Picard loooked at Carol. “You’re here to help?”

She nodded her head “Yes sir.” Carol looked to the man laying on the deck “Good thing you didn’t kill him.” She pointed out the window to the flight shuttle. “You can beam him to my ship. When he wakes up he’ll count his blessings he’s still alive and set a course back to Earth.”

“Your shuttle?” Riker teased, “Don’t you mean the shuttle you stole from Starfleet?”

Carol shook her head. “More like borrowed. An instructor owed me a favor.” She shrugged “So I took it. We don’t have much time Captain, Starfleet will be looking for you.”

“How did you find us?” Data asked, “We were under cloak.”

Carol smiled, “It’s easy if you know what to look for.”

Picard hesitated, something he was not accustomed to doing. “You realize your career in Starfleet will be finished by helping us.”

Carol nodded. “Yeah, I get all that.” She paused, “Fine, I’ll transport him over myself.” She walked over to the unconscious Security Officer, took his phaser and dragged him onto the transporter pad. “Energizing.” Carol said as she activated the sequence. She looked to Picard, “Don’t you see, I’m one of you.”

Picard sat back down in his chair. Clearly she was going to help them whether he invited her to or not. “Very well.” He said, “Continue to Earth…” He still wanted to get in Starfleets’ face.

Carol held up a hand. “Sir, you can’t. Starfleet will be expecting you.”

“She’s right captain.” Riker said, “We need someplace to figure out what to do next. What about the badlands?”

“We are not ready to fight the Maquis.” Worf objected, “At least not yet.”

Riker shook his head, “That’s not what I mean. The U.S.S. Cocoa is still out there sir.”

Data turned in his chair, “None of us knows the Badlands to acuretly find that ship, not to mention the plasma storms.”

Riker stood firm. “I’ve had time to study sensor logs, I’m sure I can get us through the storms.”

Picard stood from his chair and gestured to it. “Take us there, Number One.”

Riker sat down at the front right duty station. “Aye sir, engaging warp drive.”

The Runabout headed on its way towards the Demilitarized Zone near the Cardassian/Federation border.

On a well hidden moon in the Badlands several ex-federation officers were holding a meeting.

“I say we go back and take their weapons systems off-line then we can have time to get the supplies we need.” A woman said.

“No Ro, it’s too dangerous. We’d be killed on a suicide mission like that.” Rukal said, “Besides, some Federation ship has been making raids on that Station for two months now, we can’t get caught.”

Ro Laren protested “I know the risks, but we are in a desperate need of medical supplies.” She rested her hands on her hips ready to argue the point.

Rukal nodded, “I understand, but there’s still too much risk involved.”

“Risk!” Ro spat, “That’s all you ever speak of these days. What about when you destroyed the Enterprise. Huh? Where was your concern for risk then? Or when we attacked the Cocoa, who still managed to get away.”

Rukal walked over to Ro and back handed her across the face causing her to fall to the ground. “You know that was only a demonstration of our strength, the Enterprise was only one vessel. If we attack that outpost, it won’t be long before we’re up to or necks in Cardassian Galor-Class vessels.” He paused allowing his anger to subside.

Ro, holding her hand to her face stood and laughed. “If Tom were still here…”

Rukal cut her off “He’s not here! Tom gave himself up to the Cardies after a failed mission because of a false report!”

Ro remaind firm and completed her sentence, “If Tom were still here, he’d give them a run for their money.”

A man approached them, “Rukal.”

Rukal faced him “Yes, what is it?”

“Sensors show a Runabout has entered the Badlands.” He said.

Rukal nodded “What’s Sisko up to now?”

The man shook his head “I don’t think it’s Sisko. None of our people on Deep Space Nine report any runabouts leaving the station. Its configuration is that of the vessel that took survivors from the Enterprise after it was destroyed.”

Rukal nodded and looked to Ro, “Looks like we’ve got another problem on our hands.”

Captain’s Log Stardate 53264.9:
We have made it to the Badlands on request of my first officer to complete our mission, searching for the Cocoa. We cannot go directly to Starfleet, they would have us in the brig the moment we try to communicate. Unfortunately we had to power down the cloaking device because of interference from discharges in the plasma stroms. My chief engineer is working to correct the problem. End Log.

Geordi LaForge was in a crawl space underneath the cockpit of the runabout. With a tricorder in one hand and an engineering tool in the other, he was attempting to complete his required task.

“Geordi?” A voice said from behind.

LaForge didn’t look up from his work, “Yes Data.”

The Second Officer crawled his way towards the engineer. “I am curious.” He paused while accessing the appropriate subroutines for the proper facial expressions. “Captain Picard does not like his daughter, yet he allows her to help in our mission.”

Beep Beep

“Come” Picard said reacting to the door chime.

Commander Troi walked into the room with a PADD in her hand. “What’s the meaning of this?” She asked.

Picard looked to his ship’s counselor with a puzzled expression. “The meaning of what?”

“I’ve been assigned to the Starship Milienche.” Troi tossed the PADD into Picard’s lap for him to review. “First Tom, now me. Who’s next?”

* * *

Commander Thomas Riker stepped from the Transporter Pad and trained a phaser on his target. A Cardassian man stood before him shocked as ever. Not expecting the commander, he ran to hide behind a console and call for security. Riker fired his weapon and watched as the man incinerated before his eyes. he call to security didn’t happen.

“Intruder alert.” A male cardassian computer voice called out.

Riker tapped his communicator, “I’m in, but don’t have much time.” He walked over to the transporter console and checked the readout. He was about to have company. He pressed a few buttons and stood on the transporter pad again. “Transport me to section 49 Delta.” Riker said.

“Understood.” A female voice said through the open commlink.

As the transporter activated, several Cardassian guards burst through the doors from the main corridor, but were too late. Riker was gone.

On another section of the ship, Riker re-materialized. Allowing a second for his eyes to focus in the darkness, Riker pulled out a tricorder and made several scans. He started to walk around the room. From it looks of it, he was standing in a cargo hold.

“Tessa to Riker.”

Riker tapped his communications badge, “Riker here.”

“Have you found it?”

“No, not yet” was the reply. As Riker continued to walk around his tricorder made a faster beeping noise. “Standby, I think I have something.” He followed the directions of the Tricorder indicating a lifeform. After another second or two he came to a large container used to ship Kanar, a drink favored by the Cardassians. He scanned the container and smiled. “I have it.” Riker sat on the container, “Transport me and the object I’m sitting on, to the hold. Riker out.”

He and the cargo container vanished with the transporter beam.

Picard walked through the corridor at Starfleet Headquarters towards the admiral’s office. As he approached, two security officers stepped in front of him blocking his path.

“You are not authorized to be here.” One of the officers said, “I suggest you go back where you came from.”

Picard smiled, “That’s all I wanted to know, thank you lieutenant.” He turned and started walking the other way.

The officer exchanged a confused look with the other officer and they both fell to the deck unconscious.

Picard lowered his phaser and entered the office. “Admiral, I want an explanation.”

Admiral Paris looked up from a computer terminal and switching it off said: “Captain, you need to work on that temper of yours.”

Picard held out the data PADD Troi had given him to Paris, “Why?”

Paris scanned the PADD and nodded “Because I was ordered to.” He handed the PADD back to Picard, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

Picard set the PADD back down on the desk, “Admiral, you have promised my crew a vessel and yet you separate us. I’m going to need a better answer than you were ordered to.”

“Alright captain,” Paris said, “But you won’t like it.”

Picard stood firm, “I’m listening.”

Paris pointed to a chair, “Have a seat.”

Picard didn’t budge.

“Very well.” Paris sighed, “There are several officers within Starfleet that think you and your crew are a bit unorthodox when it comes to Starfleet policy. We believe that you and your crew could benefit from working with officers aboard other vessels to understand how to behave like Starfleet Officers.”

Picard nodded, the admiral had been correct. He didn’t like that answer. “And what if my officers refuse the transfer?”

“Then they will be dismissed from their duties, stripped of rank, and will live out the rest of their lives as civilians.” Paris paused, “But we know that won’t happen, your Commander Riker has already set the standard and others will follow.”

“Is that so?” Picard said more to himself than the admiral, “You’re up to something besides loyalty admiral.” He used the officers rank loosely. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.” He turned and exited the office.

Paris sighed, “Dismissed.”

* * *

Riker re-materialized aboard a Federation Starship. “I believe this belongs to you?”

Two officers approached the container Riker was sitting on. As he walked away, they started making scans. “This is it.” One of them said. “Transfer it to Sickbay.”

Riker shook his head, “No I don’t think so, not yet. Where I come from, we get paid for our services.” Riker held out a hand palm up and held a phaser in the other. “You’re not taking that container anywhere, not without my conscent.”

The officer closed his tricorder and looked to Riker with disbelief. “Commander, this is a Federation vessel, not a pirate ship.” He said, “There is no reward.”

Riker pressed a few buttons on his phaser, “This is set to stun, for now. I suggest you get my payment.”

The commander shook his head, “That phaser won’t work. I had it deactivated when you beamed aboard.” He took the phaser from Riker.

Riker dropped his hands, “Very well.” He said, “But that cargo is my property.”

The commander shook his head again, “What don’t you understand?” He asked, “You are not part of this crew for profit, you follow our mission orders without pay or reward, is that understood?”

Riker slowly nodded his head, “Yes.” He didn’t mean it, he only wanted the commander to shutup. He walked over to the transporter console and accessed a few buttons. The container dematerialized from the transporter pad. “It’s in Sickbay.”

The commander smiled, “Very good, Mr. Riker.” He exited the room.

Tessa approached Riker, “Don’t worry about him, he’s just…”

Riker nodded, “Yeah I know.” He looked to the transport platform where the cargo container had been. Thinking of the Cardassian vessel, Riker remembered something he had read across while accessing his personnel file. It was something about his counterpart being held in a cardassian prison for… something. Riker exited the transporter room and headed for his quarters.

As he entered his quarters, Riker locked the door. “Lights.” As the room lit up, he walked over to a computer terminal and sat down. “Computer, display Personnel file. Riker, William T.”

The computer beeped, “There are currently three files on record.”

Riker scrolled through the file titles, one was his own. Another file was an officer that had been disposed when the Q entity placed him and the Enterprise in the universe. The third file was the one he wanted. It was sealed at the moment. Riker opened a desk drawer, pulled out a device and held it up to the computer console. “Access File ID 4701 Beta.”

The computer beeped again, “Enter authorization code.”

Riker activated the device in his hand sending the needed authorization codes to the computer. As the file was released, it started scrolling down the screen. “Pause.” Riker ordered. He read the information before him. Like in his universe, Tommas Riker was apprehended by the Cardassian Government and placed in prison. He had been on a mission with the Maquis to get secrets from the Cardassian Government. Except in this univese, the Obsidian Order were’t hiding anyting from Central Command. “His mission was in vain.” Riker said as he continued to read through the information. Riker stood from his chair and exited his quarters.

Riker entered sickbay. Three security officers were surounding the cargo container. When they noticed the commander they each rested their hands on their phasers. Riker walked by them shaking his head, he didn’t care about the container anymore.

“Mr. Riker?” A voice said from behind. Riker turned to see his commanding officer standing before him. “Is something wrong?”

Riker shook his head, “No sir. I was just curious about what you have found.”

The man walked over to the container. “It’s not the right one.” He said, “We locked onto the wrong container.”

Riker smiled, “You locked onto the wrong container?”

The captain nodded, “We had information that the container we beamed aboard had cargo that was smuggled away from the Federation Starship Ghandi. The readings were right, the Cardassians must have faked the readings.”

Riker looked to the container, “Then what did we beam over?”

“Food supplies.”

Riker laughed, “I wasted my time to get food supplies?” He said not believing his ears. “I suppose you want me to go back.”

The captain nodded. “Yes.”

“You want me to go through that long range transporter and risk my life again?”

“Yes.”

Riker walked to the doors, “Give me some time to think about it.” He exited Sickbay.

* * *

“He’s up to something.” Picard said to Crusher, “We just need to figure out what.”

Crusher took a sip of her tea. “What do you have in mind.” They were enjoing a light lunch.

“Considering what happened the last time we took matters into our hands, I’m not sure.” Picard replied, “But we need to do something.”

Beep Beep

“Come.”

Data and LaForge entered. “Captain” Data said, “We have received an encoded message from Commander Riker.”

Picard and Crusher exchanged glances. “Go ahead Mister Data.” Picard said.

“Commander Riker has been away from Earth for over two months now. During that time, he has been sent on more than a dozen missions that have put him in danger.” Data said.

“We have reason to believe that Starfleet wants to eliminate us one by one.” Geordi chimed in. “They’ve been running test experiments on a long range transporting device.”

Picard nodded, “We need to get him out of there.”

Crusher nodded, “Agreed, but how?”

Beep Beep

Picard looked to his door. “Come.”

Worf stepped into the room. “Captain, I have acquired our Runabout from security.”

Picard smiled, “Your idea?”

Worf shifted his weight, “On a hunch sir.” He said, “She’s ready to go on your command.”

Picard nodded, “Where’s Troi?”

Crusher set a napkin down on the table. “She’s reported aboard her new assignment by now.”

Data lifted a finger, “The Milienche is still in orbit. We still have time to catch up with her, sir.”

Picard stood from the table, “Make it so.” They exited his quarters.

A few minutes later, they were aboard a Federation Runabout. Picard and Data took the forward duty stations, and the others took the remaining stations. “Ready for launch.” Data said.

Picard accessed a few controls, “Lay in a course for the Milienche, engage.”

The Runabout headed away from San Francisco into orbit of Earth.

“Scanning for Betazoid lifesigns.” Geordi said.

After a few minutes passed, the computer beeped. “Found her… wait a minute, looks like she’s surrounded by security.”

“This might not be as easy as we thought.” Crusher admitted.

Worf shook his head, “Nonsense Doctor. It just means more fun for us.” He growled preparing for battle.

Picard nodded in agreement, “Once we beam her off that ship they’ll be able to track where the beam originated.” He paused, “Suggestions.”

Worf spoke up, “I will take care of it.” He activated a device on his arm.

Picard turned to face his officer but was too late, Worf was already on the transporter pad and left the ship.

Worf re-materialized on a deck of the Milienche. He looked around the corner, two security officers were standing guard outside her quarters. He didn’t have much time before his device scrambling the ship’s sensors would go off-line and alert more security. Worf pulled out his phaser, took aim and took out one of the guards. As the other guard tapped his commbadge, Worf increased the dampening field on his armband; and listened as the guard’s call to security didn’t happen.

“Security, intruder alert!”

Worf ran around the corner and took the guard in a headlock. “One move and you die.” He said. The main was in complete shock. Worf inched towards the door and opened it. “Deanna!” He said.

Troi came out of the room and looked to the officer on the deck, and then to the one in Worf’s clutches. “What on earth?”

Worf held on as the man continued to struggle, trying to get away. “Let’s go.” He tapped his commbadge, “Worf to Data, three to beam back.”

Worf, Troi, and the security guard appeared on the transporter pad. The man was still trying to get out of Worf’s hold.

Picard nodded to Data, “Set a course for Riker’s vessel, engage Warp Engines, maximum.”

The vessel went into warp.

Crusher walked over to a storage unit and took out a medkit. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to be sedated.” She gave the security guard a shot and watched as he went unconscious.

“Captain, we are being hailed, it’s a general channel.” Geordi said.

“Put it through the speakers.” Picard said.

A static filled comm channel filled the cabin of the Runabout. “This is Commander Eddington of Starfleet Security. Picard, return to Earth Orbit. Return Commander Troi and the security guard.”

Picard deactivated the comm channel, “Never.” He scanned the panel in front of him, “We’re at least three hours away from the coordinates.”

“Think we’ll make it?” Crusher asked.

Worf stood tall, “We have no other option.”

“Three hours…” Troi said contemplating what could happen to Riker in that time period.

“Captain, Commander Riker has proposed a plan…” Data said.

Two Hours Later

Riker stood at the transporter console making sure everything was set up and ready to go. He still didn’t like the idea of being transported over a few lightyears, even though he had been through the process a few dozen times. It was an untested principle and he was the test subject.

“You ready?” The commander that had helped Riker earlier asked.

Riker looked to him, “Where’s Tessa?”

“Commander Lauren was called away to the Engine room to assist the Chief Engineer.” He said, “I’ll be performing the transport.”

“You?” Riker asked. He didn’t trust the man.

“Yes, if you’ll please step onto the pad.”

Riker walked over to the transport platform and stood on one of the pads. He crosses his fingers, as his superior activated the sequence Riker activated a small device and prayed that his friends got his message. He disappeared from the platform.

Riker made his last trip through the long range transporter on to the Runabout. He looked around and smiled. “Glad you got my message.”

Data nodded, “Indeed.”

Riker looked down to the deck, next to him was the body of the security officer. “Is he…”

“Dead?” Crusher finished his sentence, “No.”

“We need to get rid of him.” Riker said. “Ready the transporter, let’s give them a taste of their own medicine.”

Picard turned to his first officer, “That’s not ethical commander.” He said, “I know you want revenge, you’re not the only one. But now is not the time.”

Riker hesitated, “You don’t know that they’ve put me thorugh the past two months.”

Picard stood from his chair and placed a hand on Tom’s shoulder, “Don’t worry Tom, we’ll get them.”

“We need a ship first.” Riker said, “And this isn’t going to cut it.”

Worf nodded, “We need the Enterprise, then our mission can continue.”

“Commander Data, set course for Earth orbit. It’s time we go to the bottom of things.” Picard ordered.

“Aye sir.” Data said.

One Hour Later

Troi watched out the Runabout’s windows as the stars streaked by. She wondered what Starfleet would do to them once they arrived at Earth orbit. Would they shoot on site? No, this Starfleet wasn’t like that. They would probably stand trial. Troi started to count out the various charges. Kidnapping three officers, disabling operations on a starship, attacking an officer while on duty… the list continued.

The alert klaxon came on. Picard sat up in his chair, “Report.”

“A shuttle is in our direct flight path” Crusher said, “It looks like an Academy Flight Shuttle.

“What would they be doing this far out?” Troi asked.

Riker monitored the ship’s sytems, “Our cloak is still active. They haven’t detected us.”

“Changing course.” Data said. “Captain, the shuttle has also changed course, they are on an intercept course.”

“All stop.” Picard said.

“Aye sir.” Data said, “Answering all stop.”

Outside, the flight shuttle came along side the Runabout and parked exactly one meter away.

“We are being boarded.” Data said.

Worf took out a phaser and directed it towards the person beaming in.

A few seconds later, Carol Picard stood before them. She looked towards Worf’s direction and froze. “Should have called first huh?”

Worf lowered his phaser. “What are you doing here?”

Carol walked towards Picard, “Sir.”

Picard stood from his chair, “Answer the Commander’s question Ensign.”

“I’m here to help.” She said.

To Be Continued…

“Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander William Thomas Riker, Lt. Commander Data, Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge, Commander Deanna Troi, Commander Beverly Crusher, and Lt. Commander Worf, you are hereby relieved of your duties as of this date and are under orders not to discuss what occurred aboard the Enterprise.” Admiral Paris said to the Senior Officers of the former Federation flagship of another universe. “What happened to the Enterprise is a tragedy and a great loss to Starfleet.” He continued dryly. ‘All Admiral Layton did was send you on a research mission and look what happened.’ Paris thought to himself. “You must move on with your lives and try to forget this incident until further notice. Dismissed.”

At the admirals command the senior officers of the former Starship Enterprise exited the office. Outside the office doors Picard turned to LaForge and Data. “I want you to check on Starfleet’s current starship design and construction abilities. How advanced are they compared to what we are accustomed to? Report back as soon as possible.”

Data and Geordi looked to each other, nodded in agreement, and headed towards a turbolift.

Riker looked to Picard “What do we do now sir?” He paused waiting for a reply. It had been a while since Riker had nothing to do and this time around he wasn’t confined to a holding cell. He was free.

“We don’t make it back to Earth much. I’m sure you can find something to pass the time.” Picard said. He was stressed like the rest of his officers, but stress never got him anywhere so he would take a different approach. “Personally I’m going to take a walk.”

Worf was surprised. “A walk? I’ll have a security detail go with you.” He was always looking for opportunites to keep working. Worf never wanted to take any kind of rest. He could never slow down. It was a part of is Klingon heritage, which he was very proud of.

Picard shook his head “No that won’t be necessary commander. We are not in danger here we’re back at Earth. Go enjoy yourself.”

Worf nodded. “Yes, but this is not our Earth.” He made a very valid point as usual. This was not their Earth; they didn’t really belong in this universe. But here they were trying to make the best of each situation that came their way.

‘Don’t remind me.’ Picard thought. “That’s true.” He said closing the conversation. “If you need anything, you know how to contact me.” Picard headed towards the turbolift. Inside the lift he stood and thought for a moment, his vessel had been destroyed. A command Picard actually cared about, one that meant something to him. Starfleet would never forgive him, at least this Starfleet wouldn’t. Picard’s thoughts were interrupted as the computer made a beeping noise.

“Destination Please.”

“Transporter Room Four.” Picard commanded.

The lift made its way down the turbo shaft and stopped at the transporter room. The doors parted allowing Picard to exit. As he walked towards the transporter chief another door opened allowing Carol, Picard’s daughter, to enter.

“Hello captain.” Carol said. “The computer told me I could find you on the way here.” She finished not knowing whether to look her ‘father’ in the eyes, or to simply stare at the deck.

“Yes.” Picard replied, “I was about to go for a walk.”

Carol hesitated. She wanted to know Picard better but didn’t know how to proceed. His shields were always up. “Oh… Well I’d better go sir.” She said trying to avoid confrontation.

‘Ask her to go with you.’ Picard thought to himself. ‘You need to discus a few things.’ He tried not to listen to that particular voice in the back of his mind. Picard had several unanswered questions adrift in his head, but one always seemed to find its way to shore. Did he want to get to know the one that called him father?

“Carol,” Picard said “I’ll contact you later.” He allowed a smile to appear for a second. ‘There, are you satisfied?’ Picard asked himself. ‘That’s a start.’ His thoughts replied back.

Carol nodded and exited the room. “This is going to take some time.” She said under her breath.

Picard nodded. “Indeed.” He looked to the transporter chief on duty. The man snapped to attention, apparently he had been watching the captian and his conversation with Carol. “What are you looking at?” Picard demanded.

The chief stumbled over his words. “Um. Nothing sir.” He looked over the controls trying to look somewhat busy. “What can I do for you sir?” He asked with a shaky voice.

Picard walked over to the transporter console and entered a few commands into the interface. “Transport me to these coordinates.”

A display screen flashed a warning in red letters. The operator hesitated. “Sir, that area is restricted to level Fourteen Delta security clearance. You don’t have the authorization required.” He was preparing to duck incase Picard decided to take it out on him. The chief had heard stories of Picard and his crew; he wasn’t about to take any chances.

“I live there…” Picard’s voice trailed off as he recognized the truth of the matter. ‘You lived there, in a different universe.’ He looked back to the console. “Very well. Beam me to Starfleet Academy.” Picard ordered and stood on the transporter pad.

The chief keyed in a new set of coordinates, activated the transporter sequence and Picard was transported away to San Francisco. After confirming the transport to be successful the he opened a communications channel. “Transporter Room Four to Commander Eddington, we have a possible security problem.”

Captain’s Log, personal entry, Stardate 53001.4:
With the Enterprise lost under my command Starfleet has decided to wait a while before they decide on granting me another ship. The Enterprise was a good vessel, one that stood for everything I believed in. She stood for the memories of my previous universe and life in that universe. But that great lady is now dead. I don’t know what Starfleet will do but I hope they will allow me to continue with my first dream and destiny, that of exploration. End Log.

Picard was sitting on a bench in front of an elm tree on Academy Grounds. When he was a cadet, Picard had always enjoyed sitting at that spot in his universe to think. As Picard sat he looked at the tree. There were initials of two people carved into it. One set he recognized as his own, the other set Picard didn’t recognize at all. “Whose A.F.?” He asked himself. Picard continued to survey the tree and found a young cadet asleep among the flowers beneath the tree. Picard allowed a smile, in his universe a gardener by the name of Boothby was always getting after cadets for ruining his grounds. Something inside Picard told him to deal with the cadet.

Picard stood from the bench and faced the tree. “Wake up cadet.” He said in a calm tone. The cadet lay there motionless apparently he was deep asleep. Picard raised his voice. “Wake up cadet.”

The cadet turned over until his back was facing Picard. He clearly didn’t want to be bothered. Picard smiled and put his hand on a phaser clipped to his uniform. “Cadet!” He said in a stronger louder more forceful tone.

“Leave me alone old man.” The cadet said in a sleepy voice. “You want me to move, get security.” He paused for a moment trying to say a few more words before drifting back to sleep. “Otherwise, beat it!”

Picard dropped the smile and drew the phaser. The cadet was mistaking him for someone else, a fact he would soon forget. “I’m giving you to the count of three.” Picard threatened. “One. Two.”

“What are you going to do?” The cadet asked in a sarcastic tone, “Shoot me?” His back was still facing Picard, an easy target. The cadet didn’t know what danger he was in.

“Something like that.” Picard pressed a few buttons on the phaser setting it to kill. It beeped in response.

The cadet heard the beeping noise, turned his head and stood up quickly. “Uh, sir.” He stammered, trying to get an apology out. “I didn’t realize.”

Picard nodded. “Is that so?” He said, “If I fire you’ll die cadet. Are you ready for death?”

The cadet stared down the barrel of the phaser. “No sir, forgive me sir.” He paused. “I thought you were the groundskeeper.” He swallowed hard. “I’m sorry sir, I didn’t know.”

Picard nodded and holstered the weapon. All he wanted to do was scare the kid, which he did with flying colors. “You’re off the hook this time. If I catch you here in the future, you won’t be so lucky.”

The cadet gave a sigh of relief. “Yes sir.” He said before heading to class.

“Violence captain?” An old voice said from behind Picard. “What is this universe coming to?”

‘That voice’ Picard thought ‘that voice sounds familiar.’ He turned around to see Boothby walking up to his position. “It is you!” Picard said with happiness but stopped smiling and tried to be as professional as possible.

“Who taught you that?” Boothby asked, referring to Picard almost killing a cadet.

“You did.”

“What’s gotten into you Jean-Luc?” The old man questioned.

Picard shook his head. “I’m not the Picard you know. Or knew.” He didn’t want to go through the story of how he got to this universe. He was getting tired of telling it to those who wanted to know.

Boothby smiled. “Yes, I heard what happened. Most people don’t have respect for you and your crew. They are unsure.” Word had been around Starfleet Academy as well. Boothby didn’t think there was anyplace in the Federation that didn’t know about Picard and his famous crew.

Picard nodded and still didn’t care what others thought of him. His life was his own and shouldn’t be of concern to others. Boothby had been a mentor of Picard for a longtime in his universe. It was Boothby who gave Picard his first lesson in target practice, as well as his first phaser. Picard felt like this Boothby was no different from the man he knew and admired. Picard had a good feeling about the man that stood before him. “And what do you think of me?” He asked.

Boothby shook his head. “As you know. What I think doesn’t matter. What you think is what matters most.” The old man’s words, though simple, had great meaning to them. A meaning that sunk deep within Picard’s mind and soul; Boothby walked away leaving Picard to give some thought to his advice.

Elsewhere at Starfleet Headquarters Technical Division, LaForge and Data stood in front of a computer console. They had spent the past half-hour downloading and reviewing Starfleets Technological Database, per their captains orders. It hadn’t taken them long to hack into the mainframe. As was proven in the past, their technology was far more advanced than anything this Starfleet had to offer. A tweak here another manipulation there and they were in.

Data was currently viewing the information on the predecessors of the Enterprise as well as Starfleet’s most current advances in Starship design. As he committed it all to memory, Data shook his head in disgust. “The captain is not going to like this.” He said as twetny pages flew by the screen in the blink of an eye.

Geordi looked to the android. “What is it?”

“The most recent development is the Galaxy-Class starship.” Data replied. “We will not be getting another Sovereign-Class anytime soon.”

Geordi sighed with discouragement. There had to be a way around it all. He just needed to find that route and take it. Geordi’s tricorder started to beep. He opened it and checked the small display screen. A warning flashed in red letters. “We’ve got company.” He said. “Get that download finished, and let’s get out of here.”

Data nodded. “Understood.” He pressed a few buttons on the console making the requested files to display at a quicker speed. After a few moments he terminated the connection. “Finished.”

Geordi nodded. “Let’s go.” He activated a small transportation device to transport them out, but nothing happened. He checked the device and ran a diagnostic, all systems were normal it just wasn’t doing its job. “What’s going on?” He asked out loud.

Data made a few scans with a tricorder and reported his findings; a dampening field was in place and was preventing their transportation device. He paused while checking a few more scans. “Someone is just outside that door. I suggest we hide ourselves quickly.”

Geordi agreed. they walked into an adjacent room to find a hiding place. They had to act quickly to avoid getting caught.

On the other side of the room, two doors opened allowing a man wearing a gold uniform to enter. He carried a flashlight as well as a phaser rifle. He searched the room visually for any sign of damage. Only a few minutes ago, his security panel alerted him about someone downloading information without proper authorization.

Across the room Geordi and Data were crouched behind a console hoping they wouldn’t be found. Both of them were thinking the same thing. Whoever was in the room with them was being very thorough and serious in his investigation. Tampering with Starfleet files was a serious offense and would not be tolerated.

“Computer” The man spoke “Who has been at this console today since oh six hundred hours?” He waited patiently for the computer to access the necessary records and display a report. Several names appeared on the screen, next to them were access times. The man reviewed the list and found nothing out of the ordinary. He de-activated the terminal and exited the room.

Geordi gave a sigh of relief. “That was close. I thought he’d never leave.”

Data nodded “Indeed.”

They stood up from the console. Data removed his commbadge and changed the frequency, hoping it wouldn’t be blocked as their transporter device was. “Data to Picard.” No one answered his hail. Data checked the communicator for the frequency he had set it correctly. It just wasn’t transmitting. “It appears the dampening field is drowning out my communicator as well.” He snapped his fingers in disappointment.

Geordi looked to Data and smiled. Even though he had an emotion chip, there were still some things he quite didn’t get. Geordi pulled out a tricorder “Whatever this dampening field is, it’s pretty strong. I can’t cut through the interference.” He felt trapped as he continued to read the tricorders findings. “I think we underestimated our security friend.” The tricorder began beeping as a warning message flashed on the screen.

“How so?” Data asked as he was cut off by the sound of a transporter beam.

A second later, six security officers surrounded the two officers. Each held a phaser pointed directly at Geordi and Data. There was no exit for them to use, they were trapped like two mice in a cage.

“Who are you?” The head security officer asked.

Geordi sighed again, now they were in hot water. He looked at the man and then to his phaser. “I think we made a wrong turn.” Geordi began to explain. He was hoping there would be a way out of the situation.

Data nodded. “Indeed.”

The security team didn’t want to waste time with games. “I don’t want excuses!” The leader spat. “I demand to know your identity!”

Geordi looked again at the phaser, he noticed it was top of the line. At the moment it was set on stun. He was disappointed at the tolerance levels of the security force. They appeared to be pretty weak. He remembered times where security was more powerful and evil. Shoot first ask questions later, that was the way to run a security division. Geordi remained silent; he didn’t feel like answering questions at the moment.

“Not willing to talk eh?” The man asked. “Very well.” He tapped his commbadge. “Eaves to Transporter Room, beam the two intruders to holding cell six.”

“Aye sir.” Said a voice on the other end. After a few minutes passed and nothing happened, he reported his findings. “I can’t get a lock sir. Something’s wrong.”

Data raised his index finger. “You will find it impossible to transport us. I have my own dampening field in place.” The android said “If you want us, you will have to take us to the holding cell yourselves.”

The officer shook his head. “Very well, come with us.” The security force escorted Geordi and Data out of the building to a detention area.

“Crusher to Picard” The doctor’s voice came through the captain’s comm badge.

Picard stood from the park bench. “Go ahead doctor.”

“Commander Worf is in a detention center.” She continued “He’s been placed under arrest.”

Picard shook his head “What happened?”

“Deanna’s looking into it.” Crusher said “I thought you might want to be informed.”

“I’ll be right there.” Picard said concluding the conversation. He left the bench area to find a transporter pad.

* * *

Starfleet security had been pretty busy that day. They managed to pick up three Enterprise officers within an hour of each other. Commander Eddington was feeling pretty proud of his job at that moment. No only was he doing his job, but he could finally prove that the Enterprise crew should never have another command ever.

Inside a cell, Data looked towards Worf who had only been in the cell for a few minutes. “What are you in for?”

Geordi chuckled, he was sure Data was just waiting to ask that question.

Worf glared at the android. “I started a fight.” He said not caring. “Someone disturbed me during dinner.”

“Ah” Data said.

Worf stood from a bench and walked over to the force field. As he touched it he shook his head. “They don’t even have sufficient force fields in this universe.” He paused, “That should have thrown me across this cell to the other side.”

Geordi sighed, “Yeah I know. They’re not into the punishment thing. The guards don’t even put their phasers on kill.”

“What kind of place is this?” Worf asked, “When we get out of here, I’m going to have a talk with their chief of security. They need to implement some new procedures.” He hit the force field with his hand. It forced him to take a few steps back, but nothing he couldn’t handle. Worf growled as if he were ready for battle.

“I would advise against that Commander.” A voice said from around the corner.

Worf stood at attention, Data and Geordi stood from the bench. “Captain” they said in unison.

Picard stood in front of the force field with Troi by his side. “At ease.” He snapped. Surveying the force field he shook his head, “What kind of barbaric people are in this universe?” He took his phaser and modified the beam. “Stand back.”

His officers walked as far back as they could and watched as Picard fired his modified phaser. It took the force field down in a few seconds. “Let’s go.”

“Captain?” Geordi asked.

“Haven’t you seen a jail break before?” Troi asked. “I’ve taken care of the guards as well as the surveillance equipment. Now let’s go before anyone figures out what’s going on.”

The three prisoners looked to each other, shrugged, and left the holding cell.

* * *

Commander Eddington switched on his monitor. “Report.”

“They’ve escaped sir.” A lieutenant said on the other line, “I can have a team apprehend them in five…”

“Negative” Eddington said “They would just break out again. I’ll deal with them.” He paused, “Good work lieutenant. Eddington out.”

The screen went blank. Eddington tapped his fingers on the table. The Enterprise crew was up to no good, and he was going to have to teach them a lesson. He stood from his chair and exited the office.

* * *

Picard and his officers ran down an empty corridor. So far no one was able to catch up with them, Troi had done a good job of disabling all security measures enabling them a quick escape.

After a few more minutes of running they came to a dead end.

“What now?” Geordi asked.

Troi touched the wall before them; “This wasn’t in the schematics.” She searched the wall looking for an access panel but found nothing.

“Hold it!” A voice said from behind. “Turn around slowly.”

The five officers did as ordered. “Captain.” A male voice said, “I didn’t realize”

Picard approached the officer. “Lieutenant?”

“Sir, what are you doing helping them escape?” The officer stood at attention.

Clearly he was mistaking Picard for someone else and hadn’t been informed of the entire situation. Picard was ready to use that to his advantage.

“Never mind that lieutenant, it’s a Priority One matter.” Picard ordered. “Report back to your post.”

“Eddington to Crusher.” The Security Chief’s voice came through a commbadge.

Crusher didn’t answer.

“Wesley. Come in.” Eddington said.

Crusher nodded his head, “Yes sir.”

“Report.”

“I have Commander Worf, Data, and LaForge in custody sir.” Crusher said, “As well as Captain Picard and Commander Troi.”

“What about the others?” Eddington asked.

“Commander Riker and Dr. Crusher are not here.” Crusher allowed his phaser to lower a tad.

“Very well, bring them to me.” Eddington said, “If they resist, shoot them.”

“Aye sir.” Wesley said, and then to Picard: “Sir, if you’ll come with me.” He stepped forward to take Picard’s phaser.

Several ways of getting out of the situation ran through Picard’s mind. He decided not to use any of them. He would meet with Eddington, after a few words he and his crew would be allowed to go free. It would only be a matter of diplomacy, and persuasion. Picard handed the lieutenant his pahser and ordered his crew to do likewise.

Crusher tapped his commbadge. “Crusher to Transporter Station Delta, transport six directly to Commander Eddington’s office.”

The officers disappeared as a transporter beam overcame them.

* * *

Commander Riker was sitting at a table at a cafe in downtown San Francisco. He was enjoying the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the fresh air.

“Tom” came Doctor Crusher’s voice.

Riker looked up to a Red headed female approaching the table. “Doctor, please have a seat.”

“No time.” Crusher said, “They’ve been arrested.”

Riker chuckled “Who?”

“Who do you think?” Crusher replied.

Riker’s smile dropped “All of them?”

Crusher nodded. She folded her arms waiting for Riker to stand, which he did.

“Where are they now?” He asked as they started walking away from the Cafe.

“Starfleet Security.” Crusher said, “We need to get them out of there, but we would have no where to run.”

Riker nodded “Agreed.”

* * *

“Thank you lieutenant.” Eddington said to Crusher, “Please stay here, I may need your services.”

Crusher nodded “Yes sir.”

“Captain, captain, captain.” Eddington said. “You did a really nice job to our Security facility.” He sat down at a desk in his office and looked at the five officers standing before him.

Picard remained silent.

Eddington was reviewing the actions of the Enterprise crew for the day on a PADD. “You threatened a Cadet on Academy grounds, disabled a Security field, destroyed central Security Systems here at headquarters and harmed sixteen officers in the process. Did I forget anything?”

Picard shook his head, “No I think that about covers it.”

Data held up a finger as if to speak, but Picard waved it down. It was not time for one of the android’s ill-timed jokes.

Eddington shook his head and gave a deep sigh. “Why?”

Picard stood firm, “Well Commander, I needed some information.”

Eddington shot Picard a look of confusion. “Information? Elaborate.”

Picard sighed, “I needed information about Starfleet’s latest Starship design.”

“That’s all?”

Picard nodded, “That’s all.”

Eddington thumbed through the PADD before him. “You didn’t have plans to infiltrate the base in France and gather top secret information for the Maquis?”

Picard shook his head “That’s absurd!”

“Is it?” Eddington asked. “You didn’t request to be transported to these coordinates earlier this morning?” He handed the PADD to Picard.

Picard accepted the PADD and looked through it. He recognized the coordinates. “Yes I did, but that is where my house was in our universe.”

Eddington took the PADD back and thumbed through it some more. “Why don’t I believe you?”

BEEP BEEP. The door chime sounded.

“What now?” Eddington said, “Lieutenant, get the door.”

Wesley walked over to the door and opened it allowing Riker and Dr. Crusher to enter. “Mom!” He said excitedly.

Beverly looked to him puzzled. “Excuse me?” She didn’t recognize him at all.

Eddington looked to his security officer, “Lieutenant. Remember what we discussed?”

Wesley nodded as he remembered the commander’s words to him about how his mother disappeared along with the rest of the Enterprise crew. And how these people took their place.

“Yes sir, sorry sir.” Wesley said as he closed the door.

Riker looked to his fellow officers and walked up to Eddington’s desk. “I demand you release these officers at once.”

Eddington shook his head, “You are in no position to demand anything from me Commander.”

Riker reached for his weapon ready to kill Eddington.

Picard held out a hand to Riker’s arm, “Tom.” He said softly.

Riker stopped. Picard was right this was not a time for violence. He needed to have patience and put trust in Picard to get them out of this.

Commander Eddington shook his head. “You’d better be happy your captain stopped you commander, you might have ended up in prison… again.” He stood from his desk and walked towards Picard. “Captain, I could have your head for these actions.” He paused, “But I won’t.”

“In exchange for what?” Picard asked, knowing there was some catch.

Eddington ignored the question for a moment. “Admiral Paris contacted me directly ordering me to let you go.” He paused, “Why? I don’t know. He wants to see you right away.”

Picard was frustrated. Maybe he should of let Riker kill the man, he wouldn’t have to look at his face again. “All right.” He said turning to walk out of the office. His senior officers followed after him.

“Captain.” Eddington called after him.

Picard turned to see Eddington with a smile on his face. “Yes?”

“We will meet again.”

Picard nodded, “Indeed.”

The senior officers of the Enterprise exited the office leaving Wesley and Eddington alone.

“You can never trust anyone.” Eddington told the lieutenant, “Remember that.”

Crusher nodded his head. “Yes Sir.”

* * *

Outside Admiral Paris’s office the Senior Officers of the Enterprise stood again. As they entered, Paris looked up from a computer screen at his desk. “Ah, come in. Come in.” He said.

Picard looked to the admiral trying to guess at why he wanted to talk with them again.

“I’ve looked over the trouble you’ve gotten into the past ten hours.” Paris said, “Is this a normal routine for your officers?”

Picard didn’t answer the question; he simply stared at the admiral.

Paris waved his hand allowing the matter to go. “Captain, I know how hard it is to lose a vessel.” He said, “Why all of this secrecy? All you had to do was ask.”

Picard didn’t believe the admiral for a second. “And you wouldn’t have gave us that information.”

Paris smiled, “You’ll never know what would have happened.” He looked at the seven officers before them. “I’m dropping all charges against you. We’ll let you slide this time, taking into account that you managed to get through all of our security systems so easily.”

Picard smiled. He was pleased to see they had caught Starfleet off guard.

Paris noted the smile on Picard’s face, and with his own smile dropping said, “Don’t do it again.”

“When do we get a new ship?” Riker asked.

Paris called up a file on his terminal and scanned through it. “In a few weeks we’ll have a Galaxy-Class vessel ready for your crew.” He said. “For the time being, try to stay out of trouble. Dismissed.”

The Enterprise senior officers exited the office. They had gotten off without any troubles, at least for the time being. As Picard walked with his officers towards the end of the hall, he couldn’t help but feel revenge creeping into his mind. Revenge for two people, Commander Eddington and the Maquis leader who destroyed the Enterprise. They would pay for their deeds against his crew.

The End

Captain Jean-Luc Picard sat alone in his office aboard the Enterprise-E. Only a few short months ago, his vessel and two other Starfleet vessels from an Alternate Universe had appeared in the universe he was in today. He remembered his conversation with Fleet Admiral Necheyev about the topic, Commander Eddington had grilled him for over an hour about the Dominion and if they could be a possible threat to their universe. Picard had informed them that if they ever entered the Gamma Quadrant via the Bajoran Wormhole to be on the lookout for any possible Dominion ships. The Enterprise’s computer had been downloaded into this universe’s Starfleet LCARS Database for further analysis. Necheyev wanted to even change the Enterprises’s prefix from I.S.S. to U.S.S. in order to fit their regulations, but Picard refused the order. The Enterprise was the only thing he had from that other universe and he wasn’t about to let someone destroy his memories.

The doorbell chimed informing Picard that someone wanted to speak with him. Captain Picard looked up from his desk. “Come.”

The doors opened to allow an ensign into the room. Picard didn’t recognize her at all. The ensign was wearing a red uniform and held a PADD in her hand.

Picard stood up and held out a hand. “Welcome to the Enterprise.”

The ensign shyly took Picard’s hand and returned the handshake. “I was told to report here first. I’m Ensign Carol Picard, my father was the captain of the Enterprise. Well the other one that was destroyed before you arrived here.”

Picard looked to Carol, she looked like she was straight from the academy. If it were a few months ago, he would have been looking for trust and loyalty from Carol. Ever since he crossed into this universe with the help of the Q that referred to himself as J R, he had almost forgotten his command training. This new Starfleet that he had to become use to didn’t allow certain pleasantries Picard had always enjoyed in his universe.

All Picard could do was nod his head, “I’m very sorry for your loss ensign, if there’s anything I can do let me know.”

The ensign handed the PADD to Picard which he took and studied. “I have orders to report aboard the Enterprise to begin my tour of duty.”

Picard looked to the ensign with disbelief. No one had informed him that he would be adding new crewmembers to his vessel. “I don’t understand.”

Carol looked into Picard’s eyes, trying to tell if she could see any of her father in him. “I went to Admiral Necheyev directly and requested this posting. I wanted to get to know you sir, if that’s all right.”

Picard’s smile went away quickly. “Ensign… I’m probably very different from your father. You will notice various differences between us.”

Carol nodded her head “Yes you’re right, my father would have never spoken to me or allowed me into his ready room. You’ve already shown yourself to be an honorable man, and I want to get to know you better.”

“You do. Well…” Picard struggled. His instincts were to kill her, but Starfleet wouldn’t allow it. He shook her hand again. “Welcome aboard the Enterprise. I’ll have you assigned to quarters.”

Ensign Picard smiled, “Oh, thank you dad… I mean sir.”

“Dismissed.” Picard said smiling. In a way he now had a daughter. He was both sad and pleased that someone looked up to him like the ensign did. As he thought for a moment, the only conclusion Picard could come up with was that he wanted nothing to do with her.

* * *

Two Months Later

“Attention on deck!” A young female ensign shouted in an authoritative tone. A room of one hundred fifty men and women stood at attention. The room became silent as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the Enterprises commanding officer, entered the lounge known to the crew as Ten-Forward. Picard looked across the room noting that he recognized most of these people’s faces. And why shouldn’t he? That select group of officers had served under his command for over the past twelve or so years. He recalled some words of the famous Captain Kirk “we have been through death and life together.” So it was with this crew. Picard was use to enjoy punishing officers that were disobedient to his commands. Some officers Picard personally ejected into space, others he delegated the authority to a select group of colleagues and close friends, his senior staff. Picard walked over to the front middle of the room where a podium had been placed. As Picard stood there he picked up a PADD and read the information to himself. He then turned his attention back to his officers.

“At ease.” Picard said as he thought over a few things in his mind. It had been over five months since his vessel crossed over into this universe. His universe was judged to be corrupt and destroyed by the Q Continuum through their purification process. Picard and the crew of the Enterprise still, at times, found it difficult to make the transition from their way of life to how this universe functioned and operated. For most of the crew, rules changed too abruptly. What was allowed in their universe was no longer tolerated in this new environment. Picard tried to smooth things over with the head of Starfleet Command, Admiral Layton, but was unsuccessful on many attempts. Starfleet wanted to mold the Enterprise and her crew into their style of operations. Picard didn’t want to completely conform his ways to a Starfleet he didn’t know or trust. Picard looked back down to the PADD. It contained a short list of more rules Starfleet wanted his crew to follow. He pressed a few sequences into a keypad clearing the information and set it all aside. ‘Ridiculous’ Picard thought to himself. ‘They don’t need to hear any of that nonsense today!’ Another PADD was waiting to be read. Picard picked it up and skimmed through it almost chuckling at the information he saw.

“Looks like Starfleet is finally sending us on a mission.” Picard said remembering several missions command could have used the Enterprise on but chose other inferior ships with inexperienced crews. “They want us to patrol the Badlands for a short period of time.” He paused as he felt the room give a sigh of disappointment. The Badlands, a desolate place full of plasma storms and one of the most boring places in the entire Alpha Quadrant. The Enterprise wouldn’t be seeing any action for a while. Picard could feel hatred from his officers. Their anger was directed towards Starfleet Command and the bureaucrats who ran it. He was not pleased with this new assignment either. “I realize how difficult this is for you to accept, the floor is open, feel free to express yourselves.”

An officer near the back raised a hand. “Sir from reports I’ve ran across there haven’t been any problems in the Badlands for over a year or so. Why would they do this to us?”

Picard looked towards him. “It’s quite simple, Starfleet doesn’t trust us. They don’t know what to expect and are afraid.” He looked to his senior staff and noticed the expressions on their faces. They weren’t happy with the truth, but it needed to be said. “We won’t allow that to stop us though. I know what this crew is capable of and so do you. This is the finest ship in the fleet with the finest crew ever to be assembled. So what if Starfleet wants us to prove this. I know we can and we will. By the time we are finished with them, they’ll know not to cross us.” Picard paused and watched as crewmembers became motivated. This short assignment would soon be complete and they would move on to bigger and better things. They were not prepared to face the test. Picard tapped his commbadge opening a communication channel. “Picard to bridge.”

“Bridge here” answered a rough male voice.

“Set a course for the Badlands, warp eight. Engage.”

The lieutenant was hesitant “Sir, Starfleet regulations specify a warp five limitation unless there is an emergency.”

Picard smiled. “Very well. Computer transport Lieutenant Allen to holding cell three.” He paused. “Let’s try this again. Ensign Christensen, you are promoted to Lieutenant. Now please comply with my orders.”

“Yes sir.” The voice replied in what Picard assumed to be a cheerful tone.

“Dismissed.” Picard said as the Enterprise leapt into warp towards the stormy area known as the Badlands. At his command the room emptied leaving Picard alone with his senior officers.

“We’re on our way.” Tom Riker said as he gazed out the window to see streaks of stars fly by.

Picard nodded his head. “Yes. To a dull dismal assignment.”

As they stood there looking out the window, Guinan approached carrying a tray which held a bottle with seven glasses on it. The glasses were filled with a deep green liquid. “Alorean Ale?” She said offering each officer a glass.

When they each had a glass of ale, Picard offered a toast. “Here’s to the finest crew in the fleet. May this new chapter in our lives begin with peace.”

Guinan looked to Picard. Her glare communicated to him that she wanted to discuss something in private. They had known each other for several years, a friendship which was beyond most friendships. She would always have Picards ear if she needed to talk, and the reverse was the same.

Picard caught her glare and nodded his head. Turning to his senior officers, he dismissed them. “Report to your duty posts, I’ll be up to the bridge momentarily. And try to say out of trouble.” The six officers left Ten-Forward obeying Picard’s orders.

As the room emptied Guinan walked closer to Picard. “Have you spoken with her yet?”

“There’s nothing to discuss.” He replied in a cold serious tone that could freeze water.

“She’s your daughter.” Guinan replied. “I can’t believe you would act in such a manner.”

Picard shook his head. “She’s not my daughter, that was another Picard, not me. I don’t know that woman, I don’t want to know her either.” Picard paused. “Guinan you’ve been bothering me about this for over a month now, ever since I told you she was on board, when are you going to give up?”

“Never.” Guinan said in a stern but rather calm voice. “That Picard you speak of is gone. His ship and crew disappeared so you could take its place. There are certain things that you must see to.”

Picard again shook his head. “No I cannot. I will not. I don’t need to get mixed up in a life that I neither know or care about.” He Paused. “Let the child’s mother take care of her.”

Guinan sighed, ‘how could he be so difficult’ she thought to herself. “She’s not a child, her mother is dead. You’re all she has left.”

As they argued, the doors to Ten-Forward opened allowing a tall slender beautiful brunette haired woman to enter. Ensign Picard looked to her father and slowly approached the conversation.

“Go talk to her, she needs you.” Guinan added.

As Carol came closer, she stood in front of Picard not knowing what to do exactly. At their first meeting, she thought he was rather warm and kind. That had changed quickly after she tried to contact him on several occasions only to find the computer helping him avoid her. Picard resembled her father, but he was much different. Sure her real father and this Picard would avoid talking to her, but still memories of that first day came back to her. There was something about him that said yes, he was different and that he cared. It was up to her to access that side of this Picard. She stood at attention. “Hello again sir.”

Picard stared her down looking at her face. He viewed Carol as just another addition to his crew from a universe that didn’t trust him. He turned to leave, and with an impatient voice replied. “I don’t have time for this right now. Report to your post.” Picard exited Ten-Forward in a quick hurried pace.

Carol turned to Guinan, there were tears streaming down her face. “He doesn’t care.” As the emotions began to flow, she felt helpless. Carol felt like a child lost in the woods full of ferocious animals.

Guinan put her arms around Carols sobbing body trying to comfort her. “It will take time, he’ll come around you’ll see.” She paused wondering herself if Picard would accept another mans daughter as his own. “Things will get better.”

Commander Tom Riker sat in the Observation Lounge aboard the Sovereign-Class Starship Enterprise. At the moment he was reading over a security file of his counterparts in this universe. Two files were displayed on a PADD he held. they were of two Starfleet Officers named Riker. Above both files were the words deceased. He was finally the only William Thomas Riker in a universe that he still didn’t know. For curious purposes Riker had read through several files trying to pinpoint where his counterparts fit into the picture, but couldn’t grasp a hold of everything. He didn’t need or want to conform to what a universe knew or thought about him. What others thought didn’t matter to Tom, he only wanted to do what was required of him and get his life back to normal or as close to normal as he could get. As Tom sat there thinking, he could only wonder what the future had in store for him and the crew of the Enterprise. For most of the crew, a different universe cleared their slate, they were allowed to begin a new life. They were given a second chance at things. Most people would die to have an opportunity like that, and it was handed to the Enterprise free of charge. Riker concentration was broken as a commline activated.

“Picard to Riker.”

Tom tapped his commbadge “Riker here sir.” He set the PADD down on the conference table so he could give full attention to his commanding officer.

“Come to my ready room., I need to speak with you a moment.”

Riker stood from his chair, “Yes sir.” He replied while exiting the lounge. As Riker crossed the bridge he looked around at the officers stationed there. The bridge crew looked bored waiting for something exciting to happen. Soon he was standing in front of the doors to Picard’s ready room. Riker pressed the door chime, and from inside the room he could hear Picard’s voice give authorization for the doors to open. Riker stepped inside the dark ready room and stood in front of Picard’s desk.

Picard looked up from a monitor and gestured to a chair. “Have a seat commander.” Riker did as requested and sat down on a chair nearest the desk. “I’ve been looking over our mission assignment.” Picard continued. “It’s pretty cut and dry, at first glance. But I became curious as to what has occurred in the past here.” He paused, then turned his desk monitor around so Riker could view the information. On the screen was a rotating Galaxy-Class Starship. “The Starship Cocoa was sent to patrol this region of space a little over ten months ago. She was never heard from since. Starfleet never received any reports from the Cocoa.”

“Really?” Riker said sitting forward.

Picard nodded his head. “Uh huh, plus command never sent out a vessel to search for their lost ship. She’s still out there… somewhere.” He paused “What do you think our odds are for finding the Cocoa?”

Riker rubbed his chin lightly with his right hand. “Sounds like an interesting proposal. If we did, Starfleet Command would be pleased with us for brining a ship back to them.”

“Then it’s settled. Remember not to discuss any of this with command. They don’t know we have this information.” Picard said with a smile. His crew would now actually have something to look forward to.

Riker nodded and then with a confused look inquired. “How did you find out about it?”

Picard chuckled. “Let’s just say this universe’s security protocols don’t even compare to ours.” He picked up a PADD and handed it to Riker. “Here are the statistics for the Cocoa, take them to Commander Data down on Deck 20. Have him enter the information into the computer and devise a search pattern. Dismissed.”

Riker took the PADD and exited the ready room. Once he was on the bridge, he walked to a nearby turbolift that would take him to Main Engineering.

“Engineering.” Riker said and the lift began to move downward. When it reached Deck 4 the lift stopped and the doors opened allowing a tall female to enter. Picards daughter.

“Deck 14.” Carol said and the lift started moving again.

Riker looked to Carol out of the corner of his eye, trying not to stare. He had heard rumors and stories of how she had been treated by her biological father. The things he had heard, Riker didn’t like. After a few moments He broke the silence. Extending a hand, Riker introduced himself. “Hello, I’m Thomas Riker the First Officer.” He smiled hoping to receive some kind of response out of Carol.

Carol shook Riker’s hand not trusting him. “My name is Carol.” She replied, hoping the conversation would end. Carol really didn’t know whom she could trust among the people of this crew. They were all strangers to her and she was a little afraid.

“It’s good to meet you.” Riker continued. “Just to let you know, if you need anything, anything at all, feel free to contact me.”

Carol half smiled trying to be polite. Soon enough the turbolift stopped on Deck 14. As Carol stepped off the lift she felt a little courage build inside and turned to face Riker. “Thank you.” She said as she walked down the hallway to her quarters.

The turbolift doors closed again and Riker rode the rest of the way to Engineering in silence thinking about the person he had just met.

Engineering was quiet. It was not the usual busy place Commander Geordi LaForge, the Enterprises Chief Engineer, was use to. Of course being in a universe of peace and not of war had a lot to do with it. LaForge stood on the second deck overlooking the entire complex. He loved to simply stand and listen to the low hum of the warp core. LaForge enjoyed not being in a war for once, he could finally take the time to enjoy his work. It felt a little strange at times for him not being rushed or hurried to complete a project before danger would come, but he enjoyed it. As LaForge stood there watching the core, he looked down to see Commander Riker enter and walk directly over to where Commander Data was standing next to a main console.

“Commander” Riker said when the android officer turned to face him. “Put his information into the computer and devise a search pattern.” Riker handed Data the PADD that Picard had given him.

Data looked over the information and turned back to the computer to begin his task. “I should be finished with this within the hour.” He said as he continued to work on the project.

Riker walked towards the warp core and took a few minutes to think. He was excited that they would be going on a mission to search after a vessel that Command had lost. He was ready to show up this universe at any cost, was ready to prove that the Enterprise was nothing to toy with, that they were a good strong respectable group of people. Riker had been on such missions before. He had been in situations where his ship took the initiative to find other vessels, and then have that mission blow up in his face; both literally and figuratively. He didn’t want that to happen here.

“What’s up?” LaForge said as he climbed down the ladder to join Riker near the Warp Core.

Riker looked to LaForge and smiled hesitantly. “Not much. Just the usual.”

LaForge nodded his head. “You’re not having a surprise inspection, are you?”

Riker shook his head. “Nope. Wouldn’t dare do that after what the Davis Fleet Yards did to you.” He paused. “You’re still angry with them aren’t you.”

LaForge smiled. “Nothing a photon torpedo couldn’t fix. I still can’t believe they had the nerve to do that.” He recalled how the engineering team stationed to the Davis Fleet Yards, in orbit of Saturn, had come to the ship to do a surprise inspection on the Enterprise and her crew. When asked who ordered the inspection, they ignored the Enterprises crew even Captain Picard; claiming they had orders direct from Admiral Layton. It took LaForge over a month to undo all of the ‘upgrades’ they did to the Enterprises system. Sure they called them upgrades, but in actuality it was a major downgrade. LaForge was glad when they left his Engine room and went back to their station.

“Did Starfleet ever find that crew?” Riker asked.

LaForge’s facial expression went blank. “Nope. And if you ask me, they’re better off where they ended up. That will teach them to mess with my engine room.” Geordi didn’t like to refer to himself as violent, but he did have a temper; and that temper always managed to make itself known when something happened that he didn’t like. “So, do you think we’re going to have success on this mission?”

Riker looked to LaForge, “I think we might.”

“Do you think that ship is still out there? There have been a few ships in the Badlands over the past six years. The Tampa, the Voyager, and now the Cocoa.” He paused, knowing that he was opening a door that was waiting for a line of questioning. “Starfleet never did find the Tampa, or the Voyager… Do you think we’ll be able to find the Cocoa?”

“How did you know about that information? I just barely gave it to Commander Data, and even then I didn’t explain anything to him.” Riker said in shock.

LaForge smiled again. “Who do you think the captain asked to break into Starfleet Computers for him? He informed me of his plan to break into their computer system over four months ago.”

Riker nodded. “Of course. I should have seen that one coming.” He walked over to a wall and studied a readout monitor concerning the Enterprises warp matrix. “Impressive job. This vessel’s running at 99.47% of peak efficiency, that’s the best it’s been in a long time.”

“It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to calibrate the warp core and engines properly. We’ve always been in the middle of some conflict or another.” He looked at the panel with a sense of accomplishment. It had taken LaForge a while to calibrate the engines to his liking, for once he didn’t have to worry about an enemy ship engaging the Enterprise in battle. “So, do you think we should begin combat simulations?” He said, changing the subject from the engines to something a little more interesting for Riker.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Riker asked a little puzzled.

“Even if we do find them, you don’t expect us to waltz in there and simply hall that ship out of there. The Cocoa hasn’t been in contact with Starfleet Command in a long time. There has to be some kind of force stopping them; and we’ve got to be ready for that force when we come across it.”

“He is correct commander.” Data said as he approached his comrades. “From what information we do have, the Cocoa was subjected to a high energy field of some kind while it was making sensor scans of the Badlands. It is possible that energy field could have been the weapons system of an enemy vessel.” He handed the PADD to Riker. “I’ve devised a search pattern according to their last known location.”

Riker accepted the PADD and looked it over. “Now all we have to do is get there.” He looked to LaForge. “I’ll inform the captain of your idea, I’m sure he’ll approve. Begin working on a simulation in Holodeck 3, I’ll meet with you this evening at 21:00 hours to check it out.” He started to walk towards the turbolift. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got something to take care of.”

* * *

Deck 14 was pretty quiet. Since the war was over, most of the decks on the ship weren’t busy full of people running trying to get to their duty posts; it was a pleasant change for all. As Riker walked down the long hallway, he could only feel a certain sense of peace mixed with stress. An unfamiliar combination, it was usually stress mixed with even more stress. As he neared a crewmen’s quarters, Riker pressed the door chime. Beep. Beep. But there was no answer to his call. Riker activated the door chime again. Beep. Beep. Still no answer. He tapped his commbadge “Computer, identify location of Ensign Carol Picard.”

The computer beeped for a few moments checking the internal scanners. “Ensign Carol Picard is on Deck 11 Section 24 Alpha.”

Riker nodded his head. “Holodeck 3. What on earth is she doing there?”

The computer thought Riker’s question was directed to it and responded. “Unknown.”

Riker cocked his head to one side and laughed a little. ‘You never change, do you’ he thought to himself. “What is the status of the Holodeck Safeties?”

“Holodeck Safeties are at normal settings.”

A look of concern mounted on Riker’s face. “You mean they’re deactivated?”

“Affirmative.”

“Computer, activate a site to site transport into Holodeck 3.” Riker said, as his heart began to pump faster.

“Stand by… Site to site transport initiated.”

Inside Holodeck 3, Commander Riker re-materialized to find a replication of a runabout going through the Badlands. Ensign Picard was at the helm piloting the vessel carefully, and quickly, around plasma storms and other anomalies that got in her way. Riker watched as she managed to avoid several streams of plasma energy allowing the runabout to complete its mission. He could only admire the courage the young lady had. Even though it was a simulation, the safeties weren’t activated which meant that one wrong move and she could be injured at any moment. Riker decided it was time to stop her fun, for a while.

“Computer, freeze program.” Riker said making the simulation freeze in place.

Carol turned in her chair wondering what was going on. “What the…” Upon noticing Commander Riker, she stopped mid sentence and went to attention. “Commander.”

Riker stepped forward towards the ensign. “At ease ensign, it’s all right I’m not going to bite.” He walked over to the helm console and looked over the readouts. “I’m glad I came when I did, you were about to come upon a Dominion base. You’re lucky you didn’t come across any vessels.”

Carol shook her head. “The who?”

Riker looked to the ceiling, ‘story time’ he thought. “It’s a long story, too long to even bother with.” He looked around the simulation taking in everything remembering the last time he had accessed that same program. “What are you doing here?”

“My duty shift was over, I couldn’t sleep and so I decided to get some extra flight hours in.” Carol answered.

“You might have taken the opportunity to turn on the safeties.” Riker said with a glare in his eye. “I’m glad you didn’t get hurt, that would have been a fun story to tell the captain.” He sat down in the chair. “Computer, engage Holodeck Safeties in program Riker 31 Alpha 4.”

“Holodeck Safeties engaged.” The computer replied with a calm voice.

“What are you really doing here?” Riker asked.

Carol picked up a PADD off one of the computer consoles. “I came across this program while I was doing some maintenance, and decided to check it out. I wanted to further my skills, I always like a challenge. Besides, we’re going into the Badlands, right?”

Riker nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, you’re going to need a good pilot, aren’t you?”

“What makes you think that pilot is you?” He asked, wondering what she was getting at.

“I’ve looked across all of the personnel records I could get a hold of for the crew of this vessel. And besides you, I’m the best pilot Captain Picard’s got.” She thumbed through a list of names on the PADD. “The only better pilot on this ship is you, but things can change.”

Riker took the PADD from her and scanned over it. “That’s quite a list here. But you’re wrong, there are two people better than you, myself and Captain Picard.” ‘Ha, try and get out of that.’ He thought to himself.

“But, you won’t allow the captain to leave the ship.” Carol answered. “You have to watch over his safety to make sure he doesn’t get injured or die. That’s what you’ve done in the past and that’s what you’ll always do.”

“What about Commander Data?” Riker asked.

Carol smiled. “Yes, you’re right.” She said in a reluctant tone.

Riker smiled. “Ha, got ya!”

“Yet, he lacks the unique touch of a human hand and heart. Nothing can replace the warm sensibility of a live breathing human.” Carol replied to the commander’s comment.

Riker was had, time to switch topics. “Very good for you to be checking up on the senior staff. Why?”

Carol took the PADD back from Riker. “Because I wanted to know exactly what I was getting myself involved in. From your records, this is one of the most violent group of people in the fleet, I signed on board and I want to make sure I stay alive.”

Riker nodded. “Very wise of you ensign. Would…”

He wasn’t able to finish his sentence as the voice of the computer interrupted him. “Red Alert, we are nearing the Badlands, all hands report to battle stations.”

Riker looked to Carol. “Come with me.”

The Bridge was full of activity when Riker and Carol arrived from the forward turbolift. Commander Data was at Operations, Commander Worf was at Tactical, and Counselor Troi was at her station next to the captain’s chair. Riker walked up to his chair and sat down, as he did so Captain Picard exited his ready room and took his post.

“What are you doing here?” Picard asked his daughter.

Carol looked to Riker for help, not knowing exactly what to answer the question with. She didn’t want to cause a scene on the bridge of her commanding officers ship.

“I asked her to be here sir.” Riker answered for the young ensign. “I request for her to take Conn.”

Picard acted like he was shocked, although he knew the truth. “Conn! Do you honestly think she could handle this vessel?” He didn’t want to be reminded of the truth, but knew it would be coming his way shortly.

Riker looked to Picard. “You know as well as I do that she is one of the best pilots on this ship.” He paused, looking to Carol. “So please sir, allow her to prove herself to you.” He tapped a few controls on a console as if the matter was closed and he had won the argument.

Captain Picard looked to his first officer and then to Carol, he had to make a decision. Would he allow the child to take the post, or would he make her go someplace else. The thought of executing her came back to mind, but he had to once again shut it out. “Very well.” He said. “Ensign take your station, and don’t mess up.”

Carol walked to the Conn and sat down. “Aye sir. Conn ready.” She quickly scanned over the controls and tried her best to remember how the ship operated from countless simulations over the past few months. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out considering she trained for the position using many different configurations for controls on different ships of the fleet. She just wanted to be prepared for anything and everything that could eventually come her way.

“Computer, stand down from Red Alert, go to Yellow Alert.” At Picard’s command, the Red Alert Klaxon ceased and the ship went to standby mode. “Ensign enter the flight plan into the computer from Commander Data’s configuration and commence with it.”

Carol entered a few commands into the console for a few minutes. “All right, it’s ready to go.” She entered a few more commands and the ship went further into the Badlands. After a few moments passed, the ship rocked violently throwing a few crewmen down to the ground. The Red Alert Klaxon went off once again.

“Report!” Picard yelled over the klaxon.

Data worked over a few controls to make a report for his commanding officer. “Hull rupture on Deck 21, engineering crew in response, no casualties reported. Massive damage to ablative hull armor near the Port Warp Nacelle.” He paused while looking over a few more controls, making another report. “Sir, I recommend we fly by manual. Auto pilot is too dangerous.”

“Very well, ensign continue the search pattern using manual controls.” Picard ordered. “I’ll be in my ready room, contact me when you find that ship.”

“Aye sir.” Carol nodded her head.

As Picard left the bridge, a sigh of relief entered the room. His crew was happy to have him gone for a moment, put simply it wasn’t easy having a daughter of the captain on board. It would put a lot of people at ease if Carol were to die of some unknown, or even a known, means.

Picard sat in his ready room thinking over the past few months and what occurred. He stared at a blank monitor on his desk simply thinking, nothing more. “Why did she have to come to my ship.” He said to himself, “What purpose does she have being here?” He never asked for a daughter, never wanted the opportunity for one. Now one had presented itself, and he still wanted nothing to do with her. As Picard thought to himself, he replayed the events of the past few days over in his mind. Was he too hard on her, or was it just the right amount of pressure? She wanted to prove herself, he simply gave her the chance to.

“Computer, bring up service record for Ensign Carol Picard.” Picard said with a harsh tone in his voice. The computer brought up the requested information and scrolled through the few lines of text. As Picard read over them, he noticed several interesting remarks by Carol’s teachers at the Academy. They all noted her as a bright, intelligent student that would probably go far in Starfleet. They thought very highly of her learning abilities and willingness to work with others. Considering that she was new to the vessel and Starfleet itself, only being graduated a few months ago, her file was exemplary. Of course that wasn’t much to go on. Picard needed more information, but how to get that information…

“Picard to Counselor Troi.” He said, activating a comm unit.

“Troi here.” The ship counselor’s voice came through the line.

“Please report to my ready room, and bring Doctor Crusher along. I need to talk to the both of you. Picard out.” He continued.

A few moments passed and the ready room doors opened allowing Doctor Crusher and Counselor Troi to enter. When Picard saw them, he smiled and gestured for them to sit down.

“I would like to know the status of the crew.” Picard started. “How are they handling the transition?”

Troi and Crusher looked to each other and then back to Picard.

“As far as I can tell.” Crusher said, “They are doing well physically. This is the best I’ve ever seen this crew at, they’re healthy and the stress levels aren’t too high.”

“And what about you Counselor?”

Troi looked to Picard. “Captain, this isn’t why you wanted to talk to us. I know your thoughts.” She paused, allowing Picard a moment to think. “You want to talk about Carol.” She stood from the couch and walked over to Picard’s desk. Troi turned his desktop viewer around. Carol’s file was still on the screen. “You’ve been wondering about her ever since she stepped into your ready room the first day you met.” Troi said, taking things deeper. “You weren’t ready for this type of change, no one on this ship is really ready for the changes they are required to make. But things are moving along, sure it can be difficult at times, but we are adjusting.” She turned the viewer back around so Picard could see the file again.

Picard stared at the image of Carol. “Can I trust her?”

“You tell me.” Crusher said.

Picard stood from his desk “I’m not certain. Everything tells me not to trust her, that she’s just another ensign. But then there’s something that says it’s all right.”

Troi smiled. “Then I would suggest you follow the latter feeling and allow her to continue her duties onboard the Enterprise.”

Picard Nodded his head, “All right… I’ll follow your suggestion.” He walked over to his desk and looked at the file again and after a moment he turned back to Troi and Crusher. “Maybe I’m growing soft…” And then shook his head as if to brush the thought off his mind. “If you’ll excuse me, there’s something I need to attend to.” Picard said, excusing himself and exiting his ready room.

Down in the brig, Lieutenant Allen sat alone in the dark. He was thinking of what a mess he was in and was afraid what Picard would do to him, if he remembered he was in the holding cell. It had been several hours since Picard had ordered him to the cell, and in those hours he had a lot of time to think. The darkness was broken when Picard entered the room and ordered the computer to turn on the lights. He walked over to the cell which held his prisoner.

“Lieutenant Allen.” Picard said in a cold tone. “How are things going?”

Allen didn’t even dare to stare into Picard’s face, he was afraid. “Doing okay Captain.” His speech was broken up a little.

“Computer, drop the force field on cell 3.” At Picard’s command the force field dropped allowing him access to Allen.

Allen just stared at the ground. “What can I do for you sir?”

Picard pulled a phaser out from its holster that was on his uniform and pressed a few buttons making the lieutenant even more nervous. “All I want is your obedience, nothing more.”

Allen stared at the phaser and realized that there was only one decision he could make. If he denied Picard’s order he would soon be dead and if he followed Picard and obeyed his command he would live. “All right captain, you win. I’ll do anything, anything at all.” He replied.

Picard smiled and put the phaser away. “Good, you’re reinstated. When we find the vessel we’re looking for, I want you to be on the away team.”

“Sir?”

“I need to see if I can trust you lieutenant.” Picard said.

“Red Alert…” The computer stated for all of the ship to hear. “Captain Picard please report to the bridge.”

* * *

“Report” Picard ordered as he entered the bridge and walked over to his command chair.

“Five Maquis vessels are on an intercept course, their weapons are locked and ready to fire.” Riker answered.

Picard nodded “Open a channel.” ‘What do the Maquis want with us?’ He thought to himself.

“Channel open.” Worf said.

“Approaching Maquis vessels this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise, you will drop your weapons lock and state your business or we will be forced to fire.” Picard stated.

“No response.” Riker said. “They’re firing weapons.”

Picard watched on the screen as a full assault on the Enterprise took place from the Maquis raiders. As their weapons approached the ship and hit the shields something unexpected happened.

“Warning, shields down to 96 percent.” The computer said.

“Report.” Picard yelled over the computer voice.

“Their weapons appear to modulate themselves to our shield frequency if this continues, they will be penetrated in a few minutes.” Worf said.

“Fire at will!” Picard ordered.

Worf pressed a few buttons and fired a full spread of photon torpedoes at the approaching vessels with no help. “Our weapons are having no effect.”

“The plasma storms in the area seem to be affecting our weapons captain.” Data replied. “I am working on a solution.”

Picard pressed a few buttons on his console to view the damage and was not pleased with what he saw. “We need to find a way around their weapons.” He pressed a few more buttons. “Head back into Federation space, maybe they’ll break off their attack.”

As the Enterprise headed towards Federation space, the attack didn’t cease, it just became stronger from the opposing side. Soon enough the Enterprise was crippled and there was nothing Picard or his officers could do about it.

“Warning, warp core micro fracture, breech in two minutes.” The computer stated and then without taking a breath another klaxon sounded. “Warning, shields failing.” And yet another one. “Warning weapons off-line.”

“Captain, I suggest we abandon ship.” Riker said. “I know this isn’t your way of doing things, but its our only choice.”

Picard nodded. “Understood.” He paused, “Computer, eject warp core.” He was going to try to save his ship at any cost.

“Warp ejection systems off-line.” The computer replied. “Warp core breech in one minute.”

Picard was not pleased, this was a good ship and a good crew to go with it. He watched on the view screen as more vessels appeared out of the plasma storms ready to take the ship. He stood from his chair and listened as a commline opened.

“Attention Federation vessel, this is Rukal of the Maquis, you are ordered to surrender your vessel or be destroyed.” A man said with a cold dark voice.

Picard looked to his first officer. “Never.” He paused. “Computer send an evacuation order through the ship.”

“Attention all hands, abandon ship. This is not a drill, repeat abandon ship.” The computer ordered.

As the bridge crew headed for the escape pods Picard took one last look around his vessel. He walked over to the dedication plaque took it off the wall and headed for a turbolift. “Goodbye old friend.” He said as the lift took him away.

Outside the vessel in a runabout Picard and his senior officers watched as over twenty Maquis ships swarmed their vessel. It was like watching wolves approaching a prey that they had captured… and killed.

Near Riker a panel beeped. “Captain, the warp core breech is contained.”

“What?” Picard asked, “How can that be?”

Data checked over a few readings, “I do not know sir.” He continued to look for answers in the computer. “I suggest you activate the auto-destruct systems.”

Picard nodded. “Computer, link to the Enterprise main computer.”

“Link established.”

“Set auto-destruct and set for five seconds.” Picard said.

“Unable to comply, auto-destruct systems off-line.”

“I need sugges…” Picard started to say but realized something else was happening. He couldn’t believe what was about to take place. “What are they doing?”

Outside, the Maquis vessels were continuing to fire on the Sovereign-Class vessel damaging it with each blow of a photon torpedo. After a few moments the Enterprise exploded with a bright flash of light that comes from a warp core explosion.

A commline opened “This is Rukal from the Maquis. We could have easily taken your vessel, but this does not interest us. We have spared your lives, go back to your leaders and inform them of this incident. Tell them to leave us alone.” The comm channel closed leaving a silence in the air.

“Captain.” Data said “They were not interested in the ship, they only wanted to make an example out of us.”

Picard nodded. “Yes commander. They did a good job of it too.” He looked down to the plaque that was in his hands. “But we will see them again.” He looked to Worf. “Send out an S.O.S. to Starfleet.”

Worf nodded his head and complied with the captain’s orders. “Message sent.”

Picard tapped his commbadge “Computer begin recording.”

Captain’s Log Stardate 52310.4:
The Enterprise has been destroyed by Maquis weapons fire in the Badlands. The crew of the late Starship Enterprise is waiting to be rescued by Starfleet and are heading towards Earth. Let the record show that she was the finest ship in the fleet. End Log.

Five Days Later

The senior staff of the Enterprise-E was still waiting to be rescued. The past five days had not been pleasant, Picard never liked waiting especially when he was in a helpless situation like this. He still held the Enterprise’s dedication plaque in his hands. He had read over the ship’s motto several times in his head. “…to boldly go where no one has gone before.” But at what cost? His thoughts were interrupted as a vessel came into range.

“Identify” Picard ordered.

“The computer can not identify the vessel.” Data replied. “Although from its design it appears to be one of ours. Attempting to hail them.” He pressed a few buttons but with no success. “No response captain.” He paused and checked over some more records. “They are scanning us.”

“Open a channel.” Picard said. “This is Captain Picard of the former Starship Enterprise to the Federation vessel. We are in need of assistance.”

The ship rocked, something was holding it. Picard looked out the window and noted that a tractor beam had their runabout in a tight grip and wasn’t about to let go, as he continued to look out the window he could see that a few escape pods were locked in tractor beams as well. He looked back to his crew. “Arm yourselves, be prepared for anything.”

A few moments passed and another panel beeped. “They have completed their scans of us sir.” Data said. “They are locking onto us with transporter beams.”

The Enterprise senior staff vanished in transporter beams as well as the rest of the Enterprise crew.

One Month Later

Captain Picard and the rest of his crew woke up at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco. As they awoke a doctor walked over to them. “Good you’re awake.” He proceeded to make scans of Picard and his officers. “We thought you’d never wake up.”

Picard was puzzled. “What? Where are we?”

“You’re on Earth captain, but don’t worry about that just yet, I need to finish running scans.” The doctor replied.

A man approached Picard, it was an admiral. “Captain Picard.”

Picard stood from a cot. “Admiral Lowry. How is my crew?”

Lowry handed a PADD to Picard, on it was medical information. “Your crew appears to be fine.” He pressed a few buttons on the PADD. “Captain, I’ve looked over your logs on the destruction of the Enterprise… How did you make it back?”

“Admiral?” Picard asked.

“Escape pods can’t travel very fast, it should of taken you over six months to make it back to Earth, and yet you made it back in ten days.” Lowry continued. “And when you did get back, you were all unconscious.”

“Didn’t a vessel bring us home?” Picard asked. “A vessel picked us up.”

Lowry shook his head. “I have no record of a vessel, we didn’t even have time to send a vessel out to search for you.” He pointed to the PADD. “See for yourself.”

Picard was even more puzzled. “I don’t know how to answer that admiral. I assure you, a vessel did pick us up. They locked us in a tractor beam and then beamed us aboard their vessel.” He paused trying to remember more, but he couldn’t “The next thing I recall is we woke up here.”

Lowry nodded his head. “All right, lay back down and get some rest. I’ll talk with you again when you’re fully recovered.”

Picard started to shake his head no but stopped when Lowry gave him a glance that said ‘That’s an order.’ Picard sat back down on the cot, a nurse walked up to him. “Sir, this was found on the runabout.” She handed him the dedication plaque for his former vessel.

Picard nodded. “Thank you ensign.” He then laid back down on the cot with the plaque in his hands and thought about what had had happened over the past few months. He had lost a ship under his command, again. Picard wondered how long it would take for Starfleet to give him another command. With that, he fell back asleep.

The End

January 10, 2375 – 0600 hours

The Jem’Hadar officer stood over the Cardassian’s unmoving body. The battle only lasted a few hours, more than what the Jem’Hadar soldier expected. First Tamakitan put his weapon away and looked around the room. It was a typical city structure designed for meetings. He walked towards two large doors and tried to open them, they were locked. He drew his weapon, a small energy pulse disrupter highly favored by the Jem’Hadar, and fired. The doors were vaporized instantly. First Tamakitan continued his way into the room, several Cardassian government officials were hiding behind tables hoping he wouldn’t see them. As he walked further into the room, the Jem’Hadar stepped over a Cardassian seal, he didn’t care about the seal or the people in the room. His orders were to find the head Cardassian. As First Tamakitan walked passed several Cardassian officials, they exited the building through the front opening. A man stood up and walked over to the Jem’Hadar, he eyed him up and down before speaking.

“Who are you?” The Cardassian officer asked the Jem’Hadar officer that had interrupted the proceedings. “Why have you entered here?”

“I am First Tamakitan of the Alpha Quadrant Guard.” The Jem’Hadar stated proudly. “I have come to give you a message.” He pressed a button on his body armor which opened a commchannel to his vessel in orbit of Cardassia. “The room is secure.”

A few moments passed, the Cardassian officer stood his ground waiting for whatever was about to come. A Dominion transporter activated and beamed an individual inside the room, he was standing next to First Tamakitan. When the transporter cycle was complete, the man walked up to the Cardassian. “I am Weyoun and I hereby claim this world under Dominion rule.” The Vorta paused letting the Cardassian take it all in. “You will no longer recognize any Cardassian government agency and will report directly to the Founders.”

The Cardassian standing in front of Weyoun laughed out loud. “Do you know who I am?”

Weyoun nodded his head. “Yes, you are Gul Dukat.” He clearly didn’t care for Dukat and didn’t see him as a threat.

Dukat was taken back a little, usually people were frightened when they found out it was Dukat they were talking to. “Aren’t you afraid?”

Weyoun stared into Dukat’s eyes and smiled. “Of a small child like yourself? Oh please, I’ve gone up against larger adversaries and won.” He walked over to one of the Cardassian’s hiding behind a table and looked down. “Why do you hide? Are you afraid of what the Dominion has to offer your world and people?” The man didn’t answer, he was clearly afraid of Weyoun and of what he represented.

Weyoun walked back over to Dukat. “Tell your people not to be afraid, unless they cross us, they should be fine.” There was a certain hint in his voice that Dukat couldn’t stand or like. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.” The Vorta exited the room with First Tamakitan not too far behind.

Outside the capital building, several thousand Jem’Hadar forces began beaming down to the planet. Cardassian soil was contaminated with the greatest threat to the universe since the Borg. There was nothing the citizens could do, they were under rule of the Dominion and didn’t have a choice. They would either follow through with Dominion demands or die fighting.

January 11, 2375 – 1300 hours

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood by a window in his quarters aboard the Enterprise-E. He looked out at the stars wondering how long the war with the Dominion would last. Starfleet had already lost several vessels and officers to the war effort, the Dominion needed to be stopped. Was he the one that would make that happen? Picard was only one man with only one vessel at his command, but his crew were loyal to him. Could he ask them to give their lives for the Federation? Every officer knew the consequences when they joined Starfleet, death was an ordinary part of life aboard ship. Picard walked over to his desk and picked up a book that he had been reading the night before and set it back on a shelf. He walked over to his replicator “Tea. Earl Grey, Hot.” A steaming cup of tea appeared in the slot which Picard picked up and started sipping.

“Computer to Captain Picard.” The cold voice of the computer sang into Picard’s commbadge.

Picard tapped his badge on his uniform top and replied “Yes?”

The computer played its message. “Starfleet Command reports Dominion forces have taken over Cardassia.”

There were very few things that could make Picard nervous, the message he just heard was one of them. It was disturbing enough for Picard to almost drop his tea. Cardassian forces had always been greater than the Dominions’. Of course ever since the Dominion retook Terok Nor one month prior, Cardassia had began to suffer. The Dominion had acquired the Wormhole and managed to disable part of the Federation’s mine field. Picard expected the Dominion to wait until the entire mine field was down before they would occupy Cardassia, his expectations were clearly misplaced. Picard acknowledged the computer and exited his quarters to meet with his senior staff.

In the conference lounge, Picard and his senior officers were sitting around the large oak table. Each had a look of stress on their faces, the Dominion had started to take over the Federation. Cardassia was only the first world among countless others that made the Federation complete. Picard had to keep his officers from thinking of what would happen to the Federation, they had a mission and he didn’t want them to become emotionally attached at the news of Cardassia.

“Alright, listen up people. Starfleet has ordered us to patrol Sector 001.” Picard said, achieving the attention of his trusted and valued officers. “They have reason to believe the Dominion will sneak through Vulcan space and make a direct attack on Earth.”

Lieutenant Commander Data shook his head. “Captain. After analyzing Dominion tactics, I do not believe they will make a direct run for Earth. They will need to take over more Federation Territory before attempting such a futile maneuver.” Data always had the ability to state the obvious, even when it wasn’t needed.

Picard nodded his head. “Yes I know that commander, but these are our orders and we will stick by them.” He stood up and walked over to a display case that held the gold models of the past ships named Enterprise, from the aircraft carrier to the current Sovereign-Class starship. He thought about his first command, the I.S.S. Stargazer. That ship had gone before her time, but Starfleet had ordered decommission to take place. Picard had tried to fight for her but his requests were unnoticed. He walked back to his chair and sat down remembering times past on the Stargazer. No one had even heard of the Dominion, the Bajoran Empire had made their presence known in the universe when they started the occupation of Cardassia. Picard’s thoughts were returned to the room when he noticed his officers staring at him with concern. “Number one, set a course for Earth and engage at maximum warp.” He paused before ordering his people to leave the room, they would make it out of this crisis, he was sure of it. “Dismissed.” At Picard’s order, his senior officers exited the room heading for their stations on the bridge. They left him alone to think things over in his head.

Starfleet Headquarters were gloomy the day after Cardassia had been taken over. The citizens of Earth weren’t in their usual upbeat mood. An empire of the Federation had fallen and the ramifications from that fall would effect the Federation in many ways. The Dominion would soon head for other Federation worlds and conquer them one by one until they were in control of every speck of the entire Alpha Quadrant. Admiral Alynna Necheyev was walking with several other admirals to a meeting. The admirals didn’t say anything to each other, they didn’t need to. Each man and woman had the exact same thoughts, the Dominion would soon be in control of Earth and the Paradise that Federation citizens had enjoyed for over one hundred years would come to a close. A new chapter would open, one with the Dominion in charge. The admirals didn’t want to see that happen, they would fight it until peace would once again find itself in the Federation.

Necheyev walked up to a door and after being subjected to a blood test entered a room. The other admirals followed her. The room was of typical conference room style, a large table with a glass top sat in the middle with chairs set around it. At the front of the room on the wall was the seal of the United Federation of Planets and the words Starfleet Command underneath it. The admirals sat down at their seats and waited for the meeting to begin. The doors at the front of the briefing room opened allowing three admirals to enter, they walked over to the front of the conference table and sat down.

Admiral Owen Paris looked around the room, like the rest of the admirals, he was frightened of what the Dominion had in store for Earth. “This meeting will come to order.” Paris said as he struck a small rock on a plate. “As you know, Dominion forces have invaded Cardassia. It’s only a matter of time before they invade the other planets in the Federation.” Paris looked down to a PADD, “We have unconfirmed reports that our Embassy on Cardassia Prime has been destroyed. All Earth citizens have been executed and the Dominion promise to do the same for all other worlds in the Federation. So the question is, what to do. I’m open to any suggestions.”

An admiral sitting at the end of the table stood up. “If I may?” Admiral Paris nodded his head in acknowledgment. “I was looking over different battle scenarios concerning the Dominion. The only conclusion I have would be to surrender.”

Admiral Paris stared back to the admiral with disbelief. “That is not an option. Did you hear me earlier? Earth citizens have been executed on Cardassia by the Jem’Hadar. If we surrender, the same will happen to Earth. Every citizen will be executed, the Dominion clearly have an agenda against Earth. They don’t like us.”

The admiral stood up and protested. “No, we will survive if we join the Dominion. Don’t you see?”

Admiral Paris stood up and walked to the end of the room, as he approached the officer he held out his hand. “This is not talk of any loyal Starfleet Officer. Your Agonizer please.”

“No, please. You don’t need to do that…” The admiral pleaded for his life, but Paris wasn’t in a listening mood.

“Admiral Wes, I asked for your Agonizer.” Admiral Paris reached to Admiral Wes’s belt and took a small device. The Agonizer was one of the most painful ways of torture, although compared to the Agony Booth, it was harmless. He put the Agonizer a few inches away from Wes’s chest and pressed a button. The admiral fell to the floor in pain, after ten minutes passed, Paris deactivated the device.

“Would you like to take back your suggestion admiral?” Paris asked with an evil grin on his face.

Admiral Wes shook his head. “No. I stand by my suggestion, I believe it is the best option for Earth.”

Paris dropped the Agonizer to the floor and looked into Wes’s eyes, his stare could pierce a level ten forcefield. “You leave me no choice admiral. You are stripped of your rank and duties. Guards. Take this man to the Agony Booth, set it to full and leave it running.”

Two men wearing Security uniforms and Type II Phasers entered the room. They took former Admiral Wes by the arms and escorted him out of the briefing room.

Paris turned to the other admirals. “I believe a small recess is in order. Dismissed.” The admirals exited the room leaving Paris all by himself. A few moments later, screaming could be heard. Paris lowered his head, Wes had been a friend of his, but Starfleet regulations had been clear. He would be negligent if he didn’t follow those regulations to the letter. After two hours passed, the screaming stopped. A guard entered the room and walked up to Paris.

“Admiral, the process is complete. What would you like done with the body?” The guard asked.

Paris looked to the guard and with a coldness in his voice answered “Ask his family.” He then exited the room.

January 20, 2375

High above what used to be the Cardassian military office was the flag of the Dominion moving slowly in the warm breeze. Several Jem’Hadar officers were patrolling the front of the building watching for trouble. The Jem’Hadar were designed by the Founders to be the best soldiers in the quadrant. When a challenge arose, they took it seriously and wouldn’t stop fighting until they were victorious. They could be compared to Klingons except for one fact, the Jem’Hadar had no honor.

Inside the military complex, Weyoun was standing in front of Gul Dukat. They were reviewing several security matters occurring all over Cardassia.

“Do you honestly want me to believe that you had nothing to do with this Dukat?” Weyoun asked in a low tone.

Dukat nodded his head with a look of disbelief. “I had no idea security problems like this would arise.” Dukat was lying through his Cardassian teeth, he ordered Cardassian military troops to damage power systems planet wide. Dukat didn’t prefer living under Dominion rule and he was certain Cardassian citizens didn’t enjoy it either. “I promise you I will find the persons responsible and they will be pun…”

Weyoun cut Dukat off in mid sentence with a smile. “I’ve already seen to their executions. You don’t need to worry about it any longer.” The Vorta let his smile go when a small comm unit beeped waiting for an answer. “Excuse me.” Weyoun walked away from Dukat and went outside. He later returned with a Bajoran military officer.

Dukat had always hated the Bajorans, ever since they annexed Cardassia so many years ago. The Cardassians finally pushed Bajor away and asked for Federation assistance on a station they had named Terok Nor. The Federation only lasted a few years before Bajor and the Dominion reclaimed Terok Nor.

The Bajoran officer walked up to Dukat and smiled. “I suppose you know who I am?”

Dukat looked at the Bajoran officer, she was wearing a Bajoran Military uniform, it was orange. He recognized the rank on her collar as Major. Dukat studied her face, trying to remember who she was. After a moment, his memory came back to him and he knew who he was talking to. “Major Kira Nerys, the only butcher to survive my attack on Terok Nor.”

Kira grinned from ear to ear. “I see you do remember me.” She walked over to Weyoun and dismissed him. “Inform the Founders that the situation will be under control in an hour.” Weyoun nodded and exited the room.

Dukat was confused. “Situation?” The only problem he knew about had already been taken care of, and that problem had cost several good Cardassian lives.

Major Kira looked at Dukat. “I know that you were in charge of the movement against the Dominion.” She started to smile. “If you’re going to do a job, you might as well do it right. First of all, when you disable the power systems, you need to remind your men to disengage the backups before you take the main grid off-line.”

Dukat laughed out loud. “Let me get this straight, you find out what I did and then you tell me how to do the job correctly?”

Kira nodded “That’s right. Is there a problem?”

“I’m not sure, I would start to assume that you are on my side.” Dukat said to her, still confused.

Kira smiled. “No, I’m not on your side. The difference between you and me is that I see the Dominion as allies. You are just a world that we conquered. If you ever try a stunt like that again, I’ll have you arrested and brought up before the Founders. I understand their methods of torture are a little harsh.” Harsh was a nice word for what the Founders could do if anyone crossed them. “Now, on to other matters. Why haven’t you demolished your treaty with the Federation yet?”

“I thought that when you conquered Cardassia, it automatically demolished the treaty.” Dukat said.

Kira nodded “Yes, but we want you to openly demolish the treaty. The Dominion wants you on our side as loyal citizens, we can’t afford any more terrorist plots against us. So what do you say?”

Dukat shook his head. “No, I will not join the Dominion willingly. You will have to force me.”

Kira walked over to a Jem’Hadar officer, took his sidearm, walked back to Dukat and put the weapon to his head. “That can be easily arranged.” Kira started pushing a few buttons and then informed Dukat of her actions. “This weapon is set to kill, if you refuse my proposal, I will fire.”

Dukat stood his ground. “No. I will not do that, Cardassia is part of the Federation, I will not turn my back on them so easily.”

Kira nodded to a guard who left the room. “I knew you were going to say something like that.”

Five minutes later, the guard returned with Dukat’s son. Kira walked over to the young boy and aimed her weapon at him. “Do you want to see your son die because you didn’t follow the way of the Founders?”

Dukat looked to his son and lowered his head, looking for answers. “No, don’t do it.”

Kira pressed a few more buttons on the weapon. “It’s too late Dukat, I have to make an example out of someone. Too bad it had to be your son.” She pressed the fire button on the disrupter which made it discharge. Dukat’s son fell down to the floor in pain and died a few moments later.

Dukat looked over to Kira, she had killed his son and he wouldn’t forget that. Of course Dukat couldn’t let her kill anymore innocent Cardassians, he decided to follow her demand. “Alright”, Dukat said after letting out a long breath “contact the Federation Government and I’ll talk to them.”

On Earth, the president of the United Federation of Planets was in his office located in Paris France. He was reading the most current reports of Starfleet defenses. He hoped that he wouldn’t have to declare Martial Law. The people of Earth had been frightened once before with the Borg and Martial Law just made matters worse. He was tapping his hand against his arm rest on his chair when Admiral Paris walked into his office.

“Admiral Paris, welcome.” The president said, greeting the head of Starfleet Security. “I heard there was a problem earlier this morning.”

Paris shook his head. “Nothing I couldn’t handle. Mister president, why have you called me here?” The president usually didn’t call people into his office, he was usually too busy for that.

“I would have talked to you over a commline, but I think you needed to see this for yourself.” The president activated a panel in front of him and a commchannel opened. Gul Dukat was on the other end.

Dukat stared at them with an expressionless face. “I would like to officially request for the Cardassian Empire to be removed from the Quatal Accords.”

Admiral Paris put a hand to his face, it was like Dukat had no hope for Cardassia. “Gul Dukat, we will get you out of this.”

Dukat looked back to Paris “I was told that if I didn’t make this communique, the Dominion would execute more Cardassian citizens.” He looked over to his side, Major Kira walked into the viewing area of the comm unit.

“You heard him.” Kira said. “As of now, the Cardassian Empire is officially under rule of the Dominion. Your treaty is dead, and soon you will be under Dominion rule also.” She closed the comm channel, closing contact between Cardassia and the Federation for an unknown amount of time.

Paris looked to the president, “There is no hope for them is there sir?”

The president started forward at the comm unit on his desk. “We need the Cardassians back in the Federation.”

Paris nodded his head. “It will take at least a week to get Dominion orbital defense systems around Cardassia. We might have a chance to retake the planet.”

“They might not have orbital defense systems installed, but they would have to have warships patrolling the area.” The president paused, “We would be out numbered.”

Paris thought it over for a moment and came to a conclusion. “If memory serves, only twenty-one Jem’Hadar warships would have been dispatched to Cardassia. That’s all they would need.”

“What are you getting at admiral?”

Paris smiled. “Let me check with my security heads and I’ll get back to you mister president.” He exited the president’s office.

January 25, 2375 – 0200 hours

When the Enterprise arrived at Sector 001 they found themselves behind enemy lines. The Dominion had already made their move against the Federation and won. Starfleet had been right, they chose to enter through Vulcan space and went straight for Earth. Earth didn’t have sufficient time to raise their defense systems to full power. The Dominion had come swiftly like a swarm of ants going after an intruder in their lair. The Founders would be proud of their Jem’Hadar attack dogs, they efficiently took the planet quicker than it took to take Cardassia down. Earth wasn’t prepared for any incursion to take place, even though several admirals came up with the thought of the Dominion taking over.

Captain Picard was pacing the bridge of his ship. The only thought that was in his mind was that of his family in France, he hoped they were being treated well, although he had a feeling the Jem’Hadar were executing every citizen on site. He walked over to his command chair and sat down, “I need suggestions people.” No one said a word, there were no suggestions to be found.

Commander Data’s panel beeped a warning. “Sir, three Jem’Hadar warships are advancing near our location.” Data reported.

“Have they detected us?” Picard asked, hoping the answer was no.

Data checked his console “No sir, I would suggest we cloak.”

“Activate cloaking device.” Picard said while nodding his head. The Bridge lights went down to a minimal power setting and the red alert klaxon activated.

“Captain, we are receiving a general hail from Starfleet Command.” Commander Worf reported.

Picard looked to the viewer “On screen.”

At the captains command, the viewscreen came to life. On it was the president of the United Federation of Planets. “This is the president, I order all Starfleet vessels to stay away from Sector 001, the Dominion have taken control of Earth. Earth citizens are being executed as they are found, avoid Sector 001…” The commline started to break up when a Jem’Hadar officer broke through the doors and walked up to the president. All Picard could do was watch as the Jem’Hadar put his hand around the president’s neck and began to twist, as the president’s spine began to break, he said his last words. “Survive…” Soon, the president’s head was lying on his desk with his body lying on the floor next to a chair. The Jem’Hadar broke the commlink which stopped all transmissions. Earth was quiet.

Picard tapped his combadge “Attention all hands, this is the captain.” He paused, trying to let the anger in his voice die down. “Earth has been taken by the Dominion, family members are being executed as I speak. I’m ordering the Enterprise out of Dominion Territory to hopefully locate other Federation vessels. Picard out.”

Picard turned to the helm officer. “Helm, take us to Starbase 398 and engage at full impulse until out of Sector 001 then punch it up to maximum warp.” The ensign on duty nodded her head and soon the Enterprise was on the move out of hostile territory.

February 12, 2375 – 1400 hours

In the Dominion capital on Cardassia Prime, Major Kira was receiving word of Earth’s situation from Weyoun. Kira smiled as she walked up to Dukat. “Dukat, I have excellent news. Earth has been purified.” She looked back to Weyoun and smiled “The Dominion have won.”

Dukat shook his head. “I wouldn’t jump to conclusions Major. Earth has been through many hardships in its entire history, they will survive.”

Kira laughed in Dukat’s face. “Listen, there are no survivors on Earth. The only humans left are on Starfleet ships, which we will soon overtake.”

Dukat couldn’t believe his ears, “What? No one survived at all?” He stumbled back and sat down in a chair, “Everyone is dead?”

Kira stared at Dukat, thinking how pitiful he had become. “What’s wrong Dukat? When Cardassia was in control of Bajor, you killed several thousand Bajoran civilians. You didn’t care about the lives that were lost. I must admit, it was a great lesson. I only wish we would have used it when Bajor took over Cardassia the first time. And since we have taken over again, I’ve destroyed Earth to show you what will happen if you disobey the Dominion.”

“Major, first of all. Bajor hasn’t done anything, the Dominion have done all of the dirty work.” Dukat corrected her. “All you have done was sit back and watch.”

That did it, the string between Kira and Dukat had already been pulled as tight as it could go. Dukat’s words to Kira had just broken that string. She pulled out a phaser from her belt and aimed it at Dukat. “I don’t need you! Your life is expendable. Take back your words.”

Dukat smiled, he had Kira exactly where he wanted her. “Or you’ll do what, shoot me? I hardly think so. You need me, I’m the only one my people will listen to.”

Kira wasn’t listening to Dukat, “I don’t need you.”

Weyoun walked up to Kira and tried to talk her out of it. “Major, please. Can’t we act civilized? He has a point, only his people will listen to him…”

Major Kira was too far gone to listen, she pulled the trigger on her phaser. Dukat’s body incinerated right before her eyes. When he was gone, she laughed out in anger. All the rage that was in her left her body and she was calm once again. “Well, now that that’s over with. What’s on the schedule for today Weyoun?”

October 15, 2375 – 1500 hours

Captain Picard and three other Starfleet captains were sitting in a briefing room on Starbase 398. The Dominion had destroyed all of Starfleet’s task force except three vessels, the Enterprise, Akira, and Sutherland. Starfleet hadn’t seen such a loss of vessels since the Vulcan war of 2335. Each officer had sworn an oath of alligance to the Federation. Even though the Federation had officially gone under, they still felt like they owed Earth something. The Dominion needed to be stopped, they had to be stopped. There was no choice, it was either the remaining of the Federation or the Dominion. There would be no peace in the universe until one would be named the victor.

Picard looked to Captain Hobson of the Sutherland. “What have we heard from the Romulans?”

Hobson picked up a PADD and handed it to Picard, he couldn’t read the information on it and was at a loss of words. “It’s all right there, in my report.”

Picard read over the report to himself and reported his findings to Captain Johnson of the Akira. “Romulus has fallen under Dominion rule as well. We can expect no help from them.”

Johnson nodded his head. “Jean-Luc, we clearly cannot surrender to the Dominion. Why don’t we try and find someplace else in the Universe, I’m sure it’s big enough.”

Picard shook his head in disbelief. “Where would we go to? Every major power in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants have been taken over by the Dominion. Systems are up and running the day before and they’re gone, allowing the Dominion to take over easily.” He paused, thinking of his family back on Earth. The Earth defense force had been ready for any attack, the systems just failed at the wrong moment. Picard had tried to come up with a possibility why it happened, but never reached an answer.

Captain Johnson looked to Hobson and then back to Picard. “We could go into the Delta Quadrant, there has to be a Federation outpost still intact.”

Picard picked up another PADD on the desk and handed it to Johnson. “As you can see in this report, all Federation outposts in the Delta Quadrant have been destroyed by Jem’Hadar forces. This is the only Federation Starbase left, and it’s being destroyed by over use.”

Hobson looked out the window to the three ships that made up the entire fleet. “I don’t understand how things crashed the way they did. I just don’t understand it…”

Picard was about to say something to comfort Hobson when a bright flash entered the room. Picard hadn’t seen that type of flash for over six years, he remembered an old adversary named Q who had the ability to appear and disappear at will where ever he wanted to. Picard stood up to greet his old nemesis when he realized it wasn’t the Q he was used to. “Who are you?”

The being looked to Picard, “I’m a representative from the Q Continuum. You can either address me as Q, which I really am beginning to get tired of. Can you imagine being called the same name for over two hundred millennia? Believe me, it’s not a pretty site. Just call me J R”

Picard looked to the Q who called himself J R. “What are you doing here?”

J R smiled and rubbed Picard’s balding head. “I’m here to help you out captain. I know that you three are the only ones left that make up the Federation Fleet. I had a bet with another Q, that you would survive the war until my birthday came. Well, today’s my birthday and you survived so I won the bet.”

Picard was angry “You made a bet on whether we would survive or not? Trillions among trillions of people have been dying since this war started, and you made a bet on it!”

J R nodded his head. “Yes Jean-Luc, that’s how things work. I was sent by the Continuum to purify this universe so more worthy species would be able to grow and dominate. I was given until this day in your time, but your war hasn’t ended yet and you people are still alive.”

“Yes we are. You don’t know what its been like.” Picard said back to J R.

“Well, don’t worry captain. I’m here to give you two choices.” J R said. “You can either be purified with the rest of this universe thus ending your existence or we can put you in another universe to continue living. It’s your choice.”

Picard looked to his colleges. On most occasions, they have always taken the easy way out. Picard wasn’t accustomed to taking the easy way out, but if he didn’t, his life would end. “Well, what do you think?”

“We should go for it.” Captain Hobson said. “Any other place has to be better than this universe.”

Picard turned to face Captain Johnson, “How do you feel about it?”

Johnson looked to Picard. “I would have to agree with Captain Hobson. If all he’s going to do is purify this universe, I don’t want to be around to witness it.”

Captain Picard turned to face J R, “Alright. We’ve made the decision to leave this universe. Tell me, what will the other universe be like?”

J R smiled, “A lot nicer than this one. To put it mildly, this was one of the most corrupt universes ever. That’s why we needed to purify it. The universe that I have in mind for you will be different. Most of your current rules and regulations will not be tolerated. Needless to say, you wont be able to execute your officers because they look at you funny.”

Picard lowered his head, that was one of the authorities that he had always enjoyed. It was a clean and efficient way to ensure loyalty among his crew. But if he intended to survive, he would have to make a few adjustments like the other captains. “Understood. When do we go?”

J R nodded his head. “Right now if you’d like.” He waved his hand and Picard, Hobson, Johnson, and their vessels vanished with a bright blinding white light. Almost immediately after they left, the universe started ripping itself apart. The universe screamed out in pain as if it were alive. Planets, stars, and celestial objects of every kind imaginable were being destroyed until all that was left was darkness.

In another universe at Starfleet Headquarters orbiting Earth, Captain Edward Jellico was looking over some sensor reports. He was currently monitoring footage from a battle exercise that had cost the destruction of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the U.S.S. Akira, and the U.S.S. Sutherland. Standing next to him was Fleet Admiral Alynna Necheyev.

“It is a sad day for the Federation today Edward. Three great captains and crews have been destroyed.” Necheyev said to Jellico.

Edward Jellico nodded his head. “I don’t understand how it happened admiral. I was monitoring everything, there was no warning that the Warp Cores on each vessel would become unstable at any moment. And then to have their ejection systems to go off-line… It just doesn’t make any sense.” He tapped his finger on the monitor “I’ll inform the…” He was cut off when a bright light appeared for a moment and disappeared. As the light faded, Jellico looked out the window and saw three starships that hadn’t been there a moment before.

“What the…?” Necheyev asked.

Jellico started making sensor scans of the vessels. “They’re Federation starships, there’s no doubt to that. Let’s get some readings here. I.S.S. Enterprise, I.S.S. Akira, and I.S.S. Sutherland. What’s going on here?”

Another bright light flooded the room and disappeared. J R, Captain Picard, Captain Hobson, and Captain Johnson appeared behind Jellico and Necheyev.

“I can explain that for you captain.” J R began. “I’ve recently heard of your losses and have brought these captains and their vessels from a doomed universe.”

Necheyev looked to J R, “Q! What are you doing?!”

J R cringed when Necheyev yelled at him. “I really don’t like that name, please call me J R.” He paused, waiting for an apology, Necheyev didn’t offer him one. “Fine. Listen, you’ve lost three ships right?”

Necheyev nodded “Yes.”

J R smiled. “And I just happened to have these three vessels and their crews with me. So why don’t we make a compromise and I give you these people to serve in your fleet.”

Necheyev shook her head. “No. Things don’t work out that way Q… J R. We don’t know who they are, sure they look like the commanding officers of the Enterprsie, Akira, and Sutherland. But they’re… wait, did you say from another universe?”

J R nodded his head. “Yes, I’m afraid I was forced to purify their universe and I had no place to put them. Besides, I’m not taking them anywhere else. I’ve got to complete a job I started, so if you’ll just excuse me.” J R started to wave his hand and remembered something, “Oh, by the way. You might need to get them copies of your rules and regulations, or some ensign might end up not surviving the night.” He waved his hand and was gone with the same bright flash of light.

Picard looked to Admiral Necheyev, he was given a clean slate to start over again. Maybe he could learn to be a friend to the admiral without having her guards pointing a phaser in his back. He looked behind her, looking for her guards but found no one. “Admiral, where are your personal guards?”

Necheyev looked at Picard with a strange look. “Excuse me? This is the Federation, we don’t need personal guards captain.” She paused, looking at Picard “I guess that guy was right, you really aren’t from around here are you?”

Picard shook his head. “No, we’ve been through a war that lasted for a long time.”

Necheyev looked to Picard, she had always hated wars but was curious to their enemy. “Who were you fighting?”

“The Dominion.” Picard said with anger in his voice. “I assume you’ve heard of the Dominion?”

Necheyev shook her head. “No, who are they?”

Picard looked to Necheyev with disbelief, a universe where the Federation hadn’t met up with the Dominion. It was like music to his ears. “Admiral, I think we need to talk.”

So it ended. The war with the Dominion was finally over, the universe had been destroyed by the Q Continuum with their vision of purification. The best part of it all was that Picard and his crew were finally home to Earth, even though it was an Earth that he was a stranger to, it felt good to be back.

The End

Stardate 44063.1 06:00 hours. Location: Sector 2186 – Alpha Quadrant

The Intrepid-class I.S.S. titanic just out of space dock headed for its first official assignment in the Delta Quadrant. Captain Kathryn Janeway had taken the bridge for the first watch, as most new captains had done in the past. She didn’t know what was in store for her and the crew of two hundred, but most of all, she didn’t know what dangers were ahead.

Janeway stood from her command chair and walked over to the operations console where a young ensign was working. “Mr. Kim, has Starfleet given us any orders for our maiden voyage yet?”

The ensign shook his head. “Not yet sir.”

Janeway looked down, she never liked to be kept waiting. “Very well, if Starfleet ever decides to contact us, inform me. I’ll be in my ready room.” She turned and exited the bridge. In her ready room, Janeway ordered a cup of herbal tea, walked over to her desk and started at it. It was a mess, when she beamed aboard, she told the crewmen handling her bags to take certain items to her ready room and that she would sort them out later. She cleared everything out of her way, sat down and fell asleep.

06:32 hours

Janeway awoke to Ensign Kim’s voice filtering through her com badge. “Kim to Janeway, please respond.” By the tension in his voice, it was clear that he had been trying to raise her for a while. Janeway sat up and took a sip of her tea. It had grown cold and was bitter tasting. She then tapped her com badge to answer the ensign’s hail.

“Janeway here, what’s up?”

Kim replied with eagerness, “Starfleet Command has given us our orders, please report to the bridge. Kim out.” The comm line went dead.

“Finally!” Janeway yelled as she exited her ready room. “Now we’ll know what our mission in the Delta Quadrant will be.” She walked up to Ensign Kim. “Well ensign, what did Starfleet have to say?”

Kim looked at Janeway “We are supposed to report to starbase three-seven-five where Admiral Ross will brief the senior staff on the mission.”

Janeway looked towards the front of the bridge where seated at the helm was Lt. Paris. “Helm” she ordered, “Plot a course to starbase three-seven-five, warp 8.”

Lt. Paris keyed in the sequence and reported that the ship was ready. Janeway walked to her command chair and sat down, she then gave the order to engage the warp drive. The Titanic went into warp so gracefully that Janeway didn’t even feel a jolt. “I’m going to have to send a bottle of Saurian Brandy to Utopia Planitia when we get back to Earth for a fine job they did on this ship.”

“I don’t think one bottle is going to be enough, better make it two.” A voice had come from behind her. She knew that voice.

Janeway stood up and turned around to see her fiance, Mark, coming out of the turbolift. She ran up to greet him. “What are you doing here?” She said as she gave him a hug.

Mark returned the hug, “Since I designed this ship, Starfleet felt it necessary for me to be here on her maiden voyage.”

Janeway turned left to face her security chief. “Mr. Tuvok, have Commander Cavit report to the bridge, until he comes, it’s yours.”

Tuvok nodded “Aye Sir”.

Janeway turned back to Mark. “We have a few hours before we arrive at the starbase, would you mind taking me on a tour?”

Mark smiled, “I’d like that very much. Now if you’ll follow me…” He took Janeway by the arm and they entered the turbolift.

Two hours later, the couple were finishing the tour. They went into Janeway’s private dinning room, ordered coffee and sat down by the main windows that looked out into space.

Mark reached out to Janeway’s hand, “Well, that’s the end of the tour.”

Janeway smiled, but the smile wasn’t an easy one to make. “I only hope that the name Titanic wont put a jinx on this ship.”

Mark looked into Janeway’s eyes, he tried to comfort her as best as he could, he knew it wouldn’t work but he tried anyway. “I know what your concerns are Kathryn, but it’s going to be ok.” He then tried to lighten her up a little. “Besides, I think we’ve made a few improvements since 1912.”

His last comment made Janeway feel a little better, not to the pint of laughing out loud, but it made an actual smile grow on her face. “I’m really glad you’re here, you designed a wonderful ship, one question though, where’s the grand staircase?”

Mark smiled, “Well, I suggested one, but Starfleet said no. Besides, you have a holodeck, don’t you?” Just as he said that, the stars outside slowed down and went from streaks of light to single dots against a black background. Starbase three-seven-five came into view as well.

Janeway’s com badge beeped and the voice of the ships first officer, Commander Cavit came through. “Captain Janeway we have arrived at Starbase three-seven-five, please report to the bridge.”

Janeway and Mark stood up and exited the dinning room. They walked down the gray hallway, Starfleet had chosen gray to be the main color for the newer ships they were building. They reached the end of the corridor and called for a turbolift. When the turbolift came, they walked inside and Janeway ordered it to go to the bridge. On the way, Mark decided to let a secret that he had been keeping out into the open. “I think that you are going to love this mission that Starfleet is sending you on.”

At first, Janeway thought that he was just making small talk. “Well, as long as it isn’t convoy duty…” She stopped, realizing something. “You already know what my orders are and you haven’t said a word?”

Mark nodded, she could have killed him for that but decided to get him back later. “And when were you going to tell me what they were?” She stared at him.

Mark turned his head to face her. “Sorry, but I had orders from Admiral Ross not to discuss the mission with anyone, even you.”

Janeway rolled her eyes, Mark had never cared much for orders, he didn’t have to. “Mark, you’re not in Starfleet. No one can order you to do anything.”

Mark smiled “Ok, so there weren’t any orders. The admiral just asked me to keep it quiet. You never know when the Bajorans or the Klingons are listening.”

Janeway understand why, if the Alliance ever got wind of a new starship and a mission to the Delta Quadrant, they would find a way to wreck everything. “Alright, I can see why you were told that. Of course now I’m curious. Is there anything else you’ve not been telling me?”

Mark looked back at her with shock. “Like what?”

Before Janeway could answer the question, the turbolift doors opened. “We’ll have to continue this discussion at a later time.” Mark nodded his head and they entered the main bridge.

Janeway walked to the conn and started at the main viewscreen. “Mr. Kim, open a secure channel to Admiral Ross.”

The viewscreen went from the picture of the starbase to the image of Admiral Ross. “Kate, good to see you again.” The admiral was at least fifty years of age. He and Janeway had become good friends over the years.

Janeway returned the greeting “Likewise Dave.” She was glad to see him again, the last she heard was that he had been captured by the Alliance and tortured for information. “I believe you wanted to inform us on our new mission? She continued trying not to let the eagerness in her voice show.

The admiral nodded his head. “Please beam over with your senior staff and I’ll brief you on the details. Oh, and bring that future husband of yours along as well. Ross out.” The screen shifted back to the image of the starbase.

Janeway hit her com badge. “Senior officers, report to transporter room two.” She then walked up to Mark and they joined Commanders Cavit, Tuvok Lt. Paris, and Ensign Kim in the turbolift.

08:50 hours

Janeway, Mark and the senior staff materialized in the stations transporter room. Admiral Ross stood by the controls “Welcome to Starbase three-seven-five. If you’ll follow me please.” He walked to the door, the sensor recognized a lifeform coming and the door opened. The crew followed the admiral down the hallway to a conference room. The room was of typical design, the table was made of oak. It had a tinted glass top. They sat down, Admiral Ross was at the head of the table.

Admiral Ross looked towards Marks direction, he wanted him ready for the meeting. “Your mission will be to test out some equipment that will eventually become standard issue aboard starships. Mr. Johnson will give you all of the details.”

Mark stood from the table and walked to a wall viewer and activated it. A diagram of the I.S.S. Titanic came up. “This is a diagram of the systems aboard Titanic.” He hit a few controls on a keypad next to the viewer. A schematic of a metaphasic shield grid over laid itself on the titanic. “This is what your first assignment is. It’s a prototype for metaphasic shielding.”

Lt. Carey’s mouth dropped open, he had heard about metaphasic shielding but never really believed that it would work. After a few moments of silence, he asked a question. “Excuse me, but didn’t Starfleet just come up with this idea a few months ago?” The rest of the senior officers stared at Mark.

Admiral Ross spoke up. “Yes, that’s correct lieutenant. Is there a problem with that?” He had hoped that the meeting would have gone smoothly without any questions, but it seemed that that idea had just died.

“Yes I do have a problem with that admiral.” Carey was starting to get on edge, he didn’t want to die a young man. “I don’t want to trust my life to some machine and I don’t want to throw it away like it meant nothing!”

Mark tried to calm the engineer down. “Listen, I stand by my work, and I know that this idea is sound. It only needs to be tested to make sure it’s a good thing for Starfleet to invest its time into.”

Mark turned his attention back to the briefing. “Captain Janeway, you will take the Titanic through the Barzan wormhole to sector 615 of the Delta Quadrant. There is a star that we have specifically set aside for you to use…”

Lt. Tom Paris was confused. “Um, if you don’t mind me asking, what exactly does metaphasic shielding do?” He had never been a person for reading the latest scientific discoveries. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in new advances in technology, he just never actually cared much about them.

Mark looked at Tom “Lt., metaphasic shielding is a subsystem of a starships shields. A vessel with this technology can enter a star’s corona and the people aboard it wont be affected by the radiation.”

Paris leaned back in his chair like he had just been hit by a ton of bricks. “One more question, how exactly does it do this?” At that moment, he decided that he should read more.

“Let me show you.” Mark said as he hit a few more controls on a PADD. Another schematic came up. On it was a star and a graphic representation of the Titanic. “When the metaphasic shields are activated, a bubble forms around the ship. And just like any shield system, things can go out, but nothing cam come in.” He hoped that he had said that correctly so the lieutenant could understand.

A beep sounded into the room, it was followed by the voice of the EMH Program. “If you’ll excuse this interruption and activate comm channel four-oh-nine, I would like to ask a question.” The admiral hit a few keys on the desk and the screen changed to an image of the Doctor. “Well first off, I’m glad that I was able to reach you before the meeting ended.”

Janeway was getting mad. “Dr. Please get to the point and stop taking up our time.”

The Doctor was startled “Ok, fine. Here’s my question, what will happen to the ship if the shielding doesn’t hold?”

Mark laughed at the question. “I can assure you that the shielding will not fail, it has been tested and retested.”

The Doctor was not amused. “If you’ll answer my question, I promise I’ll keep your medical records in good shape…” He said with a smile on his face. If he wanted to, he could keep Mark off of the Titanic by putting certain information into his medical records.

Mark wisely chose to answer the question. “Well, if the metaphasic shields fail, two secondary systems of skin tight shielding would form around the ship.”

Lt. Carey grew more nervous. “Two separate systems? Why would you have two systems?”

Mark nodded his head. “Yes, one system for the people onboard and the other system for the ship itself.”

Commander Cavit tapped his hand on the table. “How long would the crew have if the secondary shielding had to be used?”

Mark walked to the side of the room and pushed a button, a window opened up to reveal space. Outside the window was the Titanic. What a beautiful ship he thought to himself. He turned back to the group. “If that ship ever lost the metaphasic shielding, the secondary shielding would last for another half hour. Hopefully the crew would be smart enough to pilot her out of the star before the secondary shields would go.” He paused letting what he had just said sink in. “If for some reason the secondary shields failed before the ship could leave the star, the radiation level would rise until they crew would be dead.”

There was a long pause in the room. The silence was eating at the admiral. “If there are no other questions, I’ll close this meeting. Captain Janeway, you’ll find the route that Starfleet has laid out for you, it has the coordinates of the star as well. It is stored in your computer under the file name Beta-Two-Three-Six.”

Janeway was confused. “Why is the information in the Titanic’s computer?” Why not just give us the information here?”

Admiral Ross smiled at the question. “You never know where the Alliance is these days, ever since they joined up with the Dominion, they’ve been able to retrieve certain information from Starfleet vessels.”

Janeway immediately thought of one case in particular when Starfleet was investigating Lieutenant Worf. Certain files from the Enterprise had been found missing and the Klingon was a major suspect. Eventually, after days of questioning, Worf was no longer under any suspicion. Her thoughts were brought back to the room when Admiral Ross dismissed the officers. They stood from the table and walked out the door. They then headed for the transporter room, when they reached their destination, Mark and the senior officers went and stood on the transporter pad. Admiral Ross looked to Janeway. “Good luck and have a safe journey captain.”

Janeway smiled “Thank you admiral.” She then looked to the transporter operator “Energize”. The senior officers dematerialized from the transporter room. Admiral Ross wished he could go with them, but he had other duties to perform aboard the starbase. He was getting less active as he was getting older. He had regretted everyday since he accepted his promotion to admiral. He never really wanted to go above the rank of captain, but Starfleet had needed him. He walked over to a window and watched as the Titanic went into warp towards her first mission. “Goodbye Kate” he said with tearful eyes.

Stardate 44068.3 13:30 hours. Location: Sector 615 – Delta Quadrant

Captain’s log Supplemental:
We have made it to the Delta Quadrant without any problems. Note to I.S.S. Thunderchild, thanks for being our escort to the wormhole. I only hope that this mission will go peacefully without any problems and the name Titanic will not be remembered for a tragedy anymore. End Log.

Janeway entered the Bridge from her ready room. All of the senior officers were at their duty stations. “Report.”

Ensign responded. “I have located the star that Starfleet chose, the computer identifies it as Epsilon six-seven-one. Transferring information to your console captain.”

Janeway walked up to her chair and sat down. “Let’s see what we have.” She pushed a button on the console and looked over the information. “Mr. Kim, are there any indications that the radiation might not stop at the shielding?”

Kim shook his head “No sir.”

Mark was getting annoyed by the waiting. “Can’t we just get this started?” He wanted to show off his invention without anymore delays. He had waited long enough for Starfleet’s approval of the project and he wasn’t about to wait any longer.

Janeway looked back to see Mark standing my Ensign Kim. “We should do some more scans to make sure it’s safe.” He was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. It was against her better judgement and she knew that she should follow her instinct. But she was becoming anxious to see what would happen. “Alright, engage the metaphasic shielding and take us into the star.”

Outside, the Titanic headed for the yellow star. As the ship got closer, the shields had a yellow color to them. The Titanic was at impulse, then she went down to maneuvering thrusters. Back on the bridge, Janeway was shielding her eyes from the brightness of the star. “Harry, can you do anything about the light?”

Kim keyed in a sequence of commands and the viewscreen dimmed, allowing Janeway to see clearly. Janeway looked to Tom Paris, “How far do we have until we are completely inside the star?”

Tom turned his head towards Janeway’s direction. “Another ten meters captain.” He then turned back to the controls. A moment later, the ship was inside the star. Janeway had ordered an ‘all stop’.

Mark was smiling “Fantastic isn’t it? Just think of it, we are the first people to actually enter a stars corona and survive.” He walked down to Janeway “I’m glad that you were the one that Starfleet chose for this mission Kate.”

Janeway looked to Kim. “Mr. Kim, how are the shields doing?”

Kim checked his controls and replied “Shielding is working within normal parameters.” He then looked up to the viewscreen “It’s beautiful” he said to himself.

“Alright, set a course out…” Janeway was cut off by Mark.

“We aren’t done with your mission yet, we can’t leave.”

Janeway was confused. “There wasn’t anything in our orders saying about staying in the star.”

Mark smiled “Well, I guess I’m changing those orders. We’ll need to stay in here for at least twenty hours in order to really test the shields.”

Janeway was about to protest but for some reason that she couldn’t explain, she did what Mark told her to do. “Alright, we’ll stay in here for twenty more hours.”

Mark’s smile grew, he always like it when things were going his way. He then walked around the bridge, checking readouts on the ships systems. He stopped by the engineering console and handed a PADD to Lt. Carey. Carey took the PADD and read what was on it. It was a schedule for shield frequency and shield harmonic tests that were to be done on the shields while the Titanic was in the star. “These tests are to be run every half hour, after each test, you will note any changes in a log.”

Carey looked over to where Janeway was sitting. “Captain?”

Janeway stood up and walked over to Carey “Follow his instructions, use as many as people as you need.”

Carey looked back to the list, he didn’t really want to do it, but his orders were clear. “Alright, but promise me one thing, if this experiment of yours goes wrong, I don’t get blamed for anything.”

Mark smiled “I promise you that you won’t get blamed for any problems. And I assure you that there wont be any problems.” He then walked up to the turbolift. “I’m having a party tonight and I invite all oft eh senior officers to join me in holodeck two at 1900 hours.” He then walked into the turbolift and exited the bridge.”

19:00 hours

Outside Holodeck Two, Janeway stood by the door, everyone else had already gone in and she was the last one. She walked up to the door, it opened to reveal a movie theater from the twentieth century. She walked in and sat by the other senior officers. Janeway looked over to see who she was sitting by, it was Tom Paris. “Lieutenant, do you know what’s going on?”

Tom looked back to her. “I have no idea, although I recognize this theater, I believe it’s a re-creation of a theater named Cinemark Ten.” As he said that, he began to rock in his chair. “I don’t really care much for the colors. I’ve never really liked the color purple. Mark walked up to the front of the room from the control booth.

“Well, I’m glad to see that you all made it.” He looked at his audience, “Say, where’s that EMH of yours?” He paused and then looked at Lt. Carey. “And what are you doing here? I thought I gave you an assignment.”

Carey stared back at Mark, he was beginning to hate the guy. “Haven’t you ever heard of the word delegate? Lt. Torres is taking care of it.”

Mark nodded. “Computer, patch me into sickbay.” The computer beeped “Activate the EMH program and transfer him to Holodeck Two.”

The Doctor appeared next to Mark, he had a puzzled look on his face. “What?… What am I doing here?”

Mark turned to face him. “Well, you are the only CMO aboard aren’t you?” The EMH nodded. “Yes… Oh I see, you actually recognized me as a senior officer. Finally I get some recognition!”

Janeway stared at Mark. “Computer, transfer the doctor back to sickbay.” She paused. “We’ve found that if he gets too excited about something, his program dies.”

Mark had a cold look on his face. Janeway was ruining his time consuming work. “Alright, I’ve invited you here to watch a movie.” He looked around to note the expressions on their faces. Most of them really didn’t care. Paris was grinning from ear to ear. He never had any time to go to a movie, work was always in the way. Mark continued his introduction. “We are going to watch the movie Titanic.”

Everyone but Mark, Paris, and Tuvok started to frown. They all knew what happened to the Titanic and they didn’t want to watch a movie about something they knew about.

Carey stared at Mark, “How long is this movie?”

Mark thought for a moment. “Around three hours… why?”

Carey’s face frowned even more. “So I have to watch a movie for three hours? I could be doing more imprta…” He stopped realizing that if he left, he would have to get back to work on what Mark wanted him to do. He decided to stop protesting. “Ah never mind, three hours wont kill me.”

Mark looked over to Paris, who was raising his hand. “Yes, Mr. Paris?”

Paris put his hand down and asked his question. “Can I run the projector?” He was acting like a child in a candy store.

Mark nodded his head to the request. “Ya, the booth is right up there.” Paris stood and ran to the back of the room and into the booth. Mark walked over to where Janeway was sitting and sat down in a vacant seat. “Alright Tom, hit it!” The lights dimmed and the movie started playing. Janeway smiled, she turned to Mark. “This better be good.”

22:20 hours

The lights in the Theater came up. Janeway and Mark stood up “So” Mark asked “What did you think of it?”

Janeway looked at him. “Well, it was good. I just hope it isn’t a sign…” She was cut off when she heard crying coming from the projection booth. “Mr. Paris?” She walked up to Tom, he was holding a replicated tissue.

“That was so sad, I can’t believe he left her. I know that I would have stayed alive…” Paris said between tears.

Janeway almost laughed. “Looks like you got emotionally attached to the movie. I’m glad I didn’t.” As she said that, the room went dark, a power drain shut down the program and Tom fell off his chair hitting the floor with a loud thud. The computer informed the ship what was happening. “Metaphasic shielding has failed. Secondary shielding activated.” The power in the holodeck came back up. Janeway, Mark, and the senior staff walked out the door and headed for the bridge.

* * *

On the bridge, everyone took their stations. Janeway looked over at the engineering section. Lt. Torres was walking away to let Carey take over. “Torres, what happened?”

“I was changing the frequency of the shields when they failed.”

Janeway nodded, she then looked over to Carey. “Can you get them back online?”

He shook his head “No sir. The main shield generators are fried. The secondary shielding is running on the backup generators. I recommend we get out of here.”

Janeway walked up to Lt. Paris “Agreed. Tom, get us out of here.”

Paris hit a few buttons and nothing happened. “I’m sorry sir, the star is affecting the engines, they’re dead.”

Janeway turned and looked at Mark remembering his assurance that nothing would go wrong. She then looked over to Harry. “Mr. Kim, how long will it take to repair the engines?”

Kim checked his controls. “At least three hours captain, but we…”

Janeway finished the sentence. “Don’t have that much time.” She looked at the main viewer and then back to Kim. “Star the procedure anyway, and try to get it done in less then twenty minutes.”

Kim nodded, he then walked into the turbolift and exited the bridge. Janeway looked up to the interface. “Computer, how long until the secondary shielding fails?”

The computer replied with a clean, crisp voice. “Shield failure in exactly twenty-five minutes.”

Janeway put her hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Contact Starfleet, inform them of our situation.”

Paris checked his console. “The communications array is down captain.”

Janeway frowned. “Take a shuttle craft, head for the wormhole and tell Starfleet what happened.”

Tom looked at Janeway “We don’t have any warp shuttles on board. The maximum speed I would be able to achieve is half impulse. I wouldn’t have enough time to get there and back. It would take more then six hours to reach the wormhole.”

Janeway knew what she assigned wouldn’t work. “You must try Tom, who knows, you might meet up with a friendly ship.”

Paris stood up and looked into Janeway’s eyes, knowing that he wouldn’t see any of them ever again. “Thanks for believing in me.” He then walked to the turbolift and exited the bridge for the last time.

Janeway walked over to Lt. Carey. “Ensign Dyson, take the helm.” A young trill walked up to the helm and sat down. “Lt. can you do anything to make these secondary shields any stronger?”

Carey looked at his console. “I can’t do anything for the shields protecting the crew, but I can strengthen the shielding for the ships equipment and systems. I already started the procedure and should be finished in five minutes.”

Janeway was puzzled “How long have you been working on it?”

“I started the procedure before we went to that movie.”

“Captain, Lt. Paris is ready to launch.” Tuvok said.

Janeway looked at Tuvok. “Understood, clear him for departure.”

Outside, a shuttlecraft left the Titanic’s bay and made its way out of the star towards the wormhole.

22:35 hours

On the bridge, Captain Janeway was pacing around, it was time to give her last order. “Tuvok, patch me into the rest of the ship.”

Tuvok did what she ordered. “Channel open.”

Janeway looked at the viewer “All hands, this is the captain. In less then five minutes, the shielding protecting us is going to fail. I order you to evacuate the Titanic, Janeway out.”

Mark walked down to Janeway. “Come on let’s go.”

Janeway shook her head. “I’m not leaving.”

Mark blinked in surprise. “The ship? You would choose the ship over your own life?”

Janeway nodded, she then noticed that no one on the bridge was moving. “I gave you orders people! Move!” At her command, everyone exited, leaving Janeway and Mark alone. “Don’t try my patience Mark, you have your orders, now get out of here.”

Mark smiled “I’m not in Starfleet remember? I don’t have to take orders…”

In a corridor, people were moving quickly toward the escape pods. When the escape pods were full, they were ejected out of the ship. Back on the Bridge, Janeway was monitoring their progress. She was alarmed by the readings she was getting. “What’s happening?”

Mark walked up to her. “Come here and I’ll explain it all.” He led Janeway over to the captain and first officer chairs. They sat down. “Kate, the escape pods weren’t designed very well…” He was cut off by the computer’s voice. “Secondary shielding protecting the crew will fail in ten seconds, nine, eight, seven, six, five,”

Mark picked up Janeway’s hand. “I love you.” The computer finished the countdown. “Two, one.” At that moment, the radiation levels went full force instead of rising slowly. Janeway and Mark both died holding each others hands and looking into each others eyes.

Outside, the escape pods emerged from the star. The crew of the Titanic sighed with relief, they were safe. Until the hatches of the pods blew off and the crew was blown out into space. They didn’t have time to get their space suits on. One hundred and ninety-nine people died that day, everyone that was assigned to the Titanic, everyone but Tom Paris.

Seven Years Later

Stardate 51032.1

Captain Picard was sitting in his ready room onboard the Starship Enterprise. He was reading a Dixon Hill book and was drinking a cup of tea. The desktop viewer on this desk came up with blinking words that said Incoming Message. Picard stood up from his couch and walked over to his desk. “Computer, open channel.”

The computer beeped. “Enter security code.”

Picard hated the security procedures on the ship, it wasn’t a new thing but it was just a pain to do. “Authorization-Picard-Four-Seven-Alpha-Tango.” The text was replaced by the image of Admiral Ross.

“Ah, captain. How are you?” Ross asked smiling.

Picard smiled back. “I’m doing fine, and you?”

Ross stopped smiling “I’m fine. Listen, I have a job for you.”

Picard leaned closer to the screen so he could hear better. “Yes?”

Ross picked up a PADD “You are to report to starbase three-seven-five to pick up Lieutenant Thomas Paris.”

Picard nodded, “And you’ll fill me in on the mission later?”

Ross shook his head “No, Lt. Paris will fill you in, Ross out.” The screen went blank.

All Picard could do was wonder why Starfleet needed him to pick up Lt. Paris, the sole survivor of the Titanic. He hit his comm badge. “Picard to bridge.”

The filtered voice of Lt. Commander Data came through “Bridge here sir.”

Picard continued “Set a course for starbase three-seven-five. Warp nine, inform me when we arrive. Picard out.” At his command, the line went dead. Picard stood from his desk and walked over to the window. As he looked out, the stars started to move until they became streaks of light. As he watched the stars, he thought of Tom Paris and what happened to the Titanic. He finally said with a whisper “Why me?”

* * *

An hour later, Picard was standing in the transporter room. “Engage.” The lieutenant at the transporter controls keyed in the sequence and Tom Paris materialized in the chamber.

He walked up to Picard, they hadn’t seen each other since the problems Starfleet had with Chakotay and the Maquis. “Good to see you again captain.”

Picard smiled back. “Welcome aboard, If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your quarters.” He started to head for the door, but Tom reached out and took a hold of his arm.

“Actually, I would like to brief you and your senior officers on the mission first, if that’s ok sir.” Tom said as he was letting go of Picard’s arm.

Picard nodded. “This way then.” He turned for the doors, as they exited, he looked to the transporter chief and said “Have the senior officers report to the conference lounge.”

The corridors were mostly empty, there were only a few crewmen here and there. Picard and Paris didn’t talk much until they walked into a turbolift. “Bridge” Picard said, the lift started to move up. There was only one thin on Picard’s mind and it was bothering him. “Tell me, why do you need the Enterprise?”

Paris looked at Picard “that will be explained in my briefing, but I can tell you that one reason was that you’re the only other captain in Starfleet that believed in me.”

Picard smiled, “Who was the first?”

Paris looked down to his feet and then back to Picard. He was clearly trying to hide the tears that were starting to roll down his face “Captain Janeway.”

They finished the lift ride in silence. When it reached the bridge, they exited and walked over to the conference room. The doors opened allowing them to enter. Seated at the table were Picard’s senior officers.

Picard walked up to the front of the room “This is Lieutenant Tom Paris, he is going to inform us on our new mission.” He then sat down.

Tom walked by the table. As he was walking, he visually checked the officers. His eyes stopped on Worf. He then turned his head to Picard. “Before I begin captain, there is a problem.” He pointed at Worf. “Last I heard, Klingons were members of the Alliance. What is he doing here and how many more of them are on board?”

Picard looked at Worf and then back to Paris. “Lieutenant, I can assure you that Commander Worf is not part of the Alliance, he does not hold the same political views that they do. He is the only Klingon onboard this vessel.”

Paris was still uncomfortable, but he continued. “Alright, he can stay.” He activated the wall viewer, a map of the Delta Quadrant came up. He zoomed in on a system. “As you know, I am the only survivor of the I.S.S. Titanic under the command of Captain Kathryn Janeway. We are going to salvage the ship from sector 615 of the Delta Quadrant.” He paused. “The ship is in a star that Starfleet has labeled Epsilon Six-Seven-One. The Titanic was testing out Metaphasic Shielding for use on later starships. I believe you all know the story.” The crew nodded. “Good, then I wont bore you with all of the details.”

Geordi LaForge had a question on his mind. “Why has Starfleet taken so long before ordering a salvage operation?”

Paris looked at LaForge. “Until recently, the Alliance has had control of Sector 615. They withdrew from the area last week. Fortunately, they never found the Titanic. If there are no other questions, we’ll start the mission.”

They stood up and exited the conference lounge. On the bridge, the senior officers went to their duty stations. Lieutenant Paris stood by the conn.

Picard could tell what was on Tom’s mind and frankly, he couldn’t blame him. “Ensign Redd, let Lieutenant Paris take the conn.” Redd stood up and walked away. Lieutenant Paris sat down, ready for orders. “Set a course for sector 615 of the Delta Quadrant, and engage at maximum warp.” After Picard got a confirmation that they were in warp, he looked to Data. “Mr. Data, conduct a sensor sweep for any enemy ships.”

“Yes sir.” Data nodded and started to configure his console for the task.

“Number one, you have the bridge.” Picard stood up and exited the bridge. In the ready room, Picard sat down and activated his comm badge. “Picard to Crusher.”

The voice of the Enterprises CMO came through “Crusher here.”

Picard tapped his fingers on the desk “Dr., when we reach the Titanic, I want to send an away team over. Can you set up a radiation shot to help protect us?”

“You will be using suits wont you?” Crusher paused. “Yes captain, the shot will be ready by the time we arrive. Crusher out.”

* * *

Three hours later, the Enterprise dropped out of warp and came up to Epsilon six-seven-one. The escape pods from the Titanic disaster were gone, the Alliance had taken care of them when the took over the area. The Jem’Hadar had been ordered to find the ship, but it never happened.

Captain Picard walked out of his ready room onto the bridge. “Report.”

Troi checked her console. “We are ready to activate the metaphasic shielding to begin the operation.”

Picard nodded “Mr. Data, activate the shields. Mr. Paris, take us in.”

After the shields were up, the Enterprise moved towards the star and entered it. After a few moments, the Titanic came into view. The Enterprise closed in until she was fifty meters above the ship.

Picard and the other people on the bridge stared at the viewscreen image of the ship. After a moment of silence, Riker spoke up “Look at that.” The outside of the Titanic was dark black, the star had really scorched the vessel.

Picard looked towards Worf’s direction at Tactical. “Mr. Worf, link up to the Titanic’s computer. I want to see their bridge.” The Titanic’s bridge came up on the viewscreen. It was in perfect condition, the only thing that was an eye sore were the lifeless bodies of Janeway and Mark.

Picard was confused. “I thought that all of the crew left the ship in the escape pods before they were ejected.”

Data shook his head “Apparently, the captain, her fiance, and several other crew members did not evacuate the Titanic with the rest.”

Paris was almost in tears “I should have died with them, I shouldn’t be here.”

Picard ignored the lieutenant “Engage a tractor beam, let’s tow her out of this grave.”

Outside, thousands of light blue lines went from the Enterprises tractor emitter to the Titanic. Once the link was established, the ships emerged from the star.

Data looked to Picard “We have emerged from the star, reporting all stop sir.”

Picard smiled “Computer, have Commander LaForge and Doctor Crusher report to transporter room two.” He then walked to the turbolift. Data and Paris followed him.

* * *

The away team materialized on the bridge of the Titanic. They were all wearing suits to protect them from the radiation. Picard looked around. “Since there were no bodies left to recover outside, we’ll have to do with what was left onboard the ship. Lieutenant Paris and Doctor Crusher, you’ll go and find those crewmen that didn’t report to the escape pods and have them transported to the Enterprise. Mr. LaForge, go down to Engineering and check out the warp core, make sure it’s stable. Remember to keep an open comm link at all times.” They nodded and exited the bridge to carry out their orders. Picard turned to face Data “Start uploading the computer files to the Enterprise.” Data walked over to the Engineering console and started working.

After two hours passed, Crusher came through Picard’s comm badge. “Captain, we’ve found most of the remaining crew members and are continuing our search for the last one.” Picard was about to acknowledge her report when LaForge came through.

“No need to go searching doctor, I’ve found him. Please report to Engineering.”

Picard looked over to Data. “How’s the upload coming?”

Data looked up “I just finished it sir.”

Picard tapped his comm badge “Enterprise, beam the remains of Captain Janeway and Mark Johnson to the morgue.”

O’Brien’s voice came through “Aye sir, energizing.” The bodies of Kate and Mark dematerialized from the chairs. Picard and Data then headed for the turbolift and exited the bridge.

The turbolift stopped, they exited it and headed down the corridor that led to Engineering. They walked up to LaForge, Crusher, and Paris who were standing in front of the warp core.

“You know where the other crew member is?” Picard said.

Geordi nodded, he pointed at the warp core. A man was floating in the upper chamber. He was wearing a red uniform and had the rank of lieutenant commander on his collar. “Somehow he ended up in there. I’m checking the computer logs to find out what happened.”

Picard frowned, “Very well, you can continue your search on the Enterprise, I’ve ordered Data to upload the ships files.” He then hit his comm badge. “Picard to Enterprise, beam the person from the warp core to the morgue and beam us directly to the bridge, energize.” They beamed away leaving the Engineering section empty.

They materialized in the aft section on the main bridge. Picard sat down in his chair, Data, Geordi and Paris went to their stations and Crusher headed for a turbolift.

“Alright, let’s get underway.” Picard said “Commander Data, set the ship for warp tow and get us back to the Alpha Quadrant.”

Data hit a few controls and reported that they could only do an impulse tow because of the radiation that was flooding the Titanic.

Picard frowned, it would take a while to get back. “Hail Starfleet, inform them of our situation and request them to dispatch a ship equipped to handle radiation floods.” Data nodded and got to work.

LaForge walked up to Picard “Captain, I have enough information to tell you what happened on the Titanic.”

Picard nodded and hit his comm badge “Senior Officers report to the observation lounge.”

A few minutes later, the staff were assembled in the observation lounge. LaForge was standing at one end of the room. “It seems that the metaphasic shielding was not meant to be rotated like a shield modulation. It took a little modulation but it stopped working and everyone died.”

LaForge picked up a PADD and handed it to Picard. “These are the people that were left on the Titanic.”

Picard frowned, “Any loss of life that isn’t necessary is never good.”

LaForge continued “They were all found in their respective quarters. All of them were lieutenant commanders and they seemed to be chatting with each other over an open comm link.”

Paris looked at LaForge “What were their names?”

LaForge picked up another PADD and displayed the information on a wall viewer, he then read the names out loud. “Lt. Commanders Highlander, Wright, Hayward, Stidham, Sweeney, Buckmiller, Boddy, Sheerin, Vavaresos, Norris, Henshaw, Filippone, and Eggleston.”

Data turned his head to Picard “There was also a lieutenant that we couldn’t identify, all we know was that she was a female with red hair.”

Riker was confused “where was she found?”

LaForge spoke up. “She was in the same quarters as Commander Highlander.”

Paris hit hand on the table “I knew it! I leave for one minute to get help and she goes after my best friend!”

Picard stared to Paris, deciding whether or not to go down that path. “Who was she?”

Paris stared back. “Her name was Carie Donaldson, she was a friend of Kes, Neelix, and me.”

“Who were Kes and Neelix?” Worf said as he was scratching his chin.

Paris looked over to where Worf was sitting. “They were a crew of a vessel that a previous captain found when I was serving onboard the Melbourne. They were both outcasts from their worlds and later moved to Earth.”

Picard nodded. “Who was the one in the warp core and what was he doing there?”

“That was Commander Stidham” LaForge said “He was trying a site-to-site transport at the time. The radiation somehow altered the coordinates of his transport and he ended up in the warp core.”

Picard’s comm badge beeped “Bridge to Picard, the I.S.S. Utah has arrived to tow the Titanic.”

* * *

A few days later, the Enterprise, Utah, and Titanic were in Earth orbit. A Federation tug was taking the Titanic to Earth Station Mckinley to decommission the ship. Picard stood with Paris in the Transporter Room, they were both in dress uniforms. “Captain,” Paris started “I want to thank you for coming to Earth to bury the crew.”

Picard nodded “I know how hard it’s been for you, we must just recognize that death is a part of life and we should get on with our lives. Well, let’s beam down, I believe the rest of the senior staff are waiting for us.”

They walked onto the transporter pad. Picard and Paris dematerialized from the room. They rematerialized in a cemetery, the sun was shining brightly that day. They walked over to where the enterprise senior officers were standing. There were several head stones laying in the ground. The graves were in a circular pattern with Janeway’s and Mark’s coffins in the center.

Paris walked around, reading each of the tombstones. They all had the words ‘In memory of the Titanic crew, who gave their lives for the good of science.’ Paris then looked up to the Enterprise senior officers. Kes and Neelix walked up behind Paris, they gave him a hug but didn’t say anything. They didn’t need to, the same thoughts were in their minds.

Picard walked up to Paris and handed him a box. Paris took the box and opened it, inside was the Titanic’s Dedication Plaque. He read the inscription on the bottom of the Plaque. “O that I were an Angel, and I could have the wish of mine heart , that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God.” He paused and then added “Rest in Peace Titanic.” His words were to both the crew and the ship. Paris took the Dedication Plaque out of the box and placed it inside a glass container that was sitting on the ground in front of the graves.

Picard and the senior officers quietly walked away, leaving Tom, Kes and Neelix alone with the ‘remaining crew’ of the Titanic.

The End

Writers note: The following story took place after the events in Star Trek: First Contact.

Captain’s Log, Stardate 51003.6:
The Enterprise has been called to Earth where I will stand trial for my actions for disobeying orders and following the Borg sphere back in time to correct the problem in the time line. I am surprised that Starfleet has taken son long to get a JAG hearing for my actions. I can only hope that they will find me in the right and my crew and I can continue our current mission. End Log.

Captain Picard sat in his ready room waiting for the trial to come. It would take place at exactly 1400 hours, he had one hour to think things over. Maybe it’s time to call in a few favors that I’m owed, he thought to himself but decided against it. He would do this on his own, no outside help would be allowed. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door chime. “Come” Picard said and the doors opened allowing Guinan to enter the room. Picard’s face lit up, “Guinan, this is an unexpected visit.”

Guinan smiled, she held something behind her back. It was a bottle of wine which she handed to Picard. Picard immediately recognized the label, it was from his brothers vineyard in France. “I visited your brother before I came, he told me to give this to you.”

Picard’s smile grew. “How is he?”

Guinan nodded. “He’s doing fine. Cute little nephew you got there.”

Picard still smiled. “Yes, Ranae is a character isn’t he” he paused deciding to ask what his friend was doing here. “Don’t tell me you came just to tell me how family is doing.”

Guinan shook her head “No, I was summoned to be an expert witness on the Borg,” she paused and then added with hesitation “and you.”

Picard’s smile grew, with his friend on his side, Starfleet would understand and they wouldn’t hold him for any charges.

* * *

The hour had passed quickly, Picard was sitting in a court room at Starfleet Headquarters in Paris. At the judges desk sat Admiral Setelk, a Vulcan. Next to him was Admiral Nechayev. The hearing was a closed session so no one else was in the room except the two parties and the Admirals. Picard had managed to get his senior officers to come in and watch, Starfleet had agreed mostly because all six of them were to be questioned as witnesses. Guinan had opted not to attend the proceedings until she was to be asked questions. The man that was going against Captain Picard was Captain Charles Renolds. Renolds was a fairly new captain, but he was a good lawyer. The defense had no lawyer, it didn’t need one. All Starfleet could do was ask questions and then make a decision based on the testimonies given.

Admiral Setelk picked up a small mallet and hit a bell with it twice. “This meeting will now come to order. Captain Renolds, please state for the record why Starfleet has called this inquiry.”

Renolds stood. “Admiral, on Stardate 50995.7, a Borg vessel destroyed a Federation colony and then headed directly for Earth. Admiral Hayes ordered the Enterprise to patrol the Neutral Zone in case the Romulans decided to take advantage of the situation. Captain Picard did as he was ordered, until he decided to break those orders. He had the Enterprise go to Sector 001, going against those orders to stop them. This meeting should decide that Captain Picard is an insubordinate officer and that he should be stripped of his command. Thank you.” Having that said, Captain Renolds sat down.

Admiral Nechayev looked down at a PADD “This court will call its first witness. Lt. Commander Worf, please step forward.”

Worf stood, walked up to the witness chair and sat down.

Renolds stood up and walked towards Worf. “What is your current rank and position?”

Worf looked back at Renolds, he clearly didn’t like him and was sure he would kill Renolds when the meeting was over. “Lt. Commander assigned to I.S.S. Enterprise as Tactical Officer.”

“Why were you ordered to Sector 001?” Renolds continued his questioning.

Worf looked back. “I was ordered to take the Starship Defiant, which was designed to fight the Borg, and help out the best I could to stop the Borg threat.”

As Worf was answering questions, Renolds began taking notes on a PADD. “Who contacted you about the mission and what were your first impressions of the assignment?”

“Admiral Hayes contacted Captain Sisko about the problem, and then Captain Sisko called me into his office and gave me the assignment. As for my first impressions, I can only say that I’ve seen what the Borg do to people when they are assimilated and I knew that they needed to be stopped.”

Renolds looked to Picard. “Why did Captain Sisko give you orders, if you were under Picard’s command?”

Worf looked to Picard and then to Renolds. “I was temporally assigned to Station Deep Space Nine as their Strategic Operations Officer.”

Renolds dug deeper. “You said temporally assigned, but you left before your assignment was over. I looked into the records commander.”

Worf nodded. “Yes, I found it difficult to fulfill my duties on that station and asked to be re assigned to the Enterprise.”

Renolds nodded, “Now back in Sisko’s office, when the admiral told you that the Enterprise would not be in the Typhon Sector?”

When Worf answered, he had a growl in his voice. “I was disappointed, the Enterprise was the newest ship in the fleet with the newest technologies aboard her and she deserved to be part of that fight. But she was denied that right.”

Renolds shook his head. “So, you wanted Picard to come…”

Worf nodded his head. “Yes like I said, he deserved to be there, and so did Captain Picard.”

“Why did Captain Picard need to be there?” Renolds probed.

“He needed to be there because he knows basically everything there is to know about the Borg, he was connected to their network.” Worf was trying to avoid any confrontation between him and Captain Renolds, but it was getting hard to do. Anyone who went against his friend didn’t deserve to live.

“And what were your feelings when Picard showed up?” Renolds continued making notes.

“I was glad to see that he came, as you can see the end results ended up good.”

Renolds began to frown. “Never mind the end result, the fact was that you were glad to see him come. You were glad that he was going to get his revenge against…”

Renolds was cut off by admiral Nechayev. “I believe you are leading the witness, for that you will be punished.” Nechayev held up a phaser set it to stun and shot Renolds. Captain Renolds fell to the ground unconscious. Nechayev stood up, “Now, until he wakes up, well have a two hour recess.”

With the inquiry at a recess, Picard and his senior officers decided to go to San Francisco to have lunch. The name of the restaurant was The Spaghetti Factory. They went in and sat down at a long table. After they looked at the menus and had decided what to order, a waitress walked up and took their orders. Worf was the last one to tell her what he wanted “I would like Lasagna with a side order of Heart of Targ.” The waitress’s face started to cringe at the thought of what Worf would eat, but continued with a professional manner. She then asked him what he wanted to drink, his reply was Klingon Blood Wine. She wrote the last few details on a PADD and walked into the Kitchen.

Worf noticed that Troi was staring at him. Picard was confused by this, he wanted to know why. “Commander, is something the matter?”

Troi nodded, then answered Picard’s question. “Worf only orders Heart of Targ and Blood Wine for certain occasions.”

Picard thought to himself special occasions? For a Klingon? “What kind of occasions?”

Troi looked back to Picard. “He orders it when he is ready to go into combat, or for a romantic situation…”

Picard interrupted her. “Listen! What you two to on your own time is your own business, I don’t want to hear of it.”

Troi continued what she was saying. “Or when he’s about to kill someone. Well, I believe the first two are out of the question since he and I aren’t going to be sharing any time together for a few days, so he must have Murder on his mind.”

Picard looked back to Worf. “Who do you plan to kill?”

Worf picked up his mek’leth and polished it with a napkin. “I do plan to kill Captain Renolds after this inquiry is over with, he has no honor.”

Picard almost started to laugh, but decided against it, at least not until the right moment. “Why do you want him dead?”

Worf looked back from his weapon. “First of all, I do not like anyone who questions the ability of my commanding officer and second, I don’t like his smile.” He paused. “Anyway, he brought on this whole inquiry. Captain, he is after your job. When I was informed about the inquiry, I did some background checks on Captain Renolds. Three of his sisters were serving aboard the Starship Melbourne at Wolf 359. They were all killed, and he blames you for their deaths. When this is all over with, he hopes to have your command.”

Picard thought what Worf had said for a while. “Well, just save me a seat at his execution…” He then started to laugh, and with him, the rest of the senior officers joined in. Needless to say, they were all kicked out of the restaurant for being too loud. Out side, they were walking down the street waiting for the inquiry to continue, Picard’s comm badge chirped, it was a message from Admiral Nechayev stating that Renolds had regained consciousness. Picard and the other senior officers called the Enterprise and asked for a site to site transport, they dematerialized…

…And rematerialized in the court room. Admiral Setelk brought the meeting to order. Captain Renolds was already for his next questions. He called his witness to the stand.

“Commander Riker, has Captain Picard ever shown any kind of cruelty in the years you’ve served onboard the Enterprise with him?”

Riker looked back “That’s not a good question to ask me sir, I haven’t been with him as long as the others…”

Renolds was mad. “I don’t care how long you’ve been with the crew commander, just answer the question!”

Riker stared into Renolds eyes, there was no life breathing in the man, he only had one thing on his mind and that was revenge. “No sir, nothing out of the norm.”

Renolds walked up to Setelk. “Admiral, I would like to ask the court, to make this easier, if I could have the senior officers sit at a table and just ask them all the same question?”

Setelk looked over to Nechayev, she nodded her head. “Alright captain, you may proceed.”

Renolds then had a guard pull a table over to the wall, and the senior staff went and sat down. “Ok, let’s continue. Commander Data, would you please answer the question?”

Data looked at Renolds, “I believe that I would have to agree with Commander Riker sir. Captain Picard has never stepped out of the average captain towards the subject of ruthlessness, and I believe that my colleagues will all tell you the same exact thing.”

Renolds looked to the rest of the witnesses. “Is this true?” They all nodded their heads yes. “Then I see no point in continuing this discussion. Let’s cut to the chase shall we?” He picked up a PADD, it had his notes for the meeting on it. He then scrolled down to the important information. “Ok, let’s get straight to the facts. Captain Picard, on Stardate 50995.7 your vessel was ordered to patrol the Neutral Zone, is that correct?”

Picard nodded his head.

Renolds smiled. “And then on Stardate 50996.1, the cube entered at the Typhon sector and met up with the fleet.”

Picard again nodded his head.

“This is when you ordered the Enterprise to Sector 001 captain?”

This time, Picard shook his head no. “Actually captain, I waited until I knew that the fleet would need the Enterprise.”

Captain Renolds smiled, Picard was going into his trap. “Ah, until you ‘knew’ the fleet would need you, how touching. Um, there’s one thing I don’t understand captain. How did you know that the fleet would need you?”

Picard smiled. “We were listening on Starfleet subspace frequency one-four-eight-six. A vessel then clearly sent a distress call to Starfleet Command that more ships would be needed.”

Renolds smiled. “Ah, yes the subspace frequency. I managed to borrow the flight recorder module from your bridge camera captain, I present it to the court as evidence.” Renolds then handed a black box to Admiral Nechayev.

Nechayev took the box and plugged it into a computer terminal. Renolds continued, “Admiral with the courts permission, I would like to play back what happened on stardate 50996.1.”

Setelk turned to the computer. “Computer, activate holo-emitters.” The room went dark and a duplicate Enterprise bridge came up out of no where.

Renolds took a PADD. “Computer, replay from time index 514.8.”

The computer beeped and then started playing the file. Troi opened a comm channel and spoke into it. “Bridge to Captain Picard.”

Picard’s voice filtered through the comm badge. “Go ahead.”

“We’ve just received word from Starfleet Command,” the holo-image of Troi said. “They’ve engaged the Borg.”

Holo-images of Picard and Riker walked out of the ready room and onto the bridge. Picard went for his chair. “Commander Data, put Starfleet subspace frequency one-four-eight-six on audio.”

“Aye sir.” Data said and went to work.

The comm channel then filled the Enterprise bridge. “Flagship to Endeavor . . . stand by to engage at grid A-fifteen.” “Defiant and Bozeman, fall back to mobile position one . . .” A voice filtered through to the flagship, it was a Lieutenant. “Acknowledged, flagship.” Another voice then cut into the bridge. “We have it in visual range!” “We see it-a Borg cube on course zero mark two-one-five. Speed: warp nine point eight.” A Borg comm line then opened up and thousands of voices filled the room. “We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.” The Borg then closed thier portion of the comn line. The order to fire came. After a few moments, several damage reports came though the line, and the file ended. The holo simulation turned off and the room was back to normal.

Renolds stared at Picard. “Captain, I believe you stated earlier that distress calls were made and requests for more ships? I didn’t hear any distress calls in that file. Did you?”

Picard could only shake his head and answer no.

Renolds smiled. “I rest my case.”

Admiral Setelk stared at Picard. “Do you have any more witnesses that you would like to present to the court Captain Renolds?”

Renolds nodded. “Yes sir. I call Guinan to the stand.” A guard at the end of the room opened a door and Guinan came in. She walked to where Picard was sitting and sat next to him. “Guinan, how long have you known Captain Picard?”

Guinan thought for a while. “A very long time captain.”

“Do you believe him to be an expert on the Borg?” Renolds asked.

Guinan nodded. “Yes I do.”

“Even a better expert than, say… you?”

Guinan nodded again. “Yes, he was assimilated by the Borg, he was a part of their collective.”

Renolds nodded. “Yes, so I have heard. Tell me, is he a trustworthy individual?”

Guinan looked over to Picard and then back at Renolds. “Yes he is.”

Renolds decided to take his questioning a little too far. “Tell me, if you had three sisters and they all ended up dead because of a Borg named Locutus…”

Picard stood. “I object!”

Admiral Setelk agreed with Picard. “Yes, Captain Renolds, you will refrain from adding personal feelings into this case.”

Renolds didn’t hear the admiral, he was too far motivated. “Would you allow him to freely…” Renolds never got to finish his statement, he was shot by Admiral Nechayev. His body fell limp to the ground, barely alive. Worf stood up, his mek’leth in hand. He jumped over the table and thrust his weapon into Renolds’s heart, killing him instantly.

Admiral Nechayev stood up. “Mr. Worf! You are out of order, I sentence you to five days in the Stockade on Mars.” By Nechayev’s command, two guards came into the room and took Worf away. Worf had a smile on his face as he exited the room. Nechayev then looked over to Picard. “Captain Picard, it seems that since there is no one to go against you for this crime, you will be released. But let me warn you, if you ever violate an order ever again, no matter how small. I won’t wait for an inquiry, I will sentence you to death. Is that clear?”

Picard and the other senior officers stood, he looked to Setelk and then to Nechayev. “Yes sir, I understand.”

Nechayev then walked over to Renolds’s body, took out Worf’s mek’leth and handed it to Troi. “I believe Worf will need this back when he gets out of the Stockade.” Troi took the mek’leth and headed out the door.

Picard looked to Nechayev. “I just want you to know Admiral, that there was a vessel that called for reinforcements. I was going to bring it up when I got the chance, but as you can see, it never came. Mr. Data, please tell the admiral the last bit of evidence to close this inquiry.”

Data walked towards Admiral Nechayev. “After the information that Captain Renolds presented, there was a cry for help from an Akira class vessel, it said the following. ‘Starfleet Command we need reinforcements…’ After that message was said, Captain Picard terminated the comm link to the subspace array and ordered a direct course for Earth.”

Admiral Nechayev turned and looked to Picard. “I never doubted you for a moment captain. But Renolds came up to me and demanded this inquiry, under starfleet regulations, I couldn’t refuse it. I hope you understand…”

Picard smiled. “Yes admiral, I think I do understand. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be leaving for the Bahamas. Goodbye admiral.” With that said, the remaining Enterprise’s senior officers exited the court room.

The End

Six months after the Maquis took Earth, things had seemed to settle down a little, for the Maquis at least. Federation citizens were still being killed for not doing what they were told by their Maquis leaders. Earth was not paradise anymore, no one knew what paradise was.

Orbiting Saturn was the badly damaged I.S.S. Enterprise. The Maquis had come for her and were too powerful. She was going under repairs at the moment, repairs that would be finished in three days.

In the Ready Room, Captain Edward Jellico was sitting at his desk reviewing the repair schedule and the current war with Riker. “Captain, Geordi will have the phaser banks on line by tomorrow.” Riker said.

Jellico nodded “How is the Hull stress doing?”

Riker smiled “Sir, there wasn’t any stress on the hull.”

Jellico was shocked, “But we sustained damage.”

Riker smiled again “If you would have read over the specs on the ship when you came aboard, you would have remembered that the Enterprise has abladive armor double strength all over, that is what was damaged and that should take about two days to fix.”

Jellico leaned back in his char “Thank you for informing me of that commander, now what is the situation on the current war?”

Riker’s smile quickly turned to a frown. “Well, if Captain Picard doesn’t come within two weeks, we will never survive this. You saw yourself what those Raiders did to the enterprise.”

Jellico stood, he was angry. “Yes, I remember. But we need to stop them at any cost, the next time they come.”

Riker didn’t like what he heard. “At any cost captain?”

Jellico looked back to Riker, his face was still, his stare was cold, it looked as if there were no life in him. “At any cost commander, dismissed.” Riker exited the Ready Room, leaving Jellico there looking at his desk.

* * *

On the bridge of the Enterprise-D, Picard was sitting in his command chair. It had taken him a while to convince the Cardassians that he was not their enemy and that there was a treaty between their two peoples. They had been going for so long without anyone that they didn’t know who to trust, but at least he had been able to do it. He stood and walked towards Tom Paris. “What is our ETA?”

Paris checked his console and replied “At our current speed of warp 6.5, we will arrive in Saturn orbit in two weeks.”

Picard nodded. “Increase speed to warp eight.”

Paris keyed in the sequence and the shp increased its speed.

“Lt. Yar, what is our tactical status?” Picard asked.

Yar checked her console, “All systems ready captain.” She had said the word captain rather loosely, she had never liked Picard, he hadn’t done anything for her hatred, but she had heard stories about him and his crew, stories that she didn’t like.

Suddenly, the ship rocked from weapons fire. Picard felt the deck hit him in the face. After recovering slightly, Picard stood up and called for a report.

Yar was the one to answer. “Six Bajoran vessels are firing on us.”

Picard had a look of worry on his face. “On screen.”

The main viewer that once had stars, now displayed Bajoran warships firing on the Enterprise and te Cardassian vessels. They had destroyed the smaller vessels first and then went after the larger ones.

Yar continued her report, “Aft shields are down, forward are at ninety percent.”

Picard turned his head to her. “What about the Cardassian fleet?”

Yar checked her console. “Their smaller vessels are gone, but their main warships are fine…”

She was cut off by what was on her screen, “Captain!”

Yar looked up to the viewscreen, all she could do was stare. Picard turned his head to the screen, the Cardassian ships were setting collision courses for the Bajoran vessels. When all of the ships had been destroyed, Picard called the ship down from red alert.

Picard called for a sensor scan for more vessels, the report had come back negative. He started to breath easier, but it was too soon for that, there was still one thing that had to go wrong, and it was time for it.

* * *

Down in Engineering, bodies were lying everywhere. They were the bodies of the engineering crew temporally assigned there. On the warp core, a timer was counting down. At that moment, it was at five seconds, then it went to four… three… two… one… when it reached zero, all hell broke loose.

* * *

In the president’s office, Sisko was going through messages from Maquis Raiders, he was interrupted when Chakotay walked in holding a PADD.

“Well, Starfleet seems to have a new ship that we hadn’t known everything about,” he handed the PADD to Sisko.

Sisko reviewed the information “Ya, so what.”

Chakotay did not look happy, “Even though we disabled most of it’s systems, which is excellent news, that ship has abladive armor twice the strength of the Defiant!”

Sisko wasn’t really interested “So they have a strong ship, well so do we.”

Chakotay was not amused by Sisko, “You don’t understand do you? If we can get a hold of that ship, then we will be very powerful!”

Sisko looked up “We already have Earth, what more do you want?”

Chakotay sat down and stared into Sisko’s eyes “I want the entire Federation on it’s knees before us.”

Sisko was finally understanding what was going on “I guess it’s time we capture ourselves a ship.”

* * *

On the bridge of the Enterprise-D, alarms were going off all over the place. Picard was listening to Lt. Yar, who was reporting the damage. “The entire Engineering section has been destroyed.” She paused, looking at more information.

Picard broke the silence. “Were any other decks damaged?”

Yar shook her head, “No sir, the forcefields around the deck held.” That was better news, at least they could continue on their mission. “Sir, we are being hailed by the lead Cardassian ship, it’s Gul Evek.”

Picard nodded, he stood from his command chair and said “On screen.”

The main viewer changed to show the face of Gul Evek, he began speaking as soon as the channel opened. “We’ve detected an explosion in your Engineering section. What was the cause?”

Picard looked back “My security chief has just informed me that a bomb was responsible, the good thing is that no other deck was damaged.”

“Do you have warp power available?” Evek continued.

Picard shook his head “No, but we do have impulse engines and maneuvering thrusters.” He paused, an idea had just come. “Setup a warp tow and you’ll tractor us the rest of the way.”

Evek was puzzled, “A what?”

Picard nodded. “I’ll have my first officer beam aboard your ship and she will help you configure your systems.”

Evek agreed and Commander Monroe exited the Enterprise’s bridge.

A few hours later, the fleet was moving again. The warp two was going along smoothly. Finally something was going right, at least on this end of space. The Cardassian Engines along with the tractor beam made the ships go faster, neither side could explain how this happened, but they were glad it helped them. This new process had cut their trip down to one week, then they would take Earth back from the Maquis.

* * *

On the Enterprise-E, it was night watch, Jellico had managed to get all of his senior staff away, on the bridge were junior officers, officers that didn’t know what Starfleets orders had been, he was the king, they were his stupid subjects and he was ready for action. “Set a course for Earth, and engage at full impulse.” His orders were followed to the letter. Jellico then stood up and exited the bridge to the Ready Room.

Commander Riker was sleeping as all this happened. He awoke suddenly when red alert klaxons went off, his first thought was that the Maquis had come again, but it was the other way around, the Enterprise had gone for the Maquis. He stood up, got dressed and headed for the door. It opened up to reveal a security guard who immediately went to attention. “Commander” was all he said.

Riker got a strange look on his face, “Ensign, what are you doing here?”

The ensign didn’t say anything, he just stood there. Riker was getting angry “I asked you a question!”

The ensign still didn’t say anything. Riker was really upset now. He took the ensign’s phaser then his shoulder and slammed his face into the wall, not hard enough to knock him out, but enough to make him think twice before starting anything. Riker put his face right next to the ensign’s. “Now tell me what you are doing here.” Before the ensign could answer, they were knocked down to the floor. “Computer!” Riker yelled to the interface “Report!”

The calm voice of the computer came through all of the noise. “Twenty Maquis Raiders have just attacked the Enterprise.”

Riker continued his questions “What is our current position?”

Again, another calm reply “Earth orbit.”

Riker looked down the hallway, he knew exactly what had happened “That Idiot!” The ensign stated to get up, but Riker stopped him. They both stood up. “I didn’t say you could leave yet.” The ensign was in trouble and he knew it. “I suppose,” Riker continued “that the other senior officers have guards at their doors also?” The ensign nodded. Riker looked back up to the computer interface. “Computer, locate all security guards located at the doors of the senior officers quarters except mine and the captains and beam them to brig cell three, alert the brig guard, command authorization Riker-Omega-Three, then give me a status report.” The computer waited a few seconds then reported “Five security guards in brig”.

Riker then turned the phaser he had taken from the ensign on the ensign himself. “Sir, what are you going to do?” was all the ensign could get out before he was vaporized.

Riker frowned, and then said to himself “I can’t leave any witnesses, but I will not forget your sacrifice, Computer, delete all record of ensign Michael McDuff from records.” He then headed for the nearest turbolift to get to the bridge. He stopped before reaching the end of the corridor, he needed to get the other senior officers, they were all ready freed but didn’t know what was going on.

After Riker got his friends up to date on what was happening, they were on their way to the bridge. In the turbolift, Riker and the other five senior officers were ready. When the turbolift reached deck two, Riker ordered it to halt, they decided to finish their game plan. Riker spoke “Alright, we’ll beam around Jellico and all point our Phasers at him, no one will stop us because we are their commanding officers, they are supposed to trust us.”

Something was troubling Worf, “What if he rigged a site-to-site transport?”

Riker was ahead of him “No need to worry about that, I’ve disabled his command codes, he can’t do anything, alright let’s go.”

Data had one more thing to bring up. “Commander I thought we might be able to use these.” In his hand were six personal cloaking devices that he managed to make by looking at the computer records of the U.S.S. Shadow Horseman, the ship that they ran into so many months ago. Riker nodded and they all put on the armbands and cloaked. They then activated the transporter and dematerialized.

* * *

In the president’s office, Chakotay was smiling, the ship that he wanted was at his front door. After the Maquis had started firing on the Enterprise, he called them off, he knew that Jellico would come after him anyway, no matter what he did. All he had to do now was wait and he would have the Enterprise under his command. Chakotay checked a PADD on his desk, it had a schematic of a mind control device, he had been using it on Sisko and it was working well.

* * *

Captain’s Log Stardate 50637.1:
We have been attacked by Maquis forces and…

Jellico never got to finish his log, as soon as Riker’s group had materialized around Jellico on the bridge, they decloaked Phasers ready. “Hold it Jellico!” Riker yelled.

Jellico couldn’t do anything, he was pinned and he knew it. “What is this all about commander?”

Riker took Jellico by the throat and forced him to the command chair. “You have put this crew into danger for no reason! I believe it’s time for you to step down.”

Jellico looked back to Riker and sat down. “No, I don’t believe so commander. I was placed in command of this vessel, you can’t do anything about it.”

Riker stared back. “Watch me.” He looked to Data “Commander, cloak the ship and set a course back to Saturn, full impulse.”

Data nodded and sat down at his station. “Understood sir.”

The Enterprise however couldn’t move because of Maquis Raiders blocking its path. The raiders had been sent by Chakotay, who wanted the Enterprise more than anything.

Jellico smiled, “See, I told you. You can’t do anything.”

Riker smiled back. “Yes, I can Jellico. But I think I’m going to let Picard have a chance at you before I do it…”

* * *

A week passed, Chakotay hadn’t finished his plan for the Enterprise yet, it was still in Earth orbit, motionless. It hadn’t gained any further damage. Sisko was still doing what Chakotay was telling him to do against his will without his knowing it. Shelby and her crew almost caught Chakotay off guard that last week, but they were still too powerful. Her crew were killed and she was sitting in a holding cell.

Picard and the Cardassians had finally made it to Saturn, when he found out what had happened and the Enterprise was at Earth, he immediately made a course change and headed for Earth. It was time that the Maquis was shown a lesson.

On the Enterprise-E, Riker heard the news and was ready for action. He had Jellico placed in the brig a couple of days earlier so he wouldn’t be in the way. The battle had been going well, the Defiant had been put of full alert by Chakotay, Sisko was in charge over what was going on Earth.

The Maquis raiders were still going strong, the Cardassians decided to set more collision courses until all of the Maquis Raiders were destroyed. Unfortunately, all of the Cardassian vessels were destroyed as well. Leaving the two Enterprises’s and the Defiant.

On the Defiant, Chakotay was sitting in the command chair. “Open a hailing frequency to the Enterprise.” The communications officer was confused. “Which one?” Chakotay stared back at him. “The Enterprise-D, you idiot.”

The channel opened and Captain Picard’s face came on the screen. “Listen Chakotay, your forces are destroyed, are you and Sisko going to surrender or not?”

Chakotay looked back to Picard. “Of course we’re not going to surrender captain, you are going to have to destroy me before I surrender to you. Besides, Sisko isn’t doing this by his own free will.”

Picard was interested by this information. “What?”

Chakotay just stared at him. “You don’t think he would do this all by himself do you? I had to help him, and since I’m going to rule the Federation after I eliminate you and your crew, I’ll kill him as well. Just come and take your best shot captain!” With that, the comm channel closed.

On the bridge of the Enterprise-D, Picard ordered Yar to open a frequency to Jellico. Riker of course came on the screen and reported what had happened. Picard was not happy about this, but he didn’t have time to think about it. “Number one, take an away team down and find Sisko , Chakotay is getting to relaxed thinking he’s going to win this fight. He’s controlling Sisko, find out how and stop it then try to get Sisko to lower the Defiant’s shields with his command codes.” Riker nodded and said “Aye sir. Riker out.” The comm channel again went dead. It was time for battle, a battle that Picard knew he would come out victorious.

* * *

On Earth, Riker and his team had made it to Sisko, after killing over forty Maquis renegades, but they had made it. Data walked up to Sisko. Sisko immediately reached for his phaser. “Don’t come any closer commander.” Data stopped in his tracks, he decided to try and reason with Sisko. “Captain, you are not under control of your mind, Chakotay is controlling you.”

Sisko shook his head. “No he’s not. Now shut up, or I’ll fire!” As he said that, a phaser beam from the open window took him down. Data and Riker were both shocked to see commander Shelby coming in through the window with a phaser. “Don’t worry, it was set to stun, he’s unconscious.”

Data walked over to Sisko and deactivated the mind control mechanism after searching Sisko’s head with a tricorder. He then woke him up with a hypospray. “What? Where am I?”

Riker walked to Sisko, “I’m Commander Riker from the Enterprise, we don’t have time to explain what happened, we need you to disable the Defiant’s shields.”

Sisko didn’t know what was happening. “Commander, before I do anything, you are going to have to explain to me what is going on.”

* * *

Back on the Enterprise-D, Picard was not happy about how things were going, the Defiant was too powerful for him. He had called the other Enterprise for assistance, but it wasn’t of much help. Mostly because the abladive armor hadn’t been fixed yet, so the ship was just getting more and more damaged. Chakotay had done something to the Defiant’s weapons so it would automatically disable the Enterprise-E’s shields, they were down and the Enterprise was just a sitting duck, waiting for execution, which Chakotay was ready to give her.

* * *

After Riker explained the situation, Sisko agreed to help. He managed to disable the Defiant’s shields and beam aboard. He was on his way to the bridge now, and he hoped that things would work out well. He opened the door and saw Chakotay. Chakotay turned around, the ship rocked by weapons fire from the Enterprise. “What, how did you get here?”

Sisko smiled. “That isn’t important Chakotay. You are under arrest.” Chakotay laughed at him. “Under arrest! Are you joking? You’ve gone mad!”

Sisko took out his phaser and pointed it at Chakotay. “I said you are under arrest, now come with me and this won’t become messy.”

Chakotay jumped up trying to catch Sisko by surprise and met the discharge from his weapon, he was killed instantly. Sisko then contacted the Enterprise-D “Captain Picard, please send over a security team, Sisko out.” All of the other Maquis on the Defiant were ready to fight back, but Sisko promised them that if they didn’t, he would help them out in their court cases and hopefully lessen their sentences, they agreed.

* * *

Captain’s Log Stardate 50998.3:
The incursion with the Maquis is over, finally. I have my crew back and everything is returning back to normal. Captain Sisko along with Commander Dax and Dr. Bashir have returned to DS9 to continue to help the Cardassians to become Federation citizens. Their sacrifices in this recent battle have put them one step closer to membership. It will take a while to get Earth back to what it was before the Maquis came, it will not be easy for the people, but it will happen. I am on my way to claim the Enterprise-E as my command, and put the past Enterprise to rest finally as Starfleet has ordered in full honor. I was not pleased with what had happened with Captain Edward Jellico, who must be punished, I will never leave any ship that should be rightfully mine under the care of another man, it will always come with me on any journey that Starfleet sends me. End Log.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard stepped onto the Bridge of the Enterprise-E, the first thing he saw was Edward Jellico. Commander Riker had given Jellico the right to hand Picard back his vessel, which was the proper procedure. Jellico stared at Picard knowing what would probably become of him. “Computer” Jellico said. “Transfer command of I.S.S. Enterprise over to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, authorization Jellico-Alpha-Three-One.” The computer beeped then said. “I.S.S. Enterprise now under command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.” Jellico then shook Picard’s hand, Picard said “I relieve you sir.” Jellico smiled back, “I stand relieved”. Picard then took out a phaser and shot Jellico, killing him painfully until his body fell to the floor. “All hands, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I am happy to report that the war is over, I am back in command, I am grateful for your courage these past few months, I promise you that I will never leave you alone ever again, Picard out.”

Riker looked to Picard. “You have one thing to do Captain.”

Picard looked back, “Oh, you’re right number one. Attention on deck!” At Picard’s command, everyone on the bridge went to attention. Even Lt. Yar, who had come on board because Picard had ordered but, she now had trust for him, being in battle with him. She had found the trust that she never knew was there. “Picard looked over to the tactical station where Worf was standing. “Commander, fire photon torpedoes at the Enterprise-D, and put her to rest.”

Worf did as he was ordered. “Aye sir.”

Outside, the torpedoes hit the Enterprise-D, making it explode with a light that was painful to look at, but at last, that vessel had found its rest, and Picard was happy for her. “Dismissed.” At Picard’s command, everyone went back to what they were doing. Finally things were going to get back to normal, and Picard was glad that it was. The Enterprise-E orbited around Earth awaiting its next mission.

The End

In orbit high above Earth was Earth Station McKinely, a docking port designed for new starship development projects. At this time, the completed Galaxy-Class Refit was docked awating its first shakedown cruise. Like its predecessors, this Enterprise was the federation’s flagship. It’s registry was NCC-1701-E and people looked up to it, every captain in Starfleet wanted to command this ship, but this honor was reserved only for Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Picard was on a runabout at the moment with the rest of the senior staff. They were heading towards the Enterprise to begin their tour of duty starting off by inspecting the ship itself. Picard looked out the window, across from the Enterprise was the saucer section of his other Enterprise. Starfleet had deemed that Enterprise and its experimental five nacelle design a failure. She was to be decommissioned within the next two days. They way that Starfleet was to decommission the vessel was not an honorable “death” for a starship. Picard had insisted that he be allowed to destroy it by photons, but Starfleet insisted that it would be dismantled and its parts used as scrap for other projects.

Outside, the Runabout Galileo approached the main shuttlebay. Commander Data was sitting at the helm of the vessel. “Galileo to Enterprise, requesting permission to come aboard.”

There was a small pause. Admiral Nechayev’s voice came over the comm channel. “Runabout Galileo, this is Enterprise, request accepted.”

Data was starting to key in the sequences to take the Galileo directly to the shuttlebay, but Picard stopped him. “Mr. Data, do a fly by of the Enterprise, I want to get to know her a little better.

Data then keyed in new sequences. The runabout made a sharp turn and flew around the Enterprise like Picard had ordered. After the runabout had finished flying around the vessel, Data keyed in something that Picard had not accepted. He ordered the Runabout to do some side over side rolls. Picard looked to him, “Mr. Data? What was that for?” Data looked back to Picard and gave an answer. “I thought it was appropriate sir.” Picard smiled. If it had been any other officer, Picard would have had him fired by now, but Data was trying to figure out humanity and Picard was his teacher, so he let it go. “Very well Mr. Data, now lets get on with this ceremony, and into space.”

The runabout then made a graceful landing in the shuttlebay. The shuttlebay was set up with a podium, there was also around 300 people in attendance as well as the Federation News Service. Picard and the other six senior officers exited the Galileo. Picard was the only one to approach the podium. Admiral Nechayev was standing by him, in her hand was a PADD which she handed over to Picard.

Picard read the information outloud so all could hear. “To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, you are ordered to take command of the I.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E as of Stardate 50013.6, signed Admiral Nechayev, Starfleet Command.” Picard then turned to Nechayev and acknowledge that he would take command of the vessel.

Nechayev turned her head to the comm interface “Computer, transfer command codes to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Authorization Nechayev Delta seven one nine.”

The computer beeped and then reported “I.S.S. Enterprise now under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.”

Nechayev turned to Picard again. “Would you like the honor of putting the Enterprise on Active Duty?”

Picard jumped at the chance, “Yes Sir. I’d like that very much.” He paused and then look up to the interface. “Computer, this is Captain Picard.” The computer beeped. Picard continued. “Place the Enterprise on Active Duty.” The computer beeped again. “I.S.S. Enterprise is now on Active Duty, its mission …to boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Picard turned his attention back to the assembled crew. “Attention!” Everyone in the room went to attention, except for Admiral Nechayev who outranked Picard. Picard walked by the crew members as if he was inspecting them. Many of his old crew had requested reassignment, these people were now new to him, but he was sure that he would get to know them soon enough. After he finished walking around, he went back to the front of the shuttlebay, he then looked over to Riker and nodded his head. Riker understood what Picard wanted and said “Dismissed.” Everyone in the room exited, leaving Nechayev and Picard and his senior officers alone with the runabout.

Nechayev walked up to Picard. “Nicely done captain.” Picard nodded in agreement, “Thank you Admiral, we’re having a welcome party in the observation lounge, I was wondering if you would like to join us?”

Nechayev shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t make it, another time maybe.” Picard nodded his head. Nechayev started to walk towards the door, stoped and tuned around. She looked back at Picard, “Jean-Luc, this is a new ship. Don’t wreck her like you did your other one.” Picard nodded his head again. “Yes Sir.” Having said that, Nechayev turned and walked to the door, it opened to reveal two security guards standing in the hallway. She walked passed them and they followed her down to the transporter room where she would leave the ship.

Back in the shuttlebay, members of the Federation News Service walked up to Picard. Picard recognized the reporter, it was Jake Sisko, Captain Benjamin Sisko’s son. Jake had a PADD in his hand. “Captain Picard, can you tell us a little about what really happened with that other vessel a few weeks ago?” Picard was not in the mood to talk, “Not right now Mr. Sisko.” Jake didn’t back off, he stood his ground. “But captain! This story would…” He was cut off by Picard’s cold glare. “Look, I gave you one chance, I’m not going to give you anot… wait, why don’t you and your crew stay onboard for a while, I might decide to talk to you later.” Jake smiled. “Thank you captain.” Then he exited the shuttlebay.

Picard then turned to his senior staff, he didn’t need to explain himself to them. “Well, now that that’s over with, lets get up to the bridge.” They turned and walked out the door.

* * *

On the bridge, the crew had just finished testing systems, they were now ready to leave. Picard walked down from the aft stations to his command chair. He noticed something different about the command areas arrangement, there were now three chairs instead of the standard two, and his chair was raised up a little more than the others. He sat down, by him were Riker and Troi. Picard looked at the viewscreen and said “Mr. Worf, hail the dock master and request permission to leave.”

Worf did as he was ordered and reported. “Request approved.”

Picard smiled, he liked it when things ran smoothly. “Set course one-oh-nine mark eight and engage at warp six.”

The ensign that sat at helm laid in the course, the Enterprise jumped into warp. Picard stood up and walked into his Ready Room, as he was leaving he said. “You have the bridge Number One.”

In his Ready Room, Picard was sitting at his desk reading Julius Caesar by William Shakspere. He was at the part where Caesar was finally figuring out, while he was dying, that his most trusted friends had plotted against him and it was too late to do anything. “What an idiot!” Picard yelled aloud, “How could he not see that coming?”

Picard was interrupted when Riker’s voice came through the comm channel. “Riker to Picard, Emergency Distress Call from Earth.” Picard was startled, something was definitely wrong. Earth usually didn’t send out distress calls. “Put it through in here.”

Picard put the book down and activated his monitor. The message that played was a recording. It was Admiral Nechayev, the message was pretty garbled but Picard understood what it said, it looked like Nechayev didn’t have time to say much. It said, “Maquis…” and then some stuff he couldn’t make out and then “Earth.” Picard stood up The Maquis, he thought… He then hit his comm badge “Picard to bridge, Red Alert.”

When Picard walked onto the bridge, he immediately went to Riker. Riker could tell there was something wrong, mostly because the ship just went to Red Alert. Riker stood up “Captain…” was all he could get out before Picard started giving orders. “All hands to battle stations, engage the cloaking device.”

Outside, the Enterprise faded until the only thing visible were stars.

Back on the bridge, Picard turned to his chair and puched up a sequence to open a comm channel. “Senior officers report to the conference lounge.” He then closed the channel.

* * *

On Earth, everything that could go wrong, had gone wrong. Cities were in flames, people were running everywhere trying to get away from the Maquis. Some fought back but were killed, the dead were lying the streets. Then the I.S.S. Defiant hovered over Paris France. Two men beamed down, one had a tattoo on his head, the other was bald. Their names were Chakotay and Ben Sisko. They activated their personnel transporters and disappeared.

They reappeared in the presidents office. A guard at the door was ready for them but he didn’t succeed in stopping them. Chakotay pulled out his phaser and fired. The man was vaporized instantly. Sisko looked over to Chakotay, “I didn’t want anyone dead!”

Chakotay didn’t care what Sisko had to say. “It’s too lat for that.”

The president stood up. “Gentlemen, can’t we discuss this?”

Chakotay walked up to the president and pushed him back in his chair. “Don’t you ever do something without my permission again!”

Sisko looked to the president. “Of course we can discuss this. We are angry and now we are going to get payback for what you did!”

The president was confused. “What are you talking about?”

Sisko rolled his eyes. “As if you didn’t know! Chakotay please explain to him.”

Chakotay walked over to the window to check on things. “He saw something he didn’t like. “Tell your men to get away from this building or I’ll have it destroyed!”

The president stood up. “But there are civilians in this building, women and children…” He was cut off.

Chakotay said it again. “Tell them to stand down!”

The president did so. He pushed a button on his desk, “You heard him, I suggest you do as he says.” On the other end of the bug, Commander Shelby replied “Yes Mr. President.”

When Chakotay was satisfied that they were now alone, he started to talk. “Remember that incident on Dorvan Five?”

The president looked up. “Where the Indians on that world were forced to hand over their world to the Bajoran people?”

Chakotay nodded. “That’s right, that’s what started all of this. Bajor is the enemy, and you sided with them. Captain Sisko here lieft Starfleet because he couldn’t take it anymore.”

Sisko sat down in a chair. “When I was ordered to take command of Deep Space Nine, to help the Cardassians prepare for Federation membership, I actually thought that it would happen. But now, the Cardassians don’t even have a chance. The Bajorans are just to powerful for them.”

The president looked at both of them. “That doesn’t explain why you are on Earth.”

Chakotay walked to the desk. “We realized that our fight wasn’t with the Bajorans, but with the Federation itself.” He paused, looking around. “We want our lives back! The way it was supposed to be.”

The president sat down. “We can discuss this like reasonable men, can’t we?”

Chakotay and Sisko nodded. The president looked back to them. “Well, then why don’t you call your people off so we can talk.”

Sisko hit his comm badge. “Sisko to all teams, stand down for one hour.”

The president looked up “Only one hour?”

Chakotay replied. “If we don’t like what we hear in one hour, then we’ll have to continue with our plan.”

* * *

In the Enterprise’s Conference Lounge, the senior staff were discussing the message that had been received. Riker looked over to Picard. “Sir, are you certain it’s a Maquis take over?”

Picard looked back. “I assume that we should expect the worse, that because of the fact that the message was garbled, and the fact that there ahve been no replies to our messages, that the Maquis have taken Earth.”

Worf had been looking over some reports on the ship. “Sir, I believe the question that should be asked is are we going back?”

Picard looked around. “Well…” He was cut off when a voice came through into the room. “Captain Picard, there’s a message from Earth sir.”

Picard was hoping that it was good news. “Pipe it in please.” He turned around, the screen activated to show Chakotay, Sisko, and the President of the Federation.

Chakotay spoke. “To all members of the Federation Starfleet. The Maquis have taken Earth. We are your new leaders, and you have the honor of seeing our first action of rulers of that new leadership.” Sisko turned his phaser onto the Federation’s former president and fired. It was not a typical phaser blast, this was designed to kill the victim slowly and painfully. All of the senior officers looked away with pain, except for Data who could show no emotion because he had no emotions to give off. When the president was dead, Chakotay concluded his speech. “Welcome to a new era, the Maquis Era.” With that said, the channel closed.

Picard looked to his friends. “Now there is no doubt, we have to do something. Suggestions…”

Data spoke up. “I suggest we get a long range sensor scan of Earth. To see how many Maquis Raiders we are up against.”

Picard hit his comm badge. “Picard to bridge.”

A Female voice came through the signal “Commander Monroe here.”

Picard continued with his orders. “Take us out of warp, disengage the cloaking device, and conduce a long range sensor sweep of Earth, then have your findings brought to me.”

All Monroe said was “Yes sir, out.” The comm line went dead. After a couple of minutes, Monroe walked in with the requested information on a PADD. She handed it to Picard and headed for the door. Picard stopped her by saying “Commander, sit down.” She stopped in her tracks and turned around with a puzzled expression. “Yes sir.” She sat down at the end of the table by Worf.

Back at the head of the table, Picard was ready to continue. He stood up and put the information from the PADD into the computer. The information was then displayed on the screen. It had a picture of Earth with a lot of Maquis raiders around it. It also had text describing how many there were.

After Picard studied the image, he turned back to his crew. “It says here that there are one hundred and twenty six raiders and a Defiant class Starship.”

“That traitor!” Riker started, “He stole the Defiant!”

Picard looked over to Riker, “I wouldn’t be that way Tom, remember that your counterpart in that other universe stole their Defiant.”

Riker looked down as if to say Sorry I mentioned it.

Picard looked down the table to Monroe. “Commander, you served with Sisko and Chakotay for several months, can you give any insights as to how they will react to a fleet of starships going against them?”

Monroe looked back at Picard. “Well, Chakotay would probably destroy Earth itself, but Sisko wouldn’t let him do it. Sisko isn’t really into killing people.” She paused, “But if Chakotay is really driven, he will do it.”

Picard nodded. “Well let’s not let that happen, you’re dismissed commander.” Monroe headed to the bridge. Picard continued, “Now lets…”

He was cut off when he saw a Sovereign-class vessel decloaking directly behind the Enterprise. The Red Alert Klaxon had sounded again. Commander Monroe called in. “Monroe to Picard, report to the bridge.” Picard and his senior staff exited the Conference Lounge.”

On the bridge, Picard sat down in his command chair. “Can you Identify that vessel Mr. Data?”

Data checked the computer, “It is the I.S.S. Davis, NX-1979″.

Picard called to drop out of warp, and to deactivate the cloaking device. The Davis did the same.

Picard looked at the viewscreen and thought, what a beautiful vessel “Mr. Worf, hail them.” Worf did so without success. “No response sir.”

A couple of minutes later, Worf’s panel beeped. “Sir, we are being hailed.”

Picard stood “On screen.”

The I.S.S. Davis was replaced by the image of Admiral Paris. “Jean-Luc, my sensors show that you have your weapons trained on me, I hope this isn’t personal.”

Picard looked back to Worf. “Stand down from Red Alert.” Worf did so, when the ship stood down, the weapons lock died also.

Paris checked his controls. “That’s better.”

Picard was ready to continue, “What is this about Admiral?”

Paris shook his head. “Not through an open comm channel, beam aboard my vessel with your senior staff immediately.” Picard nodded and the channel was closed.

* * *

On the transporter pad of the I.S.S. Davis, Picard and his senior staff materialized.

Paris walked up towards them. “There isn’t time for the usual procedure captain.” he looked to the computer interface. “Paris to computer” the computer beeped. “Change the call sign of the I.S.S. Davis to I.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E. The computer beeped again and said “I.S.S. Davis is now I.S.S. Enterprise.” Picard clearly didn’t understand but he didn’t interrupt until the Admiral was finished. Paris continued. “Computer, transfer the following crew members to the Enterprise.” The computer waited, “Commander Thomas Riker as Executive Officer, Lt. Commander Data as Operations Officer, Lt. Commander Worf as Tactical Officer, Commander Deanna Troi as Security Chief, Commander Beverly Crusher as Chief Medical Officer, Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge as Chief Engineer, and Captain Edward Jellico as Commanding Officer, authorization Paris Beta-two-six.” The computer beeped again and said, “Crew changed, commanding officer is now Captain Edward Jellico.”

Picard was still shocked. “Admiral? Why am I not in command anymore?”

Paris looked to Picard “I have another mission for you captain. You are to take your old saucer section into Cardassian space and bring reinforcements.”

Picard nodded “Aye sir, I won’t let you down.”

* * *

Outside, Picard’s old ship decloaked, it was a saucer section with two warp nacelles on top.

On the bridge of that ship, Picard sat in the command chair. Next to him was his temporary first officer, Commander Monroe. Seated at operations was a Trill, she was a Lt. Commander, her name was Jadzia Dax. His CMO was just the EMH for sickbay, but it had a field medic, a Lt. Bashir. Picards helm officer was Lt. Tom Paris, the Admirals son. Picard was glad to be aboard his old ship, but he wanted his senior officers back. He looked up to the tactical station, it was vacant. “Commander Dax, who is the tactical officer?”

Dax turned to face him. “Lt. Yar sir.”

Picard looked back in shock, he hadn’t seen Yar for nine years, she had requested a reassignment. Picard stood up. “Computer, has Lt. Yar come on board yet?” The computer beeped. “Affirmative”. Satisfied, Picard then walked to helm. “Lay in a course for Cardassia, engage at maximum warp.”

Paris keyed in the sequence and the ship went into warp.

Back on the Sovereign-class Enterprise-E, Jellico was ready for action, but there was one problem and he was about to find out what it was. “Helm, se a course for Earth and eng…” He was cut off when Data interrupted him.

“Sir.” Data began, “we cannot head for Earth, our orders were very clear. We have to wait until Captain Picard arrives with reinforcements.”

Jellico looked back with distaste. “How long will that be?”

Data answered his question. “Assuming they will be going at maximum warp, it will take them six months to make a round trip.”

Jellico didn’t like what he heard. “Very well, set a course for Saturn and engage at warp five.”

The Enterprise and the Davis went into warp, leaving only space behind. The months under Maquis rule, the months of hell had begun.

To Be Continued…

Captain’s Log Stardate 47990.3:
The Enterprise is heading towards Sector zero-zero-one to pickup Thomas Riker. A few years ago when we discovered his existance he murdered my first officer William Riker in cold blood. He was sentenced to stay 10 years at the Stockade on Mars, but has only served five months of that sentence.

“Computer,” Picard said. “Pause.”

The computer did so, and awaited further instructions. Picard was sitting at his desk in his ready room. As he stood from his desk, Picard allowed his mind to wander for a bit.

Why do I want this officer on my ship? Do I want to give him a second chance? Or is it something more? He shot my first officer, killed him. I shouldn’t trust this man, could it be different?

Picard shook his head as he stopped pacing and looked at the wall, on it was a map of the Four Quadrants, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma. Picard longed to be exploring the distant Delta Quadrant, he even requested to be sent there along with a handsome amount of persuasion, but Starfleet had denied the request. Instead, they sent out a newer captain, freshly ranked… He started to pace again and tried to think of the captain’s name that was given the assignment instead of him. Picard was interrupted when his comm badge beeped.

“Yes, what is it.” Picard never liked to be bothered.

On the other end of the signal was his temporary first officer, Lt. Commander Data. “Captain,” Data said “We have arrived at Sector-zero-zero-one, and are awaiting further orders”.

Picard nodded and replied: “I’m on my way”, he exited the ready room forgetting all about his unfinished log.

The bridge was of simple design. Two forward stations, Ops and Conn, a tactical station directly behind the Captain’s and First Officer’s Chairs which were more of a throne style than anything else. Behind the Tactical station were the aft duty stations: Engineering backup control, Environment, Secondary Operations, and Emergency Weapons Control (the largest of the stations). Commander Data and Commander Troi were sitting in the center command area.

As Picard entered everyone went to attention.

“At ease.” He said. At his command, everyone on the bridge went back to what they were doing. Picard did not care for their show of loyalty, for he knew that they weren’t loyal to him, except Data, and hopefully his new first officer would be loyal. Picard walked up to where Data was sitting.

The commander rose and Picard sat down in the command chair. He new the android was about to report the events while the captain was not on the bridge, Picard didn’t feel like hearing the report, but he knew it was standard duty to do so. “Go ahead commander.”

Data stated that there had been no problems and that the ship and crew were coming along just fine, and of course that they had arrived at Sector-zero-zero-one, which Picard already knew. After dismissing Data to his post at Operations, Picard stood up and walked to the Tactical Station where Lt. Commander Worf was standing.

Picard looked over Worf’s shoulder, checking the Tactical display. “Commander, open a secure channel to the Stockade on Mars”.

Worf activted a few controls “Hailing Frequencies open, Admiral Paris is responding”.

“The admiral?” Picard said wondering why such a high ranking offical of Starfleet was at the Stockade. Usually lower ranking officers were in charge of the prison. “On screen.”

Picard walked down back to his chair but did not sit down. Admiral Paris, a man in his late 40′s appeared on the screen. Picard couldn’t help but admire how Paris had become an admiral before he reached 41. Picard remembered the admiral’s ceremony, in his speech he didn’t exactly tell the audience that he had bought his way up to admiralship, but it was easy to read between the lines and figure it out.

Here was Picard, over 50 years old, was he an admiral? No, he was just a captain. Although, Picard had done well for himself. Not just anyone had the opportunity to command the flagship of the Federation… No, he was pleased to say that he made it there by himself, not needing anyone to help him through the ranks, although if Picard had needed help, it would have been available in an instant.

Paris smiled. “Jean-Luc, how are you doing these days?”

Picard smiled back. “I’m doing well admiral, and you?”

Paris laughed, “Jean-Luc, I may be on offical business but please tell me you haven’t forgotten my first name.” He held up a hand, “Never mind.” Paris’s face showed signs of stress. “It’s been a very long 5 months. I can’t seem to figure Riker out.” he paused, “It just doesn’t add up.”

Picard let a smile, no it was more of a grin grow in his thoughts. He was the only other officer that Picard knew of Paris had said he couldn’t figure out. A feeling that Tomas and he were going to get along. “Oh? How is that?”

Paris looked down at his desk, carefully thinking the words he was about to say. After thinking he returned his gaze to the screen. “Well, since he has been in here, he’s been the best inmate in the whole stockade. For some reason, he hasn’t been like what the reports say, he doesn’t seem like a man who would kill another man in cold blood.”

The words cold blood stuck with Picard, reminding him exactly what kind of man Riker was…

Paris continued with his report. “He was getting on my nerves. We tried to see what was behind that mask of his, but he wouldn’t let us in. We tried everything from being kind to torture, we even tried to send him to another Stockade, but no one wanted him. Nothing worked. Now, I’m getting tired of him and so are the other inmates so that’s the reason I’m releasing him to you.”

Picard was puzzled. “Why are you in control of the Stockade admiral?”

Paris shook his head, “I lost a bet.”

Picard chucked, “To a younger officer?”

Paris laughed back, “Who would of thought the Zelian war would only last a year.”

Picard decided to change the topic back to the reason they were at Earth.”When can we beam him aboard?”

“He will be released to you within twenty hours.”

For some reason, Picard didn’t like the sound of that. There must be a hidden agenda, he thought. “John, why so long of a delay? If you’re ready to get rid of him now, why not just let us beam him up?”

Paris tapped his fingers on the desk and set the PADD down, “Since you’re doing me a favor, why not return the deed?”

This peaked Picard’s interest. “And what might that be?”

“Well,” Paris began. “Starfleet has created a very special piece of equipment. It’s still in the experimental stages. But they believe it will have great potential. The only problem is that they haven’t had a ship nearby to test it on, that is until now.”

Picard was really interested now, he dug deeper. “And, you think the Enterprise would be a good choice for this testing?”

“I’m positive.” Now it was Paris’s turn to smile. “The new invention is a Federation Cloaking device, I know what you’re going to say, but I don’t care.”

Picard said it anyway. “Isn’t that in violation with the new Romulan Treaty? Do you think that’s wise?”

Paris leaned back in his chair and his smile grew wider, “Well, the way I see it is the Treaty with the Romulan’s isn’t official yet, and if it’s not official, we can still do anything we want.”

Picard sat down in his chair and smiled himself. “Well, then by all means admiral, begin the installation process.”

Paris nodded. “I will captain. Now, aren’t you glad you came to get Riker instead of going to the Delta Quadrant? Paris Out”

The viewscreen went blank, Picard didn’t say anything, he just smiled.

* * *

Twenty hours later, Picard was standing in a turbolift in his dress uniform to greet aboard Riker. Standing next to him were Data and Troi. Data was there as a personal guard to protect the captain’s life. Deanna was there to greet her Imzadi back out of prison. The turbolift stopped at deck 26 where the group got off. As they walked down the hallway, Picard tried to think about what he was going to say to this man, he didn’t really know him but one thing was for sure now, he wanted him on his crew, he needed him. As they reached the transporter room, the doors opened, as they entered, Miles O’Brien was about to come to attention but Picard gestured to him not to.

“Mr. O’Brien, beam Mr. Riker aboard.” Picard gave the order, not exactly knowing what kind of person Riker had turned out to be, had the stockade changed him from the man that Picard knew to some other kind of person? Only time will tell… Picard thought to himself as the transporter beam was activated.

Thomas Riker stood on the transporter pad, in stockade fatigues, looking directly into the eyes of first Captain Picard and then his lovely Imzadi. He picked up his bag which had the little affects he had, and stepped off of the transporter pad. “Thomas Riker reporting for duty… sir”

Picard looked at Riker and then looked over to Troi. He couldn’t tell whether she wanted to see him again or not. “Welcome aboard Mr. Riker. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

Riker went up to Troi. Her gaze met his and she stared into his eyes. He looked back to her, not expecting what came next. He leaned down to give her a hug but got slapped instead. “That’s for killing Will!” Troi yelled and then she left the transporter room.

Picard started to smile again. Troi was an enemy of his, now he had another man on his side. “Come with me, you’ll want to get a duty uniform on.”

* * *

After Picard had shown Riker to his quarters and he got cleaned up, they went to Ten-Forward for a reception to welcome Riker aboard. They were standing by the middle window in the room, in dress uniform, when the vessel went into warp. Riker stood back a little apparently shaken by going forward and actually seeing it happen.

“I must admit, I have to get used to that again.” He said while regaining his breath.

Picard stared at the officer for a while and then looked around to see who decided to attend the little gathering. All of the senior officers were present and were sitting at different tables in the room. Picard walked to the middle of the room where a podium had been set up. Getting the officers attention and said: “I just wanted to welcome Mr. Riker aboard the Enterprise in front of you all, to show him and you that I do not hold anything against him for killing my former first officer.” The words were a lie, Picard was still angry, but didn’t want his other officers to know. “I also wanted to inform you of a change in the command structure of this ship.”

There was a dead pause in the room, no one said a thing. They were all listening for the captain to finish his announcement and to see what was going to happen. Everyone expected Commander Data to be Picard’s next first officer, it was the order of leadership aboard the Enterprise, and always had been.

Picard continued. “I have decided to reinstate Thomas’s Starfleet Career and to make him my First Officer.”

Riker stepped back a little, this was clearly not what he expected when he came onboard. Picard gestured him to come and stand by him. “Computer. Recognize Picard Jean-Luc, Alpha 2 Clearance.”

The Computer beeped for a little while and then replied. “Alpha 2 Clearance verified.”

“Note in ships log that the new first officer onboard the I.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D is Commander William Thomas Riker.” Picard said looking up at the communication’s interface.

The Computer made a few more beeps and then reported. “The first officer of the I.S.S. Enterprise is now Commander William Thomas Riker.”

Picard shook Riker’s hand. “Congratulations Mr. Riker, or should I call you Number One?”

Riker returned the hand shake with a grin. “Number One will do fine Captain.”

With that, the ceremony was over. No one objected because Picard was the captain, and he was in the room at the time, he could do anything he wanted as long as it didn’t interfere with the ship. “Number One, I would like to have a meeting with the senior staff at 03:00 hours. Arrange it.”

Riker nodded his head and Picard left the room with his guard, Data in tow. Dr. Crusher stood up from where she had been sitting and walked over to Riker. “Well, congratulations. You really know how to mess thing up don’t you!”

Riker clearly didn’t understand. “What do you mean? What did I mess up?”

Crusher rolled her eyes in hatred. “Oh, don’t play the wounded puppy with me. First you kill your twin and then you end up being the first officer on the flagship! What’s next on your agenda? Captain maybe?”

Riker stepped back a little. “Listen, this wasn’t my choice… I didn’t want the position.”

Crusher continued to walk towards Riker. “Oh, you didn’t did you? Well, I guess we’ll just have to toss you out an airlock then…”

The rest of the senior officers crowded around Riker. He was being cornered, and then Geordi spoke up. “Wait! Let’s not hurt him. At least not yet. But there will come a time when we will get our revenge for Wills death! You’d just better watch your back Riker, or you might find yourself dead one day!”

The senior officers started to laugh. And then one by one they left the room leaving Riker there all alone.

* * *

It was now 03:00 hours, the senior officers were all sitting around the table in the conference lounge that was just off the main bridge. Geordi was standing by one of the wall viewers, it had a schematic of the Enterprise on it as well as a schematic of a cloaking device.

“As you can see” Geordi was explaining the cloaking device to the group, “when this device is activated, the Enterprise will become invisible to sensors.”

Picard was holding a PADD in his hand, making notes on it. He then looked up to the schematic on the viewscreen and decided to ask a question. “At what time will the device be ready?”

Geordi touched a panel on the side of the viewer, which turned it off, and went to his seat and sat down. “Well, if my crew down in Engineering hooked it up correctly, we should be in business now.”

Picard was pleased. That was the kind of answers he liked to hear from his crew. He didn’t like to have excuses in his face. “Very good. I would like you to begin testing…”

Before Picard could finish his sentence, the wall viewer activated. It said:

Incoming Transmission

Picard keyed a few commands into a pad on the table, he then looked back up to the viewer. On the screen came Admiral Paris’s face, it was not a happy one. “Jean-Luc, I have some interesting news.”

All Picard could say was: “Do you want this to be a private conversation?”

Paris shook his head, “No, you’re senior crew should listen to this. We have a very important mission for you to go on Jean-Luc. No one but your senior staff may know about this.”

Picard was now very interested in what Paris was about to say.

Paris Continued his report. “A few months ago, Starfleet picked up a sensor echo of a Romulan Warbird heading towards Federation Space. We don’t know exactly what they wanted, but we believe they crossed our border and are headed directly towards Earth.”

Tension grew in the room, Picard was speechless, he leaned over to Data. “Mr. Data, what is our current position?”

Data answered him with a calm voice. “We are in sector 514 sir.”

Sector 514, Picard thought, right in the middle of Federation space. “Admiral, according to when they left, where would they be at this moment?”

Admiral Paris looked down to a monitor and then reported his findings. “If they didn’t alter course, they should be in sector 516, very close to your position. Now, I want the Enterprise to find them before they reach Earth, and when you do find them, I want you to destroy that vessel.”

“Destroy it?” Picard said in disbelief. “But wouldn’t that ruin relations with their government? There must be another option.”

Paris shook his head. “Have you gone soft Jean-Luc? We do have a certain rule in our relations with foreign spacecraft in our space. Do I have to site that rule to you?”

Picard looked at the Admiral and said “No sir, I remember the rule. It states that when an enemy vessel breeches our borders without prior consent from our government, they are to be shot upon site.”

Paris nodded his head in agreement. “I’m glad you see it my way. Paris out.” And with that, the screen went blank. Leaving Picard and his senior crew sitting staring at a UFP symbol with the words End Communication under it.

Picard turned to his officers. “Well, we have our orders. Mr. LaForge, we’ll have to forget the testing of the cloaking device for now, but I want it ready for anything.”

Geordi looked directly into the captain’s eyes and said “Yes Sir. She’s online ready for your order.”

Picard returned the gaze. “The order is given, Picard to computer.”

The computer replied with a beeping noise and the words computer ready. “Activate cloaking device and go to silent running.”

Outside, the Enterprise going through space at warp, waved like a flag on a semi-breezy day and disappeared.

Captain’s Log Stardate 47993.3:
We are heading towards Sector 516, we should be there within one day. The cloaking device is working perfectly, the only problem is that we cannot go to our maximum warp. If we were to use our warp engines at their maximum capability, we would be able to be picked up by a sensor scan, so we are limited to warp 5. End Log

In the conference lounge, Picard was walking by the back wall looking out the windows. He thought it interesting to watch the stars go by, they looked like lines from a rainbow, rather than points of light. “There must be some other way…” Picard said out loud. “I don’t kill people, I don’t want to become like my first officer, but I’m ordered to.” The rest he decided to think in his head, who knew what kind of ‘bugs’ would be implanted in the walls. I promised myself that I wouldn’t kill anyone unless they provoked the attack. That is the only way, but how can I stay with my own thoughts and follow Starfleet’s orders? Picard looked down at a PADD on the table, it was the current crew evaluation list, some crewmen had managed to make another rank in the last month, which was certainly not through official channels, that is if you can call them official. He walked towards one of the conference room’s doors and exited.

The first few words that Picard heard when he came onto the bridge were “Captain on the bridge.” These words were spoken by his first officer. Picard was shocked, no one had ever done that before, they usually just went to attention. But Picard played along… “As you were.” He said, and everyone went back to what they had been doing.

Picard went to his chair and sat down. Riker handed him a PADD, which he took and looked at. On the PADD were further instructions sent by Starfleet Command. It was more of a Keep me updated message more than anything else, Picard need to keep Paris updated on the mission and the cloaking device. Picard walked up to Data and looked over his shoulder. “What is our current status?”

Data looked towards the captain’s direction. “Everything is going well. We are still on course for sector 516.”

“Very well” Picard said. “Where’s Commander Troi? Isn’t it her watch next?”

Riker was the one to answer this question. “Well sir, since I was added to the crew, the rotation changed from a Gamma shift to a Delta shift rotation schedule.”

Picard nodded his head and replied “Oh, that’s right. You just saved her from being in trouble, do you do this often?”

Riker shook his head, “No sir, I was just stating the facts.”

Picard looked back to Riker and said with relief “Oh, very well. Mr. Worf, I want you to contact Starfleet and get me the sensor information on that warbird.”

Worf nodded his head and said “Aye sir.”

Picard looked around the bridge, there was an ensign staring at him, but when Picard’s gaze turned towards him, he looked away. Picard tried to hook the face up with a name… and after a couple of seconds, he remembered. The ensigns name was Malory. “Mr. Worf, I’ll be in my quarters, when that information comes, have it sent down there.”

Picard walked towards the turbolift, Data was right behind him. Before Picard entered, Data took out a tricorder and scanned the lift. When he was satisfied that there were no harmful devices in it, the captain entered, with Data standing right beside him. Malory had made his way down to where Data had been sitting and now occupied the position. As the turbolift doors closed, Malory just stared at Picard, and then turned his attention to the Ops console.

* * *

Picard and Data made their way to his quarters. Once they reached the room, another one of Picard’s personnel guards came and stood by the door, letting Data and the captain inside.

Once inside, Picard immediately went to his desk and called up Malory’s personnel file. Last month, Picard had him reduced in rank to ensign from lieutenant because of improper conduct on an away mission. He basically jepordized the away teams lives, which was a serious offense under Starfleet Regulations. Picard then let Data scan his quarters, they didn’t need to be scanned because it was the most secure room on the ship, but Data insisted just in case. Once he finished, Picard walked to the food replicator and asked for a glass of water. It materalized and Picard picked it up, drank it, and then placed it back in the replicator. Immediately, the replicator did what it was programed to do, it took the glass away in a transporter like effect.

“Is there anything else, you need from me sir?” Data asked.

Picard nodded his head. “When Mr. Malory has a free moment from his duties, I want him sent to me.”

“Aye sir.” Data said before he exited the room.

Picard didn’t have to wait for Malory to have a free moment. He was immediately sent there by Data.

When the door chimed, Picard had been sitting at his glass desk. He said the usual come command, and the door opened allowing Malory entrance. Of course Picard’s guards had scanned Malory for any kind of weapons or drugs that he could hurt him with, but there had been none on him. Malory walked further in the room and stood right in front of Picard’s desk.

“You asked to see me sir?” Malory said with a cold, dark voice.

Picard nodded and said “Yes I did ensign. I wanted to know why you were staring at me.”

Malory acted as if he didn’t know what was going on. “I don’t know what you’re talking about sir.”

Picard didn’t like what he was hearing. “Don’t lie to me ensign! I know you were staring at me. Now you’re either going to tell me, or I’m going to send you to Commander Troi, and she’ll take care of you!” The threat that he made would make almost anyone on the ship want to hide. Their was only one problem with it.

The ensign looked directly into Picard’s eyes and said “Have you forgotten? She is the commanding officer of my department! She wouldn’t do anything to me.”

Picard replied to his smart attitude. “Well, I guess you have me at a disadvantage, but that doesn’t matter, because when I’m done with you, you’re going to wish she would have taken care of the matter.”

The ensign stepped back a little, not knowing what Picard had in store for him. His heart started to pump faster. Picard noticed this. “You don’t look all that well, I’ll get you some help.” The ensign clearly didn’t want to find out what Picard was going to do. He reached down his right sleeve of his uniform and pulled out a device that looked like a personnel transporter, he then activated it but was shocked when it didn’t work.

Picard started to laugh. “I can’t believe you tried that. Didn’t you know that only certain equipment works in my cabin? I have a very sophisticated magnetic field set up here. It doesn’t affect the computer, which responds to voice commands rather well. Picard to computer.” The computer beeped and then stated “Ready”. Picard continued his orders. “Lock onto Ensign Malory’s com badge and beam him to Deck 34 Section 14 Alpha. 3 second delay.” Picard then stood up and waved to Malory. “Well, it’s been nice talking to you ensign, we’ll have to do it again sometime.” With that, Malory dematerialized with a transporter beam. Picard sat back down in his chair and said sarcastically “Oh, wait a minute, we don’t have a section 14 alpha, that’s open to space. It’s too bad, I rather liked the ensign.”

Outside, Malory’s body was floating lifelessly at warp, until he was out of the ship’s wake and slowed down and stopped.

In Sickbay, Dr. Crusher was attending to Geordi LaForge. He was sitting on the main bio bed. Crusher was talking to him. “So, now tell me what happened again.” Geordi looked at her and told her how he ended up being injured and needing medical attention. “Well, I was standing on one of the upper decks of Engineering, taking readings, when I looked out the window and I saw a man floating outside. Well, I must have lost my footing and I fell down to the deck beneath me.” Crusher looked at him in astonishment. “Could you identify who was outside?” Geordi shook his head no. Crusher looked off her tricorder and said that he was all bandaged up and he could return to duty. As Geordi was leaving, he could hear Crusher ask the computer if anyone was missing, of course the answer came back Ensign Malory. She then immediately contacted the one person who might want to know about it.

“Crusher to Troi.”

Troi’s voice came on the other end, she sounded like she just woke up. “Troi here, what’s wrong doctor?”

Crusher replied with “Well, you’re missing one of your officers.”

* * *

Back in his quarters, Picard was sitting at his glass desk. In front of him were the intelligence reports for the Romulan Warbird that they were to destroy, only moments earlier, Data had contacted him that Starfleet had sent the necessary information. At the moment, he was studying the sensor logs. Picard noticed something strange about them, they were not displaying the regular energy output that a warbird gives off while cloaked. He started to think to himself… What if it’s not a Romulan warbird after all? What if it’s some other kind of vessel. Of course that couldn’t be possible, the ship came from Romulan space and everything else about it was Romulan in origin, but he still couldn’t help but wonder if he was chasing after some innocent crew that got lost. Of course, how lost can you get from Romulan space? His thoughts were interrupted when Deanna Troi decided to pay him a visit.

“Come” Picard said. When she entered, he wasn’t surprised at all. He knew she would have gotten to confront him about the matter of her missing officer. “Yes, what can I do for you commander?” She returned the gesture with a look of coldness.

“Well, I hear that you killed one of my officers.” Troi said with a look of hate.

Picard returned the cold, blank stare. “Well, I didn’t kill him, I just accidently beamed him to a part of the ship that isn’t there. It was a simple, understandable mistake.”

Troi was not conveying any feelings towards her missing officer, for she had many more where he came from. “Well, I should probably thank you captain.”

That was not what Picard was waiting to hear. He was anticipating a threat or something close to it. But it never came, he was surprised. “What was that?”

She repeated herself, and added some explanation. “Well, I was getting tired of him anyway. He wasn’t doing his duty like he should have been, he was never on time for anything, and he was insubordinate. So, I thank you for your services.”

Picard decided that maybe Troi was beginning to become his friend, he decided to test out this hypothesis. “So, is there anyone else you would like me to get rid of for you?”

Troi was clearly not interested. “Captain, you misunderstood. If you ever do anything like that again, you’ll end up missing someday yourself!”

Picard thought to himself, well there went that hypothesis. “You know, I could place you under arrest for attempted mutiny for saying things like that.”

Troi just glared down at him. “But you wont, will you captain. You need me, if you didn’t, I would have been gone a very long time ago. We both know that.”

Picard nodded his head and said. “Since that matter is over with. I would like your help on something.”

Troi now turned on her professional side and was ready to listen to anything the captain had to say. “Yes sir?”

“When we find that warbird, I would like to open a dialogue with their commander.” Picard said. This got Troi interested in the topic.

“You are going to disobey orders and not destroy the vessel?” Troi said. “May I ask why?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking. If we destroy that warbird, Starfleet wont have any further information on Romulan technology. We could deliver that very valuable piece of equipment to Admiral Paris himself, now who would be able to turn down that kind of favor? Just think of it, we would be giving Starfleet more than they asked for, in return for lets say higher wages? Or maybe more time off? Or both?” Picard said tempting her.

Troi didn’t like where this was heading. “Captain, you must know that if you go against Starfleet’s orders, I will have to arrest you.”

Picard smiled. “Yes, I know that. I was just testing you. Of course, I wouldn’t try to disobey orders. I will of course shoot on site, but I’ll try to disable it and then I’ll try to salvage what is left for Starfleet to have.”

Troi nodded her head at this. “Very well captain. As long as you disable it. I believe that Starfleet wouldn’t mind having some Romulan guests for a while.” She began to smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have the bridge this watch.”

Picard dismissed her and she left his quarters. It was getting late, so he decided to ‘turn in’ and go to sleep.

* * *

Picard had been alerted to the Bridge when sensors picked up a distortion in the sector they were looking for the warbird in. He was sitting in his command chair. “Mr. Data, display the sector on the screen.”

“Aye sir.” Data did so and a map of Sector 516 came up. The screen showed different parts of the sector. Including a blue dot that represented a distortion, which Picard was certain, was a cloaked vessel of some kind.

“Data,” Picard began, “Is that distortion displaying the usual energy signatures of a cloaked Romulan Warbird?”

Data checked his panel and then reported his findings. “No sir. It does not have the energy signatures a Warbird uses, but it is constant with that of a Federation Cloaking Device.”

Picard looked up with surprise. “A Federation Cloaking Device? I thought that we were the only vessel equipped with one!” He was beginning to become angry.

Riker turned to Picard. “Maybe, your friend, Admiral Paris, isn’t as friendly as you thought.”

Picard shook his head no. “No, I don’t believe that John would do something like this to me. He doesn’t have the motive.”

An alert sounded on Data’s panel. “Captain, the distortion is moving away from us.”

Picard looked at a display that was on the screen next to him, on it he could see the blue dot, as Data said, moving away from the Enterprise. “At what speed is it moving?”

Data checked his readouts. “It is moving away at full impulse.”

Picard was interested in what it was. He knew that it had a Federation Signature to it, but one thing was on his mind, he said it allowed, hoping to get a reply. “But, how are we able to track it? Usually, when a vessel is cloaked, and moving at impulse speed, it shouldn’t show up on our scopes.”

Data turned in his chair to face Picard’s direction. “I may have an explanation for it sir. I believe the reason that we can detect it is because it is of poor design. I was reading the logs of the engineer that designed our cloaking device. He originally started out with something very similar as our friend over there, but he found out that it was traceable and it was useless. That was when he went to a more sophisticated design.”

Picard considered this for a moment. “Picard to LaForge.”

Geordi’s voice came through the Comm Channel “Yes captain, what can I do for you?”

Picard looked up to the Comm interface “I want you to bring us out of cloak.”

“Aye sir” was all LaForge said.

Outside, the stars waved and the Enterprise appeared, although there was one problem.

On the Bridge, LaForge was informing Picard what the problem was. “Well, sir. Only two warp nacelles decloaked with the rest of the ship!”

Picard looked up to the interface, he was not happy. “What? I thought you said that it was working fine!”

“It was sir. But there’s something wrong with it now! I can’t explain it.” LaForge paused for a moment, “I’ll get to work on it and I’ll get back to you. Out” And with that, the com signal went dead.

Picard started to pace. “Well, we still have a job to do. I’m not going to let this stop us. We’ll continue our mission.”

Picard was ready to give another command to his crew “Mr. Worf, I want you to hail that vessel, whatever it might be.”

Counselor Troi came up to Picard. “Captain, I thought we agreed that we would shoot first and ask questions later? Your not going to carry out Starfleet’s orders?”

Picard looked at her, he didn’t like what she was telling him. “I know what Paris said, but I want to try something first here! Besides, it is clearly not a Romulan Warbird. But if you want to, you can write a formal report on me and send it to him if you’d like. But for right now, get out of my way. Mr. Worf, you have your orders!”

“Aye sir.” Worf said as he worked a few controls, clearly disturbed by the confrontation between Picard and Troi. “Channel open.”

Picard stood up from his chair and walked towards the viewscreen. “This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise. I demand to know who you are and what you are doing in this sector!”

After a couple of minutes, Worf checked his controls “Your message is sent. There is no response.”

Picard was getting angry. “Well I’m getting tired of this, I guess it’s time we showed them who’s boss around here.” He turned towards Worf. “Mr. Worf. I want you to fire six photon torpedoes around that vessel and have them collide into each other right behind it.”

Worf looked up from his console. “Aye sir.” He pushed a couple of buttons and stated that he had fired the weapons.

Outside, the six photons came out of the Enterprise’s forward torpedo launcher. They circled around the cloaked vessel and exploded directly behind it as Picard had commanded.

Back on the Bridge, Data got another alert on his panel. “Captain, I believe that one of the photons accidently ruined their cloaking device. They are beginning to decloak.”

Picard didn’t hesitate. “Fire!”

At Picard’s command, a volley of photon torpedoes were fired at the unknown vessel. As it finished decloaking, its shields stopped the torpedoes.

“Report.” Picard barked to his officers.

Data was the one to reply. “Their shields are holding at 83 percent.”

Picard looked towards Worf’s direction. “Mr. Worf, what kind of vessel is that?”

Worf checked his readouts and then reported. “The computer reports that it is the U.S.S. Shadow Horseman. A Federation Starship. Registry NX-81096.”

Picard looked at the main viewer where the Shadow Horseman was sitting. “There is no record of a vessel matching that description in Starfleet, I wonder where it came from.”

Suddenly the Enterprise was rocked by a weapons blast, knocking Picard down to the floor.

Picard stood up. “Damage report!”

The computer replied with. “Shields down to 74 percent.”

“They fired a quantum torpedo at us.” Worf stood at his post waiting for more action.

“Mr. Worf” Picard said, “Fire a full spread of quantum torpedoes at that vessel!”

“Aye sir!.” Worf said, his voice filled with excitement.

Outside, four quantum torpedoes hit the ship face on and breeched it’s shields.

“Direct hit.” Worf said proudly. “Their shields, and weapons are down.”

Picard turned to Troi. “Are you satisfied commander?”

Troi looked back up to Picard. “Yes, but I think that we should board her and find out what they are doing here.”

Picard nodded in agreement. “Number One. Take a well armed away team over there and find out what they are doing here.”

Riker stood up from his chair. “Aye sir.” He walked towards the turbolift. “Worf, Data, and Troi come with me.” They followed him into the turbolift. Two lieutenants took the place where Worf and Data had been.

Picard turned to the lieutenant stationed at tactical. “Lower the shields.”

The lieutenant pushed a few buttons and the shields were down.

* * *

Down in the transporter room, the away team was assembled, two security guards had joined the “party”, they were listening to instructions from Riker. They were armed with type two phasers. “This is the plan. We go in, find out as much information as we can and we get out.” He paused. “Any questions?” No one had any questions. Riker liked it that way. “OK, lets do it.”

They stepped onto the transporter pad and Riker ordered O’Brien to beam them onto the Bridge of the Shadow Horseman. O’Brien worked the controls and they were beamed over. There was a small glitch in the transporter beam but he ignored it.

* * *

Over on the Shadow Horseman, the away team were looking over the bridge layout. Data had accessed a computer terminal and was looking through the LCARS database. He was downloading the information into his neural net. After he was done, he check the information for anything that could explain this vessel.

Riker walked around the bridge, looking at everything. He was fascinated with it’s design, his “stroll” was interrupted when Data had finished his analysis. He reported. “Sir, this vessel is from a future alternate reality.”

This got Riker’s attention. “What?”

Data went into further explanation. “It seems that they broke the barrier and crossed over into our universe.”

Riker looked back to Troi. “Can you sense anyone onboard?”

Troi closed her eyes and after a couple of minutes she reported. “No, they must have left the ship.”

Data objected to what the Counselor had said. “No, I do not believe they left. I believe that no one was onboard her.”

Riker shook his head in disbelief. “What evidence do you have of that Mr. Data?”

Data walked over to another terminal. “Sir, the ship was set to auto pilot. There was no one onboard, or we would have found traces of people being here, which we have not found. The Captain’s Log states that when they arrived here, they left the vessel. Sir, that was two months ago. They must have left it under computer control all this time.

Riker looked back at Data. “But they could have faked the logs. Once they realized that they weren’t in their own universe anymore.”

Data nodded in agreement. “But if they did stay onboard, where would they go?”

* * *

Back on the Enterprise, a group of people were walking in an empty hallway. They were armed as well as armored. The leader, Captain Shawn Gorman, spoke.

“We need to find away to disable this ship.”

The crew started to give possible ideas. “Sir, I suggest we head to engineering and take out the warp core.

The power loss should drop the shields.” Laepl answered back.

“Agreed. Lets do it people.”

The group followed him to a turbolift, and called for it. Just before the lift arrived, Commander Lapel scanned it to make sure that no one was in it, but people were in the lift. He reported. “Sir, there are three people in the lift, they are carrying hand phasers.” It would be too late for them to go back around the corner and hide, so Gorman ordered them to activate their personnel cloaking devices. The group became invisible after activating the devices. The turbolift opened and the occupients were shocked to find no one waiting for the lift. One of them made a comment about people being impatient and the doors closed once again. Gorman and the rest decloaked.

“That was a little too close people. We need to find another way to get to engineering.” He turned to Allenby. “Allenby, you served on the Enterprise-D in our universe, what’s the quickest way there?”

“Just the jefferies tubes sir, but that could take over an hour from where we are.” Allenby replied.

“No we don’t have that much time.” Gorman replied.

“Sir.” Tarbis soke. “I suggest we use our personal transporter. If they are on the same frequency as the transporters on this ship then chances are the crew will not detect us.”

Gorman thought about it for a moment then agreed.

They cloak and walk through the ship. Passing people on both sides of them. When they are again alone, they ask the computer where a transporter room is. The computer replies that the nearest transporter room is around the corner. They find the transporter room, take the person that is at the controls down, and beam to Engineering. The team realigned their personal cloaks into the array as to not bring attention to themselves.

They are standing in the chief engineer’s office. Geordi is in there as well, checking the systems trying to figure out how to get the remaining engines on the saucer and one on the stardrive section to decloak properly. He goes to the master systems display monitor, leaving the Special Ops team to complete their task. They are very efficient in damaging the warp core which damages the shields in the process, without alarming Geordi or the other crew in Engineering. They then beam out of engineering and back onto their vessel.

* * *

Back on the Shadow Horseman, the away team have finished searching the ship, finding nothing. Riker taps his comm badge and says. “Riker to Picard. We can’t find anything over here, it seems that the crew abandoned ship when they found out they weren’t in the same universe.”

Picard replied back. “Understood, we’ll put her in a tractor beam and give her to Paris as a gift. Report back to the Enterprise.”

“Data” Riker began. “I want you to totally shut this vessel down.”

Data pushed a few buttons and after a short while, everything was silent. “The vessel is powered down sir.”

“Good.” Riker nodded “Riker to O’Brien.”

O’Brien’s voice came through the comm line. “O’Brien here.”

Riker looked around the bridge one more time. “Beam us back.”

“Understood. O’Brien out.”

With that, the away team disappeared in a transporter effect.

* * *

On the Bridge, Riker had just finished giving his report to Picard. Picard was ready to leave this area of space, although he was disappointed that he didn’t get to have prisoners to take back to Paris, but he at least had their vessel. He looked toward the main viewer. “Mr. Data, lock a tractor beam onto the Shadow Horseman and rig it for Warp Tow.”

Data nodded and said “Aye sir. Tractor beam configured for Warp Tow, Engaging tractor beam.”

Before the tractor beam could lock onto the ship, the Shadow Horseman moved away. It came up in front of the Enterprise and faced her.

Back on the Bridge, Picard was looking at Riker. “I thought you said that she was powered down!”

Riker told the captain exactly what happened. “She was sir. Data shut her down just before we left!”

Picard pointed to the vessel on the viewscreen. “Does she look like she’s powered down?”

All Riker could do was lower his head.

“Captain, they are readying weapons!” Worf yelled out over the bridge.

Picard looked back at him and said. “What? How did they do…”

He was cut off when the shields went down and a photon torpedo struck the Enterprises two warp nacelles on the stardrive section destroying them.

“Engineering to Bridge.” Geordi LaForge’s voice came in, he was troubled.

Picard looked up to the interface. “I know what you’re going to say commander, and all I have to say is get those other warp nacelles decloaked now!”

Geordi replied with “I’m working on it.”

The Shadow Horseman came around for another shot and fired phasers at the Enterprise’s main deflector dish destroying it as well. After a couple of these maneuvers, the third warp nacelle on the stardrive section decloaked. It looked out of place, being the only one there.

Geordi called the bridge again “LaForge to Picard.”

“Picard here.”

“Captain, another nacelle just decloaked.” Geordi said without enthusiasm.

“Can we make a stable Warp Field?” Picard was pressed for time, he didn’t want to be destroyed today.

“No sir. The one nacelle can’t hold us.” Geordi replied.

“Well, then what do you suggest Mr. LaForge?” Tension was growing on the Bridge with each passing moment.

“I suggest we separate the ship. I believe that the saucer section’s warp nacelles might decloak again.” Geordi was grabbing for ideas and Picard knew it, but he couldn’t think of anything else to suggest.

“Very well Mr. LaForge, we’ll try it your way.” Picard looked up to the interface. “Picard to computer, recognize Picard Alpha 2 Clearance.”

The computer beeped and replied “Alpha 2 Clearance recognized.”

Picard stood up. “Begin separation sequence in 10 minutes.”

The computer beeped again. “Attention all decks. Saucer Separation begins in 9 minutes 59 seconds. Report to your assigned stations on the Saucer Module.”

Through out the Enterprise, people were hurrying to their assigned stations on the Saucer Section. In Sickbay, Crusher was setting up site to site transports for her patients. Not that they deserved to live, but it was her duty to see that they would be able to return to their posts as soon as possible.

Back on the Bridge, Picard was pacing around, checking sensor readouts. The countdown was now down to 10 seconds.

The Shadow Horseman wasn’t finished with the Enterprise yet. She kept on firing at the third warp nacelle, until it was eventually destroyed. The ship rocked again, she was bleeding to death now.

The computer had finished the countdown and the Enterprise started to separate. Once the separation was complete, the warp nacelles still did not decloak.

Worf was looking over at some readouts when his console alerted him. “Captain, the enemy ship is still heading towards the stardrive section.”

Picard was alarmed. “What are they doing?”

Data checked his display. “It appears that they are trying to do a salvage operation sir.”

Picard didn’t like this. “Picard to Computer. Set the stardrive to auto-destruct in one minute.”

The computer didn’t have any good news for the captain. “Auto-destruct systems off-line.”

Picard looked back to the computer interface. “Use secondary power relays.”

The computer worked for a while and then stated that the auto-destruct was still off-line.

Data looked back to his console. “Sir, the other vessel is setting up a tractor beam.”

Picard walked down to Data. “What? Stop them!, Mr. Worf, fire quantum torpedoes at that vessel.”

The Saucer Section turned around so its aft torpedo tube was showing. Three quantum torpedoes were fired at the Shadow Horseman. But instead of hitting the ship, they opened a gateway of some sort. The tractor beam was activated and the Shadow Horseman, with the Enterprise’s stardrive section in tow, entered the gateway, leaving the Enterprise’s saucer section all alone.

On the Bridge, Picard started to pace around. “Picard to LaForge.”

“LaForge here captain.” Geordi replied.

“The other ship disappeared back to their own time and universe.” He paused. “What is our current status?”

LaForge was hoping he’d ask that question. “Well sir, the warp nacelles for the saucer should be coming back on line in any minute now.”

Picard was annoyed. “I see, and why couldn’t you have had it up and running before?”

LaForge hesitated to answer. “The cloaking device wasn’t installed properly. Those idiots at Utopia Planitia really messed up here.”

Picard looked back to the interface. “I understand.” He then looked towards the ensign at helm. “Ensign, when the warp nacelles decloak, set a course back to Earth, warp 9.”

The ensign acknowledged the command and worked at the controls.

Outside, the warp nacelles decloaked and the Enterprise went into warp.

* * *

Back on Earth, Paris was sitting in his office, the chime rang. “Come in.”

Picard walked into the office and Paris told him to sit down across from him, which Picard did.

“You know captain” the admiral began, “I should be very mad at you.”

Picard looked the admiral straight in the eye and was waiting to be standing in front of a court martial.

Paris continued. “But after reading your official reports, I’m not, everyone loses a ship here and there, I lost six when I was a captain. But you’ve proven some good things to me captain.”

Picard was puzzled at what Paris was getting at. “Oh, what is that sir?”

Paris handed Picard a PADD. “This is the report that your chief engineer gave to me concerning the cloaking device. It was clearly not made for a starship with more than three warp nacelles.”

Picard was still puzzled at what Paris was trying to say. “Sir, would you get to the point please?”

Paris nodded his head. “Of course. What I’m trying to say is you’re not going to be reduced in rank or anything. I’m giving you your ship back. It will be back down to a three nacelle Galaxy-Class refit, with a cloaking device and everything, we’ll just make sure that the engineers do a better job this time.”

Picard smiled. “Thank you sir, but what if another vessel from another universe comes into our territory again?”

Paris smiled. “Well, then I guess we’ll just have to deal with it when it comes, if it comes. I assure you that one of these days, we will get that stardrive section back. I can only imagine what they are doing to it right now, they’re probably tearing it inside out. I assume that you had the computer files erased when they took it?”

Picard stopped smiling. “Yes sir, it’s a safety precaution. When I had the computer detach the saucer, it automatically erased all of the files, so if they want to learn about our technology, they are going to have to do it from scratch.

Paris and Picard stood up. “Very well captain,” and with that, Picard exited the admiral’s office.

Orbiting Earth, was a Galaxy-Class refit, it was still at Earth Station McKinley getting the last finishing touches on her. The crews outside were putting her identification number and name on her, they read:

I.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-E.

* * *

Back on Earth, there was a reception going on where the Federation Council usually meets. Riker was sitting all alone while the rest of the senior officers were talking with each other, except for Data and Captain Picard, who were talking with the new ambassador from Vulcan.

The Four other senior officers walked up to Riker. He was ready for any insults that he might receive from them. But instead of being insulted, they apologized for being rude. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. At the beginning of this mission, he was hated by them, and now they wanted to be his friend.

He looked at them and had to ask the question on his mind. “Did Picard make you do this?”

They looked back to him and stated that he had not put them up to anything, and that they just wanted him to be their friend. Picard and Data approached the group. Picard asked what was going on, Riker explained to him what just happened. A waiter came with seven glasses filled with some kind of liquid. Picard smiled and proposed a toast. “Here’s to the best friends that a man could ever wish for.” With that, they drank to friendship and the promise that they wouldn’t let that friendship die. Being in battle together had formed a bond.

Captain’s Log Stardate 47999.8:
We are back among the one thing that we know and trust, the Enterprise. It feels good to be here in this position that I belong to. I believe that my senior officers are now my friends. We have been through much together in the past seven years, and I know that we have become closer than anyone else in Starfleet, and no one can ever take that away from us. I would however like to note a personal entry, I am actually glad to see my senior officers accepting Thomas, finally, he has been through his journey, although, I can’t explain when this occurred, he has been through he journey to trust. End Log.

The End