7 of 9 tilted her head slightly aboard Voyager, her optical implant brightening as she considered.
They saw a helpless baby in need. Sure, they had the trauma of losing a baby, but they've always treated me like their son.
If my powers didn't emerge, I doubt they would have mentioned I was 'adopted'. They had power and saved me. The person I am today is because of them.
I should pay it forward. It's the best expression of gratitude I can think of.>
7 of 9 felt her chest tighten as she thought of her cold life as a drone and the warmth she felt when Janeway saved her. She still feels that warmth; Janeway feels like her memories of her mother, warm and caring.
7 of 9 got emotional; she wasn't trying to be emotional; she just was. Her feelings were stirred up by this Superman, Jax.
Collecting herself, she got her emotions under control.
Acceptance of Superman's argument was written over 7's face. Without acknowledging he won the point, she returned to the idea of studying him.
Smiling at the sudden change of topic, Jax encouraged 7 to speak.
7 of 9 hesitated. Her Borg efficiency told her this was an unnecessary expenditure. Yet the dormant thrill of discovery—something she hadn't felt since her earliest days aboard Voyager—stirred in her chest. Plus, she was human, she had emotions and listening to this man let her feel and express those emotions.
7 of 9 read the words twice. They reminded her of something Captain Janeway might have said—responsibility through knowledge.
[MISSION TITLE: "Exploratory Biological Assessment – Subject Jax Zod"]
[OBJECTIVE: Participate in an exploratory biological procedure to determine the exact nature of Subject Jax Zod's alien physiology, including cellular composition, genetic structure, and potential biological functions. Secondary objective: Determine compatibility and variance between Subject Jax Zod and standard humanoid biology.]
A moment passed before the chat system displayed a new notification on both their screens:
[Mission Created: "Exploratory Biological Assessment – Subject Jax Zod." Status: Pending Retrieval. Mission Initialization Conditional to Permissions and Other Details]
The chat pane dimmed, leaving the mission log glowing between them—an agreement sealed across universes, between curiosity, gratitude, and courage.
7 of 9 lingered for a moment at her station, the hum of Voyager's systems filling the compartment around her. The private conversation with Jax Zod, the being the chat system had dubbed Superman, had concluded, yet her mind remained tethered to it. There was something about him that stirred the long-dormant human side.
She rose smoothly, her movements precise, almost gliding as she left Astrometrics. The soft metallic echoes of her steps traveled through the corridor, but her thoughts were elsewhere, calculating probabilities, anticipating Janeway's reaction, and outlining the minimal parameters she would have to provide.
At the door of Captain Janeway's ready room, she paused briefly before entering.
"Seven," Janeway greeted without looking up from a PADD she was reviewing. "Everything all right?" Her voice carried its usual warmth and curiosity, tinged with the authority that came from commanding the ship.
"Captain," Seven began, her tone formal yet measured, "I request a private consultation regarding a matter of biological and exploratory significance."
Janeway set aside the PADD and leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing in interest. "Biological significance, you say? You don't often come to me for matters of biology." She paused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "All right. Proceed."
Seven activated her internal recording protocols and began, "I am investigating an alien life-form currently designated in our systems as Jax Zod, titled Superman."
Janeway raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle. "Superman, huh? Audacious. I like it already. And you say he's…?"
"An extraterrestrial," Seven replied. "He was sent to Earth as a baby by his parents. Beyond this, the origin of his species is unknown. Regarding his method of travel to this quadrant, I cannot disclose."
Janeway's expression shifted from amusement to fascination. "Sent to Earth as a child? That's… remarkable. Starfleet didn't detect his arrival?
"Apparently not."
"And you're proposing we meet him?"
"Yes, Captain. My objective is to analyze his physiology and determine his capabilities, potential, and limitations. His abilities exceed human parameters. He mentioned having the strength to leap one-eighth of a mile. His abilities recently awakened, and he is still learning how to use them. His lack of control can be destructive.
He is determined to use his abilities responsibly, in service of others, rather than for personal gain. It is also his wish to find his parents to determine their motivation for sending him away."
Janeway leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued. "You're saying he's strong… and conscientious. That combination is rare, even among Starfleet officers. I have to admit, Seven, I'm impressed already. I like that he chooses to act with responsibility. It aligns with our mission here."
Seven inclined her head slightly. "Indeed, Captain. I have observed that his moral reasoning is consistent with Starfleet principles. He demonstrates a fundamental drive to protect life, not exploit his own strength. I find this quality noteworthy and worthy of study."
Janeway's lips curved into a smile. "Superman, you said?" She shook her head slightly, the audacity of the name making her laugh softly. "I have to wonder what he thinks of being called that. And yet… I can see the appeal. It fits."
"He did not choose the designation himself, Captain," Seven clarified. "Others assigned it to him."
Janeway's eyes glittered with curiosity, her tone lighter now but still commanding. "I like his spirit. I want to meet him, but this doesn't change my duty to maintain security and proper procedures aboard the ship. How do you propose we handle that?"
Seven's reply was precise. "The encounter will be conducted in the medical bay. I recommend that Tuvok oversee the interaction, with three security personnel present throughout the examination. The mission parameters will be strictly observational and exploratory. Mr. Zod will cooperate fully under these conditions. I'll need the Doctor's help, of course."
Janeway considered for a moment, tapping a finger against her chin. "Tuvok's presence is appropriate. Security too. And the medical bay provides the best environment for controlled testing. You can expect a very grumpy response from the Doctor —I hope you are ready for that.
Very well, Seven. You have my conditional authorization. Proceed, but adhere strictly to these safeguards. I want full reports, without my review. Access to this information is limited."
"Understood, Captain," Seven replied. She paused, adding a small, almost imperceptible emphasis. "He is… admirable, Captain. His desire to use strength in the service of others aligns with the principles you have instilled aboard Voyager. His gratitude towards his foster parents mirrors my own gratitude toward you."
Janeway's gaze softened, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "That's high praise coming from you, Seven. I'm glad you see that. And I appreciate your judgment. Let's make sure we give him a proper introduction to our protocols, and then we'll see just how extraordinary he is."
Seven inclined her head and turned, moving efficiently back toward her station. The path ahead was clear: the mission was approved, the parameters established, and Superman Jax Zod's arrival in the Delta Quadrant was imminent.
Janeway watched her go, shaking her head with a faint, amused smile. "Superman, huh… Well, this is going to be interesting."
Seven moved through the corridor with the efficiency of purpose, yet a small anomaly disturbed the precision of her thoughts.
The approval had been granted, the parameters clearly defined, and yet a faint curiosity lingered, one she could not fully quantify. Superman Jax Zod, an alien, strong, morally resolute, was more than a specimen.
There was a drive in him that was unfamiliar, compelling, and in some inexplicable way, aligned with her own latent desire to understand life beyond catalogues and algorithms. She registered the anomaly, noting it for future analysis.
For now, her priority was clear: prepare the medical bay, ensure security protocols, and await his arrival. Yet even as she returned to her station, a single thought persisted, unbidden and irregular in her usually precise mind: the man… or being… was remarkable.