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

[DarkDestroyer]

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.

 

[Marlow3]

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.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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 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.

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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"!!!