Among Stars; Chapter 8:1, Sarassa's Sanctuary

Among Stars

Chapter 8

Sarassa’s Sanctuary

Part 1.

Moonlight reflected in the amber coloured drops of champagne beading on the alabaster skin before her.

For a brief moment, Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager tore her eyes away from the beauty beneath her gaze and looked up at the two silvery blue moons in the sky. President Romir was right; the night sky of Dagar was truly spectacular.

A somewhat impatient sigh coming from below made her smile. Janeway focused on the half naked body lying half underneath her on a blue blanket. The alluring landscape consisting of full breasts, a flat tummy and shapely long thighs, all laced with enticing tendrils of ever-present cybernetic implants, drew her in and she leaned down to lick the drops of champagne away.

Seven of Nine shuddered under the soft touch of her lover’s tongue. Janeway smiled against the cool skin. The night was rapidly growing colder and no matter how romantic the scene was; champagne, a deserted moonlit beach, sparkling sand, the woman she loved beneath her, she realised the time had come to move their lovemaking making into the tent.

“You’re cold, darling,” she murmured and began to rise. “We better go inside.”

“It is beautiful here,” Seven said wistfully but sat up, ready to join her captain. “I do not think I have ever experienced such perfection before.”

“High praise, coming from you,” Janeway offered as she wrapped the blanket around her lover, stealing kiss every now and then as she did so. When she was assured that Seven was comfortable, she turned and began to quickly assemble their picnic basket. “I agree, though, it’s quite breathtaking.”

“I will miss this view, Kathryn.”

“I know. We’ve spent some great days here, darling. I’m quite envious that you got to see more of the capital than I did. I wish I could have gone with you on that grand tour instead of being stuck at the palace with the President. He was full of admiration for you, darling. He said that tall blonde females were the ultimate image of an ideal woman for many a Dagarian. Can’t say that I don’t agree with the man,” Janeway smirked.

“I only wish to be the ideal woman for you, Kathryn. However, the tour was interesting. I have never come across anything remotely like this planet before. I wish we had more time on our hands to explore it.”

“Perhaps you can take a couple more days off? I have to get back to relieve Chakotay but there is no reason why you couldn’t extend your visit a few days longer. The last of the crew is still down here on shore leave. When their rotation is up you could return with them.” Janeway suggested.

“Thank you, Kathryn,” the blonde said with a bright smile. “I will make good use of my time here.”

Taken aback, Janeway regarded the pleased look on Seven’s face. She had expected the younger woman to decline since she would not be able to join her. Now that Seven had decided to take her up on the offer, she would miss her terribly. Janeway smiled. Dagar was a beautiful place and it was the first shore leave the crew had had in months. Given Seven’s curious and analytical mind, of course the blonde was bound to find this area fascinating. A few days apart would pass quickly. Seven deserved all the time she could get in paradise. The captain’s only regret was that she could not share more time with her here on this lovely planet.

The women walked back hand in hand to the tent they had erected just where the beach ended and the forest began.

Janeway crawled into the tent and put their gear away. She was shivering now as well from the dampness of her swimsuit. She began to roll out their sleeping bags when she felt warm hands forestall her.

“I think we will only need one sleeping bag, Kathryn,” she heard Seven whisper behind her. “I think I need to make sure you do not get cold.”

Janeway gave a crooked smile. Turning around she cocked her head, gazing into Seven’s bright blue eyes.

“Really?” she teased. “You promise to keep me warm?”

“I do, but first you need to get out of that damp swimsuit.”

Janeway had not counted on her Borg’s determination to get her captain naked. She felt Seven’s hands on her shoulders. Suddenly the blonde pulled the captain’s swimsuit down around her waist only to yank it off her completely a second later.

Breathless, Janeway could only stare at her lover. It was rare that Seven was the one to initiate their love making. Usually it was the captain who took the lead. Now she noticed the blonde’s eyes narrow as she opened the sleeping bag and nudged Janeway to get in. The auburn haired woman slid inside, holding her breath in anticipation.

Seven knelt inside the tent, and released the blanket that Janeway had wrapped around her earlier. She let it fall to the floor and Janeway could only stare at the full breasts. Seven hooked her thumbs into her bikini bottoms and pulled them slowly down her thighs. Janeway felt her mouth water but she was also a bit surprised. Seven was always so unassuming, she hardly ever teased Janeway sexually, on the contrary, the younger woman was open and eager to please and be pleased most of the time.

Now, Seven’s eyes betrayed a hunger and acted deliberately seductive in a way that was new to Janeway. Crawling on all four, the blonde hair tousled around her head, the ex-Borg moved like a predatory feline.

“Oh, god …” Janeway murmured inaudibly.

“You are calling on deities, Kathryn?” Seven purred. “It will not help. It is my intention to please you.”

Janeway swallowed.

“I’ve never heard you talk like this,” the captain said throatily.

The slow smile on Seven’s full lips made Janeway increasingly nervous. She tried to inhale but the breath caught in her throat and she had to cough. She could tell that Seven knew what was bothering her.

The blonde slipped into the sleeping bag and pulled her captain into an embrace. She rolled on top of the older woman, letting her elbows support her as she gazed down, her hair sheltering both of them. Slowly her mouth descended upon her lover’s.

The moist softness of Seven’s mouth on hers made Janeway tremble. Her arms rose of their own volition and wrapped around the blonde’s neck. She opened her mouth, desperate to feel Seven’s tongue against her own, greedy to blend their tastes.

Seven did not disappoint her. The younger woman kissed her deeply, with as much tenderness as passion, framing Janeway’s face with her hands. All the time while kissing her, Seven made the little delicious noises that always drove Janeway crazy; sounding as if she never would get enough of her lover and the captain prayed in her heart that this would always be the truth.

Seven gave up Janeway’s mouth and began a tantalisingly slow journey of open mouth kisses down the older woman’s body. She let her tongue draw a blazing trail down the captain’s neck, across her collarbones and down between her breasts. There she paused as if pondering if she should proceed.

“Seven …” Janeway breathed.

With just the tip of her tongue, Seven touched her lover’s right nipple, over and over. Feeling the touch, the chill of the evening air and the hot breath, Janeway moaned out loud. She wanted to pull Seven closer. She wanted the younger woman to crush her nipple with her mouth, bite into it, but all she did was arch her back.

Seven must have understood her need, for without warning she began to suck the pebbling little surface into her mouth.

“Ah!” Janeway whimpered, feeling herself become increasingly wetter and parting her legs to accommodate the tall blonde between her thighs.

“So eager, so ready,” Seven commented around the nipple.

“Yes …”

“Tell me what you want, Kathryn.”

There was a stunned silence as Janeway tried to wrap her overheated brain around this new development. It was not so much that Seven had asked her to voice her desires; it was how she had said it, demanding, with a challenging tinge to her alto voice. This was something new to the captain, yet, Janeway felt turned on beyond belief. More and more she was finding it harder to concentrate on anything else but the onslaught on her senses.

“Tell me,” Seven demanded in a low voice.

“Oh, Seven,” Janeway groaned. “Oh, god, I want you to taste me … take me … make me yours …”

Nudging the half open sleeping bag off her shoulders, Seven resumed her trail of kisses, scooting down as she covered the territory along Janeway’s tummy. She kissed her way across the patch of dark auburn hair at the junction of her captain’s legs and then simply parted the slick, swollen folds with determined fingers, pausing and apparently examining her lover.

Janeway gasped for air, looking down at the blonde head between her thighs, realising that Seven was studying her private parts up close. She knew it was silly to blush but all the same she felt her cheeks turn crimson. Just as she flung her arm up to cover her eyes, Seven lowered her mouth onto the swollen nubbin that held Janeway’s pleasure. She flicked her tongue over it, graced it with her teeth and then licked it rapidly over and over.

Knowing that her relief was imminent, Janeway arched and let go of the last bit of control she had. Just when she was sure she could not take anymore, long digits, she could not tell how many, entered her and spread her wide. The sense of Seven filling her completely together with the relentless mouth on her sex sent her crashing. The intrusive fingers plummeted into her, pulled out and returned back in with a force that shook her. The hot tongue pressing down on her nubbin signalled her nerve endings to give up the fight.

With a whimper and a flood of tears streaming down her cheeks, Janeway let herself go, handing herself over to Seven who caught her only to push her over the edge again and again. The orgasms came and went like the tide and only when Seven slowly let go of her did she slump back against the sleeping bag, sobbing.

The younger woman slid up, pulling the sleeping bag up around them and closing it. Strong arms cradled the captain.

Janeway clung to her lover.

“Oh, Seven,” was all she managed.

“Kathryn? Did I hurt you?” the younger woman asked, sounding worried, almost confused.

“No, darling,” Janeway whispered against Seven’s neck. “It was just very … intense. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Nor was I,” Seven confessed, still sounding concerned and a little stunned. “I ... I do not know what came over me. I only knew that I must have you.”

Janeway peaked up at the blonde. The soft blue eyes looked down at her with remorse.

“Oh, darling, don’t look like that,” the captain said, smiling tremulously and hugging her lover. “It is perfectly normal, desirable even, to be swept up with desire. You bring out those feelings in me every time we are together like this. I was just surprised, that’s all by my own response to your needs.”

Seven hesitated.

“It was not ‘too much’?” she asked.

“Perhaps in the sense that I wasn’t prepared … but you gave me so much pleasure sweetheart that it was overwhelming but in a good sense.”

Seven lowered her gaze. Janeway could see that the blonde still was uneasy. Trying to reach her, Janeway pulled Seven into an embrace.

“What about you, darling?” she asked lovingly, stroking the blonde’s back. “There must be something I can do to reciprocate?”

“It is not necessary. Your reactions aroused me as well,” Seven said snuggling closer to Janeway, burying her face into the older woman’s neck.

Janeway embraced Seven.

“You came too?” she asked, feeling uncertain.

“Yes,” Seven whispered, as she began to drift to sleep.

“Oh. Good,” Janeway said, kissing the top of Seven’s head gently and cradling the younger woman as the blonde’s breaths became regular, indicating that she was sound asleep.

Janeway lay wide awake.

After four days of a long deserved and welcomed shore leave, she had just experienced the most romantic evening in ages, not to mention the orgasms of a lifetime. The most wonderful woman in the universe was sleeping safe and sound, wrapped up in her arms.

Janeway sighed. She felt let down. She could not quite put it into words. In a strange way she felt unfulfilled. It was as if she had failed Seven or that Seven had let her down in some way.

“I’m still not over the fact that she wants to stay planet side without me,” she mused. “This is ridiculous. Quit being so greedy,” she mumbled herself as she nuzzled Seven’s hair and inhaled her scent.

Feeling a chill come over her, Janeway snuggled closer to her lover. She could not shake the foreboding feeling that something was wrong.

*****

Janeway adjusted her collar just before the turbo lift doors hissed open. She was glad to be back on Voyager.

She strode onto the bridge, taking in the familiar scene. Expecting to see her second in command, the tall dark handsome Commander Chakotay, occupying her command seat, she was taken aback to discover to Tuvok, her tactical chief, sitting there instead

“Welcome back, Captain,” he greeted her.

“Thank you, Tuvok,” she replied. “Report.”

“Commander Chakotay is in the ready room with …”

The hissing of the ready room door interrupted Tuvok’s explanation. Five crewmembers exited her office and she wondered if these people had earned a reprimand for something they had done during shore leave.

“You still have the bridge, Tuvok,” Janeway said and walked towards her ready room. She slipped inside before the door closed.

“Good morning,” she said, studying the furrowed brow of her next in command with growing concern. “What was that about?”

“We have a problem,” Chakotay said and rounded her desk. He sat down in her visitor’s chair with a thud, rubbing the tattoo that adorned the left side of his forehead.

“Those aren’t the words I long to hear after returning from shore leave,” she grimaced and stepped up to the elevated part of her office. She walked up to the replicator. “Coffee. Black.”

A stainless steel mug consisting steaming coffee shimmered into existence. She inhaled the aroma and took a careful sip before walking back to the desk and sitting down in her chair.

“Let’s hear it,” she said, her voice low as she detected signs that her first officer suffered a headache.

“I was just about to hail you, Kathryn,” Chakotay said tiredly. “Lieutenant Field, Ensigns Ritter, Andersen and Takagi as well as Crewman Nieva all wanted the same thing.”

Janeway wondered what request could possible cause the serene man she knew so well to look like this troubled.

“Yes?” she queried.

“They all want to resign their commissions. They want to remain on the planet.”

“What?” Janeway exclaimed and sat up straight, her coffee spilling over. She ignored the sting from the hot liquid. “After four days of shore leave? Have they lost their mind?”

“They were all very calm and convincing. They want to stay.”

Looking down in dismay at the mess she had just created, Janeway reached into a drawer searching for something to wipe up the coffee she had managed to spill across her desk. How was it possible that dedicated crew members, devoted to the idea of returning to the Alpha Quadrant, no matter how long it took, would suddenly decide to remain behind on an unfamiliar planet after only a brief stay?

Just then the door chimed.

“Enter,” Janeway growled.

Samantha Wildman stepped inside with her young daughter Naomi by the hand.

“Captain,” the blonde woman nodded, smiling brightly. “It’s nice to see you. Did you have a pleasant shore leave?”

Janeway looked disconcerted.

“Yes, thank you. I don’t mean to be rude, Ensign Wildman, but we’re in the middle of an important meeting and if this can wait …”

“It can’t, Captain,” Samantha said. “It’s important that you handle my request immediately.”

Janeway lowered the coffee mug again, this time very carefully placing it on her desk. She leaned forward on her elbows.

“And what would that request be?” she asked slowly.

“I know you will not like this, Captain, and I’m sorry for inconveniencing you, but … the thing is, I want to create a more lasting home for my daughter and myself. After spending time on Dagar and meeting these people, I’ve come to a decision.”

Chakotay glanced at Janeway, sorrow filling his eyes.

“Go on, Samantha,” Janeway said.

“I want to resign my commission and settle down on Dagar,” Samantha said with a smile.

Janeway wanted to ask the other woman if she had lost her mind but bit back the angry comment. She looked at Naomi. The child was not smiling.

“What about you, Naomi?” she asked.

The little girl gazed up at her mom.

“I want to stay with mom. I do. It’s just …” she trailed off as Samantha lovingly stroked her daughter’s hair.

“She’ll be much better off down there, ma’am,” the ensign said. “She’ll have other children to play with. She can go to school and have a normal life …”

“What about her chances of getting back to the Alpha Quadrant and getting to know her father?” Janeway asked in a low voice.

Samantha frowned. She seemed to consider the question and then she smiled brightly again.

“Oh, Captain,” she said. “We both know that the chances of us getting home are minuscule. I have to think about what is right for Naomi and myself.”

“And taking her away from everything she knows and loves is right?” Janeway growled, rising from her chair.

“It is not your decision, Captain,” Samantha said, apparently not offended in the least. “To be honest, I think most people on Voyager are ready to settle down if you’d encourage them. This endless journey towards an uncertain fate is wearing us down. Returning to the Alpha Quadrant in our lifetime really isn’t realistic.”

The softness, the conviction in Samantha’s voice threw Janeway off. Was the other woman right? Was that the talk among lower decks these days? Maybe she had missed the signs or misread the crew.

She shot Chakotay a glance but he looked just as taken aback by the ensign’s comments as she was.

“You realise that I can’t make a decision regarding this right away, don’t you?” Janeway asked solemnly. The relief in Naomi’s eyes did not escape her. “Go back to your quarters and sleep on the matter. If it were just you, I could process this matter in a day or two, but there are other considerations that must be weighed.”

“Which considerations, Captain?”

“Your decision affects the entire crew, and Naomi … I have to be sure.”

Samantha looked down on the child at her side.

“I’m her mother,” she said, the smile in place. “I know what’s best for my child.”

“That may be true,” Janeway said calmly, “but I’m her captain.”

Samantha’s smile faded a little. She squared her shoulders and pulled her daughter closer.

“If that will be all for now?” she asked.

“Yes, for now. Dismissed.”

Mother and daughter left the ready room and Janeway ran her hand over her face, muttering a curse under her breath.

“Chakotay, what the hell is going on?” she asked. “What happened to these people during shore leave?”

“I don’t know, but I doubt this is the last of it. Should I cancel shore leave for the remaining part of the crew?” he asked.

“Yes. It’s not going to be a popular decision, but we have to find out what’s going on. Do a ship wide announcement. By the way, was this how the other five sounded?”

“Yes, they all had their own stories but the common denominator was that they wished to settle on the planet and make a home for themselves.”

“So, six of my crew decided on a whim to abandon ship and any of chance of getting home. I don’t buy it. Did you see Naomi’s face? She doesn’t want to leave Voyager.”

“That was my impression too.”

“I’m launching an investigation. We have to figure out what these people did on their shore leaves. Where they went, who they talked to, what they ate and drank - everything. Notify the doctor. Where’s Tom? Tell him to report to sickbay immediately. I want a full medical workup done on anyone who’s been down there starting with the six who have requested to remain behind. I need Tuvok to review the logs and see if he finds any correlations between where these six spent their time ashore. I want you to start interviews immediately.

“I’ll be right on it.”

“Wait. Don’t approach Naomi. I know who’d be perfect to talk to her.”

Chakotay smiled knowingly.

“I guess you’re thinking either Seven or Neelix?”

Janeway smiled.

“I think I’ll go with Seven. Neelix is anything but subtle. I want to know everything that little girl knows and she adores Seven.”

Chakotay nodded and got up.

“You okay?” he asked as he reached the door.

“Yes. What about you? You look awful.”

He smirked.

“Thank you. Guess I’ve had better mornings. I was looking forward to some R&R of my own and now this …” He shrugged.

“You’ll get it. Just not on this planet, not yet.”

The first officer nodded and left the ready room.

Janeway tapped her comm badge.

“Janeway to Seven of Nine.”

There was a pause.

“Seven of Nine is not onboard,” the computer stated.

The captain’s head snapped up. Seven had beamed up with her early this morning to gather some equipment she needed from astrometrics.

“Computer, locate Seven of Nine,” she ordered.

“Seven of Nine transported to the planet Dagar twenty-two point four minutes ago.”

Why was there no reply to her hail? Janeway thought, her heart fluttering. There had so far been no problem with communications between Voyager in orbit and the planet.

“Janeway to Seven. Respond.”

There was a short burst of static and then Seven’s voice came through, loud and clear.

“Seven here. Go ahead, Captain.”

“You scared me,” Janeway said, relief surging through her. “I hadn’t realised that you had transported back down already. You have to return. Chakotay is about to make a ship wide announcement that all shore leaves are cancelled for the time being.”

There was a brief silence.

“I was under the impression that you wanted me to explore this environment further,” Seven objected. “I wish to stay.”

Janeway could hardly believe her ears. Her heart skipped a beat but then she realised that Seven was not talking about staying as in settling down.

“There is an emergency developing,” she said. “Return to Voyager, Seven. Naomi needs you.”

Another silence.

“Naomi?” there was a tone of uncertainty in Seven’s voice. “I will return momentarily. Seven out.”

Janeway closed the comm link and exhaled audibly.

This whole thing was getting on her nerves.

*****

Seven rang the door chime of Samantha Wildman’s quarters. She heard a small voice say ‘enter’ and the door hissed open.

The tall blonde stepped inside and looked around for her friend. She briefly thought about how the little girl had won her heart when she was new onboard Voyager. They had developed a mutually satisfying friendship. With Naomi, Seven could indulge in recreational activities that did not always interest adults; playing Kadis Kot and experiencing The Adventures of Flotter in the holodeck was two of their favourites. Sometimes Neelix, Voyager’s chef and ambassador, would join them on their adventures.

Seven knew that Naomi’s mother had not always been at ease in her presence. As so many others on Voyager, the other woman had experienced trepidation regarding Seven’s years as a Borg. Only recently had Samantha changed her mind about Naomi’s best friend.

“Seven!” Naomi exclaimed and threw herself into the ex-Borg’s arms. “Oh, Seven!”

The little girl burst into tears and Seven could do nothing but hold on to the shivering little body in her embrace.

“Naomi Wildman, what is the matter?” she asked worriedly. She had never seen Naomi in such a state.

“Mommy wants to move to Dagar. She wants us to stay there and … I … I want to stay with you and Neelix and everybody on Voyager. I … don’t …” The child choked on her tears and held on hard, her arms wrapped tightly around Seven’s neck.

“The captain informed me of your mother’s decision,” Seven said. “Is she here?”

“No, she went to the mess hall to talk to some of the others that want to stay behind.”

Seven felt a pang of guilt that she could not feel as upset about it as Naomi wanted her to. She had just returned from the planet and to be truthful, she could understand Samantha’s choice. The planet was clean, beautiful and there were many things to explore down there. Actually, she had hoped that Kathryn would extend the shore leave instead of cutting it short.

“I will miss you, Naomi,” she tried, “but it is an intriguing planet with …”

“But you won’t be there. Neelix won’t be there either!” the little girl wailed and took a step back, angrily wiping her tears. “I don’t want you to miss me. I want to be with you.”

The doors opened behind them and Samantha walked into her quarters. Seven thought the other woman would become upset about finding her daughter in tears but the ensign just smiled and knelt next to her daughter.

“I see you have your friend over,” she said, her voice soft. “Hello, Seven.”

“Samantha Wildman,” Seven greeted the older woman. “I heard that you are resigning your commission and that Naomi …”

“Oh, Naomi will adjust,” Samantha said with a smile. “She’s just upset right now because she’ll miss you and Neelix. You know how children are. Time heals all wounds.”

Feeling slightly dizzy, Seven briefly closed her eyes. She knew that Samantha’s reasoning somehow was flawed.

“Seven, are you all right? You’re a little pale,” Samantha observed. “Perhaps you should see the Doctor.”

In a moment of clarity, Seven knew that something was very wrong, but then the vertigo disappeared and she shook her head.

“I am functioning within normal parameters,” she insisted. “Captain Janeway informed me about Naomi’s trepidation to your plans. I only stopped by to reassure her.”

“I’m glad you did,” Samantha beamed. “Have you visited the capital of Dagar, Seven?”

“I went on a sight-seeing tour when Captain Janeway attended an audience with the president.”

“Isn’t it a perfect place? Did you go on the tour that took you to the park areas west of the city?”

“Yes, but I could not stay. The Captain paged me and I transported to the north shores to meet her as we had planned.”

“Oh, then you missed the best part,” Samantha said. “You really should do that part of the tour as well. There was especially a large park area called Sarassa’s Sanctuary that is unbelievably beautiful. The people there are so warm and friendly. I fell in love with the place. It was there that I decided that it was time to stop this endless journey and make a permanent home for myself and Naomi.”

There was a muted sob from the little girl and then Naomi broke loose from her mother’s embrace and ran into her bedroom.

Seven watched her young friend throw herself on the bed, clinging to the Flotter doll Neelix had replicated for her when her mother was missing on an away mission.

Again, a disconcerting feeling that something was out of sorts presented itself but she could not see the logic behind such an emotion. Naomi and her mother would be safe and happy on Dagar.

“Sickbay to Ensign Wildman.”

Samantha tapped her comm badge.

“Ensign Wildman here. Go ahead, Doctor.”

“Please report to sickbay for a physical.”

“But I’m fine, Doctor.”

“It’s standard procedure, Ensign. Naomi too,” the chief medical hologram said tersely.

Samantha smiled indulgently towards Seven.

“All right. We’ll be right there.”

Seven stood outside the Wildman quarters and watched Samantha and her daughter makes their way towards the turbo lift. She knew the captain was waiting for an update on Naomi’s state of mind but she had no idea why. The girl was upset right now but only because she did not realise that her mother was right. It was far better to settle down on the planet, especially in a lovely area like the one Samantha had described.

Sarassa’s Sanctuary. She was positive that she had never heard the name before and yet it sounded so familiar, almost alluring.

*****

Janeway looked at the woman she loved in utter disbelief.

“Naomi is beside herself, Samantha is acting like everything is just fine and you don’t see anything wrong with that?” she said, raising her voice.

Seven looked mystified.

“Samantha only wants what is best for Naomi,” the blonde said calmly.

“I won’t go into a debate about what is best for the child but don’t you think that it is a little strange that six members of my crew suddenly decide to jump ship and take up permanent residence on a planet where they have spent only four days and know hardly anything about?”

Seven seemed to consider this.

“No, Kathryn,” she said. “I find it stranger that they are the first among this crew to make such a decision. Logic dictates that most of the crewmembers would be weary of this constant journey towards an uncertain future.”

Not sure she had heard the blonde correctly; the captain locked her eyes on Seven. The other woman calmly looked back at her, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Janeway felt her heart twitch and the fact that the stinging words came from the woman she loved hurt most of all. Tears stung behind her eyelids and she blinked to keep them at bay. Rising from her desk she leaned on her hands, looking pointedly at the younger woman.

“So, you’ve just been waiting for this to happen, is that it? Forgive me, but I don’t believe you. You have never expressed the idea that you found it strange that people chose to stay onboard this ship, under my command. In fact, after the first year, you seemed happy to do so yourself.”

Seven blinked.

“Voyager …” Her voice betrayed her and she coughed. “Voyager … is my home, Kathryn,” she continued, suddenly sounding uncertain.

Janeway regarded her lover through narrowing eyes. There was something about the ex-Borg’s demeanour that set off the alarm bells inside her.

Her comm badge chirped.

“Sickbay to Captain Janeway.”

“Go head, Doctor.”

“I think you better come down here.”

“You found something?”

“Indeed I have, Captain. We’re facing a serious problem.”

“I’ll be right there.” Janeway closed the comm link and then regarded Seven whose eyes had wondered off towards the view port above the couch.

Janeway followed her gaze. In the far distance the beautiful planet of Dagar slowly rotated. Looking back at the blonde and noticing an unusual, dreamy expression on Seven’s narrow features Janeway went cold.

“That’s it,” she murmured. “I don’t know what this is all coming from but you’re coming with me to sickbay.”

*****

The Doctor looked solemnly at Janeway and Chakotay. He had just scanned Seven and Janeway awaited his verdict with her fists clenched behind her back.

“I see the same change in her blood as with the other six crewmembers,” the Doctor said. “There is less of it because Seven’s nano probes are fighting it to some extent.”

“Can you run this by us again?” Chakotay asked, worry furrowing his brow. “What kind of substance is it?”

“I have never seen anything like it,” the Doctor confessed. “It is a genetically engineered substance that multiplies and travels through the bloodstream. When it reaches the human brain it turns into a transmitter substance and crosses the blood brain barrier. A master geneticist must have created it. I’ve run several computer simulations trying to mimic its genetic makeup. I’ve come close but I have yet to discover the process behind its transformation.”

“Has it reached that stage with Seven?” Janeway asked.

“Yes, it has. The process is almost instantaneous. When the agent enters the circulatory system it reaches the brain within seconds.”

“Is it contagious? Once a crew member has it can it be passed from human to human?” Chakotay asked.

“It is possible but not probable. It does not appear to be airborne. Its ability to sustain itself outside a host is very limited; in fact it is highly unstable. There are no indicators to demonstrate that it has the ability to force the skin barrier but there are indicators that contact with bodily fluid could spread the agent. A crewmember that has been exposed to the agent could pass the contamination in this manner to another. If the skin barrier was broken for instance or sexual intercourse was to take place then it is likely that cross contamination would occur.”

Janeway felt herself grow cold.

“Any body fluids?” she asked.

“Yes, Captain.”

“Is this how it is spread? Are you telling me that this is some kind of sexual … “ Chakotay hesitated. “How the hell did Samantha, Seven and the others become subjected to this? Why didn’t our transporter filters pick up on it?”

The Doctor moved up to the bio bed where Seven was sitting silently, regarding them all with eyes devoid of all emotions. Janeway stepped closer and put a reassuring hand on her partner’s back.

“You are missing the point, Commander. The key is to expose the blood to the agent. This could be done in several ways. Ingestion, injection, there are several ways that this could be done, some of them quite covert. I believe in all of the cases I have seen so far that agent was delivered by injection of sorts. Here, look at Seven’s right palm,” the Doctor said, carefully taking Seven’s human hand in his, turning her palm up.

There were small, almost undetectable red spots on the inside of Seven’s hand and on the inside of her fingers. “I discovered this when performing my examination. See the affected dermis? It turns out that the site reactions are caused by something very small and very sharp. I doubt if anyone would have noticed such tiny perforating objects; it must have been very small and just barely beneath the skin. It may well be that the chemical agent’s size, as well as its unusual genetic makeup, fooled the transporter filters. I’m a doctor, not an engineer.”

“Did you find similar marks on the other crewmembers?” Janeway asked.

“Yes, Captain.”

“Does this only affect humans? Is that why Naomi hasn’t shown any symptoms?” Janeway asked, rubbing her temple.

“That is probably part of the explanation. Another thing that could factor in is that Naomi isn’t fully grown. There is a difference in hormone levels between her and her mother, as well as their genetic make up.”

“Okay, we understand some of the clinical findings,” Chakotay concluded, “but we’re still not any closer to discovering how and where this attack occurred or who the perpetrators are. What’s behind this? What’s their motivation?

“Dagar is a hospitable, beautiful place,” Janeway sighed, flinging her hands up in the air. “The president and his government run it in a democratic, enlightened way. Why would they … Shanghai aliens this way? ”

“It may not be the leaders of the planet that has instigated this,” Chakotay offered. “It could be almost anyone.”

“Anyone with this kind of knowledge and technology is not … just anyone,” the Doctor objected tersely.

Janeway sighed and tapped her comm badge.

“Janeway to Tuvok. Report to sickbay.”

Tuvok confirmed via the comm system.

There was a brief moment of silence.

“I want to speak with you alone, Captain,” Seven suddenly said, startling the others with her unusual dark, solemn tone of voice.

Janeway nodded to the Doctor and Chakotay to continue their discussion in the Doctor’s office. They left, the first officer glancing worriedly over his shoulder.

“Seven, are you all right? We will get to the bottom of this and find an antidote, darling,” Janeway assured her.

“That is not what troubles me, Kathryn,” the ex-Borg said. “I have not functioned within normal parameters since forty-eight point six hours ago. My nano probes obviously have not been successful in rectifying the impact of foreign agents.” She swallowed hard. “I may have infected you, Kathryn.”

Janeway knew Seven’s concern was valid. The fiery way the younger woman had made love to her had definitely put their body fluids in contact with each other.

“I know, darling,” Janeway said softly. “I’ll have the Doctor scan me. Tell me, Seven, do you feel the urges that Samantha and the others express - to remain on Dagar? You’ve talked quite lyrically about the planet on several occasions.”

The blonde frowned.

“I have on several occasions during the last two days found myself drawn to the environment that Dagar provides, especially the tranquillity of certain regions. I have no rational explanation for it, Kathryn; it is as if something down there is pulling me.

Janeway slowly shook her head; worried about Seven and the other crewmembers.

The Doctor poked his head out of the office.

“Captain, there are additional results coming in from the diagnostic I ran through the main computer,” he said gravely.

“I’ll be right there,” Janeway said. “Why don’t you lie down and recuperate after all those tests?” she suggested to Seven who nodded and lay down on the bio bed. The blonde’s compliance added to the captain’s apprehension.

Janeway caressed Seven’s cheek and then joined Chakotay and the Doctor in his office.

“Here, Captain,” the Doctor said and turned his computer around for her to see the readings flickering over the screen. “This is the last scan of Samantha Wildman’s brain before the foreign agent. Now, look at this.”

The readings were alike but Janeway could see that there was a significant difference.

“What am I looking at, Doctor?” she asked.

“The transmitter substances seem to have a special goal in mind. They move to the area in the human brain that controls our emotions. You could say that they flood the area and the changes we have seen in the affected crewmembers are probably just the tip of the iceberg. Changes in their personality, erasing their will to question and reflect … making them compliant … docile even. I would even go as far as to claim that this agent could depersonalise its victim. This is one of the most ingenious designer drugs I have ever come across.”

Janeway felt a chill run down her spine. She glanced at Chakotay and saw the dark-haired man press his lips tight together.

“Scan me, Doctor,” she said gravely.

The Doctor pulled out his medical tricorder again and quietly performed a scan of the captain.

“There are no foreign agents or altered transmitter substances present in your system, Captain,” she concluded softly. “That is good news.”

Janeway nodded and glanced at her next in command.

“Are you thinking the same thing I am?” the captain asked in a low growl, one hand on her hip.

“I don’t want to but in the light of what we’ve learned today … I guess I am,” Chakotay admitted. “It looks to me like someone has gone through a great deal of trouble to assimilate our crewmembers.”

“Assemble the senior staff in the conference room. We need to take the appropriate measures to countermand these actions.”

“Aye, Captain,” Chakotay said and left sickbay.

“Doctor, I need you to scan the entire crew immediately, not just the ones who were on shore leave. Use as many people as you need to assist. If you would, besides the ones already showing symptoms, I would like you to prioritise them, Command, Security, and Engineering.”

“I understand Captain. I’ll let you know the results as soon as possible.”

“Good. Once that is complete continue your research on the agent. I need to know all there is about it.”

“Yes Captain.”

Janeway walked over to Seven who sat up on the bio bed.

“How are you feeling?” she asked the blonde.

“I’m functioning … I am all right, Kathryn,” Seven said. “I wish to participate in the meeting.”

The captain hesitated but then nodded.

“Okay, if the Doctor agrees.”

“It won’t harm her,” the EMH stated. “I’ll just download the latest scans.”

“Fine. Come on, Seven. We have to find out who is doing this. Something tells me it isn’t going to be easy.”

“I think I know of a way, Kathryn,” Seven said. “You have to let me return to the planet. Samantha Wildman talked about a place that immediately struck a chord in me. I did not understand the intense emotion then but now I can only conclude that it has to do with our current problem.”

“I can’t let you go down there not knowing how you will be affected.”

Seven looked seriously at Janeway. Speaking with utter sincerity she cupped her lover’s face, her voice almost apologetic.

“There is no other way.”

*****

She presented her logic to the senior staff. Janeway was standing in silence at the view screen, not taking her eyes of the ex-Borg.

Seven had told them that the only way they would be able to safely send someone down to the planet was if they chose her. The Doctor had yet to find an antidote or a vaccine against the agent. They had no way of protecting anyone from contracting the condition. Seven was the only one of the infected crewmembers that stood any chance of fighting the repercussions of the attack against her brain.

She proceeded to brief them about Samantha Wildman’s excitement about Sarassa’s Sanctuary. Neelix’ head snapped up and it turned out that Lt Field had also mentioned the exotic name. After that everybody saw her side of it, only Janeway remained quiet.

“I am still not convinced,” Janeway said. “I’m not in a habit to deploy an away team of one.”

“I’m aware of that, Captain,” Seven agreed. “This is an unusual situation. There is no other way. We cannot jeopardise the rest of the crew. We cannot sacrifice Samantha Wildman, her daughter or any of the others. It is only logical that I, who am already infected, beam down.”

Tuvok spoke, “Captain, Seven’s logic is sound however there are no guarantees that her condition will not deteriorate or change while she is carrying out her mission.”

“I agree.” responded Janeway.

“Therefore, I agree to accompany her on this mission.”

“What? Maybe I haven’t made my position clear. I do not want to risk anyone who is not contaminated from becoming so.”

“Is it not true, Captain, that Naomi Wildman was not adversely affected by this agent?”

“True, but the doctor isn’t certain why. I can’t believe that this agent was engineered only for humans.”

“Perhaps, but we know for certain that it does indeed affect humans and that Seven will need assistance if her condition worsens. I am therefore a logical candidate to accompany her. ”

Janeway took a moment then nodded in agreement. Slowly she circled the conference table looking at Tuvok then Seven.

“Very well. If I decide to send an away team down there then you will go together. You are only to gather information. You are not engage in any confrontational activities. Is that clear?”

The blonde regarded the woman she loved, noticing the solid grey in Janeway’s eyes. A part of her wanted to reassure the older woman but another part was strangely detached and focused on the opportunity to return to Dagar.

“Yes, Captain,” Tuvok replied

Janeway waited patiently while Seven refocused her attention again and responded in concurrence.

“Good. So what have you discovered about this Sarassa’s Sanctuary?”

Tuvok picked up a pad and began to scan it as he presented his report.

“Sarassa’s Sanctuary has a solid reputation among the inhabitants of Dagar,” he stated. “However, I approached the Minister of Justice on Dagar and after consulting the President he has agreed to send us classified documentation.”

“Did the minister give you any information on what it’s about?”

“No, Captain, however he did emphasise that these documents are highly confidential. Both the minister and President Romir are shocked by what has happened. As we all have experienced, the Dagarians are hospitable and pride themselves in treating visitors from other world very well.”

“I will hail the president once I’ve examined the document,” the captain said. She then had directed her attention to Seven again.

“Does anyone have anything else to add?”

“Doctor to Janeway”

“Janeway here. What is it Doctor?”

“I’ve just completed the scans, Captain. No one else has contracted this other than the ones we already know about.”

“That’s the best news I’ve heard today. Doctor, I am considering sending Seven and Tuvok back to the planet to investigate the matter further but I will not if it means jeopardising them or this crew any further. Have you any recommendations?”

“It would be helpful in my investigation if we had more information. I believe I have a solution for the contact hazard,” the Doctor said smugly, appearing on the computer screen on the conference room wall

“Let’s hear it.”

“There is a procedure that will allow me to thicken and strengthen the outer dermis layer of the skin. It should be quite effective in mitigating the risk of contact hazard as well as injection. The challenge of course is that it won’t last forever; the procedure has to be repeated again. There are also some possible side effects.”

“Like what?”

“Since the body cannot sweat as it normally does, heat can build. However, I don’t think this will be an issue for Seven thanks to her nano probes or Tuvok due to his Vulcan physiology.”

“Couldn’t that protect other away team member as well?”

“Perhaps,” the Doctor said, his face becoming solemn, “but it’s not foolproof. The condition of the affected crewmembers is quite serious. I can’t recommend that anyone other than Seven and Tuvok beam down.”

“Thank you Doctor. Seven and Tuvok will be joining you momentarily” Janeway cleared her throat and turned her attention back to the senior staff. “All right. Let’s do this. I want to review the information from the minister before you two deploy. I failed to ask the Doctor how long this procedure he mentioned would take but my assumption is it won’t take long. The rest of you gather as much information as possible and make sure that Tuvok and Seven have it prior to executing the mission. Harry, re-establish communications with the Minister of Justice, I want to talk with him immediately. Let’s see if they will rendezvous with Tuvok and Seven. It sounds like they’re already involved in some type of covert operations concerning this so-called Sanctuary. Let’s try to work with them if possible.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“I want security placed on our crew members who have been affected twenty four hours a day. Tuvok, notify your deputy of the situation and have him report to me. “

“I have already anticipated your order. All crewmembers that have contracted this affliction are under surveillance. I will have my Lieutenant report to your ready room after the meeting.”

“Good. B’Elanna, make sure that all of our security codes are changed on the transporters immediately. Tom, I want you to secure the shuttle bays. No one and I mean no one is to leave this ship without my permission, is that clear?”

“Yes, Captain,” the two responded in unison.

“What about me Captain?”

“Neelix, I need to t keep an eye on Naomi. I want you to comfort and reassure her that everything is going to be okay.”

“You can count on me, Captain,” the little Talaxian said, his normally so open face now furrowed with concerned.

”Chakotay, have I forgotten anything?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“All right, let’s get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible. Dismissed.”

Janeway walked up to Seven a placed her hand on her shoulder.

“Seven, I want you to stay a moment.”

Janeway waited as the rest of the command group filed out.

“Are you up for this? I noticed during the meeting your attention wavered and your concentration was not what it should be. You may not be affected in the same way as the others but it is having an impact on you.”

“I am aware of my limitations and I will not let them jeopardise this mission. I will be careful,” Seven assured her partner.

“You better be.” Janeway took a step closer, lowering her voice to keep the others from hearing. “You better come back safe to me.”

The blonde had felt a pang of guilt at the older woman’s concern. She knew it pained her beloved to know that she was endangered.

“I will succeed, Captain,” the blonde said out loud.

“I know,” Janeway replied. “I know I don’ have to tell you but stay in frequent contact with the bridge. If there are any signs of trouble, or if you don’t feel well, you are to request an emergency beam out. That’s an order. Okay?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Seven met her Captain’s eyes that were filled with concern and trust. She hoped she would not let them down.

She had to do what was in the best interest for the Voyager’s crew.

*****

President Romir had surprised Janeway when he suggested that he beam onboard Voyager to discuss the delicate matters outlined in the document she had just read.

The captain understood the charismatic leader’s concern. She met him in transporter room one and welcomed him on board. After a brief tour of the ship, she showed him to her ready room where Chakotay joined them.

Romir accepted gracefully a cup of strong black coffee. Janeway was impressed with the way he did not even flinch at the first sip of her favourite potion.

“I understand that you suffered great personal loss regarding this … Sanctuary,” Janeway said softly, sitting next to Dagar’s leader on the couch.

President Romir was a large bear of a man, his dark, short cropped hair contrasting against the fair skin common among the Dagarians. He was dressed in dark pants and a blue tunic with the presidential golden emblem on his left shoulder.

“That is correct,” President Romir concurred. “It is my greatest sorrow. A while back my only child, my daughter Atahlia, decided to join this sect. She was always a free spirit, something both her mother and I admired and supported. Always an adventurous child, inquisitive, full of wonder and intrigued by the world around her but that all changed when she fell under the influence of this cult. Seeing her … change … become their eager servant …”

The tall man leaned against the backrest and briefly closed his eyes.

“What did you do? Are their activities legal in your world?” Janeway asked.

Romir shook his head.

“As you may have noticed, the atmosphere on Dagar is peaceful, very open-minded and quite forgiving. We are a benevolent society that frowns upon violence of any nature and embraces individual freedoms. There are strict laws against acts of violence and hate just as there are strict laws that protect ones civil liberties. It is behind the later that Sarassa’s Sanctuary operates with immunity. It professes itself as an enlightened philosophy, a way of life that promotes peace and tranquillity but there is evidence that something quite sinister hides behind this façade.”

“And what evidence would that be?” asked Chakotay.

“The dramatic change in my daughter’s personality is one example and she is not the only one to exhibit such a transformation.’

“Have you proof that any of these converts have joined involuntarily?”

“No. We suspect that the initiates are somehow brain washed but we have not been able to find out how or what methods are employed. When Atahlia became a Servant of Sarassa’s …”

“Excuse me, Mr President,” Janeway interrupted. “Servant of Sarassa’s?”

“Yes,” the president patiently replied. “It is what the initiates are called once they have gone through their indoctrination.”

“Your report focused on the leaders not the initiates. I noticed that the leaders’ titles are not so benevolent.”

“You are correct Captain,” replied the President with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “For such a benevolent group I find it rather intriguing that the sect has an almost militant form of government with a clear cut chain of command. Its leaders have total authority over their subordinates. Even their titles mimic a military organisation. This is what my intelligence officers have uncovered. So far, from what we have assessed, the sect and its leaders are very disciplined, very driven, with little regards to individualism. Conformity seems to be the rule.”

“The good of the group over the good of the individual, I assume is their motto,” Janeway said as she sipped her coffee.

“At least that is what they profess,” the President replied.

“Did you confront your daughter with your findings?” Chakotay asked.

The president rose and walked over to the view port. Gazing down on his planet he seemed to hesitate.

“Yes, I did, but it did not seem to faze her. She would not listen to reason. It was obvious that she was already under their influence.”

“Did you try to break their hold over her?”

“Yes, and she almost died from my only attempt to rescue her from these people,” he said quietly.

Janeway inhaled sharply.

“Please, tell us about it,” she said. “We’ll do everything we can to help. Perhaps in helping you we’ll be able to help our crewmembers.”

“The fact that you have discovered that they are using something to draw people in is a significant breakthrough,” Romir said and sat down again.

“I agree but we need additional information if we are to succeed in breaking the hold this sect has on its victims. If we are to succeed, we need to know everything that you do about this sect. According to your report you did manage to snatch your daughter away from the sect. Could you tell us more about it?”

“I’m not proud of my actions. I had my security agents kidnap Atahlia two years ago when she had been a member of the Sanctuary for four lunar months. I thought if I could get her alone, away from them, she would listen to her mother and me.”

He quieted and rubbed his fists on the blue silk in his robe.

“Go on,” Janeway urged gently. “It’s important that we understand what occurred.”

“She remained silent, didn’t even object,” Romir continued. “She just lay on her bed, her eyes half closed, not looking at any of us. Sometimes I could hear her repeat a word, a kind of nonsense word, over and over. It was as if she kept herself sedated. She made no effort to eat or drink so our family doctor had to feed her intravenously. After two weeks of this, all her organs slowed down, her metabolism - everything. Her body was shutting down and our doctor warned me that her condition was becoming life threatening. I didn’t want to believe him, but eventually I had to make a decision that broke my heart.”

Chakotay leaned back in his chair.

“You returned her to them,” he concluded.

“Yes.”

“Have you had any contact with her since then?”

“No, not personally. My security agents, some of them have known Atahlia since she was born, keep an eye on her. They have organised a voluntary surveillance team that make it their business to keep track of her. They also ensure me that Sarassa’s leaders don’t know anything about it.”

“Why are the documents you’ve shared with us so confidential?” Janeway asked.

“In part because their contents were obtained illegally,” the President stated matter of fact. “Agents of my government have acquired this information through covert means without the legal sanctions necessary by our laws. As you can surmise, I and all those associated with this operation risk everything. If this became public knowledge, I would most likely be impeached and the Minister of Justice, who has become a very good friend since he was elected, would have to resign. However, all of us associated with this operation feel strongly that it is worth the risk. You see, it has become something much bigger than the loss of the president’s daughter, it has become a matter of national security.”

“What if we’re able to demonstrate, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the leaders of this sect infected their recruits intentionally with a mind altering substance? That they enslaved them against their own free will?”

“That would be another matter entirely.”

“Mr President, we have evidence that personnel visiting within the vicinity of this so called Sanctuary have been infected with a mind altering substance. What we do not know is how this substance is produced or how its victims are chosen although I have a few theories on that topic,” the captain said as she leaned forward and placed her coffee on the table in front of her.

“I have a suggestion. I propose we pool our efforts; that your agents and members of my crew work together to unravel the mystery behind this cult. We both have much to gain.”

“I agree, Captain. What is it you have in mind?”

“We’re sending down our tactical chief and one of the affected crewmembers to investigate. I would like them to rendezvous with your people. Obviously they have had a lot more dealing with the sect than my people. If they already have the cult under surveillance, they would be invaluable in ensuring my crew members remain safe.”

President Romir looked puzzled.

“Did I understand you correctly? Is it your intention to send one of your infected crew members back to the planet? You realise that this person will change his or her allegiances rather quickly.”

Janeway gave a faint smile.

“Our crewmember has cybernetic implants that help her fight the impact of the agent in her circulatory system. She will face some challenges, I’m aware of that, but this is our only option if we’re to save her and the other affected crewmembers. You yourself have implied in your reports that it has been impossible to infiltrate this sect. I believe I know why. I believe that these people are able to detect who has been affected by the agent. I think that their selection is very intentional and that the physiological changes that we have observed can not be replicated. Using Seven in this manner is the only option we have if we are going to obtain the information we need. ”

“This Seven must be a very brave individual,” Romir commended. “Does she realise what she’s up against?”

“I think she does. She has gone through the documentation you sent us and so has my tactical chief. They are ready to beam down. I would like your approval President Romir and your assistance.”

The President slowly stood and took a moment to reflect on what the Captain was asking of him.

“I confess that this could be the break I’ve been praying for,” he said quietly. “It’s not without risk but then what is? Very well, your people may rendezvous with mine. I hope our joint effort pays off, Captain. You of course realize what is at stake, the safety and security of both our people. If our actions come to light, the consequences will be enormous.

“I understand President Romir, but I find that there are no other options and for me and my crew time is running out,” Janeway said as she rose to stand next to the President.

“Then let us begin our joint venture to put an end to this.”

The two leaders shook hands and Chakotay escorted Dagar’s leader to the transporter room.

Left alone in her ready room, Janeway hailed Seven and Tuvok. She would meet them in transporter room one in just a few moments. .

Her door chime chirped.

“Enter.”

“President Romir is back at his office,” Chakotay said as he entered the room.

“Good.”

“Kathryn, this is going to work. Seven and Tuvok will find answers we need. If they provide the Doctor with a sample of the agent that infected our people, he can create an effective antidote.”

“I know, Chakotay,” she said as she picked up the mug of coffee that she had left unattended on her desk. Looking up with an ironic smirk she shook her head. “You know what? During all this commotion, we forgot to ask one question.”

“What was that?” Chakotay asked, mystified.

“Who the hell is Sarassa?”

*****

Seven and Tuvok materialised on the outskirts of the capital of Dagar. It was late afternoon and the sun was casting a soft, golden glow over the city.

As sensors confirmed, the alleyway behind the large white building was empty. Tuvok pulled out a tricorder and scanned the area.

“Two individuals are approaching,” he informed Seven.

The tall blonde only nodded; her features solemn. She was in control of her emotions at the moment and intended to remain so. She could see Janeway’s concerned face for her inner eye and it pained her to know how worried her beloved was about her, about this whole situation.

A door leading into the structure opened and two men stepped out. They were dressed in leather like pants and grey tunics. The tricorder showed that both men carried concealed weapons.

They approached Tuvok and Seven, lifting their hands in the traditional Dagarian greeting, touching their temple with two fingers and then their chest.

Tuvok cordially repeated the gesture and Seven followed suit.

“Come with us,” the taller of the two said.

Quickly Seven and Tuvok complied and silently followed the two agents. Seven noticed that the Dagarian agents gave her curious glances and guessed that they knew of her condition.

After several minutes, the agents showed them into an anonymous office building. It was late. There we no other occupants. They reached a conference room and one of the agents motioned them to take seats around the table.

“I’m Ebir and this is my colleague, Noro. I am aware of what your mission is here on Dagar, but I’m not entirely convinced that your plan is doable,” he said bluntly

“State your concerns,” Seven requested coolly.

“To be honest, my first concern is about your contribution to this mission. We know that your people have discovered agent that enables the Sanctuary to maintain such a firm grip on their recruits. We also know that you yourself have been infected with this substance and that there is some question about whether you will succumb to its’ effect.

“Your concern is unnecessary. My cybernetic implants fight the agent’s effects,” Seven said.

“So you say, but how are we to know, given enough time, that this agent will not overcome your implants ability to fight it.”

“You do not. However, I do not believe you have any other choice than to accept our offer. You have obviously failed in your attempts at infiltrating this group. I will not fail.”

“You have no idea what you are up against.”

“I know that we are wasting time and that there is little left if we are to save our crewmembers. You have no option but to comply and assist us in our mission if you wish to save your own people. You will not have an opportunity like this again.”

Noro nodded.

“Ebir, she’s right,” he said. “We’ve had these people under an extensive surveillance for more than two years. Every time we have attempted to get one of our people on the inside it has failed. We have to take this chance.”

“What is your role in all of this?” Ebir asked, turning to Tuvok

“I am here to ensure Seven’s safety and to facilitate her escape once her mission is completed.”

“Very well, if we are to aid you in this endeavour you will have to be more specific on your objectives.”

Tuvok nodded and began to brief the two on what they intended to accomplish.

“Our mission will be conducted in phases. During the initial phase, Seven will infiltrate the group as their newest initiate. We believe that they are expecting her and the agent within her serves not only as a means of control but a genetic marker. This would explain why your people have always been detected in the past.

The two Dagarians nodded.

“The second phase of this mission evolves around Seven’s ability to detect and secure the agent in question. Once Seven has completed this task we will immediately beam it aboard our ship. With any luck our chief medical officer will be able to analyze it in its purest form and create an antidote.”

“Is it you intention to beam your colleague out at that time?”

“No. We do not want to move prematurely and place others at risk.”

“I will withdraw once I am assured that the substance I have secured is indeed the agent in question and that there is nothing else to be gained by my presence within the Sanctuary.”

“When we receive confirmation from our ship that we have indeed secured the necessary materials and that nothing further is required, Seven will withdraw.”

“If I was to leave too abruptly it might alert the members of the cult that something was a miss. It is possible that they would destroy any evidence of wrong doing to include the people they have tampered with.”

“Once Seven has withdrawn from the Sanctuary, your officials can move in and secure the scene.”

Ebir and Noro regarded their visitors in silence for a moment.

“The success of this entire mission rests upon you Seven. You are our strongest chance and our weakest link. There are several facts that you must be aware of. Although you assure us that your physiological enhancements keep the agent in check you have no way of knowing how the Sanctuary will affect you. ”

“That is correct.”

“You need to know that we have never successfully removed anyone from that environment. If you succumb to the agent then the likelihood of your existence outside of it is in question.”

“I understand.”

“Also, as you yourself have alluded to, they may destroy any evidence of wrong doing to include you.”

“The thought has occurred to me; still I do not see how we can act differently.” Closing her eyes for a second she felt the burden on her shoulders and self-doubt fill her. Chastising herself for the non-productive way of thinking she squared her shoulders and took a deep breath.

“Time is of the essence,” she reminded them, struggling to sound as matter of fact as the situation demanded. “Are there any other questions before we begin?”

“What do you need from us?”

Tuvok pulled a data pad from the satchel he had deployed with and began to scan its’ content. “You have successfully monitored their activity undetected for the past two years. We will need you to track Seven’s activities once she is inside.”

“That can easily be arranged.”

“You are also familiar with their routines, their behaviour. You should be able to tell from their activity if something has gone astray.”

“Yes, if there is one thing about these folks it is there regimental way of doing things. Any deviation on that will indicate that something has occurred.”

“Do you have a map of their compound?”

“Yes, but we have been unable to penetrate the inner Sanctuary. All our attempts have been detected.”

“How?”

“We have evidence that they have a sophisticated monitoring system, both motion and heat sensitive.”

Ebir pulled out a map and oriented Seven and Tuvok to the area.

“How do you suggest I approach the Sanctuary?”

“Why don’t you just drive up and knock on their front door?” suggested Noro.

Ebir looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

“No, I’m serious. Look, you already said that they expect her.”

“He’s right. I’ll arrange for a public vehicle to take you to the outskirts of Sarassa’s Sanctuary immediately.”

“Very good,” replied Tuvok.

Ebir rose from his chair and left the room.

Noro stood up and walked around the table, stopping next to Seven, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Yes?” Seven asked as her eyes met his.

“Be careful, Seven of Nine. Many families have seen their children walk into that place never to return.”

Seven swallowed hard. Satisfied that her voice would not fail her or betray the inner doubts she was experiencing, she repeated the words she had told the woman she loved just before she departed the ship.

“I will not fail.”

*****

Continued in chapter 8 - pt 2 - "Sarassa's Sanctuary"