ACT SEVEN

FADE IN:

INT. SCIENCE LAB

B'Ellana and the Doctor are analyzing the samples from the planet.

DOCTOR
Lieutenant, can you increase the microscope's
magnification and resolution?

B'ELLANA
This is the highest setting, how is it now?

DOCTOR
Very nice.

B'ELLANA
What do you see?

DOCTOR
(smiling at his discovery)
See for yourself.

B'ELLANA
I'm no microbiologist, but it appears the sample is
mainly composed of deuterium. Why didn't the ship's
sensors pick this up.

DOCTOR
Good question. We should inform the Captain.

EXT. M-CLASS PLANET

EXT. CAVE

It's been two hours since the last communication with Voyager. Chakotay tries to hail his shipmates again, but there is too much interference. They decide to find shelter for the evening.

CHAKOTAY
Looks like we're going to be here a while. We've got
to get out of here before this whole place collapses.
What direction did you read the water source?

SEVEN
(reading her scanner)
Approximately 26 meters in that direction, just beyond that
rock formation.

CHAKOTAY
Well, shall we?

Seven begins to lead them, glancing at her scanner as she carefully avoids obstacles. Both crewmembers enter another portion of the cave consisting of narrow cliffs. Seven places the scanner in her belt and begins to climb down. Chakotay remains closely behind.

SEVEN
Commander, the water is coming from a falls formation
20 feet away. We need to climb down and go thru that
passage. That should keep us safe from falling debris for the
time being.

CHAKOTAY
I agree. We'll wait there until Voyager can safely beam
us back.

As they make their way to the bottom of the fissure, the ground begins to rumble. Chakotay loses his grip and his feet slip beneath him. He is left holding on to the cliff with his bare hands. Seven runs over to him.

SEVEN
Commander!

CHAKOTAY
(bleeding from his mouth)
Get out of here Seven, the cliff is going to collapse.

SEVEN
No Commander! Take my hand. Quickly!

Realizing that Seven will not give up, he grabs her hand. With her Borg strength, she is able to lift Chakotay up to the side and the two of them continue their decent where they reach the bottom where there appears to be an underground lake.

CHAKOTAY
(sitting down, resting)
I didn't realize you were so strong. Thank you.

SEVEN
(looking at Chakotay concerned)
You are damaged. Let me care for your wound.

CHAKOTAY
I'm okay Seven, it's just a cut. I'll live. What about
you, are you injured?

SEVEN
I am undamaged.

CHAKOTAY
(looking relieved)
Let's get a sample of that water.

Seven approaches the stream and analyzes the liquid for mineral deposits.

SEVEN
The water appears to be safe. However, as suspected
there are large amounts of sulfuric acid in it. I wouldn't
recommend long term usage but for the time being we
can use it for consumption.

CHAKOTAY
Well, this is as good as time to take a break. We should
eat and get some sleep.

Chakotay opens his emergency pack and begins to consume a daily ration. He looks over to Seven who seems to be miles away in thought. He calls her name a few times and she finally acknowledges him.

CHAKOTAY
Seven, are you okay? You seem distracted. You should
eat something.

SEVEN
I'm fine, I do not require sustenance at this time.

CHAKOTAY
Then get some sleep. We've got a busy day tomorrow.

SEVEN
I'm not tired.

CHAKOTAY
Look, one of us has to sleep while the other keeps
watch. You can either sleep now and I'll take the first
shift or I'll sleep and you can take the first shift. The
choice is yours.

SEVEN
Since you're eating, You can take the first watch. Wake
me in two hours.

Seven opens her emergency pack and pulls out a metallic looking blanket. She spreads it out on the ground, lies down and wraps herself with it. Her eyes close and within minutes she's asleep while Chakotay patrols their campsite.

EXT. VOYAGER (OPTICAL)

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Senior officers are sitting around the conference table with the exception of Tuvok.

JANEWAY
Doctor, what have you found out about the planet?

DOCTOR
B'Ellana and I have determined it is mainly composed
of deuterium. It's in everything. The soil, the rocks, the
atmosphere.

B'ELLANA
If our transporters were operational we could
just beam up some soil from the surface. It should
be easy to convert to our specifications.

JANEWAY
Why didn't our sensors detect this?

HARRY
It seems the planet is giving off some type of interference
that's masking our sensors. This same interference is
blocking our attempts to transport the away team.

JANEWAY
Why were we able to transport you and Tom without
any problem?

HARRY
I don't know Captain, the interference has been
increasing. If we calibrate our sensors we might be
able to isolate the origin of the signal.

JANEWAY
Get on it Harry. Any word on our transporters?

B'ELLANA
Not yet Captain. If we try to transport them back, we'll
lose their patterns. My team has been working around
the clock to compensate for the interference.

JANEWAY
Keep me posted Lieutenant. Doctor, how's Tuvok?

DOCTOR
He's sustained internal injuries but should be up and
about in the next 24 hours.

JANEWAY
Since we can't use our transporters, can we send down
a shuttle.

TOM
Well, I could maneuver the Flyer between the mountain
ranges, but it'll be difficult to land. Besides the ground
being unstable due to seismic activity, how will we
know if it won't collapse underneath us once we've
landed?

HARRY
Come on Tom, Captain Proton wouldn't be afraid.

Tom gives Harry a dirty look.

JANEWAY
(smiling)
Gentlemen, I know you're trying to help but it's too
risky. We'll just have to be patient. Meeting
adjourned, officers dismissed.

EXT. CAVE

The ground begins to rumble causing Seven to wake up where she finds Commander Chakotay sitting by a fire.

SEVEN
How long have I been asleep?

CHAKOTAY
A few hours.

SEVEN
(annoyed)
You were supposed to wake me after two.

CHAKOTAY
You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to
disturb you.

SEVEN
I see you built a fire. It's nice.

CHAKOTAY
I'm glad you approve. Native American blood
has its advantages.

SEVEN
(smiling)
Such as building campfires.

Chakotay chuckles at Seven's remarks and orders her to eat something. She complies and retrieves a ration from her emergency pack.

SEVEN
(eating)
Curious sensation. I think I prefer Neelix's cooking.

CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
If Neelix were here, he'd consider that a compliment.

SEVEN
(disgusted look on her face)
Believe me Commander, that was no compliment. It is
merely an observation.

CHAKOTAY
(laughing)
You know, you have a great sense of humor. Has anyone
ever told you that?

SEVEN
No, but the Captain has often encouraged me to use it.

CHAKOTAY
You also have a wonderful smile.

Seven can't help but to be embarrassed at Chakotay's comments and tries to conceal her expression. She is soon distracted by reoccurring romantic thoughts she once had for the holographic Chakotay, She seems disturbed by the familiarity of the discussion and changes the subject.

SEVEN
(uncomfortable)
Commander, you should get some rest. I'll wake you in a
few hours.

CHAKOTAY
(noticing her discomfort and smiles)
Goodnight Seven and wake me in two hours.

SEVEN
Goodnight.

A couple hours pass and Chakotay is sleeping soundly. Seven is intently looking at the sleeping Commander. Studying his face, outlining his features with her eyes. She is lost in thought as his eyes open and catches her looking at him. She is taken by surprise and looks away.

CHAKOTAY
(suspicious)
Is something wrong?

SEVEN
(defensive)
No Commander, I was just checking to see if you
were all right.

CHAKOTAY
I told you it was just a cut. But thank you for your
concern. As long as we're both up is there anything
you want to talk about?

SEVEN
Like what?

CHAKOTAY
I've heard that some people while in a coma are aware of
other people's presence. Do you remember anything during
the 16 days after your operation?

SEVEN
(thinking about it)
It's unclear. It almost felt like I was dreaming. I can't
explain it but I never felt alone. It's like I could hear
voices but didn't know who was there. I wanted to
respond but wasn't able to.

CHAKOTAY
Did the voices comfort you?

SEVEN
Yes, in a way it reminded me of the Collective.

CHAKOTAY
(surprised)
Why would it remind you of the Borg?

SEVEN
It was almost like hearing different thoughts at one
time. They were similar in content but different somehow.
I don't understand it myself. The Doctor seems to think
hearing these voices during my comatose state brought
back memories from when I was linked to the Hive Mind.

CHAKOTAY
That's very interesting. Did you have any other images?

SEVEN
(concentrating)
Yes. I dreamt I was in a forest and was following a
four legged animal. It was leading me somewhere.
I didn't know why, but I found myself following its lead.

CHAKOTAY
Did your surroundings seem familiar?

SEVEN
No, I've never seen such a place but it was pleasant.
(she pauses and looks at Chakotay) I also heard a
voice guiding me to this place telling me not to be afraid.
It was you somehow, wasn't it? You had something to do
with this image.

CHAKOTAY
When the Doctor informed us that your condition
was unchanged, he didn't know how else to treat you.
You were in a coma for almost two weeks and
conventional medicine wasn't working. I brought
you into a vision quest and contacted your animal spirit.
This is the animal you were following. It was leading you
the way to your consciousness. Do you remember what
the animal was?

SEVEN
Yes.

CHAKOTAY
Good, don't tell anyone. That information is only
for you.

Seven thought about what Chakotay was telling her. What she didn't tell him was that she had another dream which took place on a Borg cube. She had been playing a piano with Chakotay sitting on the bench next to her while drones kept their distance and observed. The Commander who appeared to pose a threat to the Collective reached out to embrace her. When she gave in to her desire, her comatose state ended.

SEVEN
Thank you Commander for your insight and wisdom
and for sharing this spiritual experience with me.

CHAKOTAY
You're welcome Seven, I'm just glad I was able to help.
Voyager wouldn't be the same without you.

SEVEN
Why is that? There are other crewmembers that could
compensate for my loss. I am only one individual.

CHAKOTAY
Yes, but you're not expendable. You've made an impact
on everyone, including me. When you were first severed
from the Collective, I was convinced you wouldn't last a
day with us. Captain Janeway and I butted heads over this.
When she proved me wrong, I began to see what she saw
in you.

SEVEN
Explain.

CHAKOTAY
Well, you're someone with strength and adaptability
who has reclaimed their humanity and individuality
while resisting the temptation of Borg Perfection. You're
caring and loyal with natural humor. You have endless
intellect and physical stamina. By human standards, you're
as close to perfection as anyone could ever be. Not only
that but you're also beautiful.

Having said too much, Chakotay quickly turns away realizing for the first time that he has feelings for the former drone. Feeling confused and overwhelmed by the Commander's confession, Seven stands up and walks away from Chakotay to get a better perspective of things.

After a couple hours of isolated thought, Seven returns to the campfire to continue the previous conversation.

SEVEN
(standing)
Commander, I wish to discuss this with you further.

CHAKOTAY
(sitting, unable to maintain eye contact)
What's to discuss? I said things I shouldn't have had
and you don't feel the same way.

SEVEN
You are in error Commander.

CHAKOTAY
(remains sitting, but facing Seven)
What are you saying?

SEVEN
(struggling with her new emotions)
It's not easy for me to express myself, but I'll try.
In Unimatrix Zero I felt complete even though I didn't
have any memory of the 18 years I spent there during
regeneration. I was unaware at first that I had a
relationship with Axum but when he brought be there
my feelings for him returned. When Unimatrix Zero was
destroyed we departed and it left me feeling incomplete...
...until now.

Chakotay stands up and walks towards Seven who has her eyes lowered to the ground.

CHAKOTAY
Then you have feelings for me as well?

SEVEN
(trembling with fear)
Yes. I have never felt this way. I do not enjoy this
uncertainty.

Chakotay senses her insecurity and approaches her. He pulls Seven closer to him who doesn't resist. He extends his arms around her until her trembling stops. Seven pulls away, looks into his eyes and reaches out with her right hand to touch his face. She begins to trace the lines of his tattoo over his left eye as he reaches for her hand and brings her face close to his. Their lips meet in a tender, brief kiss, then continues with more intensity. As their embrace tightens the ground beneath them begins to rumble. As the shaking amplifies both Seven and Chakotay are forced to run for cover.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT SEVEN

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

ACT EIGHT

FADE IN:

EXT. VOYAGER ORBITING M-CLASS PLANET (OPTICAL)

JANEWAY
(V.O.)
"Captain's Log star date 55472.43. It has been two days since our last communication with the away team. Increasing interference has impeded our attempts to contact or transport Chakotay and Seven of Nine, however by calibrating our sensors we are making progress in determining the origin of the signal. With any luck, we'll be able to neutralize the source and retrieve our shipmates. In the meantime, we have partial transporter control and have managed to transport some of the planet's deuterium to engineering and have successfully replenished our supply. In addition to locating the frequency, our sensors have also detected increased seismic activity in the same vicinity of the away team. Computer...end log.

INT. READY ROOM

With a PADD in hand, Janeway approaches the replicator.

JANEWAY
Computer...coffee...black.

A mug of coffee appears inside the standard food replicator. Janeway grabs the mug, sips the hot beverage and sighs with ecstasy. She goes over to her desk and sits down to review the padd containing the latest reports.

<<door chime>>

JANEWAY
(places the padd on her table)
Come in.

Harry and Tuvok arrive with some news.

HARRY
Captain, I think we've been able to isolate the frequency.

JANEWAY
Well, what is it coming from?

TUVOK
Not what, but whom.

Janeway looks puzzled.

HARRY
Captain, the transmission has a transwarp signature,
it may be Borg.

JANEWAY
Tuvok, have our long range sensor picked up any Borg
activity in this sector?

TUVOK
No Captain, but the interference could be deceiving us.
I recommend we go to yellow alert and re-calibrate our
sensors to detect Borg transmissions.

JANEWAY
I agree. What would the Borg want with this planet?
There's no life or technology to assimilate. Just vast
amounts of deuterium. Unless the interference is keeping
us from seeing something. Re-adjust our sensors and
keep me informed.

On that note, both Harry and Tuvok exit the Ready room and return to their work stations on the Bridge.

EXT. CAVE

Quakes increase in number and intensity. Falling debris has trapped Chakotay and Seven.

CHAKOTAY
Seven, where are you?

SEVEN
I'm over here Commander. I'm all right.

CHAKOTAY
This cave is becoming more unstable, we've got to
get out of here.

SEVEN
The entrance to the cave has collapsed. We'll have to find
another way out.

Both crewmembers begin to travel deeper into the cave, following the path of the lake hoping to find an alternate exit. Instead they find themselves in the middle of a river of fire where the temperature has tripled and the air has become difficult to breath.

CHAKOTAY
It looks as though we're in the belly of an active
volcano. If this thing erupts we'll be vaporized.

SEVEN
Commander... I'm detecting increased seismic activity.

Just then the ground begins to shake violently and the liquid fire begins to sway. Chakotay grabs Seven by the arm and pulls her to safety away from the molten rock. They enter another dark section of the cave where Seven makes a discovery.

SEVEN
I'm detecting life forms approximately 100 feet
in this direction.

CHAKOTAY
How many life forms?

SEVEN
Unknown. My readings are erratic.

CHAKOTAY
Who can survive in this environment? Arm yourself
and proceed with caution

SEVEN
Yes Commander.

As they proceed around a blind corner only the image of red beams of light are visible. Then they are grabbed from behind and rendered unconscious.

When Chakotay comes to he realizes he's surrounded by Borg drones. He sits up immediately and goes for his weapon.

SEVEN
It's okay Commander, they're part of the Borg
Resistance, I believe you already know General Korok.

GENERAL KOROK
Don't worry Commander, we are not part of the
Collective. You will not be assimilated.

CHAKOTAY
That's a relief. Our sensors didn't detect any Borg activity
in this sector. Where's your vessel?

GENERAL KOROK
Our sphere is on the other side of this cave dwelling,
however, we'll need to launch soon due to the increased
instability of the planet. We're scheduled to rendezvous
with other liberated drones tomorrow. We're planning to
launch an attack against the Collective. We've detected
your vessel in orbit. It's been searching for you.

CHAKOTAY
Why can't we communicate with them?

GENERAL KOROK
We are broadcasting a signal to mask our presence
from the Collective. We will extend the signal to your
ship and transport you back if you wish.

CHAKOTAY
Thank you. That will be fine. Seven are you okay?

SEVEN
Yes Commander, I am undamaged. The Resistance is
planning on meeting with two other freed Borg vessels
tomorrow. They've got word that the Borg Queen will
be traveling through this sector in the next few days.

GENERAL KOROK
Seven of Nine has been assisting us in coordinating our
efforts. You're more than welcome to join us in our battle.

CHAKOTAY
I'll speak with my Captain, I'm sure she'll be willing to
join your alliance.

GENERAL KOROK
Very well. I'll transport you both to your vessel. I'll also
transfer the frequency so we may stay in contact.

CHAKOTAY
Thank you, as soon as I brief Captain Janeway, we'll be
contacting you.

Seven and Chakotay are transported to Voyager's bridge where they are immediately surrounded by their shipmates.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT EIGHT

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

ACT NINE

FADE IN:

INT. BRIDGE

JANEWAY
How the hell did you get here?

CHAKOTAY
It's a long story...lets just say we had a little help from
our friends from Unimatrix Zero.

JANEWAY
This should be good. Get yourselves cleaned up
and fed. Then report to sickbay. Report to my ready
room in two hours.

Both Chakotay and Seven acknowledge their Captain and head for the Turbo lift.

INT. TURBO LIFT

In the Turbo Lift, there is no eye contact and an uncomfortable silence.

CHAKOTAY
Seven, we have to talk about what happened down
there.

SEVEN
(avoiding eye contact)
There's plenty of time to talk. We must follow
the Captain's orders.

CHAKOTAY
Computer...Halt Turbo Lift.

SEVEN
What are you doing?

CHAKOTAY
What needs to be done.

Chakotay unexpectedly grabs Seven by the shoulders and forces a kiss on her. She resists at first but then gives in to him with more intensity. Chakotay breaks off the kiss leaving Seven wanting more. When they stand apart they are left smirking at each other.

CHAKOTAY
Computer...Resume Turbo Lift. I'm glad we had
this talk.

SEVEN
I concur.

The Turbo Lift stops at deck 9. Seven exits and heads for her quarters. She takes a sonic shower, changes into a clean uniform and heads for sickbay.

INT. SICKBAY

DOCTOR
Hello Seven, how are you feeling?

SEVEN
Tired.

DOCTOR
Well, that's not surprising after what you've been
through the last couple of days.

The Doctor runs his medical tricorder over Seven and waits for the results.

DOCTOR
Seven, do you have any complaints? Any problems
with your visual acuity?

SEVEN
No. But I am fatigued and require sustenance.

DOCTOR
Hmm. You're hormone levels are elevated and your
pupils are dilated...Interesting. We can talk about this
tomorrow. Since you're tired, I'm going to let this go
for now but I want to run some tests on you after
you've had a good night sleep. Report to sickbay
tomorrow before your shift

SEVEN
I will comply.

Chakotay enters sickbay as Seven is about to leave. The Doctor notices Seven's change of expression and runs a quick scan. He acknowledges an emotional response, smiles, but says nothing. Seven exits sickbay and heads for the Mess Hall.

CHAKOTAY
Is everything all right with Seven?

DOCTOR
(running a tricorder over Chakotay)
Yes Commander. But just to make sure, I'm going
to run some tests on her tomorrow morning.

CHAKOTAY
(concerned)
Why? Do you suspect something?

DOCTOR
Why all the questions Commander? You seem extra
concerned about her all of a sudden.

CHAKOTAY
(defensive)
So I am. I'm concerned about every crewmember. Is
that a crime?

DOCTOR
(smiling)
Not at all. You seem healthy enough. You just need a
hot meal and at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

CHAKOTAY
Thank you Doctor. I'll leave you to your work.

Chakotay exits sickbay, heads for the Turbo Lift and enters the Mess Hall where Seven of Nine is sitting at an empty table. After retrieving a tray of food from the replicator he approaches her.

INT. MESS HALL

CHAKOTAY
May I join you?

SEVEN
Of course Commander.

Chakotay takes the seat across from Seven of Nine.

CHAKOTAY
I'm sorry for grabbing you like that in the Turbo
lift, I just couldn't resist you.

SEVEN
(smirking)
Resistance is futile.

CHAKOTAY
(smiling back)
For some reason, that doesn't sound as intimidating
as it used to.

As their conversation continues, Tom and B'Ellana enter the Mess Hall and notice the intimate dialogue taking place between Chakotay and Seven. They sit across the room and continue to observe.

B'ELLANA
Will you look at that. They seem to be enjoying each
other's company.

TOM
Well, they were down on that planet for a while.
Should we bother them?

B'ELLANA
Nah...Let's leave them alone. I'll get the scoop from
Chakotay later.

TOM
Do you think he'll talk?

B'ELLANA
I don't know. If he doesn't I'm sure I can get it out
of Seven.

TOM
Since when did you two become buddies?

B'ELLANA
Since we became the Doctor's prisoners.

Seven and Chakotay dispose of their trays and head for the Turbo Lift to meet with Captain Janeway.

INT. READY ROOM

JANEWAY
How are you two feeling?

Both look at each other, say nothing and then speak at the same time.

CHAKOTAY & SEVEN
(simultaneously)
Fine.

JANEWAY
(looking suspiciously at both of them)
I'm glad to hear that. What happened down there?
You said our friends from Unimatrix Zero are involved.
The Resistance? What are they doing on that planet?

SEVEN
It seems General Korok's has coordinated his efforts with
other liberated Borg vessels. They plan to infiltrate the
Queen's vessel and release a nanovirus in the primary
unicomplex. If they're successful, this will disrupt the
Queen's control of the Hive Mind. They request our
cooperation.

JANEWAY
They're plan is ambitious. This explains what Harry and
Tuvok discovered regarding the interference. They said it
had a transwarp signature.

CHAKOTAY
That's correct. The interference band is on a triaxilating
modulation to keep the Collective from locating the
Resistance. They've also agreed to extend the signal to
Voyager to hide our presence. They plan to meet with
the other vessels tomorrow and coordinate a strategic
attack. We should offer our assistance.

JANEWAY
I agree. Any chance to inflict chaos on the Borg is an
opportunity we can't pass up. We need to contact
General Korok. Do we know what role he has in
store for us?

CHAKOTAY
Not yet. They've transferred their frequency to our main
computer so we can communicate with them.

JANEWAY
Well, let's get started.

All three exit the Ready Room and enter the Bridge.

INT. BRIDGE

JANEWAY
Harry, open a channel using a triaxilating
modulation.

HARRY
Acknowledged. Channel open.

JANEWAY
This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship
Voyager. How may we assist you?

GENERAL KOROK
(O.S.)
This is General Korok of the liberated Borg vessel,
Resistance One. Have you decided to join our alliance?

JANEWAY
My officers have briefed me on your plans. We are at
your disposal.

GENERAL KOROK
(O.S.)
Thank you Captain Janeway, once again, your help is
accepted and appreciated. Let us meet and coordinate
our efforts. We will transport you to our vessel.

JANEWAY
Acknowledged. If it's all right, my Tactical Officer
will join us.

GENERAL KOROK
(O.S.)
That is acceptible.

Within minutes, Janeway and Tuvok disappear from Voyager's Bridge and re-materialize inside the Borg sphere.

Later that evening Seven is in her quarters restless and unable to sleep, she decides to review General Korok's battle plan which is then interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

INT. SEVEN'S QUARTERS

<<door chime>>

SEVEN
Enter.

CHAKOTAY
Am I disturbing you?

SEVEN
No...I was awake. Can I get you something?

CHAKOTAY
No. Thank you. I'm fine. I had problems getting to
sleep. I...I couldn't stop thinking about you.

SEVEN
Explain.

Actions speak more than words.

Chakotay approaches Seven and reaches out with his right hand and strokes her cheek. His hand travels to the back of her neck and guides her lips to his. She returns his kiss with more vengeance as they hold each other in a tight embrace. Their passion intensifies to the point where their feet can no longer support them. Chakotay guides Seven across the room, then lowers her gently onto the bed.

CHAKOTAY
(hesitating)
Do you want me to continue?

SEVEN
(breathless)
I wish to explore these feelings. You may proceed.

CHAKOTAY
(smiling)
I'll take that as a yes.

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT NINE

Acts 10 to 12