The One Left Behind by C.F. Fagan CFBFagan@prodigy.net Takes place right after Unimatrix Zero. Tom's thoughts as Voyager warps away from the Borg Cube. PG-13 Disclaimer: Paramount owns everything but I can play with it if I play nice. I concentrated solely on the helm, escaping from the massive cube before us. Dimly, I heard the Doctor say something about the transfer being complete, that they had been assimilated. That she had been assimilated. Not even Harry's reporting that the Delta Flyer had been destroyed caused the sharp pain that twisted my heart. The Flyer could be rebuilt. No, the pain I felt came from the knowledge that I was leaving her behind. Even knowing that was part of the plan that we all agreed on didn't make it any easier. I was leaving her behind to face the danger alone. I didn't like the plan to begin with. B'Elanna's volunteering to accompany Tuvok and the Captain made me like it even less. I wasn't serious when I told B'Elanna I was considering sabotaging the Flyer just to keep her here. I know she took it as a joke, as it was intended, but a part of me wasn't joking. One of the things I love about her is her independence. She has made it clear to me, on many occasions, that she can take care of herself. I know this; I respect it. It still doesn't stop me from wanting to keep her safe. What must she be going through? B'Elanna is a very private person, much like me. To have all her memories and thoughts forcibly ripped from her and shared with strangers has got to be one of the worst possible moments for her. It took a long time before she shared them with me, and for me to share mine with her. Funny how life throws things at you, two people desperate to protect their innermost thoughts and fears finding each other and sharing those same thoughts and fears with one another. I glance down and make some minor corrections, trying to focus on our course heading. I wanted, desperately, to go back and just rip her from that cube. Not that it would gain me any points with B'Elanna. She would just rip me a new one if I tried to interfere with her mission. But, I just can't help feeling that this mission is a mistake, that I will never see my B'Elanna again. I never told her I loved her. Can you believe that? All this time, together for three years, and I can't say the words before she left on this mission. Granted, Tuvok and the Captain were present, but, still, I couldn't bring myself to say them. I love you, B'Elanna! Not that she can hear my thoughts. Although, after that incident with Alice, I'm not quite sure. There have been times since then when I could swear that she was able to read my mind. And, now that I think about it, there have been times when I knew exactly what she's been thinking. Tom! It hurts! I sat up straighter in my seat. I felt, no heard, that. I heard her voice in my head. I guess we can read each other's minds after all. God, she sounds like she's in so much pain. My fingers itched to change course, to go back and get them off that cube. To hell with the mission and my restored rank, my mate was in pain. The Klingons say that when two people are destined to be mated, their hearts beat as one, and nothing can stand in their way. At least, that was what I remember reading. All I know is, my heart is filled with so much pain at the prospect of losing B'Elanna. I want, no need, to go to her. But, here I sit, waiting. I hate waiting. Waiting to hear from the Captain, waiting to get the signal to retrieve the away team. Waiting to find out if I wind up alone again. I will come back for you, B'Elanna. I promise! Captain Proton to the rescue? She was sounding faint. The Borg nanoprobes must be working their way through her. Soon, I won't be able to hear her at all. I returned my focus back to the helm. I don't want to think about what might happen if we don't get them back. If I don't get her back. We will get her back, won't we? Feedback: CFBFagan@prodigy.net