<snip>

For her own safety? What were they afraid of? What could Belle do to her?

Confused, Molly stumbled backwards as the Ensigns intervened. So was that what they were? Body guards?

Sadness and confusion mixed in her gaze as she turned to face Belle again. Her expression making her feelings painfully clear – her heart hadn’t been broken. It had been crushed.

“Really, guys?” Belle asked the intruding security NEs. There was a slight tone of annoyance that made her sound more like her old self than she had so far.

“What happened?” She finally asked the new Intelligence Chief. “Why do I need to stand back? Is there something I should be afraid of?” The questions were not uttered softly, as if she was sorry for the woman, even though she was. But rather, the disbelief she felt and the authority her position held on board the Dresden seeped through her tone and into her words.

Holloway, CO

Lt. Harper looked at the captain. “I can’t talk a lot about what happened as it is classified. Suffice to say, someone had the foresight enough to place my body in a cryogenic freezer before they evacuated the Montgomery. When she was found they found me inside. I was reanimated. That’s about all I am allowed to say.” If Molly was paying attention she might notice the smallest hint of longing in Belle’s voice, a want to tell her everything. It was subtle but it was there.

To hear Belle speak as naturally as she remembered it, almost made Molly forget that Harper had changed. She nodded in understanding.

“As for these two idiots,” she said, nodding to the NEs still separating the captain from herself, “don’t mind them. They’re just afraid I’m going to assimilate you.”

-Lt. Harper, CIO

“Assimilate me!?” The surprise in Holloway’s voice was evident. “Wait… were you–?” Molly’s voice trailed off. She wanted to ask if it had been the Borg that had found and reanimated her, but she quickly remembered that Belle had mentioned the information being classified. The fact was that, although Holloway could see the similarities between Belle and a Borg drone, there were also a few things that were off – the lack of external implants, the fact that she seemed to think on her own without being connected to a hive mind… why were the two Ensigns reacting in such a fashion? Molly shook it as likely being due to inexperience. They had a lot to learn still.

Molly turned to the two Security Ensigns. “Ensigns… Laurel and John… right?” She asked as confirmation. Holloway had just seen her names on the list of new personnel, but she didn’t think that they had come on board to follow Belle around. “While I do appreciate the concern, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. So… if you don’t mind I would like to speak with Lieutenant Harper alone for a moment. You are dismissed.” There was a polite smile on her lips, but one that those familiar with Molly would take as a warning. “That’s an order.” Her tone was respectful, but forceful.

NE Hardy had opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by the ferocity of the captain’s expression. “Aye Ma’am,” he merely said, “but we will remain nearby.”

“Very nearby,” NE John asserted.

The pair marched far to the other end of the corridor and around a corner.

Much like Cal, Holloway’s Intel training had taught her how to deal with the Borg, and much like the Marine as well, she carried the modern take of an old projectile Earth pistol concealed with her. She was never going to use it on Harper. But then again, Harper was not going to assimilate her. That was a preposterous thought. In any case, she was confident that she could handle anything that came her way in that regard.

Motioning for Belle to follow her a few steps away from the center of the corridor, she spoke in a lower tone. “A lot of things have changed since you and the Monty–” Her voice trailed off once again. She shook her head, dismissing her thoughts. “I am not sure you are aware, but you are, in fact, coming in to take my old position. The vacancy I left before being made CO. I am sure that whatever happened, I have high enough clearance to hear it.” The worry in her tone was evident. “We can move this to my office, if you want. Or to the lounge if you’re hungry.” It didn’t cross Molly’s head that the ‘new’ Harper might not need to eat. “I’m sorry… or maybe I should just let you rest… I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to catch up…” She gave the Intel Officer an apologetic smile, but in reality she was eager to know what had happened to one of the closest friends she’d ever had.

Holloway, CO

For the first time, Harper’s shoulders relaxed and her expression softened. She was exhausted. “Captain, I know you want to know everything, and part of me, the part that used to know you, wants to tell you everything. But this doesn’t come from Starfleet intelligence. That’s only a cover.” She opened her hand and revealed a black badge.” She wasn’t sure if Molly knew of Section 31, not many people did. And she was risking a lot even showing her the badge.

“Listen, Ma’am,” she placed a hand on the bulk-head to steady herself. “I need to regenerate. I also have boarding evaluations. Maybe we can meet after. Let’s say 2200 hours? My quarters?”

-Lt. Harper, CIO