Editing Assimilation (section)

== Technique ==

Little is known about the Borg assimilation technique prior to 2368. Observations since that time demonstrated that the Borg assimilated an individual by projecting a pair of [[Assimilation Tubule]]s into the victim's neck, injecting [[Nanoprobe]]s into the bloodstream that began connecting the new drone to the [[Hive Mind]]. This was accomplished the moment a Borg drone was within arm's reach of the target. 

:'''The flashbacks in "Survival Instinct" represent the earliest chronological appearance of assimilation tubules, notwithstanding the temporally-displaced Borg in Star Trek First Contact and Regeneration. They were not seen on screen and it is believed that the Borg did not develop this technology (or assimilate it from someone else) until after 2366. The Borg seen in the TNG episodes "I Borg" and "Descent" show little interest in assimilation, so there is no way to know if they were equipped with tubules.'''

During initial stages of assimilation, Borg nanoprobes began attaching themselves to the victim's red blood cells, allowing them to circulate throughout the body. Within minutes, the nanoprobes spread visibly through the capillaries of the victim's skin. The victim, at this point, still retained his or her individuality and had virtually none of the Borg's standard array of defenses. Left unchecked, the nanoprobes soon begin self-replicating and producing larger constructs that form the necessary Borg implants. Among the first major structures assembled was the [[Neural Transceiver]], allowing the Collective to tap into the victim's mind and usurp control of his body. By this time, the new drone's skin coloration had changed to a pale gray and some small implants began to emerge inside and outside the body. 

The drone was then taken to a Borg facility to have larger implants installed including tools, armor, and mechanical limbs. The assimilation process is extremely painful both emotionally and physically for the victim.