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Author's Note: Apologies to those who wanted to see this. I thought I could pull this off, but too much is going on right now, and I'm feeling lazy, so we're going to move on to more important things. Laren also leaves early for storytelling purposes in this.
The holo-program unfolded with all of us taking on Frank---who surprised all of us as Data and Geordi joined as Frank and his one hand man, in addition to several of his gang members.
"Data?" Deanna exclaims shocked from a point on the roof top. Great job exposing our point Deanna.
"No Data here. Name is Frank Hollander. I am surprised you do not recognize me as the Butcher of Bozeman."
Data is trying but his inability to use contractions is rather amusing in this case. I hold on to my modified Winchester. I had the computer replicate Doc Brown's from Back to the Future Part III, but the scope on it is a more refined version than he had the ability to make, it's probably more efficient than current generation Starfleet rifles.
"We know who you are Hollander. We're here to stop you." Worf bellows from the town square
Data as Frank laughs. It's not as chilling as in the episode. That's because that wasn't Data. It was actually Frank Hollander thanks to the systems failure. Data is trying though.
"You can not stop me. Open fire." he orders
There was a shootout between the two sides that lasted a grand total of about a half hour. It seemed longer at times, but eventually we got the upper hand as the programming took effect and we arrested Frank and Eli. Alexander at the end of it was absolutely elated by everything. Immensely proud of his father, and happy that we all took part. Afterwards we all went to dinner at Ten Forward in costume of course. I kind of enjoyed being a version of Arthur Morgan. Maybe I should program the Red Dead series, at least what bits of it I can remember into the holodeck.
We enter into May 2369. A major change has occurred as Captain Picard recommended Laren for the Starfleet Tactical Training program this cycle, and she was accepted based on glowing recommendations from Picard, Commander Riker, and Counsellor Troi. It was a bittersweet moment for the two of us as a kind of awkwardness set in. An apprehension if you will. This is the beginning of the end for us and Laren realizes that I am being more emotional than usual, and I can't tell her why.
"We'll talk a lot. I promise." she pecks my cheek one last time as I watch her leave for the shuttle. The beginning of the end, because when she returns....I'll only have a few days with her before she chooses to join the Maquis. I watch in silence as the shuttle doors close on her.
Speaking of the Maquis. The Cardassians have increased their activity along the Federation border, as I predicted they would.
"Admiral Shanthi is one of the wisest people I have ever known, and had the privilege of working with Mr. Young, surpassed in this era only by Admiral Satie---but Starfleet's policy on the Cardassian's has been rock solid for decades now. I have done my best to warn them, but they remain steadfast with their inane appeasement policy." Admiral Nechayev says on my monitor screen
"As I predicted they would. They are scared to rock the boat, even as Elizabeth's attempts to boost the Fleet post Wolf 359 continue at neck breaking pace. We're still not ready to engage anyone one that level. I understand, but Starfleet needs to know that this has been a mistake." I reply
"I've made it to clear them Adam, but the Federation Council is more than pleased with this stance as well. The two are on the same page about this. There's something else."
"I know...Celtris III." I reply and Alynna smirks
"The rest of the senior staff must not be made aware of the real reasons of this operation. Captain Picard, Lieutenant Worf, and Doctor Crusher's training must remain a secret, along with the real reason for Captain Jellico's presence on the Enterprise." she orders
"Understood sir."
"Very well. We'll keep in touch, Ensign."
"Aye Admiral."
The screen goes blank as I prepare myself to deal with Captain Jellico.
Prior to Jellico coming on board, Data and I are able to save the Exocamps. Dr. Fallon gives assurances not to abuse them in the future, and apologizes for any harm she has done as I explain to her what they eventually become. She's astonished that they receive Federation membership.
"The Exo's will be one of our most important contributing member states in less a decade Doc." I say
Including having a couple of them acting as little imp's....
We all gather in Ten Forward for the change of command ceremony. Alynna has already been here. Everyone immediately turned to me for explanation but I told them I was ordered to give none. The tension has been palatable for weeks now. The increased Cardassian presence has folks whispering about another war with them. Jellico's presence now has everyone on edge, and it's going to get even worse when he actually is in command. The boson whistle goes off and Commander Riker orders us all to attention. Captain Picard raises the PADD with his orders and reads it formally.
"To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commanding Officer USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D, Stardate 46358.1. You are hereby requested and required to relinquish command of your vessel to Captain Edward Jellico, Commanding Officer USS Cairo effective this stardate, signed Vice-Admiral Alynna Nechayev, Starfleet Command. Computer---transfer all command codes to Captain Edward Jellico, Picard Delta Five."
There's a slight pause.
"Transfer complete, USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D is now under the command of Captain Edward Jellico."
"I relieve you sir," Jellico formally says
"I stand relieved." Picard replies
"Dismissed!" Jellico bellows
The others start to gather around me and try to pry anything out of me.
"What's going on here Adam? What's this all about, and why can't you tell us?" Riker asks
"I already explained that sir. I was given explicit orders not to." I reply
"By who?" Worf asks
"Admiral Nechayev." I reply
After Picard and Jellico have their brief chit chat I see the two of them head towards us. Picard makes informal introductions. Jellico points to me.
"I want to see you in my office at 05:00" tomorrow morning he says gently but firmly
"Aye Captain." I reply nearly gulping
"What was that about?" Geordi asks
I hand my empty drink to a waiter and excuse myself from everyone and head back to my quarters. This isn't going to be good for me.
I come off duty and report to the Captain's ready room at exactly 05:00 hours the next day. A slew of PADD's and iso chips are scattered across Jellico's desk. He doesn't even look at me as I report and motions for me to sit down. I do so. I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. No selling Jellico all the way.
"I'll be blunt with you, Mr. Young. I don't like you. I don't like the influence you've had on Starfleet. I am here for a singular reason. To execute my mission. I'm going to do exactly that. You are hereby confined to quarters until further notice. Dismissed." Jellico wastes no time
In a near single motion I stand up and turn to leave. Data sees me stride with purpose and does not say anything for which I'm glad. I try not to show my unrestrained glee. I was just dressed down by Captain Jellico!!! Holy Shit! The door swooshes close on me.
Adam is aware that he could do many different things to change this from happening, or maybe Ro doesn't end up choosing to go with the Maquis, but at this time his mind's set on the events of "Preemptive Strike".
