Episode 89: THE OMEGA DIRECTIVE: Part C

 

In Cargo Bay 2, Crewman Dell enters and walks over to Seven's workstation for instructions. Several crewmembers are working at computer stations. Construction of the harmonic resonance chamber is almost complete.

	The harmonic resonance chamber.
	Seven: "Crewman Dell, I'm assigning you a task more suited to your abilities. Calibrate the ionic-pressure seals on the observation ports. Your new designation is Three of Ten." Dell: "Yes, ma'am." He goes to start his assignment.
	Neelix approaches Kim holding a tray of isolinear chips. "I've got more isolinear processors for you to install." Kim: "Thanks, but I need to get the power relays online first. " Neelix: "Um, are you sure that's a good idea? Ensign Wildman was assigned to that." Kim: "This is ridiculous. I'm not going to waste time just because Seven wants to turn this team into her own private Collective." Neelix: "She says it's more efficient." Kim: "Maybe, for a bunch of drones." Neelix moves away.
	Seven approaches Kim. "Six of Ten, that's not your assignment." Kim: "Please stop calling me that." Seven: "You're compromising our productivity." Kim ignores her. Seven pushes him away from the console. Seven: "I'm reassigning you to chamber maintenance. Your new designation is Two of Ten."

Kim laughs. "Wait a minute, you're demoting me? Since when do the Borg pull rank?" Seven: "A Starfleet protocol I adapted. I find it most useful." Kim: "I'm glad you're not the captain." Chakotay enters and approaches Seven. Chakotay: "How's it coming?" Seven: "The crew can be quite efficient when properly organised. The harmonic chamber will be completed within the hour." Chakotay: "Good. I'll let the Captain know." Seven: "Has she retrieved any data from the surface?" Chakotay: "Not yet. They're still trying to access the primary test chamber." Seven: "Were there survivors?" Chakotay: "A few. The Doctor's treating them in Sickbay." Chakotay heads toward the door. Kim catches up with him, wanting a word. Kim: "Commander, Seven's taking this hive mentality just a little too far. Designated functions, numbered drones, I wouldn't be surprised if she started plugging us into alcoves." Chakotay: "When in the Collective, Harry, adapt."

Seven enters Sickbay. Aliens are recovering on the bio-beds. Seven to the Doctor: "Which of them is the senior researcher?" The Doctor indicates Allos who is on the main bio-bed. Doctor: "This gentleman. Why do you ask?" Seven: "He has knowledge I require." Doctor: "He also happens to be barely conscious. Come back in an hour." Seven: "Unacceptable." Doctor: "Unavoidable. This is my Sickbay. The man needs to recover." Seven: "The Captain left me in charge of our efforts on Voyager. I would be negligent if I ignored a source of new information."

For a moment the Doctor blocks her path to the main bio-bed. He tells her: "Our next social skills seminar is entitled 'Adding diplomatic flair to future negotiations'."

Doctor to Allos: "How are you feeling, sir?" Allos: "Better, thank you." Doctor: "Are you comfortable enough to speak with this individual?" Allos nods. Doctor to Seven: "Keep it brief." He moves away. Seven: "How many of the molecules were you able to synthesise?" Allos: "Two hundred million. I'm not certain." Seven: "What is the iso-frequency of your containment field?" Allos: "1.68 terahertz. We used the molecules' own resonance to calculate the field." Seven: "That should've been enough to stabilise them." Allos: "Obviously it wasn't." Seven: "Obviously. But your approach is innovative. Perhaps I can adapt your technique and improve upon it. You will assist me." Allos: "Our equipment was destroyed. If you can transfer the molecules to your ship, maybe they can be saved." Seven: "I have no intention of saving them." Allos: "What?" Seven: "My orders are to destroy the Omega molecules." Allos: "This is my life's work, the salvation of my people!" Seven: "Will you assist me or not?" Allos: "Our resources are nearly gone. The future of my people depends on this discovery!" Seven: "Then your answer is no."

Allos: "Small-minded creatures! You destroy whatever you don't understand! Rescue ships are on the way. They won't let you do it!" Attracted by the disturbance, the Doctor comes up to the bio-bed: "Please, try to be calm. Seven, you'll have to leave." Allos: "You don't realise what you're doing. You don't know what this is, what this means." Seven: "On the contrary. I understand, perfectly."

On the moon's surface, in the alien laboratory Tuvok and a member of the away team cut through the metal with a prolonged phaser beams. Tuvok: "We've disabled the locking mechanism." Janeway: "Narrow your phaser beams to cut through the inner seal." Tuvok: "Inadvisable. We'd risk penetrating the containment field."

Janeway: "Then we'll have to use some elbow grease. Give me a hand."

They open the door with an effort and get their first look at Omega.

Janeway scans it with her tricorder. Janeway: "There's enough here to wipe out subspace across half the Quadrant." Tuvok: "I'll order the away teams back to Voyager and target this facility with the gravimetric charge." Janeway: "It won't be enough. We'll have to go with our Borg option."

To a crewmember: "Ensign."
Ensign: "Yes, ma'am."
Janeway: "Return to the ship. Tell Commander Chakotay to help Seven complete the harmonic chamber." The Ensign moves away to carry out his orders. To Tuvok: "We'll have to transport Omega directly to the ship. That means finding a way to shut down this containment field."
Tuvok: "It's unfortunate we can't study this phenomenon in more detail. We may not have the opportunity again."
Janeway: "Let's hope we never do."
Tuvok: "A curious statement from a woman of science."
Janeway: "I'm also a woman who occasionally knows when to quit. Take another look at your tricorder. Omega's too dangerous. I won't risk half the Quadrant to satisfy our curiosity. It's arrogant, and it's irresponsible. The Final Frontier has some boundaries that shouldn't be crossed and we're looking at one."

Chakotay enters Cargo Bay 2. Seven: "We don't need to destroy the molecules. I believe I've found a way to stabilise them. The alien in Sickbay calibrated his containment field using Omega's own resonance, an approach unknown to the Borg. I've modified this chamber to-" Chakotay interrupts: "Those weren't your orders. The Captain wants Omega eliminated." Seven: "That is still an option, if she insists on yielding to her fear." Chakotay: "Show me what you've done." Seven activates a control and a diagram appears. Seven: "This simulation shows the molecules in their free state - highly unstable. I've modified the chamber to emit a harmonic waveform that will dampen the molecules." Chakotay: "Looks great in theory but this is only a simulation. How are you going to test it?" Seven: "On Omega." Chakotay: "Bad idea. One mistake, and no one will be around for a second try." Seven: "It will work." Chakotay: "Someday, maybe. Hang on to your research. For now, we stick to the plan. Stand by to transport the molecules into this chamber and neutralise them, as ordered." Seven: "I have been a member of this crew for nine months. In all of that time, I've never made a personal request. I'm making one now. Allow me to proceed. Please." Chakotay is taken aback by the emotional appeal." Chakotay: "Why is this so important to you?" Seven: "Particle zero-one-zero, the Borg designation for what you call Omega. Every drone is aware of its existence. We were instructed to assimilate it at all costs. It is perfection. The molecules exist in a flawless state - infinite parts functioning as one." Chakotay: "Like the Borg." Seven: "Precisely. I am no longer Borg but I still need to understand that perfection. Without it, my existence will never be complete. Commander, you are a spiritual man." Chakotay: "That's right." Seven: "If you had the chance to see your god, your Great Spirit, what would you do?" Chakotay: "I'd pursue it, with all my heart." Seven: "Then you understand." Chakotay: "I think I do. I'll inform the Captain of your discovery. For now, her orders stand." Seven: "Thank you."

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