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

[DarkDestroyer]

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

In the Observation Lounge, Worf reports that the Lysian Central Command would have received any transmissions from the destroyer by now. MacDuff spouts the obvious and says that they will be on high alert.

"I recommend a random vectored approach to our target. It would be our best option to avoid any pursuit." Ro recommends

"Agreed. Doctor, the success of this mission would be far more likely if we could get our memories back. Is there anything you can do?" asks the Captain

" I found several cases resembling our condition in the medical index. The causes are different, but the cure is similar in each case."

"Could the same treatment work for us?" Riker asks

"That's my hope. It involves increasing the activity of the medial temporal region of the brain, using short-term memory synapses to retrieve long-term memory."

"When can you start?" Picard asks

" As soon as our medical files become available. It would be dangerous to attempt treatment without them."

"Mr. LaForge?"

"Data and I ran into some trouble accessing the medical file areas in the computer, but with a little time I'm pretty sure we'll be able to get there. Three hours, maximum." LaForge reports

Picard nods

"Proceed."

We gather around Science Station one as Commander LaForge makes his report to the Captain.

"What bothers me Captain, and Mr. Young has pointed this out a couple of times, but how specific the damage to the computer is. Any records of a personal nature, including logs, any files that could tell us about ourselves, those are the ones that are gone."

"It is a little too selective to be coincidence." Riker points out

"This is what I've been saying. All of this doesn't feel right to me at all, and with those specific files missing..."

"As selective as what was done to our memories. Skills still all in place, but personal knowledge is unavailable." Doctor Crusher points out

"Is it consistent with what we know about the Lysian weapon?" MacDuff asks...something about him really puts me off, and I don't know why, his insistence on the bridge yesterday that we fire without communicating first with them, goes against every instinct that I possess.

"Doctor, is it absolutely necessary to see the medical files to attempt treatment?" Picard asks completely ignoring MacDuff's question

"It would be dangerous to do it without them." She replies

"I'll volunteer." I pipe up

"No, thank you Mr. Young, but that's not your place to do that. I will volunteer." MacDuff says

"It's a risk I think we'll have to take." Riker says

Picard nods as does MacDuff.

Later on the tension on the bridge is obvious as Data reports we have entered the Lysian system. The Captain orders Ro to decrease our speed to one quarter impulse power. MacDuff reports that the Central Command is directly ahead.

"Red alert. Battle stations. Bring us to attack position, Mr. Worf." Picard orders

"Aye sir." Worf replies

Data reports that there are multiple objects in our path. MacDuff reports they are sentry pods programmed to defend their central command. Riker reports that there are 47 of them around the perimeter.

"Tactical analysis, Mr. Data."

"The pods are equipped with fusion generated pulse lasers and minimal shielding." I exchange looks with Counsellor Troi and shake my head.

"Not much power there." Riker mutters

"Forward shields to maximum. Lock phasers on target. Prepare to fire." Picard orders

"We are through the perimeter sir." Data reports

"This is too easy." I say and Riker agrees as does the Captain. Everyone is concerned now. We're not supposed to be here.

Worf reports that they've yet to encounter any battleships.

"Load all torpedo bays, ready phasers." Picard orders as I hear the console make that sound as Worf pushes buttons

"Approaching Central Command." Reports MacDuff

"Mr. Data scan for defenses."

"I am picking up no vessels, no additional sentry pods."

"Optimal firing range in 55 seconds." reports Riker

"Phaser banks ready, loading torpedoes." MacDuff says

"What are the defensive capabilities of the Central Command?" asks Picard

"Armaments consist of four laser cannons, thirty nine cobalt fusion warheads with magnetic propulsion. Defensive shield output is four point three kilojules."

That doesn't seem like a whole lot of anything.

"One photon torpedo should do it." Riker muses

"Data, how many people are on that station?" Troi asks

"Fifteen thousand, three hundred, and eleven." he replies

"We're within range Captain." MacDuff reports with an edge

"Stand by." Picard orders as he looks at me

"Waiting for your order sir."

"Captain, this isn't right." Troi says

I stand up from my spot next to Counsellor Troi and stare at the view screen. None of this is right. Something deep down inside of me is nagging at me. SCREAMING at me, but I don't know what it is. My brain has been in a fog this whole time.

Macduff interjects

"Captain, the rest of our forces are depending on us."

"How can our mortal enemy be hundreds of years behind us in weapons technology?" Riker asks

MacDuff is standing now like he was yesterday, becoming more agitated and hostile. I look up at Worf and he nods at me as I start to make my way over. Instinct is guiding me now.

"Their battleships maybe on the way right now. We must attack!" he exclaims

"I do not fire on defenseless people, Mr. Worf open a channel." Picard orders

"Aye sir."

"Belay that order! There's something wrong with the Captain! I'm taking command of this vessel. Fire all weapons! Mister Worf."

Worf though blocks him and GETS TOSSED ACROSS THE BRIDGE FAR TOO EASILY! HOLY SHIT! Riker and I aim our phasers at MacDuff and he fluxes briefly as an alien appears!!! FUCK! MacDuff tries to get to the tactical console, but we briefly exchange looks and fire at him again as does Worf who has recovered. The three of us combined manage to knock him out.

Later on I am in Captain Picard's ready room along with Commander Riker.

"The Lysians have identified Commander MacDuff as an Satarran. An alien race that has been at war with the Lysians for decades. I have conveyed our deepest regrets to the Lysians regarding their lost ship and crew."

"Conundrum..." I say almost chuckling

"Adam?" Riker asks, still getting used to everyone's name again

"This is what the episode title's name was. It's one of my favourites. I never thought in a million years that I would...actually be swept up in it...having my memories taken away..."

Picard and Riker both offer a small smile

"With all the power MacDuff had to alter our brains and memory, it's hard to believe he needed the Enterprise." Will says

"The Satarrans' weapons technology is no more advanced than the Lysians'. One photon torpedo would have ended their war."

"And it almost did." Riker says as the three of us ponder the terrifying possibilities.

I am much later in the evening, sitting down in Ten Forward across from Lt. Smith having our drinks as we discuss the unusual events of the last few days and the war we drawn into...when Ensign Ro approaches us.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you boys."

I get up. Oh boy. This is gonna be awkward.

"Uh...no not at all. Would you care to join us?" I ask

"Actually, you can take my seat Ensign. I should really get going, Adam this was great. When you have down time, call me, and we'll do that rock climbing program I told you about."

"Sounds like fun sir, anytime."

Ro sits after Smith leaves and I quickly down my beer and ask for another one.

"Hi." she says

"Hello." I reply sheepishly

"So I spoke to Counsellor Troi about what happened...between us while we had our memories wiped."

"Oh, and what did Deanna say about it?"

"She mentioned that at times like this, people can do and say things that we've always wanted to."

Oh boy.

"She said that?"

"Probably in a different way in the episode I'm assuming, and not about us."

I am brought another beer and I down it quickly. Talking is thirsty work.

"Yes, about you and Will Riker actually." I retort and she is shocked

"What? Me and Commander Riker?"

I smile enjoying the tables being flipped now

"Uh-uh!"

"Wow...okay touché, but what do you want to do about...what happened?" she asks

"I'll leave that up to you Ensign. I enjoyed what happened immensely, I have been enjoying your company since I've been assigned to you...however if you don't want to pursue..."

"Oh you're not getting out of this that easily Mr. Young. You're stuck with me." she says

The waitress comes over and I order another beer for myself and for Ro.

"I could think of worse places or people to be stuck to...so we're gonna actually do this?" I ask

"It's obvious you have feelings for me. Your actions over the last few months since I came aboard...the way you look at me when you think I'm not looking at you...the intensity of our sparring...all the signs were there. I can't believe you didn't do anything about it prior to this."

"I'm not great with dating..."

"I can tell. You're fascinating Adam, and you were kind to me when no one else has been...I will never forget that."

The waitress returns with our drinks and I raise my glass.

"To...possibilities?" I offer

"Possibilities." Ro replies and we clink glasses and take a gulp

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The days following the Lysian incident are perhaps the most strange since I've been aboard the Enterprise or even in this reality. I lost my memory. Forgetting things is one thing, everyone does that...but outright not knowing who you are? That is something terrifying. Deanna has said that it perfectly natural for us to be feeling...apprehensive as we've been. There are several questions about what happened, still. MacDuff's personnel entry is as complete as any of the others were, including having parents. Starfleet searched their database for a Kieran MacDuff and no one has ever existed, so this was not an identity that he assumed from someone. This was a fabricated identity, but extremely detailed. How was he even able to compromise the computer systems in the first place? I brought this up when we were discussing what happened at a staff meeting, and no one had an answer.

"The Enterprise computer features a number of firewalls and built in security systems that specifically prevent hacking attempts. However, it is possible in theory if you possessed highly developed hacking abilities to do what MacDuff was able to do." LaForge answers

"That brings up another question I've had Data, how he was able to effect you with memory loss, you operate with a positronic network, it should have been impossible to do to you what was done to us."

Data reflects a few moments before answering.

"In theory yes, however...the so-called weapon that MacDuff mentioned, I believe it is how he accomplished what he did with us. A subspace jammer refined to disrupt a certain frequency in my neural net...may have knocked out my memory engrams. Possible, if unlikely."

"How did he know to access that specific frequency though?" I ask

"I do not know. No sensor records exist of his boarding, or indicate how long we were all unconscious for." he answers again

"The Federation Council is sending an Ambassador to the Lyrian Alliance to formally make reparations on our behalf as well as hopefully smooth things over with them. I have also recommended to Starfleet Command to launch an inquiry into how the Satarran's were able to accomplish what they did. I also believe that Mr. Young has done the same in his report." Picard says

"Yes sir."

"What is the status of the Enterprise crew and civilian population where our memories are concerned, Doctor?" he asks

"Almost everyone has had their memories restored now sir. The treatment we discovered has been a complete success. We're working on the final bunch now." Crusher responds

"Very good. If there's nothing else, you're all dismissed."

Everyone gets up and leaves, but I linger behind. Picard looks up.

"Something on your mind, Mr. Young?"

"Yes sir, of a personal nature, sir."

"Go ahead."


"I wanted to...ask how you are doing? You were forced to command the Enterprise, and well...we destroyed thousands of people." I say

Picard heads over to the replicator and orders a cup of Earl Grey for himself and I nod as he orders one and hands it over to me. I sit down.

"How do I feel about being used as a weapon of war against my own will to kill thousands of people I don't know?" Picard asks

"Yes sir."

"How did you feel as Locutus when you were put in that position, Mr. Young?" He asks as I go wide eyed

I Am Locutus of Borg. Resistance Is Futile.

"Like every fiber in my being was violated...sir." I reply cold understanding Picard's meaning behind his question

"That is precisely how I feel right now, Mr. Young. I'm sure the entire crew is feeling similar. Counsellor Troi and her staff are going to be busy over the next few weeks. Eventually we will recover from this, as you are doing from your ordeal...but this will linger with us as well. To answer your question, I am not doing...okay at all. Far from it, but I have been trained and conditioned for experiences like this one. It is something you will learn once you start your psychological training." Picard says

"Yes sir...anything else on your mind Mr. Young? Or was that it?"

"It is regarding Ensign Ro sir. I request permission to be relieved as her handler, sir." I request

"I see for what reason?"

"The two of us, uh...have entered into a personal relationship recently sir..."

"I see. You feel like this will compromise your duties as her handler?" Picard

"Not entirely, but I'm not saying it won't happen."

Picard tugs on his uniform. He gets up and goes over to the port.

"Evaluation assessment please of Ensign Ro, Mr. Young" Picard orders putting me on my toes

"It is my opinion that over the last few weeks since I have been responsible for observing and reporting on Ensign Ro Laren's professional and personal conduct on this ship since her arrival, that she has exceeded this crew's expectations and performed and conducted herself of those standards of which are accepted by yourself as the pinnacle of being a Starfleet officer. I have, as her assigned handler, received zero complaints regarding...well...anything really, and her superior officers have been satisfied with her performance at the conn." I report

Picard turns around and looks at me with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes.

"I agree with your assessment. Ro has performed above and beyond my expectations...and has managed to impress even Commander Riker. We were actually going to recommend that she be released of restrictions...so without further adieu, you are formally dismissed from your assignment. In fact, you can inform the Ensign, the next time you see her, that her restrictions are also rescinded. Very well done Adam..."

"Thank you sir."

Picard nods as I'm dismissed. Picard's words though about what happened to us linger with me....

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

The Enterprise arrives in the Typhon Expanse, an area that has never before been explored. We end up going through the first two rounds of the Temporal Causality Loop before I start to remember what is going on. For some reason the number 3 pops into my head in the form of an old radio commercial jingle countdown thing... "Number Three!" I remember this is the Number Data uses as the snap out, and I tell Geordi and Data this during the staff briefing and Data makes a note of it. We go through the THIRD loop, and Data uses the number to jolt his memory to divert the Bozeman from colliding with the Enterprise (Riker's plan) and freeing us from the causality loop. It works, and our systems and chronometers are reset. We hail the Bozeman and greet Captain Bateson and explain matters to him, I am still not sure why he wouldn't recognize the name Enterprise...maybe because the Enterprise-A is supposed to be off elsewhere in his time, I don't know.

The Enterprise arrives in the Typhon Expanse, an area that has never before been explored. We end up going through the first two rounds of the Temporal Causality Loop before I start to remember what is going on. For some reason the number 3 pops into my head in the form of an old radio commercial jingle countdown thing... "Number Three!" I remember this is the Number Data uses as the snap out, and I tell Geordi and Data this during the staff briefing and Data makes a note of it. We go through the THIRD loop, and Data uses the number to jolt his memory to divert the Bozeman from colliding with the Enterprise (Riker's plan) and freeing us from the causality loop. It works, and our systems and chronometers are reset. We hail the Bozeman and greet Captain Bateson and explain matters to him, I am still not sure why he wouldn't recognize the name Enterprise...maybe because the Enterprise-A is supposed to be off elsewhere in his time, I don't know.

The Enterprise arrives in the Typhon Expanse, an area that has never before been explored. We end up going through the first two rounds of the Temporal Causality Loop before I start to remember what is going on. For some reason the number 3 pops into my head in the form of an old radio commercial jingle countdown thing... "Number Three!" I remember this is the Number Data uses as the snap out, and I tell Geordi and Data this during the staff briefing and Data makes a note of it. We go through the THIRD loop, and Data uses the number to jolt his memory to divert the Bozeman from colliding with the Enterprise (Riker's plan) and freeing us from the causality loop. It works, and our systems and chronometers are reset. We hail the Bozeman and greet Captain Bateson and explain matters to him, I am still not sure why he wouldn't recognize the name Enterprise...maybe because the Enterprise-A is supposed to be off elsewhere in his time, I don't know.

Eventually Data recalls the "Number Three" and we escape the loop...that is something I never want to experience again. The Enterprise hails the Bozeman as Captain Picard explains what just happened to Captain Bateson, and where...well...where they are. Picard offers to have them come aboard and assigns myself and Troi to the Transporter Room along with Commander Riker to greet him. I head to Transporter Room and acknowledge Miles who is there at his position like always. I try and compose myself as I'm about to meet Kelsey Grammer!! Frasier Crane himself!! Captain Bateson and his first officer. Will greets both officers as Bateson introduces his first officer, Lt-Commander Parvana Whitcomb, interesting...from the novels.

"This is our Ship's Counsellor, Deanna Troi." Will introduces

"Captain." she acknowledges, as he shakes Deanna's hand

"Our Starfleet Special Advisor, Adam Christopher Young" I shake Bateson's hand and it's a firm, strong grip.

"I didn't know Starfleet had Civilian Advisors serving." Bateson says and I smile

"I assure you Captain, that I'm a special case." I reply

"Captain Picard is waiting for you both in his ready room. Afterwards, if you'd like, the Counsellor or Mr. Young are available to give you a tour?"

"That would be most interesting, thank you Commander."

"This way please Captain."

I wink at Miles as we leave. This should be interesting. I'm so damned glad we got out of that fucking loop.

Captain Bateson not surprisingly is adjusting quite well to his new surroundings, and is incredibly charming and intelligent. A little stern at times but not at all "by the book" strict as I kind of assumed him to be. His first officer, as it turns out, is actually his acting first officer as Sulu was originally offered the position but had to bow out after being introduced to Demora for the first time. Bateson chuckles about as he reflects on the situation.

"Hikaru was so excited. As you are probably aware...this is going to take some time to process what you've told me about. This was the second time he was offered an exec job but had to turn it down due to unforeseen circumstances. He was apologetic, but beaming due to discovering he had a daughter. I told him that when we returned from our mission we would arrange something...but alas. Now you tell me he was Federation President." he muses

"Yes sir. You'll have a chance to meet him too."

Bateson's eyes grow wide

"He's still alive?" he exclaims

"Oh yes...at the grand old age of 131.

"Marvelous."

"Indeed."

"The others?"

"Admiral McCoy is still ticking, celebrated his 150th birthday last year I believe, in a hover chair. Still cantankerous as ever I'm told. Spock is an Ambassador. Admiral Uhura is semi-retired and teaches at the Academy. Admiral Chekov is a former head of Starfleet Intelligence."

"Kirk?"

"Captain Kirk was trapped in a reality construct called the Nexus in the year 2293...we're currently working to rescue him."

"Scotty? I'd hate to have lost the old devil..."

"You knew Scotty?"

"Montgomery Scott is one of my oldest friends. We served together when we were Ensign's." Bateson explains

"Scotty was lost on a mission." I say

Bateson's expression turns sorrow, and I feel guilty. I should have dealt with the Jenolan sooner.

"Remarkable man, brilliant engineer, and one of the greatest friends you could possibly ask for. I can't believe he's gone."

We're silent for a long while until he brings me up.

"You've done remarkably well for yourself considering the circumstances. I can't imagine being lost in reality though..."

"It's been difficult at times. I miss my family and friends...but have gained new ones while being here."

Bateson nods, and slaps me on the back.

"Well, once I'm settled, depending on what I am doing, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. It's been a pleasure getting to know you a bit."

"It has been my honor to get to know you sir, you've given me a lot to think about."

"Have I?"

"Oh yes."

I know what I have to do now. I excuse myself to go talk to Captain Picard.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

An escort arrives to take the Bozeman to the nearest Starbase where Bateson and the crew will be properly debriefed before heading back to Earth. Captain Picard is surprised that I want to speak to him, usually I'm not as urgent as I am right now.

"Your message seemed urgent Mr. Young."

"It is sir. I request permission to right a wrong."

"Oh? Explain."

"Montgomery Scott sir."

"The former Chief Engineer of Kirk's Enterprise...he was lost while being transported to a retirement planet, if I recall correct."

"Yes sir, Norpin V is the planet's name."

Picard places down the PADD he was reading.

"Let me guess, you're about to tell me that isn't the case?"

"It is the case sir, just not exactly what anyone has known." I reply, guilt ever increasing

"He's alive somewhere?"

I exhale.

"The Jenolan was lost but...not in the manner most ships are. It discovered a Dyson's Sphere somewhere near Norphin V...it is there sitting on the...construct's...surface. Scotty put his and another crewmen's pattern into the transporter---the crewman's...and Ensign, I've forgotten his name---his pattern is about to be lost---but Scott's is still strong enough to retrieve."

"A Dyson's Sphere..." Picard breathes in awe

"Yes sir."


"I am starting to understand now. You are wanting to go and rescue them. May I ask what brought this on? You mentioned righting a wrong?"

"Yes sir, it was a conversation with Captain Bateson before they left. He mentioned to me that Scotty was a long time friend, I said what happened to him...and felt immediately guilty that I hadn't done anything about this before. I have hesitated in the past due to not having the exact coordinates...and..."

"Not to mention the episode hasn't happened yet. When does it?"

"A year or so from now sir."

"If we go get him now, will we be interfering with his or the timeline in general?"

"No sir, in fact...if we go now, there's a chance Scotty might come up with a solution as to how to rescue Captain Kirk, when it's mentioned to him. He was on the Enterprise-B along with Chekov."

Picard nods

"Very well...we don't have anything pressing right now, I will bring this up with Starfleet Command and I trust they will have no problem with this."

I nod

"Is that all Adam?"

"Aye sir."


I'm dismissed. We're coming Scotty.

 

[DarkDestroyer]

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

Starfleet Command approves the mission to rescue Captain Scott, after being surprised about it, and the Enterprise sets a course for Norpin V. Captain Picard has called a senior staff meeting to discuss the matter.

"Starfleet happened to have the Jenolan's flight path cataloged since, all Starfleet ships mission coordinates are normally logged and sent back in reports." Data reports.

"Why was there no follow up? An attempt to locate the ship?" I ask

"If the Jenolan was caught by the Sphere's gravitational field, and crushed, it is highly likely that Starfleet assumed at the time that all hands were lost, and that there was no point in sending aide of any kind." Data replies

"In fact no one would know otherwise---until I assume we come across it?" Riker asks

"Yes sir. It is interesting though because the Jenolan put out a distress signal...perhaps though due to interference from the Dyson's Sphere it is undetectable. The Jenolan discovers the Sphere while discovering a multitude of communications arrays and hails it."

"What happened next?" Geordi asks curious

"The hail activated one of the Sphere's tractor breams which attempted to lock onto the Jenolan, but due to ship's diminutive structure, this overloaded the ship's systems along with it's aft power coil--which exploded--"

"Which caused it then to get caught in the gravity well, and it got pulled until it crashed on it's surface. Damn." LaForge finishes for me

"Exactly so."

"Captain Scott has been trapped in the transporter buffer for 74 years..." Beverly says

Data rattles off the precise date and time.

"Picking up the distress call will obviously give us the location of the Sphere, and the ship. I trust you forgot about the distress call?" Riker asks me

"I did." damn my memory

"Another thing...it's going to be tempting, but I would highly recommend avoiding the Sphere altogether. " I say

"You think what happened to the Jenolan, will happen to us?" Troi asks

"It's possible despite the Enterprise being obviously bigger, and more well equipped. It happened in the episode, once the Enterprise reaches orbit. A whole series of events occur which eventually result in firing torpedoes and destroying the Jenolan."

"Can we free Captain Scott and his companion without orbiting the Sphere?" Picard asks

"I mean, this is all about sending an away team to the ship to uncover the pattern buffers. If we can beam over an away team without orbiting the Sphere...sure." I reply

"What about if we used a shuttle? We can pilot the shuttle, close enough to beam over, recover Captain Scott and the other crewmember, beam back to the shuttle--then beam back to the Enterprise." Geordi says

I sit back in my chair. I didn't think this through enough. I rub my temples.

"It could work...but we'd have to be extremely careful. The Dyson's Sphere is incredibly complex and powerful...in the episode Geordi and Scotty work together to resolve the issue...but i'd just as well avoid it altogether if possible."

Picard nods, tugs his uniform and gets up.

"We'll do our best to make it so. Dismissed."

Lo and behold, we come across a feint signal as we approach the Norpin System. I am sitting on the bridge in the spot beside Deanna's chair.

"I have identified the signal. It is indeed from the USS Jenolan."

Riker looks at the data coming in on his arm panel.

"Code one alpha zero. Ship in distress." Riker says

That was the code. Damn. I am not at that part in my training yet either.

Picard glances at me.

"It would seem you are correct Mr. Young. Ensign Rager full stop. Scan for the Sphere, Mr. Data. Full sensor sweep."

"There is a massive gravitational field, and I am also detecting an object approximately two hundred meters in diameter."

"The Jenolan?" Picard asks

"Yes sir, it would seem to be the case. The object's mass is causing a great deal of gravimetric interference. It is likely as theorized before, why we were unable to detect it or the ship's distress signal before."

I was right.

"So what do we do? Risk a shuttle? We enter that system, we're immediately going to be pulled by the Sphere's gravity well as Mr. Young suggested." Riker says

"I think we have to risk sending a shuttle." Picard says

"It's also possible that I've overthought this, and we'll be fine by compensating for the effect." I offer

Picard shakes his head.

"You're correct in that we should take caution. Even if Scott and LaForge are able to get us out of this...I don't want to risk putting us in that position in the first place. Number One, take a shuttle and rescue Captain Scott. If there are any immediate problems entering the system, return to the ship."

"Riker to Engineering . Geordi, join us in the main shuttle bay please. Mr. Worf..." He starts up the ramp then pauses and looks at me.

"Mr. Young would you like to accompany us?"

I look at Captain Picard who doesn't give a reaction. This is Will's call. I beam.

"Aye sir." and Will nod's with a smile

We take a shuttle and head into the system...and already Geordi has to compensate for the gravimetric field. The Dyson's Sphere LOOMS large in front of us. It reminds me of the Death Star but with Spacedock's doors, and like a million times larger.

"Remarkable." I breathe

"It really is. Until now, the Dyson's Sphere has been nothing but a theoretical dream." Riker says

The show never did it justice. It was reused model from another episode or movie I think, plus the Spacedock's doors. Now they would have done it CGI or use the AR wall. Geordi brings us within transporter range of the Jenolan, it is very close from being too far outside range but just enough that we might be able to pull this on. Geordi sets the shuttle on automatic as the four of us prepare to beam over to the ship.

We beam over and oh man, the air is rank. I start coughing immediately.

"The air is pretty stale." Riker says

"Life support still has some juice to it. We got here timely." LaForge reports

"See if you can increase the oxygen levels." Riker orders

"Aye sir."

The place is a dump. It is only a Sydney-Class science transport after all. These things were made for one purpose only...the TOS movie era paneling and layout though is gorgeous. I smile as I glide my hand against a dusty console. Okadua grams all over the place. I head over to join Geordi at the Transporter console. It is small too. Everything packed together. I look down at it and chuckle. Hello, old friend. A tear uncontrollably streaks down my cheek and Will notices it.

"You okay, Mr. Young?"

"Yeah. This is defiantly Scotty's handiwork. I don't have to be a technical genius to recognize the jury-rigging style. This is exactly what he would have done. Both his and...Franklin...that was his name...both his and Franklin's pattern are still in tact. Sir?" I motion to LaForge and he nods.

Geordi makes some adjustments on the console as it lights back up as power is partially restored and he runs his fingers over the "energize" controls and in a few seconds...there is Montgomery Scott arm in makeshift sling...standing on the platform.

"Franklin..." he mutters

"Ensign Franklin's pattern is still at 70 percent. We got here in time sir." I report to Geordi and he nods. Scott lumbers over and hovers over us as Geordi manages to re-energize Franklin who stands on the platform looking bewildered.

"It worked..." he says

"Aye lad." Scotty says as he turns to face us

"I'm Commander William T. Riker, starship Enterprise, Lt-Commander Geordi LaForge, Special Advisor Adam Christopher Young."

"The Enterprise? I bet old Jim Kirk himself got the old girl out of mothballs to come looking for me. Captain Montgomery Scott, and this is Ensign Matt Franklin. Tell me, how long have we been missing?"

Riker looks at me. I shrug. Brain fog from being in the Transporter for too long?

"Well.." Will begins as Worf returns to report that he has restored life support, and that oxygen levels should return shortly. The air is already better.

"Captain Scott, Lt. Worf." Riker introduces

"Lieutenant?" Scott asks incredulously

"Captain, perhaps we have a lot of things to talk about. Geordi, can we beam back to the shuttle?"

"Aye sir. We should go in groups of two."

"Shuttle?" Scott asks

"Thanks to Mr. LaForge's suggestion , we took a shuttle rather than risking the Enterprise herself...in case we got trapped in the gravity field as you did."

"That was clever laddie." Scotty says

"Thank you sir." Geordi replies

"Captain Scott and Franklin go first, then Worf and LaForge , and Mr. Young and I will go last." Riker orders

"Aye sir." Geordi says and taps his badge and requests the Enterprise to lock on to our coordinates to beam out Scotty and Franklin. Riker and I watch as Worf and Geordi beam out.

"So far so good, Mr. Young?" Will asks

"Yes sir...but we're not done yet by a long shot." I reply