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

[DarkDestroyer]

I like the idea of breaking canon, creating chaos and having to deal with the fallout.

Click to shrink...

I think folks are going to be surprised with the next chapter. I'm gonna do it

Edit: I jumped the gun a bit, that doesn't happen until Unification

 

[Lillie Jones]

thanks for the chapter
Continue on
Cheers!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Ahhh I screwed up.. LOL

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Author's Note: Totally screwed up. Here is Part III.


Captain Picard exits his ready room. I stand up and watch as the Klingons move into battle positions.

"Red Alert." orders as I hear the klaxon go off

"A second ship has joined the attack on the Bortas." Data reports.

"It's begun." I say aloud to no one

"The Bortas has lost her port shields sir. It is unlikely they will withstand another hit at that quarter. Their primary life support has failed sir."

Riker looks at the console then turns to Picard.

"The Bortas put out a general distress call."

Picard without hesitation turns and goes to sit in his chair. I do the same thing as I sit on the box.

"Ensign Riol, plot a course to take us safely away from the combat area. Half impulse."

I feel a wave wash over me, a tingly sensation. It is still strange to experience in reality what I have only been an observer of in the past. Riker makes his comments over the ship and Worf, and Picard makes his point about getting involved in a Klingon Civil War.

Later on, my door chime beeps.

"Come."

Worf enters in full Klingon regalia. He looks glorious. Once again the show doesn't do any of this justice. I stand up to greet him.

"I know this was not our plan...but I feel..."

I put up my hand.

"You don't need to explain yourself to me, Worf. You are doing what you think is right for your family. I understand. I just wish there was more that i could have done to prevent us from getting here."

"You have done so much already Adam. Kurn and I owe you much as I said before. You are part of House Mogh now. Alexander is not here to witness this, and K'ehleyr is safe thanks to you. That is all that matters."

I nod.

"Be careful my friend, and Qa'pla to all of you!"

"Good Journey Adam."

"Good Journey Worf, we'll see each other again soon enough.'

He nods and I watch him leave.

"Alright, Sela, you have made your move. It is time for us to almost make ours..."

The Enterprise is in orbit at Starbase 234. This is the first time that I have been to a planet based Starbase. The location was chosen for it's nearness to both Klingon and Romulan space, and it's placement on the meridian of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. During the Klingon War of the 2250's, this was occupied by the Klingons for a brief period of time. Technically we are in the Beta Quadrant but only a few parsecs from the Alpha Quadrant. Captain Picard has brought us here to make his pitch to Fleet Admiral Shanthi, who has planted her flag here given the tensions between the Klingons and Romulans in recent months. She's been here actually since last year.

However there is no time to play the tourist as we are in the conference room, briefing the Admirals on Picard's plan. Commander Riker is with him as well. I sit at the back of the table, I'm here in my capacity as Special Consultant. I occasionally make adjustments to the PADD I have in front of me as Picard talks.

"There have been three major engagements in the last two weeks, all of them won by Duras forces." Picard says

"None of which are our concern Jean-Luc. The Klingon Civil War, is by definition, an internal matter of the Empire."

Correct.

"Agreed. But if what Mr. Young claims is true, and the Duras are being aided by the Romulans...it becomes very much our concern. he Romulans have been attempting to destroy the Klingon-Federation Alliance for the past twenty years. At the same time, the Duras have been secretly conspiring with the Romulans. Doesn't it strike you as odd that the Duras are able to field such an overpowering force against Gowron? That they outmatch him at almost every turn."

"Some would call it good leadership." Shanthi replies

That's seriously maybe the stupidest thing I've ever heard her say, and she's easily one of the smartest people I've met.

"And some would say they must be getting help. The Romulans are prepared to take enormous risks to gain any advantage over the Federation. Can we seriously believe that now, with the future of the Klingon Empire in the balance, they are content to stand by and watch?" Picard retorts

"What is that you propose, Captain?"

"We must stop the flow of supplies and equipment to the Duras from the Romulans. What I propose is that we send a fleet to the Romulan-Klingon border. We'll take no offensive action, but we will be in a position to expose any Romulan supplies that attempt to cross the border."

"A blockade." Shanthi says

"Exactly."

"But how would you overcome the Romulan cloaking device?"

"My Chief Engineer has developed a system that should nullify that advantage. Each ship will send out an active tachyon beam to the other blockading ships. Now, in theory, any cloaked vessel that attempts to pass between our ships must cross that beam and be detected."

Shanthi looks down the room at me.

"You have been uncharacteristically silent, Mr. Young. Do you have anything to add?" she asks

"No sir, I concur with Captain Picard's assessment of the situation."

"I'll have to clear this with the Federation Council, in the meantime Captain, assemble your fleet."

STARFLEET ASSEMBLE! All 25 or so ships that we have left!!!

The two Admirals leave and I get up and saunter over to Picard and Riker.

"Nicely done, I hope we know what we're doing." Riker says

Remember when I said about smart people saying stupid things? Adam stop.


"This is the only way to counter what Sela and her forces are doing." I say

"I hope so, Mr. Young. I hope so." Picard says

Captain Picard's plan is approved by the Federation Council, and has begun to implement the assignments for all the ships. The Fleet is composed of all the ships that were in the yard in service, and that were within one day's travel of the Starbase. 23 ships in all, some of whom needed re-assignment from the senior staff since well...because of Wolf 359. It is still difficult to say, because of me, but Deanna feels that is an important step in my continued recovery.

There's frankly not a whole lot I can do right now. I've been mostly in my quarters studying the blockade positions that have been assigned, and staring at Geordi's diamond shaped tachyon grid. The plan is simple. The Fleet will wait until Gowron makes his move, Starfleet will follow. The Excalibur will fall back with engine problems, the Akagi and Hornet will assume positions ordered by Picard. This will open up a small hole in the network which will provoke Sela and then the Tian An Men will swoop in to expose them. It is a sound plan. However it doesn't take into account TWO very important things. How clever Sela is, and Data.

I am invited to the bridge to observe and sit for the first time in the third command chair...Deanna's chair. I feel awkward sitting here and have declined many times before, preferring the box. Events unfold as they did in the episode and then...Sela hails us.

"Captain, I'm picking up something directly ahead. Romulan ship decloaking. Shall I raise shields?"

Picard glances over to me, I shake my head.

"Not yet."

"They're hailing us sir." O'Brien reports

"On screen, Tasha?" Picard breathes and I stand up from the chair as I see Sela for the first time. There's something...different about her.

"No, Captain. I am Commander Sela. The woman you knew as Tasha Yar was my mother. Deploying an invasion fleet along our border is a clear act of aggression, Captain. It will not be tolerated. You have twenty hours to recall your ships and return peacefully to Federation territory."

After Picard has his conversation with the others and Guinan. I am called in.

"This is who you have warned us about for the past two years?" he asks

"Yes sir."

"How long has she been involved in attempting to destabilize our alliance with the Klingons?"

"I don't know. I would guess at least the last decade, from the sheer scope of her ambition."

"What does she want?"

"What any Romulan military commander wants, power. Supreme power. She has her eye on the Praetorship."

"The attacks against us?"

"Motivated by her hatred for Tasha. She---"

The doors swoosh open and Sela enters as security stops at the door.

"Well Captain, what is this urgent matter you wish to discuss?" Sela asks directly, she's not hear to waste time. I can't help but stare at her. So ambitious. So bold. So confident. Like a twisted mirror version of her mother. I shiver. Tasha....

The two of them engage in their conversation for the next couple of minutes. Sela catching my eye on a couple of occasions. After she tells him what happened to Tasha, and gives us 14 hours to leave...I hesitate.

"Captain, I request permission to converse with the Commander a moment."

"For what purpose?"

"Information sir."

He looks at Sela who nods, then he nods, and leaves.

"Sela.."

"I have nothing to say to you." her eyes are like daggers

"Why?"

"Why? Why? Because when I was a child...all I ever heard was how great Adam Young was. This noble human...my mother talked about you all the time, but not YOU...the other you from her reality."

I can only imagine the childhood upbringing she had. Romulan conditioning, balanced out by whatever Tasha taught her about us, about humanity and the Federation. I finally see her though for...her. I spot what I've had trouble seeing this entire time. She has HUMAN ears.

"Sela...you're...human. Who was your father?" I ask

"I have said who my father was, the great General Revo!" she claims. I have a sudden sinking feeling

Was Tasha pregnant by the other me when we sent her back? Tasha...

"Sela..."

"I have nothing more to say to you." she replies


"I see. That is unfortunate. I want you to listen very carefully. Do not underestimate me, Commander. I have had people underestimate me my entire life. I know how your plans turn out in the future, miserably. I am giving you one chance, one opportunity to change all that now. End this, before you experience that failure, something that you have never experienced before. Stop this, before I stop you." I say cold as ice

Sela has nothing to say and leaves the room, and I'm left to contemplate this stunning revelation. A Romulan General raised a human child as his own, and that child was...the other me's??? I sit down as Picard and security return.

 

[War Sage]

Ha!

Just as expected lol

 

[Lillie Jones]

Thanks for the chapter
Continue on
Cheers!

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Again have no idea how this would work in reality, but I liked it so much @War Sage I went with it.

If you have something to suggest and I like it enough, I will go out of my way to include it.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

Picard sees how shaken I am, as does Morani who is one of the security detail.

"What did she reveal to you?" he asks

"Nothing of substance, but..."

"What is it?" Morani asks

"Captain, I think Sela is the other Young's daughter. The one I encountered from the Rift."

"What..." he breathes

"Sela has human ears sir. That was what was catching my attention about her sir. She was different somehow from the Sela I knew from the show, her ears...she has human ears." I state

"A Romulan General raising a human child as his own...seems...impossible." Morani replies

"I agree, but not improbable. He would had to have some kind of strong feelings for Tasha to do that. Everything makes sense now. She was being raised in the Romulan way, her human side being ignored, her true father, ignored, the conditioning ignored, Tasha wanted to escape, to get back to Federation space---"

The Red Alert Klaxon goes off.

"We will discuss this later, we have pressing matters to attend to." Picard says as I nod and get up to follow him. Miles is at tactical.

"Captain, the Sutherland isn't heading to the rendezvous point."--O'Brien reports

Data.

"Open a channel...." I cut him off and he looks at me

"Sir...Data knows what he is doing." I say and that's enough

Data's actions expose Sela's ships attempting to penetrate the tachyon network. This is enough to freak out the Romulan forces as Sela orders her retreat, leaving the Duras Sisters alone, and Gowron is able to crush their remaining forces.

Later on we are back in the Great Hall on Qu'nos. I am still awe inspired. I wish I was here under better circumstances and able to explore this place, but that may never happen while I remain in this reality. We are gathered before Chancellor Gowron and the High Council. I see newly promoted General Martok standing on one of the throne steps. Worf and Kurn enter together and stand beside us. That is when we see Toral, in chains brought before Gowron. The Duras Sisters have fled and left this---child alone. Disgusting. I was hoping they would be captured, this leaves things for that other thing down the road wide open now.

"The Council appreciates your report Captain. The information on the Romulan supply ships will prove very useful. Before we get to why we're here. Adam Christopher Young...step forward." Gowron commands

This is unexpected. I step forward

"Your service to the Empire has been noted, and been invaluable. Without your assistance, I acknowledge that I would not be sitting on this throne...and more than likely be dead."

This admission creates a stir amongst the Council.

"You have shown unusual courage and cunning for a human. I have discussed this amongst the Council, and it is agreed that we are to award you with the Outstanding Service Award for going above duty for the Empire. I believe you have the honor of being the first outsider to ever receive this."

A box is produced by one of the Council and Gowron takes out a pin with two straight lines against black and red with two pins in the middle.

"I also discussed bestowing another honor upon you, but the rest of the Council did not agree. However, due to your courage, and honor in aiding the Klingon Empire, I grant you safe passage through our space whenever you need it. If you should ever need anything at all...do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Chancellor. The honor is mine."

I step back to stand with Captain Picard as we watch the final proceedings.

Gowron smiles through his teeth. Then he nods to the guards who are waiting.

"Bring him."


"Toral, son of Duras, you are convicted of treason."

"The Duras Family will one day rule the Empire!" he declares defiantly as the Klingons all laugh at him

"Perhaps, but not today. Worf, this child's family wronged you, took your family's name , and your honour from you. In return, I give his life to you."

Worf takes Gowron's dagger and hovers over Toral.

"What's wrong? Kill him!" Kurn demands

"No." Worf says

"But it's our way, the Klingon way."

"I know, the boy has done me no harm, and I will not kill him for the crimes of his family."

Worf drops the dagger and it clangs on the surface.

"Then it falls to Kurn."

"No! No, you gave me his life, and in return I spared his."

"As you wish." Gowron growls

Worf then stands before the Captain and I.

"Request permission to return to duty, sir."

"Granted."

With that the three of us turn on our heels, and go home. Our business here has concluded.

 

[Marlow3]

Considering how much new Sela seems to hate the MC I am sure more difficulty will be headed his way. Thanks for the chapter.

 

[War Sage]

Daddy issues be a real thing

 

[DarkDestroyer]

It's been a helluva of a year for Starfleet. Began with the Borg invasion, and ends with the Klingon Civil War. What is 2368 going to deliver??

 

[Lillie Jones]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[DarkDestroyer]

Paramount-SkyDance Own Star Trek. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Non-Profit.

The possibility that Sela could be the daughter of the other me. Of course she just as well could be the daughter of Richard as well, I did tell Tasha to stick to him for as long as possible, and they still had their budding relationship. It would explain Sela's intense hatred of me though. If my memory is correct, we won't encounter her again until trying to rescue Spock. It's probably best that I put it out of my mind for now.

The Enterprise arrives at Lya Station Alpha. I personally prefer the Spacedock-Class Starbases. I have been anticipating this...greatly as Captain Picard is in the observation lounge with Admiral Kennelly being briefed on Orta, and gives him his orders to stop him. The Admiral also informs him that Ensign Ro Laren will be consulting on the mission, he has personally recruited her to assist them in this matter given her previous experience. While the briefing is in place I am studying on how to not scramble someone's pattern in the transporter. I find the technology fascinating but I have no idea how it works. I am starting to think that despite my progress, I'm gonna end washing out of this training program. I just simply don't have the scientific or mathematical expertise to carry on...in fact I nearly gave up if not for a chance encounter with Ensign Robin Lefler who came aboard the ship just prior to the events on "Darkmok." which transpired as they did in the episode proper.

"Lefler's Law Number 108...it's never over until it's over, and sometimes...not even then."

"You're Ensign Lefler...you just came aboard?"

"That's right. When we left Starbase...and you are the famous anomaly! I was wondering if I'd meet you or not, I wasn't expecting this soon."

"Thank you for the advice, you're correct---but I fear that I'm never gonna get the science part down."

"Remember it's not all about being a scientist. While that's a large part of it...it also takes other attributes and skill to make a great Starfleet officer."

"You're right."

"If you'd like...I'd be happy to tutor you...I'm sure you've had others along the way here, but maybe a fresh set of eyes wouldn't hurt."

"Is that one of your Laws?"

"No, but maybe I should add it to the list. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Young."

"It's nice to meet you too Ensign Lefler."

"Hey Adam, if I could pry you away from my new mission specialist for just a second, I could use your hand with something here." I heard Geordi call and Lefler smiles

"The boss calls."

I didn't expect to be propped up by Robin Lefler, of all people, and careful Adam. You don't need distractions right now.

"Riker to Young." snaps me out of my malaise

"Young here, go ahead sir."


"Report to the conference longue. There's someone here whom you need to meet."

Ro...is here. I need to proceed with caution here. A lot of elements, and I can't afford to make any mistakes here. My goal though is to expose Kennelly and his Cardassian allies, and help Ro, if she'll let me.

I enter the conference room and the senior staff is gathered. I am still wearing my usual black shirt, jeans, and leather jacket (because I am COOL like that!). I sit beside Beverly on Riker's side of the table and Captain Picard introduces me to Ro.

"Ensign Ro this is our Special Civilian Consultant..."

"Adam Christopher Young....the Anomaly."

"I see my reputation is beginning to precede me...even at Jaros II, Ensign."

"They had the Borg attack on the news nets." she replies stoned face.

Ouch. Savage. Picard is about to say something but I hold up my hand.

"It is a honor to meet you Ensign." that gets a reaction from Riker

"What? After what she's done?" he snaps at me

"Enough. We're not here to discuss what happened at Garon II. Mr. Young is here due to his knowledge, and perhaps can find a way to resolve the problem we have."

I look at Ro and she gives me no emotion. I sigh and place my hand on the ebony glass surface of the table.

"I am afraid that this is all a ruse on Admiral Kennelly's part. There is a secret---"

"Wait....I'll tell them." Ro says

Picard is growing irritated. Ensign Ro explains to them the real reason why she was recruited by the Admiral and why they are at Valos. At the end of it Picard is angry.

"The Cardassian flu...he mentioned he got it while meeting a Carassian liaison."

"Yes sir, he's been in contact with them longer than what regulations would allow under the alliance with them. I told you sir, they lie."


Ro gives me an eyebrow arch as I say that.

"I don't like being manipulated. Least of all by our own...this is troubling indeed." Picard says

"Orta is a pawn being used, so is unfortunately Ensign Ro here...the Admiral's actions are not only a violation of the Prime Directive...and I'm going to stop talking before I say something that I regret."

"That has never stopped you before." Picard says

"No. It hasn't. This is a sensitive xeno-political issue though...and I'm not qualified to talk about it."

"Nonsense. You feel that the Federation should have intervened on behalf the Barjorans, don't you?" Will asks directly

"Yes, I do frankly. I understand why it was decided that we not intervene but...I believe that was the wrong decision." Ro is becoming more interested in me

"Be as it may it is neither here or now. What do we do about our current predicament, now that we know we're being used?"

"I suggest we proceed as we would without the knowledge that this was a trap....ultimately it is the Cardassians who are responsible for putting this into motion in order to get us onto their side."

"I take it you are here to steer us into the direction the Admrial wants us to go in?" Picard asks Ro

"Yes sir."

Picard leans in his chair and tugs the bottom of his uniform.

"Very well, we will proceed as planned. Dismissed."

The episode unfolds largely as it did on the show. Guinan and Ro become friends but don't have their conversation about Ro telling Picard about her secret mission on behalf of Kennelly. Picard exposes Kennelly and decides to keep Ro on board the ship. I am called to the ready room.

"Mr. Young, sit please."

I look over at Ro who has no expression on her face.

"I have invited Ensign Ro to remain on board the Enterprise as Charlie Shift helm officer. She will be placed under restrictions, if she proves her self over time these restrictions will be lifted."

I nod

"I don't understand why I'm here sir."

"Commander Riker and I have discussed it, and since you and now Guinan have vouched for Ensign Ro, we felt it best that you..."

"You want me to be her handler?" I ask incredulously

"Yes. You're responsible for her while she is on board until we determined she can be trusted. Morani thinks you're ready." he orders

I sigh.

"Do you want to tell him, or should I tell him about what REALLY happened on Garon II?" I ask her suddenly

"Does it really matter? It's not going to change anything."

"Captain Picard can be trusted, and I'm asking you to trust me."

"I don't know you."

Picard frowns, he's annoyed we're having our own little discussion right in front of him.

"Garon II...the Wellington was pursuing a Seriphami freedom fighter cell. They were attempting to gain ground in their fight, and aggressively expanding. Captain Ward had been assigned to prevent them from doing so. I---"

Picard figures it out quickly.

"You sympathized with their cause..."

"Yes sir. They had similarities to my people...they used me to exploit our advance on their position....but it was too late, and it cost my shipmates their lives."

Picard is silent for a few minutes. I frown. That is from a comic. Why are non-canon things suddenly becoming canon? Does this have to do with my presence? This is not the first time that I have noticed this. The very fabric of this reality seems to be unravelling.

"Starfleet decided to make an example out of you---why did you not speak at your court martial?"

Ro shrugs.

"I knew that they wouldn't have listened to me. I didn't see the point. As far as I was concerned, my career was over. They just wanted to see the treason..."

Picard frowns now. This bothers him, as it should. He tugs on his uniform and gets up and looks out the port.

"They used you as Admiral Kennelly used you now. "

He turns back around and looks at me

"You knew this?"

"Sort of, but more importantly...I know the person and officer that Ro becomes, and I know who YOU are sir. Ensign Ro deserves a second chance."

"Very well. I will discuss the matter with Commander Riker, but we still wish you to...monitor Ensign Ro for the time being. Consider it apart of your ongoing training Mr. Young. Both of you are dismissed."

"Aye sir." we say in unison


The two of us leave the ready room and I escort her to her quarters. We enter the tubrolift.

"Deck four."

"Where are your quarters?"

"I'm 12 doors down from Commander Riker on Deck 8. Room 0900."

"You're in officers quarters?" she asks

"While not an officer, my position as Starfleet Special Advisor has allowed for...certain perks and advantages. My security clearance for instance is higher than the Captain's."

"On the ship, or your Starfleet security clearance?"

Clever.

"My Starfleet security clearance. Captain Picard obviously has top clearance on the ship. They rotate passwords since I know a few of them."

"Interesting."

"I have been told that I am on occasion."

That gets a smirk from her.

"So...how do you feel about this?"

"About what?"

"Being given a second chance...and this...arrangement? I'm not your superior officer. I don't have any demands of you."

"I'll follow orders. As for the second chance...it's not something I asked for, but...the way you spoke up for me...and Guinan earlier...no one has ever done that before. As you must know, making friends isn't exactly my forte."

"Well, I hope that changes for you while you're on board. Here we are."

The door swishes open as we walk in.


"Well...it's an upgrade on the stockade, that's for sure." she says

"That's the spirit. Well...I will leave you to get settled in. I'm not exactly sure how this...is supposed to work, but I'll see you around, and Ensign...if you do need anyone to talk to...I'm around."

"Thank you."

I step out and the door swishes shut in front of me.

 

[War Sage]

I liked Robin and I wish we saw more of her in tng

 

[DarkDestroyer]

I liked Robin and I wish we saw more of her in tng

Click to shrink...

Robin Lefler is one of my favourite characters. Ashley though was getting big at the time and hollywood was knocking. My understanding is she was meant to be at Will and Deanna's Wedding as well but scheduling prevented her from being present.