Spock's daughter

III 30

"What?"

"With all their technology, their opportunity to explore the galaxy, the thing they want most is to get home." (Leucon)

[In the Astrometric lab]

"Good morning", Icheb greeted.

"Did you regenerate successfully?" Seven wanted to know.

"Yes, and I slept under the stars. You should try it."

"You weren't in class this morning. The others missed you", the adult said.

"I was helping my father. There is something we need to discuss."

"What is it?... You've decided to stay with them."

"Yes", Icheb replied.

"You're certain?" Seven asked.

"This is my home. I have a responsibility to help them rebuild it."

"I'll inform the captain."

"Thank you."

"I'm sure you'll want to say goodbye to the other children", Seven guessed.

"I hope Lil will understand."

Lil's POV

[In the engine room]

I was currently in the engine room doing some scans. I woke up with red and puffy eyes and also with a heavy headache, which I still had. The headache made me get tired again. My eyelids started to droop. But I forced myself to stay awake. My 'brother' noticed and came up to me, his face full of concern.

"It is not very wise for you to work in the condition you're in."

"I'm fine."

"No. Clearly you're not."

"Please, I'm not in the mood ri-..."

My body started to shake and I slipped of the chair, hitting the ground. I couldn't see anything around me anymore, since the darkness consumed me.

[In the Transporter room]

Seven handed Icheb a case.

"Inside you'll find PADDs containing data on a variety of subjects that will allow you to continue your studies. I've also included a high-resolution telescope. It's a poor substitute for Astrometric sensors", she said.

"I will use it every day", Icheb said like a promise.

"Goodbye, Icheb, and good luck."

"Thank you, Captain. I hope you find a way home."

He smiled a forced smile, knowing that Lil wouldn't survive one minute without crying.

[At Cargo Bay two]

Mezoti stepped out of her alcove.

"Warning. Regeneration cycle incomplete."

Mezoti ignored the computer's warning. She shook Seven's arm.

"What is it?"

"I can't regenerate." (Mezoti)

"Warning. Regeneration cycle incomplete."

"Explain." (Seven)

"I miss Icheb."

"So do I, but we'll adapt. Now return to your alcove."

"If you find my parents, will I have to go with them?" the young girl questioned.

"We'll discuss that when and if the time comes."

"I hope you don't find them."

"Regenerate", Seven ordered.

"Seven?"

"Yes?"

"What if the Borg try to assimilate Icheb again?"

"His people lack resources. The Borg have little reason to return to their planet."

"But what if Icheb's on a ship?"

"Unlikely."

"He was on a ship last time."

"You're mistaken. He was on the surface when he was assimilated."

"No, he wasn't. A class one transport was detected in grid six four nine. One lifeform. Species, Brunali."