[In the Astrometric lab]
"You've exceeded your scheduled time here by one hour", Seven said when she entered.
"I'm almost finished", Icheb replied.
"Your work will have to wait. There's something we need to discuss."
Icheb ignored it.
"Look at this. It's a star forming in the Orpisay nebula."
"The Orpisay nebula is out of range of our sensors", Seven stated.
"I increased the resolution of the long range scanners."
"Impressive."
"When I was on the Cube, I never thought about what was outside. Pulsars, quasars, nebulas", Icheb explained, "But here in this lab, I feel I can see the entire galaxy. What did you want to talk to me about? You said there was something we needed to discuss."
"Yes, that's correct. It's time for you to regenerate."
[In Janeway's quarters]
Janeway was reading a book when the doorbell chimed.
"Come in."
Seven stepped in.
"I'd like the data you've collected on Icheb's species so I can prepare him for re-assimilation", Seven said.
"Maybe we could refer to it as getting reacquainted with his family." (Janeway)
"If you prefer."
"I'll transfer the files down to Astrometrics."
"Thank you."
"How'd he take the news?" Janeway asked, "You haven't told him."
"No."
"Why not?" Janeway wanted to know
"It won't be easy for him to accept. He's adapted to life on Voyager. And to Lil. They are mated"
"And you've adapted to having the boy here."
"My feelings are irrelevant", Seven said.
"Are they? Would you like me to tell them both?" (Janeway)
"It's my responsibility, but I am uncertain how to proceed." (Seven)
"Well, you've already helped Icheb make one difficult transition. How did you do that?" (Janeway)
"By giving him the benefit of my own experiences. Encouraging him to be resilient in the face of obstacles."
"Sounds like a good strategy."
Seven left.
[At Cargo Bay two]
Icheb was working at a console.
"Is your alcove malfunctioning?" Seven asked.
"I'm calculating neutrino trajectories", Icheb responded.
"You need to regenerate."
"Very well."
"Wait. We've located your parents. Voyager is due to arrive at their planet tomorrow."
"Do I have to stay with them?" the boy wanted to know.
"They're your parents."
"I don't remember them", Icheb shot.
"After my parents were assimilated I never saw them again. You're fortunate to have this chance." (Seven)
"What about the others?"
"We haven't been able to locate their families yet."
"That's not what I mean. What will happen to them if I leave? They depend on me", Icheb noted.
"They'll adapt." (Seven)
"I'll never see you again?"
"I've been studying Brunali culture. It's very different from what you've become accustomed to on Voyager."
"In what way?" (Icheb)
"They're an agrarian society. Their technological resources are limited."
"Are they capable of space travel?"
"Yes, but most of their vessels were destroyed by the Borg." (Seven)
"How will I continue my studies?"
"I don't know", Seven answered.
Icheb put down the PADD and stepped into his alcove, before he turned.
"I'm not going to stay with them. I will stay with my mate", he hissed angrily.
With that he turned around and started his regeneration cycle.
"Icheb."