• An addendum to Rule 3 regarding fan-translated works of things such as Web Novels has been made. Please see here for details.
  • We've issued a clarification on our policy on AI-generated work.
  • Our mod selection process has completed. Please welcome our new moderators.
  • Due to issues with external spam filters, QQ is currently unable to send any mail to Microsoft E-mail addresses. This includes any account at live.com, hotmail.com or msn.com. Signing up to the forum with one of these addresses will result in your verification E-mail never arriving. For best results, please use a different E-mail provider for your QQ address.
  • For prospective new members, a word of warning: don't use common names like Dennis, Simon, or Kenny if you decide to create an account. Spammers have used them all before you and gotten those names flagged in the anti-spam databases. Your account registration will be rejected because of it.
  • Since it has happened MULTIPLE times now, I want to be very clear about this. You do not get to abandon an account and create a new one. You do not get to pass an account to someone else and create a new one. If you do so anyway, you will be banned for creating sockpuppets.
  • Due to the actions of particularly persistent spammers and trolls, we will be banning disposable email addresses from today onward.
  • The rules regarding NSFW links have been updated. See here for details.

Star Trek The Next Generation The Gift: A Star Trek SI

Reader mode
Chapter 33: A Career Decision New
Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

I slam down a PADD on to my desk in frustration and get push myself away and up from it. Sonya is startled by my sudden outburst.

"What's wrong?" she asks

"I'm what's wrong. I apologize for the sudden outburst. But I'm not getting any of this." I admit as I rub my temples

"You will eventually, this is just all new to you." she tries to comfort

"I appreciate the vote of confidence Sonya, but I'm not going to get this. I've barely been getting by. I KNOW how to push buttons. I've heard Geordi say it a million times as a joke, 12 Monkey's and a Chimp could operate the Enterprise. The tech in this century is literally fool proof. I can get buy on pushing buttons. But I'm not getting any of the formulas. I'm not getting any of the science. I knew this would be a problem. I had to take alternate Math courses in high school just to cover the bare minimum credit requirements because most of it goes over my head....and my teachers were frustrated because they all saw the potential in me. I never applied myself. Which is hilarious because now, when I'm putting in one hundred percent effort and focus, into something I want BADLY...I realize that I'm just not going to cut it." I slam my hand against the bulkhead

Sonya gets up and comforts me.

"This has happened to every Cadet and NCO since Starfleet was incorporated. I assure you with time..."

"Sonya I appreciate the pep talk, I really do. But this is not about time or effort. This is about not being the best. All of you on this ship, are the BEST. The very best this Fleet has to offer and I am not on that same wave length. I believe I can contribute though. It just might be through a different way. Excuse me."

"Where are you going?"

"To see the head of security." I wink back at her and she has a disappointing expression on her face

I make way to Worf's security office with is adjacent to the Brig on Deck 4, which also is where the Armory is located along with Transporter Room 1. Worf happens to be inside doing paper work.

"Sir? May I speak with you if you've a minute?" I ask him

Worf looks up, looking terribly pleased to be interrupted from doing paper work for however long he's been doing it.

"What is it you wish to speak of?" he asks

"I was just with Ensign Gomez and had a...difficult epiphany. I'm struggling with all of this." I imply my studies in general to which Worf frowns

"I have been keeping up to date on Commander Riker's evaluation, you have been getting passing grades." he replies

"I know...so far. But the science Worf, I'm struggling with the science. That's with having Wesley Crusher and Sonya Gomez tutoring me daily on stuff. Two of the smartest people that I have ever encountered in my life, of which I include my best friend back home. It's not a teaching thing either. They're both equally wonderful teachers, Wes especially. I'm just not getting it. I am here to make a request of you." I explain

Worf picking up on my meaning quickly knows what I'm about to ask before I ask.

"You wish to join security." he replies and I nod

"Yes sir. I feel out of all the major departments, it is the one that I can best excel in." I reply seriously

This time Worf leans back in his chair and studies me for a few minutes. They feel like an eternity.

"You do understand that it will not be easy, and I do not...play...favourites." he finally answers

"I understand sir."

"I will be evaluating your progress under the same scrutiny as Commander Riker, and Counsellor Troi have been." he states

"I understand sir, and wouldn't expect anything less."

"It will be difficult, Adam...especially the physical part. Are you prepared for the pain?" he asks dropping his voice an octave. He knows about my foot of course

"I'm prepared for anything you throw at me sir." I say a little over confidently

"Very well. Then you will report for detail at 07:00 tomorrow morning. I do not tolerate lateness as you know."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir. I won't let you down." I reply and get up and leave, I hear a quiet harrumph from Worf as his door shuts. Doubt.

I come back to my quarters and Sonya is sitting on my couch, arms crossed over her chest. Christy is sitting next her with the same expression.

"Oh Hi honey." I say as I walk gingerly towards the couch. This can't be good for me.

"So how did it go with Worf?" Sonya asks

"And when were you planning on telling me about this major decision in your life?" Christy asks

"Uhhhh...when you got home from work...which is now, and it went fine." I reply as I sit down next to them

"Why are you doing this? You know it's going to be torture on your foot, not to mention the rest of your body?" Christy asks as she gets up and walks over to sit next to me

I turn to her.

"Sweetheart, I've already been torturing my body over this schedule the last few months. I'm not cut out for this....science stuff. Security at least gives me a shot. I know I can tolerate the pain. The hypo--"

"It will be a grind Adam. Maybe you should have waited until after your foot surgery." Christy says

"I agree." Sonya

The doubt from everyone is hurting me now.

"Look. I Know what I'm doing. I know what I can't do. At least this gives me a chance. I know what to expect from Worf. But I also know that he will give me a fair shot, and I'm willing to put myself through that in order to get what I want. If I fail this...I don't know what I'd do with myself otherwise."

"You're so dramatic. You'll be fine." Christy says as the two of them chuckle at my expense

This has given me a new purpose and something to prove to everyone that I can do.
 
Last edited:
Are you going to be including any of the STO stuff in this fic? I only ask as the tox comes up again in one of those stories as well as Boratus and co with a timeline story.
Thanks for the chapter.
 
Marlow3 said:
Are you going to be including any of the STO stuff in this fic? I only ask as the tox comes up again in one of those stories as well as Boratus and co with a timeline story.
Thanks for the chapter.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Maybe a little bit later on. What is canon in this? That's a good question. For now canon is obviously the shows (yes up to Picard and some of Discovery---in this particular version SI Adam only knows up to Season 4 of Discovery). Some stuff from the novel'verse. Some of the games...but that's about it for now.
 
Chapter 34: Sarek New
Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The year has gone by quicker than I had anticipated. It is the beginning December now...that feeling of dread is starting to creep again as we get nearer and nearer to the Best of Both Worlds. The Borg are coming and there's nothing I can do about it. However that is in the near future, in the present time the Enterprise has been abuzz for several weeks now as we have been selected to host the Legaran Conference. Yes, we've reached "Sarek" finally and I've been giddy as fuck--so much so that Christy has noticed it. Everyone is excited. How could we not be? Ambassador Fucking Sarek is coming aboard...Mark Leonard. The father of Spock!!! Rao damn if I'm not pumped about it. Security training has begun and as everyone predicted it has been quite harsh on me but I'm making due. Security is also a whole lot more different than what I was anticipating as well. You have to know a little bit of everything, and everyone. I'm in a kind of boot camp phase to begin with.

I've been reading up on the talks with the Legarans...the episode attempted to put over the significance of this conference but I think failed a bit...it is considered the crowning achievement in Sarek's illustrious career. 93 years--half of his life---has been devoted to finalizing these talks and reaching an accord with the mysterious race. We're currently on route to Vulcan to pick up Sarek---and his wife--Perrin--and we'll be taking them to Legara IV where the final talks are scheduled to take place. The importance of this is on par with the Khitomer Accords. I've taken to replicate fancy dress clothes on the off chance that I am to meet Sarek.

I hurry through the hallway as I barely manage to reach Transporter Room 3 in time...Picard, and Riker are present in their dress uniforms. Miles is wearing his behind us...I slow down and adjust my 21st century civilian designer business suit---I would actually prefer wearing dress uniforms, I stand out like an eye sore---but I'm not an officer so this is gonna be the next best thing. I REFUSE to wear those tacky clothes. I stand in silence as Sarek's aid's, Ki Mendrossen, and Sakkath are beamed aboard first as Picard greets them . Mendrossen gives his speech about Sarek's health, and that he may not attend the various events that have been planned for him. I watch as Picard hides his disappointment as Chief O'Brien beams aboard the iconic Vulcan and his wife. It is hard not to mark out right now big time. Sarek!!! I'm even excited to see Perrin!!! Captain Picard introduces Riker and I to them both---Perrin exchanges polite nods to us both, Sarek though wants to head straight to the conference room. So far everything is going according to plan. Will dismisses me after the two of them leave. Mendrossen eyes me briefly as he passes by.

"So what was it like?" Christy asks me.

"What was what like?" I reply

"Meeting the Ambassador." she says as we eat our dinner

"Oh it was amazing...but it was pretty quick. He was intent on seeing the conference room layout."

"You must've been disappointed he didn't address you..."

"No. Not really. He's a busy man."

We chit chat some more and then my comm badge beep.

"Riker to Young...report to Ten Forward. On the double."

Will sounds angry...but not at me.

"On my way. "

"It's always going to be like this isn't it?" Christy says suddenly

"Like what?"

"We're in the middle of doing something, when you get called away to do bigger and more important things! Ignoring me!" she shouts

Oh no...it's happening.

"Christy...look, I do gotta go...something bad is going on with Sarek. We'll talk about this when I get back. You are the most important person in my life---and just like you DO---I have responsibilities that I have to attend to on this ship. You know this. I love you. No one and nothing is more important that you are to me...believe me."

I take her hands and kiss both of them.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't know--"

"It's okay. I know what is going on....it'll be all right. I'll see you in a bit."

She just nods and I head off to Ten Forward to discuss Sarek. I think I know what I have to do.

I report to Ten Forward where I find the Captain, Commander Riker, Counsellor Troi, and Dr. Crusher already in mid-discussion about what is going on. The brawl that just happened is getting broken up and cleaned up by security and Guinan's staff.

"Mr. Young...as you can see we are all experiencing a situation...we believe that it is connected to Ambassador Sarek."

"Yes, Christy, and I just had an argument out of no where."

I sigh.

"Sarek is suffering from Bendaii Syndrome. He was diagnosed with it shortly before we grabbed him from Vulcan. His aides are quite naturally, keeping it a secret for obvious reasons. Sakkath has been using a technique to...absorb Sarek's emotions for a time. It is a difficult process and takes it toll on the person."

"Sakkath has also kept this information to himself...only Perrin knows but is in denial about it."

Picard tugs on his uniform.

"This needs to be dealt with...we can not proceed with all of...this going on and with us experiencing...psychic bleeding from the procedure."

"I suggest speaking to the aides first, then directly confronting Sarek. Go to Perrin as well...she'll help you with him."

"Mr. Young...do you have a more advanced way of dealing with this?"


I sigh again.

"Yes I do but we first need to get them to acknowledge that he has it first---Sarek will eventually submit to tests...and then..."

"Out with it Adam." Picard prompts

"You volunteer to take the Ambassador's emotions for the duration of the talks..."

Picard exchanges glances with Riker and they half grin.

"I see. You want to volunteer yourself."

"Yes sir. You're not expendable should anything happen to you, the ship needs it's Captain, and I'm well aware that Commander Riker can fill in during that time, but you have the perfect person to accept those responsibilities, not to mention I know what to expect from it. "

"Adam...that maybe so, but what you're asking to take on---is not something that any old human can take. Captain Picard has training...you are just starting yours...maybe..." Deanna says

"Counsellor...I know what the Captain endures during the procedure, and something of what Sakkath has been enduring for however long it has been...I know what my limit is...and Beverly will be there to help me...and you if you're able to. I'm not afraid of what might happen and I know my own mind. Allow me to do this for him...please."

The exchange looks. They don't like this idea one bit...and admittedly I shouldn't be doing it, but I DO want to do this for Sarek. It's the least I can do.


"Very well, when we get to that point we'll discuss you as an option. Until then you're dismissed."

I am waiting in my quarters when the door chime beeps.

"Enter."

In walks Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher, Counsellor Troi, Sakkath, Ki Mendrossen and the Great Man himself.

"I have need of your services Mr. Young." Ambassador Sarek says formally. I raise my right hand in the Vulcan Salute. Control. Control. Control.

"I am honored to serve in anyway that I can Ambassador. It is a tremendous honor to meet you."

He nods.

Sakkath approaches me.

"Captain Picard has impressed upon us your desire to help the Ambassador in this matter, and while we are grateful for your help, I want you to understand the great toll this will take on you. IF you survive the process, you may still feel residual effects for some time after we have concluded these talks."

"I understand. I seek the danger." I say turning towards Sarek who nods at me. He gets the reference.

"Counsellor Troi and Doctor Crusher will monitor your status throughout the duration of the process." Picard says and I nod as I take my seat at my desk.

"I understand. No one else here does...I'm ready."

"Very well. We shall proceed."

Sakkath reaches up to my temple and places his hand on there...and does the same to Ambassador Sarek. This is not a traditional Vulcan Mind Meld so the traditional iconic words are not said. Instead he says a ritual I am not familiar with, and it is in ancient Vulcan...that much I do recognize. At first I feel nothing...then...all of a SUDDEN! WHAM.

"It is done."

I am a blank canvas for a moment or two. Slaughtered by the various raging emotions...I barely hear Sakkath instruct the others to leave, I don't look up. I barely hear Deanna in my head. Adam...it's Deanna. Focus on my voice. Use my voice as a central point and come to me. ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!! I feel dozens of emotions at once. Barraging me. It is unlike anything that I have felt before in my life---or will again. Every emotion amplified by a million....and then...then...for a moment...

"I-I...I'm here." I clutch the desk and gasp for breath.

"We will be here as long as ---" Beverly says

"NO! I shout. Not at first....come back later. I---need control---control---control. CONTROLL!" I watch as myself as the two of them leave and turn out the off the lights.

"AHHHHHARRRRRRRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"

The darkness embraces me as I continue to struggle through Sarek's raging emotions. My quarters are a mess...Christy is going to kill me...as I have momentary clarity. Then it starts again as I hear Beverly come into the room.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" I scream as I have so many times in the last few hours. Buckets of Sweat pours down my brow and cheeks.

"It is wrong! A life time of discipline washed away! And in it's place..." I GROWL LAUGH AND CRY at the same time. This is exhausting...

"BEDLAM!" I exclaim

"I'm so...old. There is nothing left, than dry bones, and dead friends."

"Tired...so tired."

"It'll pass. All of it, just another hour Adam, you're doing fine." Who?

"NO! THIS WEAKNESS DISGUSTS ME! I HATE IT! Where is my LOGIC? I am betrayed by desires...oooooohhhhhh....I--want to f-feel...I want to FEEL EVERYTHING!"

"But I am a Vulcan! I must feel NOTHING!" drool drips from my mouth

"GIVE ME BACK MY CONTROL!" I weep....Beverly yanks me out of it temporarily.

"ADAM!"

"Perrin...I wanted to g-give you so m-much more. I wanted to show you so much---t-t-t-tenderness...but that is not our way. "

"Spock... Amanda....did you know?? Michael...did-did you k-know? H-How m-much---h-much I LOVED YOUUUU! I LOVE YOU!!!" the last part is difficult to get out and I break down in tears.


"Adam..." Beverly tries softer to get my attention now

I exhale...I am again myself. I see Beverly sitting before me...beautiful red headed Beverly...my breathing starts to slow down.

"Beverly..." I gasp and grab her elbow. She winces under the sudden strength and I let her go....

"I'm here Adam." I can hear the tricorder scanning me...

"It--i-i-it is difficult...the---the anguish of the man...the despair, the regret. Pouring out of him, all of those--feelings." I start crying again

"I c-can't...I can't stop them...from coming."

"Don't even try." I feel Beverly squeeze my hands as I unleash the remaining emotions....I'm going to have to cook for both Beverly and Deanna after this.

A hour and a half later and the talks finally conclude and Sakkath restores both of us to ourselves once again. He was correct, the remnants of his emotions linger in the back of my head....he and I have shared an incredible experience. He knows now what I do, and I retain knowledge that he had.

I await in the Transporter Room along with Captain Picard and Commander Riker...as Sarek arrives along with Perrin and his two aides following behind him. The Captain and Sarek exchange pleasantries, while Perrin approaches me and offers both her hands, and I accept them.

"Thank you for what you have done for him. He won't say it but it means a lot."

"It was my honor and pleasure Madam."

I pause for a second. Damn. I should have let Jean-Luc do this...but he IS too important, to me as well, not just the ship. This was selfish. I admit that.

"He loves you very much."

"I know. I have always known." she smiles back at me and I nod

Sarek then steps in front of me. I am shaking a bit but I can't help it.

"I shall take my leave of you Captain, Mr. Young....I do not think we shall meet again."

"I hope you're wrong Ambassador." Picard says

"We shall retain the better parts of each other." he says to me

I hold my hand up in the Vulcan salute.

"I believe I have the better part of that bargain, Ambassador. Live Long and Prosper."

He raises his hand in return.

"Peace, and long life. Attend me my wife."

I watch the Vulcan continent then beam down and I slump along side the console...Riker and Picard help me up. I wave them both off.

"Are you all right Mr. Young?"

I slump and hold onto the transporter console, the toll this has been, is incredible.

"Residual effects of the...lingering emotions. Bev---Doctor Crusher says I'll be back to normal in a couple of days. Restrain...is---difficult right now." I reply

"What was it like?" Picard asks

"Overwhelming. Unlike anything that I have ever experienced before in my life, or will again. For the duration of the talks...I was HIM...I had his thoughts, his desires, his memories, his...Rao--his feelings. It was like several tidal waves that threatened to smash me...everything that the disease has done to his brain...absolutely devastating. It is depressing."

Picard nods.

"I'm ordering you confined to your quarters for rest and relaxation for a week. Doctor Crusher will monitor your condition until she deems you have been fully restored to yourself again. Understood?"

"Aye sir."

"Well done again Mr. Young. Off to bed with you though now."

"Thank you sir.

"No, Thank you Adam."

I just nod as I head back to my quarters.

Next Up: HIJINKS!!!! But not the kind you're all maybe thinking of in "Menage E' Troi"!!!
 
Chapter 35: Ménage a Troi? New
Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The next few days are tiring still as I recover from hosting Sarek's emotions. It was much more than that though...as I said to Captain Picard, for those several hours I WAS Sarek as he is now. Trapped within his own mind...subject to his out of control emotions. They are Vulcan emotions so at least double what we feel. I asked Commander Riker how he was...and Will told me that he was ME. My charm, my wit, but also Sarek's abilities and knowledge---clear. It must have been an interesting experience to see.

Christy apologizes for her outburst at dinner...and I tell her it wasn't needed...we head to the beach on the holodeck for a few days and it helps but I still deal with the lingering effects of Sarek's rage. We make love a few times and Christy is impressed with my vigor.

"I think I posses some of Sarek's stamina..." I joke as we laugh in bed

I check in to my still weekly appointments with Deanna.

"How are you feeling?"

"Not fully myself yet but am getting there."

"How are things with Christy? You two were in the holodeck for a couple of days if I remember correctly? A program that Reg recommended to you?"

"Yeah. A little resort on Oahu. One of Reg's favourite places. It was a beautiful place. We had a lot of fun."

"You seem more relaxed."

"I hear you and Will have been dating again."


"We're not here to discuss my personal life."

I smile.

"Sorry. Deflection. Bad habit."

"I know."

"The truth is Deanna...I don't know how I am. That experience was so unique...so different from anything I've ever experienced before that I don't know how to express myself yet."

"I understand. Do you think you're ready to return to your studies? Worf has been asking about you."

"I think I can handle it...the question is do you think I'm ready?"

"I agree that you can handle some classes. I would suggest half of what you were doing before, for now at least. I will inform Commander Riker."

"Agreed....so your mom is coming aboard soon."

"We are not done our session yet Mr. Young."

"We're not? I don't have much else to talk about Deanna right now, or else I'd be more voluntary."

"You are still feeling the effects of the meld."

I nod.


"Yes, my mother will be visiting when we head to Betazed for the trade conference. Will and I are planning on spending some...time together. How did you know about us?"


"Gossip travels fast on the ship."

"We were planning a retreat together after the conclusion of the conference. Would you and Christy like to accompany us?"

"I'd have to ask Christy, but I don't think it is a problem. Oh yeah. Something important."

"Yes?"

"There's going to be an incident involving a Ferengi Captain...name of Tog, I think. He becomes...enamored with your mother, so much so that when she rejects him he kidnaps the three of you---"

"What are you suggesting?

"I believe he is part of the Ferengi delegation. I am suggesting that if it is at all possible at this late junction...if we could get him replaced with a less...problematic Daimon."

"I'm sure Mother will appreciate this."

"I'm looking forward to meeting her."

"You are?"

I laugh.

"I know you and her...argue sometimes, and she's overbearing, but that is because she loves you very much Deanna. More than you can possibly realize. Besides which, where I come from, she's a bit of an icon and fan favourite."

Deanna groans.

"You're going to get along famously with her then."

"It'd be my pleasure to give you two a bit of a reprieve from her."

"I owe you."

"Actually I still owe you and Beverly dinner, for helping me with the Sarek thing."

"You don't have to do that, we were doing our duties."

"You tolerated a lot from me---when I literally wasn't myself. You may have been doing your duty---but I still feel obligated to show you both my appreciation."

"Fine. After the trade conference then? When my mother leaves?"

I laugh again.

"Sure.

"We need to talk still about your surgery coming up. But we'll schedule that for another appointment."

"Good. You free right now?"

"Actually I am for a hour. Why??

"Ten Forward? Chocolate Sundae on me?"


"Sounds delightful."

I report to Worf's office. It's about a week or so after the ordeal with Sarek now. I'm still feeling the after effects of the mind meld. I was informed that it would probably linger with me for weeks. Sarek's memories and feelings intrude every so often, and folks have pointed out that I occasionally speak in his voice. Selar has been helpful in aiding with...controlling these effects. I enter Worf's office and there is a striking officer there with Lt Junior grade pips on her collar. She resembles Mekia Cox, Nyla Harper from "The Rookie".

"Mr. Young. How are you feeling?" Worf asks---I don't think I've ever heard Worf ask THAT particular question before, and he does so laced with sarcasm.

"The same, sir. Counsellor Troi however thinks I am able to resume my studies." I reply

"Excellent. We we proceed with caution, until we can be certain the effects of the mind meld have completely vanished. This is Lieutenant Maia Morani. I have assigned her as your...TO. You will follow all of her orders as if they were coming from me. She will report to me at the end of each day, and I will evaluate your progress." Worf says

"Aye sir. Lieutenant."

"Report to the gym on the double, boot." she snaps at me and I kick into high gear.

Oh boy. This can't be good for me.

The Trade Conference takes place as it does in the episode---the Ferengi Alliance question the request to remove Daimon Tog from their delegation---I believe he was the captain of the ship that transported the Ferengi reps to Betazed...but not wanting to jeopardize losing potential profits---Grand Nagus Zek accepts the recommendation and orders another Captain and ship to transport his delegation to Betazed so I effectively butterfly the episode.

Christy agrees to the double date invitation, she's always wanted to go to Betazed anyway and never gotten the chance to do that. I think she's a little hesitant to hang out with senior officers, and I choose to not bring up the fact that she agreed to date Geordi on the show---that conversation probably wouldn't turn out well for me. Training with Lt. Morani has been...exhausting. She has me on a short leash. Hand to hand combat, combined with weapons training, profiling, heavy physical training, I'm now down to almost 200 pounds and dropped nearly 25 percent body fat since arriving in the Star Trek Universe. I have just started learning law. This is on top of my other studies still as well. Those haven't stopped just because I picked Security.

The schedule for my surgery is finally been set---December 29...the day after my birthday. I'm not complaining at all as this will be life altering, but thought I would have at least a couple of buffer days afterwards to recover. So I'd best not have any booze at the inevitable birthday party that someone will no doubt plan or throw for me. I already suspect that either Christy or Deanna have been planning something for me knowing that I hate surprises---and I hate surprise parties even more.

I am called out of the blue to Transporter Room 3. Captain Picard and Commander Riker are wearing their dress uniforms, as is Deanna---which is unusual for her even in this time period.

Your mother? I send to her. Yes, unfortunately.

Miles slides the transporter controls---I will be starting my transporter training fairly soon and quite frankly it scares the shit out of me more than anything I've done so far--into their sequenced position and two forms materialize on the iconic platform. One VERY tall and slightly blue gray---the other one--iconic. It's Majel. I don't know who this Majel is young man, but I am flattered by your thoughts. Oh shit. Being called young man at 45---almost 46 is flattering to say the least.

"Ambassador Troi, welcome aboard." Jean-Luc greets as cheerily as he can possibly muster---I've butterflied his great moment too unfortunately.

"Jean-Luc!!! It is always grand to see you." She floats over...and stops herself from embracing him. when she sees me.

"Now who might THIS be? I've never seen you aboard before."

Before Captain Picard can introduce me or Deanna interjects---I stick out my hand and introduce myself to her.

"Madam Ambassador, it is a great honor to meet you. My name is Adam Christopher Young, and I'm the Special Civilian Consultant currently assigned to the Enterprise."

"Now...that is a proper greeting befitting the holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx...and a Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed. I like this one, little one."

"Mother..."

Commander Riker is grinning that shit eating grin at me.

"I would be more than happy to escort the Ambassador to her quarters---with your permission of course Captain?"
Picard doesn't miss a beat. Riker continues to smile.

"Granted. I should go and see if the reception details have er...been seen to." and he leaves

Will follows and Troi barely acknowledges him unlike in the episode proper---and Mr. Homm picks up her luggage and follows us to her usual guest quarters.

"The truth is, Mr. Young, I am quite familiar with you. Your reputation is starting to proceed you."

"I thought it would at some point, given all the changes that I have started to make."

"It was brought to my attention by Deanna, that you requested to have the previous Ferengi Daimon removed from his position...and that I was the reason for it. May I ask why?"

"I suspect you already know Ambassador, but he was going to kidnap you, Deanna, and Commander Riker, and force you to mate with him." I reply

"I see....and you prevented that."

"That's correct....I mean hopefully. I can't tell what his replacement might try---but that particular Daimon was attracted to you, and you rightfully rejected him."

We enter her quarters and Mr. Homm heads to place her luggage in her room. She glides over to the couch and pats the place next to her.

"I uh..."

"Oh don't worry Mr. Young. I don't bite. You know me well enough from that silly show of yours...as you have been reminded before, we are NOT characters in a television show any more. We're flesh and blood. I know I am overbearing sometimes, but I am curious about you and would genuinely like to talk to you if you have the time. I know you are curious about me...the real me that is. Now...you can start by telling me all about who...Majel is and why I resemble her so much."

I sit down next to her and we end up talking for hours.

The conversation with Lwaxana was enjoyable...I found myself liking her and understanding her more than the show version. A complex woman who has seen and done a lot in her life and is wiser than most realize and just loves her daughter. I think I may have made another friend as well. Christy and I pack and beam down to the planet where we meet up with Will and Deanna. It is weird seeing them together again, not just due to my own feelings, but it's weird that this was never made a bigger deal on the show at this time. It was clear they were attempting to low key date again. Considering though what's about to happen in a few weeks...maybe it's good nothing transpired for it. But I am happy for them.

We spend the first couple of days at this couples resort on an island on the Opal Sea. Every exclusive. Very Posh. Christy likes it a lot but I'm not so hot on it. Will and I take the time to bond some more as he starts to understand me and I him. I have always liked Commander Riker...respect him greatly...as he mentioned a few months ago he is understanding how much all of them---all of THIS means to me. It is a time to just relax...something that has as of late been very hard for me to do. My foot has throbbing lately as well, but the surgery is finally around the corner. The tests on the cloned limbs have gone well so far...so now it is just a matter of my body accepting them during the surgery. The modeling projects a 99.8 percent chance of success and I told Beverly that I am more than okay with that.

For the last three days, Christy and I decide to go into Medara, which is the capital city of the planet. I'm taken aback a little bit because that name is not canon, it's from one of the RPG sourcebooks---I think possibly the Dominion War one, but don't matter. So perhaps my being here is creating a swiss cheesed reality now? My prolonged presence is making changes and it's adjusting to them? I don't know.

Christy as I have since discovered, is an avid art lover and as an engineer interested in architecture. So we head to the Betazed Museum of Art, Betazoids are known for their absolutely breathtaking landscape artists. Some of the best in the known galaxy actually. Christy tells me that I'm free to roam if I want to...which is gracious of her because as much as I love art, this is not really what I had in mind and decide to take a stroll. We both have our comm badges with us so not far out of reach of one another. As I wondering into a marketplace I'm approached by a stranger who asks me if I am who I am.

"Only on Sundays..." I joke

"I'm supposed to give this to you."

I take a small piece of crumbled up paper and before I look up again--the stranger is gone. Oh shit. I open up the piece of paper and see there are planetary coordinates.

"This clown expects me to be able to read coordinates? Jokes on them." I take my comm badge out and tap it.

"Young to Henshaw."

"Adam? Why are you using our last names?"

"Because I just encountered a stranger who knew who I was and handed me a piece of paper with a set of coordinates I don't recognize yet on it."

"Oh shit. What do you want to?"

"Clearly I'm supposed to go to them. I want you to stay where you are and alert Riker and Troi. If anything happens to me...the three of you are my only hope of getting out of whatever it is that I'm about to get myself into. Sigh. I just wanted a vacation."

"Okay. Be careful...and Adam.."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too Henshaw. Young out." I say in my serious voice and cutting her off. Time to figure out what the fuck this is all about.

I end up going to the Federation Embassy and ask where the coordinates are from the piece of paper. Luckily, they don't ask questions and tell me that the location is Dalaria Spaceport which is actually nearby Medara which is also a coastal city---which surprised me. I head on over to the space port and the exact coordinates and I see a person wearing a black cloak---interestingly similar to a Vulcan robe, and I assume that this is the person. They are sitting outside a cafe. I approach with caution.

"I assume you are the person who has requested my presence?" I ask

The person nods and motions for me to sit down across from them, so I do so.

"I apologize for the subterfuge Mr. Young, but I deemed it necessary given the confidentially of the subject that I am about to broach with you."

"You have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am, but I have no idea who you are. A rare occurrence."

The stranger reaches up with their hands and lifts off his hood...to reveal that he is a...Romulan?

"I assure you that I mean no harm...I understand why you alerted your shipmates, but I am here only to converse with you. Nothing more."

"Before I tell my friends to back off...who are you? I get you're Romulan...that's no doubt part of the reason for this clandestine bullshit, but WHO are you?"

"I am Sub-Commander T'Sek, part of Romulan Special Operations."

I arch my eyebrow.

"Special Operations? The Star Empire has no such designated organization. Either you're Tal Shiar, or Imperial Intelligence."

"Impressive. It would appear the rumors about you are true. You ARE aware of us more than we were aware previously."

I shiver.

"I am neither. I am here on behalf of a mutual...associate on the subject of...Hobus."

Oh shit. I slowly take my comm badge out.

"Young to Pretty Eyes ."

"Pretty Eyes here. Are you okay? I've Red Leader and Crimson Dawn here."

I can't help but smile at the codenames. Of course I came up with them. I have codenames for the entire senior staff--for situations JUST like this one.

"I'm fine. I'll see you...shortly. I'm green." I wonder if that will alert my...friend here

There's a pause.

"If you're certain then. We'll see you back."

"I'll message when I can. Young out."

I put the comm badge back into my pocket and resume the conversation with the Romulan.

"We can talk freely now. You're here about...the shining star?" I ask and the Romulan nods once

"I have been sent to discuss with you...how to best proceed with dealing with this future crisis. There have been...preliminary overtures made by representatives of our governments---on how to deal with this. However as you are aware, the political situation on Romulus---is not suited to accept such an alliance with your people. We can not even agree with the cloaking technology proposal. If this ever got out----"

"The panic it would create amongst the populace would be a disaster. Wait---how DO I know you're not Tal'Shiar?"

"The needs of the many...outweigh.."

"The needs of the few."

"Or the one." he finishes the code I refrain from crying. Damn quote always triggers me. Spock...

"I understand. This organization though---"

"Formed in secret by members of the Senate...unbeknownst to the Praetor or even the High Command. We are few---I have been tasked as your personal liaison. It is my hope that we can work together...in secret at first, then hopefully as relations improve between our peoples---in open to find a solution to this...critical problem."

I see the sincerity in T'Sek's eyes. He's genuinely sacred. I don't blame him. Gamma Ray bursts absolutely terrify the shit out of me. One of the few genuine things that do.

"Okay. I accept your proposal...however I have no ideas at the moment. If I did...I would have included them in my report."

"My superior...suggested that you knew of a plan that he helps to develop."

"Yes but that plan is decades into the future...the substance that he uses isn't even in existence yet. In an idealized situation, we would have to utilize both our people's scientific and military assets to resolve this...and Hobus hasn't even reached critical stage yet."

"It is a conundrum is it not? However you will have the meager resources I can offer. All I ask is that we continue to maintain contact...even if it is in a clandestine way. I regret this strategy...I did not anticipate you informing your friends as I mentioned...what will you tell them, of this?"

That's a damned good question. But then I get an idea.

"I'll tell them that your superior sent you---for aide with the movement. They're not aware of that---but they do know he is...diplomatic in nature, and that I have cultivated his services in the past. It'll be a little convoluted---but I'll sell it."

"Very well...this has been most enlightening Mr. Young. I look forward to our next conversation."

"As do I. Good Journey S'Tek."

I watch as he re-lifts the hood over his head and leaves. I wait a few more minutes before---

"Young to Henshaw."

"Henshaw here...holy shit Adam. Are you good?"

"Yeah I'm good. I'm on my way back to you...everything's clear. I was in no danger."


"What was that all about?" Riker asks

"A beginning...Will...a beginning. I'll explain when I get back to you all. I assure you that I'm okay."

I explain everything about the encounter at the spaceport...and Deanna senses that I am holding something but but otherwise they all buy it. The rest of our vacation goes smoothly. When we return to the ship---Beverly says that everything is ready for the surgery now if I want to under go it now. It is a decision that I am not ready for---and tell her I'd like to do it at the scheduled time and she agrees.

Christy and I get ready for my first Christmas on the Enterprise....we have a tree set up in my---our quarters. It's decorated...and it's festive on the ship despite it not looking like that. As I said Christmas is a thing, but not as big in this time as in our time. Also it's mostly a Earth based holiday so not really celebrated throughout the Fleet.

Enterprise discovers a crashed escape pod as we enter an unexplored star system...it turns out to be "John Doe". I'm immediately called to sick bay where I find Captain Picard already there with Doctor Crusher and "John". Beverly quickly tells me about him and I look at the man in awe.

"Hello John...it's a honor to meet you." I say, I know I repeat this greeting with everyone but it truly is an honor to meet all of these characters.

"I wish I knew why it was..."

We politely all chuckle and as John is put back on the bio-bed after his fall I turn to the Captain and Doctor.

"There's nothing I can do for him...but I can tell you he is from a race of beings that is unknown to us in this sector of the galaxy. I think there was some speculation that he might've been from the Delta Quadrant. I don't know who he is---but he has---special abilities. Doctor, you've noted already that he has mutating cells. He has the ability to regenerate quickly, and also use that energy to heal others. I need to be careful here...because he has a destiny...I can't interfere with. I can assure you though that he is no harm to the crew or the ship---but when he's ready---and he'll know when---he will need to leave. Until then, he will need YOUR help Beverly."

Picard recognizes my tone and Beverly blushes slightly. They get it.

"Very well. We will monitor him from afar. I will leave him to your expert care Doctor. If anything strange happens inform me immediately."

"Aye sir."

"Oh yeah...one last thing I almost forgot. He's being hunted...there's a reason why he was in that escape pod. A species called Zalkoninans are after him---they think him a criminal...but he's not. I vouch for him---when that time comes---if I am needed---"

Picard nods. The rest of the episode transpires as it does in the show and John ascends into his energy being form and thanks everyone for their assistance including the Doctor's--who fell in love with him.

"Good Journey John, wherever it may take you."

"Thank you Adam...Good Journey yourself."

Next Up: Happy Bir---WE ARE THE BORG!!
 
Last edited:
Chapter 36: The Best of Both Worlds Part I New
Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: Our first mega episode. It's long, so buckle up.

Two days after John ascends and leaves the Enterprise I get a message from Elizabeth.

"It's happening Adam. The Array has scored several positive hits, over the course of the last several days. According to your timeline they should be hitting J-25 in the next couple of days. The Admiral is already assembling the Fleet, he's been flirting with requesting Admiral Shanthi to go to Fleet Wide Yellow Alert but that would tip our hand...Captain Picard should be hearing from him shortly."

I nod. It's Christmas Eve 2366.

"Are you okay?" she asks

"I'm okay. This is what we've been planning for all this time. The Defiant?"

Elizabeth shakes her head.

"Despite your suggestions which we've implemented...she's not ready yet. Admiral Hanson wants to use her as the flagship...and frankly she's not performing like she should be. Is there something we're missing here?"


"Not that I'm aware of. If the changes were implemented...Defiant should be purring like a kitten, instead of roaring like a Lion."

Elizabeth chuckles.


"I've missed you. How are things with Christy going" she asks

"We'll see each other soon, unfortunately and absolutely fantastic. Actually...she just moved in her stuff permanently."

"Oh Adam, that's fantastic news! I'm happy for you both."

"Thanks Elizabeth...and yourself? Or no time for pleasure? Only work?"

"I've had a couple of dalliances since you left---nothing to really report about though. I've taken your advice and allowed myself SOME time to rest and relax. Adam...how bad is this really going to be? Are all our efforts going to be for nothing?"

"I hope not---and it's going to be bad. We've never faced anything like them. Q's introduction was a wake up call...as it was intended to be. There are dangers in the universe we're simply not prepared for. We're explorers and scientists first---and while that is noble, it's not enough to content against species that simply don't care to negotiate...or in the Borg's case--can't. This will be bad."

"I'll see you soon then....Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you too Elizabeth, and give my love to your parents, and JP as well." She nods as the comm ends.

I've been waiting all year for this. It's almost time. The Borg are nearly here...Ron Jones score starts in my head.

Christmas is a quiet affair as it is just myself and Christy. We exchange presents and I replicate us a traditional Christmas dinner...it is a far cry from the meal that Elizabeth's parents prepared last year, but it's actually not that bad. I've become accustomed to replicated meals now. It is still quite the experience. The best possible analogy or comparison I could give it---is like that scene from "The Matrix"---where Cypher is dining with Agent Smith and he's having steak---he knows the steak isn't real--but the simulation is so convincing that it is tricking his brain into thinking it is real...that's similar to replicated food and beverages except the proteins and all that are actually being replicated. I guess it's more like CLONED artificial food. That might be a more similar description than the one I gave.

Boxing Day is a quiet one as I await the news I have been dreading since first Arriving in this universe over a year ago...Christy has noticed my changed demeaner and I tell her what I've been anticipating.

"When does it happen?" she asks me over dinner on the 27th.

"Tomorrow it happens.

"On your birthday? Shit."

I nod

"What are you anticipating is going to happen?"

"Nothing good. Nothing that I can stop. I've done everything that I can this point...now...all I can do is is wait and see how events unfold."

"This must be tearing you up inside. You've had control over so much---but this---this isn't in the realm of that. What's making it worse for you---you can't tell me or anyone else what is going to happen, can you?"

"I've told the people that matters what to expect. One person in particular I made a promise to if the thing happens that I expect, I will do everything in my power to stop it--even if it means sacrificing myself." I say cold

"Adam..."

"Christy...I love you. Very, very much. These last 8 months with you have been beyond what I can possibly describe to you---but I just want you to know that. In case anything happens."

She nods and we kiss for a few minutes. Christy lets it slip then.

"We're throwing you a surprise party tomorrow."

"What?!" I ask half upset

"It was Deanna's idea. She said she knows you hate surprises, and I told her yes, you'll absolutely hate this---but then we started talking---really talking. I love you too Adam, you have made an impact on this ship and her crew more than YOU realize...you've become important to them. We want to show you our love and respect---just as much as you've wanted to earn ours."

I chuckle quietly.

"What?"

"I suspected something...you two being the culprits. Thank you...thank you very much. I'll pretend to be surprised."

"I don't think Deanna will be too upset if you're NOT surprised."

"Hmm. I'm thinking of something we could do after we finish up dinner here..." I lean over and kiss her, she leans into me.

"Desert?"

"Before desert."

We hurry to the bedroom.

It's happening. My party is interrupted as we get a distress signal from Jouret IV. I am called to the Transporter room where I meet up with Commander Riker, Data, Worf, and LaForge.

Data hands me a phaser and tricorder.

"Anything from the surface??" Riker asks

"No sir. There have been no communications from the colony in the last 12 hours." Worf replies

"Sensors picking up any signs of life?" he asks

"None." Worf replies. Riker turns to me

"What do you expect to find down there Mr. Young?"

"Nothing sir. Absolutely nothing." I say sadly. He simply nods

"Surface is safe for transport sir." Miles says from the console

Riker nods and motions for us to take our places. We beam down to the surface...and it's just like in the show. I'm in shock.

"My Rao..."

It is a barren wasteland. Riker is so stunned that he has Miles verify the coordinates again. This is indeed where New Providence once stood. A beaming colony of several million people. All gone. We can see the metal foundation of the remaining buildings deep inside the rock base...torn bits of metal. Data, Geordi, and Worf start their scans. Riker turns to me.

"This is..."

"I know sir. I Know. This is what I've been trying to stop since I got here though. I don't think it was coincidence that my Arrival was just after your first encounter with the Borg."

He nods.

We spend the next hour collecting data and then beam back to the ship.

A couple of hours later...happy fucking birthday to ME by the way...Admiral Hanson arrives with Elizabeth. I am in the transporter room with Captain Picard to greet them. J.P. shares informalities with Jean-Luc then turns his attention to me.

"You're looking well son. It's good to see you again." we exchange hand shakes

"It's good to see you again too sir."

"I wish it were under better circumstances, but it's as you said. Everything is proceeding as you said it would Adam."

Elizabeth steps forward as the Admiral introduces her to Captain Picard. They exchange pleasantries and while J.P and Jean-Luc talk again I greet Elizabeth.

"Lieutenant-Commander Shelby...it is my honor to see you again."

"Mr. Young. You look well."

"I am well."

"Happy Birthday."

"Thank you...a little...bit of a different one this year."

"Yes."

Talk about awkward. J.P. stops us as Captain Picard and I escort them to the ready room. Admiral Hanson briefs Captain Picard about our status up to this point...and informs him of what my part in the Borg Task Force was.

"I'm sorry to have keep you in the dark like this about Adam, Jean-Luc but Starfleet Command was insistent that his activities last year be kept above top secret. There are only about two dozen people in the entire universe that are aware of his participation in the program and what he implemented. As Commander Shelby reported, we're not anywhere prepared that we should be...we've done our best to get ready but..." Picard nods as he glances over at me.

"Number One...why don't you escort the Commander to her quarters." Picard asks and Riker nods. I watch as the two of them leave.

"Keep your eye on her Jean-Luc. She's one impressive lady. Adam can attest to that." I blush.

"You seem rather taken with her J.P."

"Just an old man's fantasies. When Shelby came into Tactical, every Admiral's Uncle had their take on the...Borg but then she read Mr. Young's report and had a vision. Cut right through it, got us back on track."

"Earl Grey?" he asks Hanson and then glances at me.

"Please." he replies and i nod

"She'd make you a hell of a first officer."

There it is. I grimace.

"I already have a hell of a first officer."

I watch their back and forth about Riker and sip my tea quietly.

"You're unusually quiet Adam. Happy Birthday by the way as well...how old are you now?"

"45 sir."

"You're looking exceptionally healthy. I have read the reports on your training progress...you've not flunked out yet. Impressive. I know you can handle all the reading stuff...you love that stuff---but how are you doing on the practicum?"

"Not so well but enough to pass."

"You've chosen Security? I must say that surprised the hell out of me when I read that." Hanson says

"I know, but I was struggling with everything else, and Security seemed..."

"Like a quick fix? I'm assuming that you've discovered it's not."

"No. Sir. It's been hell. I can show you bruises." he chuckles

"No need, Mr. Young. Lieutenant Worf and Lieutenant Morani's reports have been more than sufficient."

I nod


"I'm surprised there's no party going on."

"There was. It got disrupted by the distress signal. Everyone's still in Ten Forward---or was." I reply

J.P. looks apologetic. He then takes out a little box. Where was he hiding that? I'm bamboozled.

"This is a little something I brought for you. Happy Birthday Adam."

I open it and in it is a old watch...and I mean...old it's like from the 1980's in our time.

"That was my grandfather's watch. My kids don't want it. They have no interest in antiques...and Meg is making me toss out all the old stuff. I want this to go to someone who appreciates the past. It's an old Hamilton watch. It still works."

I'm speechless. Picard allows a smile.

"Thank you sir. I don't know what to say."

"Thank you son. It's the least I could do for what you've done for us."

I try not to cry.


Poker night happens as it does in the episode---however this time it is the continuation of my birthday party. Christy is behind me watching as Elizabeth joins us. I haven't had time to partake in the weekly poker---because I'm usually resting from my studies but since this is my birthday it's an exception. We're playing stud which I absolutely hate. I look down at my chips...I'm losing. Wesley is joining us as this is first session at the senior officers game and his inexperience is showing. He maybe a legit genius---but he has no idea how to play poker. Beverly is the only one absent as she's getting sickbay ready. Deanna is the dealer.

"Oh Wes...don't let Commander Riker intimidate you." I say

"Intimidate? Me? Never." Wes replies overconfident. Sigh.

"What's your play Mister Crusher?" Deanna asks

"Got another King in the hole Data?" Wesley asks

"I am afraid I cannot answer that Wesley. And as you are a newcomer to the game, may I say it is inappropriate for you to ask. I will buy another card, Counsellor."

Owned by the Android.

Deanna deals him one

"No help there."

"Fold. Again." Geordi says

"Three Jacks looking back for the handsome looking Ensign. A pair of ducks for our tactical advisor. Flush, possible straight flush for Commander Riker, Adam?"

I look at my hand. I have two pair, 4's and 10's...I know what the others hands are...THEY know that I know this too. This is not about me though. I smile at Will.

"I fold." I catch Elizabeth gaping at me. She's seen me play poker before.

Christy rubs my shoulder and I grab her hand slightly.

"Your bet Mister Crusher."

"I'm in for ten."

"Call." Elizabeth says

"So what's the deal with you and Adam?" Geordi asks which everyone now turns their attention to the both of us

Elizabeth looks at me and I bow my head. Gently squeeze Christy's hand.

"Adam and I dated briefly last year. Working as close as we did together...it kind of just happened ."

"I never would have guessed." Geordi replies and Worf grunts uninterested

"So she's your mysterious partner you refused to mention to us." Deanna says gently. Uh-oh. Elizabeth turns to me.

"You never told your friends about us?" Elizabeth asks

"What we had was private...between us. I was trying to respect you."

"But they're your friends. I knew that. I was completely fine with it..."

"Now it's time for the long pants. There's your ten...and one hundred more." Riker says interrupting the drama

"I appreciate that gesture Adam, but you could have told them about us if you'd wanted to."

"He's got the straight flush folks." Geordi says

"Not necessarily. Commander Riker maybe bluffing Wesley." Data adds

"I don't think so. Fold."

"With THREE Jacks? What are you kidding? Wesley, you may get straight A's in school, but there's a lot you need to learn about poker."

I laugh. I'm enjoying myself.

Elizabeth turns to me.

"You folded...you're also losing which is curious to me. You know exactly what hand Commander Riker has in this moment. You folded. Why? "
I raise my hands up.

"Hey...you're not getting anything from me. He bamboozles me just as much as he does all of you."

"You're lying." Elizabeth says

"I've got two pair...but I've got to see your hole card. I call." turning her attention back to Will.

Riker grins. Turns over the deuce of spades and Shelby has him beat. She turns to me.

"You knew, yet you folded. Why?"

I clasp my hands together so the points meet.

"It's like I keep saying to all of you. I know things...I know the terrible things yet to come, but I also know the good things, the little moments in between, that keep us all sane. This is one of those. What would be the point in me of robbing this moment from both of you?" I get up and take Christy's hand.

Besides which, if Wesley hadn't folded for some reason, I would have lost to him. So there's that.

"Thank all of you for a wonderful birthday under the circumstances."

"Happy Birthday Adam." everyone says and then as we leave I hear Commander Riker say...

"Was that just a teaching moment I missed?"

My birthday concludes with Christy and I making love...and I am up early the next morning. Admiral Hanson has long since gone as Shelby is already terrorizing the Enterprise crew, who aren't used to her command style. I head to Main Engineering where I find Data, Geordi, and Wesley with her at the "pool table" working on figuring out the Borg cube's systems....based largely on my report of course.

"Are you here to work or to observe Mr. Young?" she asks and I snap to attention

"Both if you'll have me."

"Of course we'll have you. We're working from your own report. Geordi...show him what we have so far."

I shake my head.

"Nothing that we currently have aboard--can be adapted or otherwise to prevent them from doing whatever they want."

"I refuse to believe that. I did last year when we had this argument and I still do."

"He's right though Commander. Enterprise's systems are simply no match for the Cube's."

"What about modifying the plasma phaser design? That could--"

"I think that's enough for today Commander. We'll reconvene at 0500 tomorrow morning."

"Sir, if I could remain with Data, and Mr. Young---who is fresh..."

"YOU need rest Commander." snaps Riker

I lean in towards her.

"You're pushing."

She glances at me with that LOOK that says fuck OFF. I back off. Her and Riker have their final exchange and she leaves. Riker glares at me.

"She's...impossible."

I smile.

"You know something funny...when I first met Commander Shelby, I thought much as you did sir. Indeed. I was taking my cues from how you have responded to her...and I ended up dead wrong about her."

"I know you know her...but..."

"Give her a chance, and time Will. She doesn't know the ship or the crew well...but she's damn good at her job."

"She's after my job I think."

"Then don't give her a reason to take it." I say and nod at him as I turn around leave with my arms behind my back.

Admiral Hanson briefs us on the status...and this time though all 40 ships of the Fleet are massed with him. Those who are within range, those who aren't have been given orders to rendezvous at Wolf 359 where the planned engagement is going to be. I'm frozen in place as I hear J.P. talk. I can't bring myself to acknowledge that this is the last time that I am going to see my friend, my mentor, the man who was like a father to me. The OTHER person who serves that function is taking in all of this rather well. Captain Picard is acknowledged as one of the finest naval tacticians of this or any time. He'd give Jim Kirk or Chris Pike a run for their credits. Fact of the matter is that I'm scared shitless. I have no idea what to expect. We're dismissed except for Geordi who lingers behind so that he and the Captain can have their discussion about their plans effectiveness.

I sit on the box on the bridge as I've been given permission to do so for this. Deanna beside me, senses my tension but I ignore her. It is hours as we wait. Then in my head I hear Ron Jones's haunting thing as the black metallic cube appears on the view screen.

"Mr. Worf...dispatch a subspace message to Admiral Hanson, we have engaged the Borg."

"Captain...they are hailing...Mr. Young?" Worf says and everyone is startled

"What?" asks Captain as he looks at me

"That's...that's impossible." I barely manage

"By name?" Picard asks and Worf confirms

"Yes sir."


"Data...is it the same ship we faced at J-25?"

"Uncertain Commander. The dimensions are practically the same."

"It--it's not."

I mutter processing this. Why...HOW do they know who I am?

"Adam..." Picard gestures and I step forward to stand beside him. I compose myself.

"On screen...I am---" I begin

"You Are Adam Christopher Young. Special Civilian Advisor to USS Enterprise, Registry Number NCC 1701-Delta. You will lower your shields and prepare to transport yourself aboard our vessel. If you do not cooperate, we will destroy your ship."

I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard, commanding the Enterprise. You have committed acts of aggression against the United Federation of Planets. If you do not withdraw immediately---"

"You are irrelevant, ---Adam Christopher Young--if you do not surrender yourself, we will destroy the ship. Your defensive capabilities are unable to withstand Us."


Picard orders the transmission paused. I am absolutely stunned. Riker approaches us, looks at me. Then Picard.

"What the hell do they want with Adam? How do they even KNOW about him?"

Elizabeth joins us now, concern in her eyes for me.

"I thought they weren't interested in human life. Only interested in our technology?"

"Their priorities seemed to have changed..." I can feel him glance at me without looking at him. I can't. I restore my gaze at the view screen. This shouldn't be happening.

"We have developed new capabilities since our last encounter and are prepared to use them, if you do not withdraw from Federation space."

"They're going to probe us..." I utter as Geordi reports just that

"This was a mistake." I say

Worf reports that they're locking their tractor beam on us.

"Load torpedo bays. Arm phasers. Lock coordinates on that beam...."

No. Not there. That's what they want us to target. I know how to end this---but I'm terrified beyond capacity to react.

"Shield status?"

"Holding sir." Data replies

"The nutation modulation has them confused."

"Temporarily..." i mutter

"They have the ability to analyze and adapt Commander." Riker snaps at her

I am still staring at the screen. HOW? Adam? Deanna asks. I can't reply to her I'm that stunned.

"Shield modulation has failed. They've locked on to us."

"Shields are being drained. Ninety---Eighty percent."

This of course continues until Picard orders us to fire on them...which has no effect. This is worse than in the episode. I can feel their cutting beam slice into us. Hear the music. Almost hear the screams...but I can't act. I am distracted.

"This shouldn't be happening like this."

Eventually we head into the nebula to buy time...and hide. The senior staff files into the conference room. I sit down in the chair--still stunned by all of this.

"What the hell was that? What do they want with Adam, and how in the hell do they even know about him?" Riker asks

The rest of them argue and debate---until Captain Picard finally gazes at me.

"Mr. Young...are you all right?"

I finally look up at all of them.

"No. I am not all right. Something is wrong. This isn't how this should be happening. They're stronger somehow. More precise. I don't know why. I don't know why they know about me. That should be impossible...as for WHY they want me?" I sigh.

"Adam?" Picard prompts

"They want me as a speaker. In extreme circumstances when a species resists as strongly as we have---the Collective generates suggestions for someone to act as a speaker. It is flawed logic on their part. Their way---of a...compromise. Their hope in doing this is that by seeing someone of their own species as a Borg...it will make that species..."

"Off guard? More culpable?"

"Yes."

"But why you? That doesn't make any sense..." Riker says

"It does actually make some sense. Captain Picard is a master tactician. One of the finest in the fleet...probably the best if I'm being perfectly honest. However they get the best of both worlds with me. Somehow they KNOW about me. My knowledge. I have seen what they do with the Fleet. It is been my very purpose since I have been here to try and stop it from happening. I may not have the Captain's operational abilities, I can barely operate a console right now---but they don't think like that. They think macro. Not micro. The big picture is that I have ALL of those memories...knowledge. They can extract that and use it against the Fleet, never mind my future knowledge."

"We must prevent them from taking you." Picard says

"Do you have it?" asks Elizabeth

"Have what?" Picard asks sharply

"This." I take from my jacket pocket a vial of black liquid. It isn't what you think. I put it on the table gently.

"What is that?" Geordi asks

"A counter-measure that Admiral Hanson, Commander Shelby, and myself developed last year. Not a virus...but in the insane probability that something like THIS might happen, the Admiral thought I should have a fighting chance."

"You've still not explained what it is yet Adam." Picard asks

"It is a kind of anti-virus. I need to be injected with it. The hope is that once it is in my antibodies, that once the Borg inject me with their nanites...it will help corrupt the assimilation process. Also it's designed to partially block them from getting too deep into my head. It's an idea that I came up with...it will take ALL my will power to see that it is effective....if it even is."

"How did you get it aboard?"

"I didn't. Admiral Hanson gave it to me. It was in the bottom of my Birthday present box, underneath the watch."

"That sly old devil." Picard mutters

"Doctor...Beverly...I need you to inject me with this now. They'll be hellbent on getting me now. They won't stop. I have faith in all of you to stop me should it come to that. I will do my part as I can, this should help."


Doctor Crusher takes the vial and from her lab coat takes out a hypo and pushes the vial into it. She then reaches me and injects it into my neck.

"Thank you Doctor."

From then we are given the tactical brief that happens on the episode. I hope this works J.P.

I briefly visit Elizabeth in her quarters and she's not happy.

"What the hell was that?" she asks

"You know what that was. We discussed it."

"You discussed it FOR Captain Picard!"

"And I would have given it to the Captain had the Borg...done what they were supposed to do and hailed him." I reply back

"I still don't understand why or how they know about you. How the fuck is that possible?"

"I don't know. I've been raking my brain since that...conversation. The truth is Elizabeth, Lizzie...I don't know, and I'm damned scared."

"I-I know. The others...you're putting on a brave face for them, even for Counsellor Troi---but Lt. Henshaw and I know your true face."

She reaches up and touches my cheek. I take her hand.

"You've spoken with Christy?"

"I like her Adam. She's good. Really good."

"I'm happy Elizabeth. Both you and Christy have given me something that I never, ever thought I would have...true happiness."

"Don't...don't talk like that."

"We don't have a lot of time left Lizzie. They're coming. We're going to have to warp out of this nebula soon. I don't know what is going to happen, but what I said in the conference table was true. I have complete faith that whatever happens...all of you will do your damnest to get me out of this. Then I'll owe you all a very big dinner."

"You said in your report that Picard and Hanson, were freed---we will make sure that happens for you. But you do something for me if what happens---happens."

"What's that?"

She grabs my face with both her hands.

"You FIGHT those bastards. Do you understand? You fight them with all your heart, all your will power...all your love. Don't let them take you from us---or I'm gonna kick your ass myself? Do you understand Mr. Young?"

"I understand Commander Shelby."

We hug as I cry.

The Enterprise is impacted by electromagnetic blasts that are emanating from the Borg Cube...and Picard orders us to depart the nebula at maximum warp. The Borg chase us as I watch from my quarters. I've been confined to quarters under guard by security. It is a reasonable precaution that probably won't work, but I didn't object to it at all. I watch as space streaks by in brilliant silver...the deck slightly...rumbles is not an accurate word---but on the D you can hear the sound of the warp engines at high warp vibrate throughout the ship. Enterprise is struck by one of the last charges and that significantly hampers our progress as the Cube is able to---I hear a familiar---unsettling twine...the sound of a transporter beam and automatically---

"Young to sec---"


Before I'm able to get the rest of it out I am injected with a sedative from the Drone....and I pass out.

I hear the sound of my boot prints on the metallic deck plates as four Borg escort me to the centre of the Cube. On either side of me there are alcoves lined with Borg drones. A rail separates me from the abyss. I look down anyway and see miles more of Borg. It repeats upwards and downwards.

"Adam Christopher Young, you serve on the largest ship of the Fleet. You speak for your people. "

"You've made a mistake. You've chosen the wrong person for that."

"Irrelevant. We have chosen you based on the knowledge you posses. You have seen the events of the immediate future transpire."

What? How could they know this? What is going on here?"

"How is it that you are aware of me? What I know? That should be impossible. "

"Irrelevant. You Will assist us."

"I would rather die. I will fight you with every last ounce of strength I posses."

"Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own."

I hear the last part in the voice of the Queen, and shiver.

"I wish to address the Queen."

"Denied."

"What you demand of me is impossible. Our culture is based on self-determination and freedom."

"Self-determination is irrelevant. Freedom is irrelevant. You must comply."

"I would rather die."

"Death is irrelevant."

I can feel the effects of the anti-virus flow through my blood. I am really hoping this works.

"Your archaic cultures are authority driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice."

"You've made a mistake. I am not an authority figure. I---" my escorts forcibly grab me as our conversation is at an end. I struggle for a couple of seconds, then cease. They are correct. Resistance is futile. I must allow this to play out now...no matter how utterly terrified I am. I've never been more scared of anything in my life as I am right now.

I am escorted into a kind of---pre-assimilation centre--the white plastic draws room from the show. They use a laser scapel to remove my clothing...I'm going to miss that jacket, and remove my comm badge. I am then taken, naked, I am then taken into an adjourning chamber, where I see a medical bed and they force me down onto. Metal clamps shoot out to keep my limbs in place. One of the drones comes up from behind me and injects me with the nanoprobes....I GASP as I temporarily am unable to breathe---it is an unpleasant feeling...and then for another split second I am myself again before my veins pulse GREEN. That is my last memory as me. A nano-sheath suit begins to build on me---the all black suit that Locutus had...and just before I black out...I see a tiny needle about to pierce my eye and allow a single tear to stream down my cheek. 1000101010101.

A flood of memories barrage me as I slowly lose my individuality and the assimilation process takes effect. I see family, friends, my shipmates---Elizabeth and Christy. All of them swarm together in a cloud of mist in my head. My mind is like fire during this...experience. Black spider like devices then take over the memories--invading them...and then almost every thing is blanketed in darkness. Control. I fight for control. Fear is the mind killer---the---little--death--10010001--Resistance Is Futile. You Will Comply. No...I must FIGHT you---YOU WILL COMPLY...Locutus....

Darkness. I stand barely conscience inside of an alcove. The middle phase of the assimilation process has taken affect now. I hear them...hundreds of thousands---no---TRILLIONS of VOICES speaking as one. The Borg. We are the Borg. Somewhere trapped and isolated, I can hear myself screaming. A black metallic box has clamped over my brain and sealed it shut. This new programming has taken over as a kind of shell program. I am no longer Adam Christopher Young...I am...Locutus. I hear that voice. The one above the many---HER voice. She appears in front of Us...We can feel her hand stroke our cheek.

"Why are you fighting us Locutus? Is this not what you wanted?" "What?" "Your thoughts are OUR thoughts now Locutus. There is nothing you can hide from Us. You wanted this...you may have been surprised over our selection---Picard WOULD have been Locutus but YOU wanted this. Wanted to be the star of your own play." "That's insane." "Is it?" She snapped. "I wanted Picard safe. He didn't deserve---what you are doing to me. He didn't deserve THIS." "A cold description for the gift we have given you." "GIFT? This isn't a gift...this is a nightmare, and yes damn you, I will continue to FIGHT you. I will continue to fight you until I am no longer able to." "That is unfortunate." "How?" We ask her. "How do...you know about me? How is that possible?" The Queen smiles. It is cold. Devoid of any emotion.

"Jurati...we discovered about you from her abominations." Agnes? What? How? "We are simply not only a present Collective, but we exist in ALL time periods Locutus, and can access data from our past brother and sisters---the future is...complicated...however sometimes possible. In this case...due to--the Abominations actions...we were able to obtain information about you. Once that happened...a whole new plan formed. Picard has tactical and operational information that you do not, however it was decided that your future information was worth risking choosing you over him. Once we realized what you were capable of----it was a logical decision."

"If you have seen what I know already, then you know that you are beaten---your majesty. This ends. It will happen again...no matter what happens to me or what you make me do." "How noble. How utterly irrelevant." "Your overconfidence will be your undoing." "Your faith in your friends will be yours." Wait. What? Was that a Star Wars reference? Is the anti-virus working? The conversation concludes.

We stand observing the huge observation port inside the Cube. This is but one of hundreds scattered about the Cube. It is a a command and control opening---made specifically for Us. 1010001. A transportation is detected from the Enterprise to the Cube. The Collective is alerted and a response is calculated. This was expected. We turn to face the intruders.

"Adam!" Beverly exclaims

Worf attempts to charge Us, but instead is comically bounced off our personal shield. We send a quick command through the Collective. We request intervention. Security. Borg drones soon respond in kind. They attempt to fire on the drones but we have adapted to their phaser frequency. They soon beam back to the Enterprise.

"Vessel identified. USS Enterprise. Registry Number NCC 1701-Delta. Galaxy Class starship." The ship's tactical data appears in the corner of the observation monitor and in our personal HUD. We issue a command to hail the ship. We shift our vision slightly as Captain Picard appears on the viewer across from Us. Commanders Riker and Shelby along with Counsellor Troi are present on the bridge at their stations. We make note of this.

"I am...Locutus of Borg. Your Life as it has been, is over. From this point forward...you will...service Us."


Captain Picard doesn't hesitate.

"Mr. Worf, fire."

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
Chapter 37: The Best of Both Worlds Part II New
Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit

"And now...the Conclusion."

The Cube registers the build up of power through the Enterprise and into the deflector dish as the modified weapon slams into the Cube with disappointing effect. We knew of this possibility. We had seen it, and the Collective plucked this information from the one called Young AND Picard. Resistance is Futile. 1010001. The one called Young is still present---but buried deep beneath massive programming barriers. We feel him fighting---but it is akin to a bug or landing on Us. We ignore it and proceed. After the weapon ceases We prepare to address the ship.

"The knowledge and experience of the one called Young, is apart of Us now. It has prepared us for all courses of action. Your resistance...is hopeless...Elizabeth."

The One Called Adam Screams.

Stardate 44002.3

"Vessel identified. USS Saratoga. Registry Number NCC 31911. Miranda Class Federation Starship. Minimal threat. Recommended tactical engagement, activate tractor beam to drain the ship's shields, then target warp core and bridge with disruptors."

"Vessel is hailing Us." The Collective Reports

Buried somewhere in darkness the one called Young screams. NO! Please! Not this! Ben! NO!!!

It is the Vulcan Captain who orders us to stand down and withdraw. We will not comply.

"I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is Futile. You will lower your shields and disarm your weapons and escort us to sector zero zero one...if you attempt to intervene, we will destroy you."

"Red alert. Load all torpedo bays. Ready phasers. Move us to position alpha, Ensign."

We stare at the one called Sisko briefly. Before issuing counter measures to the collective and ordering Us to fire on them. The Cube locks on target and scorches their hull and warp drive. We see escape pods de-clamp from the ship but We order not to fire on them. They are irrelevant. We watch as the Saratoga starts to drift...and then explodes. We order the Cube to resume course for sector zero zero one.

"Vessel identified. USS Constance. Registry Number NCC 10367, Constellation Class Starship. Recommended tactical engagement---previous recommendation is still valid. Proceed."

It continues as such as we slice through the entire Fleet as we reach System Wolf 359. This should be impossible...the knowledge that the one called Young possessed was inferior tactically to the one called Picard---but somehow the Collective has extracted BOTH of our combined knowledge. Intriguing. After Wolf 359 we proceed on course, without delay, to sector zero zero one. We are escorted back to the surgical table for the completion of the assimilation process and so that drones may perform further upgrades.

After this is completed we enter Sol System and We watch as we pass through largely un-assaulted. Most of Starfleet was gathered at Wolf 359 so their should be little to no resistance as we reach Earth. We approach the asteroid belt and Locutus orders the ship to drop out of warp speed. The collective alerts Us to the approaching Enterprise.

"Locutus of Borg, this is Commander William T. Riker of the USS Enterprise." Commander.

We blink slightly. This was not expected. Picard was expected. Unorthodox strategy while used in the original engagement was anticipated, this was not due to the change.

"You may speak." Locutus replies

"We wish to end hostilities." Riker says

"Then you must unconditionally surrender."

"We are prepared to discuss terms." Riker says

Distraction technique detected. A-a-t-t-t-1001001. We hear singing. We request correction assistance. G-glitch detected. Running self-diagnostics.

"It is unlikely you are here to discuss terms. It is more likely that this is an attempt at deception." ALAMARINE.

We order an immediate scan of the---area---ALAMARINE COUNT TO FOUR. ALAMARINE THEN THREE MORE. ALAMARINE IF YOU CAN SEE ME! ALAMARINE COME WITH ME! Resistance is Futile. 101010---error. We request assistance.

"Come now Locutus, if you posses Young's knowledge and experience, then you know that I've never lied to him. You should implicitly trust me, is that not so?"

"Young implicitly trusts you."

Riker smiles.

"Then meet me now, to discuss terms"

"Discussion is irrelevant. There are no terms. You will disarm all weapons and escort us to sector zero zero one, where we will assimilate your culture and technology."

Riker doesn't respond as he reacts to a report from Ensign Gleason. ALAMARINE!!!! The communication ends as it is replaced with the Enterprise firing an anti-matter burst in all directions. Deception. The Collective is confused....we are not. The sensors detect no activity nearby. We request another scan. Intruder alert. Intruder alert. We turn , and Worf and Data approach Us ...then everything goes dark.

We are revived in sickbay by Doctor Crusher...we activate our internal sensors and begin scanning our environment.

"Adam, can you hear me?" asks the Doctor

"Beverly. Crusher. Doctor."

"Don't try to move."

"I am onboard the Enterprise."

"That's right." Riker says as Picard stands beside him watching

We attempt to request assistance from the collective, however are experiencing difficulty. Our proximity from the Cube maybe the reason. We continue attempting to request aide.

"A futile maneuver. To risk your ship for the life of one man...not even a member of your c-c-crew." We stutter as they all notice it

Error. Error. Attempting to compensate. ALLAMARINE!

"Jean-Luc, something is happening to him." Beverly observes

"Yes, but what?"

Processing error. Establish program shell overwrite. Attempting to re-establish connection to collective. Stand by. Security measures being implemented.

"You underestimate us if you think this abduction is any concern. There is no need for apprehension, I intend no harm. NO HARM. I will continue, aboard this ship, to speak for the Borg, while they continue without further diversion to sector zero zero one, where they will force your unconditional surrender."

We stand up and get off the bed.

Doctor Crusher continues to scan us while the Klingon--Worf--the one called Young was fond of both of them---towers over us with an unwelcoming sneer.

"Worf. Klingon species. A warrior race. You too will be assimilated."

"I like my species the way it is."

Heh. Error. Glitch. Processing.

"I am aware of what you are attempting to do...your efforts to disrupt the connection between us...will not prevail---Number One."

Doctor Crusher quickly reaches up and injects our neck with a hypo and everything is dark again.

They hook Locutus up to Data's lap as I AM AWARE again for the first time in a long while. It is like what I imagine would be coming out of a coma. In fact that is exactly how I would describe this experience. A long sleep. I have slowly attempted to reassert myself but the Collective continues to implement protocols to regain control over me. The anti-virus has worked, not to a degree in which I had hoped...but enough to give me a fighting chance. The crushing weight of billions of Borg on my mind has exhausted me. It is literally like having a brick or some object squished down on your brain. I have been violated in ways that I can not properly convey, and choose not to. I sense the Collective---they are panicking. As predicted their plan is failing. I sense someone else in my mind, someone that is familiar to me but doesn't appear as a conscience or sub-conscience construct. They appear as numbers. Code. Floating in abstract. Is that...Data? DATA!? "Data if that is you in here rummaging around old friend. Sleep Data. Put them to fucking sleep." Christy! DEANNA!! "DEANNA! CAN YOU HEAR ME!? IT IS ADAM! GET ME OUT OF HEAR! END THIS PLEASE!"

"Adam, be calm please. This is Data. I am attempting to access the Borg neutral network. Any assistance you can provide me would be helpful." he replies

"Troi to bridge."

"Picard here.

"Data has made first contact with Adam!" Troi exclaims

"Acknowledged. Can you communicate with him Data?" asks Picard

The fact that we can hear this conversation is promising indeed.

"I am attempting to do just that, stand by sir." Data replies

With everything that is me I reach out with my arm and grab Data.

"It's him! It's Adam!"

"Yes."

"Sleep." I barely managed.

"He's exhausted."

That's an understatement. I haven't been this tired in forever. I haven't used my own body myself in a week.

"Yes, Doctor, however I believe that Adam is attempting to suggest a course of action rather than fatigue."

Come on Data. I'm Trying here. Shut the mother fuckers down!

"Sleep Data."


Data!!!! I love you!!! I fight now. The plan was to slowly introduce random pop culture references into the Collective. Since I am assimilated into THEIR Collective, they're taking everything I have and know. With Captain Picard---it was his fleet and tactical knowledge. With me...it was what I know from show---but also all my irrelevant trivial knowledge, and pop culture stuff. Seb calls it "Pip news"--it's meant to be an insult and an inside joke reference to "South Park" but I have taken it as a badge of honor in recent years. The Queen making a Star Wars reference was the first indication of it working...they've countered as much as they possibly could do...but it appears to have worked a little bit. While Data and the others have their conversation...I manifest as a kind of Avatar in my head as He-Man!!!

Ernie from Sesame Street laughs

"Heheheheheheheheheeeeeeeeeh."

"Hello Bert." as I assault the Borg. I hold aloft the magic sword. I can hear HER VOICE scream no as I am breaking free.

"I Am Adam, Prince of Eternia. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic sword and said..." "BY THE POWERRRR OF GREYSKULLLLLLL!!!!!!!!"

Lighting bolts appears and crackles around me as the Power of Greyskull strikes the sword and hits me. Electrifying me. I then bring the sword down to my waist and hold it on either end.

"I HAVEEEE THE POWERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!" as the transformation is completed. I am now He-Man! The Most Powerful Man in the Universe!! As I push one final time, and finally...break the connection with the Collective!

I feel...yes...I FEEL...as I'm jolted around by the disruption of the signal being broken. Then incredibly...as I slump down in exhaustion, I am ME again. Tears streak down both cheeks and I don't stop them.

"B-Beverly..." I whisper as my voice is coarse. I haven't actually spoken in a week. It was Locutus speaking with MY voice literally.

I slump again but Deanna and Beverly help me up as they open the little door. I can barely walk. It's because I---Adam---haven't walked in a week.

"How do you feel?" Deanna asks I look at her but sense she's keeping something from me

"I'm exhausted. N-never b-been t-this tired b-before."

"How much do you remember?"

Remember. Remember. Remember....the sound of phasers and disruptors echo in my head.

"All of it...including a bit of unorthodox strategy from a first officer of some note, no doubt approved by his Captain."

Riker smiles

"Come on let's get you out of here." he says as I struggle out of the apparatus


Up Next: Recovery
 
Chapter 38: Recovery and Reflection New
Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The procedure to remove all the Borg hardware takes several hours. I request to be put under like usual. Just a peace of mind thing. I don't want to be awake during an operation. I already know what they are doing. I don't need to see it too, nor do I want to annoy them by being tempted to play doctor during surgery either, so I'd just rather be under. It's better for everyone that way. I have nightmares while I am under. Terrible ones. I suspect that I will be plagued by them for the rest of my life---just like Captain Picard was.

Afterwards, Doctor Crusher performs a post-op scan on me and I check out---healthier than I was previous to the assimilation.

"Whenever a drone is assimilated, the Borg will swap out any defective limbs, the Nanites will go about their business and eradicate any infections or ailments that drone is suffering from. In your case...Adam, the nanites regenerated your foot." Beverly reports

I've been so trapped inside my brain I haven't noticed.

"What?"

"Yep. Totally reconstructed it. Everything. Bone. Muscle. You have your brand new foot Adam."

"I...I don't know what to say." I start weeping

"Have you heard yourself speak lately? I Mean since you've been back?"

"No."

"They repaired your cleft palate as well. Regenerated you a brand new one. You no longer speak with any nasal sound."

"What else?"

"Your appendicitis scar is gone."

I look down and rub it slightly...it's clean. Like it never happened.

"In fact you're not only in peak physical health...probably for the first time in your life....it seems like they've actually enhanced you."

"Enhanced. How?"

"We'll have to do some tests when you're ready...but I would theorize you now posses above average strength, speed, and stamina. So not superhuman, but you'd be able to play sports if you'd like to do so now. I assume that due to your...status as speaker, the Borg Queen ordered that you be absolutely optimal. Fully enhanced. We were able to reprogram the remainder of the Borg Nineties. In theory, they will immediately fight any infection or cold you may encounter. It is highly likely you will never be sick again. Injured? Yes."

Was Seven like this? Probably. I think I included this in my Borg report.

"Rao..."

I see Deanna walk in. Her hair doing that bouncing thing it does when she walks.

"How is our star patient doing Doctor?"

"Aside from the surgical scars from the operation, he's doing fine. Your thermal bandages will need to be on until your scars heal. They're water proof so you can use them in the bath or shower but I will need to check on them to see if they need replacing in a couple of days time."

"How long are we talking about here?"

"A few days at best." I nod

"May I have a few minutes with Adam please Beverly?" Deanna asks. I know that tone.

I see the expression on Crusher's face. This is what Deanna was hiding from me. What has happened? What ELSE has happened in my absence? Beverly nods and tells me she'll be back later.

"Adam. Something happened while you were...gone. Something..."

I realize what it is she is going to tell me.

"I know...Christy. She's...she's...dead."

Deanna sits beside me. I feel a well of emotion stir. Christy...my poor Christy. I'm so so sorry.

"She was killed during--"

"I killed her. Deanna."

I say cold as tears start to streak down my cheeks

"Locutus killed her. You did not. You are NOT responsible for the actions taken by the Borg."

"I AM LOCUTUS!" I Roar then stop myself

"I feel responsible. There will be some who will think otherwise, and they're not totally wrong. My Rao...Christy."

I cry into Deanna's shoulder for a few minutes.

"Is there a body?" I barely manage to whisper.

"Yes, but I don't think..."

"I want to see her."

Deanna nods and takes me over the morgue which is in a room just off to the opposite side of sickbay. Selar is there and simply nods to both of us, she was expecting us. We go in and several dozen torpedo coffins are lined. All of them with Federation Flags. I did this. I allow the tears to flow. Deanna takes me to the one that is Christy's.

"Open it." I say.

"Adam..."

"OPEN IT!" I COMMAND no longer the person I was when I first boarded the ship. I have been made unto steel.

Deanna touches a small button and the tube latch unlocks and opens to reveal the scarred remains of my girlfriend. I am Locutus of Borg. From This Moment Forward. You Will Service Us.

I touch her scarred face.

"I am so so sorry Christy. I don't know what to say, except you didn't deserve this fate. None of you did. I was...we were..."

I fall to my knees and hug the torpedo tube. Deanna and Selar hold me while I cry. This isn't fair. This isn't how this should have happened, but this is how it is

Later. I am alone in my quarters when I hear the door chime. Wearing Starfleet medical recovery shorts and t-shirt. My gray thermal bandages are visible on my right cheek up to the temple, right arm, and right leg, showing A glass of Pepsi sits on my coffee table. Wait. Not Coke???

"Come."

Elizabeth walks in followed by Captain Picard, Commander Riker, and Counsellor Troi.

"I'm disembarking. I just wanted to say Good Journey to you." Elizabeth says as we hug

"Congratulations on the promotion, Commander. I...I wish we had more time to...catch up."

"It's okay. We'll have more time when you've fully recovered. I'm so sorry about Christy."

"Thank you."

Shelby then turns to Riker.

"I trust you'll have pick of any Starfleet command sir?"

Riker becomes exasperated, then frustrated. This has rattled him personally.

"Everyone's so concerned with my next job. With respect Commander, Captain, Counsellor, my career plans are my own and no one else's, but's nice to know I have a few options."

I thought this was a lame response to this but this episode attempted to have an upbeat ending. I feel kind of bad. I stunted Will's chance to prove himself in the centre seat---but then I know the truth. He's already proven himself. He just is comfortable here. He doesn't want to leave because of Deanna.

"I can think of no one suited to oversee the reconstruction of the Fleet than you, Commander, J.P. would have been very proud." he notes

I cringe inside. He would have been proud of us both. Thank you Admiral, for everything.

"Thank you sir. We'll have the fleet up and running in no time."

In theory there should be no one standing in our way of increasing the Fleet's output now. Even Jaresh Inyo...can see the threats that the Federation faces. A dark look briefly flashes across my face.

"I hope to have the good fortune of serving with you again sir."

Picard nods. The others then leave the two of us alone.

She gently rubs my arm.

"I wish I could stay Adam, but...Mars beckons. This is a chance now to begin the work the two of us have wanted to implement from the start."

"Be mindful Lizzie. The warhawk faction now will be festering to take advantage of the situation that the Borg have created, but there are allies out there. They will come to you."

"From you?"

"Maybe. I dunno...but they'll see the necessity of what you're doing and block the war hawks from attempting to push their policies on Inyo. We have reached a crossroads in the affairs of the Federation on a galactic scale. WAR is coming, and we'd best do our part to get ready or...everything that we love, and worked so hard to protect, will be gone."

Elizabeth nods understanding. Hugs me again

"Keep in touch, and Adam...remember...please remember...none of this was your fault."

I nod. She nods in return and I watch her leave. I then head to the table and pick up my glass and head to my port. McKingley Station's clamp support looms outside...I don't what to call them. I pick up my glass to take a sip and suddenly stop---like Captain Picard did...and then I set it back down and sit on my couch and cry. I am...Locutus of Borg. Resistance is Futile.
 
Damn that was definitely heartbreaking undeniably traumatized by Borg incident that affected Alex and Picard respectively in the series.
It will probably take time for Adam to come back from killing Krisry as Loctus , no matter how much Deanna says otherwise he just doesn't want to let the guilt even though actions weren't inherently his choice he still has to live with the devastating consequences of killing Christy.
Picard was right Resistance is futile, doesn't mean you should stop fighting Adam,
Continue on
Cheers!
 
The entire episode you did here was great. Tense, heart breaking and a growth moment for the MC. The chance the federation will finally take things seriously is here though whether it goes canon and almost no where or we actually have a fleet on the way to modernising and not putting Miranda's and Connie's into harms way would be nice for a change.
Thanks for the chapter
 
Thank you. TBOBW really is the kick start of the main plot. Everything before it was essentially prologue and set up.
 
Chapter 39: Inquiry New
Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The Enterprise is scheduled to remain at Earth Station McKingley for at least 12 weeks, however knowing Geordi as well I do now, he'll cut that in half since he has about a third of the Corp of Engineers here now. Starfleet has also ordered software upgrades for the main computer, which hasn't been upgraded since after the Bynar incident. The nightmares have been terrible...made worse for guilt over Christy as well. I can't believe she's gone. I have packed up all of her stuff and started to write to her parents...Captain Picard has already written his letter to them, but I feel compelled to talk to them myself.

Starfleet Command has ordered me to appear before an informal Board of Inquiry to answer for my actions as Locutus. They want to determine if they should proceed with official charges. Rehab has proceeded as one might expect. The first couple of days were difficult. It is still hard to explain but it was like what I'd imagined being possessed might feel like. I was not in control of my own body and for the week that I was abducted...the Borg had full use of everything. While I served as the physical host of Locutus, I wasn't in control of anything he said or did. My conscience was submerged. Buried beneath uncrackable layers of complex programming millions of years more advanced than anything from my time. It felt like being buried alive...

I have been assured that I will not be charged, that the Inquiry is exactly that---the Admiralty wants information from me. Counsellor Troi has to clear me before we head down to San Francisco and I pass her tests. Captain Picard also accompanies us, as does Doctor Crusher. I'm not worried. I expected this. Jean-Luc would have gone through something similar and it turned out to be a formality. We head into HQ and normally I would have expected Elizabeth to greet us, however Commander Shelby is already busy at work re-structuring Utopia Plantia's command structure to her liking. Putting her people in place and getting work started on the Fleet rebuild. Jaresh Inyo will not be present during this Inquiry as it is a Starfleet function, but I suspect someone from his office will be in the galley watching.

We enter into the Matthew Deckard Conference Room and there are 13 Admirals gathered for this procedure, and yes Admiral Satie is among them, so that will be joyous to deal with. The gallery is not as packed as I expected it to be. This is a classified affair so only top brass and those cleared are present. I freeze as Captain Picard goes over to greet Megan Hanson. J.P's wife.

"Adam?" Deanna asks

"I'm okay. I wasn't expecting to see her here."

"You don't have to---"

"Yes. Yes I do. I owe her."

I wait respectively as Jean-Luc says his piece to Megan, they've known each other for years. She's retired Starfleet after all. Picard notices me and introduces me and then walks off to give us space.

"Ma'am...I don't know what to say except---"

"You don't have to say anything. In fact I came today to tell you how J.P. felt about you, the mysterious stranger from another reality."

I react to that and she laughs. For some reason she reminds me of Maryl Streep.

"He talked about you all he could without saying anything about what you were working on, he was absolutely fascinated about you...and impressed."

"It was a honor to work with him...your husband meant more to me than I can express."

I take off his watch and am about to give it to her when she cups my hand and closes them. I grip the watch tightly.

"No. He gave that to you...it's yours now. Keep it. I came here today to support you...I knew what you meant to him. If you need anything after...even just to talk, my home is always open to you."

She hugs me, and I cry. Damn.

I am Locutus of Borg.

"Thank you."

I then head to the long table that is situated in the middle of the room. The room looks like the conference room or whatever from "The Drumhead" except much larger. Session begins...there is no truth panel...as this is not a hearing, court martial, or trial.

"Please state your name for the Inquiry."

"My name is Adam Christopher Young."

"What is your date of birth?"

"December 28, 1979."

"1979...the Board would like to remind those who are not familiar with Mr. Young, that he is a reality hopper, and this session is classified top secret. Those in the galley have been cleared by both Starfleet Security and Intelligence to attend."

"Why do you think you are here today Mr. Young?"

"It is my understanding that I am sitting before you to determine if I am to be declared responsible for actions taken while acting as the Borg Speaker, Locutus.

"That is correct. We may proceed."

Admiral Shanthi interrupts briefly.

"Before we begin I believe it is important to establish that this is not a trial. We are gathered today to determine if there SHOULD be a trial. Mr. Young should not be questioned as if he were already guilty. We are not a Cardassian Court."


"Mr. Young...we will begin by asking the obvious question. Why were you chosen by the Borg to act as their Speaker?"

"With respect Admiral Kingsley, I am unsure how to answer that without violating the Temporal Prime Directive."

That answer gets looks as all the Admirals exchange looks with each other. Even Jean-Luc and Deanna look at me.

"You have already violated the Temporal Prime Directive when you submitted your Threat Assessment report to Starfleet Intelligence on Stardate 42901.5. I think you can proceed...but with caution Mr. Young."

"Aye sir."

I exhale.

"While I was...in the process of assimilation...the first phase if you will, I had a conversation...with the Borg Queen who informed me--"

"A moment to clarify Mr. Young please. You mentioned the entity you call the Borg Queen in your report on the Collective...you actually conversed with her?"

"Yes...it wasn't---pleasant."

Locutus...

I visibly shiver. it is an uncontrolled response to hearing her in my head still.

"Continue please."

"The Borg Queen explained to me that...they were able to obtain information from their...future selves...and it was that faction of the Collective that possessed knowledge of me that they became aware of me...and then formulated a plan to use me as their Speaker."

"You have noted in your report that it wasn't supposed to be you...who WAS supposed to be Locutus of Borg, Mr. Young?" asks Admiral Satie


"Captain Picard was originally meant to be Locutus..."

"I see, instead for some reason...according to you---"future" Borg told their present time counterparts that you would be a more suitable choice. Why?" she presses with a nasty attitude that gets her a look from Shanthi

"I was chosen due to my specific...future knowledge...the Queen decided that it was a fair trade off. Possible knowledge of the future rather than Starfleet's immediate operations and command codes."

"So you have now given the Federation's greatest enemies several decades worth of future knowledge." Satie accuses

"Admiral Satie, I would recommend you soften your tone...this is not a trial." Shanthi warns

I am starting to feel anger swell in me.

"It should be." Satie says

"Norah...that is enough. I will not warn you again." Shanthi says

I shake my head.

"I apologize on behalf my overzealous colleague Mr. Young, but I press upon you to answer the question."

I gather myself. Control. Control. Control.

"Yes. Under the circumstances...I may have invertedly given the Borg Collective future knowledge...however there is no way of knowing what they took from me."

Deanna helped me prepare for this bullshit. Adam, calm.

There is an awkward silence in the room now. They weren't expecting this at all.

"How did the Borg of the future know about you?" asks the booming voice of one Admiral Leonard James Akaar

"That is a complex matter...however if I am compelled to explain, and the Temporal Prime Directive has been waived..."

They all nod, curious now.

"I impress upon all of you what I am about to reveal is classified beyond top secret and does not leave this room. Understood?"

All of them now are taken back. I just gave the fucking Admiralty an order. I can hear Deanna laugh in my head. Careful Adam.

"Does this include members of the viewing gallery...of which there are civilians present?"

"I would recommend the gallery be cleared for the next few minutes. They can resume their seats when I'm finished."

We wait until the gallery leaves and I continue.

"In the future...the year 2401 to be precise...a faction of the Borg Collective splinters off from the main group...and is controlled by a human cybernetics expert named Doctor Agnes Jurati. She becomes the Borg Queen of that faction in an attempt to harmonize the Collective, something that isn't possible right now...but becomes so then."

"How does this Dr. Jurati become aware of you?" That from Admrial Sarah Cooper of Starfleet Intelligence

I part my hands.

"The logical answer is that I know Agnes from the show...there is a sequel to um...the show that you're all in. The other possibility is that my future self comes into contact with her. I know Doctor Jurati...she wouldn't purposefully have given the present time Collective critical security information."

"On the contrary Mr. Young, you do not know Doctor Jurati at all. You are aware of her character from the show. You have not met her yet, so are not in any position to assure of us anything with regards to her character." Cooper counters

"I concede the point."

"I think we can move forward from this line of questioning. There is no possible way that we can verify what was extracted from Mr. Young's mind while he was in the Collective. No doubt he would have done everything possible to protect that information from being extracted."

"Did you, Mr. Young?" asks another Admiral

"Did I what?"

"Do everything physically and mentally possible to protect critical information being extracted?"

I sigh and lean back in my chair. I reach up and rub my forehead, then resume my posture and answer the question.

"I did everything possible to protect all of you---none of you can possibly understand what I went through, nor do I expect you to..."

I was about to bring up the virus but I stop myself.

The questioning continues for another hour. More bullshit questions along with typical psychological ones. Some of them question my mental capabilities and I don't blame them at all. In the end the Board votes 8 to 5 in my favor. There will be no charges. I am not to blame for actions committed by Locutus. The Admiralty also pledges the full resources of the Fleet to aide in my recovery. They all agree that I have been through...a traumatic event unlike anything in human history...and have their full support. Not to mention my contributions in helping the Fleet in the first place. It is a generous offer.

We linger behind a bit...Satie bolted out of here with her assistant the moment this thing ended, I'm not looking forward to seeing her later on this year at all. Bitch. Adam Calm.

Admiral Nechayev approaches me. I have always liked her despite her being portrayed as a counter point to Picard.

"Admiral Nechayev...this is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

"I believe that the two of us have common belief systems in certain areas that are disagreeable to our colleagues. I have read all of your reports, and been following your training process...it has been impressive. When you are ready to discuss...matters...feel free to contact me."

"Aye sir."

Captain Picard approaches next.

"That went well under the circumstances. Are you ready to return to the ship?"

"Almost. There's something else I have to do on Earth before I go back. You and Deanna go ahead of me. I'll be back when I've completed my task."

I head to the main transporter hub in San Francisco and tell the Lieutenant at the main console to input the coordinates and step onto the huge platform.

"Energize."

I am then rematerialized outside of a brownstone complex in lower Manhattan in New York City. I inhale and then exhale as I prepare to walk up the small flight of stairs and knock on the door.

An older woman answers who resembles Christy...but with grayish blonde hair.

"Oh! It's you!" she recognizes me immediately


"Mrs. Henshaw, you might recognize me, but you don't know me. I am here to personally convey my...m-...my condolences on the loss...of---

"Naomi who is it?" I hear a male voice

"Neil...we have a visitor you should come greet. Come on inside...Adam."

I start crying.
 
To clarify a few things about Earth during the Borg attack. Earth Was locked down during the Borg Cube's entry into Sol System. There was a FLEET WIDE, all FEDERATION WIDE Red Alert declared as soon as Captain Picard reported engaging the Borg. ---Martial Law WAS NOT declared by Jaresh-Inyo, but he was very close to ordering it.

Starfleet made emergency requests to both the Romulans and Klingons for aide. The Klingon's responded and sent a huge fleet but they were too late. The Romulans mustered but weren't going to get anywhere close to render assistance.


Locutus's broadcasts were transmitted on all news networks and all communications devices. So the entire planet knows of me now, but they know me as Locutus, which is very chilling.
 
Last edited:
Chapter 40: Family New
Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: Christy Henshaw's parents are named after her actress's parents names, Neil and Naomi. J.P.'s wife's name is totally made up and I based her model on Meryl Streep. Normally would just use the actors real life spouses, but felt like doing something totally different this time around. This is a long chapter again hope you enjoy.

I spend a couple of days with Christy's parents. She was an only child so her parents dotted on her and put all their resources into helping full fill her dream of becoming a Starfleet officer. Like most kids, she dreamt about being a starship captain, but found her calling in high school when she wanted to be an engineer. She was great at fixing things, and computers. I arrange to have her belongings beamed down from the Enterprise. They are thankful, and extremely accommodating. They let me know that I have a home to go to if I need it, they remind me of Elizabeth's parents. Being in this reality and time is still jarring compared to ours...everyone is literally so nice.

I return to the Enterprise and Captain Picard is preparing to leave for his trip to the Picard vineyards. We have a spot of tea in his ready room.

"Did you accomplish everything you had to on Earth?"

"Yes, I visited Christy's parents."

"Deanna suspected that is where you had gone off to. How did that go?"

"Better than I expected, especially after...Wolf 359. People here continue to surprise me."

He nods, smiling.

"I think you will find, Adam, as you continue your journey in this reality, that a great many things are different from what you are used to. We have evolved from the mistakes of the past. Contrary to belief though, we're not perfect...and still have a long way to go but we've improved."

"I'm starting to see that now. It's still jarring though."

"You looking forward to seeing Robert and Maire?" I ask him

"Yes I am. At first I was...hesitant. You are no doubt aware of my history with Robert. Our...heat...as you might say, has kept us from having a relationship with each other that we probably should be enjoying with, and I'm not sure that it will ever change."

"It will. In time. I feel a little bad..."

"Why?"

"What happens to you.....helps fester a change between the two of you. Softens the anger and jealousy in Robert. I've robbed you of that."

Picard shakes his head and puts down his cup.

"Adam...I can not imagine what you have just been through, but you never have to apologize for anything to do with what happened. You saved me from that experience...and I can not be more thankful, I don't know how to thank you--even though it wasn't your choice. I know you would have tried to save me from Locutus no matter what."

"Do you know what the Queen said to me?"

"What?"

"She accused me of WANTING to become Locutus, that this was some kind of low key ego thing...that I wanted to be the star of my own story..."

"What do you think of that? Did you?"

"I think that if I wanted to consciously experience being Locutus...then I have more issues than I realize, or that Deanna has been able to diagnose...but deep down inside...I stopped fighting them Jean-Luc. I-tried. The anti-virus helped to a degree...but it-it--was so so hard....I'm sorry...I didn't mean to..."

"No, it's okay. Let it out. I am no counsellor, but suppressing what happened, everything that happened, is not a good thing. "

I compose myself again. I am Locutus of Borg.

"I think a part of me DID want to become Locutus, but wasn't prepared to handle the full consequences of what that meant. Now I have live with what happened for the rest of my life. As you did."

"I have no doubt that you will...your will to continue through crisis after crisis is impressive."

"Thank you sir."

"Jean-Luc...when we're off duty."

I have finally earned his respect and trust now.

"Be patient with Robert. I think you'll be surprised at the results. He also loves you, very much. Just in his own aloof way."

He nods and we finish up our conversation.

Captain Picard departs for LaBarre---I am invited to go but I politely decline. As much as I'd like to see the famed Picard Family Vineyard, and that Maire would make me feel welcomed, that is not my business. Robert and Jean-Luc need to find a way to resolve their old differences...and Jean-Luc needs time to bond with Rene. I hope that I can save them from the fire, when that time comes in a few years.

My counselling sessions already have been productive but I have...a long way to go before I'm declared anywhere near "Normal". The nightmares are intense. Unlike any I have experienced before. My sub conscience has taken to using pulp culture references to help me cope. My brain knows that I am...damaged. Deanna and Will are going to Alaska for a few weeks. I am of course invited, but declined. I need proper time to mourn Christy...and to continue to process what...what happened. Locutus...I still can't believe they picked me because they plucked that information from Agnes's faction. Damn future me. If future me had that knowledge, he could have prevented this from occurring, but perhaps he had no choice. I don't know. I am in no position to judge anyone right now, least myself.

Geordi and Data are working on the repairs to the ship. Worf's parents are on board...but I'm in no mood to socialize with anyone despite Deanna suggesting that I do just that. Guinan has reached out to me, but I just don't feel like talking to anyone, about this right now. Beverly has given Wes the message from Jack and he's dealing with that right now. It might be a long down time period, but everyone is dealing with stuff. I am for the first time since I arrived in this reality---alone.

Lieutenant Morani arrives. Again the spitting image of Nyla Harper from "The Rookie". This universe is messing around with me.

"Lieutenant, I've been neglect in my training duties. I apologize." I offer and she frowns as she makes her way to my couch.

"I came to see how you've been doing, but your assumption that I am here for business reasons, perhaps tells me what I need to know." she replies

"I..." I find it hard to get words out now. A rarity for me and usually and indication that something is wrong.

"I can't presume to understand what you are going for. I came by to tell you though that you don't have to go through this recovery alone, Mr. Young. You have friends on this ship now. They---we have come to care about you." she offers

"Thank you sir. I'll keep that in mind." I'm not in the mood to make small talk, she recognizes this and gets up and starts to head for the door

"When you're ready to come back to work...I'll be around." she says and I just nod watching her leave and then head back to the couch where I sigh


I head to the huge gym on Deck 12 and do something that I have never really been able to do before...as I've been itching to testing my new foot out...I start running around the track. I imagine myself as Ivan Drago as I make my way around the track...and the feeling is absolutely amazing and indescribable. My foot is normal. There's no pain whatsoever...rehab has gone well so far....exceedingly well as Dr. Selar has been overseeing it. Selar joins me after her shift is done, and we run together. Until I am actually tired.

"You need to find something to do Adam. You are getting stir crazy remaining on the ship." Selar suggests

"What do you suggest?"

"I am not Counsellor Troi, nor any of her staff. However it behooves me that it may do you some benefit to go on...vacation."

"That thought had crossed my mind. I don't suppose you'd entertain accompanying me?"

"Unfortunately, I am required elsewhere. I am leaving the Enterprise shortly myself." she says surprising me

It is my turn to arch my eyebrow.

"Oh? Where?"

"After what has just happened, it dawned on me that I should visit my parents on Vulcan."

Family and friends have suddenly become important to everyone after what just happened.

"That's a pretty big decision...are you ready to see them?"

"Yes. If this were under normal circumstances....I would simply carry on as before, but..."

"Everyone has been affected by the Borg invasion. It has reminded everyone what's really important."

"Yes. Family and friends."

I am reminded once again that mine are not here...

"Thank you Selar."

"I wish you...good journey and will see you when you return."

I nod. It's time to put in a call to Arandis.

I let Data know that I am going to Risa for two weeks. Doctor Crusher medically clears me as does Counsellor Talla who is acting Counsellor in Deanna's absence. I then arrange for transport (I am not able to fly a shuttle on my own yet) and head to Risa. My first real trip anywhere...alone.

I arrive on Risa and am greeted by Arandis.

"I am happy to see you my friend. My deepest condolences on the loss of your partner."

"Thank you Arandis, it's good to see you again." I reply

She sees my thermal bandage on the right side of my face and reaches up to caress it. I nearly flinch. Locutus...Locutus...Locutus...

"I saw what they did to you on the newsnets. I am so so sorry. Are you okay?"

"No...or else I wouldn't be here. I need time. The others are all on shore leave or busy with the ship's repairs. I am still dealing with...what happened, and I'm still mourning. I'm here for two weeks, but in theory I can stay however long I want to."

"I have cordoned off an entire wing for you. Off the cliff face like last time but not the same suite you and Christy had. I didn't think you would want to stay in that again. As before, you'll have it to yourself. Personal chef and only requested staff. I'm only a comm signal away."


"Thank you Arandis...you free for dinner tonight?"

"I am, however I don't think that is a good idea. You're in morning luv, you need time."

"I need a friend."

She sighs.

"Okay. I'll come when my shift is over. No expectations though."

"I have none when it comes to Risa. I let it surprise me."

"It is good to see you...go rest. I'll see you later."

I then head towards the building and enter my room. My bag is already sitting next to the bed. I allow myself to fall into the king size and quickly fall asleep.

Darkness. I hear an intense, rhythmic drum beat that increases in intensity with every heart beat. I realize that it is my heart that is in perfect sync with the drumming. It is coming from somewhere...else. I open my eyes to reveal that I am inside what appears to be a coffin. Wearing Spider-Man's Black Suit. I start pounding on it. Screaming to let me out.

"I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is Futile."

I pound on the coffin, making louder and louder sounds. SPYDER SPYDER BURNING BRIGHT IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT WHAT IMMORTAL HAND OR EYE COULD FRAME THY FEARFUL SYMMETRY!!!! I pound as hard as I can...Kraven You bastard. No. Not Kraven. The Borg.

"Target warp engines and main bridge. Open fire."

Finally I manage to break the coffin top...only to be horrified as thousands...millions of tiny SPIDERS begin to fall into the coffin covering me. The metaphor should be evident.

"Remember...Us..."

I SCREAM.

Drenched in sweat I catch my breath as I realize I am in my suite on Risa...Arandis is next to me.

"The same nightmare?"

I nod, and she reaches up and rubs my back. The Borg have taken things that I love and perverted them into nightmares. Or at least my brain has...trying to deal with the trauma. I've been in pain before. A lot of pain...and I mean a lot of pain, but I've never been traumatized before. I am having difficulty handling this.

"The coffin and the spiders...Kraven shooting me. My mind is trying to protect me but using things I like to deal with what happened...it's...strange."

"I had no idea you were a psych major?" she jokes gently

"Heh. I've had a good teacher...but it's obvious to me what my mind is trying to do. It's attempting to protect me...from the damage they did."

I reach over to the side table and gulp down the glass of water and put it back down.

"I'm going for a swim."

"It's 3 in the morning, luv."

"Exactly. No one will be there to bother me."

"You're not taking your trunks? Something IS wrong with you..."

I face her and she holds me.

"I am not myself at all. I don't know when I will be again."

"I'll come with you."

"I was hoping you would."

Together, hand in hand we sprint down towards the beach in the middle of the night.

The two weeks passes by with Arandis smoothly...and I'm grateful for her company. We get to know each other really well over the course of time and she become a genuine friend. I can understand why she has had so many...confidant lover's...the nightmares subside but I know they will be with me for the rest of my life. I just have to figure out a way to deal with this. Agnes...Jurarti. I didn't foresee that happening at all. My future self must come into contact with her and the others during the period of "Picard"...it also means that certain events still happen leading up to that point. I rub my temples. Quantum mechanics, and time travel hurt my brain. For some reason Risa makes me think of Curzon...I should try to make a call before it's too late.

Our final night together I cook for Arandis for the first time. Nothing fancy. I just make Spaghetti and Meatballs, with a few herbs tossed in for color, and homemade garlic bread that I prepared earlier in the day. We have red wine.

"I wanted to thank you for this...you have been..."

"You don't need to thank me Adam. You know our planet's motto, this is part of my job." We live to serve.

"No it isn't. This is YOU. You wouldn't have so many lovers if it was...part of your job. You can't fool me Arandis, and I know I'm not just some random person either...so you can't use that on me either."

She smiles.

"No I genuinely have come to like you...it's difficult. You are charming. Kind. Intelligent. Emotional. Not afraid to speak your mind or how you are feeling. A conversationalist. Well read in a variety of topics, on top of the news of the day.."

"Thank you. You're absolutely amazing yourself."

"May I ask you a personal question?" she asks

"Of course. "

I think I made this sauce a little too rich...even for my liking. Everything else is perfect. Taste has been...slightly different since the Assimilation. Beverly assures me though that it will come back after a few weeks.

"There are literally hundreds of single women on this planet...most of them are there to literally pleasure you...why seek me out?"

"The honest answer...is that I knew you from the show. I knew of your relationship with Dax...but I didn't know that you would, help me...or..."

"Fall in love with you?" she asks

"Nor I you. I had no preconceptions or intentions over a romantic relationship with you Arandis. I sought you out though because you are literally the one person on this planet I knew I could trust implicitly."

"It is my honor to have that trust"

"And mine to have yours."

"This is delicious...will I see you again?"

"I'm not sure, but something tells me that tonight won't be our final time seeing each other."

We continue our conversation well after dinner and in the bed...

Instead of going back to the Enterprise after my two weeks is up, I contact the ship and inform Data that I am requesting extended leave. Data informs me that Starfleet Command has granted me as long as I want to recover, so I thank him and tell him I won't be gone that long. Data wishes me well and looks forward to my return to the ship when I am ready.

I stay with Arandis for another week, before saying good journey to her. I thank her again for her company, and she wishes me well on my recovery. I head back to Earth where I decide to really explore the planet for the first time...well...ever. I've done limited travelling in my life so to be in the Star Trek Earth...with no responsibilities...well that's an opportunity I can't pass up. I do a Young World Tour of sorts and go to Japan, Rome, China, India. I visit the place of my birth for the first time since I have been here....Northallterton, England and am shocked to find it transformed into a sprawling city called Allerton. Since this is in a fictional reality, there are no traces of my family at all, or my friends. I conduct research and find nothing which both saddens and satisfies me at the same time. There is a bakery though in Allerton that is also in OUR reality that I visit and I get my favorite Egg Custard Tarts---also known as Portuguese Custard Tarts. I am a big fan of all the variations but have a bias towards the English version for obvious reasons.

My thermal bandages are no longer needed...it is funny...in our reality I would have physical scars from what happened, but thanks to 24th Century medical technology....there's not a physical trace of anything that happened to me. The scars instead are surfaced in my brain. I still will need massive counselling sessions when I get back...but the immediate trauma is starting to pass. I still can't believe that I was Locutus of Borg. I led the attack of Wolf 359. I...killed my girlfriend. I don't care what the others say, or what the medical evidence was, I know what happened. I WAS THERE, and yes I can also make the argument that I wasn't responsible since I had no control over my bodily functions, but I KNOW what happened. No one else can understand what happened to me, and no one will until Seven of Nine.

I travel through the rest of January and towards the end of February. If I was motivated enough, I would have taken this to the stars, but I felt like Earth was something I needed to see first. I report back to Captain Picard who returned from LaBarre after two weeks there with his family, shortly after the incident with the warp bubble at Starbase 133.

"How are you doing Adam?"

"Better. Not great but better...getting to see the planet was helpful. I should have done this while I was in San Francisco but had no real desire to. It's funny what trauma does to you."

"Indeed, and Risa treated you well?"

I smile

"Very well. I caught up with an old friend of sorts...and while I'm still not over what happened to Christy...I am getting into a better place."

"That's good to hear. Are you ready to resume your training or do you need more time?"

"I think Deanna still needs to clear me, but I am ready to resume both my training and my position on this ship"

"Excellent, I will speak to Counsellor Troi about making an appointment with you to clear you mentally. Welcome back Mr. Young."

Picard reaches over and shakes my hand.

"Thank you sir, it's good to be back."
 
Chapter 41: Ishara New
Paramount and SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

It is good being back aboard the Enterprise. I was gone so long that I missed Data discovering Dr. Soong, and having his chip stolen by Lore. I also missed the return of the Traveler and the Warp Bubble Incident with Beverly, as well as the incident with Jonah. It has started to feel like...home now. A distress signal is picked up from a freighter called Arcos...in orbit around Turkana IV...but by the time we reach it the ship is about to explode discover that the crew have been kidnapped by Hayne, the leader of the Coalition. Learning of Tasha's service aboard the Enterprise, Hayne arranges to have her sister...Ishara act as his liaison to the Federation. Ishara is taken aboard the Enterprise and Beverly does run a series of tests. I am brought to Ishara as well to confirm her identity as Captain Picard and Worf bring me to her. I stare at her...she's breathtaking, but also makes me remember Tasha...the alternate Tasha from "Yesterday's Enterprise".

"Ishara Yar, this our Special Civilian Advisor, Adam Christopher Young."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I never knew your sister, but I can confirm that you are her sister."

Ishara looks at me curiously.

"How could you possibly know that?"

"If you remain aboard the Enterprise, I can explain it over dinner."

Riker gives me that huge buggy eyed grin of his when he's astonished and impressed. My confidence has increased as well since being Locutus, as well as the security training.

Ishara turns to the others and reiterates who she is, and agrees to undergo the DNA testing. I have caught her curiosity. She didn't expect anything like me. No one ever does ;)

Captain Picard meets with me in private. He still suspects...and he's correct to.

"What is her true purpose on the ship?" I tug my shirt and sigh.

"Hayne wants Starfleet technology as he proposed to Commander Riker. He thinks by having it, he will end the war, and perhaps he's right...he won't settle for anything less, and he's not interested in peace. Ishara is...a pawn in this. She has no choice but to obey him due to the proximity device. Removing it is an option...but she still has been conditioned by over a decade of warfare and..."

"And?"

"She hates that Tasha left...she's all twisted up inside." I finish explaining

"Is there any way you can persuade her otherwise?"

"I'm not sure sir. I can try...Data...Data tries the hardest in the episode--but--" Picard nods sadly.

"Do your best Adam...but gently...I will support whatever course of action you deem necessary with her."

"Aye sir."

It is strange being around Ishara and Data. I watch them...again...if you didn't know better that Data was an android with no feelings...you couldn't tell because she damn near is playing him like a fiddle and it makes my heart break. I ask Ishara if she wants to join me for dinner, she thinks I'm asking her out but I assure her that I am not, just would like to chat. I'm sure it is been a while since she's had a home cooked meal. She accepts and I make a simple spaghetti with fresh bread that I bake. Red wine. Ishara comes promptly at 19:00 I answer and she's wearing that super tight blue...jump suit. Uh--I'm gonna need a shower after this. She sits and light music is playing in the back ground.

"What is that? I don't recognize it at all."

"It's Haydn, an Austrian composer from the 19th century on Earth. He's one of my favourite composers."

"What's your favourite piece of his?" she asks taken me off guard


"Uh...it's actually what is playing right now. Symphony #51 in B Major, third movement. The horns. Haydn was a master of using french horns in his music. This is...not my all time favourite piece though. I always forget what it is called, but this is my favourite concerto of his."

"Why did you ask me here?" she asks

"I know why you're really on the ship, and I know you're still in communication with Hayne...it's okay, you're not in trouble yet, this isn't a sting or anything. I'm not here to expose you--I have a proposal for you, it's genuine...but it depends on you wanting to make a change."

"This is really good." she says of the Spaghetti.

"Thank you...it's a combination of both my Mom and her partner's recipe's. Normally I'd just have the meat sauce when making it for myself, but when I have guests over I use Maire's."

"What is your proposal?" she asks

"Leave Turkana IV. We can remove the proximity device, you don't have to do what you're doing. I know you...have negative feelings for your sister, but you COULD be what Tasha was."

"What do you mean?"

"Leave, come apply to the Academy. I know you have formidable skills, I know you're intelligent, have the ability to adapt to almost any situation, and at Starfleet Academy you would be able to put those to good use, and you'd be free. " I plead with her

"I...I don't know..."

"Ishara...you owe nothing to Hayne. He's a monster...a beast at best. I have read...some of the awful things that happen on the surface, I know something of what you've gone through, I can't imagine what all this must feel like, day after day, I'm offering you the chance to be free of it. Free of him, free of everything. You don't even have to go to the Academy, that was just a suggestion. You could do whatever you want to do...but you'd be free. All you have to do is stop what you're doing, it isn't worth it."

I see her internal struggle inside and I feel for her. I am not sure she believes me but I am hoping that I get through to her better nature.

"And Hayne?"

"All we want are the hostages. I promise you that, after that we will leave. We can't give him any weapons. Captain Picard will refuse that."

"They'll come for me..."

"We'll protect you. You'll be granted asylum if you want it. "

"Hayne will kill the hostages." Ishara says with conviction.

"No he won't....Ishara...I know you have no reason to trust me, I understand that, but I'm asking you now...to trust me. Just once."

She reluctantly nods. We finish up our dinner and head to sickbay where Beverly removes the device from her chest. Ishara remains on the ship while Commander Riker leads the away team and gets the hostages back, he kills Hayne in a phaser exchange this time, no Coalition ambush ready---Hayne was ambushed this time.

Ishara waits with me in my quarters impatiently. Riker and Data enter.

"It's over. We were able to successfully retrieve the hostages with zero causalities on our end."

Unlike in the episode.

"Hayne?" she asks

"Hayne is dead." Data says. I watch as the piano lifts from her back. Riker turns to me.

"Your coordinates were perfect. We had almost no resistance, they didn't expect us at all." I nod looking at Ishara

"Yes. I'm glad that we got the Arco crew back."

"Captain Picard has granted Ishara asylum, with her cooperation, there should be no issues."

"Thank you sirs." I say and they both leave.

"Are you okay?" I ask her as she looks out the port hole into space. Her planet twirling in the background below.

"No. I never thought this could actually happen...I thought..."

"You thought you were trapped. I gave you an out."

"I don't know how to ever repay you." I shrug that off

"You don't have to repay me...just go do something. Whatever it is you want to, for the first time in your life, you're free."

"Thank you...I think I'd like to talk to the Captain about...the Academy."

I nod and we hold hands as we head to go to Captain Picard's ready room.
 
Reader mode
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

  • Total: 5 (members: 1, guests: 4)
    Back
    Top