven decides to make her way to holodeck 2 and runs one of her programs.

INT. HOLODECK 2

SEVEN
Computer, make modifications and run program Seven of
Nine Alpha 3, piano.

A grid-like room with a center console soon disappears and is replaced by a low lit room with a glow from a fireplace shining it's reflection on a black grand piano. Seven takes her seat on the piano bench and begins to play.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FIVE

---------------

ACT SIX

FADE IN:

EXT. VOYAGER ORBITING M-CLASS PLANET

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
"Captain's log star date 55372.43. After traveling at high warp for almost two months, we've entered orbit of the M-Class planet. Ship's sensors have located the deuterium source in a remote area underneath the planet's surface. To determine what method of extracting the substance, I've instructed Chakotay to take an away team to the surface and gather some information about the planet. With Seven of Nine back at her post, she has been instrumental in exploring this sector and will be joining the away team. Computer...end log."

INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

Chakotay gathers his team and allocates their responsibilities.

CHAKOTAY
Harry, Seven, Tom, Tuvok; you're with me.

B'ELLANA
You'll need an experienced engineer to determine if
the deuterium is compatible with our systems. I should
be the one to go.

CHAKOTAY
(smiling)
Not in your present condition. You can deliver
anytime. We'll manage without you.

TOM
He's right you know. We'll be back in a few hours.

B'ELLANA
(angry)
Fine!

SEVEN
Lieutenant, if it's any consolation, I can relate to
your displeasure.

B'Ellana's scowl turns into a smile and gives Seven a look of understanding. The away team makes their way to the transporter platform and beams down to the planet's surface.

EXT. M-CLASS PLANET SURFACE

Materializing on the surface. The planet appears to have a reddish sky with fast rotating luminous clouds. It has high mountainous peaks and cliffs with vertical drops in excess of a hundred feet. There are also fossilized remains indicating that the planet may have sustained life at one time but has been struck by multiple asteroids causing enormous craters on its surface. Tuvok and Seven pull out their tricorders and begin to scan for the deuterium. Tom and Harry begin their exploration of the planet by taking samples to bring back to Voyager.

TOM
This place is like the Grand Canyon.

TUVOK
I'm detecting deuterium approximately 60 feet in
this direction.

SEVEN
Yes, but its 120 feet below the surface.

CHAKOTAY
(taps his com badge on his chest)
Away team to Voyager.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Go ahead Away team.

CHAKOTAY
We've found the source of the deuterium, however,
It's more than 100 feet below the surface. I'm sending
Harry and Tom back to Voyager with samples. Try and s
ee if we can penetrate the surface and beam directly to it's
source. It may save us some time.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Understood Commander, I'll get B'Ellana and the Doctor
on it right away.

CHAKOTAY
Tuvok, Seven and I are going to remain and see if
we can find another way to the deuterium.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Sounds like a plan. Report to Voyager in two hours with
an update.

CHAKOTAY
Acknowledged... Away team out.

EXT. CAVE

The remaining away team begin their journey towards the deuterium source and enter a cave. To compensate for the darkness, wrist lights are used to guide their way into the darkness. As they progress deeper into the cave, water and other minerals are detected including large amounts of sulfuric acid. As they plunge deeper into the darkness, they hit a dead end.

TUVOK
Commander, this wall doesn't appear to be thicker
than 10 feet. If we combine our phasers, we may be
able to cut through.

CHAKOTAY
I don't want to collapse the cave, set phasers to the
lowest setting and fire.

All three fire their weapons, nothing happens.

CHAKOTAY
Increase your phaser settings. Commence firing.

The rocky wall comes crumbling down and a new opening is born. The away team make their way through the opening. As they enter another corridor, the ground beneath them begins to shake and rocks begin to fall from above.

CHAKOTAY
Take Cover!

Seven and Chakotay run to the far right and hide below a larger rock that seems to deflect the falling stones. Tuvok is unable to take cover in time and is knocked unconscious by falling debris. When the rumbling stops, Chakotay and Seven run over to Tuvok. Seven pulls out a tricorder and informs Chakotay that their comrade has a concussion and internal bleeding.

SEVEN
We need to get him to sickbay. His injuries are severe.

CHAKOTAY
OK, we'll accompany Tuvok back to Voyager. After
the Doctor completes his diagnostics of the planet's
samples, we'll return and obtain the deuterium.

SEVEN
Commander, I'm detecting increased levels of sulfuric
acid. I believe these quakes are related to a nearby active
volcano.

CHAKOTAY
(taps his com badge)
Away team to Voyager.

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
Go ahead Chakotay. We've detected some seismic
activity, are you okay?

CHAKOTAY
No Captain, I have wounded. Tuvok needs medical
attention.

INT. BRIDGE

JANEWAY
Harry, get a lock on the away team and beam them
directly to sickbay.

HARRY
Captain, I'm picking up some interference. I can only
transport one at a time.

CAPTAIN
Beam Tuvok up first.

HARRY
Acknowledged... Captain, the interference is increasing.
I'm losing his pattern.

CAPTAIN
Reset pattern buffers.

HARRY
Resetting pattern buffers to full... Got him Captain but the
EPS relays are overloaded. Transporter control is offline.

EXT. CAVE

CHAKOTAY
Captain, we're still here, what's happening?

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
The transporters are off line. The EPS relays have
overloaded the systems. It'll take at least 48 hours to
get transporter control back. You and Seven will have
to stay put until we can make repairs.

CHAKOTAY
Understood Captain. We'll be in touch.

The cave begins to rumble again forcing Seven and Chakotay to take cover once more.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT SIX

Acts 7 to 9