The Cloak That Masks The Dagger

Posted on 17 Sep 2013 @ 12:03pm by Legatus of Borg & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm

721 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 04 - Exodus
Location: Borg Assimilation Cube
Timeline: MD03 - 0330hrs

[ON]

Thousands of drones moved about the hallways, like insects following their orders from the hive. Their objective complete, most drones had returned to their alcoves to regenerate until the collective had need to call upon them again.
From a state of unconsciousness, one drone awoke in it's alcove, stepping down with a metallic thud as the cold metal exoskeleton now bound to it's body rang out against the deckplate.

The voice of the collective rang clear in it's mind, the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the individual. Stepping closer to a control panel, the drone inserted it's assimilation tubules into the relevant port and waited.

After a moment of delay, a holographic image appeared from the ceiling, projected in a beam of light to come to rest a few metres above the deck plating. A figure in the projection could be seen, hidden by the half-light. After a moment's further silence, the drone spoke.

"Vessel identified. Federation Starfleet, Nova Class, 85 lifeforms aboard. A representative was selected."

The holographic figure -- with its large and prominent ghostly-white forehead and small beady eyes -- looked back upon the Borg drone with an expressionless face. "A representative." it repeated in a surprisingly docile tone, "Is its memory intact? This is the second of their ships in as many days to encroach upon our territory. What can it tell us of this 'Federation Starfleet'?" it asked.

"This drone still maintains access to it's previous memories. They have become one with the Collective."

Taking a moment, the drone accessed the memories acquired by the assimilation of this lifeform and the knowledge it held to enhance existing understanding of the subject material.

"Federation Starfleet - exploration and military wing of the United Federation of Planets - alliance of multiple cultures and civilizations in the Alpha and Beta quadrants."

Teraquads of data coursed through the drone's memory as it pulled together the experience of the entire Collective.

"This drone contains the memories of Holliday, Commander Jonathan Edward - human male, First Officer of Nova Class USS Galileo."

"First officer..." the holographic figure blinked for a few moments while its own cerebral processor recalled the term. "A second Federation vessel with a similar hierarchical command structure." it stated matter-of-factly. "A military wing of the United Federation of Planets...does this USS Galileo pose a technological or biological threat to our world? What is a 'Nova Class'?"

Again the drone took a moment to access the database of the collective, cocking it's head slightly as the databurst was processed before giving a response.

"Nova-Class - short-range science and research vessel. Minimal armaments. Limited tactical capabilities. Their technological distinctiveness is unremarkable. Probability of biological or technological contamination is estimated at 2.4531%."

2.4531 percent was not great odds, but the possibility of subterfuge still remained despite the drone's calculations. "Probability of contamination is low, but these Humannus," the hologram paused to recall the correct word, "Humans, are unpredictable. Observe caution during escort." it instructed. "Have you located and assimilated their leader? That information is valuable."

"This vessel is commanded by a female member of the Orion species. Assimilation was attempted, however our drones were unable to resist the Starfleet crew. She is currently under guard in their medical facility."

Taking a moment to process the resistance coefficient of this vessel, the Legatus drone struck a moment of agreement with the rest of the collective.

"Their ability to resist us further is limited. We will proceed with assimilation of all remaining life forms."

"Agreed. Assimilate all captured biologicals. Assimilate the female Orion. Her knowledge of the 'Starfleet' will prove most valuable in conjunction with Holliday, Commander Jonathan Edward. If the others on her ship follow her command, they are of limited use. Capture the female and process her cerebral cortex...but do not harm her." came the hologram's instructions.

The drone took a moment to process it's instructions before completing it's analysis of the situation.

"This drone will accompany others to retrieve the captain. It's knowledge of the Federation vessel's layout and procedures will be of advantage to us."

The smooth-foreheaded alien blinked once in reply. "Contact me once you have obtained her information." it said, awaiting the simple and efficient drone's reply.

"We will comply."

[OFF]

Legatus of Borg
NPC'd by John Holliday

Hologram
NPC'd by Lirha Saalm

RSS Feed