Star Trek Voyager: Their Human Errors

Star Trek Voyager: Their Human Errors (Chapter 10)

Chakotay looked on in amusement as the Captain tapped her foot impatiently. “They’re on their way Captain.” He assured her quietly.

“I know.” The Captain replied shortly, before sighing at her own irritation. “I just don’t like being kept waiting. We could really use an ally and the Ledosians are looking like they could be…”

Chakotay’s lips quirked upwards. “Unless they keep you waiting much longer, they will be.” He told her wryly, turning to Ensign Danes at transporter control as Janeway laughed, “Have they given the signal to be beamed up yet Ensign?”

“No sir, apparently two members of the delegation are running a little late, but they’ve given assurances that they’re almost ready.” Danes answered quickly.

Janeway exhaled in relief. Although she’d learned over the years not to set her expectations too high when it came to initial diplomatic relations in the Delta Quadrant, where the helpful clout of the Federation was non-existent, she was allowing herself some hope with the Ledosians. They were said to be advanced and peaceful, a reputation which had proven correct so far, and were even offering the entire crew shore leave as well as opening trade negotiations and giving Seven an invite to their prestigious warp mechanics conference. Scientists and engineers from throughout the sector would be there, it would be a great chance to network, if Seven could cope… She shook her head slightly at her train of thought, she’d have to trust that Seven would be fine. Whatever had been going on with Voyager’s ex-drone a few weeks ago in the holodeck seemed to have resolved itself, just as Chakotay had told her it would, and she’d decided to forgive the brief, but unsettling, blip in the younger woman’s behaviour. Seven had even appeared to be excited, by her standards, at the thought of taking part. Janeway had to admit that it probably wouldn’t do their standing with the Ledosians any harm if Seven amazed them with a few titbits of her Borg knowledge…

As if Janeway’s thoughts had somehow called her, Seven just then joined them in Transporter Room 2, holding a large PADD. “You wished to see me Captain?” she said politely, her gaze sweeping quickly over the others waiting in the room, Chakotay and Tuvok, but she did not greet them.

“Yes Seven, I thought that since you’re going to be our main representative by attending this conference, you’d better play a bigger role than usual in greeting them, let them get to know you.” Janeway informed her with a smile.

Seven’s brow furrowed uncertainly, “I’m not sure if “getting to know me” in a social setting will help them accept my warp theories Captain. It would take a great deal of explanation which I doubt would be appropriate dinner conversation…”

Janeway put her hand on Seven’s arm to stop her. “Tonight is more about diplomacy and new friendship than scientific debate Seven. Being in a “social setting”, as you say, will help trust develop and that’s what’s needed here. An alliance is more than just sharing information, it’s about sharing a part of ourselves.” She gave Seven an encouraging look, “I know this is the first time you’ve been asked to play a truly diplomatic role, but it’ll be good for you and I’m sure you’ll do well.”

“Thank you Captain.” Seven replied, keeping her voice to a modest murmur as she averted her gaze, trying to ignore the pressure she could feel building up around her. Of course, she was pleased that the Captain trusted her with such an important mission, but she couldn’t help but feel unequal to it. She could discuss warp mechanics with ease, had planned out all of interesting aspects she was going to introduce to the conference, but diplomacy? Since part of her, her Borg identity, still couldn’t fathom the purpose of it, how was she supposed to properly represent Voyager?