Assimilation², Issue 2

Assimilation², Issue 2 is the untitled second issue of IDW Publishing's 2012 Star Trek: The Next Generation—Doctor Who crossover comic series, Assimilation². The issue consists of the second part of the miniseries, with story by Scott Tipton, David Tipton and Tony Lee. Issue art is by J.K. Woodward.

Publisher's description

Captain Picard has requested that some members of the crew test a recent upgrade to the holodeck, a program that simulates life in 1941 San Francisco. There, they run into three mysterious strangers, one claiming to be a "Doctor", and they take them to the Captain. At that moment, a transmission comes in informing the team of the Borg/Cyberman attack, casting suspicion on the Doctor, who knows a little too much about the new enemy...

Summary

Data and Geordi have done a routine scan of Data's positronic brain. Data is at peak efficiency and they even have a philosophical conversation about the needs of upgrading each other in some form. However then Commander Riker and Captain Picard talk to one another about a mining operation on Naia VII. It is a water world inhabited by creatures called the Dai-ai. Commander Riker, Lt. Commander Data, and Lt. Worf beam to the planet. Starfleet needs new minerals and this planet Naia VII is a treasure trove of rare elements.

Unfortunately there is an accident which costs twenty-two injuries and eight deaths. Captain Picard speaks with Geordi to tell him that they have to operate in these strenuous environments because of the Borg. After the Battle of Wolf 359, the Federation must build up its defenses. However with the task completed, Captain Picard tells Commander Riker about a new Dixon Hill adventure in the Holodeck.

Data and Doctor Crusher join Commander Riker and a simulation of 1941 San Francisco is created. The trio head to a restaurant, but not before hearing the TARDIS' famous wheezing noise. The trio then encounter the Doctor and his companions who the crew believe to be faulty computer simulations. It is proven that the Doctor and the Ponds are not because the program ends and they along with the TARDIS still exist.

Soon Mr. Worf escorts their new mysterious guests to the captain who meets them in person. The Doctor introduces himself and he along with Picard shake hands. Commander Riker thinks that the Doctor might have some nefarious purpose in mind, but Counselor Troi confirms that the Doctor will not. They are all alerted by the attack on Delta IV, however, and so then the captain along with his crew, the Doctor, and his companions go to the bridge.

The captain and the Doctor look on in horror as Delta IV's atmosphere is loaded with ships belonging to the Borg and the other cyborg race called the Cybermen.