[Bridge] (Voyager arrives at the Brunali homeworld.)
I'm detecting scattered enclaves on the northern continent, all with populations of fewer than
ten thousand. Judging from the residual gamma radiation,
it appears they've suffered numerous Borg attacks over the past decade.
That's not surprising. There's a Borg transwarp conduit less than a light year away.
Not exactly prime real estate. Tuvok, run continuous scans for Borg activity.
Tom, put us into synchronous orbit. Yes, ma'am.
Seven. You'd better get Icheb. [Sickbay]
According to these scans, you're in perfect health.
Then why does my stomach feel so strange? (The EMH scans it.)
Oh, I should have known. You've got butterflies in there.
I never assimilated butterflies. It's an expression used to describe anxiety
or apprehension, both of which are perfectly natural reactions for someone about to meet
his long lost parents. If it's any comfort, I'm sure they're just as nervous about meeting
you. Parents are irrelevant.
Really. Do you think Naomi's mother is irrelevant to her?
I have Seven of Nine to assist me in my education. I have you to care for my medical needs.
Your parents can nurture you in ways this crew can't. They can explain the Brunali culture,
share their experiences with you. You didn't have parents.
No, but You adapted to serve a vital function about
this vessel, forged relationships with its crew, all without the benefit of parents.
I had my programming to fall back on. And how would your programming respond if
you were asked to live with strangers? (Seven enters.)
Are you damaged? He's fine. I was just giving him a last minute
check-up. It's time.
The butterflies will go away. [Brunali settlement]
(Music) (Tuvok, Janeway, Seven and Icheb beam down.)
Hello. I'm Captain Janeway. (Icheb's mother speaks first.)
Icheb. You've grown.
He spent several months in a Borg maturation chamber.
This is Seven of Nine. That's a Borg designation, isn't it?
Like your son, I was liberated from the Collective. Seven has been instrumental in helping Icheb
make his transition. Then we're very grateful to you. I'm Leucon,
Icheb's father. This is his mother, Yifay. How are you?
Fine. Do these hurt you?
(The remains of his cortical implant by the bridge of his nose.)
No. We're very happy to have you back with us.
Mala, Remi, Yivel. Welcome home, Icheb.
I would like to return to Voyager now.