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SCORPION Episodes 68 & 69 Part P

USS Voyager cruising at warp speed.

Chakotay and a security officer enter Cargo Bay 2. The entire cargo bay has been transformed, Borgified. Borg alcoves line the walls, filled with Borg drones. Other Borg drones move to and fro as though they belong here. The lighting and sounds are those of Borg as well. Chakotay steps further inside. He is here to get a better sense of what he is dealing with, because at this moment he is undecided about what to do.

Seven of Nine: "Where is your Captain? I must speak with her." Chakotay: "In our medical bay recovering. You'll be dealing with me now."

Seven of Nine: "Circumstances have changed." Chakotay: "I'd say so." Seven of Nine: "The loss of our vessel requires that we modify our agreement." Chakotay: "I've been giving that some thought. I'm willing to let you stay on board. We'll continue to work with you on the weapon. Once we're safely out of your territory, we'll give you the nanoprobes, shake hands and part company." Seven of Nine: "Insufficient. Our latest tactical projections indicate that the war will be lost by then. The nearest Borg vessel is forty light years away. You will reverse course and take us to it."

Chakotay: "Even at maximum warp, that's a five day journey, in the wrong direction. We're supposed to be heading out of Borg space, not deeper into it." Seven of Nine: "There is no alternative." Chakotay: "Look, I'll honour the original agreement, but I'm not turning this ship around. It's too dangerous." Seven of Nine, menacingly: "Denying our request is also dangerous."

Chakotay does not like being threatened. "I'll think about it." Seven of Nine: "Think quickly." She turns away and continues working. Chakotay stares at her for a moment, then leaves.

The senior staff, minus Janeway of course, are in the Briefing Room. Chakotay, as acting captain, chairs the meeting.

Chakotay: "A five day trip back into the heart of Borg territory. It's too risky. With those drones and the nanoprobes on board we might as well have a bull's eye painted on our hull. We're a prime target for Species 8472. We'd never survive another attack." Neelix: "What is the alternative?" Chakotay: "I'm going to end this alliance, here and now. We're going to drop the Borg off on the next inhabited planet, give them the nanoprobes and take our chances alone. They can wait for a Borg ship to pick them up and finish the weapon. I'm in command now, and I have to do what I think is best for this crew. Tom, scan for the nearest uninhabited planet and set a course." Paris: "Aye, sir." Tuvok: "I must caution you, Commander. The Borg may not go quietly." Chakotay: "We'll see. Bring that female drone to the Ready Room." Tuvok nods. "Dismissed."

In the Captain's Ready Room, Chakotay has just explained his decision to Seven of Nine. "Once we've beamed you to the surface, we'll send down the nanoprobes and all our research."

Seven of Nine: "Unacceptable. We don't have time for-" Chakotay: "This isn't open for discussion. I'm not turning this ship around. You're getting what you wanted. I suggest we part ways amicably." Seven of Nine: "There is another option. We could assimilate your vessel." Chakotay: "If a single drone steps one millimetre out of that cargo bay, I'll decompress the entire deck. You won't pose much of a threat floating in space." Seven of Nine: "When your Captain first approached us, we suspected that an agreement with humans would prove impossible to maintain. You are erratic, conflicted, disorganised. Every decision is debated, every action questioned, every individual entitled to their own small opinion. You lack harmony, cohesion, greatness. It will be your undoing." Chakotay to the security guard: "Escort our guest back to the cargo bay."

In Sickbay, Chakotay approaches Janeway. She has received the Doctor's treatment and is lying on the surgical bed, unconscious, her face looking almost peaceful. The room is dimly lit and silent.

Chakotay to Janeway: "Well, I've made my decision. If it were only a matter of going against the orders of my superior officer... You're more than just my Captain. You're my friend. I hope you'll understand."